Chapter 10

3. A Refined Flower Amidst Mediocre Brushstrokes

"Under normal circumstances, it might be possible, but now it should be fine. Since Sir Alexa, who was dispatched as a training instructor, is someone recommended by the Grand General, she won't just turn you away. She is a staunch supporter of the Grand General and will likely conduct the test fairly."

He nodded as if understanding.

Sir Alexa Lovelace.

She was a kind of dispatched specialist, always called to places where manpower was needed.

A knight of Isera and a swordsmanship instructor.

And if my memory serves me right, the reason she became a training instructor this time is...

"Sir Jax, who was supposed to be the instructor for this year, was dismissed due to sexual harassment of trainees, and she was urgently called in. During the process, several trainees even challenged the instructor to a duel."

Etrange said this and smiled faintly as if telling a funny joke.

"It's surprising that a knight of the sacred Isera would dare to harass trainees, but even more surprising that the trainees charged at the knight and even inflicted injuries... It could be recorded as the worst incident in the history of the training camp. Among the cadets, there are already rumors that this will be the worst generation."

That's true.

The 21st batch is both the strongest and the most troublesome generation in history.

In the first week of the training camp, when an instructor sexually harassed a comrade, they immediately banded together around the 'main character' and charged at him.

Of course, the incidents and accidents they will cause in the future are expected to continue.

"I've heard that the training camp is full of trainees with incredible talent. Can you really come out on top among them?"

His tone was not mocking or skeptical, but purely curious.

"I have to. Of course."

But, if we only consider innate talent, this body is second to none.

The premise is that the core doesn't become lazy.

"Senior, you should keep the top position until we meet again. Second place doesn't suit you."

"Ahaha. I will. I'll support you, junior."

Saying this, Etrange smiled gently.

* * *

Why is it that sad premonitions are always right?

"Go back, trainee. What, do you dare to think of enrolling in the sacred training camp through a shortcut?"

Sure enough, the enrollment in the training camp was met with obstacles from the start.

I had expected it.

Conrad, the training camp commander.

Crick, the instructor in charge of magic training, dispatched from the military academy.

Alexa, the instructor in charge of physical training, also dispatched from the military academy.

By design, all three managers are close to being strict rule-followers.

With three pedantic chief instructors, it's understandable that they would reject a shortcut enrollment.

"Get lost. And come back next year through proper procedures. At that time, I'll also educate your rotten mental state."

"Wait a moment, Commander Conrad. This trainee has a recommendation letter from the Grand General. We can't just send him back."

Of course, it was Alexa who stopped Conrad, who was waving his hand dismissively.

She is a strict rule-follower, but also a person who respects Biltred, the hero, as a colleague.

"The training camp's policy is important, but we must also consider the Grand General's recommendation."

"Hmph. If that's the case, why don't you take over as the training camp commander? If you want, I'll switch positions with you."

"Commander Conrad."

"Don't argue, Sir Alexa. I am the overall commander here."

Alexa's gaze turned to Crick, another instructor.

However, he merely shrugged.

"I'll remain neutral."

He indicated that he would not get involved in this argument.

It was a way of saying that he didn't want to offend either the Grand General or the training camp commander, both of whom he frequently interacts with.

Alexa wore a troubled expression. She was wondering if she should help with a mid-term enrollment, which would go against the training camp commander's principles.

After all, she was only a temporarily dispatched instructor.

Then, as if making a decision, she nodded slightly and spoke.

"The recommendation states that the talent of this young man, who would otherwise waste a year, is too precious. If that's true, missing the first two weeks of physical training won't be a big issue, Commander."

"What are you trying to say?"

"Let's decide through a test."

"A test?"

"I mean, let's judge whether this person is so talented that they should be allowed to enroll mid-term and whether they can catch up despite missing the initial training."

"..."

"If we don't even give a chance, it might appear as if you are intentionally embarrassing the Grand General. After all, it's not a violation of the rules. There's no precedent for mid-term enrollment, but there's no rule prohibiting it."

As Alexa pointed out each point, Conrad's expression changed.

Then, as if making a decision, he called me with a dissatisfied look.

"Russell Ashgreen."

"Yes, Commander."

He didn't even use the term 'trainee.'

"Will you take the test?"

"If necessary, I will take it."

"However, if you fail this test, even if you reapply next year, I will revoke your right to enter the military academy."

"And you haven't even told me what the test is?"

"That's not your decision. Just decide whether you'll take it or not."

His tone was almost aggressive, and I slowly took a deep breath to calm myself.

Manage your expression. Manage your expression.

"Will the test be fair?"

The atmosphere changed abruptly at my words.

Alexa and Crick looked bewildered, and Conrad's face turned red and blue.

How dare a mere prospective trainee...

His voice seemed to echo just from the glare in his eyes.

I didn't intend to be so arrogant from the beginning.

But my goal is to prevent the final episode, the end.

Ultimately, it's for the sake of the entire continent, including this person.

So, I felt a bit mischievous.

Of course, I also calculated that by nailing this down, they wouldn't cheat in the test.

The latter was a bit more significant.

"Do you intend to insult the sacred training camp of Isera?"

"If you plan to deliberately fail me, it would be better to take the recommendation letter and go to another training camp or military academy, like Reinhard. You can deal with the consequences yourself."

"Are you threatening me... insolent."

As he said, this was a kind of threat.

The first talent recommended by the Grand General.

Can you really bear to let such talent be taken by another country?

It's a gamble that puts his reputation and achievements on the line.

Conrad's expression changed.

Alexa mediated the situation.

"Enough. Trainee Russell. Control yourself. Your actions will only tarnish the reputation of the Grand General, who recommended you."

"...Yes, I'm sorry."

I immediately backed down.

She was someone I would continue to encounter not only in this training camp but also in the military academy.

I didn't want to create trouble.

Besides, she was a reasonable and likable person.

"The instructors will have a meeting. Wait outside for a moment."

Following Alexa's words, I obediently went outside and waited.

By now, many trainees had gathered around the entrance of the instructor's office, peeking.

"What are you looking at? Have you had enough?"

I took out my frustration on the young, pale trainees.

My mischievous mood hadn't subsided.

If this continues, I might really end up in a character controversy...

* * *

After a fairly long meeting, Crick came out of the instructor's office first. He glanced at Conrad and Alexa, then scratched his head as if annoyed.

It seemed that he, who initially declared neutrality, would be in charge of the test.

"The test is simple. The trainees here have undergone two weeks of physical training. They took physical fitness tests at the time of enrollment, at the end of the first week, and at the end of the second week. Three times in total."

"Yes."

"The trainee will take all three tests at once. However, we will provide ample time. If you can complete the given course in any way, that's all the test is about."

"Simple enough."

"Simple, my ass. You seem to be a bit of a pain in the ass, don't you?"

"Such hurtful words..."

While Conrad looked at me with disapproval, and Alexa with a complex expression, Crick was indifferent and emotionless.

Alexa, who had been observing the situation, slowly spoke.

"It won't be easy. When the tests were conducted separately, quite a few people failed. It might feel like a polite way of telling you to go back. However, I promise that even if you fail the test, you won't face any disadvantages next year as the Commander mentioned."

"Really? That's good news."

"I swear on the honor of the Holy Sword Knights of Isera."

"Well, if that's the case, I'm reassured."

I nodded and looked at the map Crick handed me, which marked the course.

The test was a simple run, a physical fitness test.

The distance was about 150km, and the time limit was one day.

To barely complete it, one would need to run at a speed of 6.2km/h for 24 hours.

A distance nearly four times that of a marathon.

Even with a body that surpasses ordinary people in talent, it would be an impossible mission without significant growth.

But they had the pretext of fairness.

Since the physical fitness tests that should have been taken were not, they demanded that I complete them all at once. If not, they wouldn't allow enrollment.

This would be a plausible excuse to the person who gave the recommendation.

If I refused, I would just be seen as someone who tried to enroll through a shortcut and then fled from a proper test.

"I'll do it."

So, I have to. What choice do I have?

If I don't stop, it's a matter of calculation that I can somehow manage.

Crick handed me a backpack and attached a small circular device to my shoulder.

The firmly secured device flashed a red light.

"It's a measuring device. If you deviate from the course or 24 hours pass, it will notify the control room. Of course, if you forcibly remove the device or cheat, you will be disqualified."

I'm glad I ate a full meal.

If I had come on an empty stomach, I would have run out of energy and failed.

Thank you, Senior Etrange.

"It may seem difficult and impossible, but you can do it. This is a test to confirm your will."

"Sir Alexa, don't get too involved. Hey, start when you're ready."

"I'm ready. Let's start."

I answered without hesitation.

There was no reason to delay.

Crick nodded and activated the timer on the measuring device attached to his shoulder. Then, he patted my back, signaling the start.

Pushed by the force, my body shot forward. The crowd surrounding the building parted like the Red Sea.

Familiar faces flashed by among the many gazes.

Characters I had set up through illustration commissions. The characters I had created.

Soon, my comrades.

Curious gazes, rather than negative ones, were thrown at me.

'Just wait a little longer.'

The Lord of Creation, above the Lord of the Building and the Lord of the Illustration, is planning to send a comfortable bus.

《Holy Sword Knights of Isera: Alexa》

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