Heaven's Greatest Professor

"Once the dimension barrier breaks," Jessica continued, "Fiend-rank demonic creatures will become common in the second zone, pushing the corrupted and weaker ones closer to the main camp."

"You fear I'd be sent to fight those creatures?" Jason asked.

"I know you'd be sent there if you join," she said. "But that's not the main issue... It's going to be chaotic days ahead. I have no clue what the higher-ups will decide, so I'd advise you to wait."

"Wait till they fix the trial grounds at least," Gale added.

"Huh," Jessica raised an eyebrow. "I thought you'd hype him up instead of showing him the reason. On that note, you haven't started anything new since you came out of the subspace."

"I had enough in the subspace to start anything new..." he paused. "Actually, I've been planning to start something."

"What is it?"

"Nothing too serious... You know how higher time dilation strains one's body and spirit?" he said. "I thought about appealing for a holiday for all the soldiers who took part in the inheritance group to get their spirits up. Unfortunately, I wasn't foolish enough to think it would work."

Jessica nodded. "We need soldiers right now. With more than half of the survivors being treated, I don't see the military doing anything more than that."

"That's why I appealed for only my own leave," he added.

Jessica shot him a look. "To Elder Ming or the General?"

"What do you think?"

Jessica laughed. "I don't think Elder Ming would let you go when the need for weapons and armor will only keep rising."

"Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that," he grinned. "I delivered him a very convincing letter." Not to mention that the elder would want him to go as far away as possible.

Jessica narrowed her eyes. She was about to point out something when her whole figure froze. Gale turned towards the reason for her freeze...

The General of the army walked with perfect gait as a group of privates marched behind him. Terel Walt had a similar noble exterior compared to his younger brother Torin, though far more regal. Now, Gale hoped the elder brother wouldn't be a bigger asshole than Professor Noble-ass.

"Captain Jessica," General Walt said as he came to stand before her.

She followed with a salute. "General."

Gale too followed suit, albeit reluctantly.

"It appears your stay here is wasted," Terel Walt said. "I'll see to it that your expertise is used well. You're released from whatever task you're currently at."

"What will I be doing then, General?" Jessica frowned, though kept her demeanor highly professional.

"You'll take your infantry and join with the Sixteenth Infantry on a scouting mission into the third zone," General Terel said.

Jessica's expression hardened, though she didn't forget to get more details of the mission. "As far as I'm aware, the captain of the Sixteenth Infantry is in no position to continue her service... Am I to believe I'll be the sole captain in charge of this scouting mission?"

"Your information is outdated," the general said, turning a passing glance towards him. His voice didn't even falter. "Captain Agnes has been relieved of her position. Sergeant Luis has been promoted to the role of captain."

Jessica frowned. "I see," she uttered.

"Relieved of duty?" Gale couldn't help but cut in.

"You," Terel Walt finally acknowledged him with his full attention. "You did well hiding from my eyes all this time."

"I did? When?" He felt a wave of foreign aura washing over him. The general did not try to hide it at all. Gale let it, having no fear that the gold ranker could find anything.

"You have a mouth to yourself," Terel Walt stated, retracting his aura. "I can see why you got on the nerves of my foolish brother."

"I guess we can agree on that last part," Gale butted in. After all, he had nothing to fear. Before, he would have to defer to the general of the army, being part of it. But now Terel Walt could not even command him, as Gale was now a member of the artificer department.

All General Walt could do was pressure Elder Ming into doing more work in less time, or delay their wages.

Terel Walt's eyes narrowed, a coldness surging. "I'll overlook your offense to my brother, as it is not proper for a man of my station to use my authority against someone beneath me."

The Warden couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Am I supposed to be fucking grateful for that?" he asked. "That you're following military protocol?"

"Watch your tongue, recruit!" barked one of Walt's minions. "This is the general you're speaking to."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Really? I thought I was talking to the general, not one of his minions."

"You!" the private raised his spear, taking offense.

"Enough," Walt raised his voice. "I see you have learned nothing from your punishment."

"Oh, I've learned," Gale disagreed. "I'm going to teach it all when I get back."

Terel Walt sneered and thought better of conversing anymore. He was departing, but his eyes moved to Jessica again, before finding Jason standing next to her. "Young Master Forger, when you get back, tell your father his message is well received."

Patting Jason's shoulder, the man was gone, along with his minions, who didn't forget to glare at Gale.

"I did not like that guy," Jason muttered.

"You have no idea how much I agree with that sentiment," Jessica said, clenching her teeth. "He never ceases to amaze me. He never stops pointing out how you're beneath him, insignificant, while smiling to your face. Do not take it as a mistake on his part."

She turned to Gale. "Unlike his younger brother, who's all brash and no balls, Terel Walt is a master manipulator," she told him. "Do not believe any of his words. He'll come at you one way or another. After all, these Walts are made from the same clay. The problem with this one is that he is far too competent than the rest of them."