Chapter 111: Coordinator Determined
One week had passed since the strategy boards were distributed.
Since the day before, the approach to the strategy boards among the mercenaries had changed significantly.
Only one mercenary, the notably capable one, continued attempting to solve the board individually.
The others who had previously attempted individual solutions had given up and begun focusing on other tasks. Most were practicing ship-handling simulation. Likely preparing for potential future roles as mercenary coordinators.
In contrast, those who had been attempting to solve the board in groups had consolidated into a single large group.
Within this large group, three individuals took the lead in attempting to solve the strategy board. After each failure, they discussed options collectively, striving to make incremental progress.
"Having many people gather for discussion tends to result in 'a meeting that dances but makes no progress,' but somehow it's working out."
"Why is that? It seems to be going smoothly."
Oine appeared puzzled, but Makoto held a different opinion.
"Perhaps it's because there are three players working on the solution."
"What do you mean?"
"You know, disagreements arise during discussions. When it comes to deciding which opinion is correct, debates can stall. But with three people, three different approaches can be tested."
"I see. So they try out each suggested idea, identify the one that shows promise, and repeat the process to advance the strategy."
Dawson found the approach intriguing—a kind of human-wave tactic. He would never have thought of it himself.
"Unexpectedly, this kind of trial and error might actually uncover better tactics or overlooked solutions."
A person like Dawson, who has few friends, might not be able to do things like this.
Hey, Oine. I do have friends.
The records state that while there were peers at the Officer Academy, there were no friends.
That was before the Officer Academy. There were friends during the childhood school days.
As they spoke, a loud electronic tone, 'Dogyabawn,' rang out sharply.
Dawson looked toward the source of the sound. On the battlefield, one of the mercenaries was holding a strategy board that was emitting the noise.
The mercenary, at first stunned into silence, gradually began to show signs of joy, then finally erupted in visible delight, his whole body expressing it.
Got it! The breakthrough!
The other mercenaries nearby responded as if joy had spread to them, showering the exuberant mercenary with congratulatory words.
Good job! Now you're the first coordinator!
It was a group effort. Don't go acting superior and forget that!
The mercenaries cheer loudly. Among them, the other two strategy officers snap back to focus and restart the strategy board, beginning to reconfigure it using the same method as the one who succeeded.
There is one more coordinator seat.
One of them tries to slide into it first, manipulating the board at maximum speed without error.
Suddenly, a loud electronic tone rings out through the room.
Both strategy boards draw attention, but the sound comes from elsewhere.
Dawson and the mercenaries turn toward the source. The familiar mercenary who had been working alone holds up the strategy board.
"Bad. The second coordinator is me, apparently."
The mercenary's declaration left the others stunned. Then, their expressions shifted to acceptance.
"Anyway, you're the obvious choice. You've given us plenty of advice from this side."
"Frankly, it's more surprising that you weren't the first."
The mercenaries seemed unconcerned about the arrangement. Apparently, this was the expected outcome.
In any case, the two mercenaries had now been designated coordinators.
Dawson arranged for the two coordinators to meet with General Kernel, as representatives of the mercenary group.
"Very well. Then I'll relay the corporate request to these two. Both of you—do your best."
The mercenary coordinators returned the salute with stiff, tense expressions in response to General Kernel’s forced smile.
During the following journey, Dawson decided to impart another trial to the two.
"You have fully developed the ability to command fleets through the strategy board. From now on, you will grow accustomed to actually moving the mercenaries' fleets."
He paused, then looked at each of them for one second.
"For this training, we must decide which of the two will take command. Who will it be?"
An unfair question: to the two designated as leaders, to determine between themselves who would be superior.
The mercenary who had first conquered the strategy board stood momentarily speechless.
The one Dawson had marked as promising, however, spoke without hesitation.
"If that is the case, the one who conquered it first should take command. They have the trust of the majority of mercenaries. That makes them the most suitable choice."
The mercenary who conquered first blinks in surprise, not expecting to be nominated.
It was an unexpected statement, certainly, one that undermined the chance to lead the mercenaries. Dawson had anticipated this response.
"If that's the opinion, then so be it. You won't refuse, will you?"
The mercenary who conquered first nods vigorously in confirmation.
"Of course. I will lead the mercenaries."
"Understood. Then do your best. You are now the fleet commander."
The mercenary trembles visibly at the sound of the title, overwhelmed.
Dawson turns away from the man, now near the other mercenary.
"Did you plan this outcome deliberately, choosing to be second to conquer the strategy board?"
...What are you talking about. Just had the strength to come in second.
A tone that seemed dazed, but not entirely so.
Dawson understood the meaning behind those words, having known the man’s true status.
"Troublesome, being assigned from a corporation."
...I don’t understand what you mean."
No need to be so wary. My role is training mercenaries. Everything else is irrelevant. Not worth credits.
Dawson spoke as a pirate would, and the mercenary before him showed equal parts suspicion and reluctant understanding.
Dawson patted him on the shoulder to deflect suspicion, then announced that the remaining time would be free for celebration of their victory on the strategy board. He took Oine and Makoto and left.