The next day.
In the royal castle’s courtyard, I met with the group that had returned from their intensive dungeon training.
Kaiton, Sarabelle, Zess, Dione, and Clemuir, five in total.
Nordura and Vischy were also present to oversee them.
「How was the outcome of your training?」
I asked.
Nordura responded.
「They’ve grown. Kaiton’s growth in particular was remarkable.」
Kaiton stood proudly under Nordura’s praise.
Vischy also flicked her tail lightly and reported.
「Dione’s gotten stronger too, nyaa. And as for Clemuir, I used to think she was just a dumb, stubborn brute, but she’s finally stopped relying on pure instinct and started using her head a little, nyaa.」
「Don’t talk down to me! I’ve always been smart!」
Clemuir snapped back.
I let out a wry smile and asked the next question.
「How far did you get in the dungeon?」
「They barely managed to clear the upper layers,」
Nordura said.
「Same here, nyaa. If I’d tossed them into the mid-layers, they would’ve been wiped out instantly, nyaa.」
「Tch……」
Clemuir clenched her teeth in frustration but didn’t argue.
It seemed she knew it was true.
「……Well, I’m not expecting you to conquer the mid-layers just yet. Eventually, I want you to become warriors strong enough to treat even the lower levels like a casual stroll.」
「You expect us to ‘stroll’ through the lower levels of that dungeon? Just how strong do you want us to become…?」
Kaiton asked, clearly intimidated.
I answered.
「As strong as possible. In this world, strength is never enough. That’s why you must never settle, keep evolving.」
「……」
Kaiton listened to my words with a serious expression.
Dione and the others had no objections either.
As elite warriors even among the warrior nation of Bernada, they were hungry for strength.
When told to grow stronger, their expressions made it clear: ‘Bring it on.’
「For now, this training period is over. From here on, you’ll take on military duties.」
I then assigned them their roles.
Dione was appointed as a trainee for the position of Commander in Chief.
Kaiton and Zess were made battalion commander trainees.
Sarabelle was assigned as a military instructor to train the next generation of warriors.
And Clemuir was appointed as a trainee battalion commander for an elite unit, positioned as the army’s ace.
All five accepted their roles without complaint.
「At this point, you’re all ‘trainees’. You may have strength, but leadership is another matter. If I judge you unfit to lead, I won’t hesitate to demote you. Do your best.」
They all nodded solemnly, faces full of resolve.
「For the bureaucratic procedures, speak to Chancellor Timeria. ―――Now, dismissed.」
With that, I issued the order.
The group dispersed, and I returned to my chambers.
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