Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character-Chapter 99: [98] Prevent War

-Third Person POV-

The next morning, Arkan headed to Gunnar’s workshop.

By the time he arrived, Gunnar—who had just finished his breakfast—was already preparing to start his work. The scent of metal and machine oil filled the air, blending with the aroma of burning wood from the forge in the corner of the room.

As soon as he saw Arkan, Gunnar grinned.

"Oh? Lord Arkan! What brings you here so early?"

Arkan got straight to the point. "There’s a change of plans. We need that thing by next week. Can you finish it?"

Gunnar frowned, then leaned against his workbench.

"Hmm... Even though the model design came from you, I still need time to complete it. Faust, as the chemist, is still refining the formula."

He patted a lathe machine, which appeared larger and more advanced than those typically used by ordinary craftsmen.

"This upgraded lathe really helps in creating more precise shapes. If I estimate... I need two more days."

Arkan nodded. "Good. How many can you make?"

Gunnar glanced at a corner of the workshop, where several tightly sealed wooden crates were stacked.

"Let’s see... Two crates. But why are you in such a hurry?"

Arkan looked at him seriously.

"Gunnar, this is about the Northern Empire. They’re starting to move for that purpose."

His tone deepened, carrying a weight of seriousness.

"They haven’t acted aggressively yet. They’re staying in the shadows, waiting for an excuse to start a war against this kingdom. But if we can act first... we might be able to prevent that war from happening, or at least delay it a little longer."

Gunnar scratched the back of his head, seemingly uninterested in political matters.

"Hmm... I don’t know much about politics. That’s your job, even though you’re still a rookie at it."

Arkan chuckled. "Yes, I’m still a rookie in this. That’s why I need someone who understands higher-level administration and has more experience than I do—at least someone who can help me execute this plan more effectively."

Gunnar snorted and shrugged. "Suit yourself. I don’t want to know the details, but your order will be ready in a week."

Arkan nodded in satisfaction. "Good. I’ll be waiting."

After leaving Gunnar’s workshop, Arkan made his way to the defense office in his castle.

Inside, two men were already waiting for him.

One was a blond-haired, blue-eyed man—Rainer.

The other was a middle-aged man with brown hair and sharp, hawk-like eyes—Kael.

Both wore the official uniforms designed by Arkan, modeled after 19th-century German military attire. Long black coats with gold trim, complete with rank insignias that reflected their positions.

As soon as Arkan entered, they turned toward him.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"It’s fine..." Rainer replied briefly.

Kael simply nodded in silence.

They waited until Arkan took his seat before officially starting the meeting.

Leaning back in his chair, Arkan looked at them. "Tell me, what information have you gathered?"

Kael and Rainer exchanged glances for a moment before Arkan continued.

"This is about the Black Hand."

Arkan opened a folder on his desk and began speaking.

"We captured several of their henchmen while investigating Marquis Arelon’s spies some time ago. After Florence conducted thorough interrogations and gathered further intelligence, we were able to conclude something."

He took a deep breath before unfolding a map he had drawn, accurately marked with latitude and longitude coordinates.

"The main route used by the Empire’s envoys to reach the kingdom... is here."

Arkan pointed to a specific line on the map, highlighting the route that had caught his attention.

Rainer and Kael examined it closely, their expressions growing more serious.

Arkan continued, "Cecilia’s plan is to assassinate the Empire’s envoy and make it look like I was responsible."

He tapped the map with his finger, emphasizing the significance of this information.

"If the envoy is killed within our territory, the Empire will have a legitimate reason to attack. They don’t need to act aggressively first—they just need an incident to justify their invasion."

A moment of silence filled the room.

Kael finally spoke, his voice deep and firm. "So, if we do nothing... war will break out soon."

Arkan nodded slowly.

"This information is accurate. Florence has sworn by its validity. It seems she obtained it from a truly reliable source."

Rainer crossed his arms, his expression remaining cold. "Then... what’s our plan to counter this?"

Kael, who had been quiet until now, looked at Arkan seriously. "We can’t just sit and wait."

Arkan leaned forward, pressing his hands against the wooden desk before him.

"We will execute a small-scale military operation. Kael will lead a specialized unit to handle this matter directly."

Rainer raised an eyebrow. "A special unit?"

Arkan nodded, then pulled a new scroll from his desk drawer and spread it out before them.

On it, the Empire’s main envoy route was mapped out—the path that had now become Cecilia’s target.

However, on Arkan’s version of the map, additional red marks were scattered across various strategic locations along the route.

"I won’t deploy a large force. That would only attract attention and could be seen as a provocation. Instead, I will use a small combat unit consisting of our best soldiers. They will be equipped with specialized weaponry, including hand grenades currently being produced by Gunnar and Faust."

Kael nodded, understanding the approach. "A swift ambush and covert operation, leaving no trace that could lead back to us."

"Exactly." Arkan pointed at the red marks on the map. "This unit will be stationed along the main route. If there are any indications of movement from the Black Hand or Cecilia’s forces, we can act before they execute their plan."

Rainer narrowed his eyes, analyzing the strategy from a warrior’s perspective.

"And if we fail to stop them?"

Arkan met his gaze sharply before finally leaning back into his chair.

"If that happens... we must ensure that the evidence points elsewhere. If the Empire needs an excuse for war, we have to give them something more confusing."

Rainer and Kael exchanged glances.

Kael exhaled. "I understand. This operation must be carried out with absolute precision. If we make a single mistake, we’ll be the ones framed as the masterminds."

Arkan tapped his fingers on the desk, speaking in a calmer tone.

"We’re not trying to avoid war, Kael. We’re only trying to delay it until we’re ready."

Silence filled the room for a few moments.

Finally, Rainer took a deep breath before standing from his seat. "Then, when do we begin?"

Arkan glanced out the window, where the sun was slowly rising.

"Next week."

###

Military Camp, Outskirts of Law City

The morning sky was still veiled in a thin mist as Kael arrived at the military camp, not far from the center of Law City.

Before him, rows of soldiers stood tall, clad in neatly arranged military uniforms.

The kingdom’s banner fluttered atop a high flagpole in the middle of the field, swayed by the cold morning breeze.

Kael strode toward the podium that had been prepared. His steps were firm, his gaze sharp—like an eagle surveying the battlefield.

The moment he stood at the front, the soldiers immediately straightened their posture with even greater discipline—a sign that they recognized his authority.

A short trumpet blast sounded, signaling the start of the morning assembly.

Kael swept his gaze across the entire force, observing each soldier one by one before finally speaking.

"Soldiers!" His voice was firm, echoing across the field. "Today is not just another training day. From this moment on, you will face a test that will determine who among you is worthy of carrying out the most dangerous mission for the kingdom."

The soldiers remained silent, but the atmosphere among them grew tense.

Kael continued, "I have received direct orders from Lord Arkan to select an elite unit for a critical operation. Those chosen must possess exceptional discipline, tactical intelligence, and combat skills beyond the standard of ordinary soldiers."

He paused briefly, letting his words sink into their minds.

Then, Kael stepped toward the front row, scrutinizing them carefully.

Among the dozens of soldiers standing before him, only twelve would be selected for further evaluation.

Arkan had entrusted the selection process entirely to him, and Kael had no intention of failing those expectations.

His eyes scanned their faces—some radiated confidence, some remained calm, while others hid their nervousness behind rigid postures.

Kael then resumed, "I do not care about your previous rank. I do not care where you come from. The only thing that matters is whether you are ready to risk everything to prevent the war that is approaching."

He returned to his original position, standing firm.

"For those chosen, be prepared. Intensive training begins tonight."

A brief silence followed before the soldiers responded in unison with a powerful shout.

"Yes, Commander!"

Kael nodded in satisfaction.

He knew that tonight would mark the beginning of something far greater. Kael entered his office and also ordered his aide to compile the biodata of each soldier and sort them out first before starting the test tonight to see the standard abilities of each individual.