My soldiers are all Fourth Calamities!

10. He's just a newcomer.

Half an hour later.

Outside the Sokolov command post, a sheltered resting place.

Luca closed his eyes.

He imagined a river from his hometown, a bright midday, and reed beds.

Luka was a slightly older commander, and like Sokolov, he had been a captain in the Tsarist army. Now, in this new regime called the "Redvet Union," the old military system was still incomplete, and most titles were crude and rudimentary. People were accustomed to using general terms like "junior commander" or "middle-ranking commander," perhaps adding a simple rank like "regimental commander."

Time is a cruel mistress, but it didn't strike Luca.

Luca's face, however, was wrinkle-free, and he was as energetic as a young man. At this moment, he was staring at the newly promoted commander named "Rochester" not far away, filled with burning jealousy for this man who was highly valued by Sokolov.

He smoked a cigarette while rubbing his temples, which throbbed with jealousy, and couldn't help but let out a suppressed groan. His abilities were by no means inferior to that guy named Rochester—at least Luca himself firmly believed so.

Of course, Luca's jealousy did not stem from loyalty to the former empire, nor from any fondness for the new regime, and had nothing to do with the burning beliefs in the hearts of most people here.

He has nothing.

For him, in this war that swept across the entire territory of the old empire, the only thing he cared about was saving his own life.

Clearly, that damned Tsar could no longer hold onto this vast territory. So, Luka, well-versed in the "Thirty-Six Stratagems, the best is to flee," along with Sokolov and several other companions, escaped to this new regime and, by virtue of their positions in the old empire, obtained some official posts.

For him, this was a matter of course.

He doesn't have that so-called patriotism to burn himself out at a time like this to fight a war that spreads across a vast territory.

However, it is difficult to leave no stain on one's military career, so he had to find a respectable reason for himself.

Therefore, for Luca, a "strategic retreat" with his troops was the best option.

As long as he can still fulfill his "duty" under the worst circumstances, he has an excuse to absolve himself.

This is precisely the source of Luca's jealousy of Rochester at this moment.

Supporting the brother troops in the north should have been a pleasant task. He only needed to show that he had done his best, put on a show of fighting, and then retreat with his troops when the time was right. Other troops would then clean up the mess.

After all, if even the Northern Brotherhood couldn't defeat their opponent, then it was to be expected that his troops would be defeated.

Ideally, the weather in Ukraine would be terrible, greatly slowing the march, so that by the time he arrived, other support troops would have already reached the area. That way, he could not only escape unscathed but also gain official recognition.

This back-and-forth could drag on for four or five days, or even half a month. By then, the First Cavalry Corps would arrive and lead them to fight their way back.

After the war ends, he can still get the title of a founding general.

All these wonderful plans were completely disrupted by that guy named Rochester.

Thinking about this, Luca felt even more strongly that the guy named Rochester was a complete fool. Sokolov said that he had also defected from the old empire, and had once been just a corporal, but was full of loyalty and dedication to the new regime, as well as the terrifying combat quality of his troops.

This is exactly the kind of person the new regime needs.

This is exactly the kind of person the new regime needs most.

Although future developments are still unclear, judging from Rochester's current promotions, he will inevitably be awarded a medal of honor after the war—a corporal from the old empire, a young man who has been able to distinguish himself in the new regime.

This is perfect material for an army that desperately needs to establish role models to boost morale. After all, there are so many merits to be gained from this guy: for example, such talent was buried by the old empire; or, for example, an inspirational story of a common soldier rising to become a hero of the new regime.

Thinking of this, Luca's jealousy intensified.

To boost morale, he would receive a reward or publicity even if he failed to rescue his comrades. In any case, this would ensure he had a good life in the future, and might even land him a leisurely logistics job.

Luca grew angrier the more he thought about it, and his gaze toward Rochester became increasingly cold.

Such a gaze naturally did not escape Rochester's notice, making him feel uneasy. However, Rochester did not care too much; he did not yet believe that his actions would create any enmity with the other generals. After all, the task of "opening the can" was always dangerous, and no one would be foolish enough to take on such a hot potato.

Rochester and Luca share the same understanding on the same point.

The core issue is survival.

Surviving by hiding is meaningless. The most crucial issue, simply put, is cost, so we need to find ways to increase our own value.

In particular, how to gain Joseph's favor, and it would be even better if he could join the Cheka.

Therefore, you must actively promote yourself. Don't miss any opportunity to showcase yourself.

The above content will also give you reputation, and with reputation, everything will be easier.

Rochester currently has [1650] reputation. His immediate priority is to recruit another batch of players to fill the gaps in the "Benevolent Army," and also to purchase some equipment to improve the players' combat capabilities, and see if they can help kill more of the enemy's high-value targets such as "canned goods."

Asking Sokolov about equipment is unrealistic; Rochester has already observed the situation of the soldiers near the command post—it's bad.

With a loud command.

The command headquarters assembled hundreds of soldiers who joined Rochester's Righteous Company.

Judging from their appearance, these were a group of new recruits who had not received any systematic training, and their posture was also careless.

Only the dozen or so soldiers Sokolov selected were veterans.

Rochester had no doubt that, apart from Sokolov, the other generals had sent over the worst batch of recruits from their troops.

Some of the new recruits were even forcibly sent here.

Without iron discipline, the entire group would become a chaotic bunch of bandits.

Without iron discipline, we cannot overcome the current obstacles, cross the mountains, or become the main force.

Discipline and training are the foundation of an army; any slackening of these disciplines can lead to the collapse of the army's foundation.

Since this was a fundamental issue, Rochester, who was in a guiding position, took a firm stance on it.

An old soldier jogged out.

He saluted Rochester.

"Reporting to Company Commander Rochester, the entire company has assembled, totaling one hundred and twenty men."

Rochester returned the salute and, adopting the air of a veteran soldier from the front lines, gave the order to the standing company to "attention," before raising his hand to salute Sokolov.

Along with Rochester, six other company commanders saluted Sokolov.

Rochester is the only general who leads two companies. Although the company the player created is only a platoon in terms of numbers, it is still an independent unit.

A total of seven company commanders and eight units, comprising no more than nine hundred people, were sent north to provide support.

Before officially setting off, they had six hours to rest and prepare, which suited Rochester's wishes, since the players would be online in five or six hours, which corresponds to 7 or 8 pm Earth time.