Chapter 262

Chapter 262

* * *

When Lydon said there were a lot of humans, I didnt think much of it. What is this situation?

The subordinates were training in a vacant lot on the outskirts of the village. It was a relatively secluded spot, far from the marketplace and residential neighborhoods, but now there were quite a few people wandering around.

As he approached, wondering if there was some sort of event going on nearby, Cadel realized what was causing this.

Oh my, how is he in such good shape? He can easily carry five kegs!

Heavens, look at that guy over there, how classy he looks. Is he a knight? Or a mercenary?

What does it matter? Im starting to get scared to see my husbands face at home right now. Wow, hes really tall.

Somehow the word had gotten out, and the women of the village seemed to have come out in droves, cheering on the handsome men who had appeared in the village and spying on their training as discreetly as possible. The problem was that there were women everywhere who pretended to be natural like that.

What else can I say? Anyway, whats the point of Lydon hiding on purpose? Those guys would have to cover their faces to keep everyone from paying attention.

The reality of being the center of attention quickly became uncomfortable and he contemplated leaving, but he couldnt even attempt to run away.

Ah, Commander!

Cadel didnt know how Van found him in this large crowd, but he even waved his arms to welcome the commanders appearance. The womens gaze, which had been focused on his subordinates, shifted all at once. Curious eyes quickly swept over Cadel and Lydon.

As Cadel sulked at the excessive attention, Lydon took his hand and walked him to his comrades.

I stopped by on my date with Cadel.

Vans curses flew as if hed been waiting for the brazen lie. Beside the two men, who had begun to bicker, Cadel tried to remain oblivious to his surroundings. If he was going to survive among such handsome men, he had to recognize that none of the attention was his.

Of course, the reality was quite different.

Where are all these men coming from? Is there some kind of handsome burrow in my village? Are they coming out of hibernation one by one?

Who cares, just enjoy it. You never know when it will come again.

Cadel denied that their eyes were on him and looked at Lumen and Garuel, who were standing a short distance away. As feared, Garuel was sparring with Lumen, who he said needed rest, rather than keeping him from training.

Your movements are better than before, Sir Lumen. That battle with the demon must have had a good effect on you.

Certainly, it wasnt all bad.

They did not use sword energy or demonic energy against each other, for fear of giving away their identities. It was purely a sword-for-sword contest, but their unflappable posture and flowing, fluid technique were enough to make them stand out.

Cadel watched their duel with a slight sense of disbelief, and just before their swords clashed again, a tiny spark of fire flew through the gap, causing the two men, who had reflexively stopped moving, to turn their attention back to Cadel.

Leader? When did you get here?

Your face looks dazzling this morning, Knight Commander.

You can shut up and get lost.

Seeing Cadels frustration, Van tried to shoo Lydon away, but Lydon didnt budge. Instead, he walked over to the sobbing Cadel and pulled his hand. Cadels palms were red, a testament to the desperation of the brief exercise.

Darling, why dont you just admit youre not good at exercises and practice your magic with me?

Do you think there are areas where Commander lacks talent? Commander just hiding his power for a moment.

Hmm, Van. Isnt it ridiculous to even say that?

Cadel pouted his lips at Van, who couldnt argue back in the end. It was a bit shocking, to be sure. It was a simple exercise, just picking up a rock that didnt seem that heavy Van handled it like a ball with one hand and holding it for a few seconds. It even started out as a test of his fitness level.

He lifted it ten times, not a million and twenty-one. That was the end of his physical strength. He had been fighting for a while now, and even though he thought it was a ridiculous amount of physical strength, when he thought about it, most of his battles had been fought with mental strength. He endured the pain or forced himself to endure it, and drew his mana from the place.

He rarely saw the kind of combat that would tax his muscles like the rest of his subordinates. That was probably why hed been living while draining his little stamina.

But.

Cadel removed his hand from Lydons grasp and massaged his tingling palm. His eyes turned to Van, who was pushing Lydon away, anxious to see if his motivation had been lost.

But if I keep doing it like this, I will eventually improve, right? I am satisfied as long as I can climb to the top of the mountain alone.

Of course, Commander. Still, if youre having a hard time, I can carry you on my back at any time, so dont push yourself too hard.

Despite Vans kind smile, Cadel shook his head resolutely. It was good to rely on his comrades, but being carried on their backs shouldnt be the norm. Anything less than an old mans physical strength would surely be a disadvantage in the battles ahead.

With no stamina but plenty of motivation, Cadel immediately asked Van to do the next exercise.

* * *

By the time the exercise was over, most of the crowds that had gathered in the vacant lot had disappeared. They left to do their own business or household chores. It was fortunate. If that many people saw what he was like now, they might have bitten their tongues out of shame.

Oh, no, Knight Commander. Isnt it a little dangerous to be lying out in the open like this, soaking wet? Well, Im getting a little dangerous, at least.

Cadel took a deep breath, looking helplessly at Garuel who was looking down at him. He didnt do any intense exercise at all, and even when he did, he moved slowly, resting for as long as he exercised. His weak body was screaming from the unusual stimulation.

As Lumen helped Cadel to his feet after his duel with Garuel, he held out the bottle of water that Van had brought with him from the distance. Cadel hurriedly quenched his thirst, but his hands were shaking so badly that half of it ran down his chin. Cadel emptied the bottle in a flash, rubbing his chilled body and frowning.

How can you guys move for hours on end without stopping? Im exhausted after just an hour or two of exercise.

Because I have the stamina that I have developed so far.

Lumen replied simply and brushed Cadels dusty hair out of his face. Despite traveling for the same amount of time, the other subordinates faces showed no signs of fatigue. On the contrary, their faces were cheerful.

Even Lydon, a fellow magician, was bored enough to train with Van in swordsmanship, and Vans rigorous demands had been, and still were, unyielding. Cadel, who had assumed they were similarly fit, was surprised and even admitted defeat.

Ugh, I feel uncomfortable. Lets go to the restaurant after washing up.

Cadel staggered along, his sweaty, clinging clothes flapping. He felt like hed used up a weeks worth of stamina, but he hoped hed grown.