[17]
Training gained momentum.
Naid, who had been hiding his abilities, was now forced to train the trainee knights.
Since Ethan had already uncovered his secret, Naid saw no point in keeping it any longer.
Manpower was scarce, and Ethan had to use every available resource.
The trainees had a lot of pride, and receiving guidance from a mere butler like Naid required them to swallow that pride.
Initially, there was some resistance, but once Naid demonstrated his skills, they quickly quieted down.
His prowess was undeniable, and it was clear how valuable training from someone of his caliber was.
Time was short, and they were severely understaffed.
There was no time to shape their mindsets or significantly enhance their individual abilities. Thus, Ethan demanded maximum efficiency in the shortest time possible.
The regular subjugation wasn't a noble duel among knights. Honor was irrelevant, the objective was simply to behead enemies and eradicate them.
Training needed to focus on the most practical and achievable goals. Efficiency equated to high lethality.
Ethan emphasized this point, and while Naid wasn't thrilled, he followed Ethan's orders.
'I might be putting my hopes on him.'
Naid was curious about what kind of anomaly Ethan might bring about.
***
Once Ethan's subjugation squad became somewhat organized, rumors began to spread.
Those who joined his squad were all promising trainee knights. Even the knights took note of them.
Though Ethan's unpredictable actions were bothersome, they weren't overly concerned.
After all, despite their potential, they were just trainees.
"Hmph, so he's starting to get his act together?" Morun chuckled when he heard the news.
Ethan's ten-man squad was starting to take shape.
Morun had laughed when he heard Ethan's first member was a stable boy, but the rest being composed of trainee knights was quite a feat.
Still, it was nothing more.
Trainees were still just trainees. They couldn't wield mana and weren't a significant force.
The number of men made a big difference.
Apart from the squad led by Ethan, all the other forces were under Morun's command.
No grand strategy was needed.
The regular subjugation wasn't particularly challenging combat. Though strenuous, the opponents were mere monsters, no match for well-trained soldiers and knights.
'With that number and trainees, it's obvious.'
It wasn't threatening, just laughable.
Any lingering worries evaporated.
"We don't need any more reports on him," Morun declared.
"Are you sure?" his subordinate asked.
"What can trainees do that would be noticeable? He's just riding on the coattails of others. Don't bother," Morun said confidently with a smirk.
***
Chen visited the head's office for a regular report.
"So, what's he up to now?" Vincent asked with interest.
Ever since Ethan had changed, there hadn't been a dull moment.
What had started as a minor concern had now become something he looked forward to, wondering what Ethan would do next.
"It seems he's completed his subjugation squad. Except for a servant named Hugo, they're all promising trainee knights," Chen reported.
"Hmm…" Vincent's expression became subtle.
Trainee knights weren't a bad choice. Given Ethan's current position, recruiting even trainees wouldn't have been easy.
But it wasn't enough.
Ten members, all trainees without mana, and Ethan himself wouldn't achieve much in the regular subjugation.
The outcome was clear.
Most of the achievements would go to Morun, leaving Ethan with little to show.
'Was it just bravado?' Vincent wondered, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it.
Ethan's confident expression kept resurfacing in his mind.
"Keep watching him," Vincent instructed Chen.
Something didn't sit right with him, and he felt Ethan was planning something significant.
***
The dawn of the regular subjugation day broke, and the Blante family prepared for battle.
The entire estate buzzed with anticipation.
True to their reputation as a house of master swordsmen, the soldiers exuded an intense aura.
It was both a hunt and a war, a war to protect their domain.
The Blante name had never known defeat, but casualties were inevitable. No one was guaranteed to return unscathed.
As departure neared, the atmosphere grew heavier.
Finally, Morun appeared in his armor, emblazoned with the black wolf emblem of Blante.
"Perfect," Morun smiled, feeling his confidence swell as he surveyed the soldiers.
This subjugation was a chance to prove his valor and honor before inheriting the title.
'Even my foolish brother is here,' he thought, noting Ethan's squad that looked pitiful compared to his large army.
Morun had been furious when Ethan caused trouble, but seeing him now, he felt a tinge of pity.
"Let's move out!" Morun commanded as the gates opened, and his troops marched out.
The subjugation had begun.
***
Ethan whistled as he watched the soldiers.
There was no need to leave with them. His squad planned to veer off into the outskirts anyway.
"Are you scared now?" Karon sneered, approaching Ethan.
Ethan looked at Karon with a pitying expression. "Don't you have anything better to do? Why are you picking a fight here?"
"You…!" Karon's face turned red, but he regained his composure quickly.
"Hmph, all that arrogance, and this is the result?"
"I haven't even shown you anything yet," Ethan replied.
"Still putting on airs…"
"Arrogance is what you were doing before I beat you."
"You…!"
Ignoring Karon's rage, Ethan called his squad together. "Shall we get going?"
The squad members swallowed hard, anticipating what was to come.
"Remember the plan?" Ethan asked.
"Is it really true?" Gato still looked skeptical.
Ethan's expression was confident. "Don't worry. I'll show you a real surprise."
He was certain of his plan.
***
Outside Blante's territory, the land was surrounded by mountains inhabited by fierce monsters.
When their numbers grew uncontrollable, the monsters descended the mountains to survive.
Before they could come down, the subjugation squad would climb up.
The terrain was harsh, but the soldiers were equally tough.
They steadily slaughtered the monsters, primarily orcs and goblins, showing no fear as they advanced.
The subjugation proceeded smoothly.
Meanwhile, Ethan's squad stayed at the rear, not engaging in combat but moving leisurely.
Karon watched suspiciously. 'Has he given up?'
That seemed the most likely, but Ethan's relaxed demeanor was unsettling.
"How long are you going to follow us?" Ethan waved dismissively, causing Karon to scowl.
"What on earth are you planning?"
Ethan's attitude had changed.
Though still insolent, he had become harder to read. Karon couldn't figure out what was going on in his mind.
"It's not a plan," Ethan smiled slyly. "We're just about to start climbing."
***
Ethan started climbing the mountain in a different direction from Morun's subjugation squad.
The mountains were teeming with monsters.
Predictably, numerous monsters, mainly goblins, appeared on Ethan's path.
However, the trainee knights who blocked Ethan's way handled the monsters with ease.
Their actions were so proficient that it was hard to believe this was their first subjugation.
Despite the fallen monsters, the trainee knights didn't let their guard down and firmly drove their swords into the monsters' necks to ensure they were dead.
Their expressions remained unchanged, as did Ethan's.
Muttering to himself, Ethan traversed the rugged path.
'Head towards the direction where the leaves get darker.'
It was a short phrase from the original text, and he was walking blindly based on that one line.
As they climbed higher, the monsters grew fiercer and more numerous.
The smell of blood began to permeate the air, further agitating the monsters.
But this was just the beginning.
More monsters would flock towards the scent of blood.
After organizing his thoughts, Ethan quickened his pace.
It was too early to feel threatened.
'It's getting darker.'
They had set out before dawn, so it would be a while before it grew dark.
However, as they ventured deeper into the forest, the light gradually faded.
Visibility diminished.
"Young master, it's dangerous from this point on," Naid said beside Ethan.
Naid's instincts warned him that the way ahead would not be easy.
"We have no choice. We must keep going forward," Ethan replied, his expression unchanging.
They still had a considerable distance to cover to reach their destination.
"Huff, huff."
The subjugation squad members were breathing heavily.
Their resolve wasn't lacking, but the intense and prolonged tension was quickly wearing them down, both mentally and physically.
The uncertainty of when and where the monsters would attack was driving them mad.
A sense of unease began to creep into the trainee knights' eyes.
'Can we really trust Ethan?'
'Have we been fooled by a reckless braggart?'
'What if we die here, not even becoming knights?'
The subjugation squad's focus was beginning to waver.
In such a place, even a moment of complacency could lead to casualties.
Screeech!
A goblin with elongated ears and greenish skin holding a club suddenly leapt out of the bushes.
Due to their dwindling focus, the subjugation squad member targeted by the goblin reacted too slowly.
But before the goblin's club could smash into his face, Gato's blade pierced the goblin's neck. It was a swift and agile response.
"Th-thank you."
"Don't let your guard down," Gato said before resuming his place behind Ethan.
The trainee knight who had been saved closed his mouth and moved his feet without further complaint.
"It should be around here," Ethan said, looking around.
It was already starting to get as dark as evening.
This was proof they were nearing their destination.
'Now, this guy is important.'
To get what he wanted, Hugo's role was crucial.
In the novel, Hugo also accompanied the subjugation squad.
"There it is."
Despite the darkness obscuring its shape, a cave was visible ahead.
The squad members swallowed hard.
The cave was indeed there, just as Ethan had said.
Its size was intimidating, making it hard to believe goblins had made it their home.
Though they hadn't entered yet, the cave exuded a menacing aura.
'Are we really going in there?'
Even those who were previously fired up now hesitated.
The likelihood of monsters occupying the cave was high.
Monsters that had established their territory were far more challenging than those attacking from outside.
"Wait here. Hugo, you're coming with me," Ethan instructed, scanning the group.
He intended to enter the cave with only Hugo, but Naid, who had been silently observing, objected.
"It's dangerous in there, young master."
"It's dangerous here too," Ethan countered, his reasoning causing Naid to frown.
"Is that really what you're going to say right now...?"
At that moment, Ethan locked eyes with Naid. "Don't doubt me. I'll be back."
Ethan's eyes were filled with certainty.
He then turned and looked at Hugo. "Don't be scared either."
Hugo, though tense, nodded.
"If we don't come out within two hours, retreat first."
"...We'll set up camp," Naid, with a sigh, replied.
Ethan nodded briefly and entered the cave with Hugo.
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