At dawn on the day of the trial,
Faulkner Redhurst, the Divine commander leading this operation, announced his name before the assembled trainees and mages.
Then he led the army toward the southwest.
The troops advanced in disciplined formation.
Everyone knew their role, each prepared for the mission that awaited them.
Throughout the day, the rhythm of marching boots alternated with the sharp commands of the officers.
By evening, the army reached their designated rest point.
The soldiers began setting up camp and carrying out their assigned duties, just as they had many times before.
When the chaos of pitching tents and preparing supper finally subsided, Faulkner called for another assembly.
A map was spread across the table, and preparations for the next day's battle began.
The briefing commenced.
Faulkner spoke as he pointed to a marked location on the map.
"The terrain is sparse forest. Their nest is on elevated ground, making combat difficult—especially at the cave entrance. But we will use this to our advantage."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"We will divide our forces into four units."
"Unit One: twenty soldiers, ten mages.
They will position themselves along the slope before the cave entrance and draw the enemy out as much as possible."
"Unit Two is our main force.
Twenty-five soldiers, fifteen mages.
They will flank from above the hill, preparing to strike downward."
"Unit Three: ten soldiers, ten mages.
They will also remain on the hill, securing the upper area."
"And Unit Four: five soldiers, five mages.
They will serve as support, assisting any unit that becomes overwhelmed."
Ryn listened intently.
Since beginning the trials, this was the first time he had witnessed a battle plan structured with such precision.
Faulkner continued outlining the engagement.
"Unit One will initiate contact, drawing the enemy from the cave.
Unit Three, positioned above, will suppress them with magic."
"When the enemy begins to scatter, Unit Two will strike from above, forcing them back into a concentrated formation at the center."
"As for Unit Four, they will first support Unit Three.
Once Unit Two engages, if they appear to be at a disadvantage, Unit Four is to assist immediately."
"All commands will be relayed through my two adjutants.
Make sure you listen carefully for the signals."
Faulkner scanned the group.
"Any questions?"
Silence answered him.
"Good. Dismissed."
The troops dispersed to their respective duties.
Goran turned to Ryn and asked,
"Do you understand?"
Ryn replied,
"Of course I understand. Why?"
Goran frowned.
"I don't understand it at all."
Ryn let out a quiet chuckle.
"You don't need to understand everything. No matter what, you're still stuck in Unit One."
Goran nodded.
"So my role stays the same, then."
Ryn nodded in return.
By late morning the following day, all units had been assigned and deployed to their positions.
As expected, Goran remained with Unit One, while Ryn was placed in Unit Two.
The battle began when an explosion thundered at the cave entrance.
The Calami swarm poured out in a frenzy, and everything unfolded according to plan.
Faulkner Redhurst, the Divine commander, issued orders with cold precision, while his adjutants relayed commands at regular intervals, keeping the entire battlefield under control.
Unit One held the frontline along the slope.
Unit Two launched relentless flanking attacks.
Unit Three rained magic from above, pinning the enemy in place.
Unit Four moved constantly, reinforcing whichever unit was under pressure.
The clash of battle echoed without pause—until the last Calami fell and silence reclaimed the land.
The mages rushed in to tend to the wounded.
Ryn began to understand.
A structured battle plan made combat faster, cleaner, and far more efficient.
Though there were injuries—and even deaths—they were far fewer than what he had witnessed while traveling as Richard's assistant.
Faulkner led his adjutants and ten soldiers into the cave to inspect the interior.
Not long after, everything was concluded.
Victory was declared amid the triumphant cheers of the troops.
That night, the soldiers finally rested with ease.
Goran walked over to Ryn and sat beside him.
"Hah… it's finally over."
He muttered before adding,
"Just one more trial left… and then I can go home."
Ryn turned to look at him.
"Going home?"
"Yes."
Goran nodded.
"Even though I'm an orphan and grew up here, I still have a home to return to."
He fell silent for a moment before continuing.
"The old woman next door raised me since I was two… after my parents died."
"I want to go back and protect my village. Protect her… protect everyone. That's why I stayed here and kept trying."
Hearing this, guilt crept into Ryn's chest.
He remained quiet for a moment, then spoke in a serious tone.
"I'm sorry."
Goran let out a light laugh.
"Hey, don't worry about it. It's only been a few weeks. I've been waiting for five years already—this is nothing."
He laughed again.
"Besides, fighting alongside you was a blast."
Ryn gave a faint smile and asked,
"Don't you ever want to become an Arch?"
Goran immediately waved his hands.
"No, no, no. Never even crossed my mind. And I couldn't do it anyway. All that planning stuff? Not my thing."
"I'd just end up getting people killed for no reason."
He shrugged.
"I'm fine being who I am."
Then he looked back at Ryn.
"As for you… you're going to become an Arch, aren't you? You can do it."
The following evening, the army returned to Central.
Everyone went their separate ways—to their duties, to their quarters, to their lives.
Ryn turned to Goran.
"Two days from now, meet me here. Then we'll head out for the final trial."
Goran nodded in agreement,
and the two parted ways, each walking toward their own path…