Chapter 2

Today, Chapter 2.

(......In short, it's just a story about a child who, due to their parents' reckless actions, accidentally absorbed a magic crystal and ended up being captured by the military as an experimental subject, only to be thoroughly manipulated.)

After finishing the AR-like guidance, I muttered to myself what everyone must be thinking.

However, thanks to him, I can fight, so I think I should be grateful for that.

While offering a moment of silence for the child who came to be called the original, I reflect on my current situation.

First, I am a 15-year-old boy. I'm about 170 cm tall, with black hair and black eyes. I don't think I have any distinctive physical features.

If I have to mention something different about myself, it would probably be the vague memories of my past life.

Thanks to these memories, I was once treated as a genius, but not anymore. However, as the saying goes, "A genius at 10, a prodigy at 15, and just a regular person after 20," I am still classified as a fairly talented child, so it's not all bad.

Especially, I think it was a huge advantage that I correctly understood the meaning and value of effort even before elementary school.

Thanks to that, I can still survive like this, so it's definitely not wrong.

My parents are gone.

They died last year, caught in a war with demons while on a business trip to Thailand or Vietnam, leaving behind me and my 3-year-younger sister.

Before seeing the guidance, I didn't understand why they went to such a dangerous place, but now I do.

The place where my parents were probably seemed safe until the Third Division was destroyed. However, the Third Division went rogue and was destroyed, allowing the demons to advance, turning it into a battlefield, and they died.

Damn Third Division.

It's pointless to blame a group that's already gone, so let's continue the story.

After my parents died, the country and the company they worked for provided a small compensation, but that was it.

Well, given the times, I should be grateful that we received any compensation at all.

However, I can't forgive the so-called relatives who, without my knowledge, sold the house and land we lived in and even tried to get their hands on the compensation.

I tolerated the sale of the house and land because they might have contributed financially, but the compensation is for my sister's education. I won't give it to anyone.

In this era, a considerable amount of money is needed to go to university, but conversely, if you have the money, you can go to university.

Moreover, this country recognizes university students receiving higher education as national assets. Therefore, if my sister can go to university, she can stay away from the battlefield.

If you look at it cynically, it's a trick to keep the children of the rich from being sent to the battlefield, but for now, I'm grateful for this trick.

However, the compensation alone isn't enough for tuition, so I decided to get a job instead of going to university.

To be honest, with my final education being middle school, no connections or backing, and no special qualifications, there's no way I could get a decent job.

Therefore, I chose the National Defense Force, which is always rumored to be short of personnel.

I chose the military not only because of my educational background or lack of connections, but also because I have the potential to be compatible with a magic crystal—apparently, a fairly high compatibility. I suspect it's due to my past life memories, but the details are unclear, and I have no intention of telling anyone.

As of 2055, there are people who can be compatible with magic crystals, but their compatibility varies widely. Among them, I, with a fairly high compatibility, should be a valuable asset to the military.

If I'm valuable, I should be treated accordingly. Of course, there's a possibility I'll be sent to the battlefield immediately after training, but at least I won't die during training, and even if I am sent to the battlefield, I won't be left with just a rifle.

If I become a pilot, my survival rate will increase significantly. By continuing to live and fight, I can prevent the so-called relatives from interfering and keep my sister safe.

That's why I decided to volunteer for the National Defense Force.

Incidentally, the most important thing for the military to watch out for is external enemies and internal agents. Therefore, those who might become agents cannot join the military, and the families of those who do join are also protected from suspicious elements.

Moreover, if we can move into a military housing complex, we will have free security provided by tough soldiers.

It's the best!

Some people might find it inconvenient, but I think the positives outweigh the negatives if I consider that dangerous people won't come near us.

Also, the social status of military personnel in this country is not low, which is good. My sister, as the sister of a military person, is less likely to face discrimination when she goes to university compared to being an orphan without parents.

After all, unlike in the past, people know the danger is real. No one would say anything heartless to military personnel or their families who protect them from danger.

Well, there are some, but most are agents or brainwashed by other countries or demons.

It's simply insane to call for a reduction in military spending in this era.

The common arguments are that "if demons can communicate, we can understand each other" or "even if demons are impossible, negotiations with demons are possible because they are a race we can negotiate with before resorting to weapons." However, to be clear, that's not possible.

Demons, by their nature, dislike humans, and more importantly, humans and demons are in the midst of a survival competition for the survival of their species, so negotiations are only possible to sow discord within each other.

A promise to save lives? What's that, is it delicious?

There is one exception, but as the guidance mentioned, it's just a demon who lost a battle with another demon and approached humans, not to build a friendly relationship. Therefore, those who think "negotiations with demons are possible" based on this one example are too foolish.

To begin with, humans are food for demons. So, if humans want to negotiate, the only option is to sign a contract to "unconditionally surrender and live as a slave for life."

... Whether this can be called a negotiation is debatable, but if we call it a negotiation, it's not impossible.

In fact, the so-called coexistence advocates seem to be acting with this in mind.

I can understand the feelings of those who are tired of war and wish to "live in a place unrelated to war, even as a slave." However, I think they underestimate what it means to become a demon's slave.

Certainly, you can live under the protection of demons. After all, if you die, that's the end of it.

But is the living environment good? The answer is no.

It's common knowledge that humans who become demons' slaves are exploited, like the islanders who were captured and enslaved.

However, some demons are smart and show images of a comfortable life to those who surrender to them, saying, "If you surrender to me, I'll let you live like this."

There are indeed people who can live like that, but they are extremely rare.

By favoring a few, demons direct the resentment and hatred of the slaves toward those few and feed on that negative energy.

Moreover, the favor lasts only for a certain period, after which they are reduced to slaves.

In other words, it's like this: they send a message to the family and friends of defectors saying, "This is heaven." Believing this, the family and friends defect. Once the demons have taken in as many as they think they can, the defectors disappear, becoming slaves.

Even if they disappear, there's no one left to complain about it, so it's not a problem.

"It's a nasty method, but it's effective. Really nasty, but effective."

I don't believe everything the military says, but if I see the videos sent to certain families for enlightenment, I can tell that the background is reused.

The military knows the fate of missing people because they have seen the humans found when cities were captured.

Moreover, the military does not hide this information; they actively spread it.

Therefore, most people now avoid negotiating with demons and view the coexistence advocates as traitors to humanity.

The reasons why people become coexistence advocates and recommend negotiating with demons vary. Some are tired of war, and some have family members taken hostage.

Among them, the most active are the relatives of the extremely few humans who are currently favored by demons.

They are tasked with "handing over humans to demons" and are favored as long as they complete this task. Therefore, their claim that "negotiations with demons are possible" is not a lie, and their words are passionate.

There are always people who fall for such words.

Sadly, humans tend to think, "I'll be okay."

The truth is only known when it's too late, but in such cases, it's self-inflicted, and I can only accept it. It's sad for the family and friends who get involved, but I don't have the luxury to pity others right now.

In any case, I have no intention of becoming a coexistence advocate, and I don't want my sister to be involved with them. Therefore, I don't mind if military personnel patrol around my house.

"So, can we move to the military housing complex?"

"No, it's not possible."

"Why not!?"

Immediate answer!

"Because many people think like you."

"Damn!"

Everyone thinks the same way!

"However, you can be compatible with a magic crystal, so you can receive some special treatment."

"Huh?"

Indeed, I passed the compatibility test for the magic crystal. If they were going to give me special treatment, they would have said so from the beginning.

A sweet offer after a rejection is usually a trap.

I know that good deals often have a catch. I'm well-informed!

Still, in this situation, I have no choice but to ask.

I'm a new recruit, a child with no backing. If I get on the wrong side of the personnel officer, the consequences are obvious.

"......What kind of special treatment?"

Well, I'll hear them out first.

If the content is too bad, I can always refuse.

"Sure. That caution is good. Even after you're officially assigned, always question what you hear, no matter who says it. Of course, your direct superior is an exception."

That's sarcastic. I get it.

"......Yes, sorry."

"I'm not being sarcastic, I'm genuinely praising you. Anyway, let's move on."

With my resolve, I asked with a "kukoro" spirit, and the personnel officer, who probably saw through my intentions, smiled wryly and explained.

"It's simple. You know that training is required to use a mecha, right?"

"Yes, of course."

Of course. Even getting a driver's license takes a month (though that's partly for the driving school's profit), so it's only natural that a mecha, which is more difficult to operate, would require more time.

"Basically, the military recommends training at a facility. That way, you can also do team training. However, in your case, it's different. It's recommended that young people like you attend a military academy to gain a certain level of education and skills before being assigned to a unit."

"......So, instead of training a child with no physical strength, knowledge, or team experience, you want to give them the minimum common sense and ability before enlisting them?"

I understand. Teaching the basics is a hassle, and educating a child who is cocky about being compatible with a magic crystal is even more troublesome.

"To be honest, that's exactly it. Additionally, testing for compatibility at the military academy makes it easier to assign them later."

"That's true."

That's all I can say. It's like a report card, or in this case, a recommendation letter. It makes it easier for superiors to recruit and educate after assignment.

"The usual period of study is three years. You'll also receive a small salary. While your background and upbringing are not entirely irrelevant, the most important factor is compatibility with the mecha. Furthermore, the military academy also provides officer training, so you can join as an officer upon graduation."

"Really!?"

Not only will I receive a salary, but I can also advance in rank without any backing! This is good information!

"I'm not lying about something like this. Also, if you attend the military academy, you'll live in a school-designated dormitory. However, recently, many people like you want to live with their families. There are 3DK and 2DK rooms available, and there are elementary and middle schools nearby, so your sister won't have trouble with her education."

"Ah, I see!"

This is clearly a way for the military to keep us close, but for me, it's exactly what I want. No problem at all!

"What do you think? If you want, we can proceed with the procedures for you to attend the military academy."

Military academy! You're the one for me!

"Thank you very much!"

"Sure, sure. Let's proceed with the procedures. Good luck."

"Yes! Thank you for the advice!"

I can't miss this golden opportunity! I'm riding this wave!

--- At that moment, I was so elated by the personnel officer's words that I didn't notice.

I didn't notice that the personnel officer smirked when I declared I would attend the military academy.

I didn't notice how unnatural it was to receive a salary just for attending school.

I didn't notice my own foolishness for not being cautious about the sweet offer from the personnel officer, even though I had just said, "Good deals have a catch."

At that moment, I truly didn't notice anything.

Thank you for reading.