I, who was eager to retire, became an Imperial General.

Chapter 20 You scoundrel, you plotted against me!
task?

What task?
John was completely bewildered upon hearing this.

But looking around at the other high-ranking officials of the Empire, all of whom were looking down at their teacups as if afraid of being called out by General Dormammu, he realized that they were all afraid of being called out by General Dormammu.

At that moment, John instantly realized.

His absent-minded behavior has unwittingly dragged him into a huge trouble.

But facing Dormammu's death stare, John knew he had to come up with a good excuse to get away with it.

Although it's unclear what these people were talking about, judging from Colonel Codd's report, it must be related to the post-war handling of the Walden area.

It is common knowledge that when it comes to post-war issues, all one needs to do is invoke the empire's name and shout slogans, and that will be the right thing to do.

As for this kind of repetitive talk, I, who was a top-notch ox in my previous life, was extremely familiar with it!

Thinking of this, John felt much more confident. His heart stopped racing, and his hands stopped trembling. He slowly stood up under Dormammu's expectant gaze, cleared his throat, and said:
"Ahem, General, regarding this mission, I feel that my personal opinion is not important. What is important is that, as soldiers, we must prioritize upholding the honor of the Empire when carrying out this mission."

"At the same time, we must steadfastly follow His Majesty the Emperor's directive to consolidate the current territory of the Empire."

"Through strict military discipline, we must make the people of the empire realize that the empire's army is a shield to protect the people, not a mob that tramples on them."

"Always adhere to the principle of treating friends with the gentle warmth of spring sunshine and enemies with the ruthless fighting spirit of winter winds."

"Only in this way can the people of the empire feel a deep sense of pride in being a member of the empire, and only then can they show a warm and approving smile when they see the empire's army, instead of feeling fear. Only then can they be brave enough to take up arms and fight back against these thugs to protect the empire's territory when facing enemy forces, instead of choosing to stand by and watch."

"Therefore, I personally believe that, whether in governing the existing cities of the Empire or the cities of the future, we must always adhere to the principle of not harming the people in any way, and use strict military discipline and regulations to make the people feel at ease and identify with us, so that they will spontaneously support our army, thereby allowing the people to recognize and understand the glory of the Empire, and spontaneously feel proud to be citizens of the Empire."

"Only in this way can the empire continue to grow stronger, can the glory of the empire never be extinguished, and can the goal of unification be achieved."

"These are my personal views and opinions on the post-war governance of the Walden area. My insights are crude, and I hope the general will not take offense."

Following the same script as his previous company speech, John rambled on and on, then bowed slightly to the empire's top executives at the conference table, who looked on in disbelief as if they were listening to gibberish.

"Clap clap clap!"

After a brief pause, a clapping sound suddenly rang out in the command post.

Looking toward the sound, everyone was astonished to find that the person clapping was none other than General Dormammu, who sat at the head of the table.

At this moment, the other person was staring intently at John beside him, their eyes filled with undisguised shock and joy.

It could even be called amazing.

In fact, he was indeed surprised by John's remarks.

In his view, John's speech was so profound that it could be directly submitted to the Imperial Political Department and listed as a set of ideological and spiritual maxims that all Imperial soldiers must read upon enlistment.

Honestly, if I hadn't known John's background and witnessed firsthand the warrant officer's talent in command...

At this moment, Dormammu would surely suspect that John Maslow was a top-notch propaganda talent secretly cultivated by the Imperial Ministry of Culture.

Could it be that John is actually better suited for domestic affairs than fighting?

In that case, the young man will have many more paths to choose from.

After all, his old friend had complained to him more than once in his letters that the Empire's political department currently lacked suitable personnel.

Or, could I recommend him to him myself?
Thinking of this, Dormammu fell into deep thought.

Meanwhile, although they were somewhat confused by John's speech, the other high-ranking officers of the Seventh Air Force reacted quickly after seeing their superiors start clapping, and joined in the applause, while also expressing their admiration.

Suddenly, the previously oppressive atmosphere in the command post became peaceful.

"Warrant Lieutenant John, I must say, your remarks really surprised me, and your ideas on domestic affairs and regional governance are something I can't help but admire."

"Although I know that it is a bit too harsh to ask an outstanding general to carry out difficult tasks continuously, as the saying goes, the capable should do more. Since you, Warrant Officer John, have already expressed your views on the post-war governance of the Walden region through your speech, I think that it is most suitable for you to personally carry out the task of governing the town of Bahamut."

"Of course, considering the size and chaos of the Bahamut town area, it would be difficult for a team of thirty soldiers to suppress and govern this town. Therefore, Warrant Officer John, I will temporarily appoint you as the Supreme Commander of the Independent Operations Force in my capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Seventh Air Force."

"I propose to incorporate the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 14th companies of the original 6th Magic Soldier Battalion into this independent combat unit. At the same time, I will have 600 outstanding soldiers selected from the army's external units to join them, forming a small unit of 720 people, so as to better assist you, Warrant Officer John, in completing the suppression and governance of the Bahamut region."

After speaking, before John could react, Dormammu turned his gaze to Olaf at the very back of the table:
"Major Olaf, do you have any objections to my orders?"

"No objections, Your Excellency!"

Olaf stood tall and responded with a loyal expression.

Although Olaf, as the superior, was somewhat annoyed that his subordinate John had taken over the command that should have been his, he was still somewhat frustrated.

But when he thought that the other party was also bringing him honor, and considering the other party's talent and the general's fondness for him, it was probably only a matter of time before the other party was promoted, received a raise, and became his superior.

It would be a good thing for me to build a good relationship with this promising warrant officer, rather than a bad thing.

The emotion that had been lingering in his heart vanished in an instant.

The way she looked at John became kinder than ever before.

He had already decided that after the meeting, if John came to him asking for reinforcements, he would pretend to be reluctant, but in the end, he would secretly add more men to the unit in his personal capacity.

As for why I didn't consult the general, well, how can official business and private business be the same?

Why be strictly business when you can do favors?

As for the possibility that John might mess things up by taking on this hot potato.

Haha, don't forget, General Dormammu just said he was impressed by Warrant Officer John's management style.

It should be noted that General Dormammu is nominally only the commander-in-chief of the Seventh Air Force.

But in reality, he was a renowned all-rounder in the empire. While domestic affairs weren't his most outstanding area, they weren't something just any Tom, Dick, or Harry could easily meddle in.

How could someone who could make a general admit defeat be a fool who dared to accept a mission without even understanding the situation?
Warrant Officer John's bravery must have been based on the confidence to complete this mission.

So, not only will I not lose money on this investment, but I'll actually make a killing! Hahaha!

Olaf was secretly pleased with himself. At the same time, the people around him seemed to have realized what was happening and looked at Olaf with envy, each of them gnashing their teeth in anger.

He secretly resented that this guy, who only knew how to open wine bottles with a drum, could get such an excellent subordinate for nothing, even though he hadn't done anything and could still bask in the glory.

Damn it, what kind of incredible luck did Olaf have?!
However, unlike the others who were either envious or smug at the time, after hearing Dormammu's arrangements for him...

John froze on the spot, and his ears started ringing uncontrollably.

What the hell?
Bahamut Town?

Isn't this the town where the main characters live in the game's story background?
So, am I going to go head-to-head with the main characters?

This...this isn't right, is it?

Perfect timing! Why did I have to go and do something stupid in front of the main characters?
Dormammu, you scoundrel, you betrayed me!

No, I refuse, I must refuse.

This isn't a mission, it's pure suicide!
"General, I..."

Realizing the situation was dire, John was about to make up an excuse to decline, but before he could speak, Colonel Jet suddenly stood up and said to Dormammu in a deep voice:
"General Dormammu, I think this is inappropriate."

!

John was taken aback, then overjoyed.

He never expected that Jet, the jerk who caused his job-hopping failure, would actually come out to refute Dormammu on his behalf.

All I can say is that this guy has the standard villainous look.

But is he actually a very good person?

It seems I misunderstood you, Jett. From today onwards, you are my half-brother!
I promise you, once I join the Allied Forces and capture you with the main characters, I will definitely help you get a chance to be released on bail!
John looked at Colonel Jett with a grateful expression, but upon hearing Jett's rebuttal, Dormammu couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, then looked at his loyal subordinate with a hint of doubt:
"Oh, Colonel Jet, if you find anything wrong with it, please feel free to tell me, and I will try my best to take it into consideration?"

“I have no objection to your judgment, after all, everyone has witnessed John’s excellence. However, General, you seem to have forgotten that John’s current rank is not enough for him to command so many soldiers.”

"If this decision reaches the Political Department, it may cause some unnecessary trouble for the Seventh Army Corps, and at the same time, it may have some unnecessary impact on Warrant Officer John's resume."

"!"

Colonel Jet reminded him in a deep voice, and Dormammu, upon hearing this, immediately realized his oversight and inwardly sighed at his negligence in overlooking this crucial situation.

In fact, John's current warrant officer rank is only considered a low-ranking commander in the Imperial system. Even within the army, he can only command a force of 300 men at a time.

In special circumstances such as the defeat of non-main force units and the death of superior commanders, leaving no one to command the troops, John, as a warrant officer, cannot lead a force of more than 300 men during normal combat operations; otherwise, he would be deemed to have overstepped his authority.

Although overstepping authority is not considered a major issue in the military, as long as it is permitted by superiors and not reported to the Political Department or the Military Affairs Department, everyone can pretend that nothing happened.

Ultimately, Dormammu's purpose in assigning the task to John was not only to get John to help him resolve this hot potato, but more importantly, to recommend him to the higher-ups, thereby bringing John into the sights of the Empire's leadership and giving him greater opportunities for advancement.

However, due to his inflexibility in his youth, he made many enemies within the empire.

If his political enemies were to learn of this overstepping of authority and make a big deal out of it, his plan to promote John would likely fall through. Even if John himself had made many contributions to the empire, he might be sidelined by the higher-ups due to some tactics employed by his political enemies.

This would completely cut off John's future career, something Dormammu definitely didn't want to see.

Therefore, after Jeter pointed this out, he immediately realized his mistake and promptly admitted his oversight:
"Indeed, it was my oversight. It's regrettable, but it seems I should perhaps reconsider the personnel for this mission. I apologize, Warrant Officer John..."

No, no, no, please don't apologize. I'm so grateful to you!
Honestly, as long as you don't make me do something stupid in front of the main characters, I'd even kneel down and wipe your shoes!
John was filled with joy as he looked at Dormammu, who was looking at him apologetically.

But outwardly, he dared not show it at all, instead waving his hand helplessly and saying:
"General, you flatter me. As a soldier, the primary goal should be to abide by military discipline. The reason I didn't speak up before was because I wasn't qualified to carry out this mission."

"Of course, I have great confidence in the abilities of all of you officers. Even without me, I am sure you would all be able to complete the task excellently."

Completed my ass! You know, the person staying in Bahamut Town is none other than Serbia Reinhardt, the strongest member of the main group!
Moreover, the other party was a female half-dragon.

Although the other party is currently in its infancy and cannot achieve full dragonification, and is only the leader of an underground force, it has no reputation at all.

But John, who was familiar with the plot, knew that this woman's fighting power had already reached the level of a missile, making her a true one-woman army.

Moreover, dragons are inherently resilient and have naturally inherited the veil spell, giving them a natural resistance to magic.

Moreover, in the game, the opponent has an extremely volatile personality, the kind who will draw his knife and kill at the slightest provocation, making him a ticking time bomb.

If the female protagonist's danger level in the game is 7, then in John's mind, Serbia's danger level has definitely reached the maximum of 10!
The other party was the one John least wanted to face in the early part of the story.

Therefore, upon hearing that he wouldn't have to confront the irritable dragon girl directly, John was almost so happy he wanted to burst into song, while also thanking Colonel Jet for his help.

Before he could even consider what to give this fairly reliable fellow as a thank you gift, the next second, he saw Colonel Jett smile mysteriously, and then, under John's ominously suspicious gaze, slowly say:

"Just as I expected, John, you are indeed a competitive man. Since that's the case, I won't hide anything from you. Actually, I've thought of a way to get you to take on this task legitimately. How about it, are you happy?"

"Of course, there's no need for thanks. As your senior and superior, it's my duty to help you achieve your goal. After all, our common goal is to make the empire great again, isn't it?"

Happy my foot!

Jett Slevin, you bastard, how dare you plot against me!
I'm going to kill you!

……

(End of this chapter)