The headquarters was organized into functional sectors rather than residential districts.

Each sector serves a specific purpose within the regional military command structure as Leo mentioned.

The Imperial Captain Draven, also known as Commander Draven of the Dunmarrow capital city, was located inside the Commander Sector.

It was the administrative heart of the headquarters where strategic decisions were made and military operations were coordinated.

As much as Leo wanted to introduce each other sector, he didn’t want Max to be impatient.

He said, "The Commander Sector remains active around the clock, receiving reports from frontier outposts, ranger detachments, and regional forts.

The Regional Military Commander Draven was responsible for commanding every Imperial Soldier stationed within the Mirefall Region, authorizing military operations, coordinating with Dunmarrow’s Governor, overseeing officer promotions, and requests provincial reinforcements when necessary.

There are other deputy commanders, but in your case, since it involves imperial recognition from an Imperial Lieutenant Officer, you should seek out his audience."

Leo gestured for the horse to take the road leading to the Commander Hall, while Max followed beside him.

The Commander Sector occupied the central elevation of the headquarters, overlooking the surrounding military compound.

The road ascent, and Max thought he might run out of mana if he walked towards the Commander Sector.

Based on their pace, Max assumed they would reach the Commander Sector in ten minutes, allowing Leo to continue chatting with him.

Leo said, "Captain Caelen Draven is one of the Empire of Valtherion’s most distinguished regional commanders, having served in the Imperial Army for over three decades.

Born to a family of common citizens in this very place, he entered military service as an enlisted swordsman during his youth, demonstrating exceptional discipline and aptitude for command rather than noble lineage or political influence."

Leo felt proud. He had already memorized the background of Commander Draven after reading it many times when he was also an enlisted swordsman.

He always looked up to Commander Draven, so he didn’t notice how sparkling his eyes and enthusiastic his tone whenever he recounted the latter’s background.

"Throughout his career, Commander Draven advanced through the Empire’s formal military hierarchy, serving in nearly every level of field command before earning his current position. His service record includes assignments to frontier garrisons, fortress defense, mobile expedition forces, and officer training commands, giving him extensive experience across multiple operational environments.

His military progression followed the standard Warrior Branch advancement.

Swordsman, Knight, War Commander, and War Lord.

Unlike many A-Rank warriors who become renowned for individual martial prowess, Commander Draven’s reputation was built upon his ability to command formations, coordinate large-scale operations, and maintain the effectiveness of entire armies under adverse conditions.

Following his promotion to Imperial Officer Captain, he was appointed Regional Military Commander of the Dunmarrow Region, his very hometown, where he assumed responsibility for the defense and administration of one of the Empire’s most active frontier regions."

Leo paused for a while, wanting Max to process what he had just said.

Max glanced at him and thought. It’s easy to see through his mind. Exposing himself so easily, huh?

Max didn’t say anything, disappointing Leo for a bit.

He hoped Max would feel astonished as he was when he first came to know the Commander’s background.

Still, he continued.

"Commander Draven adheres closely to the doctrines of Imperial Army.

He believes that an army’s strength lies not solely in powerful individuals, but in the efficient integration of soldiers, officers, logistics, intelligence, and support personnel into a unified fighting force."

Max’s interest was piqued.

Such doctrines... it makes sense if it’s the Emperor who established it.

Max always thought that the Imperial Doctrines was developed by the second Emperor, who was also an SS-rank Support branch—the Tactician.

As for his actual class at SS-Class, it was unknown.

However, ever since the current Emperor reached SS-rank with the Tactician’s branch, he provided free learning to the branches of the Tactician’s class, inevitably cultivating every governor of the regional capital city to follow the same path as him.

Every emperor that succeeded him follow his path.

The second emperor was more famous than any other, causing Max to fail learning about the First Emperor’s SSS-Class.

While he was lost in thought, he was snapped awake by Leo, who continued.

"Commander Draven to us is a respected commander, who understands the realities of military service.

During our enlistment, he is known for conducting regular inspections personally, maintaining consistent training standards, enforcing military regulations equally across all ranks, and prioritizing the welfare and readiness of his troops.

He seldom delegates inspections entirely to subordinates, believing that commanders should remain familiar with the conditions experienced by the soldiers they lead.

Though, it’s a shame I only managed to interact with him when I was still an enlisted soldiers.

I am now an officer. We view him as a demanding but fair superior Imperial Captain.

He expects officers to possess not only combat ability but also administrative competence, strategic awareness, and the capacity to lead under pressure.

Promotion recommendations issued under his authority are recognized for their rigor, reflecting his belief that higher ranks carry greater responsibility rather than greater privilege.

His evaluation focuses on—"

He abruptly halted as they finally reached outside of the Grand Reception Hall, the main entrance of the Command Hall.

At the moment, another C-rank knight, who was clearly stronger than him, guarding the main entrance, glared at him.

He walked towards them, his footsteps were heavy.

He said, "Why are you bringing a horse in this place? Who allowed you to enter the headquarters even?"

Leo panicked. He hastily jumped and explained the situation to the C-rank Knight.

The C-rank Knight glanced at Max and was taken aback by the latter’s aura alone.

He was definitely not an ordinary individual.

He slowly walked towards Max and bowed deeply.

"I apologized for my rude behavior."

Max asked, "Is the Commander inside his office?"

"He is. Can you give me a... five minutes to inform him of your presence? Best I will deliver the letter to him so he will have an idea of your purpose."

"Go."

The C-rank Knight immediately ran towards the Commander’s Office.

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