NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4
I wanted a cigarette.
Originally, I wasn’t much of a heavy smoker in my life…
But when things got somewhat complicated, I used to smoke a couple of cigarettes. Now, combined with this dog of a situation and my smoking habit, they were creating a crazy synergy.
‘Stats are good, all decent.’
But why do they all come with additional penalties?
Firstly, Sergeant Bella Meyer.
She excelled in Endurance. Literally, she was very stable on the battlefield.
Moreover, Endurance is one of the hardest stats to level up.
Given how outstanding her Endurance was, based purely on numbers, Bella Meyer was close to being an excellent squad member.
However, look at her additional penalty.
[Dissociative Amnesia]
[Depression]
[Mana Overload]
There’s a certain probability that she could lose a day’s worth of memories or fall into depression, and if she fails to manage stress, she could enter a state of mana overload.
So what’s the point of having good Endurance? She’s literally a walking bomb.
What about Roxanna Elrim?
She is a heart disease patient. There was no need to even check her stats.
I’m not going to recruit soldiers who could drop dead any moment.
Fortunately, the situation with Claude Rain was better.
No, correction. It’s not just better; Claude Rain is a necessary talent that must be brought along.
And for good reason.
——————-
[Stats]
Political: 40 Decent
Combat: 90 Overwhelming
Command: 50 Decent
Insight: 70 Excellent
Endurance: 30 Unstable
Information: 50 Decent
——————-
Her combat stat is 90. It’s just one step away from the maximum value.
‘As expected, war heroes are different.’
Claude Rain was a decorated veteran who had made significant contributions in the war against the barbarians.
To place such a war hero in this ‘substandard’ platoon?
At first, I couldn’t understand, but soon enough, I realized the tragedy behind his past.
‘Demoted a rank for assaulting a superior officer.’
It wasn’t just insubordination; it was assault. Even a war hero wouldn’t be spared in this case.
Even in a game world, proper military law would apply.
“If he had been made a sergeant by age 31, he should have been treated with respect. I wonder why he assaulted his superior.”
I couldn’t shake the feeling that his ‘alcoholism’ trait might have played a part.
As expected, alcohol is always the problem.
Smoke moderately like me. The Bible says not to get drunk, not to refrain from smoking.
“Huh, my headache is getting worse.”
It was karma.
The karma of adding miserable traits just because of some new traits. At least, the worst traits weren’t included, which is somewhat comforting.
Even though I had only awakened as a blonde-haired officer a few hours ago, I felt deeply immersed in this world.
Maybe it’s due to my adaptability, or perhaps because of similar experiences in similar environments.
That’s why this situation is even more infuriating.
“I should grab someone outside and ask for a cigarette. There must be someone in the army.”
Given that there were tobacco products among the supplies in Hearts of Generals, there was a high chance they’d have cigarettes here too.
So, leaving the room and heading towards the crowded headquarters, I noticed a smoking area nearby.
Just then, three men gathered. Their fingers held what was clearly cigarettes!
‘Please, let them be lower ranked than me.’
But there was no need to worry.
Those gathered in the area were neither NCOs nor officers, but regular soldiers.
One stick for two people, two sticks for one person.
They were probably regular soldiers and a senior private.
Even if they’re not officers, they can’t beg rudely for just one cigarette.
I naturally approached the soldiers and tried to catch their attention.
“So, I’m going to grab that woman’s ass!”
“Hahaha!!”
“This guy is really crazy!”
“Cough.”
“Aaaah!! Damn it! You scared me!!”
One of the excited soldiers nearly fell backward, so I lightly supported him.
“Be careful.”
“What… What?”
“Honor to the Motherland!!!”
His sleeve flapped in the wind, making a crisp sound. If the division commander saw this, he would have given leave immediately—a perfect salute.
Instead of clapping, I returned the salute with a sharp one and said,
“Honor to the Motherland. You can finish your cigarette.”
“Sure!”
The other soldier also quickly hid his cigarette behind his back. The senior private seemed the most relaxed.
His name is Rex.
He exudes the aura of a seasoned senior private.
“Ah, Captain Enok Revendale has just been assigned as our new platoon leader, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. He’s called Enok Revendale.”
“Can I call him Captain Enok?”
“Mmm, sure.”
I gladly accepted Rex’s response.
Usually, as a new lieutenant, the first people you need to win over are the soldiers, after the top command.
That way, it’s easier to manipulate them later. No rumors will spread unnecessarily.
After exchanging pleasantries, it was time to get to the point.
“But, Private.”
“Yes.”
“Could you lend me a cigarette?”
Nicotine.
Give me nicotine!
*
The private looked stunned for a moment, then took out a cigarette from his pocket and handed it to me.
Puff! A cheerful sound, like something familiar, as the cigarette lit up.
“Suuuuh – Poooh.”
White smoke enveloped my lungs, calming my mind and body. Ah, now I feel alive. The oppressive stress seemed to wash away instantly.
If used properly, the chain-smoker trait could actually help with stress management.
In extreme stress situations, smoking gave a satisfaction level higher than normal people.
Of course, the risk of respiratory diseases also increased, and not being able to smoke would double the stress.
Anyway, health comes second to stress management.
Damn, just adding a few penalties to mental traits could have been disastrous.
Even imagining it made my blood run cold.
“Captain?”
While savoring the taste of smoke, a soft voice came from behind.
Turning my head, I saw silver hair—Lumina Blue, my squad member.
“Lumina Sergeant.”
“…You’re a smoker.”
“Yes, since I just arrived, I haven’t received any cigarette supplies yet.”
“I would have given you a pack if you had asked.”
Lumina glanced between Rex and me, slightly displeased, furrowing her eyebrows. Though I couldn’t tell why, I sensed she disliked Rex intensely.
“The battalion commander is looking for you.”
“Oh.”
After taking one last deep drag, I flicked the butt into a metal bucket used as a trash can.
A clean shot.
“Thanks, Private. You saved my life.”
Despite being just a soldier who lent me a cigarette, I thanked Rex.
Rex smiled and nodded in response.
“See you later, Captain.”
???
What’s this? I feel strangely uneasy.
Though soldiers might mock newly appointed lieutenants, Rex’s gaze felt more like he found an interesting toy.
Was it directed at me, or Lumina?
Perhaps both.
Regardless, his attitude wasn’t appropriate for a subordinate, and just as I was about to say something…
“Captain, this way.”
Lumina pulled on my sleeve, eager to get away.
‘How blatant. Did something happen between the two of them?’
I instinctively felt that Private Rex wasn’t a high-quality soldier.
By the way, how long are you going to keep pulling?
I told Sergeant Lumina, still holding onto my sleeve.
“Sergeant, I’ll go on my own now.”
“Oh…! Excuse me.”
Lumina hastily released my sleeve, visibly shaken.
When I confronted her directly, Lumina backed away in surprise. She looked puzzled, as if wondering how I knew.
‘This person’s expressions and actions reveal everything.’
While I liked her straightforwardness, Lumina’s face quickly turned pale.
“No, Captain, I didn’t mean to disregard you…”
“Huh?”
“I apologize!”
Lumina bowed deeply, apologizing 90 degrees. What? I didn’t do anything.
“Private Rex is one of the lowest quality soldiers. He bullies anyone below his rank, including other privates and NCOs, thinking they’re beneath him.”
Lumina’s purple eyes trembled slightly, showing clear signs of distress.
“He has a terrible personality, so it’s best you keep your distance.”
“Does Sergeant Lumina suffer from him?”
“No… not really.”
Lumina trailed off, indicating a positive answer.
Sergeant Lumina was an incredibly beautiful woman, both in appearance and voice. When I first saw her profile, she almost seemed like a noble.
Like a fragrant, graceful flower.
There would be many flies circling around her.
Private Rex might be one of them.
Still, I didn’t particularly plan any special action.
Personal issues are something individuals need to resolve, and if Lumina doesn’t seek help, intervening would just be meddling.
“Alright. Where is the battalion commander?”
“Oh! He said he’s waiting in our platoon’s barracks. Let’s go.”
Seeing me dismiss it casually, Lumina quickly led me inside.
The building was a long, thick gray brick structure.
Not only the platoon barracks, but also the battalion headquarters, various staff offices, and the battalion commander’s office were all housed in one building.
The interior was quite elegant.
As expected of a battalion commander who loves decorating, every wall and light fixture was arranged neatly and beautifully.
If such a building existed in 21st century Korea, it would be famous as a trendy cafe on social media rather than a military barracks.
“Where is the platoon barracks?”
“You need to go downstairs. This way.”
Downstairs…
For such an imposing building, our barracks are located underground.
‘It seems we’re a much-disliked platoon.’
Besides, assigning me to a dorm in a separate annex away from the pretty headquarters suggests a similar sentiment.
I decided to accept it.
Anyway, I only need to stay here for a year. I’ll naturally leave this wretched unit once I’ve established some achievements.
Getting worked up over the location of the barracks would just cost me a promotion.
‘From this perspective, I need to make a good impression on the battalion commander I meet now.’
Being friendly and making an impression are separate issues.
Approaching with a slightly softer attitude, a mix of FM and AM, would be better.
After all, a direct subordinate with more leeway would be easier to handle.
Even though the evaluation is done by the battalion commander, recommending someone is entirely within the battalion commander’s authority.
Both are rabbits I cannot afford to miss.
“Captain Enok Revendale, this is our platoon barracks.”
“…”
After descending four flights of stairs, the underground floor contrasted starkly with the beautiful upper floors.
Natural light was replaced by dim lighting in the underground corridor. It could easily pass as a prison.
Wow, just one floor apart, and the air feels so different.
‘Maybe the condition of the squad members is completely messed up due to the environment?’
This is a serious issue, considering it from a modern perspective.
Seeing my expression darken, Lumina started to cover up.
“This place may seem rough, but it’s actually quite cozy. We’ve decorated it ourselves, so it’s quite livable…”
“Move aside!!”
At that moment, an unknown shout came from inside the barracks.
Followed by heavy footsteps. Instinctively, I pulled Lumina closer to me.
Bam!
As expected, a menacing-looking man burst out of the door.
“Whoa? Who’s this?”
With deep scars across his face and three V-shaped stripes on his shoulder insignia, he was a non-commissioned officer.
“Second Lieutenant? Oh, you’re the new platoon leader everyone’s talking about?”
It was the war hero I considered one of the better ones in our platoon.
Sergeant Claude Rain.
“Ah, I’m Enok Revendale, the new platoon leader…”
“Get lost if you want a meeting or anything. Don’t bother looking for me.”