I Became an Officer in Another World in Just 5 Minutes - Chapter 246

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 246
Fire
-Intelligence acquired regarding obstruction tactics being deployed along the retreat route. Appears to be employing indirect means. Unable to confirm precise details.
Early morning of the retreat day.
Just as departure was imminent, a report arrived at the Reconnaissance Command.
“Obstruction tactics, then.”
“Yes, sir. According to our agents’ findings, magical explosives have been installed in this vicinity.”
Lieutenant Fedor pointed with his finger at the roadside along the retreat path.
“Still, they discovered it rather quickly.”
“The heavy rain caused the earth to shift, and by sheer fortune, several became visible.”
“All that effort to plant them, only to have the downpour ruin their work. Rather unfortunate for them.”
“Ha, indeed it is.”
The Reconnaissance Command, which had been shrouded in a funeral atmosphere following the recent failure of the Mithril operation, suddenly regained a measure of vitality.
“I shall report this to the Commander-in-Chief at once.”
“Yes, sir!”
Colonel Robin conveyed the information to Seto Count, who was conducting final preparations before departure.
“Then that route is currently impassable?”
“We would need to locate the enemy holding the detonation switch, but if they’ve deliberately concealed themselves, it could take considerable time.”
For instance, if they’ve dug tunnels and hidden inside, reconnaissance would be far from simple.
“Hmm, perhaps we should alter our route.”
Seto Count unfolded a small map he carried in his pocket.
“If this road is blocked, the next viable passage would be…”
Given the rural terrain, the number of alternatives was severely limited, making route selection straightforward.
The only concern was the nature of the crossing itself.
“We’ll have to cross the Iron Bridge.”
Seto Count’s expression darkened with displeasure.
“Is there something troubling you, sir?”
“I wonder if this is precisely what the enemy intended. Could this be deliberately leaked information?”
“Without the downpour, we would never have known the location of the magical explosives, so that seems unlikely.”
“Nevertheless, we cannot be too cautious. Conduct a thorough inspection before crossing the bridge.”
“Understood, sir.”
With the route now changed to the Iron Bridge, Colonel Robin summoned Lieutenant Fedor.
“You called for me?”
“Take about ten men and proceed to the Iron Bridge immediately. Inspect the facilities and report back.”
“Understood.”
He understood what needed to be verified.
Lieutenant Fedor promptly led his men toward the Iron Bridge.
* * *
“Our objective is simple and precise: eliminate exactly twenty thousand.”
Major General Gadus’s words, spoken from the high table, cast a pall of tension over the conference room.
“The enemy will naturally seek to secure their passage across the Iron Bridge. Have we prepared for that?”
“Yes, we’ve taken great care to place magic bombs inside the Iron Bridge and seal it off, so they won’t detect anything.”
Given how thoroughly we’d prepared, Eden answered with confidence.
“Excellent. Once the Iron Bridge collapses, our forces will crush the enemy troops caught on both sides of the river.”
Major General Gadus moved the pieces on the map with his baton.
‘Thirty thousand on each side, converging from both directions.’
With no escape route, we could annihilate the enemy at a remarkably swift pace.
“I will lead the First Army, and the Deputy Commander will take the Second Army. Move swiftly in accordance with orders.”
“Yes, sir!!”
The generals’ voices carried unmistakable authority.
Even if they were usually a screw loose, they sharpened their focus before an operation like this.
‘It’s human survival instinct.’
I suppose that’s fortunate.
“We depart one hour from now. Prepare accordingly. Dismissed.”
The meeting ended faster than expected.
It couldn’t be otherwise—from the moment the enemy began their retreat, this became a race against time.
And here, the Intelligence Agency’s role was unmistakably clear: securing the Iron Bridge.
“We depart immediately.”
“Yes….”
At Eden’s curt command, I exhaled silently and mounted my horse, heading toward the City Gate.
“How did the meeting go?”
Lieutenant Colonel Larsen, who had arrived early to wait, asked.
How should I even answer that question?
“I’m not sure if it went well or poorly.”
Everyone thinks this is a golden opportunity.
All the soldiers moving in lockstep?
That’s not good.
“Come now, don’t be so pessimistic.”
“I wish I could be.”
Creak, creak, creak!
As I spoke with Larsen, a Soldier opened the small City Gate.
“Hail!!”
The Soldiers saluted with a formality rarely seen in the Intelligence Agency.
I acknowledged with a nod, then passed through the City Gate.
“We must arrive by this evening, so we’ll move at full speed.”
“Yes!!”
At Eden’s words, I and the other 1st-Class agents nodded in agreement.
“Report immediately if you detect any suspicious activity in the area.”
Having finished his instructions, Eden turned his horse around.
And we galloped toward the operation site.
* * *
“Lieutenant Fedor, I don’t see anything particularly unusual.”
“Same here.”
The Reconnaissance Command personnel who had arrived earlier to inspect the Iron Bridge reported their findings to Lieutenant Fedor.
“As expected, nothing significant.”
“Yes, their original intent was merely to obstruct the roadside, so this turned out to be excessive caution.”
“What shall we do now?”
“We’ll wait here and join our forces when they cross the bridge.”
“Yes, sir! We’ll take it easy for about a day.”
The Reconnaissance Command personnel had barely slept properly for several consecutive weeks.
A moment to truly relax was invaluable beyond measure.
“Still, don’t let your guard down. We can’t afford any more mistakes here.”
“Yes, sir!!”
Lieutenant Fedor spoke with sound judgment.
Yet he too was in an exceptionally good mood at the thought of finally getting rest.
“Isn’t there a village nearby?”
“It’s about a ten-minute walk from here.”
“Perfect. There are six of us, so let’s split into groups of three and grab some food.”
“Oh! That would be wonderful!”
“As expected of Lieutenant Fedor! You’re quite flexible!”
It took all of Lieutenant Fedor’s effort to suppress the smile threatening to spread across his face at his subordinates’ praise.
“When else would we rest if not now? First two to go.”
“Captain Calont!”
“Captain Zitrin!”
Seeing the two senior officers quickly raise their hands, Lieutenant Fedor shook his head.
“Calont, you’re out. The newest recruit this time.”
“L…Lieutenant Kerin.”
At Lieutenant Fedor’s words, short-haired Lieutenant Kerin raised her hand.
“Let’s go get some food.”
“Y…yes, sir!”
Her voice was stiff and formal.
It was a natural reaction—Lieutenant Fedor was a considerably higher-ranking superior to the newly arrived recruit.
“You’re trying to make her choke.”
“Quiet. If you’ve got nothing to do, go inspect the Iron Bridge once more.”
Lieutenant Fedor cleanly cut off Calont’s remark and headed toward the village with Zitrin and Kerin.
“Oh! Welcome!”
“What brings soldiers to our village…?”
In wartime, soldiers rarely brought good news when they visited.
The villagers’ expressions grew rigid.
“We’re just here for a meal, so don’t worry about it.”
“Ah, I see. Welcome to our village.”
Lieutenant Fedor spoke as if it were nothing special.
Only then did the atmosphere ease somewhat.
“I’d like to eat some meat. Is there a good place around here?”
“Oh my, what perfect timing! I happen to run a steakhouse!”
“S…steakhouse.”
Lieutenant Kerin’s eyes widened, and when her gaze met Lieutenant Fedor’s, she lowered her head.
“My apologies.”
“Gitrin, are you starving the youngest?”
“N…no, sir. That couldn’t possibly be the case.”
Gitrin shook her head as if wronged.
“When you’re the youngest, you’re always too busy to eat properly. Go ahead and eat your fill.”
“Th…thank you so much!”
Kerin bowed her head this time in gratitude.
She followed the Middle-aged Man toward the steakhouse deeper in the village.
“The aroma is incredible.”
“Haha, thank you!”
It was all I could do to hide the drool pooling in my mouth.
“Of course you understand—this meal must remain absolutely secret from Colonel Robin.”
“I’ll classify it as 1st-Class confidential.”
“I’ll…I’ll take it to my grave!”
Such resolute determination, as if I’d asked them to swear an oath.
Lieutenant Fedor picked up the menu.
“Give us six portions of your finest steak.”
“Yes, sir! I’ll prepare it right away!”
As soldiers who exert themselves physically.
It was only natural that our appetites were exceptional.
Ding!
“Alright, alright, I understand. We have some. We do.”
While Lieutenant Fedor and his party waited quietly for their order.
The shop door opened and two men entered.
“I’m telling you, don’t you believe me? It really was a ghost.”
“Honestly, where would ghosts even exist? Stop talking about that Iron Bridge ghost story already.”
The Coachman Golat, wearing a straw hat, was more serious than anyone else in the world.
The other Coachman, Pieton, shook his head in exasperation and took a seat.
“What can I get for you?”
The Restaurant Owner approached them with his notepad.
“The usual for both of us, please.”
“Well, sir, about that order—please sit for a moment.”
Golat called out to the Restaurant Owner heading toward the kitchen with the utmost seriousness.
“You know about the Iron Bridge legend?”
“You mean the story about a child who fell from the Iron Bridge and cries every evening?”
“It’s real, I’m telling you. I heard it myself on the way into the village the other day.”
“Stop it already. What crying? Restaurant Owner, don’t mind him. He’s just a coward, that’s all.”
Pieton bowed apologetically on his behalf.
“Ha…haha, no, no. There’s no tale without reason, so it could very well be true. I should visit sometime.”
The Restaurant Owner replied with a businessman’s pragmatism before heading toward the kitchen.
Golat struck his chest, feeling like an idiot in that moment.
“This is driving me crazy. I definitely heard it—’clang!’, ‘clang!’—a young child was definitely banging his head against the Iron Bridge.”
“Right, Golat. Write it as a novel and tell the world. Then people will come for tourism, and you’ll become the village hero.”
“No!”
Pieton was treating it entirely as a joke.
Unable to contain his frustration, Golat was about to stand when—
A hand landed on Golat’s shoulder.
“Could you tell me more about that story?”
“Yes! U…uh.”
Turning his head, Golat’s eyes fell upon Lieutenant Fedor in military uniform.
Golat instinctively bowed at a ninety-degree angle.
“I…I’m terribly sorry for the noise!”
He naturally assumed the officer was angry about the loud voice.
But Lieutenant Fedor’s reaction was entirely unexpected.
“I didn’t approach you because of the noise. That sound you just mentioned—tell me about it in detail. It’s very important.”
An instinctive dread seized Golat at the chilling intensity.
Golat trembled.
“Was I too forceful? It’s just that this is genuinely important. Please, tell me quickly.”
Lieutenant Fedor withdrew a gold coin from his pocket.
Only then did Golat realize the officer was truly interested, and he took a breath.
“Ah…no, sir. I heard it on my way back after dropping off a passenger the other day. At the Iron Bridge, there were sounds like ‘clang!’, ‘clang!’.”
“What time exactly was this?”
“Uh… it was around three in the morning.”
“So the sound continued throughout?”
“No, sir. I didn’t hear it while crossing the bridge. I suddenly needed to relieve myself, so I got down from the Carriage to do my business, and that’s when I heard it.”
Before Golat could finish speaking—
Lieutenant Fedor turned his head and exchanged glances with the other two.
And the decision they reached was—
“Sir, the meat… uh?”
By the time the Restaurant Owner emerged with six portions of meat, the three had already vanished.
* * *
“We’ve confirmed that magic bombs are installed, and we’ve also located where the enemy is hiding.”
“Heaven smiles upon us.”
A miracle that could only be described as pure divine fortune.
Seto Count pondered how to seize this opportunity, then spoke.
“Have them stand by at the site.”
“You’re not attacking immediately, sir?”
Colonel Robin had been prepared to capture the enemy holding the switch right away.
But Seto Count’s orders were different.
“The enemy will surely plan to attack after dividing us. The Military will have mobilized as well.”
It’s a predictable move.
“But if we take the switch now, will the enemy even attack?”
“Then….”
“The enemy will want to see a definite advantage, so they’ll detonate the bridge once more than half have crossed. We’ll seize the switch just before that moment.”
That way, the enemy forces will charge forward expecting the bridge to explode.
But ultimately, they’ll face our ninety thousand strong army.
“We’ll conduct the battle in that manner.”
“What do you think? It seems like a golden opportunity.”
“Yes, it truly seems excellent, sir.”
“If the operation succeeds, rather than retreating, we can advance back toward Belzium Castle.”
Seto Count’s lips curved upward as he envisioned the picture of success forming in his mind.
“I’ll have everything prepared so we can seize the switch immediately.”
The broad strokes of the operation were now set.
The Reconnaissance Command at the Iron Bridge began their meticulous work.
* * *
“There it is.”
On a slope some distance from the Iron Bridge.
Due to the elevation, the Iron Bridge was visible with perfect clarity.
‘Quite impressive.’
Once severed, it would be absolutely impossible to cross.
Beneath the bridge flowed a river of considerable width, and the heavy rains had made the current quite fierce.
“The Reconnaissance Command is there too.”
“Yes, they seem to be suspicious of something.”
Still, they were merely suspicious.
They hadn’t discovered the magic bombs at all.
‘Our agents are now hidden between the stone walls. Quite an awkward cohabitation.’
Now, once the timing is right, I just need to press the switch there.
The Iron Bridge will explode and the operation succeeds.
‘Why am I trembling like this?’
I actually know the reason.
The entire outcome of this battle depends entirely on that single Iron Bridge.
“Are you alright, sir?”
“What do you mean?”
Eden asked as if entirely untroubled.
“Doesn’t everything hinge on the Chief Inspector’s strategy?”
“You’re reading too much into things. Trust the agents out there. Then you’ll have nothing to worry about.”
‘No, I do trust them. I really do.’
Damn it, I don’t understand why this makes me seem like the strange one.
“They’re coming.”
I turned my head at Eden’s words.
The Aditz Army approaching in the distance came into view.
‘Filthy lot, aren’t they.’
One hundred thousand strong.
Actually, I should correct that—we recently confirmed it’s ninety thousand.
“It will be soon now.”
For reference, our forces, having rushed here swiftly, were maintaining position with sufficient distance on both flanks.
‘If we start moving when they’re just past halfway, the timing will be perfect.’
Though the window was brief, I’d calculated everything meticulously for this operation.
Though I should note—I didn’t devise it. The Tactical Officer Corps friends apparently distinguished themselves this time.
‘They certainly have sharp minds.’
This battle will grant experience points too, so I’m looking forward to what comes next.
“They’re swarming.”
Lieutenant Colonel Larsen, watching alongside me from behind, shook his head as if disgusted.
“From this distance, they look like insects.”
Their pace was so sluggish.
Only after waiting dozens of minutes did the vanguard finally enter the Iron Bridge.
‘It’s… it’s happening.’
The enemy truly began crossing the Iron Bridge.
At that moment.
I saw Eden’s fist tense up as he watched ahead.
‘What, he’s nervous too.’
And here I thought he was playing it cool all by himself.
In the end, he’s no different from me.
‘About ten percent across now.’
Even as idle thoughts occupied my mind, the enemy’s advance continued.
Since the Iron Bridge was quite wide.
Their crossing speed was considerable.
“This seems faster than expected.”
“It does appear so.”
Eden nodded and brought his mouth to the communication tube connected directly to Major General Gadus.
“The enemy’s movement speed is faster than anticipated. Approximately ten thousand have crossed the Iron Bridge so far.”
-Then inform me when forty thousand have crossed. I’ll begin the attack then.
“Understood, sir.”
Eden severed the communication line and refocused on the enemy’s movements.
Time flowed slowly that way.
Yet when looking back, it had passed swiftly.
Before long, the approximately forty thousand soldiers Major General Gadus had mentioned had crossed the Iron Bridge.
“That’s it.”
Eden reactivated the communication line with his clenched fist.
“They’ve crossed.”
-Understood. All forces! Charge the enemy! Annihilate every last one of them!
Major General Gadus’s voice came through the communication line.
They had crossed a river from which there was no turning back.
‘Just five more minutes and I can detonate it.’
Not that I need to worry about it.
Our skilled operatives over there will detonate it at the right moment….
“Huh?”
Just as I thought everything was proceeding smoothly.
Suddenly, dozens of soldiers plunged into the water near the Iron Bridge.
And where they were heading was… the Stone Wall where our operatives were hiding.
“Damn it.”
There was no time to think, no room for hesitation.
Without a moment’s doubt, I mounted the horse.

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