Shadowfall Kingdom
Vincent
Kaijuu Ryu’s Laboratory
05:25
I step outside. They’re both already waiting, shivering in the cold.
“The interview already started.”
I wink at Shanon—she gets it.
Wilfred looks confused.
I invite them in and close the door behind them.
I put my hand on Wilfred’s shoulder.
“Don’t worry. It’s an inside joke.”
“Ah. I see.”
They take off their coats and scarves and hang them on the coat rack.
I lead them to the dining area.
Felmina is there at the ready with the coffee pot.
We sit down at the round dining table.
Felmina pours them each a cup, then sits opposite me.
Roka is still asleep.
Shanon sits to my left and Wilfred to my right.
I take a sip.
“Morning.”
Felmina giggles.
“Morning, Sir!” they say together.
I laugh.
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
“Tell me—during wartime, how do we relay messages to the troops during battle?”
Wilfred lifts his hand.
“No need for that. Just answer me.”
“Yes, Sir. We use messengers.”
“I see. Also, just call me ‘Sir.’ If you say ‘General’ every time, it’ll get annoying.”
“Yes, General— I mean, Sir.”
I look at Shanon and raise my eyebrow.
“Yes, Sir!”
“Stop shouting. Roka’s still sleeping.”
Felmina chimes in with a small laugh.
Shanon rubs the back of her head.
“Sorry.”
I clear my throat.
“It’s inefficient. We’ll use a flag system. Each division will be assigned a color.
“We will have white flags signaling orders such as: Attack Forward Left, Forward, and Right; Advance; Retreat; Flank Left; Flank Right; Hold Your Ground; Pursue Retreating Enemy; and Defend.
“The black flags will indicate the number of divisions to follow the order.
“For example, we raise a red flag indicating foot soldiers, as well as seven white flags indicating ‘Defend.’
“Then two black flags showing that two divisions must respond.
“Then we raise the green flag indicating archers.
“Can either of you tell me what orders I just indicated? Raise your hands.”
They both do.
“Yes, Shanon.”
“You want the commander of the foot soldiers to defend the archers using two divisions—preferably the closest ones.”
“Correct. But what if there are archers on either side of the foot soldiers? Yes, Wilfred-kun.”
He thinks for a moment.
“The commander of the foot soldiers will check which one is in trouble.”
“Correct. Well done.”
They both smile nervously.
Do I make them nervous?
“Wilfred, Shanon, after the six o’clock meeting you will draw up a sheet containing each division’s color as I assign them. Please remind me.
“You will also include Attack Front Left, Attack Front Right, and Attack Front by assigning the number of white flags needed for each order.
“Also list the number of divisions each unit will have at its disposal next to their colors.
“You will order three spyglasses for each commander.
“You will have all the necessary flags made, including four rainbow-colored flags.
“Each flag must be two meters long and one meter wide.
“We will build a wooden tower.
“Each division will be assigned a number.
“The bannermen will bear the number with the corresponding color to make command easier.
“You two will oversee the training of each commander as they train their divisions.
“I’ll be busy training the elite troops for my personal division.
“Actually—on second thought—I’ll need you both to help me train my troops too.
“Are there any questions so far?”
They are both furiously taking notes.
“Yes, Wilfred.”
“Why three spyglasses for each commander?”
“Good question. I’ll answer that after the six o’clock meeting. Please remind me.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“That is all for now. Enjoy your coffee.”
I stand. It’s 05:46.
I step outside.
Nine commanders and ten vice commanders are waiting for me.
I invite them in and lead them to the outside field.
There are still dents in the walls from when Felmina, Roka, and I ran into them during training.
Wilfred and Shanon join me outside, notebooks in hand—Shanon on my left and Wilfred on my right.
They’ve put their coats and scarves back on.
The others are all in battle-ready clothes. No coats.
