Chapter 10

My strike not only hit the target but also split the training ground's wall.

...Damn, I overdid it.

To destroy a facility on my first day as captain.

This is a blunder.

"Amazing...!"

All the squad members were in a commotion.

Everyone was surprised by the power of my skill.

At least, no one seemed to have a reproachful expression, so I felt a bit relieved.

No, I shouldn't be relieved.

I need to write a report later...

"Rank 2 skill with this power—"

Edmond looked stunned.

"H-Hey, Edmond—this is different from what you said!?"

"You said, 'Marius is just a nobody, a rumor. We can definitely beat him!'"

Jinette and Carina approached him with red faces.

"Your skill is also of great power. I expect great things from you in the future."

I won the skill contest, but there was no point in gloating.

I added a supportive word to Edmond.

"Damn...!"

But Edmond only glared at me with a regretful look.

Did I go too far...? Did I earn his resentment?

"Damn it!"

Edmond shouted and ran away.

"Wait—"

Just as I was about to chase after him, the two female knights stood in front of me.

Both looked uncomfortable.

They glanced at my face,

"Sorry, sir!"

"That was Edmond's own doing, we didn't—"

Jinette and Carina bowed deeply.

"Indeed, I am a new knight, and I understand how you and Edmond feel. I don't intend to blame anyone for this incident."

I told them.

"Coordination is crucial on the battlefield. As a member of the 12th Squad, I want you to value teamwork. You, Edmond, and all the knights here. Let's all work together to build up this squad."

I concluded with a neutral statement.

...Is this how a captain should act?

After that, I gathered the squad members and gave a brief greeting.

The 12th Squad is scheduled to have a combat mission soon.

I decided to start the training immediately.

—But, I have no experience leading knights.

The only 'job' I've done so far is farming or fighting on the front lines as a low-ranking soldier.

I have no experience as a commander.

The combat training itself, I've experienced many times in the 2nd Squad, so I'll have to do it the same way.

However, back then, I was just a squad member.

Can I manage it well as a captain?

—While I was feeling anxious inside,

"If you don't mind, I'll take care of this."

Zeed stepped forward, reading the situation.

"I think it would be best if the captain oversees the overall training. Please point out any areas where we fall short."

"Zeed...?"

"I also want to assess the abilities of the squad members."

"I understand. Thank you."

Essentially, he was offering to observe and help me get used to it.

He seemed to be considerate of my reputation in front of the other knights.

"Thank you."

I whispered to Zeed and bowed.

"...I believe the higher-ups appointed me as deputy captain for this role."

Zeed whispered back to me and smiled.

"First and foremost, the captain should be the absolute strong symbol of the squad. I will do my best to cover for your weaknesses."

I am grateful; having him as deputy captain is a great help.

But, I can't rely on him forever.

I need to become a competent captain soon.

Under Zeed's command, the combat training began.

The front-line knights deployed defensive skills, followed by long-range attacks from the rear, and then those with close-combat skills moved forward to demonstrate their techniques.

Watching the whole process, I could clearly see each member's strengths.

Zeed's leadership was impressive.

In actual combat, it might be best for him to take the lead in command while I fight on the front lines like a vanguard.

Perhaps that's the role they expect me to play.

Thus, my first day as captain passed.

...By the way, Edmond still hasn't returned.

Jinette and Carina are participating in the training, though.

He must still be feeling the sting of his defeat in front of everyone.

I want him to join the training and get used to the squad quickly.

I'll talk to him later and try to smooth things over.

※

"Damn it, what's with that guy!"

Edmond shouted in anger behind the barracks.

The other knights had already started training under the captain.

However, Edmond had skipped out without permission.

He was too embarrassed to show his face after being humiliated in front of so many knights.

He would have to come up with a plausible excuse later, like being unwell.

"Why can he produce such power with a Rank 2 skill..."

Edmond groaned.

Attack skills have several ranks.

Ordinary knights can use Rank 1 skills, and being able to use a Rank 2 skill like him is quite exceptional.

Rank 3 skills are generally only mastered by captains or deputy captains, and Rank 4 and above are only handled by a select few, such as historical heroes.

But Marius—

Despite using a Rank 2 skill, its power was comparable to a Rank 3.

It might even be more.

Honestly, I was more amazed than anything.

Deep down, I felt a genuine admiration.

But I didn't want to admit it.

Marius is strong.

Acknowledging that fact was humiliating.

Moreover—there's another thing that bothers me.

I wanted to show off in front of Jinette and Carina, the two female knights I've been close to since the knight training academy, and hoped to impress them, but instead, I ended up highlighting Marius.

I don't think they would be swayed by that middle-aged man...

"This isn't fun...!"

Still, it wouldn't be wise to defy him.

At the very least, I can feel something abnormal about that man's combat ability.

The fact that he defeated monsters and fierce generals is probably true.

For now, it's best to follow him on the surface.

"Damn, he's a troublesome guy..."

Edmond sighed gloomily.

I fell off the daily overall ranking page again... It's a highly competitive area... (´Д⊂ヽ

I need to hold on... I'll do my best...!