Masoc, equipped with a formidable iron shield covering a significant portion of his body and a posing war hammer, charges at me. The hammer swings down at my small figure, crushing a blow into gravel. I stand unscathed from the impact.
*BANG!*
One palm strike sends Masoc back. Issac swoops in with a slash from his giant sword, I evade it and Masoc slams his shield on me after quick recovery, taunting my attack on him.
When my focus stays on Masoc and Issac, the lurking Kaden strikes with precision. However, to his surprise, I spin to meet the attack, parrying the dagger with a ringing clash and throwing a kick to his body.
Masoc throws his hammer to distract me as Issac executes a flurry of attacks. My fluid movements seamlessly evade with acrobatic manoeuvre, blurring the line of combat and dance, and pivoting on the balls of my feet. My charging momentum and reaction grab the flying hammer and send it back to Masoc. The deadly speed forces Masoc to absorb the full damage, dragging him across the ground.
"Masoc!" Issac exclaims.
Masoc struggles and groans. The situation tears a hole in their formation. Issac fails to land another strike and immediately sees my palm in his eyes. Fortunately, Aeon fills the gap and my hand collides with a metal sword.
The cycle continues as I assess their strength and one hour quickly passes.
"Huff huff huff..."
All four are breathless on the ground around me with bruises splashed across. Forget defeating me, they failed to touch me. On the other hand, they showed impressive teamwork and fundamentals. Issac, acting as the vanguard, did his best to corner me while Masoc tried to absorb any incoming hits. Kaden utilized his stature for agility and went for any potential openings. The last member Aeon is an all-rounder who covered any holes between their formation.
I hold my hand out to Issac. "Not bad."
Embarrassed, he grabs it and says "Thank you for going easy on us, sir."
-------------
Fate: 390
Role: Background Character
Talent:
-Sword Tier 2
--------------
The holographic screen shows no surprise. Yet despite this, the Issac from the future will grow to be a strong man capable of changing fates.
Issac scratches his hair. "Sorry for this pitiful sight. But I promise sir, I will live up to your expectations! No, even exceed it!"
"...Alright," I reply.
Masoc looks down when I come to him. He seems to have very low self-esteem. Kaden, similarly, avoids establishing eye contact. Aeon stays the same with his emotionless expression.
When Issac sees this, he walks put to each of them and pats them at the back. "Hey don't worry about it. Just try harder, we are slowly getting there together!" He encourages everyone. The atmosphere lights up a little; This is the Issac I remember.
...
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
I point out each of their mistakes before departing for the day. It wasn't simple being the commander. I had to use future references to plan a training schedule for each of them individually. In addition, I have to find some ways to break their demoralizing mindset. I can't leave everything to Issac.
Speaking of him...
I look out the window to the dark sky. Nestled in the office at the top of the dormitory building, I see some movements in the forest. It is the team training with Issac leading them.
This view throws me back to the memory of the past, a distant blessing.
A weak individual I was, I asked Issac when I could rest. He forces his team to train for as long as possible, stopping only for survival reasons.
"They say talent and effort are the key. If I lack talent, I simply need to put in more effort. Twice the effort. Thrice the effort." He said.
Even after losing an arm and eye, his unwavering resolve was divine.
Watching them, I feel a sudden passion to train tonight, honing my basic movements and slashes.
I quickly finish administrative paperwork in hopes of having some time to train and come across a small letter. Inside are the details of my first mission with the squad.
"A simple monster clearance..." I mumble to myself frowning.
I remember this...it's the incident that took Issac's left arm.
I pull out a piece of paper and write to Julius about a list of items I need.
=======
Three days later...
=======
When dawn breaks, an order by me gathers everyone in the courtyard.
I can see trembling in their body.
"Are you finally resting today?" I ask Issac.
"I-I suppose so. Was sir watching us?"
I smile. "Good job." I praise everyone. "Still, we have a mission today so take this fatigue elixir."
Issac jumps back. "What? This is expensive! I can't-"
"Take it. I didn't spend a coin."
Issac seems distrustful of my immense kindness. Regardless, he gulps it first and feels rejuvenated. "This...is real."
I frown. "Of course it is."
"S-Sorry sir!"
"Drink it and let's go. Our first mission together is to eliminate a monster nest."
==============
We arrive at a small settlement between the Capital and Piear City on horseback. The locals immediately stop their work and greet us when they see the crest of the royal army on our saddle.
I present them a token of identity with the army's crest, a sword piercing a dragon engraved into the metal.
"Oh thank goodness! We've requested help from everywhere but to no avail." a young man says to us. "But where is the rest of the army?"
"Unfortunately, your village's payment of ten silver coins is only enough to hire us. But rest assured, we are enough to take care of it."
Ten silver coins are probably a few month's worth of income for such a small village. Still, it amounts to small pocket change for mercenaries or adventurers. Adding to that, the settlement's commission is to hunt down a nest of goblins, one of the weakest but most intelligent monsters. Such risk deters even newbies for puny returns; The gear maintenance and expenses of a mercenary exceed ten silver coins after every commission.
Most locals around us darken their expressions. They start whispering worries and dejection. An old woman, wearing necklaces of wisdom, walks out from the crowd to confront me. "Young man, I am the leader of the village, please do not take offence to my people's reaction. There are things we do not dare mention in the commission for cost reasons. Please show some pity."
...
The normal me would have rejected this. It's suspicious and I don't want to risk my life for unknown variables. However...
I look back and glance at my team. Issac seems determined to stay, helping the unfortunate is the main reason for his enlistment after all.
...For now, let's stay and observe the situation. Our force is small enough to escape efficiently.
"I understand. Let's talk in a private location," I say.
The leader lights up and bows with her hunched back, tears appearing in her eyes. "Thank you! Thank you!"
"Madam!" Surrounding locals help her up.
Sceptical about the sincerity, I simply smile and nod. Kindness never goes unpunished.
The leader brings us to a guest room where she explains the incident. For miniature monsters like goblins, the villagers would usually hunt themselves if the monsters proved to be nuisance. Regardless, after sending three teams of experienced veterans, all went missing without a word. None of the villagers dares to step foot near the nest after.
Blissful if things end there. But recently people disappeared at night without much trace except the remnants of goblins.
There are many holes in what the leader described but I stay silent.
Tonight, I shall investigate the truth.