Chapter 30. Toshi-nii’s Feelings

 

“However, even though it’s training, Toshi-nii, you pushed the students quite hard.”

 

“Experiencing extreme battlefield conditions in simulation is a valuable opportunity, don’t you think?”

 

After the training session, many students were completely exhausted both mentally and physically, collapsing onto the ground.

 

Having plenty of energy left, I didn’t miss the familiar figure slipping away to the smoking area.

 

As I sat on the bench lighting a cigarette, Toshi-nii gave me a slightly disapproving look upon seeing me.

 

It’s a rare opportunity, Toshi-nii, don’t let it slip away.

 

“Where did you get an Automata violating the treaty?”

 

“It’s from an old connection. You know who I’m talking about, that machine geek.”

 

“Oh, that person.”

 

I remember we were together during the operation to infiltrate the enemy capital, an unforgettable individual despite meeting only a few times.

 

“With their Soul Armor ability, they can reprogram Automata for simulation battles. I borrowed a captured Automata for simulation use. Soon, they’ll be officially deployed for training at various military facilities.”

 

“But facing Automata nearly unarmed must have been quite a shock for the elementary school kids. Some in my unit, like Kagami, were literally in tears.”

 

“Even in such extreme conditions, our students tried to do what they must, right?”

 

“Well, yeah.”

 

At that time, the two elementary school students immediately decided to sacrifice themselves as decoys against the Automata, preparing for their own deaths.

 

I was most surprised by their resolve to make such a harsh decision on the spot, despite being children just like us.

 

“We’ve been drilling this into their heads day in and day out. In case of emergency, letting Soul Armor users escape is the top priority for ordinary soldiers.”

 

This mindset carries over to the battlefield as well.

 

Losing an irreplaceable Soul Armor user is a national loss, so they receive special treatment.

 

This inevitably creates a psychological gap between Soul Armor soldiers and regular troops.

 

“We were taught in elementary school that all lives are equal.”

 

“But if you’re going to risk your life anyway, wouldn’t it be more satisfying in the afterlife to prioritize practicality over dubious morals? That’s what I’m teaching.”

 

Stubbing out the cigarette in the ashtray, Toshi-nii gazes up at the sky.

 

“In this training, I wanted the academy students to understand that ordinary soldiers endure rigorous training daily and won’t hesitate to shield themselves when necessary. As for the elementary school students, they may dislike Soul Armor soldiers, but they needed to understand that there’s no one more reliable on the battlefield.”

 

“Isn’t it a bit much to explain the intent of the training to me, a student?”

 

“It’s fine because it’s you.”

 

Being told that makes me feel a bit ticklish.

 

It’s as if I’m being treated specially, and it makes me smile involuntarily.

 

Really, why can’t Toshi-nii use this kind of technique to charm women?

 

“Yuu-kun, help me!”

 

Suddenly called out, I turned to see Mina coming towards us unsteadily, hiding behind my back as she walked.

 

Perhaps due to the earlier march or maybe out of fear, Mina’s legs tremble slightly as she approaches.

 

“What’s wrong, Mina?”

 

“T-that guy…”

 

“Wait a moment, Private Kohou! This is purely a benevolent act without any ill intentions!”

 

Coming up behind Mina, Kagami was making excuses as he approached.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“Just trying to massage the fatigued legs of the esteemed Private Kohou, our battlefield goddess.”

 

In Kagami’s hand was a stick with various protrusions for stimulating pressure points.

 

Approaching a woman with such a stick in hand was frankly inappropriate.

 

“Stop it, Kagami. Geez, you’re really susceptible to the atmosphere.”

 

With an exasperated expression, Toshi-nii intervenes between Kagami and Mina to calm things down.

 

“Sorry about that. It’s quite common for ordinary soldiers on the battlefield to be mesmerized by the overwhelming power of Soul Armor users. Like him here.”

 

Despite being lightly tapped on the head by Toshi-nii, Kagami continues to gaze straight at Mina.

 

Meanwhile, Mina remains scared and continues to hide behind my back.

 

“Mina’s appearance and abilities might make things tough on the actual battlefield.”

 

Mina’s Soul Armor ability, [Roaring Tiger], directly attacks opponents, so she’ll likely get deployed in active combat units.

 

With the ability to single-handedly dominate enemy squads hidden in jungles, her allies would have great trust in her.

 

On top of that, she’s exceptionally beautiful. She’s bound to become the princess of the battlefield.

 

“Maybe I should reconsider joining the military.”

 

Mina murmurs softly.

 

Peeking out from the shadows of the smoking area, it seems like a similar situation is causing a ruckus.

 

Oh, Vice President Nase is sandwiching a young student from the elementary school who is loudly confessing what sounds like love declarations to her, using barriers.

 

And beyond that, Kotomi is paralyzing the elementary school students with paralysis poison.

 

In the end, it seems like the student council members on patrol here are also getting involved.

 

“Hey, Toshi-nii. Can we really call this exchange program a success?”

 

“Hmm, maybe exposing these impressionable kids to such stimulating experiences wasn’t a good idea.”

 

Scratching his head thoughtfully, Toshi-nii, as the responsible person, grumbled.ere the ones who