The Beginning of Full-Scale Training

“Is there something you’re happy about, Director?”

A cool breeze blew through the window.

The fresh and refreshing air made the inside feel light.

“Hmm, it’s nothing.”

Serty shook his head at the researcher’s words.

But contrary to his answer, a faint smile lingered on his lips.

He was so looking forward to the future.

Finally, in just a few minutes, wouldn’t he be able to teach cadets, awakened ones who grew up in the Empire?

His body was itching with anticipation.

He wanted to meet those kids quickly.

How would children who received the Empire’s unique education in a different environment differ from the Federation’s soldiers?

And how much beautiful research data could he obtain from them?

“…I want to see them soon.”

Serty, while appreciating the view of the Sevirpol training ground beyond the window,

Click, roll─

Took out a bottle of vodka from the cabinet and poured it.

The transparent liquid giving off a strong alcohol smell quickly filled the on-the-rocks glass.

‘It’s delicious as always.’

The bitter taste of alcohol rolled around in his mouth.

It was worth the price.

It was very expensive, being hard to obtain even in the Federation’s capital.

That’s why he only drank it on such joyous occasions.

The outdoor scenery enhanced the taste of the alcohol even more.

It was the top floor of the largest building in the training ground.

The view was that impressive.

Starting from the students looking like tiny black dots, to the dozens of buildings spread around, and scenes of monsters being transported here and there sparsely visible.

It was a feast for the eyes.

‘Yena Freud, was it?’

Serty rested his chin on his hand while swirling the cup.

Was it because of the bitter alcohol──

His mind was filled with thoughts about one cadet from the Empire’s side.

He remembered her because she was such a remarkably distinctive child.

Isn’t she the only student who came to the facility?

The only cadet who visited before the official monster training schedule started today was that small girl.

While other children didn’t come, didn’t she alone come directly to my office to get permission for training?

He couldn’t help but find her admirable.

It meant she was working harder than others.

Although he couldn’t provide many monsters because she wasn’t a Federation student, he taught her while providing as much convenience as possible.

‘No, it’s not quite right to say I taught her.’

Serty drank the vodka while chuckling.

It wasn’t just because she was admirable that he didn’t forget the girl’s face.

That alone wasn’t enough to capture my interest.

He remembered her because Yena’s actions weren’t just that.

Clever combat──

She showed unusual movements when dealing with monsters.

It wasn’t that her abilities were outstanding.

The power of her magic was average compared to other cadets, but her movements when facing monsters were extraordinary.

As if she knew all their weak points.

Yena only attacked vital points.

He could tell as soon as he saw the monster corpses collected after training, as all their hearts were pierced.

‘…She’ll be good material, indeed.’

Serty wiped the vodka from his lips with a satisfied expression.

He couldn’t help but smile.

It was clear that if Yena showed such excellent skills against all monsters, the amount of useful data that could be obtained would increase.

High-quality information that would help with future research.

“Heh, hehe.”

He didn’t pay attention to what skills she possessed or what grades she achieved.

The qualities of a researcher,

He only cared about exploring monsters.

The more Yena killed monsters, the more he could understand where to improve them so they wouldn’t fall easily to awakened ones.

“Phew.”

Serty exhaled a breath mixed with alcohol, hoping there would be more cadets as skilled as her.

“Director, it’s time for you to go now.”

“Alright.”

And then he moved his steps following the dwarf researcher waiting beside him.

Thud─! Thud─!

The third day of training,

To announce its detailed schedule.

---

Now it was indoors, not outside.

Instead of gathering at the beach or open space like yesterday, they assembled in front of a huge building.

To officially enter the monster complex training ground.

“W-Wow, it’s so big.”

“I’ve never seen so many dwarves and elves in my life.”

“Me neither.”

The cadets opened their eyes wide in wonder.

Even at a glance, they seemed full of curiosity.

The news that they would finally face monsters, rumors that the education would proceed differently from before, and…

“It’s nice to meet you all. I’m Serty Gottfried, the research director in charge of this building at the Sevirpol training ground.”

Meeting the research director with the highest position at the Sevirpol training ground.

It was clear in their eyes that the cadets were anticipating what kind of education they would receive and how they would live in the facility.

“Is, is that person?”

“I think I saw him passing by.”

Generally, when it comes to the field they’re most interested in, they take a posture of concentration and attentive listening, and it was even more so than during any other training.

Towards Serty standing on that platform.

“We-We’re really going to see monsters…”

Erika was the same.

She looked at Serty with her hands clasped in front, her sea-colored eyes sparkling.

“Right, Yena?”

Even when she occasionally spoke to me, her expression was flushed.

“Yeah.”

I briefly answered her question.

At the same time, I raised my head to look around the massive training facility and looked at Serty boasting his smooth bald head.

‘Is this the start of proper training?’

My heart was pounding.

Even though I had already fought plenty of battles with monsters, I was no different from the other cadets in looking forward to the upcoming classes.

It was the same for both sides.

Unlike before when I simply repeated one-on-one battles with monsters, wouldn’t I be able to fight different battles in various environments from now on?

My fingertips trembled and my body heated up.

“Hmm…”

I deliberately tried to calm my mind.

Now was the time to listen to the explanation from the man in front, rather than showing intense emotions──

I fixed my gaze on Serty, opening my eyes wide.

With my ears wide open.

“You all know that from today you’ll be conducting training related to monsters, and roughly what you’ll be doing. Right?”

“Yes, sir!”

He swept his gaze over the cadets with his hands behind his back.

“Your answer is quite spirited, good. Then I’ll start explaining the schedule. I’ll only say this once, so listen carefully.”

Swish─

As soon as he finished speaking, he raised one hand high.

With his ring and little fingers folded.

“First, one,”

Then,

Folding his thumb, he continued speaking.

“From this day on, you’ll be living in this building instead of the dormitory. You’ll also take your meals and sleep here. The class hours will be a bit longer from now on.”

The news that they would no longer stay in the dormitory.

Serty opened with that story.

“Since there’s quite a lot to teach from now on, I plan to conduct various lectures from morning until evening. We’ve made this decision also because we plan to spend most of the time outdoors after the basic course is over.”

He added a comment on this as well.

“The rooms that will be allocated to each of you will be guided shortly…”

He continued with lengthy explanations.

However, it wasn’t particularly difficult to understand.

Rather, it was simple.

The instruction would no longer be limited to just before lunch, and they would be staying in rooms prepared in this main building.

It could be summarized so easily.

“As expected…”

“I hope it won’t be cold.”

The cadets showed various reactions after hearing his words.

However, no one was confused.

It was a story that had been roughly introduced through the previous announcement.

“You all understand, right? Then from now on, I’ll announce the detailed inside story of the training that was explained in advance.”

But with Serty’s following words,

The moment the planned trainings were introduced, the calm atmosphere broke.

The more he spoke,

“Cr-Crazy.”

“We’re staying outside for a whole day?”

The cadets were filled with shock.

“…This will be fun.”

I smiled with my eyes in the midst of such a chaotic situation.

What does it matter if the cadets don’t like it?

The content Serty was revealing was really satisfying.

I was so pleased that I even felt joy.

“After completing the concept course, we’ll first conduct group monster elimination training, and then group survival training that requires teamwork…”

Serty, folding his fingers one by one──

His words echoing across the open space could be summarized into two main points:

Group monster elimination training where they fight monsters in the training ground.

And,

Group survival training where they stay together with team members in a prepared outdoor environment and fight against monsters.

These were the core of this announcement and the educational process they would experience soon.

And the cadets were usually shocked by the latter content.

It was on a different track from the education they had received so far.

How could they not be surprised?

The reactions of the classmates were understandable.

Anyone would be surprised to hear that they have to spend a whole day in a forest teeming with monsters.

Teamwork and adaptability──

Under the pretext of cultivating the qualities that an officer should have, they will spend day and night in a prepared environment with their team members.

Accommodation and survival.

They have to solve all of this on their own.

“Ye-Yena. Can we do it?”

Erika was also one of the cadets who was surprised.

She shrugged her shoulders and fidgeted with her hands.

As if she had become a frightened rabbit, she looked at me with round, shining eyes and a worried face.

“Yeah.”

And I,

Thud─

Gently smiled and patted her shoulder.

I wasn’t afraid at all.

Rather, I wanted to experience the above education as soon as possible.

Wouldn’t I be able to meet various monsters, and be able to fight in a vast forest instead of an artificial space?

Just imagining it was enjoyable.

Moreover, it was joint training with groups.

It means I’ll be staying together with Erika, as well as Rina and Wolf…

I wonder what kind of things will happen.

As we’ve been staying apart until now and will be cooperating for the first time, the depth of expectation was also extraordinary.

‘They’re not on good terms with each other.’

Rina was caught plotting.

Wolf harbors great hostility towards me.

If these people gather in one place?

Countless unexpected events could occur.

I couldn’t help but salivate.

“Haah.”

I placed my hand on my chest.

And took a deep breath to calm my mind.

With the team in this state, we have to get first place…

Just as the future is unpredictable, the results of the training can’t be guessed,

Rustle─

I stroked my lower jaw and fell into contemplation.

No matter how displeasing the team members are, and how bad the relationships between them are, we had to achieve excellent results.

The goal was to receive the highest evaluation in the joint training.

We had to show overwhelming ability.

We had to receive the promised gold medal and attract the attention of the instructors.

Without fail,

We had to get a high score.

“…Now I’ll end the explanation. If you have any questions, ask separately, I’ll help as much as possible within limits.”

I ended my thoughts with a firm resolution.

At the same time, Serty’s long, long story, which could be called a sermon, came to an end.

Was he waiting for just that moment?

“Everyone, salute the Research Director!”

Gartel, who had been standing with his hands behind his back, keeping the cadets in orderly lines, immediately stamped his foot once and shouted.

“Loyalty──!”

The cadets immediately raised their arms and saluted.

It was a uniform and disciplined sight. I also participated in it and saluted towards Serty.

Rustle─

Who the man Wolf met was,

What would be contained in the materials Helena would bring,

How the relationships with team members would change in the group survival training, and so on.

“Loyalty.”

While ruminating on the days to come.