Chapter 212

There are countless countries in this world, but when it comes to strong nations, they can be divided into three: the Matra Empire, the Granada Empire, and lastly, the Hwan Empire of the Eastern lands. Byzantium is technically a neutral country, making it a bit awkward to call it a major power.

Anyway, even these nations have different languages, and often within regions, the languages can differ so much that communication becomes a headache.

Just like in the distant past when China was unified but the North and South couldn’t understand each other, language tends to solidify unless a nation actively teaches it.

Because of this, even very small countries have their own languages. The common language of the Academy is actually a pretty unique case.

“Are you saying we can’t use the letters of the common language? Does that mean we can’t even talk?”

“Not exactly. You can speak, but you just can’t use the letters.”

“If we use letters, will there be penalties?”

“There won’t be penalties, but the contents of your communication will be revealed.”

The students were unsettled by the announcement that using the common language, specifically the script, was prohibited.

It’s understandable; if they can’t use the common language, most of the people won’t be able to understand each other.

While many around here know two or three languages as a light ability, it’s still pretty inconvenient.

Moreover, some students, like Kara, wouldn’t be able to communicate at all if there was no common language.

It wasn’t just me being singled out; the exam itself was weirdly balanced yet unequal.

“You all seem pretty unhappy. I understand. It’s tough enough dealing with different languages, let alone having to deal with codes. But that’s why we need to think outside the box.”

Godin pressed on, unfazed by the students’ complaints. It seemed a deal had already been struck with the professors.

This class had a lot of students from powerful countries. So it made classification easier.

Even in a far-off kingdom, the languages tend to be similar. Thus, if you decode well, you can understand at least 70% of it.

“Ah, of course, the structure of the languages between the West and East is different, so it will be tough. That’s why we divided the Eastern students exactly in half.”

“··· ···”

“Most importantly, the essence of this practice is occupation. The distance between occupied territories is vast and so is the command structure, but if we can communicate well, we shouldn’t have any problems.”

Godin was right. The essence of this practice was indeed occupation.

The distance might be a drawback, but it could be covered to some extent through communication.

In other words, teamwork and communication are the most crucial aspects of this practice. Decoding messages falls into that category too.

“Also, as I mentioned earlier, if you try to occupy alone, it will take a significant amount of time. Furthermore, the method of occupation is unique. To reclaim an occupied place, you have to turn it into a neutral zone first, then convert it into your team’s territory.”

“That sounds like we’re racing against time.”

“It would be tough to go solo.”

The more I listened, the more I felt that the professors had truly put their brains to work.

If I had gone off on my own, executing the practice itself would have been impossible.

So it seems they switched it up by investing ‘time.’ I wouldn’t be able to manage time myself, after all.

In the end, I’d have no choice but to team up and move with others. There’s no way I could go solo midway.

‘I mean, if distance is an issue and someone gets cut off, that would be rough.’

If I suddenly zoomed off, the remaining members might get wiped out.

If that happened, it would eat up a lot of time. This practice has many restrictions.

It’s a practice I didn’t even experience in the Soul World. My existence has changed so much from what I knew.

That makes it all the more exciting. It’s still a headache, but new experiences are always welcome.

If the future related to demons had changed, it would have been chaotic. But this is an Academy practice.

“Can I ask a question?”

At that moment, Karas, who was sitting behind me, raised his hand.

Godin extended his hand to him, permitting the question. He looked genuinely curious.

“If we have appointed a command structure, do they have to remain at the command post no matter what? I’m wondering if they can leave midway.”

“No, that’s not the case. If it’s determined that too many forces are allocated to the command structure, specific individuals can be sent out. However, it would create issues within the chain of command, so I wouldn’t recommend it.”

“Then is it possible to ambush the command structure?”

“Not allowed. Since resurrection happens at the command post, it would be problematic if they were just lying in wait there.”

This isn’t just for me; it’s a restriction to keep that kind of sneaky tactic in check.

Hanging around the command post, ambushing every time might just raise everyone’s blood pressure.

It’s like trading safety for power. It’s a somewhat equitable restriction.

“Hmm. That’s good.”

“··· ···”

Karas nodded with a satisfied smile after hearing the explanation.

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but feel anxious. After all, Karas would be in command of my team.

In truth, nobody fits the leadership role more than Karas. Kara feels more like a front-line fighter than a commander.

At least Grace would be there for deciphering codes. Since the command post is supposed to be safe, it should be okay.

“Any more questions?”

After that, various inquiries followed, but nothing really caught much attention.

Instead, I heard that crucial supplies for siege or defense would be distributed sporadically.

Since those supplies could be moved to other occupied areas, it seems we’re in for an interesting strategic battle.

“I’m relieved if that’s the case. Sivar might cause a ruckus, but at least he’ll listen to orders.”

“But the means of conveying those commands are questionable.”

“That’s true.”

I had no intention of causing chaos myself. I planned to just quietly follow orders.

Just like Captain America gave Hulk instructions before telling him to smash everything.

At that point, the professors would probably crack a half-empty smile. I was a little excited about it.

“That’s it for today’s class. As I mentioned earlier, on Thursday afternoon, we’ll give you time to draft codes and plans. Everyone, hang in there.”

Godin’s class ended, and as it did, murmurs spread throughout the room.

No surprise there; it’s quite the brain-bending exam. Especially with the enormous burden that the command structure carries.

Luckily, I’m not part of the command—I’m a soldier heading to the front lines. If they put me in command, that would just be bizarre.

“Thinking about it, Yoonju, you’re on a different team. What a shame.”

“True.”

“Our team has a lot of people from the Matra Empire, right? So should we base our codes on Matra Empire language?”

“Well, it depends. The Matra Empire has many regions, and each has different languages.”

The rules are pretty complex, and many people are already brainstorming strategies.

Me? I just listened. After all, there’s nothing I can do even if I receive a coded message.

The black ones are letters, and the white ones are papers, so I’d probably pass them to someone else.

‘I guess they’re gonna stick someone to me no matter what.’

One magician and one person to decode the messages.

Grace would be perfect for that, but she’s more suited for command.

Anyway, things will only solidify once the time comes. I stood up to grab lunch.

“Wait a sec, Sivar. I have something to tell you.”

Suddenly, Karas called out to me. I looked at him with a puzzled expression, wondering what it was about.

His cheerful smile and unreadable eyes made him seem perfectly suited for the phrase ‘the clear-eyed madman.’

And that scared me. He was unpredictable in a different sense.

“What’s up?”

“About those stocks you mentioned last time.”

“Stocks? Ah.”

I had totally forgotten about the one I had recommended, aside from the one Antonio mentioned.

It was a stock that was stable yet steadily increasing, so I felt comfortable recommending it.

I have no idea how much it’s gone up now, but it must have risen quite a bit.

“Thanks to that, our empire has become even richer. I noticed it went up a whopping 5% today.”

“Whoa.”

I had no idea it would go up that much. I was genuinely impressed.

It was a fairly large company, so even a 5% increase is a significant number. They must have made a substantial profit by now.

“Um… Karas? Is it okay to ask how much you invested?”

Grace chimed in abruptly, looking a bit uneasy.

Considering what Karas had said earlier about investing state funds, I could see why she was concerned.

He had practically boasted about making money from those stocks for the state. That was practically a public announcement of a state project!

“I didn’t invest much. Since it’s my first attempt, I aimed for safety.”

“How much?”

“1000.”

A mere 1000 coins is hardly anything at all. He must have only invested a tiny amount.

“Add ten to that.”

“··· ···”

“I’m planning to invest a bit more next time. If I had known this would happen, I would have trusted Sivar a bit more. Clearly, my trust fell short.”

If that’s the case, then you can build your own trading house, buddy. Don’t mess with stocks.

······I wanted to say that, but it’s the times we live in, so what could I do? If the state invests, it’s a matter of national industry.

‘No wonder revolutions happen.’

For the record, I’m talking about the French Revolution, not communism. The monopoly of wealth is this serious!

Some might tremble in their boots over 1000 coins, while others invest confidently with 10,000.

I could have earned a decent sum while subduing the Usuk, but Karas was just sitting there, investing.

It was a moment of realization about the frightening nature of social status. I felt a twinge of envy.

“······you really didn’t invest much, did you? Our treasury won’t go bankrupt anytime soon.”

“Right. I’m not an idiot.”

“Is there anywhere to seek asylum…?”

Grace muttered dejectedly. It seemed she had a gut feeling that things were going south.

Of course, it was just a joke. Karas’s craziness might stretch farther than anyone could predict.

I worried that I might not be influenced in strange ways. Perhaps I’d show that during this practice.

“Oh. I almost forgot to mention it. Can I take command?”

“Aside from Karas, there isn’t anyone better for it.”

“Good. I’ll throw Sivar in the mix.”

“?”

No, wait. Why me?

When my name was unexpectedly mentioned, not just me but everyone else also stared at him.

Everyone looked like they were questioning if they’d misheard.

“What did you say?”

“Putting Sivar in charge?”

“What on earth are you thinking?”

Such reactions are perfectly normal.

“That’s like trading intelligence for brute strength.”

Luna made a rare and valid point. Not that my intellect was lacking.

It’s just that the language thing is giving me a serious headache. I’m certainly not a warrior with Lu Bu’s strength and Zhuge Liang’s mind.

Numerous protests erupted, naturally drawing attention toward our group.

And Karas, as always, maintained that bright-eyed expression and boldly declared.

“Everyone is underestimating Sivar too much. You’ve all said that Sivar is definitely not stupid. So why the uproar?”

“That has nothing to do with command! From the start, Sivar only knows the common language!”

“Even knowing just the common language means he can still do something.”

“No, what are you even talking about? Is this some kind of suicidal mission?”

Kara reacted vigorously after Grace, being one of two who could raise her voice at Karas.

Karas maintained an even wider smile and then spoke.

“That’s because… ”

What came next from his mouth was:

“Because it sounds fun.”

That was undoubtedly a chaotic response.

[Faith is rising!]

This is insane.

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