Clark was originally the Grand Commander of the Skyhawk Legion, holding the high rank of Imperial General. Several years ago, the invasion of the Caesarites forced His Majesty the Emperor to promote Clark to Imperial Marshal, placing over three hundred thousand armored soldiers on the western front under his unified command. Such a high status and great power had been extremely rare since the founding of the empire. He did not disappoint His Majesty’s trust; over the years, he managed the western defenses with remarkable success. The Caesarites swept in from the distant west, destroying countless nations and proving unstoppable, but once they reached the borders of the Han Empire, they met their match in Marshal Clark. In dozens of battles, both large and small, they never gained the slightest advantage. Two months ago, they suddenly launched a full-scale blitz attack, but ended up suffering heavy losses; not only did they fail to achieve their objectives, they were instead driven back a hundred miles by Chief Clark, forced to hold a fortified city, and lost all ability to counterattack.

After this battle, Clark’s reputation soared to its peak in the empire; within the military, there was no one who could compare to him. And now, the person Henry Sutton was about to meet was this legendary figure.

“Little brother, don’t be nervous, Chief Clark is very easy to talk to.” Brian Cooper looked at the stiff expression on Henry Sutton’s face and could only smile wryly. He had said this countless times, but it had no effect.

“I know.” Henry Sutton tried hard to smile, but only managed to twitch the corner of his mouth. His face practically spelled out the words “I am very nervous.”

Brian Cooper shook his head helplessly, looked up at the sky, rolled his eyes, but there was nothing he could do.

“General Fang, Captain Xu, the Marshal has finished his meeting and is waiting for you in the inner hall. Please follow me.” A staff officer in his forties entered the parlor and spoke to them.

“Yes, thank you for leading the way, sir.” Brian Cooper quickly returned the courtesy, and Henry Sutton followed suit with a bow.

“May I ask your surname, sir?”

“I am Mark Bennett, a humble student. I hope General Fang will guide me in the future.”

“I wouldn’t dare; I hope Mr. Bennett will instruct me instead.”

Just a moment ago, Brian Cooper had been complaining about waiting half an hour without seeing a soul, but now he was following all the rules, not daring to make the slightest mistake.

Entering the inner hall, they saw a man seated at the front. He appeared to be nearly sixty, but was vigorous and healthy, with a ruddy complexion and jet-black hair and beard, showing no signs of old age. When he saw the two enter, he smiled and nodded, raising his hand and saying, “Sit.”

“Thank you, Marshal.” Fang and Xu responded and took their seats.

It was Henry Sutton’s first time meeting such a high-ranking official. He barely sat on half the chair, and under Clark’s gaze, he was at a loss, clenching and unclenching his hands, not knowing where to put them.

In contrast, Brian Cooper appeared calm and composed, sitting upright, eyes forward, face expressionless.

Observing their behavior, Clark was puzzled. Brian Cooper had gained fame young and served as a deputy general for years, so his composure was expected. But Henry Sutton’s reaction was unusual. By rank, a ten-man squad leader acting this way would be normal, but Henry Sutton was no ordinary squad leader. From his previous performance, he was clearly both brave and wise, a man of courage and strategy. Yet today’s meeting was disappointing. However, with years of command experience and a shrewd mind, Clark sensed that this man was not simple; just seeing how those soldiers who had survived deadly battles obeyed him without question proved he was no ordinary officer.

A thousand thoughts ran through Clark’s mind, but his face remained calm as he smiled kindly and said, “Since ancient times, heroes have emerged from the young. For you two to achieve so much at such a young age, my Han Empire truly has successors. I am greatly comforted.”

“You flatter us, Marshal.” Brian Cooper quickly bowed in his seat.

“General Fang, I have already truthfully reported your achievements to the court. Your commendation should arrive within ten days. In my opinion, the position of Deputy Commander of the Red Lancers’ Left Battalion is as good as yours.” Clark lifted his teacup and took a sip as he spoke.

“Thank you for your support, Marshal.” Brian Cooper stood and bowed, but did not appear excited, only offering a calm word of thanks.

The main force of the Red Ocean was the lancers, so the Red Ocean was also called the Red Lancers. Half a year ago, one of the two deputy commanders of the Left Battalion in the Red Legion died unexpectedly, leaving a coveted vacancy. With so many factions in the army, by rights, with Brian Cooper’s family background, obtaining the position should have been easy. But the Fang family had a tradition of military service; the first patriarch, to prevent his descendants from becoming complacent, set a family rule: no Fang who joined the army could be promoted without military merit. The northern border of Han had been peaceful for years, with no wars, so Brian Cooper had held his position for four years without any chance for advancement.

Now, with the court transferring troops from the northern camp to reinforce the western front, Brian Cooper calculated that instead of idling in the north, he might as well try his luck in the west. Perhaps, if he earned some merit, he could gain more leverage, so he was the first to submit a request for battle.