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Chapter 37: We’ll Grow, Together

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As soon as he chose his forty people, Krone assured everyone.

Standing beside the statue, with forty teens in front of him, he stated;

“Those I didn’t choose, be patient, and be glad. For I will teach you right here, right now, very valuable secrets.”

Upon saying that, he taught the whole 303 people the Kharlnaz Breathing Method, a deep breathing method which swirled the air within their stomach, down to their lowest entrails. It was a method which benefitted the inner organs, and if done consistently, would strengthen them.

After making sure everyone got it right, he taught them his recommended diet, what to eat and what not to eat. Soon, he explained the cold submerging training.

And later, the Dawn Meditation.

“Before dawn! During the meditation, you must do the following; ponder on the wonder of the world, on why mana was given to us, your mana, and how you can best use it for.”

There were many more things he could explain, yet these were enough.

Too much, would be redundant and could even halt progress. Many pondered how effective the methods he had given them, but they figured they would give them a chance.

Observing from afar, Julia had realization. The breathing method and the Dawn Meditation, she knew very well. Due to this, she knew how valuable they were.

She pondered.

‘Why? Why would you give them away, so freely? What are you thinking,’

She shook her head.

Was it all for the homeland, she was not sure. What she was sure, was that his mindset was in a different league from her.

“After a week, keep an eye for organization coming from White Swan resort, our organization. If you managed to be consistent with your training, come and visit. There’ll be opportunity to work together. That’s all from me. Practice, and stay true to your commitment, to your purpose… Defenders of the Homeland, salute!”

With spirit, he saluted them, and they, him.

Over three hundred saluted him, with even some parents got swept up in the raging spirit. The whole thousand witnessed these, some shivered, some gulped.

Somehow, they had a feeling that they were witnessing history.

After meeting with the parents and answering questions, he departed.

A teenage boy, leading the whole forty chosen toward the Northern District.

…

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Sandy beach.

Soft sand, shining clear water illuminated everyone’s view as they jogged, bags either on their back and hand. Pleasant wind whisked by, soothing them, carrying their sweat away. The sight of tourists and all kind of colourful stalls became more and more common.

A sense of lively atmosphere filled their being.

With these, they knew.

They had entered the Northern District of Aurenburg, the tourism district. With great beaches and wonderful view, investors and businessmen invested in so many resorts and tourist companies here.

The forty people continued to jog, fast jog.

Their jog in military-like column attracted many eyes, locals and tourist, sparking curiosity and interest. The forty chosen felt awkward, as if becoming celebrities or things on display. Many had to suppress their pride, knowing well they were not in the wrong.

Soon, they arrived to their destination.

The White Swan Resort.

They saw it, a curve of white words in front of a large gate, with statue of white swan flying over. After around two hours of continuous jog, they arrived. Located at the edge of Aurenburg, it was a rather humble resort, capable of entertaining only a few hundred guests at the same time.

Not luxurious, but not so bad.

What was prominent of this resort, was that it covered a large area of beach, sandy beach with palm trees all over. Their tranquil swaying, with gentle breeze hitting their face, made them forgot their weariness for a moment.

For a moment.

“Alright, we’re here!”

Krone announced.

Everyone gasped for breath, relieved. The guys kneeled, while some girls even fell on their butt right then and there. All wet from sweat, they ignored any eyes observing.

Manners be damned, we’re tired like hell!

Krone’s lively jog was faster than normal, prompting them to almost run. Seeing them from afar, the busy crowd on the road was kind enough to make way. In order to avoid bumping into others or causing accidents, none dared to use Air Sliding on the road busy with people.

Krone also did not use mana, so they followed his example.

And this culprit, did not slow down or stop, not at all.

Out of the forty, Ron fared the best.

Standing still, he was panting, sweat covered his forehead and neck. He only had a small bag on him, for a reason. Nearby, Athea refused to fall, with her hands on her knees, supporting her unsteady stand. She put down her bags first, then laid her back on them.

Meanwhile, the twins threw their bags. They laid on their butt, cared not for grace anymore, fuck that! With backs on each other, they stretched their legs, unbuttoned their white uniform. Thiana took a water bottle from her bag, drinking some then gave it to Liliana. Both were panting heavily, with their chest going up and down.

To their side, Kyril lay down on the sandy ground, panting. Doran however, was the worst. He fell flat on the ground, with his shield on his head and large bag to his side. With one hand on his chest, belly going up and down, he was panting like a horse.

In front of the gate, Krone observed them, smiling. He barely sweat, as if the whole march was nothing. That, or the wind did their job well.

He caught sight of Natalia, standing a little further from them. After requesting Sir Medron for a week’s leave, she traced their group. From then, she followed them from a distance, not wanting to bother with her presence.

Their eyes locking, he nodded to her.

Turning to the resort, he saw his sister Kristine, waving at him, calling them in.

“Alright everyone, come in! There are wooden huts and beach inside, so rest there for awhile. Roll around or sleep if you must, its fine. I’ll see if the rooms are ready.”

Hearing that, many were glad.

This Krone seemed sensible and considerate enough. It was tough, but at the very least, he was not the kind of hellish instructor they were imagining from the start.

…

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Krone had the rooms prepared and assigned.

There were forty people in total, so he assigned five people per room. Five rooms for boys and three for girls. It was not a coincidence. When he was choosing them, he already calculated everything he could, from the numbers for each room to squad assignment.

Each room was rather large and well-maintained, so they still found it comfy even with five per room. Some would have to sleep on a big mattress on the floor, but they had no complaint.

It was no vacation.

…

After an hour of rest, Krone called everyone out.

He had them assembled in one formation. From left to right, ten people lined up, four per line. Seeing the disciplined and orderly manner they conducted themselves, he nodded, satisfied.

“First of all, I congratulate you, for being here. And know that I would love to know all of you, so I’m going to be making rounds now. I’m just trying to remember your face, so be at ease,”

He started to walk around the formation, taking in their faces.

When he was choosing them this morning, he recognized most of them as candidates from the Apprentice Knight’s Test. For awhile, something was bothering him, yet he was not sure why. As he was looking around, a familiar face caught his attention, a girl seemingly younger than others. Strangely, she was not from the test.

Yet warmth filled his heart, he pondered;

‘What’s with me? Who… She’s not a candidate. Was she from the audience back then, or she only heard the news and then come?’

When he was choosing these forty short while ago, he did not think too much of it, only focusing whether or not he perceived her as trustworthy. Thinking about it again, looking at her, he felt something.

As if his heart had been pricked by a needle, somewhat.

Short black hair, with short stature, around 1.6 m in height. She had black boots and brown leather clothes, with the familiar air of someone trained in hunting. It was rather weird, since her attire alone would not be so common in a city as large as Aurenberg.

At least, it told him that she did not live in the middle of it.

Krone knew this girl was used to working in a team of hunters, thus her attire. Yet it was not that which bothered him, it was her innocent, child-like image.

Somehow, it overlapped with someone else.

Someone, seemed entirely different.

“…What’s your name?”

“Sir, it’s Lisha! Lisha Ostborn, Sir!”

“Lisha…?”

For a short moment, as if lightning hit his spine, piercing his heart.

He however, maintained his calm outside. Within however, it was tumbling, as if a ship was braving a storm. It was the same name, he remembered.

She had immature look, but he was of no doubt.

It was her.

The one injured in subduing the Great Worm, and the one he failed to protect during the Union’s ambush… The one he got acquainted during his NCO test, together with him braving the early years of war. With him, leading common soldiers, through sweat, tears and blood.

…

His precious aide, his loyal sergeant.

Lisha Ostborn.

…

“Err, Sir?”

“Ah, yes. Excuse me.”

He pieced himself together.

When he first met his sister in this life, he was expectant, to meet his former comrades. Yet never did he expect he would meet one so fast. Moreover, her, and here.

All by chance.

Her being here, slipped his mind. No, in fact, he never knew she visited Aurenburg this year. She was supposed to live in a hunting town in the nearby mountain.

“…Lisha Ostborn eh, I’ll remember your name. In fact, all of you.”

“Ah, err, yes Sir. Thank you.”

Hearing him, she was not sure how to respond. There was something more behind his words, she was not sure. Krone turned around, going to the front of the group.

He had no need for such feeling right now, so he set it aside.

“It’s already noon, so it’s lunchtime. I’ve been informed they’ll be ready in a moment. So before anything, before we start, I would like to tell everyone something. Something very important… It’s more of a chat, though.”

He paused, eye on eye with everyone.

“Kharlussia is our homeland, the land of our fathers, our mothers. I hope everyone agree to that.”

Everyone stood still.

Of course they had no objection to that, they were born and raised here. The people they knew, love, meet everyday, were all from here. While they were still young, appreciating family and friends were as natural to them as taking a breath. The culture they lived in, taught them to grow up that way.

Kharlussia, was an extension of family, friends.

No one would deny that.

“I gathered all of you here, actually for selfish reason. That is, I cannot defend Kharlussia alone. I want you to succeed me, all of you, youngsters.”

The hell he was talking about, they had no idea.

He was clearly their age, but he was addressing them like he was a grown-up. Then again, he had ability to back it up, so no one object. As for being selfish, the fact that they gathered here, seeking opportunity, what would it be if not selfish?

However, there were different kinds of selfish.

His and theirs, were acceptable.

“Do you have anyone you care about?”

They blinked.

Of course, it was a rhetoric question, they knew. Yet he had to ask, to spark their thought.

“Had you know, that in another six month, your family, or someone you care about, would face danger. All of us, would face danger, a disaster, what would you do?”

A disaster was coming, they would prepare, of course. It was no brainer.

Yet something else caught their attention. Did he just specify six month?

“Anyone here, familiar with our empire’s political situation? Especially so in relation to the Union. Is there any danger? Anyone, please raise your hand,”

He looked around, only a few hands went up. He was not surprised. These were youngsters after all, even these few hands going up was enough to satisfy him.

He turned to the closest, Ron.

“Yes, Ron?”

“If I may… The Union managed to get nations formerly belonging to ours to join them. Within these thirty years, they integrated eleven of our former states into their own. In the last two decades, they set up bases within these nations, and they’re not a few.”

“Bases, and what would that mean?”

“Obvious. These nations, share borders with us. Since the last ten years, the Union had been conducting war games close to our border, prompting response from our Supreme Guardian. Anyone would know what that mean. Only fools, ehem, excuse me,”

Having war games was a clear indication.

And having them so close to another nation’s border, meant that the army was ready to attack at any time. This was common fact, yet many commoners were not aware.

Listening to this, the youngsters caught on. Even those without proper political knowledge managed to draw a proper conclusion.

Krone continued;

“And that response would be?”

“…Ten years ago, His Excellency increased the national defense budget by four times, and sought to modernize our army. If it’s going well, our army should be fully transformed in another ten… no, eight years. We’ll be able to move better. Our fighting potential would be double, even triple at the time.”

“Good, truly.”

Ron truly had been taught well, as expected of a scion from a former noble house. In fact, his knowledge and confidence were better than most. He answered him without batting an eyelid.

Krone added;

“Then, everyone, let me ask. Would the Union wait until that eight years come?”

…

Listening to Ron, and triggered by his question, the rest of the teens realized.

If what they were saying was true, then… Their life, the carefree life they had been living all these years, was hanging on a thin thread. War could break out at any moment, yet the common populace was not anxious.

Was it ignorance? Or acceptance of reality?

For them, most of them were ignorant. Hey, they were teenagers. At most they just thought of how wonderful it would be to get a soulmate, get married, and get a proper job. So when they heard of Krone’s speech about defending the nation, they thought it might happen in ten, twenty years ahead of them.

Yet with this simple question and answer session, they managed to think.

Together, in silence.

Krone let the information seeped into them.

In dealing with everyday news and conversation, people were bound to just put things like this aside, since it would only hinder their everyday life. It was not like they could do anything, or so they thought. He did not blame them, for he was the same back then.

Right here however, the environment was proper enough for them to think.

After enough time, Krone waved his hand, catching their attention.

“…In conclusion, in order to deal with the upcoming trial and tribulation, we had no choice, but to be ready, to prepare. In order to be prepared, we have to grow. We’ll grow, and we’ll plan that growth, together.”

He stood up straight, his fist on his side. Turning into a palm, right before his eyes, he directed it to them. His palm unbending, his eyes sharp.

It was a powerful gesture.

“You’ll grow. Your decision today will set you apart from the rest of your peers. You’ll grow, because you want it. Because you know that it’s important. You know that’s why you live. You know, together with us, you’ll grow. You’ve no other choice, but grow. You’ve no other choice, but grow.”

He waved his hand, once.

“…Together, we’ll grow. Repeat after me,”

Abiding the command, they repeated after him.

Some only use little voice at first, among them was Athea. She felt it was ridiculous, yet relented to group pressure. A second, Krone repeated it again.

And again.

Later, it was clear to everyone, that Krone would not let them be, if their cry did not meet his standard. A united cry spread around the beach, signifying their commitment. Yet still he did not let them go, he repeated it yet again.

And again.

It was already the 39th cry, he still did not stop.

By that time, everyone’s eyes were blood red. They were filled with frustration, and strangely, excitement. Each of them held their fist, eyes sharp on Krone, as if ready to eat him. Their throat was hoarse from shouting, yet his mischievous smile kept them pumped up.

A smile, clearly challenging them.

That’s all you have, huh?

For the 40th cry, he changed it a bit.

Just a little.

Lady Natalia from afar, shook her head, sighing.

A rather immodest shout pervaded the tranquil beach.

…

= Chapter 37 ‘We’ll Grow, Together’ End =