Episode 168
“Haaak. Haak.”
“Crazy…”
“This is crazy.”
Voices filled with distress flowed from among the transfer students undergoing training.
Most people had plenty of time to spare as the early morning canter that started at the training ground continued with ten laps around the outskirts of this large McLane town.
However, the name confused everyone, and during the horseback riding training where he ran while holding his horse, more than half of the knights let out screams of power.
When we started rock climbing with rocks attached, almost all of the riders started moaning.
‘Are you really trying to get rid of them all?’
For a moment, this thought occurred to me.
This ignorant physical training made beads of sweat form on the forehead of Jorge, a top knight who had only been training in swordsmanship instead of physical training for the past ten years.
However, despite this, he continued his training silently.
His intention to settle down in McLane was also a will.
“Captain. Captain, please step forward and say something…”
“It’s noisy, Denmil. Look ahead. What would I say in this situation?”
“Okay. That’s right, though.”
Although it was clearly the role of an instructor, the existing McLine knights were also doing the same training as themselves.
They are not just giving instructions, but are also participating in the training, so how could they be the first to give up?
Above all, even ordinary knights were going through this hellish training with a calm expression.
“This is the McLane Knights’ usual training. This crazy training. There was indeed a strong reason.”
Denmil’s dissatisfaction subsided at those words, and the other knights around them who were listening to their conversation also nodded.
The evaluation of McLane that spread immediately after the end of the civil war was mainly divided into two things: rumors about Logan McLane and their weapons.
However, most knights who directly crossed swords with them in war added one more reason.
– Macline knights are stronger than other knights of the same level. It can easily overwhelm knights of the same level and harass even knights of higher rank.
Jorge seemed to have glimpsed some of the source of that power today.
And although they didn’t know it, that conversation brought a smile to the face of Logan, who was listening to their voices while running at the front from afar.
A few hours later.
“Okay everyone take a break!”
“Wow! I survived!”
“It’s so loud. My ears are ringing.”
The physical training ended with about 10 knights failing due to the unimaginable intensity.
‘Horrible…’
Training that made Jorge click his tongue.
What I thought was especially harsh was when he returned to the training ground after physical training on the cliff.
Even then, it was because of the devilish finishing training that made the horse run around.
It was like getting stabbed in the back while I was relieved thinking about going back on horseback.
Most of the 10 or so stragglers came from there.
“These knights… just carry the horse around and do it. Does this make sense?”
“There must be a reason for this.”
“Yes. The reason for bothering you.”
At that time, everyone collapsed from exhaustion due to the extreme training they had never experienced before.
“From now on, I will teach you the iron blood sword, which can be said to be the symbol of the McLane Knights. I am proud that it is an intermediate sword skill possessed by our knights and the highest level of intermediate sword skills. Everyone, stand up!”
“Ugh!”
“Intermediate swordsmanship?”
Screams and questions come out at the same time.
“Instruction in swordsmanship is provided by one instructor for two people, that is, an existing Knight of Macline teaches two knights of the same level. Those who learn are to regard themselves as teachers and serve them humbly, even during the period of learning. And, unless there are any special reasons for disqualification, the teacher will continue to be a temporary disciple. He becomes their senior engineer and is also responsible for teaching McLane culture.”
The faces of the knights from McLane turned bright red.
‘The Grand Duke really wants to give us preferential treatment.’
But at the same time, a cold wind blew across the faces of the new knights who were lying down.
They thought that the good treatment they had given us for a few days was all just laying the groundwork for this training.
‘You damn bastards.’
But training with a sword? Treat that as an example of a disciple and like a teacher?
‘I might really die.’
The eyes of the fallen knights all focused on one place.
After receiving that gaze, Jorge let out a small sigh and stood up.
Because he also thought this was not right.
Of course, for other reasons.
“Grand Duchess. I’m sorry, but those from the Calia Knights have already learned the intermediate sword technique called Wind Breaker. Now it’s time to do it again…”
“You don’t want to learn it?”
“That’s not it….”
“Sir Jorge. Would you like to test it first?”
Smirk.
Jorge felt goosebumps all over his body as he read the amusing emotions in his red eyes.
“I only use the Iron Blood Sword. You can use any method you can.”
I really liked those confident words.
Because Jorge was very aware that Logan was stronger than him.
But still.
bang.
“Now, take the sword. You can use your favorite sword.”
“…yes?”
Logan’s words as he picked up the wooden sword inevitably hurt his pride.
“My favorite sword is a class 3 artifact…”
“It doesn’t matter. Just do everything you can.”
“….”
Jorge’s complexion hardened frighteningly.
Because what he wanted was to be recognized for his skills, not to be ignored.
‘No matter what, this is….’
gasp.
Although it is impossible for him, he knows that even among the highest-ranking knights, those who are exceptional can use the Force Blade to replace the sword even without a sword.
That monster, Logan McLane, even guessed that it was quite possible.
But no matter how much it was, the difference between a real sword and a wooden sword was big.
Just because it could replace a sword didn’t mean it didn’t need a sword.
The natural characteristic of externally expressed force is to maximize the power of the weapon you have. Fighting Jingeom with a wooden sword was obviously something you would do only against an opponent who was one level below you.
Moreover, you don’t mind hearing the artifact?
‘Isn’t it because of that sword and other artifacts that you were able to face a superhuman? But with a wooden sword on your bare body? me? ‘This Jorge?’
A troubled heart causes anger.
“If you wish…”
Sreung.
“As you commanded.”
Red light surged from the tip of his beloved sword, Fortitudo.
But….
“Knowing the subject matter.”
Bah!
“It is more important than anything to a knight.”
Wow!
“But what with this swordsmanship?!”
Whoops!
“Kuh…”
Jorge fell to the floor with the strong sound of blows ringing out in succession.
The highest-ranking knight failed to land a single blow against an opponent known to be of the same level, and collapsed after being beaten one-sidedly.
When the eyes of those watching grew twice as big as they turned towards Jorge, who was lying in a pitiful state.
In reality, the person in question was just looking at Logan with eyes full of surprise, not even shame.
Cough.
“How can there be such a difference? Could it be…?”
“It’s just a difference in swordsmanship.”
Logan, who understood the omitted words from that gaze, laughed and threw away the wooden sword.
On Jorge’s forehead.
Wow.
“Ouch…”
“Is there anyone who knows any useful intermediate sword skills?”
A top-ranked knight passed out bleeding in the macaque.
There was no way there was a brave person who could raise his hand.
* * * The first day’s swordsmanship training was replaced by everyone taking basic stances and memorizing sentences together.
This is because it was a temporary priest policy that was not notified to the McLane knights, so it was necessary to first decide who would be in charge of whom.
And for that purpose, Logan, who gathered together the leaders of the existing knights, said something unconventional from the beginning.
“Play as much as you want.”
“yes?!”
“That means you can play with it as much as you like. Just don’t kill or maim it.”
“Master…”
Victor, who was sitting next to me, gave me an absurd look.
Even though he felt that even Eilen was looking at him with strange eyes, Logan just shrugged his shoulders and did not change his words.
The words were so embarrassing that most of the drivers were unable to give an answer.
“Not long ago, you were fighting for your life, so you might feel bad just looking at it. You might feel uncomfortable. You might even feel like your place has been taken away. So, I am saying that I will help you relieve those feelings.”
A tempting sound.
However, when deGrom heard those words, his expression hardened.
‘We tried so hard to prevent territoriality, but the Grand Duke is actually encouraging it?’
If you take this literally, you are a fool.
If you do it for no reason and the knights actually quit…
“…is that really okay?”
No, that idiot?!
DeGrom’s neck jerked.
Fortunately, it seemed that he was not the only one who had such thoughts, and everyone was looking at Henderson, who had spoken, with wide eyes.
‘Even if he receives his title, does he still have no brain?…’
But.
“Of course. Those who fail that much have no intention of being accepted into our knights in the first place. So feel free to play around with them until you like them.”
The Archduke responded favorably.
‘You’re serious.’
The moment everyone felt it, the atmosphere changed completely.
How careful have you been so far to avoid being called territorial or sabotaging your business?
However, the Archduke himself clearly stated his intention to give preferential treatment to existing knights.
Their instincts, having endured countless hardships, came out as a sadistic joke.
“I will teach you so that it will be engraved in your bones!”
Starting with Henderson’s sonorous voice.
“I will make you practice even in your dreams!”
“My goal is to make them both run away!”
“I’ll make sure you can’t even make eye contact from now on!”
DeGrom clicked his tongue as he watched his colleagues spitting out childish words one after another as if they were children.
‘That’s childish…’
If you go a little too aggressive here, your colleagues will automatically refrain.
“Confucius. I wonder if he can be held responsible if his disciple commits suicide…”
He really meant to control the overheated atmosphere, but maybe that was a bit too much?
The atmosphere suddenly became cold.
Did I go too far…?
“…Why? What! What’s with that expression? Am I the only one who’s trash?!”
The gaze of my colleagues as if they were looking at something disgusting.
Plus.
“Team 7 leader, Lord deGrom. Follow me.”
It seemed like the lord had also been photographed.
DeGrom had no choice but to follow Logan like a cow being led to the slaughterhouse.
however.
The Archduke’s first words, which seemed like they were about to burst into flames at any moment, were quite warm.
“Yes. Baron deGrom Sheffield. Do you like the new mansion you received?”
You must not lose your mind here.
deGrom answered nervously.
“Yes! Thanks to your consideration, I am doing well.”
“Okay, that’s good. But you seem to be feeling a little uncomfortable. Has there been that much accumulated?”
also.
“I was just asking about the possibility, just in case. Absolutely! I have no intention of doing anything that will harm the family.”
DeGrom followed suit, quickly blurting out the excuses he had prepared.
“Yes, yes. I believe in the scriptures. I guess it was just a joke.”
“That’s right!”
I’m glad the Archduke recognized it.
I sigh.
“I wonder if that’s why I called you. Actually, I should have prepared this kind of situation sooner…”
The Archduke looked at him with strange eyes and got to the point.
“Did you reach a superior level in the last war?”
“Yes, that’s right. I was lucky.”
“Hmm. I’m sorry, but I actually thought it was very surprising. I thought that if I were to reach the upper level, the leaders of groups 1 to 4 would come first.”
Ronian Victor Eilen was referring to the three young geniuses and Henderson, deGrom’s motivation for joining the team.
Even in deGrom’s own opinion, he was a tremendous talent. People with .
The three geniuses caught up with his 15 years of training with just a few years of training, and Henderson was always one step ahead of them.
“No. I thought so too.” It
was sincere.
Although he had experienced life-threatening crises in the last battlefield and was lucky enough to overcome them, he had risen to the level, but he thought that they were all talented people who would soon rise to the advanced level without such things. .
Moreover, considering the age of the leaders in Groups 1 to 3, it was clear that they possessed even greater talent than the lord, who had risen to the upper ranks at a young age without much war experience or intermediate swordsmanship. ‘They’ll
probably catch up soon.’
That was also the reason why deGrom was humble about his own accomplishments.
However, the Archduke’s thoughts seemed a little different.
“But it was Sir who reached the level first. It’s okay to be proud. In addition, Sir seems to have a good reputation, and everyone is picking him as the next Grand Knight Commander.”
“…That’s too much to say.”
“So, I want to ask you something.”
“Yes?”
“What do you think about Sir Jorge?”
” ….”
Logan’s sudden words caught deGrom speechless.
“…What are you saying?”
“Sir Jorge. I’m asking which of the two you think should be the leader.”
I couldn’t believe it… Although
he was momentarily taken aback by such a direct question, deGrom said his usual thoughts.
“I think it’s good for the Knights Templar to be led by someone with outstanding skills. ”
“Is it right for Sir Jorge, who has just transferred, to become a knight commander?”
“Yes. That’s the standard.”
“Hmm… That’s a really standard answer, but wouldn’t the existing knights hate it?” ”
Most of them will be satisfied with just the measures you mentioned today.”
“No, no. Even if you don’t know it in your head, human emotions are. You won’t accept it that easily.”
What do you want me to do?
DeGrom looks confused.
“So, I’m thinking of giving you a chance to choose.”
“…Yes?”
As Logan continued, his eyes gradually narrowed. It had no choice but to grow.
