I Became an Officer in Another World in Just 5 Minutes - Chapter 29

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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 29

“Did you confirm that my friend added some extra money as a thank you?”

“Yes, I’m already receiving plenty, so I’m truly grateful.”

Over the past week, I helped with a total of three jobs.

Each time the scale grew a bit larger, with total earnings of 2,100 gold.

Of course, half of that was spectacularly blown at the casino the day before yesterday.

‘What a way to throw money away.’

After doing this much, I should be able to win for at least a day, but somehow I’m always in the red.

“But wouldn’t that amount be insufficient to recover what you’ve lost so far?”

“That’s true. I feel like I’m finally getting the hang of it, but the seed money is the problem. Sigh.”

A sigh filled with worldly regret followed by expressive acting.

Having completely immersed myself in the character, there were no gaps in my performance.

“Hmm.”

The Battalion Commander pondered for a moment before opening his desk drawer.

“Take a look at this. Originally I was going to say it’s beyond my authority, but the amount is quite substantial.”

The Battalion Commander carefully handed me a piece of paper, and its contents were completely unexpected.

Departure point – Western Border (detailed location to be guided by trading guild personnel)

Destination – Alberm

Commission fee – 7,000G

Requirements – 2 carriages, tight-lipped escort forces

“This… this is.”

“Smuggling. Magical device smuggling, to be precise.”

“Why would you want to do such dangerous work?”

“Because of the wartime situation, household magical devices are selling for whatever price they ask.”

“Ah…”

Currently, the Raikane Empire has banned the production of other magical devices to ensure smooth production of combat magical devices.

This caused the price of household magical devices to skyrocket.

Conversely, the Adits Empire hasn’t issued such a ban yet, so I know the price difference can be up to double.

‘Money aside, if we get caught, it’s immediate execution.’

Smuggling carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison regardless of the item, and for magical devices, it’s death without exception.

Conversely, just reporting smuggling can earn you an enormous reward.

‘Does this mean he truly trusts me now?’

I couldn’t help but notice this.

The fact that the previous three commissions were tests for this.

‘It would be unnatural to accept immediately, right?’

Acting requires naturally expressing contemplation and conflict.

“It’s quite a burdensome proposal, isn’t it?”

“Honestly… it is.”

“I didn’t expect that friend to make such a proposal either. But it’s a bit disappointing. Seven thousand gold is a fortune that’s hard to accumulate even working a lifetime.”

The Battalion Commander gazed down at the commission document.

After pondering for a moment, he spoke up.

“How about cooperating with me instead?”

“Cooperation, you mean?”

“Take a look at this.”

I turned my attention to the map showing the western border that the Battalion Commander pointed to.

“Actually, even if we target empty spots to be safe, the probability of getting caught is high. The surveillance is so thorough.”

“That’s right.”

Anywhere else might be possible, but there are no gaps in the current western border suitable for smuggling.

“Then wouldn’t it be safer to do it where we can use our influence? In that regard, here.”

The Battalion Commander pointed to the area where the current infantry battalion was on duty.

“You’ll clear it for us?”

“I’ll change the duty shifts at dawn to clear it. I can’t do it for long, roughly 30 minutes.”

“Hmm.”

Certainly, with the Battalion Commander’s authority, he could create that much time.

But the problem is what happens after the smuggling succeeds.

“If we receive it there, the route would have to enter and exit through the division, and we’d eventually be discovered at the checkpoint.”

“That’s why we need the Lieutenant.”

“Me?”

I couldn’t understand in what way I would be needed.

“You know that dozens of Oclo Trading Guild carriages come in daily, right?”

“Yes.”

“If we load it only on those carriages, the guards either don’t inspect them or do so perfunctorily. Since the traffic volume is so high, they skip places with established credibility.”

In a way, it was like gambling.

So he’s suggesting we rely on prayer meta.

“I think it seems a bit risky.”

“Even if they attempt an inspection, wouldn’t it be resolved if I get a bit irritated from behind?”

The Battalion Commander pointed to his rank insignia, and at that moment, I had no choice but to nod.

‘With the reliable Oclo Trading Guild and a pressing Major, it would definitely be a free pass.’

Of course, there are a few more concerning aspects, but it seems fine to go along at this point.

“How about it? If we succeed, I’ll only take a thousand gold.”

Taking a small share compared to what he’s providing.

When bait is cast this thoughtfully, I have no choice but to bite.

“I’m a bit scared, but I’ll give it a try.”

“Good thinking. And just in case, let’s go to the site together this time.”

“What? The site…?”

This was a request that had never been made before.

‘Why would I go to where Reconnaissance Command gathers?’

Is there something that needs to be handled without anyone knowing?

“If problems arise, we need to handle them initially using the Lieutenant’s noble status. Major seems high but is actually an ambiguous rank since it’s relatively low.”

This time the logic was flawless.

‘Should I just refuse?’

But canceling the smuggling now because I don’t want to go would also look strange.

‘Besides, this is truly an opportunity that might not come again.’

Even though this isn’t work I took on by choice, after struggling for months, I desperately want to achieve meaningful results.

“You don’t need to worry too much. I’ll be going to the site with you.”

The Battalion Commander spoke as if to reassure me, but that’s even more of a concern.

‘This is driving me crazy. Is there no answer?’

In the end, I had no choice but to nod reluctantly.

“If you’re going that far, then I understand.”

“Good thinking. I’m counting on you, Lieutenant.”

Pat pat!

The Battalion Commander smiled benevolently while patting my shoulder.

Thinking about the real face behind that smile sent chills down my spine.

*    *    *

“So this was the purpose after all.”

Lieutenant Alpen nodded as if he had expected this after seeing the commission document.

‘What is it? Let me in on it too, you bastard.’

I was dying of anxiety, but the Lieutenant’s expression was remarkably calm.

“What purpose do you mean?”

“Don’t you get it? Surely the Lieutenant doesn’t actually think these guys are really smuggling household magical devices?”

“Well… yeah.”

No matter how lacking I am in professional knowledge, I’m not that much of an idiot.

“So what do you think they’ll be transporting?”

“Obviously combat magical tools, right?”

“Be more specific.”

“Uh…”

Since I had never thought that far ahead, I couldn’t answer immediately.

“You’re still far from ready. They’re probably going to transport a large quantity of adhesive magic bombs.”

“Adhesive magic bombs?”

There are various types of magic bombs.

What they threw at the Training Camp were throwable magic bombs.

Adhesive magic bombs have a structure that allows them to be detonated by a switch signal within a certain distance, with the advantage of being able to activate them when desired.

‘Instead, they cost twice as much because they have an extra circuit, so they’re worth the price.’

Anyway, bringing a large quantity of adhesive magic bombs means…

“Don’t tell me they’re planning to blow up the 3rd Division?”

“More likely they’re planning to move them to the Abyss Defense Line and deal damage there.”

With the Lieutenant’s words, all the puzzle pieces fit together and I felt my eyes opening.

‘These bastards… they were scary guys after all.’

The Abyss Defense Line where only endless small-scale skirmishes and wars of attrition continue.

I thought they were cowards, but who knew they were aiming for such a big strike.

I got goosebumps all over.

“If we successfully catch them in the act, Lieutenant’s achievements will be even greater.”

“Ha… haha, can’t we just arrest them now?”

As soon as I finished speaking, the Lieutenant’s eyes changed.

“Lieutenant still lacks thinking. Did you forget why we’ve been struggling for a month?”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

“If they’re bringing in this many magic bombs, the guys hiding here and there will definitely gather.”

The eyes of a predator focused on its prey, looking only at that.

This person is slightly out of his mind right now.

“If we raid the scene then, we can catch all the guys we haven’t identified yet. Isn’t it thrilling just to imagine?”

Lieutenant Alpen drawing a big picture.

If it really succeeds, I’ll be able to achieve tremendous merit as he says.

But.

“Um… I have to be at the scene.”

If it’s revealed that I’m from the Intelligence Agency, would the Battalion Commander leave me alone?

He’ll definitely kill me first in one second with his specialty assassination.

“When we raid, the enemy will definitely fall into chaos, and if you escape at that timing, there shouldn’t be a problem.”

‘Shit, what kind of bullshit is that.’

It’s not that there are no problems, but there are so many that choosing what to say first is the issue.

“Are you serious…?”

“If Lieutenant doesn’t accompany them, they’ll definitely be suspicious, so it’s an unavoidable part.”

“This operation is just too dangerous for me.”

“Lieutenant.”

Lieutenant Alpen met my gaze with murderous eyes.

“Do you know how many Intelligence Agency agents have died since the war started?”

Under the pressure enveloping my entire body, my mouth wouldn’t open easily.

“Exactly 17 people. I found out yesterday that among them was my only classmate.”

“That…”

“I’m not telling you to grieve. The information they brought risking their lives saved tens of thousands of lives, so there couldn’t be a more valuable sacrifice.”

The Lieutenant pushed the request form he was holding into my chest.

“You said to arrest them right now, right? Do you think this operation will disappear if we just catch this one guy?”

I knew the answer, but I couldn’t respond.

“I guarantee you, the guys crawling around like cockroaches will set up a new scheme in less than a day. And since they got caught once, they’ll act even more secretly.”

I could imagine it in my head from the Lieutenant’s words.

And the direction that end points to is one thing.

“If their operation succeeds and the defense line collapses, can Lieutenant take responsibility?”

The question of whether I could take responsibility – of course it’s impossible.

“Whether you came willingly or were forced, you need to remember that Lieutenant is now a soldier belonging to Intelligence Command.”

I couldn’t make any rebuttal to Lieutenant Alpen’s words.

Every single word was correct, and my current self seemed too pathetic.

“You seem worried about safety, but we’ll also make efforts to protect Lieutenant.”

Of course they would naturally do so, but honestly I didn’t have much faith.

‘I have to find my own way to survive, who’s going to take care of me.’

Perhaps because my life was at stake, my mind worked more actively than ever.

“Then I have one request.”

“Speak.”

“When the situation arises, I’d like you to treat me like an enemy until the very end. So the other side will be fooled.”

The most dangerous moment is when the Battalion Commander notices my identity.

If I can just delay that, my survival probability will increase dramatically.

“Hmm, I’ll consider it positively.”

“Thank you.”

Since there isn’t much time, positive consideration is practically acceptance.

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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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