NOVEL NEXT Chapter 52
Chapter 52
The training grounds on the 69th floor of the Demon King Castle were much wider and more comfortable than those on the 72nd floor. It was only natural that the facilities were good, built as they were on the abundant funds of Dantalion.
The legion soldiers under Seere occupied this spacious training ground, enjoying a luxurious training life. One could argue that pushing their bodies until they were dripping with sweat had nothing to do with luxury, but considering the facilities of the 72nd-floor training ground, the current lifestyle could certainly be described as luxurious.
As the forces on the 72nd floor occupied this space, most of the soldiers from the 69th floor were driven out. The majority had perished fighting on the 68th floor, and those remaining were of poor quality, merely gathered by Dantalion with money.
Thus, under Nahun’s judgment, the soldiers of the 69th floor were forced to retreat along with Dantalion to the 72nd floor. Now, they would be honing their skills as they hunted for humans entering the 72nd floor alongside Argol.
This created an urgent need for military reinforcement. The soldiers on the 69th floor had to replace the defenses on the 72nd floor, and half of the forces on the 68th floor perished in the war against the 69th floor, while the other half were killed by Nahun.
There was a significant gap in military strength. Thanks to this, the 68th floor was currently relying on Citri’s power for defense. Nahun was keen to quickly resolve this situation and ordered the commanders and vice-commanders to select promising talents.
“Commander Lin.”
And today, Nahun had come to see the results of the military expansion policy. Beside him was Seere, who had also put in quite an effort today.
Though she wore her official uniform for duties, her light makeup and accessories showed that she had put in a considerable effort. Her beauty momentarily diverted the attention of the soldiers, who were engrossed in training.
Lin bowed politely to the two.
“You have arrived, Your Majesty. Nahun, it’s good to see you.”
Nahun asked her.
“How about the selected soldiers?”
“They are in the 4th training ground.”
“Let’s go check.”
As Nahun and Seere followed Lin, they found the selected soldiers bustling in the training ground. When the soldiers noticed Nahun and Seere arriving with Lin, they stopped their chatter and looked at them.
“Did you say 20,000?”
“Yes.”
According to the report given to Seere, the soldiers selected by Lin and Baruna numbered over 5,000, while those chosen by Epsilon and Zeta accounted for 15,000. It was remarkable that such a large number could fit in one training ground, which also served as evidence of the ample and excellent facilities provided by Dantalion.
Nahun looked at the 20,000 soldiers and asked Seere.
“What do you think, Seere?”
“…The soldiers chosen by the 4th legion’s officers are on the left, and those chosen by the 5th legion’s officers are on the right, Commander?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
The number of soldiers chosen by Lin and Baruna, who had relatively stricter and more rigorous standards, was smaller. As they had worked in the previous generation, their selection criteria were understandably high.
“…That’s a lot.”
However, from Seere’s perspective, as they needed soldiers, it would be better to lower their standards and recruit more. They needed to fill the ranks immediately. In this regard, Epsilon and Zeta had done well in making a compromise and selecting appropriately.
But Seere’s thoughts were a bit different.
“Isn’t it unnecessary to have those whose abilities are lacking, Teacher?”
“…Seere?”
Nahun was slightly taken aback. He had intended to suggest increasing the number, yet Seere was suggesting a reduction. Before Nahun could respond, Seere narrowed her eyes and said.
“Commander Lin.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Let’s conduct a test.”
“…What?”
These were soldiers who had already passed the selection tests proposed by each commander. While Lin was perplexed, Seere drew her sword and leaped into the center of the training ground.
Looking at the divided soldiers on either side, Seere declared.
“From now on, only those who can endure my sword will be selected as soldiers.”
“…What?”
The soldiers began to murmur. They were bewildered by the thought of another selection after having passed the rigorous selection test.
However, without giving them a moment to ponder, Seere swung the Blood Blade. A soldier, caught unaware, was about to be struck by the sword.
Boom!!
The sword was stopped by something. Seere narrowed her eyes briefly, recognized who had blocked her sword, and exclaimed in surprise.
“…Teacher?”
“Seere, stop. What will happen if you rush in without listening?”
Nahun had one hand firmly gripping Seere’s sword. Despite holding her weapon, not a drop of blood flowed from Nahun’s hand. This sight astonished not only Seere but also Lin, who had been watching the training ground eagerly until Nahun disappeared.
‘He blocked it with one hand… and didn’t even graze her?’
Nahun sighed and lowered Seere’s sword, addressing her.
“Your approach is good, but it doesn’t fit our current situation. Considering the defenses on the 68th floor and the upcoming wars, even these 20,000 soldiers are insufficient. We need to increase our numbers.”
“…But Teacher, these people are too weak.”
“We cannot expect every soldier to possess the abilities of an officer at this moment.”
“…Hmm.”
“Someday, we will reach that point, but not yet. Naturally, there is a limit to the skills of talents selected from the lower tiers. Stronger individuals are increasingly found in the higher tiers.”
Nahun was trying to persuade Seere.
“So your policy is to let us grow a little stronger and pursue it. For now, we urgently need more manpower. And since the legion officers have gone through the selection process, they should prove at least somewhat useful.”
After listening to Nahun’s opinion, Seere pondered for a moment, but after carefully considering, she nodded.
“It seems like Teacher is right.”
“Right, but that doesn’t mean we should completely ignore your policy.”
“Pardon?”
Nahun had no intention of disregarding Seere’s authority and power. If the Demon King Seere had made that judgment, it was right to follow it. However, if this were applied to all soldiers, even trying to increase the army would make it impossible to recruit soldiers…
“Let’s apply your method to the officers.”
“Officers?”
“We can’t integrate all the soldiers here under the 4th and 5th legions. If we did that, Commander Lin and everyone else would be overloaded with work.”
This was a proposal to change the target for application to match reality and reach a compromise. Seere nodded, understanding.
“So, you are thinking of creating a new legion.”
“That’s right. We need to establish the 6th and 7th legions. Of course, we don’t necessarily have to choose from the soldiers here.”
“Pardon?”
Nahun spoke as if it were only natural. Although the 5th legion was formed to appease Citri’s subordinates by promoting them to officers, there were actually some among Seere’s command who were stronger and more fit for the officer role than those selected this time.
“Commander Lin.”
“Yes?”
“Bring me the candidates for the officers of the newly established legion from the 4th legion.”
“As you wish, Nahun.”
Lin left the training ground, and Nahun suggested to Seere that they head back up for a moment. As they passed through the soldiers, Nahun felt their gazes focused on him. The expressions of the soldiers who had just witnessed the brief exchange had changed.
It seemed that what had just transpired had elicited a sense of awe among the new soldiers. Nahun felt that, although he had stumbled upon it by chance, it was a positive change.
Nahun, satisfied, looked at Seere standing beside him as he wanted to finish the remaining discussion.
“The officers will be selected through the method you prefer, Seere, and then we’ll finalize the officers for the 6th and 7th legions.”
“I understand.”
“However, you know you mustn’t harm any of the applicants, right? I would prefer if you used wooden swords instead.”
“Wooden swords don’t provide the thrill of cutting…”
“Still, it can’t be helped. This is a test, not a life-and-death duel.”
After hearing Nahun’s words, Seere slightly nodded, appearing somewhat dissatisfied about needing to use a wooden sword.
Nahun thought about whether he should make her promise not to harm anyone if he allowed her to use a real sword, then quickly reconsidered. Considering past events… it seemed better to eliminate situations where Seere might cause an accident.
“Besides, wouldn’t it be nice to warm up?”
As Nahun said this while gently patting her head, the displeased expression on Seere’s face gradually softened. Closing her eyes slightly and relishing his touch, she looked content, almost like a cat.
“Selecting more soldiers will make conquering the 67th floor easier, right?”
“That’s correct.”
“Then I’ll understand. It’s somewhat important for them to serve as meat shields as well.”
“Um, yes.”
It wasn’t incorrect. The reason for wanting to recruit more soldiers was also due to the army needing to take the brunt of the attacks in the tier conquests to come.
“However, the officers will be thoroughly selected. I can’t compromise on this, even if it’s what Teacher said.”
“I also hope for that. If there are only those I find unsatisfactory among the applicants, it’s okay to leave the officer positions vacant and select again next time.”
“Yes.”
At that moment, Lin returned. She briefly greeted Seere before speaking to them.
“I’ve completed the announcement. It seems we can’t decide immediately… we will need about a day.”
“Then I’ll have the test conducted tomorrow, so Commander, please gather the list of candidates and send it up.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
—
The next day, many soldiers gathered in the 69th floor training grounds for the officer exams to establish the 6th and 7th legions. There were soldiers who applied from the 4th legion and also some from those selected this time. Surprisingly, there were no applicants from the 5th legion.
Whether it was Epsilon controlling things or the 5th legion knowing their place, either way, it was a wise decision. They likely wouldn’t have reached the level of an officer.
Nahun, along with Seere, Cain, and their attendant Cecili, sat on the platform of the 69th floor training ground. And there was one more person.
“Why on earth was I called to such a gathering?”
“Doesn’t Her Majesty Citri have a decent eye for talent? I would like you to evaluate as well.”
It was Citri. Nahun had specifically invited her. Once, she had been a great Demon King ranked 12th, so her eye for talent was accurate. The fact that Epsilon and Zeta’s 5th legion consisted of Citri’s surplus soldiers demonstrated this.
While they had built their strength to reach that level, there were indeed those with potential there. They were quite exceptional as surplus soldiers from the 71st floor. As mentioned earlier, going beyond that was impossible.
“What’s in it for me?”
“Do allies always expect something in return for such matters?”
“I’d like to return that remark directly to you.”
“Isn’t it a good idea to enjoy an interesting spectacle? Plus, it’s just an evaluation. Who knows? I might do something for you in gratitude for this later.”
“…Alright, I’ll be expecting that.”
Citri responded sharply before subtly shifting her gaze to Seere. Seere, for some reason, was wearing a wooden sword at her waist.
‘…What is this?’
Why is the Demon King wearing a sword at a selection event for officers? Especially a wooden sword? While Citri tilted her head in confusion, Baruna stepped into the training ground. He stood before the waiting applicants.
“I’ll check if everyone is here. When I call your name, please respond.”
Baruna briefly called out names to confirm the applicant list. Once it was confirmed, Baruna glanced back. Seere stood up from her seat.
“Seere? Where are you going?”
When Citri asked, Seere looked at her for a moment, then smirked as she answered.
“I’m the examiner.”
“What?”
“Teacher.”
Seere called Nahun one last time before descending into the training ground. When Nahun asked why, Seere made a request.
“If I win today, will you grant me one wish?”
“Huh?”
“Today I will show you how well your student has learned. If I do well, will I receive a reward?”
“Sure. I get it.”
Nahun nodded readily. Since Seere was working hard, it was reasonable to give her a reward.
Seere smiled contentedly. And at the moment her cloak fluttered in the wind, she easily leaped down off the platform, landing in the training ground.
Boom!
The height was quite considerable, and the impact of Seere’s landing created a loud sound. Continuing from there, Baruna, who had been explaining the exam, added.
“…Therefore, this exam will be directly overseen by Her Majesty.”
The young Demon King, having alighted on the training ground, held up the wooden sword. She calmly spoke to the applicants.
“I will observe your skills directly, and then select the officers. Come out one by one and spar with me.”
The fact that the Demon King was personally conducting the exam made some applicants extremely tense, while others saw the young Demon King a bit too lightly. Most of them were applicants among those selected this time.
“Then I’ll go first.”
They thought to themselves that how strong could the young Demon King possibly be. While she might be stronger than themselves, there were those who believed they could withstand her enough.
As the first applicant, who confidently stepped forward with a wooden sword, began, Seere remarked, seemingly satisfied.
“Good, your spirit and courage are commendable.”
Then the atmosphere around Seere changed. Sensing this, Baruna took a step back. He raised his hand high.
“Then from now on….”
Baruna’s hand quickly came down.
“Let’s begin.”
At the same moment, Seere vanished in an instant. The bold soldier was taken aback.
“Uh…?”
Whoosh!
And with the sound of slicing through the air, the wooden sword that had come flying from behind struck him directly.
“Cough…!”
“Your reaction speed is lacking. You are disqualified.”
With that, Seere lightly declared the disqualification and turned around.
“Next, come out.”
The young Demon King’s exam began, blocking the path for the soldiers to exit.