Chapter 300

Chapter 300

Otherworld Demon King Survival Guide.

Episode 300: Stop Ganging Up On Me! (4)

The initiation ceremony began.

These were untrained recruits, after all. The initiation ceremony was light, mainly consisting of greetings and affirmations. Throughout the ceremony, there was no particularly chaotic behavior displayed.

Now, they were soldiers bound by military discipline. The stern gazes of the Dark Elf instructors must have intimidated them.

And so, the initiation ceremony concluded, and the distribution of supplies began immediately.

“Follow me!”

“Supply distribution will begin!”

Following the guidance of the instructors, the recruits marched in two lines. Since they haven’t done any formal drill training yet, it wasn’t exactly picturesque. Nonetheless, we had prepared everything regarding supplies at dawn.

“Alright! Collect your supplies in order!”

The recruits entered the barracks and each received military pants, cloth armor tops, boots, gloves, helmets, shields, and swords. Honestly, we had accumulated so much equipment as spoils of war over time.

There wasn’t any particular issue with preparing this gear.

“Wow… Armor!”

“And there’s even weapons.”

Looking around, it was clear they were eagerly anticipating receiving their equipment. Curiosity and excitement? Those emotions were evident. It was a completely different atmosphere from when I used to receive supplies back in training camp.

“Everyone, change into your combat uniforms!”

“…”

“Respond!”

“Yes, yes!”

“Understood!”

The Dark Elf instructors were doing an excellent job. Having been through numerous battles, they had all become reliable veterans. They were giving clear instructions. We should give our lovely instructors proper rewards later on.

—Swoosh.

One by one, the recruits geared up and gathered in formation on the parade ground. With their equipment on, they did indeed look like soldiers.

“Human soldiers.”

I had killed countless ones like them before. But now, they were my subordinates. That thought struck me anew. Once everyone was assembled, Anna, who was standing on the platform, spoke.

“Are you satisfied with the gear? From now on, you are soldiers! Take care of that equipment and maintain it!”

She looked thrilled.

“From now on, language training for Holy Army soldiers will commence! Instructors! Lead the recruits to the barracks! We will teach them proper language etiquette!”

“Yes!”

“Yes!”

And so, the recruits entered the barracks.

I stood behind Anna, watching the entire scene.

“Listen carefully! From now on, every sentence will end in ‘dana’ or ‘karo’! Understand?”

“Understood!”

“And when a superior calls you, you must respond with your full name and rank! Now, do you know what a full name and rank is?”

The Dark Elf instructors demonstrated examples of full names and ranks. By a simple touch, they explained who was who. They were doing exactly as I taught them. It was like recreating boot camp…!

After the brief training session, it was time for practice.

“You there!”

An instructor called on one recruit.

“Trainee No. 1! I! M! S!”

“Excellent!”

“Thank you!”

“Good! You seem quite smart! Now you!”

“Trainee No. 2! P! I! M!”

Wow.

These guys were sharper than I thought. Usually, the slower ones would already be fumbling here, but everyone’s eyes were sparkling, filled with motivation. They were truly A-class material.

After all, they all volunteered to join. They could even go home when training hours were over. They didn’t even have to shave their heads. They were fundamentally different from the conscripted slaves who had to serve as soldiers for two years.

They came here willingly to become soldiers.

“Wow. They’re doing well, don’t you think, Lady Anna?”

“Yes, Dark Lord! I’m very pleased! They’re all doing great!”

Throughout the morning, training continued on language, etiquette, and military life. The recruits focused intently on the instructors’ explanations, allowing us to finish the essential training within the morning hours.

“It’s mealtime! For lunch, you will eat outside!”

We had an affiliated restaurant.

They’d eat there from now on. Of course, there would be field training where they’d eat outside while marching, but when they were on base, they’d eat in the restaurant.

—Step, step, step.

The recruits exited the training grounds and entered the civilian restaurant right in front. The menu was already decided: vegetables and fish fillets, a small portion of meat and oil, hot stew with chopped potatoes, bread, and eggs.

“Wow! The food’s pretty good!”

“Now this makes training worthwhile!”

“Well, the morning was light, but if military life is like this, I could do this forever!”

“Haha!”

The recruits were in high spirits.

After the meal, they started drill training.

“We will now begin drill training!”

Honestly, we were not doing line battles, and drills weren’t particularly useful on their own. I had never even had them drill while marching. But the important thing about drills wasn’t the drill itself.

Infantry Phalanx.

The phalanx is about matching movements and maintaining spacing with the person next to you, behind you, and in front of you. Drill training is for this purpose. Drills develop the ability to synchronize movements with those nearby.

“First, watch the instructors’ demonstration and think carefully!”

“Understood!”

“Instructors, step forward!”

—Step, step, step!

The Dark Elf instructors performed the drill. Precise, synchronized movements falling into place seamlessly. Truly masters of drill.

“Wow…”

The recruits watched in awe, nodding in amazement. Seeing the coordinated movements must have been fascinating.

“Drill training itself isn’t particularly useful! But the important aspect of drill training is this!”

—Swoosh!

This time, they demonstrated forming an infantry phalanx derived from drill training. The Dark Elves had all been trained in phalanx formations. They formed the phalanx quickly and precisely, and as they moved freely in that formation, gasps of amazement filled the air.

“This is the ability to match movements with those around you when forming an infantry phalanx!”

When conducting training or activities, it was crucial to explain the purpose clearly.

“You are proud soldiers of the Holy Army! Learn the movements of a soldier to fulfill your role! Then, begin! Everyone, head to the parade ground!”

“Understood!”

Drill instruction began on the parade ground.

“Hehe.”

This reminded me of the first time I trained goblins. It was just like this. Ah, memories bubbling up.

“Hmm.”

Maybe it was because it was their first time, but they were all over the place. Of course, the instructors didn’t yell at them. They only raised their voices while kindly guiding them.

After drill training, there was an afternoon strength training session. After some running and strength exercises, they were dismissed following evening roll call, concluding the day’s activities.

That was the daily life of the Holy Army.

“You all worked hard on your first day! From now on, you’ll continue training in soldier movements, combat exercises, and physical conditioning! Understood?”

“Yes!”

“Good work!”

An instructor greeted them.

“Well done! This is how you’ll be training! Now, you’re dismissed!”

With Anna’s dismissal command, the day’s activities came to an end.

“Ah!”

“Ohhh!”

“Woohoo!”

The soldiers filed out of the training ground. Watching them, I was reminded of reserve soldiers finishing their duty and leaving camp. Enjoying your dismissal? I was enjoying it, too.

“Alright.”

From here on, I’d need to keep watch with Evil Eyes.

“Evil Eye.”

—Fwoosh.

I summoned my personal Evil Eye to follow the departing recruits.

“Well, I must say! Today was a fulfilling day!”

“Indeed!”

“Let’s hit the tavern!”

The recruits cheerfully made their way to a tavern. Once there, they ordered drinks and meat, enthusiastically discussing the day’s events.

“End every sentence with ‘dana’ or ‘karo’! Got it?”

“Haha! And those Dark Elves are really beautiful!”

“This makes training worth it!”

“Hahaha!”

The mood was lively.

—Hehehe.

Seeing them like that brought a smile to my face.

They weren’t forced to be here. Every one of them came voluntarily. In this situation, they were eating well, exercising, training, earning money, and even getting dismissed on time. Why wouldn’t the mood be good?

Besides, since it’s the first day, we didn’t make things too intense.

“Alright.”

It was essential to instill pride in them as soldiers of the Holy Army.

Having some military experience myself, I knew that Korean soldiers lack motivation, let alone patriotism.

It was only natural.

The love for one’s country faded away when faced with the toxic military culture, pointless tasks, inefficient and frustrating directives, the slave-like treatment, and the contempt from civilians, all within the daunting span of two years.

Just the thought of belonging to an incompetent, narrow-minded institution like the military filled one with despair. That led to a drop in morale and the eventual loss of patriotism.

I refused to let that happen here.

These soldiers were mine. While it may have been that way in the Korean military, I was the Dark Lord who took care of my own army. Who would want to fight if the soldiers weren’t cared for? Soldiers performed best when they had something to gain.

What was crucial was instilling pride.

I needed them to believe they were part of a respectable group. Once they started thinking, ‘Is this place just a pit of scum…?’ then it was all over. No one gave their best in a cesspool.

Let’s build an unbeatable, strong army!

“Lady Anna.”

“Yes!”

Anna replied with a smile.

“Today was the first day, and it seems to have gone smoothly overall. What did you think?”

“I’m so excited that I can barely contain myself! They’re all following orders so well! They’re already great, but they can become even greater soldiers! And I’ll make sure they do!”

She was brimming with enthusiasm.

“Hehehe, well said.”

“I’m looking forward to the combat training!”

There was nothing to worry about now.

“This is where I’ll leave it in your hands. From tomorrow onward, please guide the instructors well and help the soldiers grow, Lady Anna.”

“Understood, Dark Lord!”

With that, the power of our Demon Lord’s army had grown.

It was a celebration!

Anna trained the recruits well. In this world, our army was likely the only one receiving such systematic training. This was precisely what set us apart from our enemies.

Anyway, as time passed…

“Brother Kyuse. I’m thinking it’s time to build an Evil Eye base at the barony.”

“What, what? An Evil Eye base?”

Karuti said that.

“Yes. Currently, the mother Evil Eye transport is hovering in the sky, dispatching Evil Eyes in all directions. But I’m considering moving it to the top of the baron’s fortress. Do you think that would be okay?”

“No. That’s not going to work. Everyone would see the Evil Eyes flying around. Even if we’re careful, it’s risky. Let’s build it somewhere else.”

We needed a ground base for the Evil Eyes, but here wouldn’t do.

“Hmm… is that so? Then Kyuse-oppa, how about building a communication base in the nearby mountains? With a communication base, we could receive intelligence even faster.”

“That sounds good. Alright, let’s proceed with that.”

Then, we’d need to construct a communication base.

“Alright. Karuti, anything else to report?”

“Although the details are a bit unclear, it seems some minor lords inland are making moves. This is the main issue!”

“Ah.”

So, they were finally preparing to invade.