"So our mission is over?" The cat-clawed figure cleared the embers from the campfire on the square, sighing. "I really don't want to go back to the mine. Honestly, I'm starting to miss the Demon's Moon." "Yeah, I don't want to deal with those rocks either," Youtai replied. "But the pay gap is too wide. Where's the artillery squad? They eat meat daily and get 15 Silver Wolves each month." "What nonsense," Vanna grumbled, holding a torch nearby. "This time Your Royal Highness distributed more food, so not a soul starved in the Demon's Moon. Think about the past two years—half the Old Quarter people didn't survive the winter! Do you miss it? Besides, the squad won't be disbanded. Your Highness recruited us into the artillery squad and burned so much gunpowder just for the show?" "But the demons are gone. What's the artillery squad for now?" Rodney asked, leaning on his broom.
The artillery unit wasn't meant for evil beasts either. After some thought, Vanna kept his silence. "Anyway, we'll know tomorrow," he said with a yawn, waving impatiently. "Clean this up quickly—I want to get back to bed." The next morning, the assembly call that echoed through the camp confirmed Vanna's words.
When all assembled, Iron Axe stood at the front of the formation and declared loudly: "You have completed the first phase of your mission—protecting Border Town from the evil beasts. After three months and six days of combat, you have earned Your Highness's approval! The militia will now be reorganized into Your Highness's regular army. Those unwilling to continue may step forward now. Your Highness has decreed that all departing members will receive full pay and an additional 25 Silver Wolves as..." He paused to ponder Your Highness's words. "Retirement benefits." Not a single person among the three hundred moved. Only Cat Claw raised his hand. "Report." This was one of the peculiar rules Your Royal Highness had established during training: members were forbidden to whisper privately, and any inquiry required a formal "Report" first.
The Iron Axe nodded. "Go on." "What do you mean by 'regular army'? Are you referring to the enfeoffment of us as Knights?" Vanne couldn't help but chuckle, but he quickly regained his serious demeanor.
Knight? That's truly noble—possessing not only an industry and a retinue but also enfeoffed lands. To ask such a question is a disgrace to the artillery corps.
"No," Iron Axe explained patiently, clearly having consulted Your Highness on this matter. "The regular army is a combat-focused force, solely tasked with protecting Your Highness and her domain. In other words, you train while miners work in the mines, while farmers harvest wheat, and while merchants sell goods. All training is geared toward securing victory in future battles, just as you did during the Demon's Moon." "But how does that differ from the militia?" Cat Claw pressed.
"More frequent training, stricter discipline, and greater rewards." "Report!" Rodney demanded, his voice rising as he waited for Iron Axe's nod. "What do you mean by greater rewards?" Vanner sighed. Why were the young men in his squad so restless? Though he too yearned to know the answer.
"The regular army will adopt an officer system. Officers may be promoted based on completing combat missions according to designated plans or demonstrating exceptional performance," Iron Axe declared loudly. "Take this position, for instance." "Is this Your Highness's directive?" Vanna mused. If implemented, wouldn't this encourage rebellion? He glanced discreetly around, but the crowd remained oblivious, still engrossed in their conversations.
"Officers would receive higher pay and... their own land." The final sentence set the team abuzz, and Vanna couldn't help but wonder if he'd misheard. If they could get land, what's the difference from Knight?
"But remember, once you choose to join the regular army, the rules will be entirely different from those of the militia. Failure to complete missions, desertion, defection, and other disciplinary violations will face severe punishments. This isn't just about losing an egg—the penalties include forced labor, imprisonment, and even the gallows. Any promotions or rewards you've earned will be revoked." Iron Axe paused. The crowd fell silent. After waiting for several breaths, Iron Axe still saw no movement. He couldn't help but grin. "Great. From today onward, you're officially part of Roland WimbledonYour Highness's regular army!" Even Vanne found this hard to believe. If he'd heard about those harsh punishments three months ago, he'd have fled long ago. Promotions and land were worth less than saving his life. But now, he chose to stay put almost without hesitation. Compared to returning to the North Slope Mine to grind stones or idling around the Old Quarter, Vanne felt he belonged here.
"Good observation, what's your name?" "Mr.Vanna, do your best." The thought of Your Highness's encouragement reinforced his resolve—he was part of the militia and would henceforth serve as a regular soldier, continuing to fight for Your Highness.
...
The Iron Axe promptly announced today's first training session: a field training exercise.
At first, Fan Na dismissed it as trivial. Even during the Evil Demon Month, he rarely missed his running routine. After breakfast, he would always run two laps around town regardless of the weather—only stopping if a heavy snowfall occurred. As Your Highness advised, this exercise was beneficial for flexibility, preventing stiff limbs that might hinder shooting while defending the city walls.
But the moment the team left Border Town, he immediately sensed the difference between the two.
The snow in the wilderness was still far from melting, and the intermittent snowfall over the past three months had now reached knee-deep. It was more like crawling through the snow than running. The group suddenly became sparse, and each step required tremendous effort to take.
There's no doubt this mind-bending training was Your Royal Highness's idea. Vanne has already read your mind. With protests now futile, the only option is to see it through to the end.
The round trip consumed the entire morning. When the group returned to the town, Vanne felt as though neither leg belonged to him anymore.
The snow trapped in their boots had melted into water. Even under the blazing sun, most still shivered uncontrollably, their exhaustion deepening the chill. Even the iron axe seemed to struggle under the weight. He ordered the team to disband, delayed lunch by half an hour, and had everyone change out of their soaked shoes and trousers first.
The training in the afternoon was cancelled, which was a little comforting for everyone.
Of course, they had no idea that Lightning had been tracking their training all along—this was part of the little girl's daily routine: precisely controlling Magic Power's steady flight. When she reported her observations to Roland, he was left speechless, caught between laughter and tears.
The total distance covered by the team throughout the morning was four kilometers.