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—•——•——•——•——•——•—
Fels ca and went like a ghost.
After the late-night eting, August and the girls returned straight to the modern world and went to bed.
The next morning arrived—
Inside the familiar military compound, the command center was completely silent. All the top officers sat around the heavy conference table, not saying a word.
"Well? Say sothing. Why is everyone so quiet?" Hestia looked around the room, baffled.
She had just delivered Ouranos's divine quest, officially inviting the military to cross the portal and hunt down a cataclysm-level monster. But after hearing the details, all the experienced officers went silent.
August sat calmly in his chair. He knew exactly what was racing through their heads.
At the head of the table sat Major General Thomas. Unlike Hestia, who was blind to the nuances of modern military politics, the General knew exactly what his subordinates were thinking.
Deploying to an alternate dinsion. Engaging in active, unrestricted combat against fantasy monsters...
This was the first mission of its kind—the first ti humans would deploy to another world. The honor and recognition that ca with it were huge.
August had already provided them with drone footage of the Dungeon monsters. The military's analysts had run the data, simulating the beasts' aggressive behavior and structural weaknesses. Now, they were finally being unchained.
Realizing what a rare chance this was, it almost seed too good to be true.
But the best part was that a Goddess was promising to keep them safe, and August's strong healing magic would be there to help. As long as a soldier wasn't wiped out instantly, they couldn't die. It was almost like having an immortality cheat code.
So the benefits were clear. But what was the catch?
Commander Jas was the first to shoot out of his chair. "GENERAL THOMAS, I VOLUNTEER MY DIVISION FOR THIS OPERATION. I WILL PERSONALLY ASSU FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY AND ALL CONSEQUENCES."
Jas stood up straight, eager to lead the first group. He couldn't hide the excited, almost fierce grin on his face.
This was it!!
Finally, the chance to show what modern military power could do in another world.
The second Jas spoke, the other commanders erupted.
Assu full responsibility? Who the hell do you think you are?
"..." Even Major General Thomas's face showed his irritation. If Hestia hadn't been there, a fight might have broken out in the briefing room. The others were angry that Jas tried to take the first move for himself.
"This requires authorization from High Command," Thomas said, feigning a heavy sigh. He picked up the secure red phone. "Get HQ."
The request was relayed instantly.
Within three minutes, High Command was in an absolute uproar. A mont later, the official orders ca down the wire.
Hearing the excitent in the Supre Commander's voice, Major General Thomas's face beca serious and determined. He hung up the phone.
"Goddess Hestia. We formally accept this commission."
Thomas said this firmly, trying not to let a satisfied smile show.
He couldn't celebrate yet... Accepting the mission ant they still had to choose 'who' would lead. If he didn't get a spot on the team, he would be very upset.
"We will provide our own weapons, munitions, and rations. We will not require local logistical support," Thomas added.
August raised his hand.
"Mr. August, you have the floor—" Thomas said respectfully.
"Regarding the operational theater," August began, "the target zone is the Elsos Ruins. In that world, monster hordes frequently target human settlents. Since we will be conducting active combat operations, collateral damage to the local civilian population is a major concern."
"I want us to establish a humanitarian supply line to provide food and aid to any displaced refugees caught in the crossfire." August laid out his expectations clearly.
"Not a problem." Thomas instantly understood the assignnt.
This mission wasn't just about fighting monsters. It was also about helping people and earning their trust. Supporting the local civilians in the Elsos Ruins aligned with their military's values.
Even more important, August said 'us.' He was connecting his own reputation to the military's. The sense of duty and honor in the room grew stronger.
"We will set up refugee camps and help the nearby villages recover from disaster. After the enemies are dealt with, we'll help rebuild to make sure things stay stable," Thomas promised. Giving food and workers was a small price for earning goodwill in another world.
Recognizing that an army marches on its stomach, the previously silent Secretary of Transportation stood up.
"General, I have already drafted the preliminary supply estimates." The Secretary handed over a hastily scribbled requisition form.
The docunt demanded a staggering amount of resources and the designation of transport units.
Thomas looked at the requisition numbers and refused to sign it.
Nonsense. This clever old man was trying to use up the entire province's grain reserve.
Anyone could see what the Secretary of Transportation was up to. To manage such a big supply chain, he would have to go to the front lines himself. He was using paperwork to make sure he got a spot in the first group.
"..." It was a clever trick. The other commanders glared at him in annoyance.
Seeing the tension boiling over, August knew it was ti to leave.
Hestia was great at sensing the mood. She could tell a fight was about to break out.
"We will leave the tactical planning to the professionals," August said, pulling Hestia up from her chair and escorting her out of the conference room.
—•——•——•——•——•——•—
The literal second the heavy doors clicked shut behind August, the briefing room exploded.
"Are you out of your damn mind, Jas??"
"I'm frontline infantry! I lead the vanguard, not you desk jockeys!"
"LIKE HELL YOU ARE!"
The commanders started arguing fiercely. Why should soone from logistics or a rear-guard soldier get to go before the main combat leaders?
General Thomas slamd his fist on the table.
"QUIET!"
He let out a deep sigh. Honestly, he wanted to go too. But as the base commander, if he left, who would run things at ho?
Screw that. He would find soone else to watch over the base.
"HQ is still finalizing the deploynt roster," Thomas announced, forcing the officers back into their seats. "The Navy is out. The target zone is a deep-land forest and ancient ruins. That leaves the Air Force and the Army."
"The Air Force's deploynt numbers are up to High Command. But the Army is taking a massive cut of this operation."
Thomas turned to the Secretary of Transportation. "Rewrite this requisition form. Keep it realistic. Factor in refugee managent and civilian displacent. We need holding areas and reconstruction supplies. Get it right."
"Understood," The Secretary knew he had pushed his luck.
"Reconnaissance is our first priority," Thomas continued, adjusting the operational layout. "The Army will deploy first to secure a periter and clear an improvised runway for the Air Force. We have to account for airborne hostiles."
Then ca the elephant in the room.
"As for who stays behind to guard the base..."
"GULP"
Nobody breathed.
They couldn't send the whole military. Soone had to stay and manage things at ho. Every commander, even Jas, sat stiffly.
Who wanted to stay behind and do paperwork while everyone else fought Dragons?
Thomas had already decided he would find soone else to take his desk job so he could go to the front lines.
"Twelve hours! We finalize the roster before High Command hands down the official orders!"
"YES, SIR!" The commanders gave sharp salutes, but glared at each other with fierce determination. No one was going to give up their spot easily.
—•——•——•——•——•——•—
anwhile, back at Headquarters, the situation was even more violent.
"Go to hell! Why should my division stay behind??"
"I'm not sitting this out! I belong on the front lines!"
"You're a fossil! Retire and leave the real fighting to the young blood!"
Army Generals were screaming at each other, arguing over the limited spots available for deploynt.
Then, a Navy Admiral slamd his hands on the table. "Hold up! The Navy hasn't even spoken yet, so shut your mouths!"
"If anyone is deploying, IT'S THE MARINES! We specialize in expeditionary jungle warfare and amphibious assaults! We can handle the Elsos Ruins!"
The Army Generals scoffed. "Go drive your boats!"
"YEAH, take your boats and stay in the ocean! What the hell do you want with a forest??"
The Navy Admirals didn't argue back. Instead, they started fighting.
Only the Air Force Generals sat back calmly, sipping coffee. They already knew their roster was locked in—it was just a matter of deciding which pilots got to go.
At the head of the table, the Supre Commander ignored the brawl completely.
"Ensure logistics are airtight. According to August, the Elsos Ruins are surrounded by civilian villages vulnerable to monster attacks. Establish forward operating bases and refugee processing centers. We need recon units to sweep the periter and prevent civilian casualties."
Let the soldiers fight over the glory. This was their first interdinsional diplomatic and military operation, and the Supre Commander was guaranteeing the execution was flawless.
—•——•——•——•——•——•—
Back to August.
He and Hestia had just left the base.
"As expected of my Familia!!" Hestia said, on the verge of tears.
She hadn't expected August to be so thorough. She assud he would just send the army in to glass the forest and leave. Instead, he explicitly ordered his world's military to provide disaster relief and protect the local civilians.
That kind of compassion made almost every nation in the Danmachi world look worse by comparison.
Even Ares, who led huge armies, seed like a barbarous joke compared to the disciplined and caring force of this modern superpower.
If she ever needed help from a nation, she would choose August's world every ti. Their concept of disaster relief was light-years ahead of anything on her side of the portal.
She could already picture this modern, disciplined army beating Ares's old-style legions. The reactions of the war-loving Gods would be unforgettable.
"It's just basic education," August explained.
He grew up in a peaceful era. He wasn't so naive saint, but during a mission, if innocent people needed help, he wasn't going to turn a blind eye.
There are many ways to lose your humanity, but saving lives is always a choice. He liked facing strong opponents and winning with skill, but he would never hurt the helpless. He was just a regular guy with a modern sense of right and wrong.
"Ahhh! I love this side of you!" Hestia swooned.
This was what made August different. He had great power, but he never used it to hurt the weak. Instead, he always tried to help them.
To a Goddess, that mix of self-control and kindness was very appealing. Gods who had seen the worst of humanity truly valued mortals who kept to their morals.
Hestia decided right then and there. She needed to make a bold confession.
But before she could say anything—
"I love you too, Hestia."
August suddenly spoke. He leaned down and pressed a soft, fleeting kiss against her left cheek.
'Mwah.'
"..." Hestia's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates.
She hadn't expected him to counterattack. He actually kissed her! A sweeping, passionate romance with her very own Familia child? This was everything she had ever dread of!!
'Oh, but wait, I'm a virgin Goddess!'
Actually, no! She had been a virgin Goddess in Heaven, but down here, those strict rules didn't really apply. It didn't matter!
She managed to talk herself out of her vows in less than a second.
"Eek!" Hestia squeaked, playing the part of a bashful maiden.
Suddenly, a small blur shot out from the house.
Lili moved with frightening speed, wedging herself between August and the Goddess and violently shoving them apart.
Lili couldn't believe this billion-year-old Goddess was acting like a blushing schoolgirl to secure the bag. Radiating pure, murderous resentnt, Lili glared daggers at her Patron Goddess.
Damn old hag...
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