Next morning, Ragnar knocked on Tatsuo's office door. "Your Highness, Rota has returned from his task."
"Very well. Gather all the recruits on the training ground," Tatsuo said.
...
On the training ground, Tatsuo stood before his men. "Rota, you have accomplished your task. As your reward, I give you this sword, Salamander. It can absorb fire. Discover its full potential."
"Thank you, Major. I will make good use of it." Rota bowed slightly. He didn't address Tatsuo as "Your Highness" to maintain secrecy in front of the recruits.
Tatsuo continued, "Everyone, I have created five Platoon and one reserve squad. Today, I will announce your assignments. Please step forward when I call your name. First, the Guard Platoon, a twenty-man Platoon: Rota Uno, Senior Captain; Proggor, Deputy; Stall and Ziri, 1st Lieutenants; Nilfias and Gustod, 2nd Lieutenants; Stuny and Amic, Senior Sergeants; Cheknela, the Dark Elf, Sergeant..."
"Clash Platoon, also a twenty-man Platoon: Ragnar Sternguard, Junior Captain; Nick, Deputy; Vinberal, 1st Lieutenant; Jalzub, 2nd Lieutenant; Figokin, Senior Sergeant; Ugnun, Ugren the Half-Giant, and Dargo the Chief, Sergeants..."
"Agile Platoon, a seventeen-man Platoon: Reeldos, 2nd Class Captain; Ivan, Deputy; Nilorin the Half-Elf, Senior Sergeant; Cradithas and Sylborin the Half-Elf, Sergeants..."
"Range Platoon, also a seventeen-man Platoon: Nard, 2nd Class Captain; Gust, Deputy; Getnarel the Forest Elf and Segnas the Dark Elf, 1st Lieutenants; Dicril the Dark Elf, 2nd Lieutenant; Aelfi the Dark Elf and Phersheri the Elf, Sergeants..."
"Support Platoon, a fifteen-man Platoon: Sokzal, 3rd Class Captain; Sol, Deputy; Yaroshi and Shitsugu, 1st Lieutenants; Gervais and Zac, 2nd Lieutenants; Perrin, Aggripa, and Flavius, Sergeants..."
"Kelt, you will be the 3rd Class Captain of the Reserve Platoon. The rest of you will be under his command: Tarek, Paul, and Gascon, 2nd Lieutenants; James, Senior Sergeant; and John, Sergeant."
Tatsuo continued, "Guard Squad, your primary weapons are sword and shield. Your job is to protect me and complete my tasks. Clash Squad, your weapons are anything you are comfortable with—swords, axes, clubs, hammers. Your job is to tank and break the enemy's front line. Agile Squad, your weapons are light, fast-striking weapons. Your job is to eliminate targets swiftly. Range Squad, your weapons are bows and arrows. Your job is to eliminate targets from a distance." He chuckled. "Support Squad, your weapons are spears and shields. Your job is to assist the Clash Squad. Reserve Squad, your job is to train diligently. We report to Deputy General Manler for our first mission in two days."
"Yes, sir!" they responded.
"Ragnar, Rota, and the dwarves, follow me to my office."
Tatsuo led them to his office and sat at his desk.
"Figokin."
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"I have a special task for you and your group." He handed Figokin a paper.
Figokin studied the paper, puzzled. "Your Highness, what is this?"
"This is called a gun, Figokin. You have one month to complete it. I've included the necessary instructions. If you have ideas to improve it, implement them." Tatsuo was confident Figokin and the dwarves could succeed, given their advanced blacksmithing and engineering skills.
"Ragnar, ask Kelt to send four temporary soldiers in exchange for four of your current soldiers. This project is top secret."
"Yes, Your Highness."
In the two days leading up to the meeting with Deputy General Manler, Tatsuo commanded the captains to train their men rigorously. He also oversaw the gun's development. He was excited about its potential to enhance his forces' combat strength and defensive capabilities. He also considered other technologies he could introduce to Hafūna to further his goals.
He thought about bringing electricity, warships, Gundam-like robots, tanks, and fighter jets. However, he knew he needed to proceed cautiously and prepare thoroughly before introducing such advanced technologies.
For now, he focused on preparing for the meeting with the Deputy General and climbing the ranks to become worthy of the throne.