The battlefield of the night.

Not far away, the charging footsteps of the warriors shook the ground, splashing countless mud, but fortunately, in Joshua's mentally retarded eyes, they finally slowed down when they approached, and did not crash into the seriously injured warriors in one fell swoop.

"Deputy Commander!"

One of the soldiers in the lead screamed with concern, then frowned, and looked at his comrades: "This injury...... Are you alright?! ”

How can it be okay......

It was a little strange at first, but Joshua quickly recognized these people in front of him, these warriors wearing black crow armor were all his subordinates in the black crow vanguard army, and now he was too lazy to be polite, and sighed as before: "What are you doing in a daze, help me, be careful of the wound." ”

As Imperial soldiers, they undoubtedly learned some first aid methods, but it was obvious that the injuries on Joshua's body were no longer something they could handle, it was better to say that this was a serious injury at the level of near death, and ordinary people couldn't get up at all, let alone walk.

However, before they met, they all thought that Joshua was dead, after all, there was no other possibility for a person to rush into the orc enemy formation, but they never expected that he was still alive, although he was seriously injured and dying, but it seemed that he could still move forward with a gun, and he really deserved to be the deputy commander!

Supported by two warriors, Joshua quickly returned to the formation, where two priests and a necromancer stepped forward to carry him into a makeshift medical tent and treat him.

Although the necromancer has an evil name, he is not a villain in the Microf Road, and the officially recognized serious necromancer accepts the corpses of volunteers and studies the body structure of humans and various aliens, this group of people is proficient in human body structure, is the best doctor of internal injuries, and because of the ability to communicate with spirits, they also assist the guards part-time in handling cases.

Of course, there are serious necromancers, as well as necromancers who specialize in the art of killing, who are obsessed with physical modification and soul alienation, and familiar monsters such as walking corpses, chimeras, merger spirits, and flesh golems are the creation of powerful necromancers throughout the ages.

The priest's magic can heal all external injuries, and the necromancer's superb magic can heal the internal organs, just thirty minutes of treatment and a not sumptuous but very important dinner, Joshua felt that he had recovered his basic vitality, the wound in his abdomen was completely healed, the [Severely Endangered] of the health value on the attribute board became [Moderate Injury], and the negative state was only [Severe Fatigue].

"How did you come here?" Swallowing the last mouthful of rations, Joshua asked, "What is the situation?" ”

"Our squadron is here to clear the battlefield and prepare for the siege of the orcs' Dries Fortress."

The squadron's leader, Joshua's subordinate, a warrior named Ryan, explained to him the current form: "The orcs have been defeated in the frontal battle, and now they can only retreat to the fortress, and our task is to guard every lane and seal it off completely. ”

The Crow Legion is one of the four major legions directly under the Emperor, divided into the Forward Army, the Regular Army, the Heavy Cavalry Regiment, the Mage Team (including other spellcasters such as the Priest Warlock), and the logistics are five parts, with a special warrior class 'Crow Raider' Knight Class 'Crow Conqueror' and a special Rogue Conversion Class 'Death Sweeper' in the game.

Joshua was so young, but he was one of the two deputy commanders of the forward army, half because of his family background, half because of his ability, and the sergeants believed in his strong force, and the relationship was quite good, but now it seemed that he was more respected than before.

In fact, the reason is simple - Ryan and the others have already seen the corpse-strewn battlefield.

The air smelled of blood and iron, the ground was covered with slippery blood, mutilated corpses everywhere, and putrid flesh and entrails plastered every floor.

I couldn't imagine the fierceness of the battle, let alone how strong Joshua was when he did it alone.

Thinking of this, Ryan couldn't help but say, "Since it's sunset, I can't count the number of those orcs for the time being. After thinking for a while, but not knowing what to say, the warrior couldn't help but touch his helmet and simply said bluntly: "In the past, I had doubts about your age and strength, but now that I think about it, my vision is too short-sighted. ”

"I'm afraid that even the general will pay attention to this great achievement and award you the blade of glory."

The Blade of Glory is not a real weapon, but a glory ornament similar to a badge, and the person who can obtain it is undoubtedly the most courageous warrior on the battlefield, in the game, a Blade of Glory badge is a necessary element of platinum trophy achievement, and the highest price is more than 100,000 gold coins, and it is worth 20,000 gold coins on weekdays, and a complete set of magic armor is only 70,000 or 80,000.

In addition, in the middle of the game, a Blade of Glory badge can be exchanged for a [Pioneer Knight Mandate] directly in the Imperial Capital, and after completing the mission, the player can open a temporary dungeon in the uninhabited wilderness or the Black Forest, and defeat it to establish a Pioneer Knight Leader in its place and become a lord.

"Perhaps."

Joshua waved his hand, he didn't take it seriously at all, thinking that back then in the Continent of Discord, in order to find the best warband station, the Blade of Glory was a kilogram brush, and the lord dungeon brush was so dark that he wanted to vomit, because this process was too thrilling and crying, he now wanted to feel disgusting when he recalled it, and a mere blade of glory was not an incomparably precious [Dominion Lord Mandate], it was nothing at all.

Not to mention the orcs, he has swiped the Northwest Plains copies no less than a hundred times, and the number of beasts slaughtered is tens of thousands, and he is very insensitive.

Feeling that his body was almost healed, and all that was left was recuperation, Joshua nodded and said, "Okay, you have also worked hard, continue to lead the team to carry out the mission, there is no need to delay because of me." ”

"What about you?"

"I'll just go back and see the chief alone."

The commander here is not the commander of the legion, but the commander of the forward army. According to military regulations, every officer had to hold a meeting after the war, and Joshua was no exception, although he missed it because he was in a coma before, but he could also make up for it later with his immediate superior.

Rejecting Ryan's suggestion to send someone to escort him, Joshua changed into a brand new outfit and walked alone to the path leading to the central military formation of the Crow Legion.

At this time, except for a scar at the corner of his eye that could not be completely healed, Joshua's other injuries were almost healed, and although there was fatigue in his eyes, his movements were still neat.

Half an hour later, since he, the deputy commander, still had a sense of existence, Joshua walked all the way to the command tent where the commander was located.

And his immediate boss, the commander of the Crow Vanguard Army, the Golden Heavy Knight Odo, was drinking coffee and reading a report from the spy at his desk.

He had short blond hair, a burly build, and muscles that looked strong enough to burst his armor, and his eyes seemed to pierce through paper.

"Poof—"

Picking up the report, as soon as he saw half of it, Otto couldn't help but squirt out a sip of coffee, and then gasped: "The desolate wolves of the Eto'o tribe have been completely wiped out?" Cancelled? ”

He took out a tissue, wiped the corners of his mouth, and frowned: "Etoo is one of the largest tribes of orcs, and the Desolate Wolves are their elite troops, this is more than a hundred silver rank orcs, the average strength is in the middle, and it is not a group of pill birds, how did it get destroyed?" ”

"Could it be that the spy was attacked by the orcs and his brain was beaten out of the pulp? It's not right, give them 10,000 guts, this group of people don't dare to scribble casually in this situation, I should believe in their professionalism......"

Looking back, Otto was ready to see what followed.

After a while, a confident voice sounded outside the military tent.

"Report! The deputy commander of the Forward Army, Joshua, asks to see him! ”

“…… In. ”

When Joshua opened the tent, he found his boss looking at him with the eyes of a monster.

"Admit it, are you possessed by the Abyss Demon?"

Joshua: "......?" ”

"You can destroy Eto'o Wolves by yourself, I really can't see it!"

With his hands crossed over his chest, the Golden Knight looked Joshua up and down, as if it was the first time he knew him, and he was amazed as he spoke: "Although it was only possible to occupy the favorable terrain of the canyon, but no matter what, your strength has greatly improved, and you can expect gold in the future!" ”

Joshua understood, and it seemed that Odo already knew that he had slaughtered many orcs.

But what are the Wolves?

"Look at your expression...... Well, then again, how dare you rush over alone at that time? Have you thought about the consequences?! ”

Looking at Joshua with a disapproving face, Odo sighed, and suddenly felt that he was too old to understand the world of young people, and then he slapped the table and said, "Do you want to go back to inherit the title alive, my little earl?" ”

He had a relationship with the Earl of the Northland, that is, Joshua's father, and he was half an elder, and he spoke very casually.

“…… You're right. ”

"Forget it, looking at the tired look on your face, you don't need to be resigned, hurry up and go to rest."

The Grand Commander shook his head and waved his hand for Joshua to leave quickly, "No matter what, it's good to be alive." ”

The next day, the battle entered a period of confrontation, and the Crows, who had previously been the vanguard, were replaced back in the rear to recuperate.

A tent with a strong military style, with some tools and oil tanks for maintaining weapons next to the bed, and the interior is full of traces of fireworks, and the decoration is very simple.

"Deputy Commander!"

After changing into new clothes and sleeping well, Joshua, who was now writing a retirement application in the tent, suddenly heard the herald calling him outside, so he could only put his pen aside and said, "Say it." ”

"The Grand Commander said he was looking for you!"

“…… It just so happens that I have something to look for him. ”

After some time.

"Retirement? I know something has happened to your family, but it's wartime, and I don't have permission to let you go back. ”

Sitting at the table, Otto touched his chin and looked a little helpless: "But it's almost over, the orcs will definitely surrender before winter comes, they don't have much food in stock, and you can retire according to the normal process at that time." ”

"It's going to be too late then!" Standing in the huge main tent decorated in black and gold, Joshua frowned at his boss at the table and said, "The letter said that the situation is very tense, and I won't go back until winter, and I don't know what kind of chaos will happen at home." ”

"It's useless for you to tell me...... As for calling you over, it's not that I'm looking for you to have something to do, but that someone was sent to look for you by name just now, and I can't refuse. ”

Grand Commander Odo held the armrests in his hands, half-lying on the big chair, he looked at the serious subordinate in front of him, and felt a little headache.

"Who is it?"

"Be careful when we meet...... That's a golden scale. ”

===============

"Joshua van Radcliffe, born on October 15, 810 in the Starfall calendar, first heir to the Moldavian throne, joined the army in 826, was recommended by his commander to enter the Imperial Military Academy in 828, and graduated with honors from the Imperial Misskatonic Officer Training Center in June 830, and has been fighting on the front lines of war in the Northwest Plains, Thomas Gorge, ever since."

An emotionless statement sounded, and a middle-aged man in a red-edged black-bottomed coat sat on a large chair next to the conference table, his expression was indifferent, and he read a large series of words to the information in his hand, and his voice did not fluctuate at all, dry as a machine.

"And now it is October 16, 831, eleven forty-seven o'clock."

After a slight pause, he raised his head and looked directly at Joshua, who was sitting opposite, and said in a playful tone: "There are still thirteen minutes until noon, and the deputy leader of the Black Crow Vanguard Army, you have thirteen minutes to explain your charges. ”

A conspicuous coat of arms was on his left breast, and it was a golden balance with half a sword and half an ear of grain.

This is the hallmark of the noble court.

"Okay, Mr. Munster, Censor, but before that......"

After receiving Otto's reminder, Joshua, who was fully mentally prepared, did not feel nervous, he put his hand on the armrest, and said, "Can I have a cup of tea first?" ”

"Of course."

The inquisitor's tone was the same as that of the stick reading, but it was surprisingly easy to speak: "Black tea? ”

"Ice, thanks."

"Nothing."

After the guard at the door brought the tea, he added: "It's twelve minutes." ”

Joshua took a sip and smiled, "No problem." ”

Weird talk and laughter.

But Joshua was thinking about it in his heart.

(I didn't expect the violation of military regulations to be known by the above so quickly, and it was less than two days, and the efficiency of the noble court is really not enough.) ）

Joshua himself is also very aware that it is taboo to disobey military orders in wartime, attack without authorization, and disturb his own formation, when he crossed the fusion, because of the violent trio offense, if it was an ordinary person, he would have been sent to military prison and waited for the trial of the military court, even if it was a noble heir, there would also be a special noble court to investigate.

That's why the examiner in front of me, named Munster, came about.

The Court of Nobles is not a benevolent organization, it is a symbol of imperial power, and their domain includes a series of key duties such as arbitrating the succession of nobles, judging criminal nobles, and determining the legitimacy of wars between territories, and not only that, they are also linked to the intelligence organization 'Shadow' directly under the Emperor, responsible for monitoring the movements of all nobles and managing all aristocratic affairs.

Theoretically, even if the second son killed his brother and murdered his father to inherit the title and become the head of the family in order to compete for the title, he still needs to make a report to prove the legitimacy - although the aristocratic court never cares about such trivial matters.

But Joshua didn't have any fear.

"Yes, I know what I am guilty of - violating military orders, disobeying orders, and leaving the military formation without authorization, violating articles 3, 6, and 17 of military law."

"I am willing to accept all punishments without explanation."

After taking a sip of black tea, he didn't look nervous at all, and simply admitted his guilt directly.

"Good."

Censor Munster's face was expressionless, his voice was steady, and he seemed to be completely unmoved, and he nodded slightly: "You are very cooperative." ”

Joshua remained calm, as if he was not afraid of punishment at all.

Not because of arrogance, not because of the feeling that being a nobleman would have privileges, but because of an iron law.

A holy law that is above the law.

"The victor is not guilty."

Joshua had dealt with the House of Lords, which was similar to the court of nobles in the Far South, and he knew the truth.

Yes, he disobeyed orders and attacked on his own, destabilizing his teammates' formations - but he managed to break the left flank of the orcs, stopping all the retreating routers, and slaying them down one by one.

He swept across the battlefield and killed 300 enemies, which was a result that could not be achieved by complying with military regulations, and if he failed, he would naturally be imprisoned and tried on a later date (more likely to die directly), and the censor would be happy to write in his notebook that 'Joshua, the first heir to the Moldavian Lords of the Northland, was sent to the Fourth Noble Prison on a later date for violating military regulations. But Joshua succeeded, so he just had to admit it simply-

Then there is the matter of waiting for the so-called 'punishment'.

"Joshua Van Radcliffe, your mistakes and achievements have been investigated very clearly by our review committee, and you don't have to worry about us being unfair."

With a single word, Joshua understood that this middle-aged censor named Munster really didn't intend to embarrass himself, but simply went through the process - listening to this, disobeying military law has become a frivolous mistake!

Munster did not pause, and continued to say in a very cold voice: "Actually, after discussion, the committee believes that this incident did not cause any adverse consequences, but brought considerable advantages, and your bravery also proved that the attack was not unplanned, so in summary, we will give you the following punishment." ”

"With immediate effect, he shall be suspended from his post as Deputy Commander of the Vanguard of the Crows of Joshua Van Radcliffe, and shall be repatriated to his domain, but his merits shall not be erased, and his mistakes and rewards shall not be offset against one another, so the Council has decided to give him the Blade of Glory Badge as a sign of bravery."

After Munster finished speaking, a smile actually appeared on his face, which had been expressionless, and he looked at Joshua and said, "The above is all the content of the trial against the deputy commander of the Black Crow Forward Army for violating military law. ”

He also moved a little closer and whispered: "Originally, it was decided to temporarily suspend the post for three months, and then promote the rank of general, but I heard that there is something going on at home in your family, and the war against the orcs will continue at least until the beginning of spring next year, so why just let you be suspended and sent back, what do you think?" ”

What else? It's just amazing! Joshua smiled and nodded, but in fact he was already laughing out loud in his heart.

Sure enough, it was a real award, and what he said was suspended and repatriated, in fact, he was let go back to his hometown. And the suspension does not mean that he cannot come back, it means that he is still a member of the military system and has not left, which is completely a reward for him who originally wanted to retire.

"Next, then, according to the tradition of the Crow Legion, I will give the Warrior a blessing."

At this time, Munster's eyes and tone swept away the previous coldness, and became serious and full of majesty: "Man dies because of cowardice. ”

For some reason, Joshua suddenly became serious, and an inexplicable sense of iron and blood filled the warrior's heart, and he stood up, word by word, and gave a clear reply

"Born of faith."

"The glory of the dead is with you, mighty man."

Salute each other, and this is the end of this wartime trial.

"Well, this time...... Wait a minute. Suddenly, Munster's brow furrowed, and something was shaking around his waist: "A magical emergency? ”

With an apologetic expression to Joshua, the Lord Inquisitor took out a silver, tuning fork-shaped metal stick from the pendant around his waist, densely engraved with runes, and his right hand gathered magic power to activate it: "What is the third priority urgent message?" ”

"Do I need to stay away?"

Joshua hinted that he didn't want to hear something he shouldn't hear.

"It's okay, this message is only two levels of secrecy, you're sure you know."

As the rune was activated, the tuning fork vibrated and a machine-like voice appeared:

"Northland Moldavia, Count of Winter, Berruo de Radcliffe, has been certified dead, and his brother Danria Radcliffe has submitted an application to inherit the title."

Hearing this news, Munster's eyes widened, he felt a fierce murderous aura released from his back, and at this moment, the chill spread, and the coercion comparable to Long Wei filled the military tent, and a terrible silence appeared.

After half a ring, the frost-like killing intent converged, and Joshua returned to normal: "It's just right, isn't it." ”

His voice was soft: "I can't wait to go back." ”