Tatsuo sat in his office, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows across the room. He reviewed the battalion's roster, the list Anya had meticulously compiled. A grim realization settled upon him: the battle for Greywall Town had taken a heavy toll. Aside from Senior Major Anya and Junior Major Theron, all the other majors had fallen. He understood the urgency of filling those command voids.
He made his decisions swiftly and decisively. Rota, Ragnar, and Reeldos had proven their worth on the battlefield. Their promotions were not just rewards, but necessities.
The next morning, the courtyard of Greywall Town Hall was filled with the soldiers of the Tatsuo Battalion. Tatsuo stood before them, his presence commanding attention.
"Soldiers," he began, his voice resonating across the courtyard, "we have suffered losses, but we have also achieved a great victory. Today, we recognize those who have demonstrated exceptional valor and leadership."
"First," he announced, "Senior Captain Rota, for his extraordinary deeds in the battle of Greywall Town, I promote him to the rank of Senior Major. He will command the elite Tatsuo Company, and he will also serve as my second-in-command for the entire battalion." Rota stepped forward, his expression resolute.
"Junior Major Theron," Tatsuo continued, "you will continue to command the Stalwart Company, our core of infantry strength."
"Senior Major Anya," he said, turning to Anya, "your strategic mind and organizational skills have proven invaluable. You will remain in command of the Hawkseye Company, and you will serve as my third-in-command."
"Junior Captain Ragnar," Tatsuo announced, "for his immense strength and unwavering courage in the battle, I promote him to 1st Class Major. He will lead the Stonefist Company, our force of heavy hitters." Ragnar stepped forward, his massive frame radiating power.
"2nd Class Captain Reeldos," Tatsuo declared, "your agility and tactical insight have earned you this promotion. You will now be 1st Class Major and command the Swiftwing Company, our scouts, medics, and supply specialists." Reeldos bowed slightly.
"Furthermore," Tatsuo added, "I have reorganized the Tatsuo Company. Proggor and Stal, you will now be Captain and Deputy Captain of the Guard Platoon. Nick and Vinberal, you will command the Clash Platoon as Captain and Deputy Captain. Ivan and Nilorin, the half-elf, you will lead the Agile Platoon as Captain and Deputy Captain."
With the assistance of his newly promoted majors, Tatsuo conducted the promotion ceremony, ensuring each soldier received their new rank and responsibilities. Once the ceremony concluded, he dismissed the soldiers, allowing them to adjust to the new command structure.
Tatsuo then turned his attention to the townspeople. He met with the local leaders, instructing them on the rebuilding and organization of Greywall Town. He emphasized the importance of electing a new mayor to assist with the town's administration. He wanted the town to function as a strong, independent hub, and not just a military outpost.
After addressing the townspeople, Tatsuo visited the prisoner of war compound. He spoke with the captured Skylance soldiers, attempting to gauge their loyalty and assess their potential for recruitment. He offered them a chance to join the Imperial forces, emphasizing the opportunity for redemption and a new life.
Exhausted from the day's events, Tatsuo retired to his office, seeking a moment of respite.
A few days later, Captain Kelt of the Reserve Platoon arrived from Yorai City, accompanied by Figokin and a group of dwarven engineers. They carried with them a crate containing the newly invented firearms that Tatsuo had commissioned.
Figokin, his face beaming with pride, presented the weapons to Tatsuo. "Your Highness," he said, "we have completed the prototypes. They function flawlessly. We have tested them extensively. The power is remarkable."
Tatsuo examined the firearms, impressed by their craftsmanship. He understood the potential of these weapons to revolutionize warfare. He began to strategize, planning how to integrate them into his forces and how to use them effectively on the battlefield.
Tatsuo gathered his trusted advisors and companions in his office. Senior Major Rota, Senior Major Anya, 1st Class Major Ragnar, 1st Class Major Reeldos, and the original twenty Prince Guards who had journeyed with him from Ershir City filled the room. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and anticipation.
With a flourish, Tatsuo presented the weapon that Figokin and the dwarves had created. It was a marvel of engineering, a compact device with a barrel and a stock.
"Gentlemen, Anya," Tatsuo began, his voice filled with excitement, "I present to you a weapon that will change the face of warfare."
He demonstrated the weapon, loading a small metal ball and igniting the charge. The resulting explosion was deafening, and the force of the projectile tore through a target dummy with ease.
"This, my friends," Tatsuo announced, "is a firearm. My dwarven engineers and I have been working on this for quite some time now. My men call it a hand cannon."
The room erupted with gasps and murmurs of astonishment. Rota, Ragnar, and Reeldos were particularly impressed by the sheer power of the weapon. Even Anya, known for her composure, was visibly surprised.
"It is... remarkable, Your Highness," Anya said, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Indeed," Tatsuo replied. "But the question is, how do we use it?"
An intense discussion ensued. They debated the weapon's strengths and weaknesses, its potential applications, and the best way to integrate it into their forces. After much deliberation, they reached a decision.
"We will equip the Agile Platoon and the Range Platoon under Major Rota with these firearms," Tatsuo declared. "Their agility and precision make them ideal candidates for this new weapon. The Agile Platoon will use them for shock tactics and close-quarters combat, while the Range Platoon will use them for long-range engagements."
Tatsuo deliberately left Theron's company out of the initial distribution. His trust in Theron was not yet complete, and he wanted to keep the new weapon's capabilities concealed from him for the time being.
Before dismissing them, Tatsuo turned to Anya. "Anya," he said, "I want to introduce you properly to two of my most trusted companions. These men are knights who are currently serving as majors in this battalion."
He gestured to Rota and Ragnar. "This is Senior Major Rota Uno, and this is 1st Class Major Ragnar Sternguard."
Anya's eyes widened. "Knights?" she exclaimed, finally understanding the source of their incredible strength and skill.
"Yes," Tatsuo replied. "They have been with me since the beginning of my journey."
Anya nodded, her expression respectful. "I understand now why these men are so strong."
A few hours later, a guard approached Tatsuo's office. "Commander," he said, "some of the prisoners of war have requested an audience with you."
Tatsuo agreed to meet with them. After a brief conversation, he decided to welcome a number of them into his ranks. (Let's say 50 prisoners joined Tatsuo's forces). They were weary of fighting for Skylance and impressed by Tatsuo's leadership and the treatment they had received as prisoners.
The day had been long and eventful. Tatsuo, satisfied with the progress he had made, finally allowed himself to rest.