“…And that’s about it, any questions?” the stout old man asked, surveying the recruits before him.

“No, sir!” The recruits answered unanimously, eyes glued to the front.

“Go ahead and take your time with them,” the stout old man ordered with a grimace, eardrums still thumping from the recruits’ unnecessarily loud roar.

Jace paced forward with the other recruits, coming face to face with a series of shelves stocked full of weaponries. Lodged in a concaved portion of the shelf before him was a steel sword, as with most other weapons in the armory. Sunlight seemed to bounce right off the metal, reflecting the light directly into his eyes. A smooth and shiny blade like this meant it has yet to see any combat. These weapons were fresh off the forge, ready to be supplied to soldiers on the front lines. Even though these were mass produced, one could easily tell that the craftsmanship was anything but shabby.

“Picking a good ol’ sword eh?” Leo blurted out behind Jace, causing the latter to twitch a little. “It would be perfect for your size!”

Although both Jace and Leo have about the same height, there is no denying that Leo is of a bulkier build. His days as a blacksmith must have helped him achieve that sturdy body. This may also explain the hefty pole axe Jace saw in Leo’s left hand.

“Most likely,” Jace contemplated, still observing the pole axe. Something like this pole axe would be too much of a hassle for him to carry around, not to mention how tiring it would be if they were to travel long distances.

The Kingdom of Alferis has long permitted its soldiers to decide their equipment of choice, largely due to the diverse cultural heritage in the kingdom. Certain cultures deemed swords to be taboo, awhile some others banned the usage of leather in any form.

Gripping the sword with his right hand, Jace weighed the sword. It was a pretty good fit. The blade measured to be about 80cm, which was a comfortable distance from a target for Jace.

“Now ain’t that a nice fit?” the stout old man reckoned, grinning at Jace’s meticulousness.

“Yes, Mr. Bennet, sir,” Jace agreed, stiffening up.

“Oh please, be at ease,” Mr. Bennet lamented, rolling his eyes. “I am but an old man with a horrible backache. You military types gotta ease up a little!”

Mr. Bennet hobbled over to Leo, giving his right elbow a light tap.

“It takes a smith to know a smith,” Mr. Bennet commented. “Those arms would’ve been better off hammering iron than the head of a beast, ya know.”

Seeing the wry smile on Mr. Bennet’s face, Leo replied cheekily, “I’m pretty sure they need someone to look at their weapons on the front lines, sir!”

Mr. Bennet shook his head slightly, bending his knees. He picked up a steel buckler with those thick fingers of his and toss it towards Jace. With the sword still in his hand, Jace fumbled a little, before clutching the buckler between his forearm and chest.

“If you’re going one-handed, how about putting your other hand to good use, eh?” Mr. Bennet teased, still amused by how Jace fumbled before.

Jace examined the steel buckler, spinning it with his left hand. Light and sturdy, just right for someone his build. Jace forced a smile in response to the situation. Seemed to him that his equipment has already been decided long before he entered the armory.

“Now, since you young boys have already decided, how about a drink with this old man while you wait for the others?” Mr. Bennet sat on his stool, tapping his lap as he asked.

Leo and Jace looked at each other, still contemplating whether they should take up such an offer by a retired officer.

“I’ve got ale,” Mr. Bennet tempted, filling a mug with a purple liquid.

Their eyes lit up at the mention of the sweet, sugary nectar. Leo scanned the surroundings for Staff Bryce, giving Jace a thumbs up after a quick look. Jace sped ahead, chugging down the ale before Leo had time to react.

“Easy now, there’s still more,” Mr. Bennet spoke in a hushed voice, “Funny how a week in the military makes you crave for the simplest of pleasures, eh?”

“This is some great ale, sir,” Jace praised, smacking his lips.

Mr. Bennet chortled, still pouring another serving of cheap ale for Leo. “I am sure it is, young man.”

“Thank you sir,” Leo thanked Mr. Bennet and pulled a stool, sitting down beside Mr. Bennet.

“No need for such formalities,” Mr. Bennet replied, serving the mug to Leo. “How about you just keep an old man entertained, eh?”

“Of course sir,” Jace said, letting out a light burp from the ale.

“Then tell me,” Mr. Bennet questioned, pouring himself a mug. “How much do you kids know about them mines and beasts?”