The first training session

The training was to continue the next day. I got my castle pass and my room in the castle. I was now part of the Levander army. The next morning, I got a little late but managed to reach the training ground just in time.

It was big enough for 500 soldiers to practice and had separate sections for archery, friendly battles, and exercise. It was constructed behind the main building of the castle. There were several soldiers present by the time I arrived. Some seemed to be about 25 years old while others in their 30s and 40s.

In the massive crowd, there was only one friendly face, Roderick. The tall, muscular, deep-chested boy was in the same training school and had a friendly competition with each other. He got selected in the main army two months earlier.

"Hello, Roderick!" I said.

"Oh! Juan, I knew you would also make it to the army, though I thought it would take you another year due to your terrible defensive skills," he said jokingly. While teasing others and making fun of their weakness was a part of his personality, he was still an amicable and dependable person. And not to forget a tremendous warrior.

After sometime father entered the ground along with Musif leren. The look on his face was different than usual. His face showed signs of aggression and anger. I know that this only happens when he interrogates a suspected criminal or prepares for war. Such was his dedication.

He then came in front of us and took out his sword from the sheath and said, "Being a soldier in this army leaves us with an immense duty to protect the king and the kingdom. But we have failed the core duty of our existence. We all should be ashamed of ourselves, how did we let something like this happen when we were on duty? But from now on, I, John Swift, head of the Levander army pledge to serve my city till the day I die."

Next, Musif came forward and said, "We all are soldiers and will continue to serve our kingdom regardless of the situation. Now, let the training begin."

The training started with 150 sprints around the ground, followed by physical exercise. Next was archery. It had always been my strongest point. During my days at the army school, I got the name "legend of archery", my aim never missed the target. The teachers at the school used to say that I had been gifted with archery abilities.

As expected, I shot all the arrows in the middle of the squared shooting board, which was at a distance of 10 meters from me.

" And that is the reason why I knew you would get selected for the army," joked Roderick. After me, it was Roderick's turn. He shot 5 arrows in the middle and remaining three on the corner sides of the board.

Sword training was the last practice of the day. My sword skills were also incredible, I was the best sword fighter along with being the best shooter at the army school. Due to these skills, I won several friendly battles and hunting prizes. I would turn into an aggressive and disciplined fighter whenever I hold my sword and shield. Though the only thing stopping me from being an ultimate warrior was my terrible defensive skills. I would get carried away so much while attacking the opponent that I used to forget about defending myself and get struck by the opponent. And that was what happened when I faced Roderick in the selection match 2 months earlier when he got selected.

"Gentlemen now it is time for the sword training but, first I would like to check the skills of our new member, Juan Swift. So Juan, why don't you come to the fighting circle and face someone who has the same potential as you. Roderick." said, father pointing towards him. Finally, I got my chance to take revenge from my last battle's defeat against Roderick.