Chapter 12: Preparing for Battle

As the headmaster of the military academy, the principal naturally commanded respect. After he finished pounding the table, all the students in the audience immediately quieted down.

"I know that classes have been suspended, and each of you is excited. But I regret to inform you that this time, the suspension is not for a joyous occasion. It's because our homeland is facing a disaster," the headmaster began again, clearing his throat and adopting a somber tone.

"Do you know? Not long ago, while you were still studying peacefully, the Holy Roman Empire to the east of France formed a coalition of six nations and launched an attack on Turin. Our army faced setbacks on the front lines and has now retreated to Turin."

"What? War has broken out?"

"How could this happen? Everything was fine just a few months ago."

"Damn the Holy Roman Empire! How dare they do such a thing!"

War always stirred hearts, especially in a military academy like this, where the atmosphere was steeped in martial spirit. As these passionate young men learned of the invasion of their homeland, the calm that had just settled descended into chaos once more. They clamored for revenge against the aggressors.

The headmaster, witnessing this scene, felt a sense of satisfaction. His students were so fervent, willing to sacrifice everything for their country. This was exactly what he wanted and the essence of this military academy's mission.

"All right, settle down, everyone, and listen to me," the headmaster said, realizing that it was not yet the time for unrestrained discussion. After allowing the students to vent briefly, he immediately regained control of the situation.

"Students, you're right. Our enemies are truly despicable. That's why we must resolutely resist them to the end. Our homeland has issued a mobilization order, instructing all instructors to join the reserves and participate in the war. Students of the military academy may voluntarily form student armies to defend our country."

"You will be reorganized with student armies from other military academies across the country and stationed in Marly, where you will construct defenses. However, you will not directly engage in combat because it would be a tremendous waste. Most of you will serve as logistics troops, assisting the frontline forces in transporting provisions and ammunition."

"You will not go to the front lines, but even so, there will be dangers. You might die there and never return. Regardless, you will still be in the midst of war. War is a cruel place."

With that said, the headmaster did not continue speaking. He simply looked calmly at the students below. At this moment, the students, who had previously been playful, fell silent instead. The atmosphere became eerily quiet.

"I've said what I needed to say. Now it's up to you to decide," the headmaster said softly after clapping his hands. With that, he didn't say anything else and turned to leave.

"What should we do?"

"Are you asking me? How would I know?"

"So, are we going to participate in the war or not?"

"Of course we are. We're soldiers. We were born to fight and die for our homeland."

As the headmaster left, the previously quiet crowd suddenly became noisy again. They whispered to each other incessantly, discussing the headmaster's words.

"Roland, are you going?" Marin asked Roland, breaking the silence.

"I? I'll definitely go," Roland asserted firmly.

"Really? Then we can go together," Marin continued.

"Um... alright!" Marin's invitation surprised Roland. He hadn't expected Marin to invite him.

Unbeknownst to Roland, his diligence during training had already impressed Marin. Coming from a military family, Marin believed that only someone like Roland, who worked hard, could be considered a true man, worthy of being his friend.

So, inadvertently, Roland became the first friend that Marin approved of.

"And count me in too. Do you guys know Marly is my hometown? When we get there, I can treat you to a meal and show you around," Jobs interjected, appearing beside them.

"Hey, you've forgotten your place again. This time we're going to war, not on vacation," Marin retorted, his face stern.

"What's the big deal? Anyway, we're stationed there as part of the logistics team. We'll just be helping with supplies and equipment. The army won't actually send us into battle. So, when we have free time, we can go have fun," Jobs defended himself after being reprimanded by Marin.

"Even if we're in the logistics team, we're still part of the army. We can't slack off like that. Do you know that loafers like you can be brought before a military court?" Marin countered.

"If that's the case, then why don't you go fight with a gun? If you're so capable, don't stay in the logistics team," Jobs retorted angrily to Marin's continuous reprimands.

"Alright, alright, don't be angry. Jobs meant well too," Roland intervened, hurriedly stepping in between the two.

"Yeah, we're all roommates. When we get to Marly, we still need to unite and fight together. We can't afford to have conflicts starting now," John also stepped forward quickly to mediate.

"Hmph!"

"Heh!" After being persuaded by Roland and John, both Marin and Jobs snorted and turned their heads away from each other. This left Roland and John, who came to mediate, speechless.

"Before the war starts, I need to go home first and explain the situation to my father. Roland, your home should be in Paris, right? Will you come back with me?" After the conflict with Jobs, Marin ignored him and turned to ask Roland.

"Me? I think I'll pass. I'd rather not go back. If my father finds out I intend to join the army and go to war, he'll definitely oppose it vehemently. I don't want my military career to be jeopardized," Roland waved his hand, rejecting Marin's offer.