Died for a Million Times: I can Copy Infinite SSS Talents!-Chapter 79 --In That Case, We’re Friends

"Oh? Is there something wrong with this rank? Isn’t it just an honorary title without any real power?"

Link looked puzzled. To him, an honorary second lieutenant was nothing more than a fancy title—nice to look at but practically useless.

He hadn’t even taken it seriously himself, so he couldn’t understand why this veteran was so worked up about it.

Seeing the blank look on Link’s face, the old soldier shook his head and sighed heavily.

"Are you stupid? Sure, a normal honorary rank usually doesn’t mean much. It’s like being a mascot. But you—you’re different. Your title was conferred personally by that general!"

"Even if that wasn’t your intention, once word gets out that you’re an honorary second lieutenant from the Northern Front, people are naturally going to associate you with the general. In other words, meeting you will be like meeting him."

"Then, even if you don’t have real authority, it’s as if you do. Get it?"

"Oh... So that’s how it is."

Only now did Link truly understand why Ryze, his mentor, had insisted that Nate personally preside over his commendation ceremony.

So that was the hidden meaning behind it.

When Link fell silent in thought, the veteran took another drag from his cigarette and continued.

"Also, do you think military ranks are easy to come by? Look at me. I’ve been fighting at the Northern Front for years, and I only barely made it from private third class to a lowly sergeant."

"And you? You’ve only been here a few days and you’re already a second lieutenant!"

"If you rack up more achievements later and get promoted a few more times, you might end up a major general! By then, even a general would have to salute you!"

Link could hear the sarcasm in the old soldier’s tone loud and clear.

And frankly, being lectured like this was starting to get on his nerves.

So he fired back.

"What, you’re unhappy? Let me tell you something—I didn’t come to the Northern Front to climb the ranks or rub shoulders with generals. I’m from Eagle Hatchling Camp, and in a few days I’ll be leaving. Even if I become a general, it won’t change that. So you don’t need to worry about me stealing your spotlight."

"And besides, everything I’ve done—wasn’t it for humanity? For the Northern Front, to stop those moonfolk bastards from hurting our people?"

"Alright, alright, stop right there!"

The veteran raised a hand to interrupt, clearly trying to shut Link up.

"Save that speech for the rookies. I’ve been through too many battles to fall for those high-sounding slogans. I’ve heard enough to make my ears bleed."

"High-sounding slogans?"

Now Link was genuinely angry.

Ever since reading that notebook, every decision he’d made—every risk he’d taken—had been in pursuit of a single goal: to prevent the extinction of the human race.

And now this man had reduced it all to empty words.

He clenched his fists, struggling to hold back the urge to punch the guy.

Thankfully, at that moment, Edward stepped over.

The officer glared at the veteran and barked,

"Cigarettes are contraband! How did you smuggle that in?!"

"Ah? I—"

The veteran froze, then hastily flicked the cigarette behind him and put on a sheepish smile.

"Sir, you must be mistaken. What cigarette? There’s nothing here!"

Edward reached out and grabbed the man’s wrist, lifting it high—and sure enough, a yellowed cigarette stain on his fingers was clearly visible.

There was no way to talk his way out now.

"S-Sir, I was wrong! Please, just this once—spare me!" freeωebnovēl.c૦m

The old soldier was on the verge of tears, practically ready to drop to his knees. He pleaded desperately, hoping Edward would show some mercy.

But Edward wasn’t having it.

"Spare you? So more soldiers can pick up your bad habit, huh? So the entire Northern Front can be clouded in smoke, giving those moonfolk bastards a good laugh at our expense?!"

"You’re to report to the brig immediately! No release for a full month!"

"Sir... I..."

The veteran tried to beg again, but Edward cut him off with a loud slap, pushing the man to the edge of collapse.

With no other choice, the old soldier left, shoulders slumped. He knew full well that in the military, obedience was the number one rule. Disobedience meant harsh punishment—no exceptions.

Once he was gone, Edward removed his cap and turned to Link, offering a crisp salute.

"Second Lieutenant Link, a word of advice: don’t get too close to these cynical old dogs. The military is all about clear rewards and punishments. That guy’s been at the Northern Front for years and he’s still a low-ranking sergeant. Clearly, he’s the problem."

Link smiled and asked,

"You heard our whole conversation?"

Edward nodded. "More or less. But what really caught my attention was what you said at the end—that everything you’ve done was for humanity. Did you mean that?"

He stared directly into Link’s eyes, as if searching for something deeper.

Link, with a clear conscience, answered without hesitation.

"Of course I meant it. If it wasn’t for the sake of humanity, why else would I have gone through so much to get into Astral Nexus Academy in the Magic Capital? Why join Eagle Hatchling Camp? Why endure all that brutal training? I could’ve just stayed home and lived an ordinary civilian life."

That answer clearly surprised Edward.

After a moment of stunned silence, he extended his right hand.

"In that case... we’re friends now."

"Nice to meet you, friend."

Link reached out and shook it.

But then Edward grinned.

"Just a reminder—my rank is major, two levels above yours. So in front of others, you’d better address me as ’sir.’ It’s protocol. But since this is your first slip-up, I’ll let it go. Just don’t forget next time."

Link chuckled. He could tell that Edward wasn’t being malicious—his attitude was miles apart from the crusty veteran from earlier.

Before long, the two had grown quite familiar with each other.

Edward began sharing stories about the history of the Northern Front, while Link recounted a few of his harrowing school experiences—carefully choosing only what could be safely disclosed.

Though they were events of the past, Edward still found himself marveling at the stories.

"I can’t believe you went through all that before even coming here. It’s a miracle you’re still alive."

"Yeah."

Link gave a wry smile.

"To make it this far—alive—was no small feat."

Edward didn’t respond. Instead, he turned toward the nearby mission hall.

He reminded Link,

"By the way, I suggest you go cash in those merit points while the hall’s still open. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow."

"Oh shoot—you’re right. Thanks!"

Link slapped his forehead. How could he have forgotten something so important?

Two hundred thousand merit points—enough to shoot him from the lowest F-rank straight up to A-rank!

At this rate, the top spot in Eagle Hatchling Camp would be his without question.

Most of the recruits who joined the camp at the same time as him were still hovering around D-rank. The very best among them might’ve scraped into C-rank.

But none had come even close to what Link had just earned.