I checked the two skills that had appeared before my eyes.
1. [Parallel Processing]
Detailed Description: Multiplies and divides the user’s intracranial processing speed, increasing it by leaps and bounds. Even in the midst of intense combat, the user can grasp the battlefield perfectly without information overload. Efficiency increases as this skill’s level rises.
First, [Parallel Processing].
Until now, it had been a fairly useless skill. Commanding a company was something I could manage by running around in person.
But when I thought about the “Jaeger Combat Group” I would be leading from now on, it was a little different. If I had to command a mixed unit of armor, infantry, and even air forces, the day would come when it gave me a headache.
But my worries vanished the moment I checked the second option.
2. [Upgrade]
Detailed Description: Ignores the limits of skills explicitly marked as “cannot be leveled up,” or skills that have already reached maximum level (MAX), and upgrades them to the next level. Each upgrade requires 1 skill point. This skill cannot be leveled up by any means.
“Hooh…?”
An exclamation of admiration escaped me on its own.
Until now, I had always found it regrettable that overpowered skills like [Minimap] and [Indomitable Mind] came with the restriction that they “cannot be leveled up.” Especially [Minimap], which lacked information like elevation differences and terrain features.
I invested the point without hesitation.
[You have selected the skill “Upgrade.”]
[You have acquired a new skill!]
With the familiar ringing sound, I learned the skill. Unlike other skills, there was no particular sensation.
Now I had 2 points remaining. I decided to make use of the function I had just learned right away. The target was, of course, the skill that had been the greatest contributor to my survival and would serve as the eyes of the Jaeger Combat Group.
[Would you like to use “Upgrade” on the skill “Minimap”?]
‘Yes.’
Ding!
[The skill “Minimap (Lv.1 - MAX)” will be upgraded! (Lv.1 -> Lv.2)]
[You can now perceive terrain features and even building structures in 3D.]
I focused on the [Minimap] floating in one corner of my vision.
Then every collapsed alleyway of the Rosenheim city streets was engraved into my mind like a three-dimensional hologram.
“Incredible.”
I was lucky. To think I’d obtain a cheat skill like this right before breaking through the Ashen Forest.
I turned my gaze back to the system window.
[Owned Skill Points: 1]
Now I had 1 point left. I could use [Upgrade] to further enhance another max-level skill, or I could simply invest in [Bullet Time] and focus on survival.
But before that, I had to check what skills had appeared again.
1. [Parallel Processing]
Detailed Description: …….
2. [Weapon Mastery]
Detailed Description: Immediately acquires the optimal method of use for any weapon the user recognizes. The proficiency granted increases as this skill’s level rises.
“…….”
After checking the new skill, my dilemma deepened again.
[Weapon Mastery] was appealing. If I had possessed this skill when handling the 88mm in Rosenheim, things would have been much easier. But now, I was no longer a captain firing a rifle on the front line. I was a lieutenant colonel who had to coordinate the lives and deaths of thousands, as well as massive armored equipment.
‘Will there ever be a time when I have to drive a tank myself?’
I couldn’t know, but just in case.
[Parallel Processing], or [Weapon Mastery]. If not those, leveling up or upgrading a skill was also possible.
‘There are too many choices.’
At times like this, saving the point was also one way to go.
I closed the window, leaving 1 skill point unused. I had obtained the ability I needed immediately, and it was wise to use the remaining point flexibly depending on the situation.
“Phew….”
With a sigh, I sank back into the sofa.
Knock, knock, knock.
Just as I was about to close my eyes, a knock sounded.
*
A little earlier, in front of the bunker just after Max Jaeger left.
Three women had been left behind in the cold night air.
“This… can’t be.”
Captain Erika von Stahlberg stared at Max’s departing back with a hollow expression.
“A lieutenant colonel. A special promotion….”
“Accept it, Erika.”
A cold voice came from beside her. It was Major Seraphina von Reinhardt.
“He deserves it.”
“Major… aren’t you jealous? He outranks even you now!”
“On the battlefield, status is nothing but ornamentation. What matters is that the one who has proven their ability takes command. And….”
Seraphina’s blue eyes gleamed strangely.
“He saved my ma— no, our unit. That fact does not change.”
“Ugh….”
Unable to find words to refute her, Erika merely bit her lip.
“I… will be going now.”
At last, she kicked the ground irritably, turned on her heel, and disappeared toward the quarters.
And a short while later.
Step, step.
Someone walked out from the darkness.
Neatly tied brown hair and an innocent, puppy-like face.
“…Were you watching, Sergeant Meyer?”
“Loyalty. Yes, Major.”
Hanna saluted respectfully. As always, she looked innocent and loyal.
“I see. Good work. Go back and rest now.”
Seraphina waved her hand, intending to dismiss her. But Hanna did not budge from where she stood. Her hazelnut-colored eyes stared fixedly at Seraphina.
“…Do you have something to say?”
“No. It’s just….”
Hanna tilted her head and asked in a tone full of pure curiosity.
“Major, are you feeling all right?”
“…My body?”
“Your complexion has seemed a little… strange for a while now. As if you’re ill somewhere.”
Seraphina’s eyebrow twitched. It was probably because, after the fierce defense of Rosenheim, she had not been able to receive the Bio-Resonance Tuning Method due to Max’s hospitalization.
“I appreciate your concern, but I manage my own condition.”
Unable to tell the truth, Seraphina gave a suitable excuse and turned away.
“That is a relief. I thought perhaps….”
Behind Seraphina, Hanna took one step after her.
“You were going to receive treatment from our lieutenant colonel, you see.”
“……!”
Seraphina’s shoulders stiffened. She hurriedly looked around. Fortunately, the guards were far away.
“You, just what are you talking about…!”
“Am I wrong? The medical facility where Captain Elise is stationed is in the opposite direction, after all.”
Hanna’s eyes narrowed. It was a wary gaze, as though she were looking at an intruder who had entered her territory.
“And the direction you are heading right now, Major… just so happens to be where Lieutenant Colonel Jaeger is staying.”
Struck right on target, Seraphina’s brow furrowed sharply.
“……It seems I mistook the direction.”
“…A mistake, you say.”
Hanna tilted her head slightly. A smile hung on her lips, but her hazelnut-colored eyes were not smiling.
“Major. Do you know what my post is?”
“You are a tactical intelligence analyst. What of it?”
“My specialty is… seeing what cannot be seen.”
Hanna took another step closer.
“The mana flowing through your body right now, Major… is screaming.”
That was true. Hanna was a rare Awakened with the ability [Mana Detection]. She was a talent Max Jaeger had discovered. Hiding the signs of [Mana Backflow] in front of her was like hiding the smell of blood in front of a hunting dog.
“…Insolent, Sergeant. Arbitrarily diagnosing a superior officer’s health is an overreach of authority.”
“It is not overreach. It is assistance. Lieutenant Colonel Jaeger said so as well. That it is an intelligence officer’s duty to ascertain not only the enemy’s condition, but also that of our allies.”
Hanna did not yield a single word. And then she drove in the wedge.
“And I also know that there is only one person in all of Rosenheim… who can calm that unstable mana.”
“…….”
Silence.
Seraphina bit her lip. At this point, she had to assume that Sergeant Hanna Meyer knew all the secrets between her and Max. Perhaps she had found out while staying by Max’s side as his adjutant. On top of that, she also possessed [Mana Detection].
“…Fine. I admit it. I need treatment.”
In the end, Seraphina acknowledged it.
“I suffer from a chronic illness called [Mana Backflow], and surprisingly, Max…”
But Hanna frowned, as if displeased with how she addressed him.
“It is Lieutenant Colonel Jaeger.”
“……Lieutenant Colonel Max knew a way to resolve my problem. It was remarkable.”
“A chronic illness… I suppose there could be no more perfect excuse to strip down and cling to him. Major, you are more… sly than I thought.”
“…Watch your tongue, Sergeant.”
Seraphina spoke as if growling.
However, she was not strong enough to beat Hanna.
“You’re not denying it?”
“Ahem…! In any case, I overexerted my mana during this battle. Without the lieutenant colonel’s… tuning, there may be complications in carrying out Operation Scythe.”
In the end, Seraphina put forward an official pretext. It was the last shred of her pride.
“Since you know about my relationship with the lieutenant colonel, I won’t say more. Now step aside. This is for the sake of the entire unit.”
Seraphina tried to pass by. But instead of moving aside, Hanna matched her stride and stood beside her.
“Perfect timing. I also happened to have something to report.”
“…Report?”
“Since the lieutenant colonel has been promoted, as his dedicated adjutant, I must stay ‘close’ and check his future schedule… as well as whether he experiences any discomfort through the night.”
Hanna placed a peculiar emphasis on the word “close.”
Seraphina’s eyebrow twitched.
‘This vixen….’
‘This thieving cat….’
The gazes of the two women collided in midair.
Their ranks were major and sergeant. They were as different as heaven and earth, but in the battle of nerves over the man named Max Jaeger, neither would yield an inch.
But both of them knew. Even if they fought here, it would only cause a commotion, and that would burden Max. More than anything…
Their desire for that man at this very moment was the same.
“…Follow me, then.”
Seraphina turned her head first.
“It would be my honor, Major.”
Hanna followed, pretending to lower her tail.
The two women walked side by side through the dark streets of Rosenheim. The sound of their military boots fell in perfect rhythm, yet a suffocating tension lingered between them.
At last, they arrived before the half-destroyed hotel building that served as Max’s lodging.
Standing before the old wooden door, the two stopped at the same time.
“I will knock.”
As Hanna reached out, Seraphina lightly blocked her wrist with her baton.
“It would be improper for an adjutant to step forward when a superior officer is present.”
With a cold smile, Seraphina raised her white-gloved hand to the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
In the end, the two women knocked at the same time on one man’s door.