Riley was silent for an instant.He never thought James would ask for such a thing. To him, James was a soldier who would do anything the right way. But, what would make that young man think such a thing?Was it because he wanted to become a war general? Is it to shut people up and stop making fun of him for being born the son of Jody Gardner? Riley thought confusedly.However, if he did ask for that, Riley did not mind at all. He was even willing to step down on the spot to allow James to achieve his goal. Perhaps, by doing so, he could get rid of his guilt towards James.However, he suddenly heard James speak, “Oh my! Why did your face suddenly become like that, Riley?”Riley blinked her eyes, still looking somewhat confused.James observed the expression on Riley's face and instantly said, “Oh, Riley! Do you believe what I just told you?”James laughed crisply, “Don't tell me you actually thought about all those words!”The young man shook his head, looking very happy when he saw
As it turned out, contrary to what James expected, Josh casually replied, “What makes you think that I want to talk to you?”James shrugged, “I saw you looking at me constantly.”Diego snorted and gave James a look that said 'You're too confident'.James and Josh's conversation managed to get Riley's attention. He began to worry that something might go wrong there.However, just like James, Riley also apparently guessed wrong. Josh laughed so hard that many people looked shocked, including Ben and Shin who could only look at each other, without being able to express what they were thinking.Some of Josh's friends were also surprised by Josh's reaction, but the man who was over thirty years old said, “I'm just too amazed and very surprised by your ability. Oh, not only your skills, but Riley's as well.”James was stunned.Josh explained, “I think they … I mean my friends have been exaggerating about you and Riley.”He shrugged, “I thought, how could a newly inducted soldier have such
"There is no specific strategy. Me or James will just do what we've learned," Riley said.Ben frowned, looking somewhat confused.He knew Riley was very good at shooting. However, he still didn't know Riley's ability in archery. As for James, Ben had already seen James' action in archery when the young man was still a prospective soldier.Shin responded, "You better not underestimate him!"James shook his head firmly, "I never underestimated him at all, Senior Shin. In fact, he was the one who always underestimated us. And ... but those words spoken earlier surprised me."Alen nodded, "I still don't like him, I don't know why. It's just that I feel like he's a little weird."Ben sighed softly, "Well, there's no need to think about Josh's attitude. All you need to think about is giving your best in the next selection.""Of course, we'll do that," James said confidently as he embraced Riley who had gotten used to James' behavior.The next day, on the second day of the challenge, the th
Fred quickly replied, “Greg Sehel is a very famous land war commander. Everyone has known him as a brave, tough soldier since the days when General Mackenzie was the general of war in our kingdom.”As if he was still finishing his argument, Fred forced his friend to listen to him, “Having such a good reputation naturally makes Commander Sehel have to maintain his reputation. Of course he would help a future son-in-law.”“Even if he ends up dying?” Josh replied, sounding doubtful.Fred let out a long sigh, finding it difficult to get Josh's train of thought back on track again.However, he didn't want his friend to lose his cool so he replied, “He died a hero, Josh. He had nothing to lose.”“But ... he lost his life. What's the point of being a hero if-”“Damn you! We gave our life or death to this kingdom when we decided to become a soldier.” Fred looked so annoyed that he pushed Josh's body away from him.Still not cursing enough, he added, “You're not a teenage boy who just joined t
Unable to argue, Riley could only say, “You are very right, Senior Josh.”Josh was pensive, realizing that he had spoken too much so after that he chose to remain silent until his name was finally called.Meanwhile, Riley began to understand the anxiety of the man standing next to him and did not expect that Josh was also feeling depressed.He thought that with such overwhelming support, Josh Cleve would feel at ease as he went through the challenges, but it turned out that all that support was actually making him anxious about losing.However, unfortunately Riley couldn't do anything to help Josh overcome his anxiety.Before entering the challenge area, Riley had only nodded politely to Josh. Other than that, he didn't say anything.By the end of the sword challenge, Josh Cleve was falling further and further behind in terms of score. It was coincidentally discussed by several soldiers who were first-class soldiers.“I can't believe it, Josh is losing badly.”“I still can't even loo
James frowned at the overreaction shown by Riley so the young man said, “What's wrong with you, happy or something?”Riley suddenly hit James' arm and chuckled, “Of course I'm happy. But you're not lying are you?”James glared in annoyance, “My good friend, I wasn't the only one listening to the announcement. You can ask the rest of the kingdom if you have any doubts.”Hearing James' answer, Riley almost jumped with excitement. “What's wrong with you, you miss your parents?” Reiner asked with his forehead furrowed as well but held back a smile.Alen suddenly glanced at Riley because only that young man knew Riley's true identity so he was also curious about the answer Riley gave.“That's for sure, why ask again?” Riley replied.Ben chuckled softly, “Uh! I didn't expect one of the bravest junior soldiers to have such tender feelings.”Riley only smiled faintly.Meanwhile, James replied, “It's not just Riley who misses his family, I do too.”This time it was Diego who asked, “Are you g
Riley instantly gave his best friend a confused look, “What do you mean?”James raised his left eyebrow and explained, “It means that the two of us are destined to stay in the same sphere. You and I ... General of War and Deputy General of War.”“What do you think, isn't it pretty awesome?” James added with a stupid smile. Riley suddenly shook his head, “You're really overconfident. Don't you remember that Josh Cleve's abilities are starting to improve?”James clucked his tongue, “I know he's stronger than before, but ... he won't be able to catch up with us.”“Today's points are doubled. Did you forget?” Riley replied with a lopsided smile.James snorted in annoyance and immediately looked away in the other direction, “You're annoying! You're ... just annoying, Riley. I wonder why we're friends.”“Can't you see that your friend has a lot of trust?” James continued, still looking annoyed.Riley chuckled softly. “It's so you don't feel so superior that you lose focus. Can't you see my
Without turning to his best friend, Riley replied with a shocked look in his eyes, “Who else? The one whose name is Benedict Arkitson is the Senior Ben we know.”James immediately smacked his lips, still looking surprised.However, it was only for a few seconds, as he was able to control himself well, “Calm down, it's just a challenge, nothing real.”Riley closed his eyes, looking stressed and depressed.“We're not really fighting, James. But ... this is also about Senior Ben's reputation too. Do you understand what I mean?” Riley said who suddenly had a bad mood.James was not ignorant, of course he knew and understood what Riley was saying. It was just that he tried not to make Riley more depressed.“Look, I'm sure Senior Ben won't blame you if you beat him. He also knows your position, so he'll understand,” James said.Riley opened his eyes and turned to James, “Why me? Why can't he just be Senior Josh's opponent?”“I ... don't want to be the one who will embarrass him,” Riley cont