Chapter 94: Friction Before Departure

Mr. Roland turned toward the brown-haired student.

"Why do you think that?"

"With all due respect, sir, he’s only Level 21. I’m already Level 29, and my profession is Greatsword Warrior. If we’re going to deal with a group of beastfolk, wouldn’t it make more sense for someone with greater combat strength to lead the team?"

The student continued before Mr. Roland could respond.

"I’m not saying I should automatically be chosen just because I’m stronger, but I don’t see why someone eight levels below me should be put in charge."

Ethan listened quietly. The student had a point. There was a considerable difference between their levels, and he could understand why someone might question the decision.

"You’re right about the level difference," Mr. Roland said. "But that’s not the only thing I considered when making my decision."

"Then what did you consider, sir?"

"I’ve considered everyone’s abilities and the requirements of this assignment. I’ve decided Ethan is the right person to lead the team."

"With all due respect, sir, I still don’t think he’s the right choice."

"Why?"

"We’re going to a city that’s under attack. We don’t know how many beastfolk are involved or how strong they are. If something goes wrong, we’ll have to rely on our captain’s decisions."

"That’s a fair concern," Mr. Roland replied. "But this assignment isn’t about sending the strongest person to fight. You’re going as a team. I need someone who can keep everyone organized, make decisions when necessary, and know when it’s better to avoid a fight."

"Having a high level and a strong profession doesn’t automatically make someone a good leader. If that were the case, I would simply appoint whoever had the highest level."

The Greatsword warrior didn’t seem satisfied, but he said nothing more.

"I agree with him, sir. I don’t think Ethan is suitable for the position either."

Ethan recognized the voice. It belonged to the boxer he had already had a conflict with.

"I’ve dealt with him before, sir. I wouldn’t trust him to make decisions for me, let alone lead the team. Being good at an assessment doesn’t mean he can handle a team."

Mr. Roland turned to him.

"And what exactly happened between you two?"

The boxer didn’t answer his question.

"That doesn’t change my point, sir. I still don’t think he’s the right person for the position."

The girl with short black hair remained silent. She seemed to share some of the Greatsword Warrior’s doubts, but she didn’t voice them.

Adrian, Gareth, and Kael didn’t object either. They left the matter to Mr. Roland.

Ethan decided to speak up.

"He’s right about the level difference. I’m only Level 21, while he’s Level 29."

He didn’t seem bothered by the objection.

"I can’t make you trust me before we’ve even worked together. We’ll have to see how things go during the assignment."

"That’s easy to say," the Greatsword Warrior replied. "Once we’re out there, everyone will have to follow your decisions. If you make the wrong call, the rest of us could suffer for it."

"That’s true. I can’t promise I’ll never make a mistake."

Ethan didn’t say anything more. He had no reason to make promises he couldn’t guarantee.

"I’ll listen to your suggestions. But when we make a decision, I expect everyone to work together and follow the plan."

Mr. Roland seemed satisfied with his response.

"Good. That’s the kind of attitude I expect from a team captain."

He addressed the two students who had objected.

"You don’t have to agree with every decision Ethan makes. If you think there’s a better way to handle something, speak up. But once you’re out there, I expect you to cooperate with him. I won’t tolerate anyone putting the team at risk because they don’t like who was chosen as captain."

The Greatsword Warrior gave a short nod.

"Understood, sir."

The boxer didn’t look particularly happy, but he didn’t argue again.

"Good."

Mr. Roland spread a map across his desk

"The city you’ll be visiting is Ironhaven, one of the major cities in the empire’s western territories. It’s known for its mines and blacksmithing industry. The surrounding mountains are rich in iron and other metals, and many workshops in the city produce weapons, armor, and shields for the empire."

"Then why are they having trouble dealing with the beastfolk?" the short-haired girl asked.

"Several mining sites and nearby settlements have come under attack. The local forces are already stretched thin trying to protect them, and reinforcements from the inner territories will take time to arrive."

"So we’re supposed to help protect the mines and settlements?" Gareth asked.

"That’s part of it. You’ll report to the local authorities when you arrive. They’ll explain the situation and decide where your assistance is needed."

Ethan studied the map.

"Do the reports say anything about why the beastfolk are attacking those areas in particular?"

"Nothing conclusive. However, given the number of attacks around the mines, some believe they may be after the city’s resources. That’s only a guess for now. We don’t have enough information to be certain."

"Have they attacked the city itself, or are they only targeting the surrounding areas?"

"So far, most of the reported attacks have been outside the city walls," Mr. Roland replied. "But there have been a few incidents near the main roads leading into Ironhaven. That’s one reason the local authorities are concerned."

Ethan nodded. That was important information to know before they arrived.

"Do we know how many we’re dealing with?" the Greatsword Warrior asked.

"Not exactly. The reports mention several groups, but their numbers and strength vary. Some attacks involved only a few individuals, while others were large enough to overwhelm the local defenders."

"Then we could run into anything," he said.

"That’s why you’re being sent as a team. Don’t assume every group you encounter is something you can handle. If a situation is beyond your abilities, report it to the local authorities. You’re there to assist, not to fight every beastfolk you come across."

Mr. Roland then pointed to another mark on the map.

"There’s also a Silvercrest Guild branch in Ironhaven. They’ve maintained a presence there for years because of the city’s mining and blacksmithing industries."

Kael finally spoke.

"My father should be able to arrange something with the branch. I can contact them before we arrive and let them know we’re coming."

"That would be helpful. They may also have information about the attacks that hasn’t reached the academy yet."

"I’ll send them a message as soon as we’re done here," Kael said.

Ethan looked toward Mr. Roland.

"Will we be working directly under the local authorities, or will they assign us to one of their groups?"

"That will depend on their needs when you arrive. I have already informed them that a team from the academy is coming. They’ll decide how best to use your assistance."

Mr. Roland folded the map and placed it back on the table.

"You’ll receive the official assignment documents before leaving. They’ll contain the details of your journey, the contact information for the local authorities, and the academy’s instructions. You should arrive in Ironhaven within three days."

"Are we leaving together?" Gareth asked.

"Yes. You’ll travel as one group. I don’t want anyone arriving ahead of the others and getting involved in something before the rest of the team gets there."

Mr. Roland gathered the documents on his desk.

"That covers everything for now. You’re dismissed. Use the next hour to prepare whatever you need for the journey. We’ll meet at the academy’s main gate after that."

"Understood, sir," Ethan replied.

The others gave their responses before leaving the office.

Once they were outside the instructor’s building, Ethan stopped near the entrance.

"Before we go our separate ways, I think we should introduce ourselves properly. We’ll be working together, so it would help to know everyone’s profession and what they can do."

No one objected, so Ethan decided to start.

"My name is Ethan. I’m Level 21, and my profession is Summoner. I mainly fight through my summons."

Adrian followed.

"I’m Adrian. Level 18, Gunslinger. I specialize in long-range attacks."

"Gareth Stone. Level 17, Earth Knight. I’m mainly responsible for defense and holding the front line."

Kael went next.

"Kael. Level 17, Silver Guard Knight. I can handle both offense and defense."

The girl with short black hair introduced herself after him.

"I’m Lydia. Level 23, Radiant Cleric. I specialize in healing and supporting my teammates."

The brown-haired student who had questioned Ethan’s appointment spoke next.

"Victor. Level 29, Greatsword Warrior. I focus on powerful attacks and breaking through enemy defenses."

Finally, the boxer introduced himself.

"Bran. Level 16, Boxer. I specialize in close-range combat."

Ethan had just started going over the names and professions in his head when Victor spoke again.

"What an unusual team."

He looked around at the others.

"Two defenders, a blind Gunslinger, and most of us aren’t even in the Third Order yet. Is this really the team they’re sending to Ironhaven?"

He shook his head and turned away.

"Whatever. I hope we don’t end up being a burden to the people we’re supposed to help."

Victor walked off without waiting for a response.

Bran followed after him, while Lydia remained with the others.

Ethan didn’t say anything. There was no point arguing about it now. They would find out soon enough whether the team could handle the assignment.

"Well, we should get ready," he said. "We have less than an hour before we meet at the main gate."

The others agreed and seperated.