Ch. 301We're Going to Find Someone
Chapter Summary: “We’re Going to Find Someone”
Key Plot Points and Events
- The Dragon Nation military learns that a single fourth-year practical combat instructor from Eastern Radiance Academy has attacked forces in Korea and is currently fighting there alone.
- Korea condemns Dragon Nation, demands an immediate end to the violence, and calls for the instructor’s surrender.
- The Commander-in-Chief initially assumes the incident involves a regular military unit and suggests a token punishment, but is shocked when he discovers the attacker is an academy instructor.
- After reviewing the instructor’s file, the commander orders the Dry City Army, Northern Frontier Army, and Eastern Sea Army to enter Korea and retrieve him safely before the battle ends.
- To cover the country’s defenses while these forces depart, the Noble Family Alliance and government troops are assigned to hold the lines against the Demon Clan.
- During their journey, the Eastern Sea commander proposes using the opportunity to destroy Korea, arguing that Korea has repeatedly betrayed Dragon Nation during conflicts with the Demon Clan.
- The Northern Frontier commander strongly rejects this idea, warning that an attack could provoke neighboring countries—and especially the United States—into surrounding and pressuring Dragon Nation.
- Despite official orders being limited to rescuing the instructor, the Eastern Sea commander secretly intends to use the mission as an excuse to attack Korea. He and his adjutant humorously frame the invasion as an extensive “search” for the missing instructor.
- The Northern Frontier commander realizes what is happening, becomes enraged, and threatens to report the Eastern Sea commander for disobeying orders.
Character Developments
- The Commander-in-Chief shifts rapidly from irritation and bureaucratic discipline to urgent concern. Once he sees the instructor’s file, he recognizes the man’s exceptional value and becomes determined to protect him.
- The Eastern Sea commander is revealed as aggressive, impulsive, and openly resentful of Korea. He prioritizes revenge and military opportunity over diplomatic consequences, even accepting the possibility of punishment or demotion.
- The Northern Frontier commander serves as the cautious, strategically minded counterbalance. He understands the wider geopolitical risks and insists that the army follow the commander-in-chief’s limited order.
- The adjutant and lower-ranking officers support the Eastern Sea commander’s plan, treating the rescue mission as a justified opportunity to settle old scores. Their reactions add humor and show that many soldiers share resentment toward Korea.
- Su Wuming, though absent from the scene, becomes the central figure motivating the military mobilization. His unexpected solo campaign demonstrates his extraordinary abilities and causes major international consequences.
Significant Themes
- The value of exceptional individuals: The commander is willing to risk major military and political complications to save one highly talented instructor.
- Military duty versus personal revenge: The Eastern Sea commander interprets the mission as a chance for retaliation, while the Northern Frontier commander emphasizes obedience and strategic restraint.
- Political consequences of military action: The chapter highlights the danger of turning a rescue operation into a full-scale war, particularly because of possible intervention by neighboring nations and the United States.
- Hidden intentions and official pretexts: The Eastern Sea Army disguises its desire to attack Korea as a search-and-rescue mission.
- Humor amid escalating tension: Exaggerated military reactions, profanity, and the commanders’ mock-serious discussion of “finding” Su Wuming contrast with the potentially catastrophic international crisis.
Character Interactions
- The soldier nervously reports the crisis to the Commander-in-Chief, whose reaction changes dramatically as he learns the attacker’s identity.
- The Commander-in-Chief gives the three armies direct orders to rescue the instructor, while assigning other forces to protect Dragon Nation’s vulnerable borders.
- The three regional commanders argue over whether Korea should be destroyed. The Eastern Sea commander advocates action, the Northern Frontier commander warns against it, and the disagreement grows increasingly hostile.
- The Eastern Sea commander and his adjutant privately agree to exploit the mission, pretending to search for Su Wuming while preparing to attack Korea.
- The Northern Frontier commander, cut off and ignored, angrily vows to report the Eastern Sea commander for insubordination.