Chapter 11: Military School Mobilization

Roland's brief unconsciousness was but a minor episode; the training at the military school continued unabated. After a short period of recuperation, Roland once again joined the ranks of the academy's trainees.

The first month at the military school was focused on basic training, a crucial period for transforming ordinary civilians into soldiers. This training emphasized formations, as in contemporary warfare, flintlock rifles were the primary weapons. However, these weapons suffered from low accuracy and limited lethality. To address this, military geniuses from various countries developed formations, such as the line formation, to maximize the effectiveness of flintlock rifles. This tactic was later famously referred to as "firing in ranks."

While these formations might seem simple, they posed a significant test of military skill and courage for soldiers. Therefore, Roland and his peers found themselves training tirelessly day and night, practicing various maneuvers mechanically.

Under the tutelage of Pearson, their notorious drill instructor, their training intensity surpassed that of others by far. Although inwardly discontented, none dared to show it, fearing Pearson might resort to even more dreadful punishments.

During these weeks, numerous individuals quietly left due to the harsh training, while some were transferred elsewhere due to influential backgrounds. Yet, there was no envy directed toward them; in the eyes of Roland and his comrades, those who departed were merely deserters and cowards.

Despite Roland's mature mindset, his physical body remained as tender as his peers'. Each day of training left him with sore muscles and fatigue, to the point where he could barely move upon returning to the dormitory.

However, driven by his inner goal, Roland persisted grittily. This was his first step toward success, and he refused to entertain the thought of failure.

Among their dormitory mates, Marin adapted quickly to the rigorous training due to his physical strength. John persevered as well. However, it was Jobs who struggled the most. As the son of a wealthy merchant, he had been accustomed to a life of luxury at home; enduring such hardships was an entirely new experience for him!

There were moments when Jobs contemplated giving up, but under the careful persuasion of Roland and others, he persisted. Although his fair skin darkened and his paunch diminished slightly, according to Roland and the others, it was for the better, sparing him from being labeled a pampered boy.

Thus, the four brothers supported and helped each other, training and growing together. Nearly a year passed in this manner, during which each of them experienced significant personal growth.

However, tranquil lives are often short-lived. Just as Roland and his companions were engrossed in their training at the military school, a major event disrupted their lives.

In 1797, Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, seeking vengeance for Louis XVI, formed an alliance with the British Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, the Spanish Empire, the Netherlands, and the Kingdom of Sardinia. This historical event became known as the First Coalition, marking a turbulent period in history.

The alliance of six nations loomed large. In just a month's time, the coalition forces dealt a heavy blow to the French army at Tuhamont, laying siege to the northern city of Turin. Turin, as the gateway to the south of France, held immense strategic importance. If it fell to the coalition forces, the entire southern region of France would be engulfed in flames.

Fortunately, the retreating troops from the front lines and reinforcements from Paris managed to fortify the defenses of Turin, temporarily halting the coalition's advance. However, for the outnumbered French forces, it seemed only a matter of time before their defenses would be breached.

Facing the immense pressure from the coalition forces, the nascent French government felt the weight of the situation. Perhaps even the power-hungry elites in Paris recognized the significance of protecting Turin, as they ceased their infighting for the first time, issuing a national mobilization order, calling upon the brave warriors of France to defend their homeland.

As a result, regular troops stationed across the country, as well as militias and spontaneously organized volunteer armies, converged on Turin from all directions, singing the "Marseillaise" anthem with fervor.

Even the renowned Brienne Military Academy received the mobilization order, prompting a decree from the academy. All active-duty instructors were to join the reserves and head to the battlefield, while the students of the academy would voluntarily form student armies and march to the front lines alongside their instructors.

Perhaps to inspire the students to join the reserve forces, the academy, for the first time ever, halted all training courses and gathered the entire student body for organizational training.

...

"Isn't it great? The sun has risen from the west today, and we don't have training!" exclaimed a relaxed student in the crowd.

At this moment, they were unaware of the conflict in the south of their country. They were curious about why classes had been suspended.

"How foolish. They're happy now, but if they knew the reason behind the suspension, they might wet their pants in fear!" scoffed Marin disdainfully, watching the cheerful student.

"You can't blame them. After all, they're just ordinary students; how could they know about such matters? Ignorance is bliss!" remarked Roland calmly, observing Marin's composed expression.

It was still the 18th century, and information exchange was far from developed. It was entirely normal for them to be unaware of the conflict in the south of France.

In a letter home, Napoleon revealed his intention to lead a force as an artillery general to the south of France. He even jokingly suggested that Roland serve as his deputy in the battle for Turin.

Naturally, this suggestion met with vehement opposition from Roland's mother and grandmother. They would never allow their beloved son (or grandson) to venture into such dangerous territory.

"Quiet, everyone, quiet! No more talking." Suddenly, a voice from afar interrupted Roland's thoughts, and naturally, it was the headmaster of the military academy. He cleared his throat, preparing to deliver a speech.

"Students, I'm sure you're all curious why classes have been suspended today. Of course, you might also be celebrating because this means you don't have to endure any more training," the headmaster began his address from the platform.

"Ha-ha-ha!" The students below erupted into laughter, clearly amused by the headmaster's words, which struck a chord with them.

It seemed that regardless of the country or the type of school, students' reluctance to attend classes was universal.

"All right, all right, settle down!" Seeing the students below laughing uproariously, the situation seemed to be spiraling out of control, so the headmaster promptly pounded the table to signal for quiet.