------------
Gunfire echoed across the valley like thunder born from iron instead of sky.
Edward stood frozen atop the hill as the squad he had summoned advanced with terrifying efficiency. Their movements were precise, disciplined—nothing like the chaotic fighting below.
Knights charged wildly.
The soldiers moved as one organism.
"Advance two meters. Cover left sector."
"Contact front."
"Engaging."
Short bursts of rifle fire rang out. Each shot dropped a monster instantly. No wasted motion. No panic. Just execution.
Edward swallowed.
*They're… real.*
Not illusions. Not spirits. Not magic constructs.
Real soldiers.
One of the knights watched in stunned disbelief as a creature lunged toward him—only for its head to snap backward under a sniper round.
The knight turned slowly toward Edward's forces.
"…Thunder weapons…"
The battlefield shifted rapidly. What had been a desperate defense turned into a controlled purge. Monsters that moments ago overwhelmed armored warriors now fell before disciplined formations.
Edward's vision flickered.
The blue screen returned.
---
**[Battle Analysis Active]**
**Allied Survival Probability:** 23% → 81%
**Civilian Casualties:** Decreasing
**Commander Input Recommended**
---
"…Commander input?" Edward muttered.
More windows appeared, layered like holographic glass.
A map unfolded before him—an aerial view of the village as if seen from the sky.
Red dots marked monsters.
Blue dots marked soldiers.
Yellow lights represented civilians.
Edward's breath caught.
"…A tactical interface?"
He instinctively focused on one cluster of red signals approaching a burning granary.
The interface zoomed automatically.
Information scrolled beside it.
---
**Hostile Type:** Dire Wolf Variant
**Threat Level:** Moderate
**Recommended Action:** Flanking maneuver
---
Edward blinked.
The system wasn't just giving him power.
It was guiding him.
Below, three monsters cornered villagers against a collapsed cart.
Without thinking, Edward pointed.
"Second squad—left flank! Protect those civilians!"
The words left his mouth before doubt could stop them.
Instantly, one soldier spoke into his headset.
"Command received."
Half the squad broke formation smoothly, circling wide.
Gunfire erupted seconds later.
The civilians were saved.
Edward staggered slightly.
*They listened… immediately.*
No hesitation.
No questioning authority.
The realization settled heavily in his chest.
These lives now depended on him.
---
A sudden roar shook the battlefield.
The ground trembled.
From the far end of the village, a massive creature emerged—twice the size of the others, armored hide reflecting firelight.
A horned wolf-like monster.
The knights recoiled.
One shouted, "The Alpha Beast!"
It slammed into a defensive line, sending armored warriors flying like dolls.
Edward's interface flashed crimson.
---
**[HIGH-THREAT ENTITY DETECTED]**
**Recommendation: Heavy Weapons Deployment**
**Unlock Tutorial Available**
---
A new icon appeared.
**HEAVY SUPPORT — LOCKED**
Edward focused on it.
The interface expanded.
---
**New Commander Privilege Available**
**Deploy Support Weapon Team?**
**YES / NO**
---
He hesitated.
*What if this destroys the village too?*
As if responding, the system displayed a projected blast radius—precise, controlled, avoiding civilian zones.
"…You even calculate collateral damage?"
The Alpha Beast crushed a knight beneath its claws.
Edward clenched his fists.
"YES."
---
Reality distorted again.
Four new soldiers materialized behind the first squad.
Unlike the others, they carried a long tube-shaped weapon mounted on a tripod.
One calmly adjusted the angle.
"Anti-armor launcher ready."
Edward's stomach flipped.
"…That's a rocket launcher."
The creature charged again.
The soldier spoke calmly.
"Firing."
A deafening roar split the air.
A streak of smoke crossed the battlefield.
Impact.
The explosion thundered across the village edge, light blooming like a miniature sun.
Shockwaves rippled outward.
Dust filled the air.
Silence followed.
When it cleared—
The Alpha Beast lay motionless, a crater beneath it.
Every knight stared in horror and awe.
One dropped to his knees.
"…Divine judgment…"
Edward exhaled shakily.
His hands were trembling.
He hadn't swung a sword.
Hadn't cast a spell.
Yet he had just changed the outcome of an entire battle.
---
The system chimed again.
---
**[BATTLE COMPLETE]**
**Hostiles Eliminated**
**Civilians Saved: 312**
**Commander Performance Evaluation: EXCELLENT**
**New Feature Unlocked: Base Construction**
---
Edward laughed weakly.
"…Of course there's more."
Below, villagers slowly emerged from hiding.
The soldiers secured the area, checking buildings and assisting wounded civilians with surprising gentleness.
One soldier knelt beside an injured knight, applying a bandage with professional efficiency.
Edward watched, stunned.
They weren't just weapons.
They were protectors.
A knight approached him cautiously, removing his helmet.
He was older, scarred, eyes filled with disbelief.
"…My lord," the knight said carefully. "Are you… a summoned hero?"
Edward paused.
He looked at the burning village.
At the soldiers awaiting orders.
At the glowing system window hovering only he could see.
He didn't know what he was.
But he knew one thing.
If he refused responsibility now—
People would die next time.
Edward straightened slightly.
"…No," he answered quietly.
Then after a moment:
"I'm just… the commander."
The system screen glowed brighter.
---
**[COMMAND AUTHORITY RECOGNIZED]**
**WELCOME TO YOUR NEW WORLD.**
---
Far beyond the village, unseen by all—
A figure cloaked in gold watched through a magical mirror.
And smiled.
"The balance has changed," a voice whispered.
"The game begins."