Chapter 36
Chapter 36
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: Genius Divine Archer Who Became a One-Man Legion
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“When are we starting?”
“Ugh, hurry up and get this over with. Doesn’t look like much anyway.”
The applicants waiting outside the training ground, thanks to the Arrowhead Unit’s recruitment, muttered complaints one after another.
Some had decent military experience, but there were also quite a few young boys.
They each had their own thoughts, but at least those grumbling shared similar sentiments.
“Heh, heard the vice captain here is 14?”
“The sub-vice captain’s 13, they say. Hell, is this an army or kids playing war?”
“Just take it quick, Captain Galtar, and lead us. Even after becoming sub-vice captain, what’s there to fear from some 14-year-old punk?”
“Exactly. We all back you, Captain Galtar. If that brat puffs up as unit captain, we just ignore him.”
Galtar was a squad leader with over ten years in the army—a veteran in his own right.
Though called a squad leader, in terms of rank, he was effectively platoon leader material.
He’d stayed at squad leader only because of disobeying superiors and various incidents.
‘This is my chance to climb for sure.’
As his squad mates said, if he became sub-vice captain of the Arrowhead Unit and brought his men in, he could build a solid faction inside.
‘Then grow that faction until my influence overshadows the unit captain’s, turning it into my own command.’
If he pulled that off, he’d be the one truly running the Arrowhead Unit.
“Heh heh, hurry up and start.”
And the long-awaited interview began.
It wasn’t anything grand.
Just a quick test of their skills, followed by asking why they wanted to join the Arrowhead Unit.
Those without special skills defaulted to kingdom swordsmanship basics.
After about ten had gone through, Galtar’s name was called.
“Go get ‘em, Captain!”
“Smash ‘em flat!”
With his squad’s cheers, Galtar entered the training ground.
“Galtar of the 4th Legion.”
“Hmm, solid military record. Why do you want to join the Arrowhead Unit?”
“Because my experience is what the Arrowhead Unit needs.”
“……?”
Rian, who’d been reading the application, suddenly looked up at him.
Brandt, standing beside, stared at Galtar with a look of disbelief.
But Galtar had no intention of hiding his ambitions.
‘Tch, not a decent one among these losers.’
There were runts who didn’t even reach his chest,
‘That one’s got some strength.’
A few looked usable, but battles weren’t won on strength alone.
True ‘strength’ came from seasoned experience and skill combined.
In that sense, Galtar thought no one here outclassed him.
Galtar spoke.
“If I join the Arrowhead Unit, I can fill many gaps—tactics and combat power. And if my squad joins too, we can smooth out the early lack of coordination.”
Then he glanced at those around Rian and asked.
“Who’s the current sub-vice captain of this unit?”
“Why do you ask?”
“If I join the Arrowhead Unit, I want to be sub-vice captain. The sub-vice captain should assist the unit captain closest, so it makes sense for someone strong and experienced.”
Rian’s expression hardened at Galtar’s words.
Isaac, standing beside him, let his eyes grow cold.
Rian said to Galtar.
“Don’t you think that’s awfully rude?”
“I think it’s unavoidable to build a good unit. Growing pains are part of growth.”
Rian nodded at Galtar, who smirked mockingly.
“Experience and strength—important, and you’re not wrong. But can you confidently say you’re stronger than the Arrowhead Unit’s current sub-vice captain?”
“Just prove it here. Surely the sub-vice captain of a unit isn’t a coward dodging challenges?”
“…….”
Rian glanced at Isaac beside him.
Isaac was radiating intense killing intent, ready to fight any moment.
Seeing that, Rian turned to Brandt.
“Brandt.”
“Understood.”
Brandt stepped out toward the applicants outside the training ground.
As Brandt suddenly left, Galtar looked puzzled. Soon after, over twenty applicants followed Brandt into the training ground.
Galtar frowned slightly at Rian.
“What’s going on here?”
“Everyone here wants to be sub-vice captain, right?”
Ignoring Galtar’s question, Rian addressed the lined-up applicants.
“If any of you wandered in by mistake, leave now. Asking again: those standing here all want the Arrowhead Unit’s sub-vice captain position or similar officer role. Correct?”
“Yes.”
At someone’s reply, they all eyed each other warily.
None had expected so many sharing their ambitions.
But Rian said flatly, unconcerned.
“Isaac.”
“Yes, Unit Captain.”
“These are the ones gunning for your spot. Prove yourself.”
“As you command.”
His tone was businesslike and calm. But that only chilled his squad mates more, knowing him.
‘He’s... seriously pissed.’
‘That bastard... his eyes are spinning.’
‘...Lord, today your foolish lambs ascend.’
The squad mates each gauged the atmosphere inwardly.
As Isaac picked up two wooden swords and stepped onto the sparring area, Rian said to Galtar.
“Grab your weapon and come up.”
“Straightforward—I like it.”
Galtar climbed onto the sparring area and eyed Isaac. Glancing at Rian, he added.
“But if I beat the current sub-vice captain, what then? Do I fight all these applicants behind?”
“No need. Whoever takes down Isaac first becomes sub-vice captain.”
“What?”
“No way, that’s bullshit!”
The applicants below erupted in protest.
Isaac looked weak, like he’d gotten the post through connections.
Galtar, going first, had a huge advantage.
At that moment,
“Quiet!”
Rian bellowed, infusing his voice with mana.
The thunderous roar silenced the training ground into dead stillness.
The protesters gaped speechlessly.
“Save complaints for after the first match. Stay quiet. Right now, watch Isaac’s moves as best you can.”
Rian glanced at Brandt.
Brandt climbed onto the sparring area, positioning between Isaac and Galtar.
“Match ends at incapacitation or surrender. No eye or groin strikes, as this is sparring.”
He looked at Isaac and Galtar.
Both nodded,
“Get on with it.”
Galtar grinned.
Brandt stepped back and said softly.
“Begin.”
“Kekeke, don’t take it too hard. We’ll be squad mates once I’m sub-vice captain.”
“…….”
“So I’ll go easy... watch out!”
Swoosh!
Galtar lunged forward, swinging his sword at Isaac.
The horizontal slash was quick and clean.
Impressive enough for confidence, but
“……Huh?”
The moment he swung, Isaac vanished from sight.
Galtar whipped his head around.
Where’d the brat go?
Before his head turned twice,
Thwack-!
“Gah!”
Agonizing pain like his left knee shattering dropped Galtar to the ground screaming.
His leg went limp instantly.
“Seems your confidence outstrips your skill.”
“What...”
A voice from behind. Galtar mumbled, but before he finished—Thud!
A wooden sword cracked against his temple with a dull sound.
“…….”
Silence blanketed the training ground again.
Fallen Galtar convulsed, unable to rise.
Isaac glanced at the out-cold Galtar, then said flatly to the applicants below.
“Next.”
* * *
3rd Battalion Commander Telpon took interest in the Arrowhead Unit formed from his battalion.
Specifically, one face came to mind.
“The Arrowhead Unit’s taking applicants?”
“Yes, and unusually, a ton have shown up.”
“Lots of applicants... Heh, obvious. Scrambling to snag a bite.”
“Seems that way.”
“Heh heh, wonder if they’ll succeed.”
Telpon chuckled at his aide’s reply.
Rian’s image popped into his head.
Only met once, but the kid gave off a weird vibe.
Unlike his youthful face, he emanated an old veteran’s aura.
Couldn’t predict exactly, but one thing was sure.
‘Those who underestimated him are suffering now.’
* * *
“Ugh... Ack...”
“Ow... M-my leg’s broken.”
The training ground was a field hospital.
Most had at least one limb fractured; half were still unconscious.
“Next.”
“I-I forfeit.”
“Me too, I withdraw!”
The remaining five lined up to quit.
They’d hoped to exploit fatigue, but realized it was futile.
With all left quitting, Isaac turned to Rian.
Rian nodded.
“Good work.”
“Nothing to it.”
Rian barely suppressed a twitching smile, glancing at Kyle.
Meaning: clear them out.
Kyle and Arthur led squad mates in dragging the fallen outside.
Some might gripe about injuries, but self-inflicted.
Key was preventing such hassles henceforth.
“Brandt, spread word of this far and wide. Our unit’s already news; it’ll spread fast.”
“We won’t get backlash... right?”
Even justified, demolishing nearly twenty applicants.
Some needed months in hospital.
Rian shook his head at Brandt’s worry.
“None at all. Great chance to reconfirm our sub-vice captain’s strength.”
“......Sorry.”
Isaac bowed like a criminal.
Rian spoke to him.
He apologized again.
Despite emotion control, he’d gone overboard.
Rian stood.
“When showing strength, make it clear. Half-ass it, and this repeats.”
He tore up the recent applicants’ forms.
“Resume in two days. Rumors will have spread by then.”
That marked Arrowhead’s true start.
Isaac and Brandt replied loudly, following Rian.