Twenty-three days later, the gates of Panzi City loomed before them, a welcome sight after weeks of travel and constant vigilance. The city, a vital stronghold on the northern border, pulsed with military activity. Soldiers drilled in the courtyards, supply wagons rumbled through the streets, and the air buzzed with the tension of impending conflict.
Tatsuo, his company now a well-oiled machine, led his forces through the city gates. The Earl, Lucian Rampart, had been delivered safely, and after a brief but grateful farewell, he had been escorted to Marquess Ignis Sunridge's estate. Tatsuo's primary objective now was to report to Major General Torvin Sunridge.
The Major General's headquarters was a fortified compound within the city walls. Tatsuo, accompanied by Ragnar and Rota, was ushered into a large, dimly lit war room. Maps covered the walls.
Major General Torvin Sunridge, a tall, stern-looking man with a neatly trimmed beard, rose from his seat as Tatsuo entered. "Major Tatsuo, I presume? Welcome to Panzi City."
"Major General, it is an honor to serve under your command," Tatsuo replied, bowing slightly.
"Indeed. Deputy General Manler spoke highly of your capabilities," Torvin said, his eyes scanning Tatsuo's face. "However, words are wind. Actions speak louder. Tell me, what have you encountered on your journey?"
Tatsuo proceeded to give a detailed report, outlining the bandit attacks, the discovery of their camp, and the involvement of House Ashen from the Skylance Kingdom. He presented the letter and the ledger, laying them out on the war table.
Torvin's expression grew grim as he examined the evidence. "Ashen... Skylance. This changes everything. We suspected they were meddling, but this is concrete proof." He looked at Tatsuo. "You have performed a valuable service, Major. This information will be forwarded to Grand Duke Shouwie in the capital immediately."
"Thank you, sir," Tatsuo said. "We also recovered a substantial amount of weapons and armor from the bandit camp. We are prepared to sell them to the city's armory, if that is acceptable."
Torvin nodded. "Excellent. We are in dire need of supplies. Arrange for the sale with the quartermaster. Every piece of equipment will be useful. And Major, I am impressed with your company. The discipline and efficiency they displayed. I could use men like yours."
"We are at your service, sir," Tatsuo replied.
Later that day, Ragnar and Rota oversaw the sale of the captured equipment. The city's armory was eager to acquire the weapons and armor, and Tatsuo's company received 1000 gold coins. The funds were carefully recorded, and Tatsuo planned to use them to further equip and train his forces.
As the sun began to set, Tatsuo stood on the city walls, gazing out at the vast expanse of the northern plains. He knew that the threat from Skylance was real, and that war was likely on the horizon. He also knew that he had a role to play, a destiny to fulfill.
"We will be ready," he murmured, his voice carried away by the wind. "We will be ready for whatever comes."
… … … … …
The following weeks in Panzi City were a whirlwind of activity. Tatsuo, ever the strategist, wasted no time in preparing his forces for the inevitable conflict. The gold acquired from the sale of the bandit equipment was put to good use. He invested heavily in training, ensuring his men were at peak physical and mental condition. Daily drills honed their combat skills, while strategic exercises sharpened their tactical awareness.
He also focused on improving their equipment. New armor, lighter and more durable, was commissioned from the city's blacksmiths. Weapons were sharpened and reinforced, and supplies were meticulously organized. Tatsuo understood that in war, preparation was paramount.
During this time, Tatsuo also focused on his captains. He personally trained them, pushing them to their limits, and helping them to break through their current limits. Rota, Ragnar, Reeldos, Nard, and Sokzal all experienced significant breakthroughs.
Tatsuo was in his rented office in Panzi City, looking at the screen in front of him. Nice, they've improved a lot.
Name: Rota Uno
Age: 18
Title: First Knight, Prince Guard
Military Rank: Knight, Guard Platoon Captain
Cultivation: Sovereign Burst Realm 3rd Level
Fame: 25
Can command up to: 30 soldiers
Special Skill: Flame Dance Sword, Flash Fire, Flame Arrow, Brute Slash, Inferno Slash (power depends on Salamander's fire absorption)
Magic Skill: N/A
Martial Arts: High Flame Sword Technique, High Brute Sword Technique, Middle Rank Sniper
Ability: Middle Rank Fire Resistance
Weapon: Salamander (Sword)
… … … … …
Name: Ragnar Sternguard
Title: Prince Guard, Knight
Military Rank: Knight, Clash Platoon Captain
Age: 30
Level: Sovereign Burst Realm 3rd Level
Fame: 15
Can command up to: 30 soldiers
Special Skill: Strength Up 10x, Bull Axe (charge with a saw in front), Protect (invisible shield), Crasher (hill-leveling power)
Magic Skill: Rock Armor
Martial Arts: Advanced Rank Earth Axe Technique
Ability: Endurance, High Rank Resistance (basic magic and attack skills)
Weapon: Soul Breaker (Battle Axe)
… … … … …
Name: Reeldos
Age: 25
Title: Prince Guard
Military Rank: Agile Platoon Captain
Cultivation: Sovereign Burst Realm 1st Level
Fame: 15
Can command up to: 30 soldiers
Special Skill: Agile Movement, Shadow Strike, Quick Draw, Silent Step
Magic Skill: N/A
Martial Arts: Advanced Basic Imperial Sword Technique
Ability: Enhanced Agility, Advanced Stealth
Reeldos is one of the 20 Prince Guards who accompanied Tatsuo from Harbor Town.
… … … … …
Name: Nard
Age: 24
Title: Prince Guard
Military Rank: Range Platoon Captain
Cultivation: Sovereign Burst Realm 1st Level
Fame: 15
Can command up to: 17 soldiers
Special Skill: Eagle Eye, Precise Shot, Hawkeye
Magic Skill: N/A
Martial Arts: Middle Rank Sniper Technique
Ability: Stealth and Tracking
Nard is one of the 20 Prince Guards who accompanied Tatsuo from Harbor Town.
… … … … …
Name: Sokzal
Age: 28
Title: Prince Guard
Military Rank: Support Platoon Captain
Cultivation: Sky Gate Realm 3nd Level
Fame: 15
Can command up to: 15 soldiers
Special Skill: Shield Wall, Rallying Cry, Iron Defense, Phalanx Formation
Magic Skill: N/A
Martial Arts: Shield Warrior Technique
Ability: Defensive Minded
Sokzal is one of the 20 Prince Guards who accompanied Tatsuo from Harbor Town.
… … … … …
One afternoon, a messenger came to Tatsuo's office. "Major, there is a letter from Senior Sergeant Figokin."
Tatsuo received the letter and opened it. Figokin wrote, "Your Highness, we have completed the prototype. It functions flawlessly. We have tested it extensively. The power is remarkable."
Tatsuo smiled and thought, Excellent, Figokin. This will change everything.
He called Rota, "Send a letter to Figokin, requesting him to come here and bring the completed weapon.""Yes, Your Highness," he responded, using the honorific when they were alone or in private.
After a while a messenger arrived from Earl Lucian Rampart. A letter and a small chest were presented. The letter thanked Tatsuo for his service and praised his company's skill and professionalism. The chest contained a 1500 gold coins, a reward for their protection.
"We are grateful for the Earl's generosity," Tatsuo said to Rota, "but our true reward is the knowledge that we have served the Empire."
Reports began to filter in from the border. Skylance Kingdom forces were massing, and tensions were reaching a boiling point. Major General Torvin ordered Tatsuo's company, along with several other units, to reinforce the garrison at Emberfall Town, a critical outpost on the front line.
"We move at dawn," Tatsuo announced to his captains. "Emberfall Town is our next destination. We will face the enemy, and we will prevail." He looked at his men, his eyes filled with determination. "We are the Tatsuo Company. We are the shield of the Empire. And we will not yield."