Getting Into Trouble

Days passed and the "training" began.

"Line up!" [Armored Man]

Most of the trainees were brought to an empty field in single file. The ground they stood on was dry land along with hazardous loose pebbles covering the area. Behind them were training dummies and a supply of wooden armaments. In front of them was a podium with an armored man issuing them orders from above.

"It's time for training! Group up with a peer and begin sparring! I expect you to train diligently in my absence!" [Armored Man]

("Is he leaving?") [Adam]

Without another word, the armored man descended the podium and entered a nearby tent. With their superior absent, the trainees filled the field and began to form pairs of two.

"Ryse! Pair up with me!" [???]

A loud voice echoed among the crowd, drawing Askyros' attention. Through pure curiosity, he pushed his way past the swarm of people until he stood at the front. With the clear view he was given, Askyros saw three people cornering a familiar silhouette of a scrawny trainee.

"Nikal... I… Uh…" [Ryse]

The scrawny trainee's voice quivered as he spoke to the prominent figure standing between the two other apprentices.

"You're not going to say "no" are you?" [Nikal]

He spoke condescendingly, giving an air of arrogance about him.

"Hah! He's too scared to even speak!" [Trainee A]

"As expected of Nikal! The demeanor of a noble is quite astonishing!" [Trainee B]

The three trainees cornered Ryse, laughing at him while he struggled to form a sentence.

("They're bullying him! Askyros, do something!") [Adam]

"Tsk." [Askyros]

Witnessing the oppression, he couldn't hold himself back. He approached the group and stood in front of Ryse. With his back turned to Nikal, Askyros held out a hand to Ryse.

"It doesn't look like you have a partner yet, want to be mine?" [Askyros]

"Y-you are… Askyros!" [Ryse]

His sudden appearance startled Ryse, but it didn't seem like his presence was unwelcome.

"...You, state your name." [Nikal]

He directed his words to Askyros, but he was simply ignored.

"Hey! Are you deaf?!" [Trainee A]

The trainee next to Nikal grabbed Askyros' shoulder, but Askyros continued to ignore them.

"You're ignoring me? Then don't blame me for what comes next!" [Trainee A]

After giving his warning, he immediately kicked the back of Askyros' leg. A smug expression appeared on his face, but it shifted into confusion.

"...Eh?" [Trainee A]

("He's… not budging!") [Trainee A]

After Askyros received his blow, the trainee felt a chill run down his spine.

"N-Nikal… This guy-" [Trainee A]

"W-what are you doing? Y-you're going to get in trouble!" [Ryse]

He pleaded with Askyros, hoping he would comply.

"Trouble… is it?" [Askyros]

Holding a straight face, he confronted Nikal.

"Finally understood the situation you're in, huh?" [Nikal]

("No! He's provoking him! I have to warn them!") [Trainee A]

"What is it?" [Askyros]

"W-wait, sto-" [Trainee A]

"How disrespectful! Do you not know who you are talking to?!" [Trainee B]

He stepped forward and extended a hand to Nikal.

"This is the son of Count Goldart. If you have even a sliver of competence, you will kneel this instant!" [Trainee B]

"A-Ambrose, I think you should just leave it here…" [Trainee A]

"Huh?! And let this peasant slander our lord?! Ulmand, you disappoint me." [Ambrose]

("You idiot! I'm trying to save your skin!") [Ulmand]

While the two bickered, Askyros' gaze wandered.

"..." [Askyros]

He remained silent until his eyes met Ambrose.

"Did you kick me?" [Askyros]

"Huh?" [Ambrose]

Askyros' words ended the quarrel, but now the attention was brought to himself.

"No? It was Ulmand." [Ambrose]

"...I see." [Askyros]

Without wasting a second, Askryos slammed his fist into Ulmand's face.

"Gah!" [Ulmand]

He dropped to the ground and slid across the dry earth before coming to a complete stop. Ulmand brought a hand to his nose and flinched.

"I-I think he broke my nose!" [Ulmand]

"Hah! Got what you deserved!" [Ambrose]

Ulmand covered his nose and picked himself up.

("Ugh… It's bleeding.") [Ulmand]

"You can stay down Ulmand, I'll help you get some payback." [Ambrose]

Stepping forward, he cracked his knuckles and approached Askyros.

"Wait." [Nikal]

He threw his hand before Ambrose, halting his advance.

"Eh? But my liege..." [Ambrose]

"I just changed my mind. Peasant, state your name." [Nikal]

Though his interference was unexpected, it didn't faze Askyros.

"...Askyros." [Askyros]

"Askyros is it? I've decided, you will be my sparring partner." [Nikal]