Dark Horse
Unlike the division Division Commander who blindly believed the Guard Brigade would win, Sordil, possessing memories of his past life, understood that this long-distance cross-country race with heavy loads was a test of physical strength and willpower. Therefore, compared to the Guard Brigade and the Reconnaissance Brigade, who sprinted at full speed from the start, he favored the 'The Three Underdogs' who could rationally allocate their energy. However, his experience was entirely based on the training results of ordinary Earthlings from his previous life, and Sordil wasn't sure if it applied to people from another world with magical powers like magic. Hence, he made such an ambiguous statement.
"Alright! Instead of guessing who the champion is here, let's head straight to the Third Wetland to check the results and give a brief overview of the competition."
Putting aside his various speculations, Sordil steered the windboat toward the Third Wetland. The division Division Commander, who had never left the ground before, also took the opportunity to enjoy the aerial view. Looking at the army below, which resembled marching ants, and the lush, verdant forest, they finally understood why their leader liked to 'float' in the sky all the time.
Third Wetland, Checkpoint
Since Sordil and his group had traveled to their destination by air, the Magic Crystal displaying the results was still blank when they arrived. Sordil immediately guessed that no other teams had likely arrived yet, besides himself and his group. However, just to be on the safe side, Sordil summoned the person in charge of the area to confirm the situation.
"How's it going? Are any participating teams passing by?"
"Reporting to the general, and to all Division Commander, no troops have yet arrived here!"
Upon hearing the staff member's reply, Sordil thought to himself, "Just as I thought."
Just as Sordil was about to send the person in charge back to their post, the earth trembled, and at the same time, a large amount of smoke and dust appeared in the sky to the west of the checkpoint.
"Charge! First place belongs to our Guard Brigade!"
"Brothers, give it your all! If we overtake the Guards Brigade ahead, our Reconnaissance Brigade will be number one!"
Two booming roars echoed from afar, followed by two long lines of runners racing towards the checkpoint. Looking at Heradi and Elkley, who had run five or six kilometers without batting an eye, Sordil suddenly realized how wise he had been not to openly support the 'The Three Underdogs' for the championship. Otherwise, he might already be embarrassed, or on his way to being embarrassed.
Before long, the two brigades surged into the first checkpoint. Staff officers immediately approached to check if anyone in either brigade had removed heavy loads or was missing members, while also offering them water and towels. Once everything was confirmed, the staff officers recorded their performance on a display screen for the other teams to see.
While the staff was busy, the members of the two brigades took the opportunity to rest briefly and adjust their ranks to ensure everyone reached the finish line at the same time, with no one falling behind. Fifteen minutes later, having completed all procedures, the two teams set off again and disappeared into the wetlands.
Shortly after the Guard Brigade and Reconnaissance Brigade left, the third contingent arrived. Just as they were being inspected by the General Staff, the fourth, fifth, and sixth contingents followed.
"Boss, you were right! This time, the champion might not actually be the Guard Brigade!"
Kurelle, looking at the few units trailing behind the Imperial Guard Brigade, gave Sordil a thumbs-up and remarked with admiration. One of the men, who was pondering what to eat later, immediately adopted a mysterious air upon hearing the praise and gently patted Kurelle on the shoulder. The division Division Commander behind Sordil, witnessing their leader's performance, were utterly impressed by his wisdom.
Time passed slowly, and one team after another passed the first checkpoint, moving towards the next objective. Meanwhile, the 'The Three Underdogs' that Sordil had his eye on were gradually being removed from the 'rearguard' ranks, though their improvement in ranking was not yet significant. After the last team passed the checkpoint, Sordil and his group also left for the next checkpoint.
To Sordil's surprise, when they arrived at the Ferrer Highlands, the vanguard had already passed through and headed to Taredis Mountain.
To better understand the physical capabilities of the Western Border Army soldiers, Sordil did not continue to Taredis Mountain to catch up with the vanguard. Instead, he stayed to observe the condition of the subsequent units. It turned out that not everyone was a physical monster like Heradi and Elkley; most Western Border Army soldiers were no different from ordinary people, experiencing fatigue and drowsiness. Therefore, the arriving units began to show signs of soldiers running out of energy and their marching speed slowing down. However, Sordil was relieved that no unit abandoned their comrades, and no unit attempted to give up the race.
Therefore, the Three Underdogs that were initially at the back of the group gradually caught up with the groups in front, and their rankings improved step by step. They have slowly moved from the bottom of the pack to the middle and upper ranks.
By the time all the teams had left, it was already noon. After four or five hours of commotion, General Sordil, who had woken up on an empty stomach, was completely exhausted. However, he couldn't bring himself to steal food from his own men, so he had no choice but to find something to eat. But as a seasoned homebody with absolutely no survival skills and a complete lack of basic knowledge about the creatures of this other world, Sordil could only resort to the most rudimentary method: trying one thing at a time. As for the result, you can probably guess, right?
That's right! The stubborn General Sordil successfully disrupted the ecological balance of the Ferrer Highlands, as well as his own digestive system. So, for the entire afternoon, General Sordil alternated between vomiting, resting, and having diarrhea. When Heradi led his Guard Brigade back to the Ferrer Highlands in the evening, he was moved by the pale-faced Sordil. You heard right, Heradi was moved. He was touched by Sordil's anxiety at not being able to wait for him and his Guard Brigade to return first, and his subsequent illness.
Without a word, Heradi immediately rushed over and gave Sordil a bear hug, a gesture of brotherly affection.
"Heradi, you idiot, let me go! I can't hold it in any longer!"
Already exhausted, Sordil had no strength left to push away the idiot Heradi, so he could only shout at him to stop. However, Heradi, lost in his own wonderful 'brotherly bond,' misunderstood Sordil's meaning and hugged him even tighter. Helpless, Sordil could only plead for help from Kurelle with his eyes.
"Heradi, let go of the boss! He needs to go to the toilet!"
"Um?"
Hearing Kurelle's shout, Heradi released his grip in confusion, and then Sordil vanished from everyone's sight with lightning speed. Immediately afterward, a burst of 'biochemical gas' emanated from the nearby bushes, knocking the unprepared Heradi unconscious to the ground, foaming at the mouth.
When Heradi woke up again, the sky was filled with stars, and his original first place on the Magic Crystal had been taken over by a dark horse contestant.