I Became an Officer in Another World in Just 5 Minutes - Chapter 16

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 16

As someone with experience, I know better than anyone about the dangers of gaslighting.

‘The trash-like thinking that instructors and assistant instructors look cool while receiving harsh training, and that if a man comes to the military anyway, he should spend the same period meaningfully.’

Because of this thinking, many people who came to the Air Force wanting to live comfortably end up falling into three wrong paths: assistant instructor, honor guard, and SDT.

‘Ion, I absolutely cannot let you go down that path.’

I tried to correct my friend who was heading down the wrong path, but listening to him, it was very different from the situation I had experienced.

“The Adits Empire started a war demanding the mines managed by our family. In this situation, would there really be anyone who would look favorably on me being in the rear?”

A complex expression that seemed full of thoughts.

It didn’t seem like something he had only been thinking about today.

“Think it over carefully and decide. The most important thing is yourself.”

“Right. The unit assignment is at 10 o’clock later, right?”

“I think so.”

“I need to think about it some more. I’ll go ahead.”

Ion left with steps that seemed more drained than usual.

‘Living as someone from a ducal family isn’t easy either.’

He must be under incomparably more pressure than me.

“A moderate position is good for anything.”

I also went into my dormitory room to rest for a while, then headed to the auditorium at the right time.

“Attention.”

Since graduation was tomorrow, the instructor came up to the podium in the somewhat noisy auditorium.

“From now on, I will announce the TO chart that cadets are most curious about for unit assignments, but before that.”

True to being a monster born from buildup and voice, today he also didn’t go straight to the main point.

‘This is practically a disease.’

It was extremely frustrating, but since this was the last time, what couldn’t I endure?

“Wherever you go, what’s important is the cadets’ mindset and passion. Don’t forget the moments when you overcame your limits at the training camp, and this instructor expects you to perform greatly in the current situation.”

What great performance? Is there something deadly waiting?

Absolutely minimal performance, minimal activity.

Until the war ends, staying quiet as a mouse is right.

“Then I will reveal it.”

Clap!

The moment the instructor clapped his hands to give a signal.

An assistant instructor removed the cloth covering a huge board, revealing the TO chart that would determine my fate.

[Western Front]

Abir Temporary Defense Division <224>

1st Corps <20>

1st Division <80>

2nd Division <75>

.

Western Border Defense Command <7>

.

[Southern Region]

5th Corps <1>

21st Division <1>

22nd Division <1>

.

3rd Fleet Command <4>

4th Fleet Command <3>

.

[Eastern Region]

Eastern Support Regiment <1>

Eastern Coastal Guard Battalion <1>

Logistics Command <1>

[Northern Region]

Northern Mountain Guard Battalion <2>

[Special Forces]

Special Operations Command <3>

(Application possible only when qualifications are met)

Being a vast empire, countless options filled the board.

Among them, the place recruiting the most personnel was naturally the Western Front, the war zone.

In terms of ratio, it reached 90 percent, so it was undoubtedly hell.

“If you choose the navy here, you will receive 4 weeks of additional education at the training camp.”

The training camp life was neither fun nor anything but painful, and now they want us to do more of it.

I had no intention of applying anyway, but this made me even more certain.

“In the case of Special Operations Command, as core beings protecting the Empire, you can gain honor that ordinary people cannot even imagine.”

‘Again, these trash-like bastards. Just because it’s someone else’s life, they try to send them down the path to hell.’

Remembering the past when I suffered from those vicious methods, goosebumps rose all over my body.

‘If it’s so good, go there yourself.’

Going there is, yes!

A disease.

A disease that needs treatment.

“Since you will face high-intensity training and dangerous situations that often arise, please consider carefully.”

Would there be anyone hoping for Special Operations Command in a class that was forcibly drafted by the Emperor’s order?

Unless they’re crazy…

“Instructor, may I ask a question?”

Derick, sitting next to me, raised his hand high.

“Speak.”

“What do the qualifications written there mean?”

“Ah, I almost forgot the most important thing. The qualification is simply being in the top 300 of training camp grades.”

“Thank you for answering.”

Derick nodded and sat down.

‘Hey, you’re not thinking of going to Special Operations Command, are you…?’

I heard that being a soldier was his dream, but Special Operations Command is completely different.

‘A human weapon itself.’

It might be a bit exaggerated, but the Empire’s Special Operations Command is said to devastate enemy territory alone and come out.

Could such a human weapon really be made just like that?

Training with insane intensity that would make the training camp laughable.

Thinking that my dear younger brother might go to such a place made my fingers ache.

“Derick, you don’t have to become Special Operations Command to be active in the military.”

Derick’s appearance with sparkling eyes.

He must be unable to come to his senses after being gaslighted in this closed space called the training camp.

Like me in the past.

“That’s true, but the Empire’s Special Operations Command is… so cool. It’s actually my dream.”

What kind of life did he live for his dreams to be soldier and Special Operations Command?

“Even if it’s your dream, think about it once, no, twice more. Don’t decide impulsively.”

Since it was ultimately his choice anyway, I had nothing more to say.

He wasn’t the type of friend who would change his mind just because I said something.

‘For me… going to the Eastern Region would be right, wouldn’t it?’

I could write a total of three preferences, and coincidentally, there were exactly three positions available in the Eastern Region.

Support Regiment, Coastal Guard Battalion, Logistics Command.

Don’t the names themselves just sound peaceful?

Moreover, the Eastern Region doesn’t border any other country, so there’s absolutely no threat of war.

‘If I go to the Coastal Defense Battalion, I can just enjoy the ocean view and go fishing for lunch to eat sashimi, right?’

I can already picture the leisurely vacation life.

‘Since there’s only one spot, it’s guaranteed as long as Ion doesn’t apply for it.’

This is why you need to have a high rank.

‘If that doesn’t work out, then Logistics Command? No, the Support Regiment is right.’

If you go to a command post or such places, there’s a slim but real chance of being dragged to the battlefield.

Especially Logistics.

Where is logistics most needed right now?

Obviously the Western Front where war has broken out.

“You have 30 minutes to think carefully and fill in the blanks on the paper being distributed. Once submitted, absolutely no modifications are possible, so think carefully.”

A time limit that’s short if you think it’s short, long if you think it’s long.

Whether high-ranking or low-ranking, everyone began desperately racking their brains.

‘Most people will probably aim for empty spots now.’

With dozens of options available, there’s no way empty spots won’t appear.

That’s why the standard strategy is to gamble on your first choice.

Second choice should be somewhere appropriate for your rank.

And the final third choice should be a safe bet to avoid the worst-case scenario.

‘Of course, there are probably some crazy guys who’ll gamble on all three choices.’

Being crazy isn’t necessarily bad though.

If you succeed in the end, that becomes the right answer.

“With my rank, would Western Border Defense Command be worth using as a second choice?”

Pluto, ranked 207th, asked me with a seriously grave expression.

“It’s worth using as a second choice. Where did you put for first choice?”

“Northern Mountain Guard Battalion.”

“Northern? It’s only two spots, isn’t the probability too low?”

“High-rankers probably won’t want to go north, right? Mountain Guard Battalion is famous for being tough. The weather’s cold too.”

This is the first time I’m hearing about this.

“With that psychology, it might be worth trying. What about your final third choice?”

“5th Division, what do you think?”

“It’s fifteen spots, so for your rank it wouldn’t be bad as a safety net.”

“Right? I should write it like this. I’m saved thanks to you and Ion.”

“That’s all your luck too. I was also saved thanks to Ion.”

My ray of hope, Ion Velburn.

Without the key summary notes he distributed to his roommates, I wouldn’t have been able to safely pass the comprehensive evaluation.

“Yeah, come visit our territory when you get out. I’ll treat you to precious seafood that’s hard to get in the capital.”

“Haha, sounds good? I’ll look forward to it.”

After finishing our conversation with laughter, I also filled in the blanks.

Name: Paran   Surname: Oclo

1st Choice: Eastern Coastal Guard Battalion

2nd Choice: Eastern Support Regiment

3rd Choice: Logistics Command

“Too clean.”

Near-perfect love for the Eastern Region.

I wanted to submit it right away, but I’m not that oblivious.

‘I should refrain from conspicuous behavior until the very end.’

Isn’t there a saying that a veteran soldier about to be discharged gets hurt even by falling leaves?

It’s the same here.

For a candidate right before graduation, anything could happen, so I mustn’t let my guard down.

“5 minutes left. Candidates who have finished writing, come up and submit.”

At the instructor’s words, candidates began getting up from their seats one by one.

I also put my paper in the basket.

“Candidate.”

Just as I was about to quietly submit my paper and go back.

The instructor suddenly called me.

“Candidate Paran.”

“What did you write for your first choice?”

The sudden question made it hard to open my mouth.

Anyone could see it was a somewhat embarrassing place.

“Coastal… Guard Battalion, sir.”

“Tsk, as expected. When will this damn training camp system ever change?”

The instructor’s voice sounded displeased.

Probably dissatisfied with the situation where high-achieving people go to the most leisurely places instead of important ones.

‘The system is a bit flawed.’

But what can you do?

Most of the candidates here, including myself, weren’t interested in the military to begin with.

“I’m sorry, sir!”

“No. Go back in.”

I thought he’d say more or at worst tell me to revise my choices, but the instructor let me go peacefully.

And the next morning.

As soon as I woke up and checked the bulletin board, the assignment results were posted.

[5th Division]

-Pluto Riatri

-Krushel Kastel

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[Western Border Defense Command]

-Ion Velburn

-Demon Parsil

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[Eastern Coastal Guard Battalion]

-Paran Oclo

[Special Operations Command]

-Derick Rahila

“This is it!”

Now it’s really over.

At the perfect result with no variables, I unconsciously clenched my fist and thrust my hand into the air.

“Third choice in the end. Sigh.”

“We’re going to the same place, let’s do well together.”

“Yes. But which choice did you put it as?”

“Second choice. I didn’t think it would work out, but I’m saved.”

Pluto felt regret, while Krushel accepted the result with relief and joy.

What else stood out was naturally the choice of Ion, who ranked 1st.

‘So he ended up writing Border Defense Command.’

After agonizing until the end, it seemed he chose family over comfort.

‘And Derick, this guy… sheesh.’

Anyone could see it’s a path to hell, but since he volunteered to go himself, how could anyone stop him?

“You’re really amazing. I respect you.”

“Hehe, I have to work hard when I get there.”

“Yeah, since you’re doing it anyway, do it thoroughly and make a name for yourself.”

“Thank you. From what I can see, you’re also naturally suited to be a soldier, but since that’s your intention, I hope you stay safe and get discharged peacefully.”

“What do you mean soldier is my calling.”

I shook my head as I tidied up the dormitory room one last time.

‘They’re coming back in two days, so good luck to them.’

I suppressed the urge to graffiti on the wall and sat in a chair to chat with my roommates.

“Hyungs, let’s meet up once we get out.”

“Of course. Once the situation stabilizes a bit, I’ll invite everyone to my villa.”

Since we had all gotten along well without any major problems.

Everyone was reluctant to part ways.

‘Right, these guys have decent personalities and solid families, so I should maintain these connections.’

The previous owner of this body, the real Paran, was a loner who couldn’t even properly debut in high society.

But who am I now?

The heir of the family, guaranteed to become the young lord once the war ends.

Now I need to pay attention to socializing and networking.

“Isn’t the Velburn Estate famous for being so beautiful in spring?”

“Well, I see it often so I wouldn’t know, but it is famous. I’ll invite everyone next spring.”

At Ion’s words, the expressions of Krushel and the other roommates brightened considerably.

‘They all wanted to be invited, I see.’

Well, if we voted on who we’d want to maintain connections with here, ten out of ten would choose Ion.

‘That’s why I’ve been working on building rapport since day one.’

I guarantee that the person Ion feels closest to is me.

“If you just invite us, I’ll come with a carriage loaded with wine.”

Krushel declared he’d provide wine with an extremely excited expression.

“Haha, that sounds great! Castle wine is hard to get even with money.”

“Let’s share our friendship in a scenic place.”

Perhaps because we were truly about to be liberated from this place.

We chatted noisily without watching anyone’s mood.

At least until we heard the instructor’s voice, which was different from usual.

-Atten… attention, no, transmitting to all candidates. Right now immediately!!! Assemble at the parade ground. Come out right now immediately!!!

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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