Chapter 55: Trials Of Mind And Body

    Laris snorted, glancing at Esten. "Complaints won''t get you far, Flanker. The Emperor doesn''t care for excuses... only results." His gaze shifted to the woods. "But... I have a feeling there''s more to this than just another grueling exercise."

    Kael raised an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"

    "I heard rumors," Laris said, his tone dropping. "About what he did with the church in the western district. Apparently, he used some sort of divine miracle to improve it somehow and even built a statue for a goddess up front. Maybe he''s planning something similar for us."

    Esten''s smirk widened. "You think he''s going to build some fancy training structure out here? In the middle of nowhere?"

    "Why not?" Laris countered. "The Emperor doesn''t do anything without purpose. If he brought us this far, there''s a reason for it."

    Kael nodded thoughtfully. "It would explain why he emphasized those endurance drills so much. Whatever he''s planning, we''ll need every ounce of strength to face it."

    The three continued their speculation as the soldiers behind them exchanged murmurs of their own.

    Farther back in the formation, Lionel marched with resolve in his steps. The young knight had sandy blond hair that curled slightly at the ends, and his bright blue eyes were filled with a look of anxiety and resolve.

    His youthful face, free of scars, was very different when compared to the grizzled veterans around him. He clutched his sword tightly, his knuckles white, as he thought to himself, ''This time, I''ll prove my worth. Maybe... just maybe, the Emperor will notice me and praise my efforts.''

    Beside him stood Darian, his hazel eyes glinting with amusement as he observed Lionel''s tense posture.

    "Ease up, kid," Darian said, giving Lionel a light nudge with his elbow. "You look like you''re about to charge into a battlefield."

    Lionel blinked, startled out of his thoughts. "I-I just want to do my best," he stammered, glancing at Darian nervously.

    Darian chuckled, teasing him. "Relax. You''ll have plenty of chances to impress His Majesty. Just don''t trip over your own feet in the process."

    Lionel frowned but nodded, trying to force himself to relax as Darian''s smirk widened.

    Behind the playful teasing, Darian''s sharp eyes calmly looked around the woods. Though he feigned nonchalance, there was a touch of unease in his expression.

    ''The Emperor always has something up his sleeve,'' Darian thought to himself. ''I just hope this "training" doesn''t end with half of us regretting we ever joined.''

    ...

    Ahead of the troops, Arkanos rode a majestic white horse, its sleek coat gleaming in the morning sun. His gloved hands firmly gripped the reins as the clopping of hooves against the dirt echoed through the quiet forest. His piercing gaze scanned the terrain ahead, but his mind wandered elsewhere.

    In his thoughts, he reached out to the system.

    ''Open options menu,'' he commanded silently.

    A green translucent screen materialized before his eyes.

    ? ? Options Menu ? ?

    Upgrade Points Available: 911,334

    Shop

    Inventory

    Territory Status

    Status Window

    Relationships

    Gacha Pool

    Hall of Fame and Achievements

    Build Structure (custom blueprint option available)

    Narrow paths

    Elevated ambush points

    Current Cost: 120,000 Upgrade Points.

    Continue adding features?

    Arkanos nodded to himself. ''Include a water zone with fast currents, narrow crossings, and underwater traps. Add a mountain zone with steep cliffs, rolling boulders, and freezing winds.''

    ? ? Zone 3: Water Terrain ? ?

    Features Added:

    Rapid currents

    Underwater traps

    Treacherous crossings

    ? ? Zone 4: Mountain Terrain ? ?

    Features Added:

    Steep cliffs

    Rolling boulders

    Environmental hazards: Low temperatures and high winds

    Current Cost: 140,000 Upgrade Points.

    Continue adding features?

    Arkanos smirked. ''Add a central chamber. The final challenge: an arena where knights face a series of elite combat dummies. Make it so the walls collapse once the challenges are cleared, revealing an escape route.''

    ? ? Central Chamber: Combat Arena ? ?

    Features Added:

    Elite combat dummies

    Summoned beasts

    Dynamic terrain: Collapsible walls

    Final Cost: 150,000 Upgrade Points.

    ? ? Notice: A necessary clearing must exist before construction can begin. Please ensure that the area is prepared for the structure. ? ?

    Arkanos glanced around, eyes scanning the dense forest. He narrowed his gaze as he assessed the terrain. The trees were thick, the underbrush dense with brambles and vines, but it seemed passable.

    "This should work," he muttered to himself. "I''ll clear the area here."

    He suddenly stopped his horse, its hooves skidding slightly on the dirt as he reined it in. With a firm grip on the reins, Arkanos dismounted, landing lightly on the forest floor.

    Behind him, Seraphine, who had been walking beside him, froze at the sudden halt.

    "All knights, halt!" she called out sharply, her voice cutting through the air. The soldiers obeyed immediately, falling silent and still, their eyes trained on their commander.

    Seraphine looked to Arkanos, a slight frown on her face as she approached him. "What are your plans for us today, my Lord?" she asked.