We marched on foot and traveled by boat along the river, making our way to the city of Utterngard, where General Gerhardt's legion was stationed.

Though we weren’t fully equipped, nor carrying our full arsenal, which made our formation feel less like a true legion, the soldiers showed no sign of losing morale despite the grueling march.

Perhaps it was because those who had followed me this far had no place to return to and clear goals. Or maybe there were other reasons I couldn’t quite understand.

Still.

“Isn’t the Undying Legion a cool name?”
“Careful, you’ll jinx it. How about the Unbeatable Legion, General?”
“Hmm…”

Among the soldiers, a lively debate sprang up over what to name our legion.

“General.”
“Yes.”
“General.”
“Mm.”
“General.”
“…Enough already.”
“Hehe.”

Talking with Anna, who had resumed her role as my adjutant and maintained a close distance, helped ease any remaining tension, making my steps feel lighter.

...Since they entrusted their lives to me, I ought to repay them with results.

Upon arriving in Utterngard, Gerhardt himself, adorned in his resplendent armor and flanked by officers, opened the city gate to welcome me.

“Welcome. I am Gerhardt Weisschild, Commander of the Tenth Legion.”
“Viktor, Commander of the First Provisional Legion.”

Approaching with a faint smile, he extended his right hand to me.

“I’ve heard plenty about you. Though I don’t believe everything I hear, I trust His Majesty’s judgment in appointing you as legion commander.”

Though well over sixty with gray-streaked hair and a face lined with age, his handshake conveyed the strength of an active soldier.

“I would like to speak with you immediately, but your soldiers must be weary from the march. Quarters have been prepared in the barracks, so let them rest first, and we can talk later.”
“Understood.”

Perhaps because I carried the Emperor’s orders and came as reinforcements, Gerhardt approached me with a friendly demeanor. This was advantageous for me, as getting closer to him would help me make my voice heard. I responded respectfully.

“General Klaus, please guide Commander Viktor.”
“Yes, sir.”

After a few shakes of my hand, Gerhardt assigned a young general at his side, then departed.

“I am Klaus Schultz, commander of the First Infantry Brigade. Please follow me.”

Introducing himself as a brigade commander, Klaus’s assignment signified Gerhardt’s intention to treat me with due respect, as brigade commanders rank directly under legion commanders in the Empire's hierarchy.

A good sign.

After settling my soldiers in the barracks, Anna and I followed Klaus to the main headquarters where General Gerhardt awaited.

*Knock, knock.*

“Commander Gerhardt, Commander Viktor has arrived.”

Klaus announced my arrival with a knock on the commander's office door before stepping aside.

*Click.*

“Welcome, Commander Viktor. Come in.”
“Yes, sir.”

Unexpectedly, Gerhardt opened the door himself, greeting me warmly.

It seemed he had arranged for us to be alone in his office.

“Sit wherever you’re comfortable. Would you like some tea?”
“...Thank you.”

Showing me the teapot, Gerhardt prepared tea with a relaxed gesture.

…Considering his alignment with the Emperor’s faction, his friendliness felt somewhat excessive. This usually meant he wanted something, so I sat with slight tension.

Anna entered quietly and stood behind me.

*Thud.*

“Are you interested in tea?”
“It’s more about taking advantage of the moment. Once the battlefield calls, there’s no time for leisurely brewing tea, is there?”
“...That’s true.”
“Indeed.”

He placed a cup of tea in front of me, then took a sip of his own.

“There are rumors calling you a demon or a monster, but seeing you in person, I can’t imagine why.”
“It’s likely exaggeration as rumors spread.”
“Perhaps. Even my daughter, who lives in the north, has mentioned you. Apparently, when her granddaughter cries and throws a tantrum, simply mentioning your name is enough to make her stop.”
“Haha…”

Though he began with a personal story, I remained cautious, aware that he had deliberately arranged to meet me alone.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“The honor is mine, Commander Gerhardt. I remember seeing your name in academy textbooks.”
“Is that so? Hahaha!”

After a few minutes of light conversation without much substance, Gerhardt’s expression turned serious as he continued.

“My staff has reviewed records of your past battles. They admire not only your strategies but also your exceptional troop management.”

For the first time, his smiling expression softened slightly as he spoke.

It seemed he was about to reveal the real reason for our meeting, so I chose my words carefully.

“My subordinates merely followed my orders well.”
“Subordinates... yes, subordinates…”

Reflecting on my answer, Gerhardt rubbed his chin thoughtfully before speaking.

“The one behind you, is she your adjutant?”
“Yes.”

He leaned forward, his expression more resolute.

“Is she trustworthy?”
“Absolutely.”
“Good... In that case, I can speak freely.”

“I’ve looked into you. I’ve learned who you are and what kind of soldiers you’re bringing.”

Given the time we spent passing through multiple cities on our way here, it was no surprise Gerhardt had gathered information on us.

I had a feeling I knew what he was about to say.

“As I said before, I do not doubt His Majesty’s judgment. I welcome talented officers in His Majesty’s ranks. However, the soldiers you’ve brought are a different matter.”

“…”

“They are, as you said, former prisoners of war. They are battle-hardened and have chosen to follow you till the end, which sets them apart, yet…”

Pushing his teacup aside, he continued.

“Until recently, they were enemies of the Empire. Many are concerned about their ability to integrate with our troops.”

Carefully, he revealed his concerns.

From Gerhardt’s perspective, a former general from a hostile frontier kingdom showing up with remnants of a defeated army might seem dubious. His officers and soldiers were bound to harbor doubts.

Gerhardt’s restrained tone reflected his noble character. Rather than bluntly questioning the effectiveness of a mere 5,000 former conscripts, he couched his concerns in terms of cooperation.

I lifted my teacup, took a light sip, and set it down.

“Since your troops have arrived today, a combined training exercise will be held in the coming days.”

He grimaced slightly as he mentioned the time frame.

“I know it’s a challenge, but let your soldiers show their skills in this joint exercise.”
“Should I take this as a request for proof?”
“If your legion performs admirably, doubts will subside.”

Using phrases like “many are concerned,” he distanced himself from those who were doubtful, subtly expressing displeasure over the short preparation period for my troops.

Though I couldn’t understand his exact motivations, he seemed eager for my legion to demonstrate their capabilities.

“Understood.”

Though my legion hadn’t trained in a structured manner for some time, they had experience in real combat.

With my tactical map in hand, rekindling their instincts should make joint training manageable.

“I hope you’ll understand that this reflects the high expectations I hold for you.”
“Of course.”
“Sorry for bringing up serious matters so soon after your arrival. The training schedule will be sent to you shortly, so rest up and relieve your fatigue today.”
“Yes, sir.”

Receiving Gerhardt’s approving gaze, Anna and I left the commander’s office.

---

After receiving the Imperial Army's training regimen, I led my soldiers directly into training.

My legion consisted of 32 spear companies, 6 sword companies, and 12 archer companies. Despite most being conscripts, those who followed me had ample battlefield experience, making a higher ratio of skilled sword and archer companies a possibility.

Following the same organizational methods I used in the Kingdom of Rus, the companies had been formed in advance at Josef’s garrison, ensuring no confusion.

I entrusted basic drills to veteran company commanders while overseeing joint training preparations myself.

“First Spear Company, 100 soldiers, assembled!”
“Good.”

The joint training preparation was under my direct supervision.

“My orders will always be based on the unit's current direction. Understand?”
“Yes, sir!”

There was no need for elaborate arrangements.

This wasn’t an immediate battle, and the legion’s size allowed me to command each company individually. Reminding the companies of my command style and ensuring they maintained formation while moving was sufficient.

Maintaining direction and formation during movement wasn’t easy, but it was something they were used to from previous drills.

As long as each company’s movements were smooth, extensive drills like large formation training wouldn’t be necessary.

The joint exercise would likely focus on large-scale movement, inter-unit coordination, and formation transitions. Reading variables on my minimap and utilizing tactical commands were my strongest assets.

“Advance at a steady pace towards twelve o’clock!”
“Advance!”

The soldiers swiftly adjusted, recalling past drills and combat, adapting to my requirements with ease.

This alone should suffice to make an impressive showing during the joint training.

While it might be a stretch to call this my legion’s innate ability, as long as it goes unnoticed, it doesn’t matter.

We can address any shortcomings afterward.