I Became a Genius Commander at the Academy

Chapter 74: The Töner Tribe Suppression (3)

New cadet nobles who graduated from the Academy least wanted to be assigned to the number one unit, the Northern Army, a tradition that had lasted for decades.

The reason was clear. Unlike other units stationed in the provinces, the Northern Army often engaged in minor skirmishes that did not significantly contribute to one’s merits.

Because of this, new cadets did not have the luxury of being trained by experienced officers. Instead, they had to learn from battle-hardened non-commissioned officers, almost as if they were returning to their student days.

Interestingly, if these young officers did not put their pride aside and learn properly, within months, they found themselves sidelined within the battalion. It was a place where the traditional flow was somewhat reversed.

In most units, it was common for officers to learn from other officers. If a new lieutenant genuinely sought advice from a non-commissioned officer on managing soldiers, they would be mocked for it.

However, in places where frequent battles with barbarians and various emergencies were a daily occurrence, it was truly challenging.

Due to the frequent skirmishes with barbarians and various unpredictable situations that arose, officers from the central or other regions who were unaware of the northern situation were often disliked.

If an officer or commander ignorant about the northern situation acted rashly using their rank, the consequence could be the death of hundreds of soldiers…

Thus, officers stationed in the north believed that to gain the respect of their subordinates, they must first prove their capabilities by being willing to risk their lives against the enemy.

However, there were always exceptions.

“Salutations to the Commander of the 24th regiment! I am Colonel Max von Frenhil! It is an honor to serve under a Colonel who is hailed as the hero of Raintlant and Chekovia!”

A newly appointed commander sent from the central command could prove his competence with his track record and skills.

If an incompetent or average person led a unit, it increased casualties. However, with a competent commander, the likelihood of mass casualties would significantly decline.

In the many battles one fought, merits would be earned.

For officers, this could mean a return to the more comfortable central regions. Non-commissioned officers might have the chance to attend officer training schools, while soldiers might either earn money to buy land after their service or secure an early discharge.

The Battalion Commander’s gaze lingered on the silver knight’s medal pinned to my left chest, confirming this point.

“I had planned to host a banquet on my first day here with my own money, but we’ve received orders from the Division Commander to subdue the Töner tribe. Therefore, we need to start our operational meeting immediately. I hope for your understanding.”

“Not at all! It’s an honor to serve under such a distinguished commander.”

The middle-aged man clearly saw me as a godsend, and that was inevitable.

I felt slightly overwhelmed as the nobleman in his late 40s looked at me with eyes filled with reverence and admiration.

From his point of view, being in his late 40s meant he was nearing retirement.

Yet, by aligning himself closely with me, he might earn significant merit and even aim for higher ranks.

“Let’s begin by reviewing the current status of the regiment’s forces.”

Battalion Commander Max immediately reported in a grave tone.

“Our Northern 24th Regiment is made up of 4 infantry battalions, 1 mage battalion with 50 members, and 1 knight battalion also with 50 members. According to the full formation, we currently have 148 vacancies.”

Considering the Northern Army only had 148 vacancies, this indicated a better-than-expected situation. The fact that the crucial mage and knight battalions were at full strength was fortunate.

Moreover, it was a great stroke of luck to have a fully organized unit of magicians and knights, essential for dealing with those who lived a semi-agricultural, semi-pastoral lifestyle.

“That’s good to hear. I’m quite pleased with the state of the unit. Can I look forward to its continued excellence?”

“We will do our best to meet your expectations.”

“Then, assemble all commanders of captain rank and above. We will begin our operational meeting to execute the Division Commander’s orders in one hour.”

When the time I had instructed the Battalion Commander arrived and I entered the meeting room, the officers saluted me in unison, their gazes filled with respect.

There was no hint of disdain or doubt toward a young commander in their eyes or posture.

Just like when the Battalion Commander first saw me, they showed only respect for a hero who, at the age of 23, had risen to the rank of Colonel, been awarded the Silver Knight’s Sword, and been elevated to a Baron.

This respect was likely influenced by their admiration for a competent commander, the desire for survival, the ambition to advance in rank, the elimination of unnecessary inferiority complexes, and the pride developed from serving in the North.

Given these high expectations, even a single mistake could swiftly turn their current respect into disappointment.

Therefore, I had to show them a performance that exceeded their expectations.

“From today, I am Colonel Peter Yaeger, the commander of the 24th Regiment. Due to the pressing nature of the situation, I’ll save detailed introductions and greetings for later. I’ve been briefed on the general state of the unit by the Battalion Commander, so there’s no need for concern. Now, let’s discuss the campaign to subdue the Töner tribe.”

Pointing to the map, which already had markings depicting the Töner tribe’s recent movements and the 24th Regiment’s base, I began:

“The Töner tribe has razed Flensburg Castle and ten surrounding villages. As a result, 1,200 citizens of the empire were taken captive, and 2,000 became refugees overnight, losing their homes and farmlands. Their fields have been scorched, and all livestock has been plundered. This has resulted in significant damage.”

“They are half-agrarian, half-pastoral folks. It’s highly likely that they captured men and women to use as slaves for farming or sold them off to places like Francois or the Republic.

Or, true to their nature, devoid of morals and understanding, they may have killed the men and raped the women to make them captives… They’re worse than beasts.

“General Haeyo has issued an order to thoroughly subjugate those damned bastards. However, we won’t be using the tactics that other units previously employed against the likes of Brunik.”

Upon hearing this, murmurs began among the surrounding officers.

“In the Battle of Chekovia, they spoke of using unexpected tactics to disrupt the enemy’s supplies… Do you intend to use such a strategy here?”

“So far, it has worked fairly well. When directly engaging with their army, even if we disregard our cavalry, our infantry seems to have the upper hand.”

“But the tactics the Northern Army has been using for decades have proven effective. I’m a bit concerned about implementing new strategies right away.”

Usually, commanders would tell them to stop chatting and focus on the briefing.

I deliberately gave them time to exchange opinions because their discussions provided insights into the atmosphere and strategies the Northern Army followed.

From their admiring gazes when they first saw me, I gathered they would listen first and then make a judgment.

As expected, after about five minutes, all the officers looked at me in unison.

“The situation has changed significantly from the past. Just five years ago, it was enough for the empire to hunt down and obliterate their army after they pillaged. This was because if we crushed one hostile tribe’s army, other tribes either loyal to or friendly toward us would mobilize their armies to raid and destroy their villages.”

According to research by the Staff College, previously, even though they practiced the same semi-agricultural, semi-pastoral lifestyle, they adhered to the law of the survival of the fittest. Whenever a neighboring tribe weakened, they would conquer it to expand their power.

Seeing this, other tribes thought the following:

‘That wicked thing. Seeing how it swallows up weaker tribes around to grow its power, isn’t it trying to become a Khan? This can’t be allowed. Let’s gather other tribes and take down that scoundrel.’

Therefore, the empire only needed to moderately defeat and tame them, as they would keep each other in check, and everything would run smoothly.

“However, now that damned Ludwig has taken control of the nomadic tribes on the peninsula, even if we annihilate the Töner tribe’s army, other nomadic tribes won’t prey on the villages of the defeated. Instead, with fewer farmers who could support their families, they’ll try even harder to raid us. Thus, the previous tactic of luring and battling their army is just a temporary solution, not a long-term strategy.”

This was akin to how, in Korea, ex-convicts barred from employment due to their criminal records resort to more serious crimes like murder and theft just to survive.

After I explained this, the officers seemed to grasp an aspect they hadn’t considered before, nodding in agreement.

“So, the strategy I’ll employ will be entirely different from the previous ones. Even if they try to lure us in, we will continue to march forward, defend minimally, and focus on completely annihilating each of their settlements.”