After receiving the reports, Tatsuo finally allowed himself a moment of respite. He found a relatively clean room in the Greywall Town Hall, a temporary sanctuary amidst the chaos. Exhaustion tugged at him, but he knew he couldn't fully rest until he had processed the day's events.
As he settled into the room, a familiar chime resonated in his mind.
[System Announcement: Calculating Quest Reward...]
Tatsuo closed his eyes, anticipating the results. He had fought hard, led his company effectively, and achieved a significant victory. He was curious to see how the system would evaluate his performance.
[System Announcement: Quest Reward Calculated]
Line Quest: Conquer a Town from Skylance Kingdom
Reward: A Class Magic Skill
Additional Rewards:
Exceptional Leadership and Tactical Acumen: S Class Weapon
S Class Weapon: "Eclipse Blade"
Description: The Eclipse Blade is a dual-edged sword forged from a rare, obsidian-like metal that absorbs light. It has a sleek, curved design, and its edges are perpetually shrouded in shadow.
Functions:
Light Absorption: The blade absorbs light, making it exceptionally effective in dark environments. It also negates magical light-based attacks.
Shadow Infusion: The blade can be infused with Tatsuo's shadow magic, enhancing its cutting power and allowing it to create shadow fissures with each strike. These fissures can then be used for shadow movement or shadow binding.
Phase Shift: The blade can temporarily phase through solid objects, allowing for surprise attacks and bypassing defenses.
Dark Energy Emission: The blade can emit a wave of dark energy, capable of dealing significant damage and weakening enemies.
Decisive Action and Initiative: Advanced Rank Skill Book (Chosen by Master)
Advanced Rank Skill Book: "Tactical Shadow Strike"
Description: This skill book teaches Tatsuo a martial technique that combines his shadow manipulation with his combat prowess.
Functions:
Shadow Step Strike: Tatsuo uses shadow movement to close the distance between himself and his target in an instant, delivering a powerful strike from an unexpected angle.
Shadow Clone Assault: Tatsuo creates temporary shadow clones that mimic his movements, overwhelming the enemy with a coordinated assault. These clones are not very strong, but are perfect for distractions, and creating openings.
Shadow Bind Combo: After landing a strike, Tatsuo uses shadow binding to ensnare the enemy, creating an opening for a follow-up attack.
Tactical Shadow Evasion: Tatsuo uses shadow movement to evade attacks, creating afterimages that confuse the enemy.
Tatsuo's eyes snapped open. The rewards were substantial. A Class Magic Skill, a weapon blueprint, an advanced skill book. He smiled. "Not bad," he murmured.
[System Announcement: New Quest Available]
Tatsuo ignored the new quest for now. He focused on his rewards.
He decided to learn the magic skill first.
[System Announcement: Choose a Magic Skill]
Several options appeared before him, each with a brief description. Tatsuo carefully considered his choices, weighing the pros and cons of each. He knew that the right magic skill could be a powerful asset.
After careful consideration, Tatsuo made his choice.
[System Announcement: Magic Skill Acquired: Shadow Manipulation]
Function:
Shadow Manipulation allows Tatsuo to control and manipulate shadows as if they were a tangible substance. This includes:
Shadow Constructs: Creating solid or semi-solid constructs from shadows, such as weapons, shields, or even temporary barriers.
Shadow Movement: Blending into shadows to move swiftly and silently, granting enhanced stealth and mobility. He can also use the shadows to teleport short distances, provided there are shadows between the two locations.
Shadow Illusions: Creating illusions using shadows, capable of deceiving the senses and creating distractions.
Shadow Binding: Ensnaring enemies in tendrils of shadow, restricting their movement and even draining their life force.
Shadow Enhanced Senses: Enhance Tatsuo's senses within shadows, all owing him to perceive things that are hidden in darkness.
Tatsuo felt a surge of energy within him as the skill was integrated into his being. He was eager to test its capabilities, but for now, he allowed himself to rest. He knew that the battles ahead would be even more challenging, and he needed to be prepared. He drifted off to sleep, his mind already strategizing for the future.
...….
The morning after the battle, Greywall Town was a hive of activity. Soldiers were still clearing debris, tending to the wounded, and securing the perimeter. Tatsuo, having rested briefly, was overseeing the organization of supplies when he was informed that Vanguard General Kaelen Stonecliff and 2nd Class Clash Commander Borin had arrived.
They met in the Town Hall's command room, where Tatsuo presented a detailed report of the battle, the captured supplies, and the prisoner count. General Stonecliff's expression was grave, but a hint of satisfaction flickered in his eyes.
"Senior Major Ryujin," Stonecliff began, his voice resonant, "your actions yesterday were decisive. You turned a potential disaster into a resounding victory. The capture of Greywall Town and General Vane is a significant blow to the Skylance forces."
Commander Borin nodded in agreement. "Your company's performance was exceptional. I've never seen such raw power displayed on the battlefield."
Stonecliff continued, "In recognition of your valor and leadership, and in light of Commander Corvin's unfortunate demise, I am promoting you to the rank of 1st Class Rare Commander. You will now command the Corvin Battalion, which will now be known as the Tatsuo Battalion."
Tatsuo accepted the promotion with a respectful nod. "Thank you, General. I am honored."
"Furthermore," Stonecliff said, "I am entrusting you with the defense of Greywall Town. This town is strategically vital. It serves as a crucial foothold in Skylance territory and a launching point for future offensives. While you hold this town, my forces will focus on attacking other Skylance towns near the border. We will push them back into their own land."
Tatsuo understood the importance of Greywall. It was now his responsibility to ensure its security.
"Understood, General. I will not fail you," Tatsuo replied.
After the generals departed, Tatsuo began to consolidate his command. He absorbed the remaining platoons that had been under Corvin's command, effectively quintupling his forces, bring his command to approximately 500 soldiers. He then called a meeting of all the majors and officers of the battalion.
"Gentlemen," he addressed them, "we have a crucial task ahead of us. We must secure Greywall Town and prepare for further offensives. I expect nothing less than absolute dedication and cooperation."
He then turned to Anya. "Senior Major Anya, I need a complete list of all the soldiers in the battalion, along with their ranks and specializations."
"Immediately, Commander," Anya replied, and left to do as requested.
Later, in his office, Anya presented the list. She hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Commander," she began, her voice soft, "I have to ask. What happened on the battlefield yesterday? Your company... their power was extraordinary. It's not normal."
Tatsuo regarded her, assessing her trustworthiness. He had come to respect her professionalism and loyalty. He decided to confide in her.
"Anya," he said, his voice low, "I trust you. What I am about to tell you must remain between us."
He took a deep breath. "I am Tatsuo Ryujin, Crown Prince of the Shinku Hou Empire. I came to the front lines to gain firsthand experience in warfare and to understand the true nature of conflict. I brought with me my personally train personal guards, highly trained and loyal. Their power is a reflection of their dedication and training."
Anya's eyes widened in surprise, but she remained composed. "Your Highness," she said, bowing her head slightly.
"Please, Anya, just Tatsuo. My purpose here is to serve as a soldier, not as a prince. I need to understand the struggles of my people and the realities of war. I will not let my title interfere with my duties here."