Chapter 63

"Alright, today's basic training is over. Good work, everyone."

Upon hearing the instructor's words, the members of the warrior corps collapsed weakly to the ground.

They no longer had the energy to respond. They were truly exhausted to the point of collapse. Even Ferk, who was usually so resilient, was trembling and barely managing to stand.

The initial ten laps of running and the subsequent training exercises were not impossible to complete, but they were all accompanied by a sense of "performance." This allowed them to train with a tension level higher than in actual combat, but the physical and mental exhaustion was far from ordinary.

"I would like to conduct a practical combat drill as the final part of today's training... but it seems that everyone is quite fatigued. -- Hazel, please bring the usual items."

"Yes, sir."

Behind the instructor, a group of dozens of women had lined up, all dressed in matching maid uniforms. One of them stepped forward, met Ferk's gaze, and bowed.

"I am Hazel, the deputy manager and maid of the third legion. We will take care of all of you during your stay, so please feel at ease."

The woman named Hazel, who had goat-like horns on her head, spoke with a gentle and soft smile. In response, Ferk, despite being on the verge of collapse, managed to introduce himself.

A line of maids, upon receiving Hazel's instructions, began to distribute cups of sake to the fallen members of the Latestwood Warrior Corps. Ferk, considering his status as the leader, received his cup directly from Hazel, who seemed to be the head maid.

"What is this...?"

"It is our pride, honey wine. We can only make a limited amount, and it doesn't keep well, so each person gets one cup. However, I can assure you of its taste. Please enjoy it."

Ferk looked at the cup, thinking, "So it's alcohol." However, they were still in the middle of building up their stamina for training, and a practical combat drill was still to come. He was concerned about consuming alcohol in such a situation.

"The alcohol content has been weakened, so there's no need to worry. Additionally, this honey wine contains effects for fatigue recovery and more, so we always serve it to the trainees. Please, take a hearty drink."

Encouraged repeatedly, Ferk, judging that refusing would be impolite, glanced at the instructor for confirmation. Seeing the instructor nod, he took a sip from the cup.

-- Instantly, he was enveloped in an overwhelming sense of happiness.

What is this? Ferk thought.

The moment it hit his throat, no, the moment it touched his tongue, every cell in his body rejoiced.

The rich flavor was so divine that he seriously doubted if he had tasted the nectar of the gods. If this was alcohol, then what had he been drinking all this time? Without a doubt, it was far superior to any alcohol he had ever tasted.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Hazel read Ferk's expression and smiled.

Indeed, such a fine product deserved to be boasted about.

Ferk, immersed in a pleasant sense of defeat, savored the remaining honey wine in the cup, letting it flow down his throat.

When he finished the honey wine with a lingering sense of regret, he realized that he was standing steadily on his feet. To his surprise, the fatigue had completely disappeared. Just a moment ago, he couldn't move a step, but now he felt an urge to run immediately.

This must be the result of the fatigue recovery and other effects, Ferk marveled. The point about the various effects was slightly concerning, but after experiencing such an overwhelming sense of happiness, it seemed trivial.

"Hmm. It seems you've fully recovered your vitality. Let's conclude today's training."

After confirming that everyone had finished their honey wine, the instructor began to speak.

"When I received your information, I noticed a significant lack in your warrior corps. It is the 'experience of victory.'"

The instructor, with his arms crossed, stated firmly and continued.

"Your skills and determination in protecting the country from the threat of monsters for years are commendable. However, these are defensive battles focused on base defense, where the goal is to repel the enemy. In essence, the number of absolute victories over the enemy is low, and I concluded that your corps lacks 'victory.'"

The instructor's words were not incorrect.

Indeed, the warrior corps had been protecting cities and villages from the threat of monsters, but they had not always been able to defeat the enemy.

Sometimes they would wound the enemy and drive them away, and other times they would guide the enemy away from the cities and villages, prioritizing the safety of the defense targets. Of course, it would be ideal to deliver the final blow and achieve victory, but many of the monsters were difficult to defeat.

"That is not acceptable. It is extremely undesirable. Not knowing victory means being unfamiliar with the principles that lead to victory.

Therefore, during your stay in our country, I will ensure that you achieve as many victories as possible. Through simulated battles, you will gain successful experiences and learn the techniques that lead to victory."

The members of the warrior corps, having recovered their energy and stamina, listened to the instructor with serious expressions.

From what they had heard so far, the instructor's words seemed reasonable.

The honey wine had elevated their spirits to an unusual degree, and they all wore expressions filled with determination.

"The opponent for the simulated battles has already been arranged. As a final part of today's training, you will engage in daily battles with him. -- Come out."

In response to the instructor's call, a soldier appeared, wearing iron boots, leather armor, and an iron helmet. However, he was small, about the size of a dwarf. The sound of his armor clanking as he ran forward made him look like an awkward tin toy.

The soldier, upon arriving, removed his helmet and carried it under his arm, bowing to the instructor.

His stiff movements were clearly makeshift, but he demonstrated the proper etiquette for his superior as he had practiced.

The instructor nodded, and the members of the warrior corps were somewhat surprised by the soldier's appearance.

The soldier, upon removing his helmet, revealed that he was a goblin. Among the three types of goblins they knew, he resembled the type that lived in the wilderness, the smallest of all goblins.

"He is 'Gobzirou,' who will serve as your opponent in the simulated battles. He is a soldier who achieved four beheadings in the previous war. He is not underestimating you, but he is a suitable opponent. Now, Gobzirou, please introduce yourself."

"I am Gobzirou. I got my name from the king, goblin. I will do my best. Nice to meet you."

Gobzirou bowed, making a clanking sound with his armor.

The group responded with their own forms of greeting, and the instructor, seeing this, urged them to begin the preparations.

Ferk, instructed to divide the combatants into teams, quickly selected a few leaders and told them to choose team members to ensure a balanced distribution of strength. Ferk himself became the leader of the first team, securing about thirty members.

After the team division, the first team, called by the instructor, moved to the stage set up in the center of the training ground. On the opposite side, the soldier, Gobzirou, was already prepared, swinging his simulated weapon.

The first team was about to discuss who would be the vanguard, but the instructor, holding a megaphone, interrupted them.

"Let's begin the simulated battle. There is no time limit. The battle will end when one side is no longer able to continue fighting."

"What do you mean by 'side'?"

"Exactly as it sounds. The battle will continue until either you or Gobzirou can no longer fight."

It seemed that the simulated battle would not be a series of one-on-one matches but a one-against-many battle.

They did not consider this humiliating. From the previous events, they could easily imagine that the opponent, despite being a goblin, was far superior to them. They were considering who to send in and in what order to wear down the opponent, but their plans were foiled.

However, everyone wondered if a battle with such a significant numerical disparity could even be considered fair.

The first few might be defeated, but relying on the sheer number of people, they should be able to overwhelm the opponent.

They had heard that the simulated battle was to achieve victory, but would such a victory be useful... would it provide any valuable experience?

Despite their doubts, the instructor proceeded with the preparations without hesitation.

The starting positions for both sides were set, and they readied their weapons. A few who could cast magic began their incantations.

When the tension reached a certain level, the instructor gave the command.

"Both sides, get ready! Gobzirou versus the Latestwood Warrior Corps First Team, the battle begins!"

The battle started with a roar-like command.

Ferk, slightly concerned about the nuance of the instructor's words, knew that once the battle began, he couldn't afford to worry about trivial matters. He pushed his doubts to the back of his mind and charged at Gobzirou.

He pulled out a throwing knife from the holder on his waist. He held three knives between his fingers and stopped to aim, then threw them with a sweeping motion of his raised right hand. He immediately drew a short staff from his waist and began the incantation for the wind-based attack magic, "Wind Blade."

(Now, which way will he dodge...!)

Behind him, his comrades were drawing their bows and channeling magic into their