บท 16: Probable Opportunity

Only Amendola's teacher's laughter rang out, filling the space with laughter, the highly contagious type. Even the most stoic soldier in some corner of the tent chuckled as much as he tried to suppress it.

Daniel's rage started to subside as he realized no mortal danger. Unfortunately, he had lashed out again; he wasn't in control of his rageful reactions.

'Fuck bro, I need to fix this shit, or I'm going to die one day because of it!' He admonished himself in frustration.

His great introspection was on full display.

He was still confused by the laughing figure on the floor, his cape moving up and down as the laughter slowly faded.

Everyone had stopped what they were doing. For they had witnessed something, they would've never even imagined.

Someone retaliated at a Sentinel Guard Commander!

The commander in question was even laughing! This was the weirdest thing they had ever witnessed, well, ever since that one guy sat on a chair, and the chair broke, causing the supporting beam to pierce his asshole.

They could still hear that traumatic scream. Bless his soul.

Amendola's teacher slowly stood up. His face sported a grin from ear to ear.

The sight nearly caused the weaker soldiers to faint.

"My my, you have sure surprised me, young one. What is your name?" The teacher talked as he walked back towards Daniel.

"I apologize for my outburst. I felt danger and reacted without thought. My name is Daniel." Daniel dipped his head forward a bit as he apologized.

"You did nothing wrong, Daniel. I was testing you, you see; I've been searching for a student. I'd like to make one last outstanding person before this old life of mine gives out." Amendola's teacher spoke softly, with a warm smile.

His face gave way to the gentle nature of a wise and fulfilled life.

"I am Enfred Astaria, The 1st Guard Commander of the Sentinel Legion. I formally invite you to be my disciple." Enfred saluted with both hands crossed; his hands clenched into a fist...

Suddenly, the surroundings were filled with the whispers of every soldier.

"I'd like to make an informed decision, Mr. Enfred. What will happen if I do accept?"

"Good lad, one must always evaluate their options, benefits, and costs." Enfred nodded, soon relaxing as he conjured a chair out of nowhere, seating himself before explaining.

The surrounding soldiers were stunned.

Carl and Saya were also stunned.

This was the legendary Specter, Enfred Astaria. The Sentinel Guard Commander of the Myriad Reserve, a training ground for prodigies with no cultivation.

"I will be mentoring you personally. Since I am the Commander of the Myriad Reserve region, I've taken the responsibility of creating an academy for talented youngsters without cultivation."

"There, you will learn Elara's history, combat techniques, specializations, the world's current state of affairs and occupations, as well as our greatest enemy. After graduating, you will immediately have the opportunity to join the Sentinel Legion." Enfred paused as he let Daniel process the information.

Many would glow red with excitement at the opportunity. Enfred, the Specter Commander, has had a strong reputation spanning most of the human territories.

Every graduate of the Myriad Reserve region earned legendary reputations. Of course, some would fall below this standard, but even then, they were among the top of all human elites.

'This basically fulfills all the criteria for my next goal. I'll learn about this world, its history, its current situation & everything in between. Excellent! Let's hope this turns out to be just what I need.' Daniel had a faraway look in his eyes as he clenched his jaw lightly while thinking.

"I accept, Mr. Enfred." Daniel smiled, bowing a bit towards Enfred."

"Excellent! I need to evaluate where you are now in terms of strength and combat prowess. The Beast Wave is about two minutes away. Would you mind helping the village while I evaluate you?" Enfred asked with a polite tone as he stood up from his chair, his armor clinking against itself lightly.

"I'm willing." Daniel nodded.

"Let's go outside. Our preparations should be ready, right Amendola?"

"Yes, teacher!" Amendola shouted.

He had been rooted in the same spot as when his teacher arrived, so he had to speed walk over so as not to be left behind.

The soldiers inside the tent quickly went back into movement.

A batch of them followed after Daniel and his group, carrying more shields, Spears & swords.

Once outside, Daniel took in his view.

The shuffling of feet on grass, the squelching of mud, and the shouts of people working together grazed his ears. The earth was trembling slightly, increasing in level every few seconds.

"Daniel," Enfred spoke seriously.

Daniel turned around and looked at his new teacher, noting his serious demeanor.

"You'll be on the front lines. I'll give you five soldiers that will follow your lead."

Daniel was left confused. 'Why would I need to?- Oh.'

He remembered the Legion Commander title his teacher possessed.

"I'll be evaluating your combat skills but also your commanding skills. You will be part of a Legion; running solo should be an option, but sometimes teamwork is the only way towards victory." Enfred spoke with seriousness.

During the conversation, the group didn't stop walking forward.

They were upon the South-Eastern wall; far in the distance, the thick & dark jungle stood quietly.

The usual chaos was nowhere to be seen nor heard.

"Amendola, command your troops on the other walls; Daniel & I will hold this wall. Leave us about fifteen troops. Is there any type you would prefer?" Enfred asked Daniel towards the end.

"Yes, Teacher." Amendola waited for Daniel's reply.

"Spear & shield troops," Daniel spoke determinedly.

'I'm not sure if it's the best choice, but all those Roman movies I've watched in the past have taught me at least one thing; Spear & shield troops are too versatile.'

"Good choice; they are some of the most adaptable troops we have." Enfred encouraged.

"All get the fifteen Spear & shield troops ready within the minute. Excuse me."

After Amendola left, only Enfred & Daniel were left.

The ground tremors were getting stronger & stronger.

"Nervous lad?"

Enfred noticed Daniel's slight trembling, although there was no other sign of nervousness.

"Kinda. I've been in a few fights against the beasts in the desert & jungle, but never something this formal. And before that, I never really fought unless provoked." Daniel into Enfred's eyes with a slight smile before looking back at the jungle.

"I see. That's very interesting; the way you fought back & dodged my sword was ingenious. I could tell you were inexperienced, but you still have incredible bodily coordination. You have immense potential in that regard."

Enfred observed Daniel and could immediately pick up on some of his characteristics. Introvert. Logical. Intelligent. Uniquely Charismatic. Strong principled. Thinker. Imaginative.

'Such an interesting kid. His way of thinking is already different than anybody I've ever known. Well, except that eccentric figure from way back when.'

After a few moments of thinking, Enfred again observed Daniel.

'He has amazing potential, and I must nurture this seedling. His fruition might even change our history. That seer was correct; it looks like we still have a chance!'

Meanwhile, Daniel was also thinking.

'If the beasts are rushing, they'll have incredible momentum.'

'I can use that against them. By placing the Spears at an angle against the ground, they'll run into them. But what if the Spears just sink into the ground?'

Concentrate too much force on a small surface area, and the ground will give in. AP rounds carry out the same concept to breach armor.

'Maybe have the soldiers Pierce into the wall with the Spears right as the beasts collide into it? No. We'd lose our primary source of defense.'

"Teacher, am I in charge of defense or offense?"

Enfred raised an eyebrow with a smirk.

"Offense kid. Defense is a whole different matter; you'll learn more about it when the time comes. For now, you'll only lead your squad in creating chaos within the beast wave."

"Sounds good, Teacher," Daniel replied with a slight nod.

'In that case, I'll form an arrow formation with me as the tip. The arrow shape itself will be narrow, with seven soldiers on each side. The last soldier will be in charge of assisting where necessary. The objective of the formation will be injury accumulation & disorder.'

'What should I name it?'

Daniel pondered many names.

Frenzy arrow, Chaotic arrow, Wrathful Arrow, etc.

'Well, what about Greek gods? Hmm..'

'Ooo! Apollo's Wrath?!' Daniel's heart raced a little in excitement.

Enfred noticed this little detail, intrigued he inquired.

"What is it, Daniel? Something has you excited?"

Because of the difference in cultivation, when someone has a significant gap above you, your body's small fluctuations become more noticeable due to something called, Realm Sensitivity.

"I've come up with a formation that is ideally suited for my purpose! But it's mostly toned down." Slumped his shoulders down; he kind of wanted to see the full extent of his formation. But the situation wasn't so dire that it needed to be used.

"Oh, that sounds interesting. Would you mind telling me about your formation?" Enfred was curious.

'What does he mean by toned down?'

"The name of the formation is Apollo's Wrath!"

'That's a strong name!' Enfred's face lit up with increasing levels of curiosity.

"The formation is in the shape of an arrowhead. I'm at the tip, and the fifteen soldiers I get will be distributed like this; seven on each side with one in the middle. Typically someone good at supplementing the attacks of others is in the middle, where they will help in anything they can. The soldiers making the figurehead are in charge of flanking systematically. I'm fighting in front. The two at my sides flank the enemy while behind me, the soldiers behind them flank the enemy in front, and so on and so forth."

"The formation will always be moving forward; this is where I was saying it's toned down. My purpose is to show my combat ability while being able to command. I will prioritize injuring versus killing unless it's a one-blow kill. The same thing with the rest of the formation; in this way, I'm creating disorder while weakening the enemy for the defensive line. The pros of this goal are the quick movements and the minimal loss of combatants."

"The cons? This will force us into a war of attrition, the long game to put it in other words.'

Enfred was stunned, his face sporting a comical surprise.

"Then is the true purpose of this formation something different? It already sounds phenomenal!"

"Yes. The true strength of this formation is in a desperate struggle." Daniel's eyes showed sad concern.

"The formation goals change to prioritize killing. We are sacrificing the soldiers to clear a path. It's a rageful formation meant to break impenetrable defense. The warriors must have an undying will and unity to achieve its intended efficiency."

Daniel had always been wrapped in his imagination, video games, puzzles, War simulators, kingdom building, movies, TV shows, etc.

They've all created an expansive imagination, paired with his more mature outlook in life. It's easy to see how such a mind could adapt to any problem.

At that point, the probability to seize the opportunity only lies in the willingness of the individual