(Third-person perspective)
The journey from Moat Cailin to Moon drift port followed a meticulously constructed road, a testament to Aermir's careful planning and commitment to infrastructure development within his territory. These roads not only facilitated the rapid movement of the army but also improved the efficiency of trade within the domain. When Aermir and his nobles, along with a powerful army of 2,000 soldiers, embarked on their expedition, they traversed the land with ease.
They traversed dense woodlands, occasionally fording shimmering streams, across which sturdy bridges facilitated their passage. Although the terrain was challenging, these pathways greatly accelerated their journey. Over two days, they pressed onward, their destination drawing ever closer on the horizon: Moon drift port.
Moon drift port is about 200 kilometers from Moat Cailin, and it took Aermir and his guards, along with an army of 2,000 men, nearly two days to travel that distance. His warships were set ablaze at the mouth of the Pepple River, 650 kilometers from Moonflow City, right at the mouth of Bite. The Three Sisters people, traveling at a steady pace of 15 to 25 kilometers per hour, would need nearly two days to close the gap and reach Moon drift port. This gave the paladins and knights ample time to strengthen the town's defenses.
Far off, the Three Sisters people and their ships sailed through the turbulent waters of Bite. It was a difficult voyage, the ever-present threat of storms casting a shadow over their journey and constantly reminding them of the sea's treacherous nature. Fate also smiled upon Aermir. Under ideal conditions of downwind winds and light loads, the Three Sisters ships could reach speeds of 20 kilometers per hour. However, under the current conditions, while maintaining fleet formation, their speed could only be reduced to a maximum of 10 kilometers per hour.
Aermir observed the progress of the Three Sisters through Erebus's eyes, and he could not contain his satisfaction. Their journey, hampered by unfavorable winds and turbulent waters, had been fraught with delays, giving him valuable extra time to reinforce the town's defenses. The timely arrival of the third contingent had brought their numbers to a formidable 6,000, though still far fewer than the Three Sisters Three Sisters, whose ranks had swelled to nearly 10,000. Aermir was pleased, however, that his army consisted of well-trained soldiers, knights, and paladins, while the Three Sisters were primarily composed of executioners and raiders. He believed that quality would triumph over quantity.
Even without serving as Druid, Aermir was full of confidence in his troops. He believed they could successfully repel the invaders from the Three Sisters and force them to retreat without inflicting heavy casualties. In his view, this was a valuable opportunity for his army to gain experience and hone their skills.
The simulated battles for paladins and knights were entirely different. These high-intensity training pushed them to their limits, far exceeding the standard training of the regular army. Aermir's newly discovered abilities as a fifth-level Druid, especially his Regeneration spells, allowed him to heal the warriors' injuries, even those severed by amputation or other serious wounds during these rigorous training sessions. This was proof of his wholehearted dedication to preparing his troops for any possible challenge.
Jory Flint was entrusted with the important task of becoming Grand Master of the Order of Drashir, and was to embark on the expedition with the Third Task Force. Although he was still working under the command of Ser Harrick Greenwood, the new position brought him unparalleled honor, which he was proud of. This new role required Jory to become stronger and a true Drasil Knights.
Six months before his promotion, Aermir ordered Jory to participate in intensive training alongside other knights and paladins. Deep in the Mist Forest, adjacent to the temple, lay a training ground known as the " Drashir Forge." Here, resolve and will were forged into unwavering steel, and those who entered became powerful warriors dedicated to the cause of Drasil.
Six months ago
Nestled in the lush embrace of the Mist Forest, the Drasil Forge bursts with life every morning, shrouded in a mysterious and eerie mist, seemingly merging the human and spirit realms into one. As the first rays of gentle sunlight stretch their golden fingers toward the horizon, here, in this disciplined forge, valiant paladins and knights begin their daily pilgrimage to gain strength and unwavering perseverance.
Upon their return, they would face severe challenges, testing not only their physical strength but also their mental fortitude. The paladins and knights, forged with a spirit of unity that could only be achieved through shared hardship, lifted the massive logs onto their broad shoulders. Beads of sweat rolled down their furrowed brows, occasionally mingled with drops of blood, vividly depicting their relentless pursuit of excellence.
Aermir's efforts to build the special forces training camp stemmed from his memories of his mandatory military service in his previous life. Although he never experienced the brutal real combat during his service in the assault brigade, that year of hellish training left a deep regret in his mind, an experience that also left a permanent regret in his choice to become an assault soldier. What's fascinating is that, because he was drafted, he wasn't even a real assault soldier, and he didn't want to imagine what real assault soldiers were like during their training.
Jory Flint found himself among the soldiers training, and compared to the grueling training he was now undergoing, his previous notions of hardship seemed utterly inadequate. As a Flint native, he was no stranger to the harsh realities of war and military training, but this was something entirely different. The massive logs they were carrying together left his hands and shoulders raw and bruised, his skin bearing witness to the cracked bark and relentless toil. Though the pain was excruciating, Jory had no choice.
In this crucible of discipline, letting go is the most serious sin, tantamount to betraying one's comrades. Letting go of the burden is not only abandoning a heavy load, but also abandoning honor and trust. Therefore, he gritted his teeth, persevered, and was determined to emerge from this test with an indomitable spirit.
Amidst the relentless clang of clashing steel, the training grounds resounded with the symphony of battle. Paladins and knights devoted themselves wholeheartedly to honing their martial skills, practicing with fervor using various weapons. Swordsmanship, a revered art, was among them, and they meticulously refined the elegance and fluidity of their longswords. For Jory Flint, this training was like finding himself in familiar waters, where his skills shone brightly.
Their training progressed further, delving into the realm of spears and lances, instilling in them the intricate balance between thrusting and parrying. Max emphasized precision and impact, teaching them the fundamentals of close combat. In archery, they mastered both offensive and defensive capabilities, forging themselves into well-rounded warriors, always ready to face the test of battle.
Combat training is a multi-faceted journey encompassing various disciplines. Paladins and knights immerse themselves in intricate one-on-one duels, their studies delving into areas such as footwork, balance, and the swift, flawless execution of techniques. Every movement is meticulously crafted, every attack refined to perfection.
Battle on horseback is a completely different challenge, requiring a seamless transition between mounted warfare and the harsh realities of the ground. The importance of teamwork is evident in their training; they practice formation warfare, their movements resembling a precisely choreographed dance of death.
In this crucible of discipline and sacrifice, training is relentless, especially in Aermir's presence. It pushes them to their limits, sometimes resulting in fractures and excruciating pain. Yet, within the agony, they find strength, knowing Aermir's healing magic can soothe their wounds. It is a brutal training that forges them into powerful warriors, ready to face the darkest challenges.
Within the training grounds, there is a tent that serves as a crucible for intellectual pursuits, where paladins and knights delve into the art of war. Here, they revere wisdom, regarding it as a weapon as vital as physical strength on the battlefield.
In the simple room, meticulously drawn maps lay on the table, and the air crackled with the lively exchange of tactical insights. They embarked on a journey through history, immersing themselves in the strategies of legendary commanders and carefully studying the intricacies of ancient battles. They drew invaluable wisdom from these historical pages, wisdom that would illuminate their path to eventually stepping onto the battlefield and becoming leaders of humanity.
Jory resonated particularly with this training, and his tactical proficiency earned him the admiration of his peers. Aermir drew upon knowledge of Earth's military history, meticulously crafting awe-inspiring strategies and seamlessly integrating them into their rigorous training.
Endurance tests are a test of their unwavering will. They embark on arduous long marches, traverse unforgiving terrain, and conquer obstacle courses designed to push their physical limits. Survival training is another crucible, teaching them the art of surviving in the harshest environments.
These trials were not merely physical, but also tests of their mental and physical resilience, forging an indomitable spirit that would be their most valuable asset in future battles. Like everyone else, Jory found himself transformed through these challenges, becoming a warrior with an indomitable spirit.
For paladins and Drasil Knights, courage and integrity are not empty words, but guiding principles. They are expected to be protectors of the weak, defenders of the land, and champions of justice.
As the day's training drew to a close, the paladins and Drasil Knights left the training grounds covered in wounds, yet bearing no visible injuries. The crucible of training was merciless, but it was in this forging that they were tempered into elite warriors, bound by a sacred oath to their lord, protecting his land and people with unwavering loyalty and courage. Perhaps the world does not yet know their names, but their deeds will resonate throughout history.