Chapter 7
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It was a principle that all espers and guides who manifested abilities belonged to the Imperial Army. However, not everyone strictly followed the law.
When espers who were outside state control committed crimes, the consequences were enormous. Their powers were beyond what ordinary humans could handle. Eventually, espers became necessary to maintain order in the cities.
“That’s exactly the role of our Capital Security Guard.”
Captain Bailey Rosem shook his red curly hair and puffed up his shoulders.
“We’re on a completely different level than the regular city guard. We can arrest anything from ordinary criminals to illegal espers! So if anyone dares say the Security Guard does nothing or is just a bunch of weaklings, we’ll show them what we’re made of!”
Bailey’s gaze swept toward the newest recruits standing at the back of the line.
“There are no limits for our unit!”
“…Why is Captain Rosem acting like this all of a sudden?”
Peter whispered quietly to Samuel beside him.
They both remembered every word Captain Rosem had drunkenly rambled during their welcome party on their first day.
“Welcome to the most comfortable and easiest unit in the Empire. You can usually leave work on time and have plenty of hobbies!”
“All members must think that their life is the unit’s life! The safety of the capital citizens is my happiness! My life’s purpose! My 24 hours!”
The shout seemed to contradict Peter’s tone, and he furrowed his brows in disbelief.
“The downside is that there’s so little work that promotions are hard, and because there aren’t many high-level espers, the future for personal guides is uncertain…”
“But that’s even more exciting news for the guides on the team!”
“Ah, what the heck?”
“Even if you meet some important person today, remember the honor of the Imperial Army and keep your composure!”
It was the third day after their assignment to the Capital Security Guard when an unexpected order came to assemble all members at Phoenix Hall.
Phoenix Hall served as a gym for physical training, a multi-purpose hall for events, and a place to maintain discipline.
Since the reasons for gathering were so varied, no one could guess why until the organizer explained. Meanwhile, Captain Bailey Rosem kept going on about nonsense, filling everyone with dissatisfaction.
But Samuel wasn’t particularly interested in the situation. He was lost in thoughts about a newspaper article he had read yesterday.
[The Light of Justice! Where will Adrien Brillante go next?]
Adrien Brillante, commander of the Special Forces 2nd Battalion, had finally returned. It was natural that all eyes were on the hero who had flawlessly led the war to victory.
But the article wasn’t entirely positive.
[…Concerns grow about Commander Brillante’s health, as her personal guide position remains vacant. Due to risks of berserk episodes, some suggest she should no longer use her powers and be demoted…]
Ridiculous.
Was this just a plan to squeeze every last drop from her and then discard her? Of course, the Brillante family wouldn’t just stand by and watch.
Samuel hoped that no impurity would taint Adrien’s noble honor. She was not someone who deserved such treatment.
“Today is the day the vacant position of our Capital Security Guard Battalion Commander arrives!”
“So that’s it. The seniors were right, Samuel.”
Ignoring Bailey’s heartfelt call to show their best to the new commander, Peter shook his head.
“They should have arrived before our assignment. Who is so important to be this late, and why is Captain Bailey so worked up?”
“It’s not like someone like Brillante is coming, so they’re making a fuss.”
Suddenly, a commotion arose near the podium. Bailey’s face hardened as a whisper reached him. He hurried down the podium.
At the same time, a door opened at the back.
Since it was behind them, Samuel couldn’t see who entered. The unit members were only allowed to look forward at the podium and listen carefully.
The rhythm of uniform boots echoed steadily, growing closer.
‘The footsteps are light.’
The newcomer was likely much smaller than Samuel, possibly even a hand shorter in height.
Despite the small stature, they moved with remarkable agility. Encountering them on the battlefield might mean not even sensing their presence.
At last, Samuel caught sight of the new battalion commander ascending the stairs.
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