I Became an Officer in Another World in Just 5 Minutes - Chapter 240

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

Episode 240
-Estimated 500 miners included in enemy forces; confirmed that all equipment sold at the fortress was purchased and taken.
“What in the world.”
Out of roughly 100,000 troops, there are supposedly 500 miners.
The implication was simple.
“Are these bastards coming to mine Manastones?”
“It seems we have to consider that as one of their objectives.”
At Colonel Eden’s words, my expression twisted involuntarily.
‘What the hell are these idiots thinking.’
Surely they assembled a 100,000-strong army to occupy the fortress, didn’t they?
So why are miners suddenly appearing now.
‘It’s not like they can manufacture magical shells there.’
Magical device production isn’t that simple.
“Are they really as unhinged as the rumors suggest?”
No, think about this again.
How could a parent be in their right mind when their child comes back beaten to a pulp?
No matter how clever Seto Count is, he’s still human.
“I honestly don’t know anymore. But it can’t be. The two Counts of the Adits Empire aren’t that weak.”
“I think so too, but the sudden appearance of miners is strange, isn’t it? I’m not sure how to make sense of this.”
While I was turning various thoughts over in my mind, working my brain hard.
Colonel Eden lifted his gaze from the report.
“Do we even need to worry about this? The decision comes from above.”
“Well, that’s true.”
The Intelligence Agency’s role is to confirm enemy movements and report them.
Not to devise countermeasures.
“I’ll head to headquarters for a bit.”
“Yes, thank you for your efforts.”
Colonel Eden headed to the command center to report the newly acquired intelligence.
The order that came down that afternoon was simple yet sensible.
BOOM!!! BOOM!!!
A deafening roar that felt like it would burst my eardrums.
As the smoke thick with stone dust settled, the sealed entrance of the mine came into view.
“That should do it. Let’s head back.”
“Yes, sir!!”
After demolishing the mine to prevent entry, we firmly locked the city gate.
* * *
“Commander-in-Chief! We’ve confirmed there are no remaining enemy forces.”
“Of course. There’d be no point in defending it half-heartedly. That’s why they sealed the entrance.”
At the report from Major General Matters, commander of the First Corps, Seto Count studied the map.
“As soon as preparations are complete, construct palisades from the nearby forest and thoroughly encircle the perimeter.”
“Yes, sir!!”
Since I had no intention of going to Belzium Castle.
Establishing a defensive perimeter with palisades was more important than anything else.
“Let me take a look around the mine.”
Seto Count retrieved his baton and stepped out of the barracks.
“Loyalty!”
“Loyalty!!!”
“You’re all working hard.”
I gave a brief acknowledgment to the soldiers saluting me, then entered the mine.
“Commander-in-Chief, sir! It’s an honor to see you!”
Dint, the miner who had come to the mine early to survey it, bowed his head upon seeing Seto Count.
“How is the mine?”
“The entrance is completely blocked, so it will take some time to clear it.”
Dint was the man who, after Belzium Castle was lost, fled by night to Salt Castle.
He was an imperial citizen with unwavering patriotism that needed no explanation.
And precisely because of that.
He was one of the few who had heard of Seto Count’s operation.
“I wanted to see the Mana Stone Mine, but it seems difficult right now.”
“Still, with the soldiers helping us, within a few days we should be able to secure enough space to work, even if not everything is cleared.”
Normally it would take months, but now this place was filled with strong soldiers, wasn’t it?
Seto Count turned his head to look at Major General Matters.
“Since we need to move heavy stones, select those with the most strength. And offer rewards that will motivate them.”
“Yes! Understood, sir!”
If I simply gave the order, others might complain that while they stood guard duty, these men were doing the hard labor.
For the sake of overall morale, rewards were absolutely necessary.
“They’ve sealed it quite solidly.”
Seto Count placed his hand on the stone blocking the entrance.
“Actually, this works out better.”
“Sir…?”
Dint tilted his head at the somewhat difficult-to-understand remark.
“With such a massive explosion, it’s hard to clear, but hasn’t the mine’s territory actually expanded?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Then wouldn’t it be strange if something new were discovered in that expanded area? Wouldn’t you agree?”
Now understanding Seto Count’s meaning, Dint nodded with an expression of admiration.
“Yes…yes, that’s right.”
“Then clear these stones quickly. I’ll provide whatever you need.”
“I’ll start right away and push the pace as hard as possible!”
“I trust you. Your role is more important than anything.”
Seto Count’s hand rose to Dint’s shoulder.
“I won’t let you down, sir!!!”
The trust sent by a great noble of the Adits Empire—the nation I love above all else.
Dint’s body trembled as he bowed his head.
* * *
“Damn it.”
Another peaceful morning.
I should be happy, clearly.
But I can’t bring myself to smile—only curses escape my lips.
“You’re in quite the foul mood.”
And Colonel Eden, watching me like this, was smirking with amusement.
“How could I not be furious? They’re actively mining Manastones as we speak.”
It had been ten days since the enemy occupied the mine.
Apparently, these lunatics cleared away all the rubble and have been mining around the clock.
“If they brought a hundred thousand soldiers just to do that, shouldn’t you be laughing?”
“You know perfectly well, yet you’re being deliberately cruel.”
Do you think I’m angry because I don’t understand?
I’m furious because every single stone they’re extracting is my wealth.
“Keep your perspective. I heard it’s a mine that could sustain extraction for at least ten years—getting worked up over a few days is premature.”
“But they’re running it twenty-four hours a day. How does that equal ten years?”
“The rich always find more to worry about, I suppose.”
Colonel Eden clicked his tongue, regarding me with pity.
“So we’re just going to watch them continue as they are?”
The enemy’s massive force was tied down at the mine.
Sitting idle while that happens crosses the line from foolish to genuinely incompetent.
“The higher-ups are already mobilizing. From the direction things are moving, it looks like they’re planning to retake Adman Castle.”
“Adman Castle—that certainly has strategic value.”
A shameful monument to our Empire’s questionable strategic thinking.
Positionally, it’s necessary for establishing our Western defensive line, so it’s a sound choice.
‘And if we assault Adman Castle, the enemy will eventually have no choice but to halt their mining operations.’
Besieging a fortress doesn’t happen overnight, of course.
But I’d welcome even a hasty assault if it means stopping their audacious excavation soon.
“Exactly. If things proceed as they are, this will definitely become an excellent opportunity. The only strange part is how perfect it seems.”
“Well, I suppose so.”
I answered Eden while lifting my head to check the time.
“I should be heading out soon.”
“The ambulance carriage training observation?”
“Yes, they’re asking me to come and provide feedback, though I’m not sure what expertise I could possibly offer.”
For the record, the one who summoned me was Colonel Hanna, who now commands the newly established Medical Transport Battalion.
‘Medical and transport collaboration—I have no idea what logic went into that name.’
Fortunately, it’s temporary, and the full organization structure will be decided after this battle along with other matters.
“You’re quite popular. Bring back some snacks for everyone on your way.”
“Ah… yes.”
Such a natural errand to run.
Of course, there was no money given for it either.
‘If this girl were in the Republic of Korea, she’d definitely be a delinquent leader.’
I could stake my entire fortune on that assessment.
“I’ll be on my way.”
Since I had no desire to exchange further words, I checked my uniform and left the building.
“Mm.”
As instructed beforehand, I entered the Parade Ground, the designated training location.
Major General Gadus, seated in a chair on the review stand, came into sharp focus.
‘What is he doing there?’
Wasn’t this supposed to be just a small training exercise among ourselves?
The atmosphere felt distinctly off.
“Hmm, standing out would be the right call, wouldn’t it?”
Given my position in such matters, my judgment was faster than anyone else’s, wasn’t it?
Colonel Hanna had specifically asked me to come if I had time.
But I hadn’t added myself to the official attendance roster.
‘Right, I owe Colonel Hanna an apology, but since she’s provided the medical transport, the rest is up to me to handle.’
If I did everything for her, she’d develop bad habits.
‘Let’s go.’
Make decisions with precision and speed.
Recalling one of the few lessons learned in the military, I turned around….
“Huh.”
Was it coincidence?
Or was it intentional?
My eyes met directly with a familiar-faced woman.
“Colonel Paran Oclo?”
Seeing her flustered expression, it didn’t seem like an intentional meeting.
More importantly though.
‘What was her name again?’
Black hair with waves in a short bob cut.
Her rank was Lieutenant, and I definitely remembered she was the sole ace of the Tactical Officer Corps.
‘Am I experiencing early-onset dementia?’
But as an excuse, it wasn’t so much dementia as it was mental overload from cramming too much information into my head daily.
“C… oh! Chloe, Lieutenant.”
I barely managed to recall her name.
Was she pleased that I remembered her?
As her lips curved upward, an accident unfolded with complete naturalness.
“Th…thank you for remembering me! Oh, I should salute. At your service!!!”
Having saluted belatedly, she seemed determined to leave an even stronger impression.
She shrieked in anguish, and that piercing, crystalline pitch unique to women’s voices echoed across the Training Ground.
“Wait… just a moment.”
Without thinking, I turned my head.
And damn it all, the eyes of the commanders—Major General Gadus and the others standing on the review platform—were fixed directly on me.
‘Shit.’
Our gazes had locked perfectly just now.
I had to leave.
“Yes? Is something wrong?”
‘There is. Very much so.’
But I was in the middle of escaping from the Instructor, and I couldn’t very well blame her for my downfall.
“No, never mind. Where were you headed?”
“I was returning after helping move training supplies for the Medical Transport Battalion.”
“I see.”
She was working with admirable diligence for a Lieutenant.
“Colonel, where were you headed?”
“To observe training.”
I’d been on my way back to the office.
That had just changed.
“Huff, I’ve prepared thoroughly! I promise to show you something impressive!”
“That’s… good.”
What exactly had she prepared so thoroughly?
She must belong to the Command Center.
‘Still, her enthusiasm is admirable.’
She was exactly the type of talent the higher-ups would favor.
“You’re working hard.”
“Yes! And I started physical training yesterday! I’ll do my best to join the Intelligence Command!”
Chloe suddenly declared her life ambition—to throw it all away.
How was I supposed to respond to this?
“It’s not an easy path. Don’t take it lightly. Think it over more carefully.”
I spoke with the intention of saving one person, but she had already abandoned her future with absolute certainty.
“I haven’t made this decision lightly at all! I’ll become just like you, Colonel!”
“Uh…”
Somehow… I feel like I’m the guilty one here.

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