2 Chapter 2: Hespar (Edited)

The Sauro Kingdom.

It was established around 30 years ago by none other than the current king, James Sauro, and his fifteen most trusted subordinates. The land they had taken once belonged to the Fennis Empire, known to be the largest on this continent itself.

Weirdly, the Fennis Empire not only did not retaliates against this treachery but took the initiative to propose a peace treaty between the two and also acknowledge the founding. The Fennis Empire even offered a share of people to resettle in the Sauro Kingdom when it was founded.

This act of the Fennis Empire made other kingdoms, federations, and empires look down on them. Still, only the person who understands the Fennis Empire the most could see past the weaknesses.

"I would rather not fight the empire again if I can make a choice." Said James Sauro himself in a ruler's meeting held in different countries once every ten years. This statement of his made friends and foes thread carefully before the ruler of the Fennis Empire.

Out of the fifteen subordinates, four were granted the title of duke. The remainders were given the title of five earls and five barons. As for the last person, she was given the title "queen" instead, ruling the Sauro Kingdom along with James Sauro.

But the peace only lasted for thirty years. In recent days, more battles and skirmishes frequent between their border. The number of soldiers involved numbered from a hundred to a thousand, depending on how close the Fennis Empire was to the nearest bordering village or town.

It was as if both sides were trying to gauge their country's strength and intentions. And as one of the settlements nearest to the border, the Lavos Village had no other choice but to be involved in this battle, willing or unwillingly.

Still, the possibility of this village getting pulled into the fight is highly impossible due to its oddly strategic location. The settlement is also surrounded by a thick forest occupied by monsters on both sides, further hindering the occupation.

And even if they managed to occupy this settlement, the attacker would still have to cross the Lavorian Lake and the waves of mountains before accessing the outer circle of the Sauro Kingdom.

Perhaps it was due to these natural defenses the Lavos Village wasn't given too much attention. It might be a part of the first line of defense for the Sauro Kingdom, but it is hardly being treated like one. This could also be why the settlement only had a hundred guards previously.

But right now, their number has increased to 300 guards. Hector was also promoted twice in these years as a 300-men squad leader.

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"That's enough for today, Hespar!" the middle-aged male instructor shouted. His order was just on time to stop the wooden sword from smacking Hespar's opponent on the face.

"Yes, Sir!" answered a youth turning fifteen years old soon. Perhaps due to the nutritious diet he had since he was young, Hespar can be said to be quite tall compared to the other trainees in his class. His fine blonde hair also makes it easier to differentiate him from everyone else.

Having a suave appearance is also a bonus, as he could be said to be extremely attractive and handsome in the eyes of the Lavos Village's maidens.

Honestly speaking, there's no denying that Hespar was the most popular youth for the year. He's also the one holding the title of number one trainee amongst the 161 students in the class for ten whole years.

Additionally, his background as the son of 300-men squad leader Hector also pushes his popularity further.

"Come on." Hespar smiled and put aside the wooden sword in his hand. He didn't hesitate to offer his hand to support his defeated opponent back on his feet. Meanwhile, the instructor had already moved to the next pair of fighters that would end their fight soon.

"C-Can't you just keep that strength a little? You're about to smash my face with that wooden sword!" Hespar's opponent complained and wrapped his arm around Hespar's neck. He would likely use it if his anger could help him win against Hespar.

The two seemed close, judging from the friendliness in their conversation.

"Being kind to your opponent is equivalent to being cruel to yourself. That's what my father taught me. Furthermore, this wasn't the first time we're paired together as a sparring partner." Hespar replied with a chuckle.

"Why do you insist on making big flashy moves whenever you have the opportunity to do so? You'll be giving out yourself as a free kill if this is a battlefield." Hespar continued.

There's indeed a common sense behind his sentence. But to hot-blooded youngsters like them, who don't wish to have the signature move that brings them some fame?

In Hespar's opinion, the tryst might be illogical. While in his friend's point of view, Hespar was too ancient and analytical, which would make the practice boring.

If they had to find someone to blame it on, then it had to be Hespar's father, Hector.

Because he was someone holding the doctrine of foundation training too seriously, Hespar is left with little to no chance to enjoy what everyone else loved to do. But luckily, his maturity had caught up with his sense of responsibility to clearly sees what was wrong and what was not.

"The class will end here today. Gather up, everyone!" the middle-aged instructor yelled after handling the last sparring match between the trainees. And based on the words he used, the instructor seemed to have something to say.

"I supposed all of you already know about your graduation exam coming ten days later. Although some information is subject to change, your examination site will likely be in the south this time." said the instructor.

"From what I've heard, you'll likely be divided into a team of eight, which means there'll be twenty groups altogether. The available mission will be monster hunting, guarding the trading routes, scouting, or border controls."

"My advice is don't underestimate these missions. Go back and study hard, and approach people with experience on what to do for this three-day task. As this will be a team mission, you're expected to complete an additional assignment."

"That would be all from me today. Everyone should start preparing right now. We'll hear more information about your mission the closer we're to the examination date. Class is dismissed!" the instructor finished what he had to say and released them from the class.

In less than five minutes, everyone was gone from the training ground. What happened was within the instructor's expectations, considering they still had their own task to do after the class.

After all, these trainees was the child of farmers, hunters, soldiers, and merchants settling in Lavos Village. It was natural that they all had their share of responsibilities after the class ended. And those who weren't born noble were expected to provide for the family in many ways.

Even Hespar and his best friend, Paul, were no exception.

With Paul left, Hespar made his way to the locker and brought the forage sack filled with forest goods he collected before the class started. Although it had been ten years, this practice still followed him.

It allowed Hespar to have more time compared to the others. While everyone only started now, Hespar was already done and ready to make his way home. But completing this task doesn't mean Hespar can take it easy back home.

Unlike the others, Hespar had a follow-up class each day when he got home. A wooden sword was thrown at him as he pushed the door open.

"Alright, we don't have much time today. I only have thirty minutes for you before returning to my post. Just leave the sack by the kitchen and start making your move." Hector said while holding another wooden sword in his hand.

From how casual he looks, this was something they've been doing daily since Hespar is capable of wielding a sword.

The current Hector also seemed more mature than how he looked when Hespar was born. Comparing him to his previous image, the present Hector has a habit of leaving his mustache untouched to create a more reliable impression as a leader.

"Couldn't those guys on the station stay on their feet a little longer while we spar?" Hespar cheekily replied and took a proper stance while holding the wooden sword. His gaze is entirely different from back then while he was sparring against Paul.

His reason is that fighting Paul would only take half the effort to defeat the latter, but fighting his father is different. Even by giving his all, it was still a question if Hespar could land a hit on his father without getting hit in return.

And this undefeated record has been around from day one until now, and it's yet to be broken.

"Hup!" the mother came out and grabbed the sack and then glanced at the two.

"Boys..." she sighed as they looked so competitive while facing one another.