It’s common knowledge that humans who become slaves to demons will be exploited, just like the islanders who were captured on that island.
However, it seems there are some clever demons who show videos of humans living carefree lives, saying “If you surrender to me, I’ll let you live like this.”
It seems there are actually some humans living such lives, but they are very, very few in number.
By treating a very small number of humans preferentially like this, the demons direct the slaves’ rebellious spirit and grudges towards these privileged few, and feed on that negative energy. That’s how demons operate.
Moreover, the preferential treatment only lasts for a certain period, after which they’re demoted to slaves.
In other words, it’s like this. They make those who have defected send messages to their families and friends saying “It’s paradise here.” Their families and friends believe it and defect too. Once they’ve taken in as many humans as they can, the person is deemed missing, meaning they’ve become a slave.
Even if they go missing, it’s not a problem because there are no longer any family or friends left to report it.
“It’s an unpleasant method, but effective. Really unpleasant.”
While I don’t believe 100% of what the military says, if you’re shown several videos that were supposedly sent to a certain family for enlightenment purposes, you can see that the backgrounds are being reused.
The military knows the fate of missing people because they’ve seen what used to be humans discovered when cities were conquered.
And the military doesn’t hide this fact.
On the contrary, they’re actively spreading the information.
As a result, currently, most humans avoid negotiating with demons and recognize the coexistence – Symbiosis faction, which recommends it, as traitors to humanity.
There are various reasons why people join the coexistence faction and recommend negotiating with demons. As mentioned earlier, some are tired of war, while others have their families held hostage.
Among them, the most active are those related to the very, very few humans currently receiving preferential treatment from demons.
They are tasked with “offering humans to demons” and have a contract that guarantees preferential treatment as long as they fulfill this task. Therefore, their words that “negotiation with demons is possible” are not lies, and their recruitment words are filled with passion.
And there are always some humans who are deceived by the words of such people.
Sadly, humans are creatures who tend to think “I’ll be fine.”
They only realize the truth when it’s too late to turn back, but at that point, it’s their own fault and they’ll have to accept it. It’s pitiful for their families and friends who get caught up in it, but I don’t have the luxury of feeling sorry for others right now.
In any case, I have no intention of joining the coexistence faction, nor do I intend to let my sister get involved with them. That’s why I don’t mind at all if military personnel patrol around our house.
“So, Mr. Officer, can’t we move into the military housing too?”
“That’s impossible.”
“Why?”
“Well, because there are many people who think like you.”
“Ugh!”
“But well, since you’re compatible with magic crystals, we can give you some special treatment.”
“Huh?”
Indeed, I showed aptitude for magic crystals in the aptitude test. But if they were going to give me special treatment for that, they would have said so from the beginning.
However, sweet words after a denial are usually a red flag if you think about it normally.
There’s always a catch to a good deal, right?
But in this situation, I don’t have the option of not listening.
Right now, I’m as green as they come, and I’m just a kid with no backing whatsoever.
What would happen if such a kid were disliked by the HR officer? It’s not hard to imagine.
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“…What specifically do you mean?”
Well, I’ll listen to what they have to say for now.
If it’s too awful, I can always refuse.
“Good. That caution is commendable. Even after you’re officially assigned, remember to maintain that skeptical attitude towards everyone’s words. Ah, of course, your direct superior is an exception.”
That’s sarcastic. I get it.
“…Yes. I’m sorry.”
“I wasn’t being sarcastic, I was genuinely praising you. But nevermind.”
Steeling myself with a “grin and bear it” mentality, I asked. The HR officer, likely seeing through my intentions, explained with a wry smile.
“It’s simple. You know that it takes a certain training period to use a mech, right?”
“Uh, well, yes.”
Of course. Even getting a driver’s license takes a month (though that’s partly for the profit of driving schools), so it’s obvious that mechs, which are more difficult to operate than cars, would require more time.
“Basically, the military recommends mastering skills at training facilities. It’s better for unit coordination training too. But for young people like you, it’s different. It’s recommended to send you to military school to gain a certain level of education and skills before assignment.”
“…So rather than putting a child with no physical strength, knowledge, or teamwork experience into a unit for training, you want to give them at least basic common sense and abilities before enlistment?”
I understand the feeling. It’s troublesome to teach the very basics, and more than anything, they probably don’t want to deal with the hassle of educating overconfident kids just because they’re compatible with magic crystals.
“Frankly, that’s correct. Additionally, it’s easier to determine aptitude and make subsequent deployments if we assess at military school, right?”
“That’s true.”
I can’t say anything else. Report cards, or rather, in this case, recommendation letters. It’s easier for superiors to recruit with those, and it makes education after deployment easier too.
“The usual attendance period is three years. There’s a small salary too. And while birth and upbringing aren’t completely irrelevant, the highest priority is compatibility with the mech. Furthermore, military school also includes officer education, so you can join as an officer upon graduation.”
“Really?!”
I can get paid and even get promoted without any backing?! This is great information!
“I wouldn’t lie about something like this. Also, if you attend military school, you’ll live in the school-designated dormitory. However, these days, there are many cases like yours where people want to live with their parents or siblings. We have 3DK and 2DK rooms available. There are elementary and junior high schools nearby, so your sister won’t have trouble finding a school.”
“Oh, I see!”
This is clearly the military’s way of securing talent, but for me right now, that’s exactly what I want. No problems here!
“What do you think? If you wish, I can start the procedures for you to enroll in military school.”
Military school! I choose you!
“Please, I’d appreciate that!”
“I see, I see. Then let’s proceed with the paperwork. Do your best.”
“Yes! Thank you for your advice!”
There’s no way I’m going to miss this unexpected opportunity! I’m going to ride this wave!
–At this moment, I was too elated and took the officer’s words at face value, failing to notice.
I didn’t notice the officer’s sly grin when I declared I would [attend military school].
I didn’t realize how unnatural it was to receive a salary just for attending school.
I didn’t recognize my own foolishness in not being cautious about the sweet deal the officer proposed, despite having said myself that [there’s always a catch to a good deal].
At that time, I truly didn’t notice anything.
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