Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 1189

The Dead Rise, a massive military alliance vying for control of the central front.

Among them, the Fifth Legion Commander holds a position of significant power, receiving independent operational authority and command of all subordinate units.

This supreme command is granted only to generals of lieutenant general rank or higher within the legion.

Lenok recalled the moment he was offered the position of legion commander, a position that even Peisha Grisburn had never held.

The Dead Rise Third Legion he encountered on his way to the first gate to obtain the barrier fragments.

The offer he received from Robert Roberaid, the Third Legion commander who led the assault unit, right after their fight.

How much time had passed since he dismissed Roberaid’s words that the position of the Fifth Legion Commander was Lenok’s?

Roberaid’s words from that time had not vanished into the lava; they had returned to Lenok in this form.

KWA-A-A-A-A!!!!

The sight of tanks and armored vehicles advancing amidst the firestorm pouring from the sky.

Among them, soldiers fully armed and eliminating the remaining ghouls could be seen.

“Secure the supply depot. Take control of the radar room!!”

“A-3 area cleared. Moving to the military airfield!”

Tatatatang!!!

The legion fearlessly traversed the military base under bombardment, exchanging information and taking control.

The heavy tanks that had eliminated the ghouls moved, crushing and destroying the walls and ceilings of the base.

Repeating bombardment and advancement, clearing the blocked view, the armored unit quickly surrounded Lenok.

However, Lenok knew that they had intervened not to kill him, but to protect him.

The figure of the officer kneeling in front of Lenok, bowing his head deeply.

Behind him, dozens of soldiers and mages who had dismounted from the tanks saluted towards him.

The Dead Rise Fifth Legion, which had bombarded the entire military base where the headquarters was located.

The fact that they had come out to greet Lenok, wanting to serve him as the new legion commander—

“You’re making a big mistake.”

In the center of the burning blast zone, Lenok looked down at the officer kneeling before him.

A cold-looking young man who introduced himself as Brigadier General Riyad Enel of the Dead Rise Fifth Legion Command.

Considering his rank of brigadier general and the fact that he led the legion to greet Lenok, this man must be the de facto commander of the Fifth Legion.

“I have never accepted the position of legion commander. I haven’t even started discussing that matter with the Dead Rise yet.”

“……”

“Yet, you believe that I have accepted the position and are trying to enthrone me as your superior without my consent.”

Lenok’s gaze towards Enel turned cold.

“Did you think I would gladly accept your unexpected loyalty or respect?”

“I understand what you are saying, Commander.”

Enel, kneeling before Lenok, bowed his head deeply.

“However, may I explain after moving you two to a better place?”

“Are you suggesting we move locations?”

“The staff department estimates that the attack on the headquarters military base was the work of a ‘Private Soul’ Yoran.”

Enel said in a subdued voice.

“A madman who was once a sorcerer of the alliance but fell into forbidden arts and became a master of necromancy, and is currently causing enormous casualties in the Eastern Continent.”

“……”

“That’s the name of the necromancer who was ranked 10th in the power rankings.”

Euphoria, who had come down next to Lenok, said with a blank face.

“I remember him as a newly named short-lived species as the top rankings have changed recently.”

“As Aocel-nim [A respectful title used for long-lived species] said.”

Enel answered immediately.

“He is a villain who uses the most heinous methods of killing humans to use necromancy, so I am concerned that you two might be harmed.”

“Wasn’t it said that it was a type of sorcery that forcibly encroaches and taints the surrounding environment?”

Euphoria naturally answered Enel’s words, then subtly changed the subject.

“I don’t have much interest, but I remember seeing information about it. It would be better to move locations as the short-lived species said.”

“As the noble long-lived species takes an interest in human affairs, our legion will also do our best.”

“……”

Lenok looked at Euphoria without saying anything, and she pretended not to notice and turned her gaze away.

‘Private Soul’ Yoran. Is it true that a high-ranking necromancer who has newly entered the top 10 in the power rankings is the one who attacked the legion?

But if so, what was the information about the legion commander’s betrayal that Lenok obtained at the military base?

At least, it was clear that there was someone within the legion who was in contact with the necromancer who carried out the attack.

Lenok did not bother to mention such facts and naturally turned his gaze away.

As Enel raised his hand, the armored forces of the Fifth Legion that had surrounded them began to move.

Krrrrrrung!!!!

The armored vehicles moved, crushing and destroying the melting walls and floors of the military base.

The long barrels of the self-propelled guns rotated, projecting artillery fire beyond the wall of fire pouring down.

Dozens of tons of heavy war machines, including multiple rocket launchers and howitzers, destroyed the surroundings and cleared the way.

Dududududu!!!!

From the center of the sunken blast zone, artillery and armored equipment, several times more than what was visible, appeared and sped away.

An unrealistic scene of the Fifth Legion clearing a path by destroying an entire mountain where the military base was located in front of Lenok’s eyes.

At the same time as a sleek airship descended vertically from the sky, it laid down rails in front of Lenok.

The map of the Eastern Continent unfolded as he entered the control room of the airship. The symbols of various legions moving in real time.

Semi-transparent screens spread out in all directions, transmitting images so that the scenery on the ground could be observed from all angles.

A wave of steel moving across the entire mountain range. The entire Fifth Legion armored unit moved along with the airship and changed direction all at once.

Kwa-gwa-gwa-gwa!!!!

Each time they moved, the entire mountainside shook violently and vibrated as if it would collapse.

A heavy sense of oppression, as if the legion was moving around Lenok and projecting its presence without holding back.

Euphoria, who was standing next to him, looked strangely satisfied with the scene.

“I didn’t know that the short-lived species had such mobility with their technology.”

“As Aocel-nim is a member of the Third Legion, please understand that this is all the respect we can offer.”

Enel, who was walking while commanding his subordinate officers, bowed his head in a polite manner.

“Until we arrive at the Second Headquarters, the Fifth Legion will do its best to serve you both.”

“I have a question about the Second Headquarters of the legion you mentioned.”

Lenok, who was looking at the legion’s formation on the monitor screen, turned his gaze.

“The coordinates of the Second Headquarters that I received from the Fourth Legion commander were here. Why was there a ghoulified military base here?”

“This place is within the jurisdiction of the Dead Rise Legion’s Second Headquarters, but it is not the area where the headquarters is directly stationed.”

Enel replied calmly.

“The headquarters where the parade is held is located far away from here. The Fifth Legion will guide you both.”

“Are you saying that Mirva Neosoto gave me the wrong location coordinates?”

“Because the jurisdictional area of the Second Headquarters is too large, it is extremely difficult to find the way and pass through checkpoints without the guidance of a related person.”

Enel, who had given a simple hand signal to his subordinate soldiers, turned his gaze.

“In my humble opinion, I believe that Lieutenant General Neosoto would have dispatched a related person to guide the commander to the military base in advance, but…”

“The military base was attacked by a necromancer, and things went wrong.”

“It is the time when the entire military force of the Dead Rise Legion gathers in one place. Those who are hostile to the legion would want to check the headquarters’ decisions and divert their attention.”

“Are you saying that the parade is a serious issue for other forces as well?”

“This parade itself is, in fact, the culmination of the power game within the legion.”

Enel, placing his hand on his chest and taking a salute, said in a polite tone.

“Commander. Our Fifth Legion lost its former legion commander in a clash with the Ability Awakening Corps a few years ago and has existed without a supreme commander for a long time.”

“……”

“Because of that, even though we have the most outstanding firepower projection capabilities among the legions, we have been forced to follow the operations of other legions for a long time.”

Enel’s face, which seemed to have no gaps, changed coldly for a moment.

“This is because the marshal had to give his approval in order to be formally appointed as a legion commander. Therefore, the Fifth Legion had no choice but to watch its power weaken without receiving a new legion commander.”

“Has the situation changed with the marshal’s return?”

“Commander, you were the only internal candidate who was confirmed as the new legion commander by the legion command even before the parade began.”

Enel stared at Lenok with intense eyes.

“I have heard of your fame from afar. The best flame magic user and slayer of apostles. Your achievements in defeating the Grafting Sorcerer are almost unparalleled among the current legion commanders. I have been longing to serve you, as I believe you are the most suitable person for the Fifth Legion, which specializes in firepower projection.”

Even while looking at Lenok’s indifferent face head-on, Enel did not lose his composure.

“You may not realize it yet, but the privileges given to a legion commander are unimaginably enormous. Not only does an individual virtually own the entire legion, but they can also enjoy various privileges, conveniences, immense wealth, and honor throughout the continent.”

“……”

“And we are ready to dedicate ourselves to the privileges and honor that will be given to you, Commander.”

Enel, kneeling again in front of Lenok, held out one hand in a polite manner.

“From this moment on, the Fifth Legion will serve you as the new legion commander and pledge our loyalty. Please, give us your orders.”

At that moment, a series of transparent hologram windows glowing in blue light began to appear in front of Lenok’s eyes.

[Legion Command and Control System Final Authority Renewal Complete.]

[Alpha Operation Link Open. Pass Activated.]

Pa-ba-ba-bat!!!!

Dozens of hologram windows opened overlapping each other, displaying an immeasurable amount of information.

The main forces of the Fifth Legion deployed in all directions, centered on the area where Lenok was currently located.

The organization of the Fifth Legion and the number of troops deployed in operations. The current status of the weapon system and the specifications of the equipment held.

The blueprints of war machines and the command system. Information on troop organization and available resources.

Is this information that shows the various forces of the legion that are moving in real time for the parade?

The entire Fifth Legion already recognized Lenok as the legion commander and was transferring the authority they had.

However, Lenok was reviewing the conversation he had with Enel and the internal affairs of the legion.

‘Is the internal rivalry within the same legion this extreme? This is quite significant information.’

It was understandable that the former Fifth Legion commander was killed in a clash with the Ability Awakening Corps, but it was quite unexpected that the Fifth Legion, which had lost its head, had been dragged around by other legions for a long time.

It was understandable that the position of the Fifth Legion commander was vacant because the appointment of a legion commander required the marshal’s approval.

However, it was even more interesting that the same legions under the name of Dead Rise were constantly checking and trying to use each other.

That was probably because the legion had grown in size by absorbing both allies and enemies and incorporating them under the legion’s banner.

That method had turned Balkan’s private military company into a massive military alliance spanning the entire continent, but therefore, internal division was inevitable.

Lenok stared down at Enel, who was kneeling and bowing his head in front of him.

A brigadier general and deputy commander of the Fifth Legion’s staff department. He must be the one who has been practically commanding the headless legion until now.

If he had somehow maintained his power even in a situation where he was being dragged around by other legions, his capabilities as a commander must also be considerable.

However, Enel himself did not seem to have any hesitation or reluctance about transferring the command of the Fifth Legion to Lenok.

Was it because he had been losing the initiative to other legions for a long time, or was it because he recognized that Lenok was the right person for the legion commander?

But-

“Unfortunately, such explanations will not change my mind.”

“……”

“If a new legion commander can be appointed because the parade is being held, then nothing should be decided at this moment.”

In the end, it was not something to be decided by only listening to the story of the Fifth Legion.

The existence of the marshal, Ethan Bajur, who is returning at the same time as the Dead Rise Legion’s parade.

And the complex internal situation of the legion that made this situation possible just by the marshal’s return.

At least, wasn’t it something that could only be decided after seeing and confirming everything with Lenok’s own eyes?

There were too many things involved in this parade, so he had no intention of rushing.

“Whether it’s the position of legion commander or the purpose of the parade, giving a definite answer right now is meaningless.”

Lenok, having come to a conclusion, gestured to Enel with a blank face.

“I will meet the marshal in person and make a decision. Where is the Second Legion Headquarters?”

“The current headquarters is located in the Forbidden Zone in the center of the Eastern Continent.”

“Forbidden Zone?”

“It is a place where city-state forces, including Balkan, Machina, and the Autonomous Region, have gathered and agreed to prohibit entry.”

Enel replied, pointing to an empty area in the center of the Eastern Continent map on the screen.

“It is a vast plain surrounded by mountains, and it is believed to be the place where Ars Nova’s chemical experiment failed.”

“Why is the legion headquarters located in such a place?”

“In addition to the special role that the Second Headquarters plays within the legion, there are not many places in the Eastern Continent where more than five legions can gather.”

Enel said.

“Most of the plains are the territories of city-states, and the rest are rugged terrains that are not suitable for legions to be stationed. Therefore, the Fifth Legion has also moved only some of its highly mobile armored units to greet the commander.”

“……”

“We have completed negotiations with each city-state to hold the parade in the Forbidden Zone. The envoys of each city-state have already arrived at the site.”

Enel said, looking at the symbol of the Fifth Legion that was rapidly closing the distance on the map.

“We will probably be the last ones.”

Beep!!

At that moment, a short warning sound flashed on the control room monitor of the airship Lenok was on.

The screen of the monitor, which had been showing the ground and the unit formations, forcibly switched, and a symbol that appeared to belong to the legion appeared on the screen.

Beyond the crackling and fluctuating regular signal, a voice mixed with mechanical sounds began to be heard.

[Dead Rise Legion Second Operations Command Line Connected.]

[Fifth Legion, immediately reorganize your formation and proceed to the checkpoint.]

“Fifth Legion Command and Control Room responding. Currently, the armored unit of this legion is moving with the new legion commander.”

Enel, holding the communicator, responded immediately.

“We are currently forming a formation to escort the commander, so please take measures to allow us to pass through the checkpoint.”

[Impossible.]

The voice replied mechanically.

[Confirming the authority holder of the Fifth Legion’s operation system. The authority holder must directly lead the unit to form a formation and enter the headquarters.]

“The commander has not formally taken over the legion’s system and has no command experience. Transfer the system authority and the manual later-”

[Currently, the main forces of the Second, Ninth, and Eleventh Legions are simultaneously entering the headquarters garrison.]

The voice, cutting off Enel’s words, said firmly.

[Currently, each legion commander is directly leading their units to move. Please note that the Fifth Legion cannot be treated as an exception.]

“This legion has been working hard to guard the Second Headquarters garrison area while carrying out several operations prior to the parade.”

Enel’s expression, holding the communicator, turned cold.

“We should be given consideration in terms of maintenance and rest compared to other legions stationed in the rear-”

Click!!

Before Enel could finish speaking, Lenok was manipulating the hologram that had appeared in front of him.

“So this is how it’s done.”

“Commander?”

For the first time, a faint hint of bewilderment appeared on Enel’s cold face.

“The Alpha Operation System is an extremely complex communication program created to systematically control the legion’s organization. The entire armored equipment of the legion is linked to the system, so even a small mistake can cause a major accident. Please leave it to me here…”

“No, it’s over.”

“…Yes?”

Dududududu!!!!

At that moment, the armored units that had been scattered and advancing below the airship changed their movements almost simultaneously.

Hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles adjusted their directions and quickly formed a formation.

Without hardly slowing down their moving speed, they quickly rearranged the unit formation on the hill.

Kwarurururu!!!!

While trampling over the mountain range, the entire legion quickly aligned and narrowed the gaps.

Tanks and armored vehicles stood in front, and self-propelled guns and multiple rocket launchers lowered their barrels in the rear.

The situation officers who were observing the situation on the control room monitor stammered with bewildered expressions.

“Fifth, Fifth Legion armored unit all completed the rearrangement of formation and front line. Entering the Second Operations Headquarters.”

“Hundreds of armored equipment with different speeds and outputs so skillfully…”

“Operation system communication efficiency 81%? Even a machine couldn’t do this…”

Enel lost his words and turned his gaze, but Lenok was engrossed in manipulating the hologram screen.

“The specifications and organization of the legion’s equipment are just too subdivided, but the system itself is not complicated.”

“……”

“If you calculate the moving speed and direction control ability of each military equipment and move them with a time difference, it is not difficult to change the formation.”

Lenok, who had finished rearranging the formation in an instant, closed the hologram and raised his gaze.

“I wouldn’t call this command, but it will help to enter the headquarters quickly.”

“No, I have never seen such speed except for the Fourth and Seventh Legions…”

“Checkpoint passed. Entering the headquarters garrison area.”

At the same time as forming a formation, the armored unit of the Fifth Legion passed through the checkpoint and moved forward.

At the same time as crossing the hill, a deafening roar that pressed down on the chest echoed from afar.

Thump, thump, thump…!!!

A very heavy and dull drum sound. Or a roar like a heavy metal mass falling and exploding.

Amidst the regularly echoing roars, a magnificent trumpet sound that pierced the lungs accompanied it.

Whioooooo!!!

Following the dry wind blowing across the field, countless legion flags fluttered in all directions.

As soon as they crossed the hill, a vast field stretching to the end of the horizon unfolded.

At the sight of the scene, Lenok paused for a moment and quietly turned his gaze.

The military base that Lenok knew as the coordinates of the headquarters. More than a dozen of the same facilities were lined up on the field.

Numerous factories and transport vehicles were densely packed between the dozens of military bases and facilities.

An immeasurable number of soldiers who had completed their stationing in various parts of the field and were repeating maintenance and training.

“It’s an enormous scale…”

Lenok muttered quietly as he looked at the scene.

Because he knew what the special ‘role’ of the Second Headquarters that Enel had mentioned earlier was as soon as he saw the scene.

“Is the entire jurisdictional area of the Second Headquarters being used as the legion’s munitions factory?”

“Dead Rise Legion Second Headquarters, Beta Factorium.”

Enel, who was standing as if to assist Lenok, replied.

“It is a large-scale production facility that alone produces 30% of the legion’s ground warfare, and it is also the operational area of the Fifth Legion.”

“…Operational area?”

“I told you that the operational area assigned to the legion commander is virtually their personal property.”

Enel said in a calm voice.

“The Forbidden Zone and the entire production facility located here are soon to be the property of the commander.”