Episode 72
Charles said after thinking for a moment.
“I save my points as much as possible.”
And as if to elaborate, he adds:
“This is a golden opportunity to close the gap with the top tier. Your score will vary depending on how many points you save here.”
It seems like Mir doesn’t even want to talk to Charles… Evan also felt uncomfortable with this woman, so she repeatedly asked me to represent her.
“Exactly how much do you want to save?”
“I’ll just take four bottles of water. “Let each person have one.”
“hmm… … .”
“Actually, if I could find a spring that could provide drinking water, I could save these points… … .”
Charles looked at me and asked.
“Just by chance, I’m asking, do you know the geography of the Butterfly Forest?”
It was so different from his attitude towards Hector that I thought he had completely forgotten about it.
Still, I guess they think I’m a bad nicker.
“I don’t know.”
Of course, regardless of that, what you don’t know is what you don’t know.
When I said that, Charles said, ‘I knew that.’ He gave me a look and continued speaking.
“Anyway, in this situation, water is absolutely necessary, but other than that, nothing else is absolutely necessary. “It’s okay to starve for a day, so you don’t need to bring food, and you won’t be staying for several days, so you don’t need a tent or lamp.”
“What about bandages or potions?”
“It’s okay if you don’t get hurt.”
That’s right.
Anyway, isn’t that too extreme?
“I will oppose it!”
Mir shouted as if he had been waiting.
A tendon bulged on Charles’ forehead.
“… “What is the basis?”
“You look down on hunting too much! Do you think you can find quality game in just one night? “It’s absolutely impossible!”
‘Ohh.’
I thought they were opposing it simply out of opposition, but surprisingly, it turned out to have a solid basis.
Mir continued.
“Best of all, the instructors didn’t tell us about the exam period!”
“… … !”
Charles’ expression hardened slightly, and I decided to play along with him this time.
I never thought Mir would catch that point.
That’s because the way he speaks is strange. Isn’t that guy actually smart?
It’s just like Mir said.
There are too many things yet to be revealed in this special test.
Not only did the period during which the exam take place, but also the method of calculating points was not disclosed.
The most important thing is how many points you can get from this test… … .
Since this is a group test, points will also be scored by group.
If my prediction is correct, I think I will be able to get at least 50 points if I get first place in this exam.
Well, based on group standards, it’s about 12 to 13 points per person, so it’s not an unprecedented score at all.
“One day is not enough! Whether it’s two or three days, we invest as much time as possible to achieve the greatest hunt! “That is the only way to achieve first place!”
“under! And what if I fail?”
“Anyway, if you don’t achieve results here, there will be no chance to turn things around again!”
“How do you know that! “It’s only been two weeks!”
“Stop fighting, you guys.”
If Charles stops using polite language, you will have to intervene.
I set out with the rule in my mind.
Then their eyes turned to me again.
“under! Then, let’s listen to the leader’s opinion! Hey! What do you think?”
“That’s great!” Blonde Badknicker! “Say your opinion!”
“Then you both will follow my opinion?”
They both nodded at the same time.
My answer was decided from the beginning.
“I’m going to save my points. “I won’t be as extreme as Charles said.”
Then joy and sorrow crossed the faces of the two guys.
I looked at Mir, who suddenly became sullen, and said.
“Mirya.”
“huh?”
“I agree with most of what you said, but there is one point I overlooked.”
“What is that?”
“hour.”
Mir tilted his head.
“… hour?”
“No matter how much time the instructors give us, our group plans to return before the sun completely sets on the first day.”
“Why?”
While I was thinking about how to explain this, I mentioned someone’s quote that suddenly came to mind.
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“The Empire’s strongest ranger – Hyde Woodjack once stopped by the Butterfly Forest and left these words.”
I looked in Charon’s direction for a moment and then continued.
“’Even if you are a top-notch ranger, surviving a day in the Butterfly Forest would be difficult.’”
“… … .”
“The forest at night is not dangerous. Lord Hyde called it hell. “The man who stays in the swamp area, one of the four major prohibitions of the empire.”
“hmm… … .”
“We must compete during the day and return before the sun sets. “This is our group’s absolute condition.”
Mir and Charles, who had expressions of uncertainty, reluctantly nodded.
“… I get it.”
“all right.”
Should I say I am fortunate?
Both of them were guys who knew how to give up their stubbornness.
“Then let’s sleep well today and see you tomorrow. Rest well.”
* * *
dawn.
At that time, when most of the leaders were asleep, the conference room in the instructor building was as bright and noisy as midday.
This is because all the instructors were gathered together and having a meeting.
“… Now there are no more stragglers in the early morning run. Some of them even chatted while running. “I think it might be a good idea to gradually increase the intensity of the training.”
“I agree. Familiarity, more than anything, causes us to let down our guard.”
“Theory class progress is slower than expected. “I think we’ll maintain this tempo for a while.”
“You will be recording the results of the sparring without fail, right?”
Effective education cannot exist for everyone. Because each person has their own aptitude.
Therefore, the instructors at the retreat flexibly adjust the schedule and intensity according to the level and aptitude of the leaders they have seen in person.
I don’t know about the instructors, but in fact, all of the instructors were resting much less and working a lot more than they were.
“now. “Please pay attention for a moment.”
At that time, martial arts teacher Juan clapped his hands and caught their attention.
Those who were just raising their voices closed their mouths and looked at him.
“Let’s discuss the training schedule later, but first let’s talk about Yeongdo. What do you think of this rider overall?”
At Juan’s words, the instructors looked at each other. The first to speak was one of the driver instructors.
“Personally, I think it’s the best ever. Even considering that it was a retreat right after the blessing ceremony. “The lack of experience is due to age, but he adapts so quickly that it makes no difference.”
“It’s only been two weeks, but it’s encouraging that no one has died or been seriously injured yet.”
“For someone who comes from a great family, he seems to know how to speak well.”
Overall, there were favorable reviews.
On the outside, he was verbally abusive to the instructors, calling them trash and stupid, but in fact, all of the instructors recognized the talent of this rider.
Juan nodded and said.
“I guess they all have similar feelings. “I also feel regretful that I have to give hero status to only three people.”
“Three people… … .”
The survival teacher said, stroking his beard.
“I am not sure which of the Youngdos will achieve that qualification. “Except for one person.”
At this moment, the instructors around them all remembered one person at the same time.
Juan spoke on their behalf.
“You mean Charon Woodjack Youngdo?”
“exactly. The skills that Charon showed were amazing. To be honest, I don’t know if this retreat will be of much significance to the spirit concerned.”
Then the other ambassadors who were listening quietly added one word at a time.
“In hunting class, I was the quickest to find traces of the target, track it, and catch it. “He is Lord Hyde’s son, so it’s only natural.”
“I never missed first place in the early morning sprint, and I never lost in sparring.”
“There are many things that are vague about the theory, but the passion for learning is amazing. “I heard that during break time, I focus on studying the areas I am weak in.”
Juan nodded again and agreed with their opinions.
“Swords, spears, daggers, axes, bows… … . “He knew how to use most weapons and his proficiency was at a high level.”
Next, I heard here and there that it was almost certain that Charon would take first place.
Juan spoke again.
“What about other than Charon Youngdo?”
“hmm… “Of course it would be Hector Badniker and Seren Goodspring.”
Along with Charon, these were the names of the two leaders who were most anticipated.
“When it comes to swordsmanship, Hector Badniker is the best. “This rider is by far the strongest.”
Hector Badniker, who was famous for being a genius among the children of Iron Blood Craftsmen, was always showing off his outstanding talent during the training session.
What stands out other than swordsmanship was his leadership, and the arrogant nobles follow Hector’s words without a word.
“Seren Good Spring… I still don’t know why I participated in the retreat, but there is no doubt about my talent. Something worth noting is the level of proficiency in Divine Protection. “He is already showing application skills comparable to that of active heroes.”
In addition, names that caught the attention of the instructors were called one after another.
“Lude Chevalier had excellent overall balance.”
“Charles Rubieta’s performance was also better than expected, but he was a little belligerent. “I thought maybe I should do self-cultivation before training.”
Of course, if there is someone who is praised, there is also the opposite.
This is a fact that does not change even if you are an excellent jockey.
“In addition, Bruno Hammer, Shaw Greenwood, Evan Helvin, Mir Giant… … . “They honestly fell below expectations.”
“hmm. “In general, these races are trouble.”
It’s not just humans who gather at the retreat.
Since the great family itself is descended from the blood of heroes who saved the continent in the past, the number of races is naturally diverse.
To begin with, Badniker’s ancestors were black fairies. Although the blood has faded a bit now.
“Evan Helvin… … .”
Juan opened his mouth.
The corners of his mouth were slightly more twisted than usual, and that alone made his expression a little colder.
“The talent and protection are not bad, but he is too tied to his family. “You’re practicing a trashy martial art like Raven.”
The survival teacher frowned at the overly aggressive tone.
“Isn’t that too harsh?”
“It’s not bad at all. “Sir, I’m sure you’ve heard rumors about the knight of all defeats, right?”
“… Lord Dodds Helvin, who founded Raven, of course suffered the humiliation of total defeat in the process. However, in essence, enlightenment is something you gain more from when you lose than when you win. “I don’t think Raven, who was born from defeat, is so inferior in swordsmanship that she deserves to be treated like that.”
“I see.”
Juan nodded and said.
“But when it comes to martial arts, wouldn’t I be more expert than you?”
“… Are you saying that my military education is inferior to yours?”
As the survival teacher lowered his voice, the atmosphere calmed down.
However, Juan was not bothered by the cold atmosphere and even smiled and spoke.
“Each person is good at something different.”
Then others agreed with what he said.
“That is correct.”
“We must respect each person’s specialties. Isn’t that why there are ten major criminals?”
“Instructor Soimond and Instructor Juan are not called martial arts teachers for nothing.”
“Martial arts teacher? Oh, you mean that business card that I didn’t even dare to put up when the sword teacher was there?”
“… … .”
At these words, Juan’s expression hardened for the first time.
Sword teacher Calzac was literally Juan’s natural enemy.
When he was at home, he was practically a representative of the position of great criminal, and his relationship with the head of the family, Sanghyeolgong, was also the closest.
The fact that the period when Juan’s position grew coincided with the period when the sword teacher went missing was significant in many ways.
Anyway, the atmosphere in the conference room cooled because of their argument.
However, Teacher Survival easily realized that the atmosphere was not favorable to him.
It was inevitable since the majority of the instructors had already been taken over by martial arts teacher Juan.
“I have my eye on Luan Badniker.”
At that time, a man who didn’t care about the atmosphere at all opened his mouth.
It was Tanko, a hunting teacher.
He maintained an expressionless face despite the gaze focused on him.
“Luan Badnicker… … ?”
“I definitely stood out in the special exam, but… … .”
“After that, there wasn’t much to do.”
Luan Badniker took second place in the special exam, a monster attack that took place early in the morning.
Because the performance he showed at that time was impressive, some instructors paid attention to him, but after that, there was nothing that stood out.
rather.
“My class was a bit difficult.”
“The body is rather weak. To put it bluntly, it is at the lowest level among the Yeongdo provinces.”
“That’s right, hunting teacher?”
Juan also took his gaze away from the living teacher and now looked at Tanko.
“Rather, there is a rumor going around that you favor Young Dao Ruan.”
“Am I showing favoritism?”
“yes. “Every time we spar, he pretends to be Luan Youngdo’s opponent, and after that, he makes all kinds of excuses to give him extra points.”
The corner of Tanko’s mouth twitched.
“All sorts of excuses… … . “You can understand the level of the person who makes such a fuss.”
“You’re talking a little too much.”
“It’s not too much. Rather, the insult of the person who ignored my insight has gone too far.”
“… … .”
“Keep in mind. “The Great Warrior of the Plains does not tell lies when evaluating warriors.”
Tanko was this kind of man.
Unlike most of the great masters who are most proud of the title of ‘Great Master’ given to them by Iron Blood Prince… … .
The identity that this man most confidently revealed was that of a great warrior from the grasslands.
Juan felt a little uncomfortable with that attitude, but spoke without showing it.
“All right. The evening sparring is your domain, so don’t interfere. However, it is difficult to tolerate giving more points carelessly.”
“Then there is nothing we can do.”
Fortunately, Tanko tended to accept the majority opinion in most cases.
It wasn’t because he was generous, it was just because he didn’t like getting into unnecessary arguments.
Juan was silent for a moment, then asked a question for some reason.
“Among the instructors, is there anyone who paid attention to Youngdo Luan?”
“… … .”
“… … .”
No one raised their hand.
Even Mr. Survival, who wanted to vote against Juan’s words, remained silent this time.
Juan said, looking at Tanko again.
“Sir, to be honest, I don’t have much to say about Youngdo Luan. In fact, in the case of Luan Youngdo, it was not easy to even look at him without prejudice. Everyone here… “You must have heard rumors about the treasured sword seller.”
“It’s a rumor. Then, haven’t you heard the rumor that Luan Badnicker defeated Hector Badnicker?”
Then Juan smiled slightly.
“I don’t think anyone will believe that rumor. Most people believe that Hector lost on purpose to save his youngest brother’s face.”
“You go on for a long time about believing only what you want to believe. Then let me ask you another question. “Out of all the classes you taught, of any kind, was there even one class in which Luan Badnicker failed?”
“You’re asking a strange question. “How many experts do you think are gathered here?”
As explained at the beginning, there are a total of four subjects graded at the retreat, but that is in the broad sense and the details are much more complicated.
Even within the subject of immediate survival, it is classified in various ways, including food identification and procurement, topography and geographical information, and secret methods and hiding methods.
Therefore, there is no such thing as a ‘perfect score’ at Badniker’s retreat.
Even Charon, who had already surpassed the level of mastery, showed clumsiness in subjects that did not suit his aptitude.
The empire’s leading experts gathered at the retreat, and the variety and depth of the subjects they teach exceeds that of the institutional academies.
In other words, it is natural to receive failing grades in two or three subjects at this retreat.
“… … .”
However, not a single instructor responded to Juan’s words.
They looked at each other as if they were also embarrassed.
When the atmosphere changed slightly, Tanko continued.
“As you said, Luan Badniker’s physical abilities are at the bottom level among the spirits. But he didn’t fail any subject.”
“… “What do you want to say?”
“Nothing in particular. “It was just a response to the question I asked at first.”
Tanko muttered in a grave voice.
“But since we’re talking about it, let me say more. I think Luan Badnicker will come in first place in the second special test.”
The surroundings became quiet at Tanko’s declaration.
This is a statement from a man who does not lie.
The weight of those words made even the instructors who had taught Luan think again about the blond badnicker.
“Is that so? “I also expect that something surprising will happen in this second test, but the direction is different from yours.”
Juan spoke without being swayed by the flow at all.
“What do you think?”
“Unexpectedly, no one died in the first test. “This was definitely unexpected, so it wouldn’t be surprising if something unexpected happened in the second test as well.”
“What is that… … .”
Juan said with a smile.
“I think half of the spirits will die in this second test.”
fantasy,
