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Arlan was commissioned to a mid-level officer rank of a captain. This was necessary so he could command his own banner. He was also the youngest officer in the Midland Army. Most nobles at this age would still be in training for command or at an academy. Captains outranked lieutenants and cadet officers.

Everyone in the courtyard noticed that the new officer was a young boy with a lion’s sigil and captain rank. None broke their posture as the presence exuding from Arlan meant this was no humorous prank. The needle-sharp atmosphere penetrated most. Unbeknownst to his banner, Arlan had a decade of combat experience and leadership.

JD was at the front of his formation while three rows of eleven recruits were behind him. Each row had their squad leaders at the right side of the formation. Trent and Eren were first and second row squad leaders. Third squad leader was a new face. A burly, brown-haired fifteen year old. The entire platoon was still made of teenagers from fifteen to seventeen. They were still recruits.

In order to introduce himself, Arlan centered himself in front of his platoon. “I am Captain Arlan Reeve. I’m the youngest officer commissioned in the Midland Army. Let that be a testament to my abilities.” stated Arlan to his banner, “As of today, you will train to become my first infantry platoon in my banner.”

Intrigue and excitement overtook the entire platoon. They knew of Arlan and his achievements against goblins and orcs. But the rumors were that he was a bit older and burly. Another factor that contributed to the excitement was that they were now under the Reeve’s Banner. Some harbor doubts and the rumors were just greatly exaggerated. The young baron predicted this and would have to prove himself.

“If you have doubts, step forward!” yelled Arlan. Ten of the thirty-four recruits stepped forward in response. Most were from the third squad, including the brown-haired third squad leader. Arlan and JD nodded. They understood that Arlan needed to prove his strength in order to win the respect of his soldiers.

Everyone except Arlan was still first tier and their cores ranged from orange to yellow. JD was a first tier white core.

Arlan ordered the rest of the platoon to step back to the edges of the courtyard while the young baron took to the center. “Alright, grab the wooden spears and swords. If you land one attack on me, I will concede my rank to you.” stated Arlan. The ten recruits' eyes widened at the potential of advancing their military careers. They lusted at the potentially easy task while grabbing training spears and swords. Like vultures, they surrounded Arlan on all sides.

Arlan drew a training sword and assumed a ready stance. Arlan activated [Automatic Parry], a mar-tech that allowed him to channel essence into deflecting attacks. As long as Arlan had the essence to match the speed and power of an incoming attack, his body would move on its own to parry or deflect the attack.

The doubtful recruits now hinted at some caution. One recruit in particular could not wait any longer and lunged at his new commanding officer with a training spear. The other nine recruits waited to see the results before acting. The training spear tip almost reached Arlan’s back but the young baron’s entire body turned into a blur. A loud thud rang through the courtyard as the training spear recoiled by itself.

Arlan had parried the attack and sent the spear flying along with its wielder. The remaining nine recruits were confused at what they just saw. Four recruits decided to try their luck by attacking at the same time. The four pronged attack was still not a match for the overpowered defensive measure.

The third squad leader readied himself with the other four remaining recruits. They charged at Arlan in a column formation blocking his sight of anyone behind the first individual. Normally, this would’ve worked but Arlan’s [Battle Trance] could pick up what they were doing.

Just like every challenger before, they were sent flying without ever landing a single hit on Arlan. Any doubt about the new Captain was now gone. The third squad leader approached Arlan and introduced himself while saluting, “Sir, I’m Recruit Dimitri, the third squad leader. I look forward to serving under your command!”

The other nine recruits followed Dimitri’s example and Arlan returned the salute to them all. Arlan was now established as the proper leader. They wouldn’t doubt his combat capabilities or leadership. Although they were all extremely weak, Arlan saw the potential to mold them into proper soldiers.

Arlan gave each squad leader a training manual to run through their squad while giving JD a weekly training schedule for the platoon. The way Arlan wanted to train his platoon was unique and different from the current standard Midland Army training program.

First platoon’s daily training regimen was intense and unorthodox to this world. Arlan focused their training on unit maneuvers and physical training.

Now this is something I’m good at. This reminds me of home and the Te’Vau. I hope they’re doing alright.

Two weeks had passed and Arlan’s banner continued their training even when he wasn’t around. First platoon was given a new set of steel weaponry and steel cuirasses. Arlan used his own funding to purchase the gear for his unit. This was done in preparation for a combat patrol.

Monsters had broken out all over northern Galdo City and the Adventurer’s Guild was overwhelmed with requests. Although the scouts report that most monsters were just low tier, the amount of them was nothing to ignore. Count Emile ordered all military units in Northern Midland to assist with the subjugation of monsters.

Although Arlan’s banner was still in training, all recruits were to assist with minor tasks and operations. His banner was assigned to investigate a monster sighting at the Galderan Mines. Galdera village was a few hours northeast of Galdo City and provided ores to Galdo City via the Galderan Mines. The area remained mostly untouched by monsters, a monster sighting by the miners sparked Count Emile to send Arlan and his Banner. It was an easy and important enough task to send Arlan. Count Emile knew he could depend on his nephew.

On the morning of Arlan’s departure date for Galdera, his banner had assembled at the front of the city gates. Arlan had donned his steel cuirass as well with his mithril sword. Among many differences, one in particular impressed local spectators and officials alike. Arlan’s banner now all wore a particular burgundy cape with the lion’s claw.

Many came to see off their sons and brothers but their other agenda was to see the young baron. They wanted to see the rumored child who fought against the orcs and goblins. Arlan noticed the amount of eyes fixated on him, but it wasn’t anything new. Military achievements were celebrated and he’s always made a reputation for himself.

A familiar nobleman whom Arlan recognized as Ser Trent approached him. “Mi’lord, this is the official order from Count Emile. Show this to the Galdera’s Village Lord and you’ll have full power to investigate as you see fit. The Count apologizes that he cannot see you off but you’d understand.”

Arlan could feel an entirely different tone from Ser Trent. It was due to Arlan’s achievements, status and the fact that he saved Ser Trent’s life from goblins. Arlan responded with, “Thank you, Ser Trent. I will do my best in the service of House Reeve. You are dismissed.”

“Mi’lord, I will return to my duties. Thank you for saving my life before. Good luck.” said Ser Trent.

Arlan turned to his troops and ordered, “Banner of the Claw, move out!”