Chapter 55
Pant, pant. IIm sorry!
Victors breath was ragged, his words coming out in a hurried rush.
No, its okay. Try it again.
Excuse me?
I said, try it again.
Yes, right away!
Logan smiled faintly, picking up the sword rolling on the ground and handing it to him.
He certainly has an incredible talent.
It wasnt empty praise.
Only sixteen and merely a year of sword training.
Was he fully accustomed to the most basic swordsmanship of Grandia Kingdom, or did he naturally assume the basic stance even when swinging wildly?
Even when his slashes deviated from formality, his stride was steady, his eyes fixed on an imaginary target.
The basic swordsmanship has been perfectly ingrained.
Moreover, the force he mustered when swinging aimlessly was much higher than when using formal techniques.
It meant that such a temperament suited Victor well.
The nature of a noble slayer may have changed, but his martial prowess remained fierce and aggressive.
I can even discern the nature of his swordsmanship.
It suggested he himself was transforming just as much as Victor.
A slight smile of satisfaction trickled onto his face.
The only problem was
Haap!
Swoosh. Slice.
Boom.
Harsh and violent swordplay can never be perfected through solo practice.
Hell need an opponent now.
Not an overwhelmingly powerful being like himself, but someone on his level.
That meant opponents just short of Force User levelA-grade mercenaries or elite soldierssparring as real combat was necessary.
Is it feeling cramped?
Victor, who swung his sword with all his might, silently nodded his head.
Ordinarily, he wouldve denied it and just continued to practice diligently.
It must be because he feels it too.
The future Aura User.
His talent once again left Logan in awe.
And fortunately, the solution to Victors frustration was straightforward.
Tomorrow, I plan to leave McLain Castle and train the soldiers in Teslon for the coming winter.
Excuse me?
Follow me. Make sure to tell your sister.
But then
Can I not take Lia with me?
This fool of a brother blurted out something absurd.
Take a girl to a training ground swarming with men?
Is it impossible?
You think thats really for her own good?
I want to go together!
He really was a difficult one to comprehend.
Normally too mature, the moment his sister was involved, he turned into a child.
Wanting to bring his young sister to a place filled with men, especially testosterone-fueled teenagers.
What kind of trouble is he looking to start Wait a moment?
A thought suddenly flashed through Logans mind, and against his earlier judgment, he nodded.
Alright. Lets bring her.
Thank you so much!
Watching Victor leap with joy, Logan swallowed a sigh inwardly.
Ah this kid
While Victorias control over her brother was good, her attachment was far too intense.
At this rate, he might just keep putting his sister first, no matter what I ask of him.
This seemed like an opportunity to address his excessive attachment.
If everything went as planned, it would certainly
But remember, if any problems arise, its all on your head. You asked for this.
Yes! I will take good care of it.
Thats not the point! Victoria has her own tasks to handle, so make sure to treat her work separately. If youre useless without your sister, youre of no use to me.
I apologize.
While his responses were prompt, Victors eyes were flickering with unease.
Victoria. Come here!
Since his arrival, Victoria who had been anxiously watching from the side came running over.
I apologize, its not my brothers fault, whatever it is. Please forgive him just this once!
As the small girl bowed repeatedly with pale cheeks, Logan felt a headache coming on.
No need for that.
Though offered goodwill, their instinctual apprehension was the same as siblings.
Maybe thats why he insists on taking his sister with him
Logan let out a bitter laugh, hiding his hollow feelings.
Children who have endured hardships, having only each other to rely upon.
One could hope they had found some comfort in the past year, but it still seemed too much to ask.
Well be heading to Teslon Castle for the winter. Your brother will be training with the soldiers, so accompany the maids responsible for food distribution. Understood?
Yes!
Her response was notably better than her brothers.
After Lia left to gather her belongings
Do you cherish your sister that much?
Logan asked casually, driven by curiosity.
In his past life, he had lived in regret, constantly apologizing to his family for his faults.
He was continuously striving not to leave that regret behind.
But the way Victor cared for his sister seemed different.
Shes my only family.
Victors answer was straightforward, perhaps disappointing for the complexity Logan had imagined.
Was it simply the instinct from a blood relationship?
Hmm. Is that all?
Logan prodded, and Victor hesitated before replying again.
Because of me, our parents passed away.
Logan was taken aback by the unexpected response.
Because of me, Lia lost her parents. I must protect her, my only remaining family.
Victor bit his lip and bowed his head.
Logan had no desire to see further; instead, he looked away into the distance, not wanting to witness the shaken expression.
I will do anything to atone for my sins.
To protect my family, my sister, I will wager everything I have.
No, I must.
Could anyone else understand that tangled mix of affection and regrets as well as Logan himself?
A question asked on a whim had revealed a bitter truth and renewed his resolve.
Alright. Lets be strong.
Both of us.
Logan tapped the shoulder of another version of his younger self and could only offer a comforting gesture.
* * *
With 50 soldiers and around 300 mercenaries escorting the 500 recruitsnow traineesthey began their journey towards Teslon, slow but steady.
The tents and camping gear prepared by the mercenaries werent of the highest quality, but for those who had never camped before, it was all novel and exciting.
Logan personally served warm stew to the trainees, making eye contact with each one.
I value ability regardless of status. Strive to be competent. If you prove your ability, Ill ensure youre knighted, no matter what your background or origins.
Perhaps it was just a simple gesture or cheap food, but the naive recruits were easily moved by the slight show of kindness from their liege.
Despite the fact that most wouldnt become knights, the word spreading of Victor being a former slave, less than a serf, spurred their motivation.
Lets become knights.
This resolve firmly embedded itself in the hearts of the trainees.
The ones from McLains struggling farmlands, smaller and poorer compared to others.
Those chosen as talented by Logans new standards had an even fiercer determination.
Absolutely
Thank you.
Well do our best.
Whispers of resolution, small fists tightly clutched.
Though even wooden bowls filled with stew seemed a burden to hold, their eyes were all equally fiery.
Many of those eyes were on Victor, a sight that pleased Logan.
This was one of the reasons he had insisted on bringing Victor.
Perhaps the odds are even higher than I thought.
In the face of another looming crisis, Logan couldnt help but smile as he felt the pillars supporting the future of his family strengthen.
* * *
In Teslon Castle, opinions about Logan were polarized.
Only half a year ago he was known as the butcher of the former lord and his child, massacring numerous conscripted peasants.
Yet, he was also celebrated for distributing food during the lean season and causing crops to grow in the wastelandsthe owner of a miracle.
However, regardless of how people chose to accept him, their reactions were the same when they met Logan in person.
They kept their distance.
From the villages outside Teslon Castle to the interior parts twice the size of McLain.
No matter whom he met, all territory residents lowered their heads and skirted away at the sight of Logan and the fiery banner.
Inside such an atmosphere and before the gates of the inner castle, Becktor welcomed him with an attitude vastly different from what Logan remembered.
Youve had a long journey, Your Grace. Would you like to dine first or shall we report immediately?
With a ninety-degree bow and those familiar slitted snake-like eyes darting aroundas alwaysbut there wasnt even a hint of hostility.
Becktor. Youve changed quite a bit.
So it was no wonder Logans tone sounded incredulous.
Hahaha. Its natural for subordinates to serve their superiors, isnt it?
And before?
I was but following my ladys will. She owns my life.
Ho. Attempting to blame my mother, are you?
If you harbor resentment, take my head. I wont complain.
Really? Truly?
Logan, not one to pass up on the offer, drew his sword, and despite Becktors resolved voice, sweat streamed down his brow, hands trembling conspicuously.
But the usually cunning eyes were locked onto Logan, unflinching.
If this would spare my lady any blemish, please forget our past because of me.
Watching his reaction, Logan chuckled and sheathed his sword.
Even with lingering past animosity, Becktors loyalty to his stepmother was genuine.
Just keep serving that faithfully.
Instead of a slice, Logan patted his shoulder and moved on.
The middle-aged man almost staggered but brightened up immediately.
Careful there. Anyone else might think I really hit you hard.
So-sorry. I was just too tense
Tsk. If we eat with you like this, we might end up sick. Lets start with the reports.
Understood.
Fortunately, Becktor proved more capable than expected.
The financial situation is
The state of the residents is
And the paperwork for recruiting soldiers is all set.
With Becktors active cooperation, they quickly wrapped up the Teslon trainee selection the next day.
Sigh. Only about 250 here look like they have any talent. Well, we need the crossbow cavalry for now, and
The Empire had found a promising method for Force awakening, but the exact mechanics had not been understood perfectly.
Those seemingly lacking talent today might become Force Users tomorrow.
Logan comforted himself with that thought and selected another 500 trainees in Teslon.
* * *
1,000 trainees in total.
The barracks in Teslon fortuitously had enough space to accommodate nearly 1,500 men, including existing soldiers.
Face to face with communal living for the first time, the trainees unfamiliarity showed, along with their youth.
Among those gathered, some adjusted well
Im Rom. Lets do well together.
Im Tess. Yes, lets help each other.
Others did not.
Hey, whats that? Arent you going to apologize?
You were the one blocking the way.
What did you say?!
Sto-stop it!
Amidst the unfamiliar environment, the blood of the young wouldnt allow them to settle easily.
Quiet down, all of you!
If you dont shut up and sleep, Ill make you sleep!
Despite the efforts of the senior soldiers and instructors, the trainee barracks remained lively with those unable to sleep.
The next day.
As early morning bugle calls sounded, trainees mustered on the parade ground, clumping together clumsily with half of them sporting bloodshot eyes.
Observing such a pitiful state, Head Instructor Kai didnt even bother to correct the formation but announced the first training exercise right from the platform.
Five laps around the inner wall. The last hundred finishers must run two extra laps.
Taken aback by Kais abrupt order, the disjointed trainees were visibly shocked.
Excuse me?
Run!
What is this sudden
Run, lets run!
As one began to sprint amidst confusion, the rest reflexively followed.
Without considering that running five laps around the nearly 5km perimeter was near impossible for ordinary people, they blindly surged forward.
By the time they had finished one lap in over an hour, staggering began.
Pant. Pant.
Hack. Hack.
Huff!
Stumbling worsened, eyes glazed over, and some fell apart.
But among them, one stood out.
A boy with blue hair and distinct red and blue odd eyes ran at the front, showing no signs of fatigue.
Whats up with that guy?
The, the slave
Of the lords?
As the distance grew, with others faltering, Victors performance ignited the trainees.
If that slave can do it
I can do it too!
I wont lose!
Fire reignited in their eyes, and strength returned to their trembling legs.
Despite future repercussions from such overexertion, the trainees followed Victor as if enchanted.
The Victor Effect just as Lord Logan said.
Kai, running alongside to supervise, smiled at the sight.
Logan and Kai aimed not for physical toughness but perseverance, not giving up.
So the first exercise stopped at the fourth lap as soon as a hundred dropped out or gave up.
Those who gave up or collapsed, get up and run two more laps. If you cant, just go home. Got it!
Newly inspired trainees grew pallid, others breathed sighs of relief.
Huff, huff. I made it.
Dont make me talk
Cough. Huff. Whoa.
That monster.
As the entire lot lay exhausted, only one
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