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4.23% Shattered Innocence: Transmigrated Into a Novel as an Extra / Chapter 20: Leaving for the battlefield

Chapter 20: Leaving for the battlefield

The next morning came far too quickly, the shrill whistle jarring me awake from a fitful sleep.

My body protested as I climbed out of bed, the bruises from the night before reminding me of the cruelty of those bastards.

But, well, the protest of the body meant nothing in the face of the order. That was what had been engraved on my head from all this constant training.

'It is cold.'

We assembled in the yard, the cold morning air biting at our skin. The atmosphere was tense, a palpable mix of fear and determination.

Stroud stood at the front, his stern expression unyielding as he surveyed the ragtag group of trainees.

"Listen up!" he barked, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "Today marks the beginning of your real test. You've had your week of training, and now it's time to put it to use. You'll be assigned to units under experienced leaders. Your job is simple: follow orders, stay in formation, and fight. Do that, and you might just survive."

Stroud began pacing in front of us, his eyes cold and assessing. "You are the expendables, the ones who will hold the line while the seasoned soldiers engage the enemy. Your lives mean nothing to the Empire, but your actions can make a difference. Remember that."

He stopped and turned to face us, his gaze hard. "Each of you will be assigned to a unit. Your leaders will guide you but do not expect any special treatment. You are here to serve and to die if necessary. The battlefield shows no mercy, and neither will we."

Brann stepped forward with a list in hand, calling out names and assigning us to different units. Brann stepped forward with a list in hand, calling out names and assigning us to different units.

My name was called, and I was placed in Unit Seven, where the captain's name was Sergeant Vance. It seemed he had the same rank as Brann, though I had yet to see his face.

"One last thing," Stroud announced. "You'll need to walk to the battlefield camp. Get your armor and weapons, and prepare to move out. Each squad has a designated sector where you'll get your gear. Once equipped, your sergeants will lead you to the front."

We were dismissed to gather our equipment. I made my way to the designated sector for Unit Seven, scanning the crowd for the old man but not seeing him anywhere close.

Most likely, he had been assigned to a different squad.

In the armory, the atmosphere was tense. The clanking of metal and the hushed conversations of trainees filled the air. I approached the quartermaster, who handed me a set of armor and a spear. The armor was crude and worn, but it was better than nothing.

As I strapped on the armor, I noticed a tall, broad-shouldered man approaching. His face was weathered and scarred, a testament to his years of service. This must be Sergeant Vance.

"Unit Seven, gather 'round!" Vance's voice was gruff but commanding. We quickly assembled, standing at attention as he inspected us.

"I'm Sergeant Vance," he began, his eyes sharp and assessing. "I'll be leading you on the battlefield. Your job is to follow orders, stay in formation, and keep each other alive. Do that, and we might just make it through."

He looked each of us in the eye, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer. "We'll be moving out in half an hour. Make sure your gear is secured and be ready to march."

I nodded, getting ready for advancement. Everyone either relieved themselves ate some food or got their water ready.

I had already done all those things. After being in this place for a week and looking outside, I knew what kind of environment we were in.

The Valerius Plains, as the name suggested, was a landscape that was mostly flat. From what I had learned from the geography lessons at home, it was a place that was really fertile and strategically vital for both the Loria and Arcanis Empires.

The plains were not just a battleground but a symbol of prosperity and power, and control over them meant dominance in the region.

I recalled the history behind the war over these lands. The Valerius Plains had always been a coveted prize due to their rich soil, which yielded bountiful harvests year after year.

For centuries, the plains had been a peaceful and prosperous region, home to countless villages and farming communities. However, their location made them a tempting target for the empires surrounding them.

The conflict between Loria and Arcanis was not a new one. It stretched back generations, fueled by a long-standing rivalry and the desire to control the Valerius Plains. The war had seen many battles, with both empires pouring resources and lives into the struggle. It was said that the very soil of the plains was stained with the blood of countless soldiers who had fought and died for their empires.

Loria, my home, was an empire built on discipline and military might. Our soldiers were renowned for their training and discipline, and our strategic thinking as a cold weapon user was at the forefront. 

The plains represented not just a source of food but also a buffer zone, a protective barrier against the encroaching forces of Arcanis.

Arcanis, on the other hand, was an empire of innovation and magic. Their mages were feared and respected, their spells capable of turning the tide of battle in an instant.

Even in the novel, Arcanis was the most developed place in the entire world, let alone the continent. Both technologically and academically, that place was the way of the future. It also hosted the world's best academy.

These plains, with their vast open spaces, provided an ideal battleground for their powerful magic, making them a formidable opponent, and eventually, this battle would be lost.

In the novel, it had been mentioned as a side setting and a small detail, but the Arcanis Empire would take these lands and establish themselves as the powerhouse of the continent, while the Loria Empire would be forced to swallow it and sign a treaty at the end.

After all, there was one clear difference between the Lorian Empire and the Arcanis Empire. The way they had dealt with their military and their systematic way of arranging the units, merging mages with knights and warriors.

In a way, the Arcanis Empire did not separate the mages from the knights but rather put them in the same block as a fighter.

However, it was not revealed for the time being, most likely, as I remember that this special formation and those special units were the ones that turned the tide down and ended the fight. At least, this was how it was mentioned in the novel.

Yes, this battle was a lost one, and I know that from the start. But was there anything that was under my control?

Could I escape this place? Many people have tried to do so this week. And all of them, yes, all of them, had their heads displayed right before our barracks. Just to remind us that if we were to do so, we would share the same fate.

And it is not like it is guaranteed that I will survive until the end of the war. After all, this war will continue for a whopping five years.

Sergeant Vance's voice broke through my thoughts. "Alright, it's time. Form up and get ready to move out."

I adjusted my gear and took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead.

We marched out of the camp in a disciplined line, the sound of our footsteps echoing across the plains. The sun was beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the landscape. It was a stark contrast to the dark and bloody history that these lands held.

As we made our way to the front lines, I glanced around at my fellow soldiers. Each one of them carried their own burdens, most likely, but they all had one simple thing.

They were all people with rough lives, as they were commoners and criminals at the same time.

"How old are you, really?" one man asked another, his voice low but curious.

"Twenty-two," the other replied. "You?"

"Twenty-six. Been in and out of trouble since I was a kid. Never thought I'd end up here, though."

A third soldier chimed in, his tone bitter. "Same here. Thirty now, and I've seen my share of jail cells. But this... this is different. They train us for seven weeks and then send us off to die."

Another man, probably in his late twenties, laughed harshly. "Better than rotting in a cell, though. At least here, we get a chance to fight back. Maybe even survive."

"Survive?" a woman scoffed. It was the first time I had seen a woman in any place, as almost everyone in the camps were men.

 She looked to be in her early thirties, with a hardened face and sharp eyes. "We're fodder, plain and simple. They don't care about us. Just bodies to throw at the enemy."

There were murmurs of agreement, the reality of our situation settling heavily over the group.

One man, who seemed to be in his mid-twenties, spoke up, his voice tinged with nervousness. "I heard the Arcanis soldiers use magic. It's really powerful stuff. How are we supposed to fight against that with just spears?"

A grim silence followed his words, the fear of facing such a formidable enemy evident in everyone's eyes.

"Doesn't matter," the woman replied, her voice steady despite the grim topic. "We do what we can stick together, and hope for the best."

Someone else, a man in his late twenties with a scar across his cheek, muttered, "Hope? Haven't had much of that in a long time."

It seemed that most people were like me here.

-----------------------

You can check my discord if you want. The link is in the description.

I am open to any criticism; you can comment on things that you would like to see in the story. 


Chapter 21: First day on the battlefield

"Hope? Haven't had much of that in a long time."

The conversations continued, each soldier sharing bits of their past, their fears, and their hopes—however small they might be. I listened quietly, my presence largely ignored. It was clear that my status as a noble-turned-criminal made me an outsider, even among this group of outcasts.

"Hey, what do you think about the kid?" one man whispered to another, not realizing I could hear them.

The other soldier shrugged. "He's young. Too young. Aside from that, he is just a weak crybaby noble. I bet he won't see the end of the first day."

"Doesn't matter," a third soldier interjected. "He's still a noble. Probably thinks he's better than us."

"Maaan…..These nobles, I hate them so much. It is because of a bastard like him that I ended up here."

"Same."

They continued to talk amongst themselves as we all walked to the frontline camps.

"Quiet!" Sergeant Vance's voice cut through the murmurs, bringing an abrupt end to the conversations. "Save your energy for the march. We move in silence."

The order was clear, and the group fell into a tense, quiet rhythm. The sound of our footsteps and the occasional rustle of gear were the only noises that accompanied us as we continued our march toward the frontline camps.

The day wore on, the sun climbing high in the sky before beginning its descent. My body ached with each step, my feet throbbing from the unaccustomed strain. The weight of the armor and spear was a constant burden, pressing down on me. I had never exerted myself this hard before, and the fatigue was starting to take its toll.

As evening fell and the sky darkened, we finally reached the frontline camps. The first thing that hit me was the smell—a potent mix of burnt wood, metal, and the faint, acrid tang of blood.

The camp was bustling with activity, soldiers moving purposefully among tents and makeshift fortifications. It was a far cry from the relative quiet of our training camp. The atmosphere was charged with tension and urgency.

We were directed to a section of the camp designated for new recruits. As we entered, the weight of everything I had experienced hit me all at once. My body was exhausted, my muscles screaming in protest with each movement. My feet felt like they were on fire, and the urge to vomit rose in my throat.

Sergeant Vance gathered us in a huddle, his expression as stern as ever. "You've made it this far, but the real test begins now," he said. "Get some rest tonight. You'll need it. Tomorrow, you'll be thrown into the fray. Remember your training, stay in formation, and follow orders. That's the only way you'll survive.

I nodded along with the others, too tired to do anything but comply. We were shown to our sleeping quarters—simple tents with straw mats laid out on the ground.

'As expected, comfort is not there.'

It was a far cry from the comforts of home, but at this point, I was too exhausted to care.

'Bloody hell…..'

As I lay down, the pain in my feet and the ache in my muscles made it difficult to find a comfortable position. It hurt a lot, and it was the first time I felt like I had been pushed this far. Of course, training with a spear, constantly stabbing, etc., was not that easy either, but carrying such heavy things and walking all the way….

It was too much for me. I did not think of myself as a particularly weak person up to this point. I may have been weaker than my brother or my sister when they were my age, but I thought I was at least on the average strength.

But, I forgot one thing, now that I was here.

'Everyone here is older than me.'

Even if I was not that weak physically compared to my peers, I was weak compared to people here. And adapting to them would not be easy.

The weight of the day's march settled heavily on me, and despite the exhaustion, sleep did not come easily.

My mind was a whirl of thoughts, fears, and the grim reality of what lay ahead.

Considering that the enemies would be the same as these guys, I understood my position here.

"Sigh...." A sigh escaped from my lips as I clenched my hand and remembered what happened when I went against Stroud for the first time.

'Even if I am weaker, as long as I remember my training, I can survive.'

Thinking that, I closed my eyes.

The scent of the camp, the sounds of soldiers preparing for battle, and the knowledge that we were on the brink of a deadly confrontation all combined to create a sense of foreboding.

I knew that the days ahead would test me in ways I had never imagined, but I also knew that I had no choice but to face them head-on.

********

The morning came too soon, the sky still dark as Sergeant Vance's voice pierced through the haze of sleep. "Up and at them! It's time to move!"

I groaned, my body protesting the sudden movement. Every muscle ached, a reminder of the previous day's march. But there was no time to dwell on the discomfort. I forced myself to sit up, my mind sharpening as the reality of our situation settled in.

Vance was already outside, directing the older recruits who had been here for six weeks. They moved with practiced efficiency, their faces hardened by their time at the front. I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at their apparent ease. I knew that, for us new recruits, the real challenge was only just beginning.

"Get your gear and line up!" Vance barked, his voice carrying a note of urgency. "We've got a long day ahead."

I quickly grabbed my armor and spear, securing everything as best I could. The weight was still a burden, but I had no choice but to bear it. The other new recruits were in similar states of fatigue, but we all knew better than to complain.

As we assembled, Vance addressed us once more. "Today, you'll be integrated with the older batches. They've been here longer, and you'll learn from them. Stick to your units, follow orders, and watch each other's backs. Understood?"

A chorus of "Yes, Sergeant!" rang out, though the voices were tinged with a mix of anxiety and determination.

Vance nodded, satisfied with our response. "Good. Now, let's move out."

We began our march again, this time alongside the more seasoned recruits. The atmosphere was tense but focused. The older recruits occasionally glanced our way, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wariness. It was clear they were sizing us up just as we were trying to gauge them.

The terrain grew rougher as we moved closer to the front lines. The smell of smoke and metal grew stronger, and the distant sounds of battle became more pronounced. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of fear and adrenaline coursing through my veins.

After what felt like an eternity, we reached a vantage point overlooking the battlefield. The sight before us was a grim reminder of what lay ahead. The Valerius Plains stretched out, scarred by the ongoing conflict between the Loria and Arcanis empires. The landscape was dotted with makeshift fortifications, and the distant figures of soldiers clashed in brutal combat.

Vance turned to us, his expression stern. "This is where you'll be fighting. Remember your training, and stay with your unit. We'll be moving out to support the front lines shortly. Keep your wits about you, and watch for signals from your leaders."

As we prepared to move out, the older recruits offered a few words of advice. "Stick together," one of them said, his voice rough but sincere. "Watch each other's backs, and don't do anything stupid."

Another added, "It's going to be tough, but keep your head down and follow orders. You'll get through it."

I nodded, taking their words to heart. The fear and uncertainty were still there, but at the end of the day, we did not have a choice.

"Now, get ready."

We moved quickly, our hearts pounding as the reality of the battlefield settled over us. Vance led us to a section of the defensive line, his orders precise and unwavering.

"Take your positions and stay alert!" he commanded. "We're here to hold this line. Do not let the enemy breakthrough. Remember your training, and keep your heads down."

I found myself positioned next to a couple of the older recruits, their faces hardened by weeks of battle. They spared me a brief glance, a mix of pity and determination in their eyes.

The sound of the enemy approaching grew louder, the clashing of steel and the shouts of soldiers echoing across the plains. I gripped my spear tightly, my palms slick with sweat. The air was thick with tension, and I could feel my heart racing in my chest.

Vance moved among us, ensuring everyone was in position. "Stay focused," he urged. "The Arcanis forces will try to overwhelm us, but we hold the line. No matter what, we hold the line."

As the enemy drew closer, the ground seemed to tremble with the force of their advance.

RUMBLE! TAK! TAK! TAK!

And as if in an instant, the enemy appeared before us.

"ARCHERS!"

HORN!

With the horn ringing, the first day of my battlefield had started just like that.

-----------------------

You can check my discord if you want. The link is in the description.

I am open to any criticism; you can comment on things that you would like to see in the story. 


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