The Hero In The Military academy Suit - CH 05

Chapter 05

After using my “friend’s dad is a general” card to fill my pockets and even get a self-defense weapon, I walked away smiling.

This is why connections and relationships matter.

“So, what are you planning to do from now on?”

“I’m not sure.”

The truth is, the task ahead was simple.

First, I needed to stop the destruction of this messed-up world.

I died in my late 20s after being hit by a truck.

 Luckily, I was reincarnated into another world, but I definitely don’t want to die again.

I probably won’t be able to return to my original world.

That’s just how possession stories go.

And even if I could, my body back on Earth is probably dead, reduced to bones scattered somewhere.

So, this is my second and final chance.

Living as Russell Ashigreen, not Jin Sejin.

‘May the parents live long and well… even though I’m such a terrible son….’

Even though I’m broke, I’ve at least got life insurance, so they should have some retirement funds. 

If I catch the hit-and-run driver, they’ll get a good compensation too.

I don’t remember the details clearly, but I’m pretty sure my parents and some businessman signed something.

 They probably received a settlement from catching the truck driver.

I lived half my life being a bad son, so I guess this isn’t the worst outcome if I think about it positively.

If I think about it positively, that is.

‘Even I think that excuse is ridiculous.’

In the end, a faint smile escaped me.

No matter how I try to explain it, dying before my parents is a disgraceful, unfilial thing.

Still, I can only hope that they manage to get through it.

“I’m thinking of joining the Military Academy.”

I came out of my thoughts and brought up the main topic to Biltred.

“The Military Academy?”

“Yeah. I don’t remember clearly, but I think my mother wanted me to join before she passed away.”

“Not a bad choice. Even in a world soaking in peace, you still need the skills to prepare for war. And if you’re Carlson’s kid, you need to work harder.”

“Do you know which class the latest cadets belong to?”

“I believe it’s the 20th class. After the training camp finishes, the 21st batch will enter.”

21st class.

The protagonist generation, known as both the best and the worst class in the history of the academy.

Originally, Russell Ashigreen was supposed to enter the 22nd class under Biltred’s guidance next year, meaning the prologue of the story was just beginning in fanfiction terms.

At this moment, the actions of Russell Ashigreen only exist in the setting books.

In other words, the real Russell still has a year before he fully joins the plot.

‘This isn’t too bad.’

Normally, Russell would enter the training camp next year, graduate as one of the top students, and then join the academy.

By now, the 21st class should already be going through their training.

If I manage to join this time, I can enter the story a year earlier.

As part of the protagonist generation.

I’d be right in the middle of the story’s storm.

So… how long has the training camp been going on?”

“About two weeks, I think.”

Biltred counted on his fingers and gave a unclear response.

So, the basic physical training is almost over.

It’s going to be close.

The training camp only opens once a year.

If I miss the chance to enter this time, I’ll be stuck wasting a whole year.

There are plenty of hidden setups outside of the academy that will make getting stronger no problem, but still, without formal training, there are clear limits.

There’s only about four and a half years until the destruction hits.

If I follow the original plot, no matter how much I try to think of a plan, there’s no way to clear it in that time.

“I have a favor to ask, Uncle.”

“Stop with that annoying title.”

“Please help me get into the training camp mid-term. And it would be great if you could write me a recommendation for the academy too. As you know, I’ve become an orphan.”

Biltred’s brow furrowed slightly at my casual tone. Even with his reaction, I repeated my request.

“Please.”

“Young people past their growth period can enlist anytime. From what I see, even if you join mid-term, it doesn’t seem like it’ll be too hard for you to adjust, but is there really a need to rush?”

“I can’t waste a year. My talents are too precious.”

In this world, the late teens to early twenties is when growth and learning happen the fastest.

That’s why they gather people in that age range, train them in military skills, and send them to military academies to be raised as heroes.

If I don’t join at the right time, I’ll fall behind among all those heroes who are growing by the day.

Not entering the academy on time meant falling behind.

“I told you not to act suspicious.”

A tired sigh escaped his lips. 

It seemed he agreed that wasting a year of talent was a waste.

In the original story, Russell spends a year being lazy before getting dragged into the academy by Biltred’s force

Finally, after a moment of hesitation, Biltred nodded unwilling.

“I’ll make sure you join mid-term. I’ll write the recommendation letter too, so you can do whatever you want. But if you bring shame to my name or don’t achieve anything, I’ll seal you next to a demon weapon.”

Biltred added with a terrifying smile.

It was the kind of smile that sent a chill down your spine, the kind that felt like it was drawn out on purpose.

—

Biltred left Russell Ashigreen with a reminder to rest for now and headed back to his office.

As he wrote the recommendation letter with elegant handwriting, his aide carefully spoke up.

“General.”

“Yeah. What is it?”

“You’ve never written a recommendation letter since your appointment. And a mid-term entry… There’s a real risk of causing chaos in the training camp. Do you really need to go that far?”

The aide’s concern was valid.

The general was known for his constant sense of justice.

His influence spread throughout the military, the training camps, the academy, and really across the entire kingdom.

But despite his immense power, he had never once used his position for personal gain.

“Was the boy’s talent really that exceptional?”

“Well, he’s Carlson’s son, so he should be good enough to enter the academy.”

“Are you saying it’s because of your compassion for his father?”

Biltred simply shrugged his shoulders. He leaned back in his chair, as if sinking into it, and closed his eyes slightly, looking tired.

Through his half-closed eyes, the past began to flash before him.

It had been aggressive, cold blooded and even heartbreaking.

The demons and monsters that filled the land, and the epic battles fought with the demonic weapons.

 Now, all those heroes had long since become egoistic old men who sat in their chairs.

The ones who rose to the status of heroes didn’t age the same way—well, that’s what they say anyway.

The sharpness of their swords had long since faded, and most had become toothless old lions, enjoying the peace.

But Carlson had been different.

He had fought like a hero, pushing himself to his limits, giving 200% of his ability.

 If he was still alive today, he would’ve been busy sharpening himself, criticizing other heroes and reminding them to stay sharp.

And that was exactly why.

It was like a whetstone sharpening his dull senses and a bit of reassurance against the anxiety creeping up in his mind.

“I heard Etrangé is in the capital. Could you call him over?”

“As you command.”

“Thanks. I’ll go report to the Senate. Tell him to wait here.”

“Yes, sir.”

Although Biltred hadn’t answered the aide’s question directly, the aide simply nodded in acknowledgment.

“By the way, I almost forgot to mention something about family.”

Biltred glanced at the last line on Russell’s family record, then turned his head away.

Despite his distracted state, there was no way he had forgotten about the last remaining family member.

His golden eyes turned toward the album on the desk.

Hunter Carlson, blacksmith Carter, guardian Bask, dragon-slaying sword Conrad, and many other comrades.

Faces he missed dearly.

—

“The general has finished questioning the suspected demon sympathizer. Shall we bring him in?”

“Yes, let him in.”

In the meeting room, the kingdom’s influential figures were gathered, all wearing serious expressions.

Queen Diane.

The two knights commanders, Charles and Croze.

The head of the Inquiry, Katenka.

And even the leader of the nuns, Angelica.

These were the pillars of the kingdom, known as the Senate.

“Your Majesty.”

Biltred gave a respectful bow to the queen before breaking the heavy silence and walking forward.

“I’ll report on the progress of the two recent incidents related to demons.”

After confirming the queen’s nod, Biltred continued his report.

“We found no evidence of guilt from the intruder who was suspected in the case of Senia Ashigreen. Upon investigation, it turns out they were the victim’s biological child. The act was a result of impulsive revenge against the demons, so we decided to release them, taking the circumstances into account.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“I will continue monitoring them.”

The queen nodded in approval.

“And… the murder case in Pedria village… it was revealed that the spouse was the murderer. It appears the wife discovered the demon activities and murdered the husband to silence him, then kidnapped their child to raise them as a demon.”

Oh. My god.

The goddess…

Sighs filled with sorrow echoed from all around.

It was such a cruel incident. 

It was too much to even describe, too painful to speak of.

“The demon activity is getting serious. We request additional search troops for a large-scale investigation.”

“…Approved.”

Queen Diane responded, swallowing her pain.

The times were indeed suspicious.

Unholy, unsettling thoughts kept creeping into her mind.

Demon activity.

The unfulfilled broke promises.

And the goddess who wasn’t responding.

Perhaps… the end of this world was closer than they thought… that was the kind of thought that kept nagging at her.