Chapter 4: Application

However, Qiao's training methods are entirely different. Once he begins the practice, he will make you immediately experience the atmosphere of impending death. Although he rarely stabs the mercenaries with one or two shots (of course, he does this sometimes; for instance, Enleike has such a gunshot wound on his buttocks), it is common for the mercenaries to receive a hard blow to the ribs or a forceful strike to the head.

The side hall is an exquisite small courtyard, illuminated by eight floor-to-ceiling windows over two meters high. The sunlight makes the interior exceptionally bright. Along the edge of the courtyard is a sofa, adorned with fox fur upholstery and camel wool cushions

Some traps are intricately crafted and set up in a very clever manner, including sophisticated designs such as nested traps, interconnected traps, and deceptive traps. Although Qiao noticed them, he pretended not to see and gently avoided them.

However, no one noticed Enleike's pained expression. Everyone's attention was focused on Kate, who lay in the center.

However, if the same spear could be wielded like that of Jonah, then an ordinary spearman would also become a formidable force in battle

Firstly, as a mage, Enleike has no advantage in long-range combat with a bow and arrow. The attack range of a bow is between 100 to 200 meters, while magic can easily target objects beyond 400 to 500 meters. Moreover, there are quite a number of area-of-effect spells in magic. This is a nightmare for archers with weak defenses

Enleike did not understand what was happening, but saw the princess walk up to a warhorse, place a foot on the knight's arm, and, taking advantage of the knight's gently raised arms, turn around and mount the horse.

The tip of this spear is crafted to be both slender and elongated, with the entire spearhead measuring 1.8 feet in length. No wonder it can easily pierce through tree trunks. The spear tip is made from high-hardness precision steel through cold forging, making it extremely hard and sharp. However, it is not as wear-resistant as the previous spear tips forged using the technique of layered iron folding. It seems that this is indeed a spear specifically designed for combat

In order to restore her severely damaged image, the princess somewhat exaggeratedly claimed that they were candidates of the Magic Association who had prematurely passed the assessment for intermediate wizards (the Journey through the Dream Forest is indeed one of the components of the intermediate wizard assessment) and were receiving training from Princess Chris, making them rare magical talents

Once Enleike was mounted, the knights uniformly rode their steeds to respond to the call, surrounding the five individuals in the center as they advanced towards the imperial city

Dismounting from the horse, a group of people ascended the white marble steps

A group of ministers stood on either side of the low platform. All eyes were directed towards the individuals entering the hall

Enleike, having the experience of Teacher Chris, found it completely understandable that Joe was a noble, as Joe was far more presentable than Chris. Moreover, not long after, Enleike also discovered that Joe had a familial relationship with Chris

In front of everyone, Bertina's miraculous magic astonishingly took effect

Moreover, during the training process, those mercenaries also joined in the commotion. They assertively claimed that it was to maintain the glorious image of the Kingdom of Sofien, and therefore, it was imperative to impose strict requirements on Enleiko, who is regarded as one of the six shames of the Magic Association, with even greater rigor.

With a stiff upper lip, he forced a bowl of herbal medicine down his throat, as Enlaike simply could not bear the pungent smell. He could only repeatedly reminisce in his mind about Bertina's culinary skills and the sweet memories brought by that delicious muffin, in an effort to stimulate his gastric juices

Therefore, although the Kingdom of Sophiean possesses a certain number of archers, in reality, they only provide a minimal auxiliary attack effect. They serve merely as a limited means to fill the gap in strength caused by the differing attack speeds between knights and infantry.

Each practice session is no less than an actual intense battle for the mercenaries. Of course, this is only true for the mercenaries.

On that morning, after everyone had breakfast and taken a short break, they each picked up their long spears and went to the open space behind the mountain to practice. When they arrived there, Qiao was already waiting.

While working as a helper in the grocery store in the small town, Enleike often took care of the horses for customers, which allowed him to develop excellent riding skills. After learning to greet the knights like Kate, he, as usual, did not use the stirrups; instead, he swung his leg over, pressed his hand on the saddle, and effortlessly lifted himself into the air, landing steadily on the horse.

Although Qiao said there is nothing much to teach, in reality, there is so much knowledge in archery

Upon arriving at the riverbank, Qiao waded through the water to the middle of the river, where the water was quite shallow, just barely reaching his knees. In the water, Qiao fixed his gaze intently on the surface of the river. Suddenly, he leaped forward, his hands swiftly moving in unison, and he firmly caught a green fish in his grasp.

However, after observing Qiao's skills, it is evident that a mercenary force with such capabilities would be very helpful in achieving victory

After a long time, four palace maids pushed in a silver dining cart, which was adorned with four types of pastries. In the center, a silver pot contained an unknown beverage.

The princess said, "You may choose whatever you like to eat."

Only the traps set by Enleike are not only cleverly designed, but also arranged with magical formations, which even the experienced Qiao failed to notice, leading him to step right into them and fall into a great trap

Other ministers expressed doubts about the abilities of the four young individuals, as their age was indeed too young. Regardless of their talent, the cultivation of magic is a gradual process that cannot be achieved overnight. Moreover, the responsibility of this mission is significant; all personnel involved must possess the competence and strength to fulfill their roles.

Escape for your life

Qiao turned around, facing the target. He gently stretched his arms, nocked the arrow, carefully took aim, and then with a flick of his wrist, the arrow shot into the bullseye

At this moment, a guard dressed in a royal blue court uniform entered, here to convey His Majesty's decree

Do not forget, that Enleike, although his demeanor is somewhat comical, is capable of breaking our barrier. Although he ultimately sustained injuries due to overexertion in casting spells, his strength should not be underestimated, said one of the mages guarding the barrier.

In the ritual training of suffering, Enleiko finally understood why the noble-born Chris and Joe chose to abandon such prestigious titles, one becoming a mad sorcerer and the other turning into a disheveled mercenary

The princess quickly introduced the identities of Kate, Bertina, and Jerry

Suddenly, amidst the exclamations all around, a sword, swift as lightning, pierced through the blazing wall of fire.

However, now the daughter firmly insists that the four young individuals are very capable. If the reality is otherwise, it would be a fatal blow to the princess's reputation and abilities, and once that happens, it will have a tremendous negative impact on this diplomatic mission

The leader of the mercenary group is a middle-aged mercenary named Joe, who is quite famous in the mercenary world. However, as the princess mentioned, this person indeed resembles a country bumpkin

The long gun in hand is somewhat different from the four long guns purchased when entering the mountain

The knights had long since exited the palace, and a group of people, led by the princess and surrounded by the palace officials and maidservants, arrived at the side hall

In the coming weeks, Enleike, along with other mercenaries, will practice the skills of using the spear under Qiao's guidance

Bertina and Jerry exchanged a glance; neither of them possessed the same skills as Kate. After a moment of hesitation, they decided it was safer to follow the princess's example.

Comfortable, truly comfortable, I have never felt this comfortable before

Qiao Yuanyuan stood on a large box, and no one knew what was inside the box mhetushu.com .com

Suddenly, a wall of fire surged forward

"I wish to test the strength of the four, may Your Majesty grant permission." At that moment, a knight stepped forward

Not only does he have a face full of wrinkles, making him appear much older than his actual age, but his hands are also covered in calluses. Coupled with his rough demeanor, it initially made Enlaike feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Kate took five or six steps back, creating distance, and then began to softly recite the incantation

Kate and Pastin retreated to the left and right sides of the hall, respectively, selecting suitable weapons from the various different arms held by the standing attendants.

Qiao observed that everyone's running speed had significantly increased, and their endurance was quite impressive, as any mercenary could easily run for dozens of miles continuously

Listening to what Qiao said, everyone turned to Enlaike, for they all knew that Enlaike was the only magician here

In terms of the types of bows and arrows, they can be categorized into hunting bows, longbows, and combat bows. According to the manufacturing methods of the bows, they can also be divided into lightweight bows and rigid bows

With a sharp "thud," the long spear pierced through a large tree. The pointed tip emerged from the other side of the tree, while the spear shaft, nailed to this side, trembled incessantly.

Thus, he continuously dodged the fireballs that came one after another

Enleiko found it amusing; in fact, he himself was also unable to use magic. However, who would believe him if he said so

Enleike also collapsed to the ground at the same moment, trembling all over, his face pale. He felt intense stabbing pains tearing through his flesh and injecting into his spinal cord, as if his entire spine were being seared by a red-hot iron. It seems necessary to ask that monster Most about what is happening next time.

Enleco is at a loss about what to do

Unfortunately, in the kingdom of Sophiean, where the atmosphere of knights and magic is strong, archers have always been undervalued. Consequently, both the military and mercenaries within the kingdom are mostly not equipped with bows and arrows, resulting in a relatively small number of people interested in this.

For Qiao, it is merely a game. His greatest pleasure lies in knocking the mercenaries to the ground or driving them to chase after him relentlessly

It is evident that Qiao has immersed himself in archery for a long time and possesses a thorough understanding of the performance of bows and arrows. Through him, Enlai Science has learned a great deal about archery, even acquiring knowledge of the craft of bow and arrow making

After two hours of fruitless effort, Enleike, exhausted, returned to the riverbank. He noticed that there were very few mercenaries capable of catching fish. Weak from hunger, Enleike lay down on the ground.

From Kate's words, one can discern the sincerity and deep respect with which he spoke, which was met with considerable satisfaction by both the King and Lord Pastin

After shooting three arrows, Qiao turned around and said: "On the battlefield, if one wishes to stay away from the fray while effectively harming the enemy, one can only rely on bows and arrows, aside from using magic. Of course, among you, only one person possesses magical abilities; the rest do not have this capability"

On the left side of the king, a young prince is seated on a side-placed throne

It is simply unimaginable how Her Highness Princess Chris trained such a magical knight.

However, Enleike is in no position to comment on others. During the time he was unconscious, news of that spectacular and intense competition had already spread throughout the entire Sofien City through various channels. At the same time, it is unclear which big mouth also publicized Enleike's embarrassing moments.

However, without such training, Enleike would never realize that such a simple action conceals so much profound knowledge

Most mercenaries' traps are rather crude and can be easily recognized. Qiao straightforwardly exposes these traps without hesitation.

For those equipped with exceptionally strong defensive capabilities, such as the halberdier and heavy infantry, the power of arrows is insufficient to penetrate their long shields and armor. At greater distances, arrows may not even pierce the armor of a standard knight, and once the knight closes in on the archer, the tremendous impact is simply beyond what the archer can withstand

Despite the lack of exquisite dishes and the fact that the skills of the mercenaries could hardly be described as outstanding, Enleike still ate with great relish

Seeing that all the mercenaries appeared extremely puzzled, I continued to explain: "Being a mercenary is a dangerous profession, and the victory in battle holds little significance for mercenaries. For them, the most important thing is to preserve their lives on the battlefield. Therefore, when mercenaries select their weapons, they do not consider the combat performance of the weapon, but rather whether it is safe to use that weapon"

If you can't catch fish, eat grass

The cavalry slowly lined up in front of the crowd. At the command of the cavalry captain, the knights dismounted from their steeds in unison and drew their swords in an orderly manner. Under the illumination of the rising sun, the swords gleamed with a sharp golden light, and the knights respectfully performed a knightly salute to the princess.

In a moment of impulsiveness, I completely forgot about the test. The swordsmanship became increasingly formidable. At first, Kate was able to keep up. However, as time went on, it became increasingly difficult to withstand.

Enleike, following Joe's guidance, took advantage of the break to craft his own bow and arrow using the leftover long spear shaft from last time. Since he used the purple wood that had undergone wax impregnation and hardening treatment, its elasticity was far inferior to that of the purple wood normally used for making bows and arrows.

Observing Jerry and Bertina, who were equally enjoying themselves, Enrico thought that it seemed to be their first experience of such royal treatment. In contrast, Kate, as a noble, was different; she sat upright and showed no concern for her surroundings.

A frantic barking sound from a dog came from a distance. Enlaike quickly turned over and got up.

Everything happened too suddenly. The surrounding wizards, protected by barriers, were unable to respond in time to provide assistance. They didn't even have time to close the magical barrier. Although the two senior wizards beside the king had already prepared water magic to extinguish the fire, they were at a loss regarding the still-closed magical barrier

Carrying his luggage, under the guidance of the guard, Enleike arrived at the mercenary camp located on the western outskirts of the city

"Little brats, your lives may very well depend on whether you can run fast enough. For mercenaries, being able to survive on the battlefield is what truly takes guts. Now—run for me—" Qiao instructed the lethargic mercenaries scattered on the ground.

Of course, in the following days, Enleike received special care from Joe

In the coming weeks, the training content will be almost the same every day

He helped Kate, who was lying on the ground, to her feet and said: "You are the most promising knight I have ever seen; one day you will surpass me"

Five knights led their steeds before the travelers, kneeling on one knee with their arms crossed over their chests

Perhaps Pastin thought the same way, thus he suggested that Kate change her weapon. However, Kate declined.

He bent down to pick up two more arrows, then drew his bow, simultaneously nocking both arrows onto the string. With a release of his hand, the arrows shot out; although they did not hit the bullseye like the first one, they still struck the target.

He raised his voice and shouted: "Alright, if you can practice your spear skills diligently, I will tell you after the training is over"

Different types of bows not only have their own methods of use, but also require completely different maintenance methods and precautions

A series of chain fireballs was launched towards Pastin.

Kate's wounds healed rapidly, and the scars from the burns faded quickly. Before long, Kate regained consciousness

Although Qiao explained many times the techniques for using the spear from https://wwwhetushucom.com, no matter how much Enlaike understood this, and even though in the end he could make the spears in the hands of other mercenaries soar into the sky within a few moves, the outcome remained the same during his sparring with Qiao

Looking at Enlaike's clumsy appearance, the other four people now deeply regret bringing this fool along. Now, they are embarrassed to be at the palace.

Seeing the mercenaries lying listlessly on the ground, Joe called out: "Alright, alright, get up! You little rascals, your lunch is here"

On the morning of the second day, the mercenaries rose early from their beds. They gathered in front of the lawn at the back, leaning against the slope of the sunny hillside, where they sat scattered in a semicircle. In front of them, several bundles of long spears were stacked on the open ground.

Qiao revealed a smile, walked back to the riverbank, and with a flick of her wrist, threw the fish far back into the river

Two individuals, engaging in a back-and-forth exchange. In the midst of battle, Pastin grew increasingly astonished, while the onlookers, including the king and the princess, became more and more surprised.

After seeing the crowd disperse, the king inquired of the ministers on either side: "What are your thoughts on these four young individuals? How would you assess their abilities? Please share your opinions."

The following exercises are solely intended to improve archery speed and accuracy

They discovered that Kate was evidently capable of using both magic and martial skills simultaneously. Although her magic consisted solely of several basic and intermediate fire spells such as Fireball, Fire Wave, Fire Wall, Fire Rain, and Explosive Flame, the combination of these spells with her ever-evolving techniques and exquisite swordplay allowed her to engage in a remarkably splendid battle against the paladin, completely defying the expectations of a test match with such a disparity in strength

However, Enleike quickly became accustomed to it. He discovered that the mercenaries, including Qiao, were actually kind-hearted individuals, very much like the neighborly uncles from his old town

Indeed, indeed, it seems that Aunt Chris is truly a genius!" exclaimed the little prince beside him. "But how should we assign their tasks? Others are manageable, but if Enleike is carelessly sent on a mission, it is very likely to lead to a major embarrassment.

Practice individually, practice with a partner, practice in a group, break down individual movements for practice, and practice by combining all movements.

Paladin Pastin stepped forward and said: "I have a considerable appreciation for the strength of Knight Kate. Everyone has seen that he is capable of using both magic and martial skills simultaneously. I have never heard of any knight being able to achieve the same feat."

What Qiao taught them were several fundamental offensive and defensive movements: thrusts, upward and downward strikes, and lateral deflections, yet he required everyone to practice them repeatedly

Only then did Enleike see the cavalry advancing slowly in two columns along both sides of the square avenue. From the synchronized marching of the warhorses and the fully armored knights atop them, exuding an imposing presence, Enleike could roughly deduce that this must be the royal knight order that Brother Jerry had joined

Indeed, when the cavalry approached, Enleike could clearly see the long shields hanging from their horses and the insignia embroidered on the saddles, which bore the emblem of the double flying horse symbolizing the Sofien royal family

Several weeks of training have enabled Enleike to become proficient in the use of the spear

It is possible that the teleportation magic circle has been disturbed, as a cavalry unit can be seen approaching from a distance

Your Highness the Princess, I apologize for my late arrival. The King is currently presiding over state affairs in the Great Hall. Please allow Your Highness to rest for a moment; shortly, His Majesty will receive you. " After speaking, the captain of the knights bowed and slowly retreated back to the cavalry.

After nearly half a month of study (this half month has been the most relaxed period), most of the mercenaries have finally gained some knowledge about how to survive on the battlefield

After listening to the princess's introduction, the king, queen, and prince were extremely interested in Enleiko's identity. They were well aware of Chris's character, and such peculiar matters could only be accomplished by her

The lively banquet lasted for an entire day, and it was only when nightfall completely descended that the mercenaries returned to their respective tents with a sense of satisfaction. They needed ample rest, as new training awaited them

"What’s the matter, you little brat, don’t you want to eat? Fine, go catch your own fish." Qiao glanced at all the mercenaries whose faces had turned green.

Although Pastin was taken aback, he deftly blocked the sword and, with a twist of his wrist, swept it aside.

Furthermore, the spear has an advantage that other weapons cannot compare to. Do you know what it is?

The next day, Enlaike woke up to receive a direct order from the king to report to the mercenary group.

Qiao commanded the mercenaries to plant their long spears in the ground, and then to come over empty-handed

During the training process, Enlaike often thought that the character of Her Majesty the Empress Dowager's ancestors must have been quite problematic, as can be fully appreciated from the behavior of those two descendants

At this moment, Enleco, who was already well-prepared, waved his hand. A transparent crystal wall inscribed with divine symbols enveloped Kate, who was engulfed in flames. This was the special magic "Chaotic Crystal Wall" taught to Enleco by the demon clan

The other mercenaries formed ten teams, each equipped with one bow and three hundred arrows. In each round, ten individuals would shoot all the arrows in their possession. After recording the hit rate, Qiao would run up to collect the arrows before shooting again

However, for mercenaries, it is quite strange that Enleike enjoys archery so much. There is certainly a reason for this.

Seeing that everyone was completely unresponsive, Qiao shook his head: "It seems that there isn't a single clever one among this bunch."

"Dinner is ready, dinner is ready!" Qiao shouted while banging on two pots.

The princess walked to the edge of the stage and bowed to the king, while Enleike hurried a couple of steps behind, mimicking the princess's actions.

The top of the palace, constructed from white marble, is adorned with gold leaf to depict the shape of the celestial realm. The twelve main columns in the center are inlaid with symbols representing the twelve principal deities of the divine realm. From the depths of the great hall, the sound of conversation emerges, resonating through the vast palace, appearing deep and rich.

The first lesson of the training is running

Enleco is quite aware of the two heroes from his own country who participated in this battle. Every year during the celebrations, the glorious deeds of these two heroes are commemorated. They are the Templar Knight Bosos and the Grand Sorcerer Micadon. As a result, the Kingdom of Sofien has long been renowned among nations for its powerful knights and magical prowess

Upon witnessing all of this, Enleco and Bertina each began to prepare the magic they excelled at

The king, upon seeing Kate speak in such a manner, thought that it would be rather unkind to disagree further. He considered that Pastin would likely appreciate this young man as well, and would not want to put him in an awkward position. Therefore, he announced: "I hereby decree that the squire Kate shall undergo the test of Sir Pastin, the Grand Master of the Royal Knights. I hope that everyone will embody the noble spirit of chivalry in the spirit of mutual exchange."

Qiao turned around to face the group of mercenaries and began to instruct them on the techniques of fishing

Therefore, in the next two months, it is necessary to train these mercenaries in appropriate combat skills

The palace maids gently pushed the dining cart in front of Enlaike

What pleased all the mercenaries the most was that after the announcement of the end of the running training, on the suggestion of one of the mercenaries, a banquet was held that evening for all the mercenaries. At the banquet, groups of three to five mercenaries gathered around a stove to enjoy hot pot. As for what kind of hot pot it was, it was naturally made from locally sourced ingredients, with fish and dog meat readily available.

What surprised everyone the most was Joe's identity. When Joe introduced himself as a noble and a member of one of the oldest noble families in the Kingdom of Sophien, none of the mercenaries, except for Enleiko, believed him.

While En and Tu were lost in thought at the library, they suddenly saw Qiao perform a spiral maneuver, his spear tracing a perfect arc through the air. As the spear reached the end of its arc, Qiao flicked his wrist. The spear transformed into a meteor streaking across the sky, shooting towards the mercenaries, who were so frightened that they hurriedly sought cover

As the bright light faded, the travelers found themselves transported to the center of a vast square, a square that Enleiko was not unfamiliar with. Previously, when he had visited the center of the Magic Association in Newna City with Master Victor, there had been a similar teleportation magic circle there.

Little ones, do you know what the most important skill is for a mercenary? Do you know what kind of mercenary qualifies as an excellent mercenary?

Exhausted, Enleike bent down and sank into the sofa. The soft fur of the fox and the camel wool gently enveloped Enleike's body, bringing forth a feeling he had never experienced before

Regarding the making of bows and arrows, Joe does not impose a requirement for all mercenaries to learn it; he simply does not withhold knowledge from those who are interested.

In introducing Enleike, the princess unreservedly referred to him as the "private property" of Her Highness Princess Chris. She revealed the entire matter of his contract with Chris to distinguish him from others

Originally, he had learned swordsmanship and combat from Kate, who also mentioned that Enleco had considerable talent for fighting. She kindly suggested introducing Enleco to her father to have him switch to martial arts. However, Enleco had already developed a deep affection for magic and thus declined Kate's good intentions

The king instructed the attendants around him to carry the two injured individuals to the lounge and settle them in, after which Bertina and Jerry hurriedly took their leave. After all, Bertina was the most skilled at handling the injuries of Kate and Enleiko

Very well, young man, your courage is commendable. However, as a qualified knight, mere courage is not sufficient. Do you know who this knight before you is

Upon hearing this, Enleike felt a rush of embarrassment; he had never anticipated that being overly polite could also invite criticism from others

Qiao clearly also noticed Enlaike's martial arts talent and often provided him with further guidance. This has allowed Enlaike to progress in his marksmanship training much faster than others

What kind of disciples my sister can teach, I have no idea at all. Even regarding my sister's own magical power, I only heard from the great sorcerer Naga that she is very strong, but I do not have a significant understanding of it.

On the right side stands a cluster of buildings with pointed roofs, symbolizing a close communication with the divine; this is the center of the church

Looking back to the left and right, I saw my companions all staring at me, while the princess in front to the left was also glaring at me with anger. At the same time, I felt three fingers poking me from different directions at my waist.

At the end of the ceremony, all the knights sheathed their swords. At that moment, the cavalry captain on the left approached the princess directly, kneeling on one knee to pay his royal respects to her

Seeing that both parties are ready, the king stood up and personally announced the commencement of the test

Huan sat on the grass, the soft blades resembling a luxurious woolen blanket, gently brushing against Enlaike's instep as he leaned against the sloping ground behind him. He felt a desire to take a nap, even though it was not yet noon.

Enleike listened to Qiao's detailed explanation for several days before he roughly grasped the subtleties of archery

Passing through the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, and the Forbidden City Gate, the center of Sophiean supreme authority—the palace—lies before us

After briefly explaining the essentials, Qiao allowed the mercenaries to go into the water and fish for themselves

All training has been completed, and there are still two weeks until departure

"Idiot, if the spear were that powerful, the army would be filled with spearmen, and spearmen wouldn't be the most useless unit in the army." Qiao retorted angrily

For several weeks, Enleike has not put down the spear, and now, it truly feels unfamiliar

Enleike was completely relaxed, buried deep in the pile of fox fur and camel wool, enjoying a happiness he had never experienced in his life

Following the princess, they traversed the grand hall and walked down an exceedingly long corridor. The crowd came to a halt before a massive arched doorway. The doors slowly opened to reveal a vast domed hall. Bright yet soft light streamed down from the high dome.

Immediately afterward, the princess in front extended her heel and forcefully stepped on her own toes. This caused everyone who witnessed it to laugh uncontrollably

Did you see it? Can you wield a longsword with both hands like this

After more than a month of running training, ordinary dogs can no longer catch up with Enlaike. Of course, his fishing skills have also greatly improved, and he has recently eaten much less of that unpalatable grass root porridge.

Thrusting and parrying are effective defensive techniques with the spear, yet mastering these skills is quite challenging. During each practice session, Qiao always requires the mercenaries to attack him. Although Enlaike and the others have conducted numerous drills and have thoroughly studied their coordination, every time, with just a simple thrust or a casual parry from Qiao, the spears in the mercenaries' hands would invariably fly out of their grasp.

However, the square before me is much larger than the one in Xinna City. From the front of the square, one can see a series of palatial buildings in the distance, which should be the imperial city.

The position of the sword thrust is quite tricky, just right for a backhand. It seems that the fundamentals of swordsmanship are quite good. Moreover, the sword has not slipped from the hand, indicating considerable wrist strength for someone of the same age. Particularly, the transition between magical attacks and sword strikes is remarkably swift, almost as if they are occurring simultaneously. At this point, Pastin has gained a certain understanding of Kate's swordsmanship.

There is also that little girl who uses magical powers; the magic she employs surprisingly possesses the healing capabilities of the light magic that only our high priests can wield. Moreover, its effects are even more effective than the advanced light magic 'Divine Guardian', which is truly astonishing, the high priest exclaimed with great admiration

Pasting clearly did not want to take advantage of this opportunity to strike

Indeed, with a sharp sword aura, a wave of fire surged up, and Kate, at the center of the flames, was instantly engulfed in flames

This old trick for dealing with melee fighters certainly poses no threat to Pastin. However, Pastin does not wish to rely on advanced sword techniques or shockwaves to achieve victory, as he genuinely wants to test the strength of the young man before him.

Qiao glanced at the rookie mercenaries seated around and continued, "Let me tell you, a good mercenary does not need to possess exceptional martial skills or understand any military strategies. However, he must be adept at fleeing; he must be able to analyze the situations in which he must escape and how to do so successfully. Bravery and tenacity are forever unrelated to a competent mercenary."

Chased by a dog again in the afternoon

All of this unfolded before the hurriedly arriving high priest

"Because the long spear is very powerful," a mercenary exclaimed. This was also Enleike's thought

Kate, who had long been standing to one side, grabbed the collars of Enleiko and Jerry, pulling the two uncouth commoners behind her. Bertina also obediently stepped to the other side

Upon witnessing Enleike's equestrian skills, the knight beside him nodded slightly. However, when the knight stood up, he quietly leaned towards Enleike's ear and softly said: "Your skills are indeed impressive, but you are not a knight. Please be mindful in the future not to perform the courtesies that are reserved for knights."

After running for an entire morning, Enleike returned to the camp, dragging his tattered pants. He was finally fortunate enough to shake off a vicious dog that had been relentlessly pursuing him. The camp was in disarray, with mercenaries sprawled all over the ground.

The princess was equally worried, after all, it was just a moment of impulse on her part. She wanted to mitigate the adverse effects brought about by that fool Enlaike, and thus exaggerated the abilities of the three individuals. In truth, she did not understand their strengths at all; what if...

Pastin became increasingly excited; he was originally a martial arts enthusiast, and he particularly enjoyed competing against opponents he had never encountered before

The chain fireballs combined with fire waves represent a very orthodox method of attack. The power and density of the fireballs are quite good, and the transition between the chain fireballs and fire waves is indeed swift. This can certainly be considered to have reached the level of a mid-tier magician. "Pastin acknowledged Kate's strength to a certain extent.

After hearing the prince's words and recalling Enleike's earlier embarrassment, everyone burst into another round of hearty laughter

If it were not for the previous brilliant performance and that highly persuasive speech, it is likely that no one would be able to endure such a tedious training.

Qiao drew out a spear. He casually manipulated it, and the long spear in his hand would sometimes swirl and dance, sometimes thrust and slice left and right, sometimes lunge forward and back, and sometimes chop and smash up and down

Kate also found a horse, but he did not step on the knight's shoulder; instead, he performed a knightly salute to the knight, who nodded and stood up. Then, Kate kicked the stirrup and mounted the horse.

Due to a previous criminal record, Enlaike is truly unable to stand firm and can only endure the ridicule of others

Enleike never imagined that there were so many ways to use a spear, as it has always been considered the most basic equipment among infantry, a weapon used by the lowest-ranking soldiers

During practice, Enleike felt several times that Qiao was very much like Chris from the Dreamlike Forest.

Enleike savored the sensation of the muffin melting in his mouth, the smooth and sweet feeling lingering on his tongue, and he was enchanted by this wonderful taste

After speaking, Qiao opened the enormous box, from which a dozen ferocious dogs surged out.

Kate continued, "Therefore, I humbly request Your Majesty's gracious permission to undertake the test of the Paladin, which would be the honor of my lifetime"

Enleike examined himself from head to toe and realized that he had only been paying attention to the princess's actions, even adopting her manner of bowing, which seemed somewhat inappropriate

Qiao continued, "I will now teach you archery. In fact, there is no need for formal instruction in archery; it relies entirely on personal practice. At the beginning, I will first correct the errors in your movements and point out some key techniques. After that, it will depend on your own efforts."

Fishing at noon

Having his own bow and arrows, Enleike no longer needs to practice archery with the other mercenaries. He has his own private practice area and target.

For example, the simplest thrust appears quite straightforward; however, to thrust from different angles towards various parts requires considerable skill and a deft control of force

Qiao picked up a bow from the ground. The bow was very curved, almost bent into a crescent shape. He then took three arrows from the bundle, nocked one onto the string, while the other two were casually stuck into the ground.

Each mercenary stood up and walked over to the pile of long spears to draw one. Enleike also stepped forward to select one.

Everyone stood up, and Enlaike reluctantly bid farewell to that sofa

The shooting stability of the longbow is significantly better than that of the combat bow. However, the shooting speed of the longbow is quite slow, and it is more difficult to aim with than the combat bow. The combat bow has considerable advantages in terms of aiming accuracy and ease of use. However, in terms of range and power, the longbow is much stronger than the combat bow

However, the name of that hero remained unknown to Enleike. After all, that hero was one of the three founding heroes of the Ka'oqi Kingdom, and as such, the Sofien Kingdom, being an enemy state, would certainly not promote him.

"Young ones, do you know why the weapon most commonly used by mercenaries is the spear?" Qiao asked loudly

Two bronze flying horse statues stand at the front of the palace. Forty-eight marble columns support the entire palace, each column intricately carved with large reliefs, most of which depict glorious battles and the Day of Victory.

If it were the former Enleike, it would certainly respond that mercenaries are non-regular soldiers not included in the ranks, with limited combat capability, and therefore not worth equipping with advanced weaponry

However, the trap-making course truly put Enleike through a lot of hardship. It turned out that when Qiao was assessing the mercenaries' skills in trap-making, he required each mercenary to create a trap. If Qiao discovered the trap, that mercenary would be considered to have failed.

Most of the mercenaries around still did not understand. Qiao drew another spear and thrust it forward a few times, continuing: "You have all seen that the primary attack method of the spear is thrusting. Among all melee combat attack methods, thrusting is the one that creates the greatest distance between the enemy and ourselves, making it the safest attack method. Moreover, the spear can also be used in this way"

In an instant, the surface of the water was filled with the sounds of splashing and commotion, everywhere there were mercenaries leaping and diving to catch fish

At Joe's feet lay more than a dozen longbows and several bundles of arrows. In the distance stood more than a dozen straw targets.

Confidently, Kate stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, I am willing to accept the test"

Lifting the lid of the pot, a pungent aroma of herbs rushed to the nose

So this is the royal grandeur

Have you noticed that the magic or special abilities they use are things we have neither heard of nor seen before" the queen reminded

The location of the mercenary group can indeed be described as a beautiful place. On a low hill, there are towering trees everywhere, yet it is not as dense and eerie as the primeval forest of the Dreamy Magic Woods

The green mixture resembles a blend of grass roots and leaves, interspersed with the tubers of unknown plants in shades of red and green. Two entire pots of this thick substance are bubbling and steaming.

On the left stands a towering observatory, indicating that this is the center of the Magic Association in the capital, Sofien, with the Grand Sorcerer Naga as its highest presiding authority

Qiao decided to teach everyone a skill that is only used by mercenaries

Chris's mother, the late Empress Dowager, is Joe's aunt. Enleike is in a dire situation with such a relative, as he has suffered greatly. To prevent him from embarrassing himself during his diplomatic mission, Joe, at the king's behest, is providing Enleike with particularly rigorous etiquette training

On the right side, there is an empty throne, which should be the seat of the princess

As long as a soldier possesses even a slight potential for combat, after completing three months of basic training, the officers will allow them to transition into either a knife-and-shield wielder or a heavily armored infantryman using a long spear. If their abilities are relatively outstanding, these individuals will be selected for training in swordsmanship or polearm techniques to become swordsmen or polearm warriors. Only those soldiers who exhibit absolutely no potential will be issued merely a long spear; these soldiers typically serve as border guards or as support personnel within the army. If their abilities are relatively outstanding, these individuals will be selected for training in swordsmanship or polearm techniques to become swordsmen or polearm warriors. Only those soldiers who exhibit absolutely no potential will be issued merely a long spear; these soldiers typically serve as border guards or as support personnel within the army.

However, Enleike soon discovered that Joe's teaching method was completely different from Kate's. Kate excelled at explanations, always providing Enleike with detailed insights into the methods and principles of both offense and defense, allowing him to gain a certain understanding before engaging in practical exercises. Moreover, during the practice, Kate would also pay attention to the rhythm, enabling Enleike to practice the skills he had learned as much as possible. There would never be an immediate full-on attack. In relation to the test trial in the court, it seemed that the training methods of knights were just like this.

The mercenaries, having calmed their minds slightly, finally came to their senses. Excitement and envy were evident on each of their faces

Beyond the hill, a meadow filled with blooming flowers unfolds before us. There is also a small river flowing past the campsite

However, since the original weapon was a long spear, it had a length advantage. Enlaike thus crafted a hard longbow. However, because the arrows used for the longbow were of a different length than those that fell from the tree, he also had to make several dozen arrows for himself

After hearing this answer, a large number of people fell to the ground.

The king looked at the princess and, seeing his daughter hesitating, understood that she lacked confidence and was reluctant to respond.

Qiao tilted his head and glanced at everyone, saying: "Haven't you all thought about it? Among all weapons, the spear is the cheapest. Do you understand the importance of saving money?"

"That reckless fool can just be handed over to that ill-mannered country bumpkin for discipline," the princess suggested

This long spear is made of resilient bauhinia wood for its shaft, which possesses strong elasticity, unlike the original four spears that were made with hardwood shafts

At this moment, everyone who had a slight understanding of martial arts could not help but doubt whether Kate was being overly arrogant. After all, it was foolish to compare swords with a paladin like Pastin. Choosing a dragon lance or a battle spear, weapons that could maintain distance, would be more advantageous. Moreover, Kate was skilled in magic, making the use of long-range weapons far more effective than close combat.

With the issuance of the decree, the ministers on both sides retreated to the sides of the hall, clearing as much space as possible in the center. The court magician stood at the hexagon of the hall, erecting a magical barrier, while two high-ranking magicians stood beside the king, creating a transparent wall to protect the royal family

In their impression, wizards are individuals with weak physical strength and clumsy movements. As for the skills of stealth and trap-making, Enleike's ability to use magic circles means that even Qiao cannot compare in these two areas

When Qiao announced the end of the training, almost all the mercenaries surrounded him closely, asking about what he had previously mentioned: that the spear has a significant difference compared to other weapons. What exactly is it?

Pastin increasingly admired the young man he was battling, who could simultaneously wield both magic and swordsmanship. Moreover, the synergy between the magical and martial arts was nothing short of impeccable, undoubtedly honed through countless trials and tribulations.

Apart from genetic factors, the intricate court etiquette can sometimes be a real torment

Directly ahead, a low platform composed of seven steps distinctly divides the hall into two sections. On the central throne of the platform sit the king and queen

The mercenaries gathered around, forming a circle around Qiao

Before long, all the mercenaries were driven by him into the river to catch fish

Enleike sometimes practices with the bows and arrows used by other mercenaries during their breaks. Indeed, different bows require different techniques.

Everyone returned to their positions with ease, only then did Enlaike realize that the situation was not good

Only then did Qiao Qu bend his arm and waist, and with a sudden thrust, he swung his arm, sending the spear slicing through the air in a circular arc, shooting towards the tree he had just targeted like a shooting star. The spear similarly pierced through the trunk.

Among them, the performance of Enleike in off-road and tree-climbing training was exceptionally outstanding, which astonished all the mercenaries, including Qiao.

Seeing that Kate was fine, Pastin's unease was somewhat alleviated

Shortly after settling down, all the members of the mercenary group had arrived. In preparation for the upcoming diplomatic mission, Qiao planned to conduct special training for the mercenary group

Chased by a dog in the morning

There are only three days left before departure. During these three days, Qiao conducted specialized training for the mercenaries, particularly for Enleike. The training program surprisingly focused on court etiquette

Several times, Enlaike believed he had mastered the technique of thrusting, but in actual combat, he discovered that there were further applications of thrusting.

To be honest, these snacks are incredibly novel for Enleike, who comes from a small town. He would not mind leaving all the refreshments behind, but he fears that it might be considered impolite

All traces of drowsiness vanished from Enleike, as these vicious dogs glared with their emerald eyes, lunging and biting wildly. In an instant, the mercenary group was thrown into chaos, with mercenaries fleeing for their lives in all directions

Bertina, who was already well-prepared, immediately applied a special detergent with powerful healing properties to Kate.

The king glanced at the knight; in fact, he was also quite concerned about the abilities of the four young men. After all, he knew his precious sister very well. His sister would never properly teach anyone. Therefore, although his daughter was her disciple, the one who truly taught her magic was the great sorcerer Naga

After much deliberation, he chose a dish that appeared to be an exceptionally soft sponge cake

All those who are hungry gathered in front of the pot

Your Majesty, I certainly know Lord Pastin, the commander of the Royal Knights. He is the most esteemed paladin among the knights and is one of the knights I respect the most, second only to my father. Kate said proudly, his voice trembling slightly with excitement

Upon returning to the center of the hall, I noticed that two individuals had coincidentally chosen two slender, pointed swords. It seems that this will be a contest of swift blades

Qiao saw that his performance had evidently achieved its original purpose. In the following weeks, these fellows should be willing to obediently practice using the long spear.

Apart from Jerry, who had no opportunity to showcase his abilities, the ministers unanimously expressed a high regard for the strength of the trial participants

Amidst a burst of uproarious laughter, Enlaike looked up and saw the ministers pointing and laughing uncontrollably, while the three emperors seated on the platform wore amused expressions. The prince, in particular, was secretly enjoying the scene.

Enleike had never anticipated that, merely due to this minor mistake, he would be labeled as "one of the six great disgraces of the Magic Association," just like his two mentors, Wizard Victor and Wizard Chris. The charge, of course, was an extreme disgrace that severely tarnished the sacred image of wizards

The king glanced at Kate and felt somewhat reassured about him, as he had heard from several different people about this young man and knew that he was quite talented in both swordsmanship and magic. However, he seemed a bit too confident, daring to accept the test from the commander of the royal knights. Therefore, the king decided to give this young man a reminder.

So, there is food, and they are actually preparing it for us! Enlai Ke thought. However, the intense feeling of hunger compelled him to drag his weary body towards the two large pots

In fact, there have been several occasions when the military considered completely abolishing the archer as a unit. If it were not for the presence of an archer among the heroes of the legendary Victory Day battle, the profession of archer would have long since disappeared from the army

At the moment when the "Chaotic Crystal Wall" came into contact with the protective magical barrier, the symbols on the crystal wall shone brightly. The magical barrier was suddenly shattered. At the same time, Enleiko felt a sharp pain throughout his body, akin to an electric shock or a searing burn. The "Chaotic Crystal Wall" enveloped Kate instantly, and it was not like the typical scene of water magic extinguishing fire; it was as if the fire had vanished in an instant. Only Kate, severely burned, lay on the ground.

After resting for a short while after the meal, I could faintly hear Qiao's voice from a distance: "Little cubs, have you eaten enough and drunk enough? Open the door and let the dogs out"

Thus, Enleike suddenly became a celebrity. The title of one of the six disgraces of the Magic Association, along with the special status of being the private property of the Grand Princess, quickly became known everywhere. Enleike even began to consider changing his name and surname.

At least at this moment, Enleike truly understood the life philosophy that a mercenary adheres to—going with the flow and seizing the day

He quickly stood up straight, looking around. Bertina and the princess were performing the same bow, which surely could not be a woman's manner of greeting! Kate's gesture resembled that of a knight, perhaps learned from Jerry! Resolving to follow suit, Enleiko mimicked Jerry's posture and struck a pose.