The independent unit I lead consists of 500 magic-powered mecha, specializing mainly in guerrilla operations. Many of the riders in the unit are former prisoners and other eccentric individuals, making them a unique presence within the Empire’s military.

“Hehehe, Chief, to think we get to be led by the Ten War Gods, we’re honored!”
A subordinate, dressed in a way that hardly resembles a soldier, said with a crude grin. Encouraged by this, other subordinates began to laugh lewdly, showing their enthusiasm.

“I’m not the type to give orders about this and that. I’ll just tell you what needs to be done, and you just follow me.”
“Well, that sounds fine. All we have to do is defeat the enemy, simple and clear.”
“Yeah, we can’t do much else, so fighting is the only thing we know, hehehe.”

I was a bit taken aback by their unusual reactions, but I told them the purpose of my visit.

“By the way, where is Lieutenant Damien? I need to discuss the upcoming command with him.”
“Hehehe, Damien’s at the back, probably in the middle of a game. He’s losing, so his mood might not be great.”
“Is that so? Well then, I’ll go check.”

I said this and entered the tent that had been set up. As soon as I stepped in, the smell of alcohol and tobacco hit me, which was unpleasant. I tried not to show my discomfort as I walked toward the lively group in the center of the room.

“Tch, another one for the parents’ total, huh? Are you cheating, you bastard?”
“You just don’t have any luck. You really are unlucky in gambling.”
“Idiot! I’ve never lost at the crucial moments! I’ll tell you, this gamble means nothing in the grand scheme of things.”
“Well, that’s fine. But just because it’s insignificant doesn’t mean the amount you lose is any less.”
“I know that, I’ll pay it all back when the next payday comes!”

My sudden appearance caused the noise to briefly stop. However, a new buzz quickly took its place.

“What’s a lady like you doing in such a dump? If you’re here to sell yourself, I might be interested.”

I had no intention of playing along with such a cheap joke and immediately stated my purpose.

“Which one of you is Lieutenant Damien?”

I asked loudly enough for everyone to hear, and a soldier with a rugged face, short black hair, and disheveled clothes immediately responded.

“Ah, I’m Damien. But I don’t recall knowing any beauties like you, or did I mistake someone else?”

“I’m Yui, the one who’ll be commanding this unit. I came to introduce myself and discuss the future command.”

“Oh, so you’re the Ten War God Yui. I’ve heard of you, but what could have happened for someone like you to end up leading such a ragtag unit?”
“I’ve heard this unit is quite capable. While I admit I’ve made some mistakes, it’s not the reason behind the change in command.”
“I see. Well, it doesn’t really matter to us either way.”

“Now, about the command…”
“We don’t need a detailed meeting for that. If we’re told to do something, we’ll do it. We’ll follow any orders you give.”

Other members of the unit, who had been listening to Damien, chimed in as well.

“Of course, we can’t think of anything complicated. We’ll just follow orders.”
“Hehe, right. If a beauty like you tells us to, we’d even take on a giant beast!”

It seems this unit has no culture of detailed planning. I realized once again that this wouldn’t work with the usual approach.