Lucas remained unfazed by James' outburst, his thoughts running in the background that if not for the presence of this many people he would have kicked his a** .
"Titles are earned through actions, not empty words," he replied with a composed tone.
The soldiers listened in hushed silence, witnessing the stark contrast between the two men. While James' arrogance had alienated him from his comrades, Lucas' humility and impressive skills had garnered admiration and trust.
General Alistair stepped forward, addressing the soldiers and James with a stern yet understanding gaze. "Every member of the Emerald Army must display not just skill in combat, but also qualities of leadership and integrity," he proclaimed. "As your new commander, Lucas has proven himself in both aspects."
He then turned to Lucas, a faint smile forming on his lips. "I am proud to have you as part of our ranks, Lucas. Your unorthodox abilities and leadership potential will be an asset to the 3rd Infantry Corps."
With those words, the soldiers erupted into applause, cheering for their new commander.
After the applause died down, Lucas felt a sense of excitement as he prepared to take on his new role as commander. To his surprise, Sir Joey, with the general's approval, approached him with a knowing smile. "Congratulations, Lucas," he said, handing over a set of dark green uniform and armor that looked distinctly different from the standard attire.
"This is no ordinary armor," Sir Joey explained. "It has been imbued with a protection spell, adding an extra layer of defense to keep you safe in battles." As Lucas donned the unique armor, he could feel the faint hum of magic coursing through it, making him appreciate the thoughtful gesture even more.
But the surprises didn't end there. Sir Joey presented Lucas with a finely crafted silver rank tag, bearing the insignia of the 3rd Infantry Corps. "The general wanted you to have this," Sir Joey said, "and I must say, it suits you well."
Lucas thanked Sir Joey, feeling a surge of pride as he fastened the rank tag to his uniform. He knew that the responsibility bestowed upon him was not to be taken lightly, and he was determined to prove himself worthy of the honor.
With Sir Joey as his guide, Lucas was taken on a tour of the fort of Rasgard. The massive walls and strategic design of the fort impressed him.
The Fort of Rasgard stood tall and imposing at the northern edge of the kingdom, serving as the first line of defense against potential invaders. Perched on a rocky hill, it overlooked the vast plains that stretched far beyond the horizon. Its strategic location allowed its watchtowers and battlements to offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal fortress to guard against any approaching threat.
The fort's architecture was a testament to the craftsmanship of skilled artisans. Built with massive gray stone blocks, its walls were formidable and thick, providing a sturdy barrier against enemy attacks. Turrets crowned the walls at regular intervals, each topped with a fluttering flag bearing the emblem of the Emerald Army—a green serpent coiled around a golden sword, signifying the might and resilience of the kingdom.
Within the fort, a labyrinth of narrow winding passages, stone staircases, and courtyards formed a complex network of interconnected spaces. A deep moat encircled the fort, its waters fed by a nearby river, adding an extra layer of protection to thwart any attempts at siege or infiltration.
Entering through the heavy wooden gates, Lucas could hear the faint creaking of the drawbridge as it was raised behind him, sealing off the fortress from the outside world. Rows of guards in polished armor stood sentry, their vigilant eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of trouble.
In the heart of the fort stood the central keep—a grand structure with high, pointed towers. Banners bearing the colors of the Emerald Army fluttered from its tallest spire, displaying the kingdom's strength.
The courtyard bustled with activity as soldiers trained with weapons, honing their skills under the watchful eyes of seasoned commanders. The clang of swords and the thud of arrows hitting targets echoed through the air. The training ground was a crucial space where warriors proved their mettle, and where the Soldiers of the Emerald Army were forged.
Beyond the training ground, rows of neatly organized barracks provided shelter to the soldiers who called the fort their home. Wooden beds lined the walls, each adorned with personal belongings and mementos—a reminder of the lives and stories that converged within the stone walls of the fort.
The fort was also a thriving community in itself, with a bustling market square where merchants from nearby towns brought their wares to trade.
At dusk, the fort transformed into a mesmerizing sight as braziers were lit along the walls, casting flickering light on the stones and bathing the fort in a warm glow. From the watchtowers, the night sky was studded with stars, and the distant mountains loomed in the moonlight—a reminder of the vast lands the fort protected.
"Once you've settled in, you can explore the city," Sir Joey said, "but for now, let's meet with the 3rd Infantry Corp." Lucas nodded, eager to see the unit he would be leading and to gauge their current state.
As they arrived at the training grounds, Lucas was prepared to witness dedication and discipline among his fellow soldiers. However, what he saw shocked him. The training grounds were far from what he had expected.
While Sir Joey appeared unsurprised by the scene, Lucas found it disheartening. The majority of the soldiers seemed to be slacking off, with only two engaged in sparring. Some were dozing off, others eating, and overall, they didn't look as fit and ready as he had hoped.
Sir Joey took a deep breath, recognizing the need for Lucas to understand the current state of the 3rd Infantry Corp. With a determined expression, he called out to the soldiers, "Attention, everyone! Gather around, and meet your new commander, Lucas."
The soldiers glanced at each other, some curious, others indifferent. As they approached, Sir Joey introduced each soldier to Lucas one by one. He mentioned names like Gilbert, who came from a prestigious aristocrat family, and Ivan, a solidly built tank who wielded a sword and shield.
Lucas recalled seeing Gilbert and Ivan sparring with each other earlier. Sir Joey continued, "Both Gilbert and Ivan are rank 2 practitioners, skilled in their own right. They will be crucial assets under your command, Lucas."
As the introductions continued, Lucas could sense that the majority of the soldiers were not impressed with his appointment as their new commander.
Undeterred, Lucas decided to address the unit as a whole. "I know many of you might have reservations about me," he said, his voice steady and confident. "But let me assure you that I am committed to making the 3rd Infantry Corp the best it can be."
Some soldiers exchanged skeptical glances, but Lucas remained resolute.
After the introductions, Sir Joey excused himself, stating that he had some urgent work to attend to. As he left, Lucas couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss within the 3rd Infantry Corp. He sensed a deeper underlying issue, but it eluded him like a puzzle he couldn't solve.
Determined to get to the bottom of it, Lucas sought out Gilbert, hoping to gain some insight from someone who had been with the unit longer. As they walked away from the training grounds, Lucas gently broached the topic. "Gilbert, I have a feeling that something is not quite right here," he said, choosing his words carefully.
Gilbert looked hesitant at first, as if debating whether to share his thoughts. He then looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping before speaking in a hushed tone. "Commander, the 3rd Infantry Corp used to be the pride of Fort Rasgard," he began. "We were known for our unity, strength, and unwavering dedication to our duties."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Gilbert's words. "Used to be?" he inquired, encouraging him to continue.
Gilbert nodded solemnly. "Yes, used to be," he confirmed. "We were the best, the most disciplined, and the most respected. But something changed, and I can't quite put my finger on it."
Lucas listened intently, trying to grasp the extent of the problem. "Do you have any idea what could have caused this change?" he asked, hoping for a clue.
Gilbert hesitated once again, a look of uncertainty crossing his face.
"But Gilbert, we need to know," Lucas urged, sensing that Gilbert knew more than he was letting on. "If something is affecting the unit's morale and performance, we can't ignore it. We must face it head-on to restore the 3rd Infantry Corp to its former glory."
Gilbert looked torn, as if wrestling with the decision to reveal more. Finally, he took a deep breath and spoke with a mix of reluctance and concern.