Chapter 163 - Simulation Training

Episode 156 - Simulation training

"Alright, rest up. After resting, we will begin training with the 'rich' kids.'" Four dismissed everyone in Instructor T.E's stead before leaving himself. Despite his low rank, everyone respected him simply because he was a senior to everyone here.

Eugene took many big gulps of water and stretched her body to prepare for the simulation training, or what she calls, simulation game with the knights. 

This simulation game was a training program that was introduced 2 years ago to improve the relationship between soldiers and knights. Not only that, it was to prepare for a situation where the two sides would have to come together as one and fight the enemies. Though that situation was very unlikely to occur, it was a good program to fix the prejudice they had for one another. 

"Here they are…" Argen murmured as he watched the knights walk over to the simulation field, also known as the Forest of Wonders.

The Forest of Wonders is located within Xenperia's central military base and, as the name suggests, is a forest filled with wonders and admiration. But not in a good context. The danger is always lurking inside this forest, which inspired the name in the first place. The sheer horror of this forest upon heading deeply inside astonishes you that you can't help but wonder what will occur next. Fortunately, the simulation field was only at the beginning of the forest, so there was no need to 'wonder' what would magically appear or happen next.

"Arie, my best friend!" A charming voice called out from afar! Everyone turned to the knight who suddenly called out to a commoner with so much familiarity and stared at him in shock. This person was none other than Ron, someone who should've been attending the academy, but for whatever reason was here. 

Arie's face broke out into a big smile as he gave Ron a big hug! "Brother! You skipped school again!" Such a common occurrence that it was no longer surprising!

"Yep!"

"Do you want to be chased by your mother again?" Arie broke the hug and asked him.

".... Let's not jinx that." There was awkwardness in Ron's face as he shrunk back in horror. 

-Clap-

A loud clap could be heard, signaling for everyone to quiet down. The person who clapped was instructor Keith, the knight's instructor and someone who is a part of the Akler family. Though a very distant relative to Clyde Akler.

"The simulation match will begin in 10 minutes, please prepare." Instructor Keith glanced towards everyone in the vicinity as he announced.

"Yes, sir!" Only the knights replied to Instructor Keith. The soldiers did not respond to Instructor Keith as he was not their superior and merely glanced at him. Naturally, this attitude always annoyed the knights as their instructor should be someone everyone respects. This attitude of the soldiers added to their list of why they should dislike the people in the military.

"Group up." A voice that didn't seem to fit in with this intense atmosphere spoke. The voice came so suddenly from the middle of the group of knights that some were unable to conceal the shock in their eyes. 

"YES SIR!" The soldiers shouted as they stomped their feet shut. Their movement was in unison and was united, looking more disciplined than the knights despite the disoriented appearance some soldiers had.

Instructor T.E walked out from the middle of the knights and walked towards his men. Before he reached his soldier's he turned back and smiled at Instructor Keith, 

"We will meet in 10 minutes." 

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Instructor T.E, Four, and Tea gathered the soldiers around at a large meeting table inside their camouflage tent. The tent was set out for the soldiers and the knights to mimic a real central base control for their simulation training. This was done to familiarize the knights and soldiers with how everything works so that when the time comes for a future confrontation, they can do so smoothly and with familiarity.

Inside the camouflage tent, there is a large overview of the forest as well as many detailed small maps of the forest. This map was given to the knights as well, otherwise, it wouldn't be a fair game. 

Nevertheless, 

'They should have been given ones that are less detailed.' Thought Eugene as she stood quietly in between her comrades. The reason why she thought as such is that war is never fair. 

Instructor T.E took up his clipboard, which contained every single soldier's information. This included information such as name, birth date, strength, and weakness. He wasn't sure what Instructor Keith from the Knights had planned for today, but based on what he could tell from the outlines of the knight's body, this battle was going to be one long one. Last time, the knights concentrated on attacking, however this time...

He glanced at the soldiers gathered around the table and asked, "What do you think?" This wasn't his first time asking his soldiers for opinions. This simulation training wasn't for himself, but for the soldiers, hence it was right for the soldiers to be discussing today's training rather than him giving out orders. 

The soldiers glanced at each other. Though Instructor Keith said that the simulation training will begin in 10 minutes, to them, it has already begun the moment the knights arrived. Ever since then, they have already been observing the knights.

One soldier saluted, "Private Comp, reporting."

"At ease." Instructor T.E saluted back and ordered him to relax. 

Private Comp eased himself and began, "According to my observations, the knights have thick thighs. Their attacks will not be as speedy as the last training operation but rather their defense will be solid. It would be extremely difficult breaking through their defenses." He paused before continuing, "Also… Paladin Ron is someone we should be wary of." 

Everyone listened quietly and Instructor T.E nodded in agreement. 

"I assume he is here to join this simulation training as a Commanding knight inside the field.  If this is the case our chances of victory are no longer 50 but 30 percent." 

The first simulation training, which Eugene calls a game, and which is also referred to as simulation operation is when knights and the soldiers have a face-off. This was like a warm-up however also a time to gather information and familiarize themselves with each other through fighting against each other. 

The second half of the simulation training is when the real training begins. The knights and the soldiers will mix themselves up, divide themselves into 2 groups, and fight against each other. Every time the second half of the simulation training begins, it is chaotic due to the differences between the knights and soldiers, but with each time they come together to train, the results improve; which proves the training to be useful. 

The Knight and the Military hold these simulation games on a daily basis to give every knight and soldier stationed in Xenperia's capital, as well as soldiers stationed outside the capital, the opportunity to participate in this simulation training. There are at least 20 simulation training sessions taking place at the same time, rather than just one. This was to ensure that every knight and soldier had the opportunity to take part in this simulation training at least once per month. 

And that was how knights and soldiers got used to each other's presence even though they might throw jabs at one another sometimes. But everyone knows better to concentrate on the training task first, before throwing the saltiness they have of this world at one another. 

Upon hearing that their chances of victory were only 30, the atmosphere inside the tent turned cold and quiet. Because of Ron's carefree attitude, they had forgotten how poisonous Ron Graeme was. But thanks to Comrade Comp's reminder, they have now woken up from their dream.

Who didn't know which family Ron came from? The current Duke of Graeme, Irvin Graeme is the treasurer of Xenperia. Though this title made him look like the weakest in the Great Noble, everyone knows that he was the brainpower behind Xenperia. His extraordinary tactics, sneakiness, and together with his Duchess who holds the same brainpower, were beyond powerful that even the world fears for the house of Graeme. Not just the world, even people of Xenperia fears the house of Graeme the most, as not a single person, not even if they are nobles, are let go off if they did not pay their taxes in time. 

Irvin Graeme and Adele Graeme, together have one son, and that person is Ron Graeme.  People who underestimate Ron Graeme, all get depression or some kind of mental monster. Whoever crosses Ron Graeme, as if they are poisoned, will never be able to hold their heads high. The reason? Because he inherited all the aspects, including the bad habits his parents had! Tactics, strategy, sneakiness, everyone is useless when they face Ron Graeme. But despite that, 

"There is a reason why Ron Graeme has never surpassed his ancestors, and will never surpass them.." A cold voice spoke out.