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

Chapter 267 Deviant Goes to Opposition, Believers' Hatred Leads to the Abyss

"despair!"

As Irias finished speaking, the sound of leather shoes stepping on the stone slabs slowly reached John's ears.

In John's narrowed pupils, a tall, thin, pale-faced young man with neatly styled platinum blonde short hair and a magical prosthetic eye embedded in his left eye slowly walked in from outside the door.

The other party was dressed in a black and gold general's uniform, adorned with a silver sash, and his breast badge was a dragon-headed sword emblem, the symbol of an Imperial Super-Rank Magician.

He was draped in a dark blue velvet cloak with silver trim and wore a pair of spotless white gloves, exuding an aura of coldness and majesty.

Especially that one eye, which contained indifference and alienation.

The moment you make eye contact with someone, you can tell that they are not an easy person to get along with.

"It was just a coincidence that I happened to be patrolling this area. I don't think there's any need to explain. Besides..."

Major General Ram then paid no heed to John's shocked gaze or Irias's scrutinizing look. He walked to the conference table, pulled out a chair, and sat down. He then calmly addressed Irias, who was seated at the head of the table:

"I have always believed that there should be no other relationship between officers and subordinates within the military. Therefore, I ask that you retract your previous inappropriate remarks, Acting Legion Commander Irias."

"Ah……"

Irias chuckled, ignoring the 'Ice Prison Executioner's' offense. Instead, he seemed to confirm a certain conjecture through the other's answer, and turned to look at John, who was still somewhat stunned, a playful glint in his eyes.

In fact, before the 1st Division of the 1st Air Army set off, the division commander who originally led this force of 10,000 magic soldiers was not Ram von Eisenbloud, but another general of a higher rank.

But for some unknown reason, Michel made a last-minute change of the commander of the unit before departure, which led to Ram's arrival.

If I remember correctly, this Major General Ram was a student of the 57th class of the Imperial First Military Academy, two years older than John, and also graduated as the top student.

However, unlike John, the other student did not graduate with perfect scores in all subjects; instead, he only achieved perfect scores in magic and command.

Unlike John, he did not refuse the invitation from the First Air Force. Instead, he joined the First Air Force as a major-level staff officer and later distinguished himself through command and his personal abilities on the Eastern Front.

Within just two years, he rose from the rank of major to the position of major general.

The speed at which the other side's military rank was promoted was even faster than the speed at which a great nobleman would pull strings for his offspring, and all their merits were recorded and proven, making them a truly powerful force.

Therefore, Ram can be considered a rising star in the military cultivated by the conservative party in the past two years, and he is quite well-known even in the capital city of Elena.

It was even once cited as a benchmark by the conservative party, who openly and covertly satirized the lack of successors among the reformists.

Of course, all of this happened before John Maslow made his name in Faoken Bay.

Now that John has repeatedly defeated the Allied forces and achieved many miraculous victories, the title of the Empire's new generation's top commander undoubtedly belongs to him.

No matter how unwilling the conservatives are, they cannot shake this fact.

Compared to John's performance, Major General Ram, although also very capable, paled in comparison.

Furthermore, intelligence reports indicate that the two had multiple conflicts within the academy due to differing political views, which even escalated to the point of a life-or-death duel.

If it weren't for His Excellency Trotsky's intervention, perhaps one of the two would have already died in the arena.

However, what Irias couldn't understand was what Michel's purpose was in deliberately sending Ram to this place.

If the other party intends to try to win over John Maslow through old friendships, then sending a mage who has a better relationship with John from the same generation would definitely be more effective than sending Ram, an old enemy.

"So, was it under Wolf's instructions and there was another arrangement, or is it that the conservatives intend to sacrifice Ramu as a pawn to sabotage John Maslow?"

Irias narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.

He felt that the latter possibility was unlikely. After all, John had just quelled the war in Faoken, and with His Majesty William's deliberate propaganda, almost all the citizens of the Norman Empire were closely watching this young legendary commander of the empire who had created many miracles and had foreign blood, which made him more relatable and admired by the common people.

As a figure of national interest, everyone watched as John triumphed in the war and returned home to receive his rewards.

If John were to be assassinated at this critical juncture, not to mention whether His Majesty William, grieving the loss of his beloved general, would launch a fierce attack on the Conservatives in his rage, the loss of public opinion and the damage to the Empire's credibility would be enough to make Prime Minister Wolff think twice.

"So it's the former? The conservatives plan to achieve a victory that surpasses John Maslow's by carrying out a secret plan, and in this way, they will subtly diminish John's achievements, and then find a reason to suppress him when he returns to the Empire to receive his rewards?"

Arias thought this was very likely, after all, if he were Wolf, he certainly wouldn't have allowed the reformers to gain such immense prestige so easily.

Although he didn't know exactly what instructions Ram had received, he assumed the order must have been extremely bold and astonishing.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it madness.

However, compared to this kind of problem that would give reformers a headache, Irias found the behavior of the conservatives rather intriguing.

After all, considering that Ram carried out the secret orders without informing him of this,

The conservatives seem to be very dissatisfied with his previous act of forcibly applying for the Holy Revenge Order despite the overall situation, which is why they are deliberately giving him a warning. They may even be preparing to sever ties with the Beatrice family.

After all, compared to other powerful noble families, the Beatrice family currently lacks a stable Grand Master, its heir has no combat talent, and it no longer holds any real military power.

They no longer have the qualifications to remain in the core circle.

The reason he wasn't kicked out of the circle beforehand was simply because he was sensible enough to offer Wolff an offer he couldn't refuse.

However, this alienation will undoubtedly intensify after the events of this Divine Revenge Order.

"Therefore, for the sake of the family's future, perhaps it's time for me to consider my future allegiance."

Arias's mind raced, but then he turned his gaze away from John and looked at the expressionless Ram.

He then didn't waste any words with the other party, but directly gave the order:
"Major General Ram, just now I confirmed with Major John's report that Dolan Beyat did not die, but led his troops in fighting the enemy until the battle ended, and only returned to the Empire by water as soon as possible."

"The communication equipment was damaged, which caused the problem with the exchange of information, leading to this blunder."

"Furthermore, under the command of Major John Maslow, we have now completely pacified Faoken and defeated the invading enemy forces."

"Therefore, this order of divine vengeance is invalid. Your 1st Air Division can withdraw and return to the Empire. The matter has been reported. The defense forces that have come to the scene can take over the garrison of Faoken."

After saying this, Irias thought that Ram would say he needed to discuss it with the Ministry of Military Affairs or with Michel, who was the Minister of Defense, before making a decision.

I was also prepared to argue with the other party.

However, the words the other person uttered the next second instantly darkened his expression:

"I'm sorry, Acting Legion Commander Irias, I do not accept your orders."

Meeting Irias's cold gaze, Ram stood up expressionlessly, then took out a pre-prepared document from his pocket, manipulated his magic to toss it in front of Irias, and said coldly:
"The instructions I received from the Military Affairs Department for the 1st Division of the 1st Air Force Group Army, which I am leading, are: to carry out indiscriminate bombing of Faoken, with the location to be selected by ourselves."

"Based on my personal combat experience, I currently plan to launch an indiscriminate, all-around bombing campaign against six large orc tribe areas in the west, and ensure that they are all turned into abysses capable of tearing apart the continental plates."

"Therefore, this mission order has nothing to do with whether the Battle of Faoken has ended, and this order comes from the highest command of the Air Force and has been approved by the Department of Military Affairs. You have no right to interfere or stop it."

"what?!"

Upon hearing this, even Irias was taken aback, and his eyes gradually began to flicker.

He truly hadn't expected the specific tasks Ram was responsible for to be so insane. So, is this what Wolf meant by what he said back then?

Turn Faoken into an abyss that could make the world tremble?

I initially thought this was just a casual remark, but I never imagined that your true goal was indeed this.

Seriously, what a complete madman!
Arias sighed inwardly. At that moment, he suddenly felt that he should probably reconsider switching parties.

"Wait, the war has already ended, we have no way..."

Upon hearing that the conservatives intended to escalate the war and even insanely target orc civilians, John immediately lost his composure and tried to suppress his anger to stop their madness.

However, before he could finish speaking, Ram interrupted him directly:

"Major John Maslow, you are not qualified to participate in this command discussion. Furthermore, on behalf of the Ministry of Military Affairs, I hereby formally revoke your qualification as acting commander of the Faoken Empire Joint Forces. This is Duke Mosilis's authorization letter; you may verify it!"

After saying that, under John's incredulous gaze, Ram pulled another document out of his pocket and threw it directly in front of John.

"..."

Looking at the clearly written order of resignation and Duke Mosilis's handwritten signature, one could see...

John's heart sank to the bottom.

But the thought that if he stood by and did nothing, countless innocent people would die under the attack of these madmen, the 1st Division's magic soldiers, made him want to speak again, but Ram did not give him the chance.

"John Maslow, compared to how I remember you, you are much weaker now, to the point that I can't help but want to laugh!"

"Crack!"

As Ram's chilling words fell, the next second, a sound like a mirror shattering suddenly rang out from the arena.

Immediately afterwards, in John's constricted pupils, countless ice crystals spread out from under Ram's feet and reached John in front of him with lightning speed.

Before he could dodge, it quickly condensed into a huge cross radiating a chilling aura, instantly binding John firmly to it.

He was completely unable to move an inch!

"Compared to you in freshman year, when you absolutely crushed me in both academics and magic, almost like a god, you have become utterly disappointing to me now. You followed Professor Barn to learn the so-called peace philosophy in your second year and became addicted to the so-called way of power, wasting your true talent and becoming like a piece of trash!"

Looking at John, whose face was deathly pale due to depleted magic and who couldn't even break free from a casually cast imprisonment spell, Ram's eyes were filled with disgust and disappointment, and her tone was icy cold:

"You, who were influenced by useless emotions, abandoned true strength and chose to fall into depravity. In the past two years, you have not only failed to advance to the Super-Rank Magician, but have also fallen to the Intermediate Rank. All of this has confirmed my judgment of you!"

"John, take a good look at your pathetic state now. Do you still remember the arrogance you had when you looked down on ants like a god? Do you still remember the shock of having the power to control the life and death of others with a single thought?"

"Now that you've chosen to degenerate and associate with ants, what difference is there between you and a lamb waiting to be slaughtered? It's utterly despicable!"

Watching John, the weaker party, struggle against his own power.

Ram's eyes grew colder and more disgusted. Just as he was about to increase his magic output again to teach this fool who had abandoned power a lesson and let him know just how absurd his idea was,

The next second, a domineering hand suddenly gripped his wrist, and then Irias' calm voice entered his ears:

"Major General Ram, you've gone a bit too far!"

"..."

Feeling the terrifying power emanating from his wrist, and seeing Irias suddenly appear beside him, his seemingly calm but actually murderous gaze filled with malice.

Realizing that if he continued to punish John, he would be crushed by the Marquis of Torture.

Ram immediately and wisely dispelled the high-level ice magic that had been cast on John.

"Crack!"

"Cough cough!"

As the ice crystals shattered, John immediately collapsed to the ground. His already exhausted body, under the corrosive influence of Ram's chilling magic, immediately began to cough uncontrollably.

However, he was more confused than anything else, because he knew nothing about Professor Barn, whom Ram had mentioned, or about giving up his power.

So, is there still a problem with my memory?
What exactly is going on?

Just as John felt more confused than ever before, the next second, Ram's cold voice entered his ears again:

“John Maslow, I feel sorry for you now, but I am also very glad that I did not question my decision and successfully embraced the power.”

"Because I know very well that no matter how clever my methods or how brilliant my strategies are, if I don't have the strength, when I encounter a real enemy, all that awaits me is to surrender or wait to die on the spot."

"I can't think of any other word to describe this weak and helpless state except for disgust."

"When I first witnessed your boundless power at the academy four years ago, I regarded you as the goal I wanted to achieve and as a god. But now, it seems that goal was a bit too absurd!"

Meeting John's astonished gaze, Ram suddenly laughed, but his expression was exceptionally ferocious and violent. Combined with the eerie red light emanating from his implanted magical eye, he resembled a hideous demon, his voice echoing from hell, sending chills down the spines of anyone who heard it.

"But it doesn't matter. Next, I will use my true strength to create a performance on this battlefield that will shock the whole world."

"In this way, I will make you realize the greatness of power again, abandon the wrong ideas that that damned idiot Barn instilled in you, and embrace that lost glory!"

"After witnessing that despair and helplessness firsthand, you will understand that in this world, only strength is the foundation for survival, and you will completely abandon that ridiculous concept of peace."

"At that time, I will also welcome you back to the Demon King's Trial as the most devout believer I once was, and return to the seat of the first candidate that has been empty for three whole years."

"However, before that, please enjoy this grand awakening feast that I, your former follower who was abandoned by you, have prepared with anger and expectation for you, who should have ascended to the throne of the Demon King but voluntarily gave up this glory!"

"Open your eyes wide and look closely at all of this, for all these impending deaths are caused by you, John von Maslow!"

Accompanied by Ram's maniacal laughter, he suddenly flicked his fingertips.

The next second, as if receiving a notification, ten thousand fully equipped and ready-to-go magical soldiers took off into the air in the large square outside the council hall.

The resulting blue radiance instantly burst forth from the sky outside the window, bringing with it a multitude of dazzling bands of light. The brightness of its light was so great that even the blazing sunlight paled in comparison to this magnificent magical light.

"Hahaha!"

Then, amidst Ram's maniacal laughter and the whooshing sound of the opponent using flight techniques to speed away,...

The enemy figure sped out in an instant, and upon seeing their commander, ten thousand magic soldiers followed in perfect unison, transforming into a night as dark as a natural disaster, and rapidly rushed towards the direction of the large orc tribe in the west.

Looking at the demonic legion led by Ram, a true force about to inflict the deepest malice on this land and to trample and crush life in the most cruel manner.

At that moment, John knew clearly that the flames of war were finally spreading in the direction he least wanted to see.

"Whoosh!"

……

(End of this chapter)