As the three goblins charged at them, wielding swords likely scavenged from dead bodies, two leapt toward Jisuk and Leon. Leon managed to deflect his attacker, sending it sprawling onto its back, while Jisuk barely blocked his, struggling to push it back. Desperate, he kicked the goblin away before thrusting his sword into it, breathing heavily from the effort of defeating a mere goblin. In contrast, Leon dispatched his foe effortlessly, without even breaking a sweat. The last goblin turned to flee, only for the commander to appear and finish it off with a single swing.
The commander approached them, laughing. "I enjoyed that fight, Leon, Tamin. That's what we call experience! But remember—these are the weakest monsters out there!"
Jisuk thought to himself, If those are considered weak, then what the hell am I?
Leon, unfazed, replied in a lazy tone, "Commander, shouldn't we get back to training?"
The commander paused for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully. "Well, yes, you should. But since you both managed to defeat a goblin, I'll offer you a deal. I'll teach you something you want to learn. Deal?"
Leon shrugged and said, "I don't need any training. Instead, can I ask for five copper coins?"
The commander laughed again. "You're a strange one, but why not?" He pulled out five copper coins from his pouch and handed them to Leon.
Jisuk watched this, bewildered. Did he really ask for five copper coins instead of training? Is he okay? He glanced at the goblin Leon had defeated effortlessly. Maybe he thinks he doesn't need training… but then why is he even here?
The commander then turned to Jisuk. "So, Tamin, what do you want to learn from me? Or do you also want five copper coins?"
Jisuk took a deep breath, thinking it over. Money won't keep me alive. I need strength. I barely managed to defeat a single goblin. I should take all the training I can get. He replied, "I want to learn the basics of swordsmanship."
The commander burst into laughter. "Well, I can do that! You certainly look like someone who needs it, judging by that lousy performance—using a kick instead of your sword!"
Jisuk could feel the embarrassment creeping up his face, while Leon simply watched their exchange. Suddenly, a man dressed similarly to the commander shouted from a distance, "Commander Briege! Lord Vanhaul is calling for you!"
The commander sighed, turning back to Jisuk and Leon. "It seems I'm being summoned. Tell everyone training is dismissed for today. I'll teach you tomorrow!"
As the sun set, Jisuk was alone, swinging his sword, trying to figure out the basics on his own. He thought, Did I really die in that explosion back in my apartment? It all happened so fast—I can't even be sure. He paused, reflecting deeper. Maybe I wasn't as shocked because I thought this might be a lucid dream. But after feeling the goblin's strength and the vibrations of Leon's sword, I'm sure this is real.
Just then, Leon approached, his tone as lazy as ever. "How do you expect to learn the basics tomorrow when you can't even get your stance right? You're standing like a stick. You need the proper form for wielding a sword."
Jisuk glanced at him, puzzled. How does this guy know so much? Most of the recruits here seem like complete beginners. Leon stepped closer and adjusted Jisuk's limbs into the correct position. He then looked at Jisuk thoughtfully. "Why did you decide to join as a foot soldier, Tamin?"
Jisuk hesitated, thinking, I ended up here after transmigrating into this body. I don't have anywhere else to go. Staying here was my only option. He replied, "I joined to survive in this world. What about you?"
Leon glanced up at the sky, as if searching for answers. "Let's just say I have something I need to do for someone."
Jisuk paused his practice, mulling over Leon's vague response. This guy didn't give a real answer, but then again, I'm not the original Tamin either. If I'm in a body that wasn't part of the original plot, it means this world is bigger and more complex than the manhwa I read. He said to Leon, "I'm not going to pry into your life, but that was pretty vague."
Leon, with his usual laid-back expression, replied, "Well, doesn't everyone have secrets, Tamin?"
Jisuk turned his head to look at Leon. "Yeah, some secrets are bigger than others."
Leon gave a casual wave as he turned to leave. "Anyway, I'm heading to sleep."
Isn't it a bit early to sleep? Jisuk wondered, watching Leon walk away. He looked down at his own hand, sighing. I can't rely on the plot either. I don't even know if the main character exists in this version of the world. The swordsman family turned out to be a magician family, which already shows there could be more differences. And I'm just a nobody here. I'll have to learn everything I can to survive and avoid getting involved in any major plot points.
The next morning, Jisuk found himself tangled in a pile of sleeping trainees again, only to be jolted awake by Commander Briege's voice booming from outside. "Hey, you fools, wake up! It's time to move!"
Still drowsy, Jisuk and the others dragged themselves outside. The commander barked at the group, "Move your legs! I want you all to jog for two hours straight for endurance! Except you, Tamin—we had a deal, and I'm going to teach you the basics because you need it!"
As the rest of the trainees immediately started jogging around the cabins, Jisuk approached the commander. "I'm ready to learn the basics, Commander!"
The commander let out an excited laugh. "That's the spirit I love to see! But before we start, Tamin, do you want to know what I enjoy most about weak recruits?"
Jisuk looked up, confused by the sudden question. "What is it, Commander?"
The commander laughed heartily once again, just as he always did. "I love seeing them progress. Nothing is better than watching future warriors grow and improve!"