Chapter 42
Chapter 42
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 42
Chapter Title: The Milky-Smelling White Rookies
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Countess Kali Stehold, commander of the Eastern Border Fortress.
Though she was over fifty years old, her powerful demonic charm gave her the appearance of someone barely in her late twenties.
With her long black hair tied tightly back, she lit a long pipe and exhaled smoke.
She let out a pleased laugh. It had been a while since she laughed out loud like that, with a cackle.
"So, they failed the initiation ceremony?"
"Yes. There was Raphael Black there, and special weapons in the form of explosion chains..."
"Well, there have been teams with that level of advantage before. And they factored all that in when assigning the initiation mission. Right?"
"Exactly. Even taking all circumstances into account, it's the first record of its kind in the history of the border fortress. We can call them top-tier rookies."
"Fun."
Truly smiling as if delighted, Kali Stehold deeply inhaled the pipe smoke. She thought for a moment, puffing repeatedly, then set down the pipe and gave her orders.
"Alright. I've decided. Send them to the front line."
Jaxen Silver was startled by the words.
"Pardon? Not even the third... I mean, not the second line, but the front line?"
The area under the Eastern Border Fortress's jurisdiction was divided into four main zones.
The most dangerous was the War Zone. The sea maze area, locked in fierce combat with the Logot Kingdom, fell under the War Zone. Only official Silver and Gold Gigant Riders were deployed to the foremost front.
Next came the front line, the riskiest after that. Ace-level White and Black Knights teamed up with Silver or Gold Knights to guard the outposts.
Rookies were usually assigned to the safe third line, and even standout ones only made it to the second line.
But to send fresh transfers straight to the front line?
"Your Excellency... There's no precedent for this. It's too dangerous."
Jaxen Silver voiced his opposition.
But Countess Kali Stehold had already made up her mind.
"A rookie who accomplished something unprecedented deserves unprecedented treatment, doesn't he?"
"But..."
"Of course, you'll be the outpost commander."
"Pardon?"
Jaxen Silver was even more shocked than before. Indignation and grievance flickered in his eyes.
"No... Your Excellency. Do you hate me?"
"Why?"
"You know I can fight well. To pull me from this expedition... Please, if I've done something wrong, just tell me."
Countess Kali Stehold puffed on her pipe. Her eyes curved in amusement.
"Jaxen. My dear Silver. That's exactly why I'm leaving you in the rear. Once all the aces are sent to the foremost front, who guards the rear? Guarding the rear is just as important as fighting on the foremost front. Isn't it?"
"That's true, but..."
"That's why I'm sending you to the front line. It's perfect timing. This expedition is so massive we need every cat's paw we can get. I trust you. Take the rookies to the front line. I guarantee it won't be easy. The garrison there is less than half its usual size."
"...Less than half? Is the expedition that large?"
"Yes. So guard that outpost well."
"No... You really do hate me, don't you? Even if they're top-tier, to take fresh White rookies to a front line with half the personnel?"
"Why? Think it'll be tough?"
"Of course! I'd rather fight the Logot bastards on the foremost front."
Jaxen Silver shouted indignantly. But Kali Stehold just chuckled softly, nibbling on her pipe.
"But what can we do? No other choice. Do your best. I'll reward you handsomely based on results. You're at the age to aim for Gold promotion. Right?"
Jaxen's demeanor shifted at the words.
"...Gold, you say?"
"Yes. A commander who properly rewards not just frontline warriors but rear heroes too—who do you think that is? Me."
"...Even so, it's impossible with rookies."
"Teach them well. I'll specially authorize mid-tier 5-man tactics for you."
"Pardon? Mid-tier tactics? For rookies?"
"They're top-tier, aren't they? If you teach well, they'll learn."
"Then... you'll provide all the equipment needed for mid-tier tactics too?"
"Naturally. The rest is up to you. Whether you can produce results with rookies or not—that's the level you need to clear to aim for Gold. Right?"
"...You're serious. Understood! I'll do my best, Your Excellency!"
"Heh heh. Good. Go suffer."
Whoosh—
The cigarette smoke Kali Stehold exhaled spread thickly right in front of Jaxen Silver's nose. Like an omen of a grueling path ahead, full of bleak prospects.
* * *
Watching the smoke billowing whitely from the workshop, Kang Geohan felt his heart race.
'It feels like everything's falling into place smoothly.'
Victory in the battle against the large goblin village. The reward was sweet.
"Victory is great in itself, but checking the spoils is always the best part."
Just as Kaltz said, walking beside him.
By custom, rights to spoils went to those who earned merits in battle.
In other words, all rights to thousands of goblin corpses and the occasional oparts they wielded belonged to Kang Geohan's group.
"Come on, let's go!"
The path to the workshop felt like a festival parade.
Kingdom transport vehicles, Sleipnirs loaded with spoils, lined up heading to the workshop. Artisans directed laborers to skillfully sort and stack goblin corpses and oparts.
Impatient artisans eagerly rummaged for oparts used in crafting high-end gear.
Even the smoke from the workshop seemed like enthusiastic stage effects amid the buzzing excitement.
"Wow! Even goblins, but this quantity means there's plenty to salvage, huh?"
"Impressive? This from rookie candidates?"
"Whoa... With this volume and quality, we can make some solid gear."
"Look! Those must be them?"
"Huh... Look how young. Those kids took down all these goblins?"
"The kingdom's future is bright. So bright."
The protagonists of this bustling scene were Kang Geohan's group. Amid showers of cheers and praise, they entered the workshop proudly.
Inside, artisans clamored.
"Hey! Leave it to me! To me!"
"Not that side, come here! I'll treat you right!"
"Heh heh. What're you talking about? What do you want? Melee weapon? Mobility gear? Just say it! I can do it all."
Artisans competing to take their commissions. Kang Geohan's group fell into happy dilemma over whom to entrust the processing to.
But then, Jaxen Silver entered the workshop entrance and shouted.
"Rookies! You're not going that way. Follow me."
He led the way ahead. Seeing this, the artisans murmured.
"That's the Kingdom Workshop, isn't it?"
"No way... Why take rookie candidates there?"
The Eastern Border Fortress workshops were mainly two kinds.
Pioneer workshops, where artisans from everywhere freely plied their trade. And the Kingdom Workshop, where kingdom-approved elite artisans teamed up for systematic work.
Pioneer artisans aimed to prove themselves and enter the Kingdom Workshop—the skill gap was that vast.
Thus, the Kingdom Workshop didn't take just any job. They served the kingdom's mainstay Silver and Gold official Gigant Riders, or ace Black Knights.
So, it wasn't a place for Kang Geohan's group, freshly minted White Knights.
Jaxen Silver said.
"You're learning 5-man mid-tier tactics."
Helena's eyes sparkled.
"Mid-tier... tactics?"
From their glances, Gerot and Roan seemed clueless too.
Jaxen Silver glanced at Helena and said.
"Yeah. So pick your weapons carefully. Once inside the Kingdom Workshop, I'll explain in detail... but first, decide your positions. Striker, who dashes back and forth unleashing explosive firepower. Main Dealer for steady damage. Main Tank. Sub Tank. Ranged Dealer and Supporter. Think about which suits each of you."
The moment he heard it, 'Striker' stuck in Kang Geohan's mind. Explosive firepower. Just the description made his heart pound.
"Striker's Kang Geohan."
As if reading his thoughts, Roan stated it matter-of-factly, and the others subtly nodded.
Jaxen smirked and said.
"Yeah, decide like that. Anyway. Welcome to the Kingdom Workshop, rookies. This isn't a place you belong, so watch your manners."
Creak!
Jaxen Silver shoved open the heavy iron door.
Beyond it lay the Kingdom Workshop.
His chest swelled.
Everyone felt the same.
"Wow...!"
"Whoa...!"
Exclamations burst from their mouths.
The Kingdom Workshop was utterly unlike the pioneer ones.
It resembled a library.
Shelves towering four or five stories high held gear of all kinds neatly arrayed at perfect angles. Reference materials for crafting and designing parts were labeled and tidily shelved.
Amid walls overwhelming with books and equipment loomed a massive door like a fighter hangar.
The firepower testing ground, where Gigants donned armaments for trials, was right next to the workshop.
A overwhelming space where research, production, storage, and testing converged—that was the Kingdom Workshop.
Gigant Riders clustered with artisans everywhere, deep in serious talks.
No hawking like before; everything orderly and professional.
Then, a white-haired artisan with golden badges passed by Kang Geohan's group alongside knights.
"Trust me, will ya? This new armament set I made is killer. Don't you know me? I poured my heart into it personally. It's called the Giant Set..."
"Ah, Master Chief. I know. Who's unaware of your top skills here? You're the Chief Technical Advisor. But please understand. With the expedition right around the corner, how can we swap main weapons? Especially such an extreme one..."
"No, hear me out. It has high momentary mana strain, sure, but the power's guaranteed. Rush in like the wind, strike like lightning, vanish like a ghost...! Perfect for a Striker like you...!"
"I'm truly sorry, sir."
"Argh, driving me nuts! I just want a field test already?"
"Sir..."
Even treating frontline knights like guinea pigs outright before real combat, the Gold Knights couldn't get mad and just fumbled apologies.
'A big shot artisan in the workshop? But intriguing. What gear has even a master like him so desperate? High mana strain but surefire power...? Sounds perfect for a Striker.'
Kang Geohan thought that as he passed the old man and Gold Knights.
But the passing old man suddenly turned back two, three times, then bellowed at Kang Geohan's group.
"What the hell?! White rookies barging in here? You reek of milk—get out!!"
His face flushed red and purple, clearly venting his rage from the rejected proposal on them.
Jaxen Silver, leading the group, jumped in front of the shouting old man, flustered.
"Oh dear, Master Chief, hold on. Just a moment."
"What? Jaxen? You brought these milk-stinking brats here? The workshop'll smell like greenhorns—chase 'em out now!"
"No, it's not that—look at this order."
"Orders my ass... Want me to kick you out too?"
"It's from the Commander herself!"
"...From the Countess?"
"Yes!"
Only then did he stop shoving and peered at the document Jaxen Silver held out.
The old man's brow furrowed. He groaned in displeasure, "Nngh...!" But even he couldn't ignore the Countess's orders.
"Damn... Even so, equipping fresh White rookies... First time I've seen something this insane since I grew hair. Tch, give 'em some junk and send 'em packing quick!"
"Yes. Right away. Understood."
Jaxen Silver wiped cold sweat and retreated.
He planned to find their assigned artisan before the old man's mood soured again.
But,
"Excuse me, Master Chief."
Kang Geohan called to the old man.
Jaxen Silver's face went pale white.
The group turned to him with urgent expressions.
'What?'
'Sir Kang Geohan White? Your tact...?'
Their eyes screamed insults. But Kang Geohan had something he just had to say.
'From the mood, it's a 'read the room and back off' situation, but regret from inaction lingers long.'
Yes. Meeting this old man like this might be fate.
Kang Geohan shut his eyes and asked what he'd wanted to.
"That... armament set you just developed. Could you show it to me?"
"...What?"
"High momentary mana strain. Rush in fast, land a fatal blow, then evade. The perfect weapon for a Striker...! I really want to see it!"
"What'd you say?"
The old man's face twisted sharply.