The Genius Archer Who Became a One-Man Army

Chapter 9

Those who possess powers beyond human limits through extreme training share one commonality.

They utilize a special power that permeates nature, known by various names.

Knights call it aura, mages refer to it as magic, and in the distant, unknown lands of the East, it is sometimes called ki (氣).

Regardless, once humans surpass their physical limits, they naturally come to harness the forces of nature.

However, there is a more efficient way to wield this power, known as the magic cultivation method.

The first appearance of the magic cultivation method dates back several millennia, to an indistinctly ancient time.

Some say it was created by dragons, while others attribute it to a genius mage.

What is crucial is that over time, it has been modified in various ways, resulting in numerous forms of magic cultivation methods.

In the Kingdom of Artian, many such methods existed.

Each family developed and maintained their own as a secret, and over time, they were graded for their efficiency and stability.

However, these methods were considered the greatest of secrets, precious enough to be learned only by the heirs who carried on the family tradition.

‘But…’

Seven years from now, an unbelievable method that achieves the highest efficiency will be created.

And it will be developed by an ordinary academy student, a genius.

“No one thought to combine two cultivation methods into one.”

Lian, having finished his tasks and returned to the training ground, unpacked and went out.

There was a mountain of things he needed to do.

“I have to do something about this wretched body first.”

Lian started running lightly around the training ground, observing the soldiers there.

‘Diligent guys.’

Typically, after a long journey, no one comes out to the training ground.

This means that those training here are likely to achieve great things in the future.

‘Come to think of it, I don’t know much about the Eagle Company.’

In his past life, the company was disbanded after a crushing defeat at the Battle of Pellon Gorge.

The surviving soldiers and officers were reassigned to other units.

“Huff… huff…”

As Lian ran around the training ground, he laughed in disbelief.

After only two laps, he was already out of breath.

‘What was I thinking when I enlisted in the army?’

Looking back, it seemed like a thoughtless decision driven by the desire to become a great general.

Though at that time, there were few options other than enlisting.

“Alright, let’s get serious now.”

Lian slapped his cheeks lightly, resolving to focus.

‘This training method is too inefficient.’

Running around the training ground all day to build stamina, carrying heavy logs or sacks of flour to build strength.

While not ineffective, there are better ways.

Lian looked at a flag in the distance.

It was about twenty meters away?

He adjusted his stance, eyeing the flags placed at regular intervals.

“That should do.”

He started running slowly to the first flag, emphasizing not walking but running, even at a slow pace.

As soon as he passed the first flag,

“Hup!”

*Pavavavavavat!*

Lian held his breath and sprinted at his maximum speed.

*Pua!*

After passing the second flag, he slowed down to a very slow pace again.

And he repeated this.

This method effectively builds stamina and provides an advantage on the battlefield where explosive power is required.

Moreover, it’s highly efficient, achieving significant training results in a short time. Ten years from now, it will be mandatory in all units.

But before reaching the tenth flag, Lian suddenly felt nauseous and ran to the tree by the wall.

“Ugh-!”

Was the initial training too intense? Or was his body just too weak to endure even this level of intensity?

After vomiting up everything he had eaten that morning, Lian finally regained his composure and collapsed on the ground.

“Wow… really?”

He felt dizzy.

He didn’t expect his stamina to be this poor.

No wonder he struggled for breath climbing that hill during the Battle of Pellon Gorge.

“Geez, in the past, I would have sprinted up in one go.”

Lian wiped his mouth with his sleeve and stood up.

“Excuse me…”

But then, someone approached him, speaking cautiously.

Lian turned his head.

“Who?”

“Sorry to interrupt your training. I’m Isaac.”

“Isaac?”

That name sounded familiar.

Lian furrowed his brow in thought, but Isaac asked,

“That training you were doing just now. What is it?”

‘Isaac… Isaac… It feels familiar…’

Lian narrowed his eyes at Isaac, who looked slightly bewildered.

“Um…?”

“Isaac… Isaac?”

Lian’s eyes widened.

“Isaac Peet?”

“No, sorry, I don’t have a surname. I’m a commoner.”

Lian paused, looking closely at his face.

‘No, my eyes aren’t as bad as a dead fish’s…’

He could be sure.

This guy standing before him.

Isaac Peet, the youngest aura user in the Kingdom of Artian.

Lian swallowed hard and asked,

“C-could you tell me your age?”

“Thirteen.”

‘One year younger than me.’

It all fits.

Lian felt a chill run through his body.

There’s one reason Lian remembers Isaac so vividly.

When Lian’s unit was in a dire situation due to a failed mission, the reinforcements were led by Isaac’s unit.

The clear blue aura he saw back then.

And the incredible prowess, as if straight out of a novel.

Despite being only a year apart, the difference in their abilities was like heaven and earth.

Lian stared at Isaac blankly. Then, suddenly grabbing his hand, he said,

“Thank you so much.”

“…Huh?”

It was a gratitude to the one who saved his life in the past, and whom he admired.

Lian then smiled and asked,

“Right, what was your question?”

“The training you were doing. I’m curious about it.”

“Ah, it doesn’t have a specific name. You keep a certain distance and…”

Lian explained the training he was doing. Isaac listened with a surprised expression and said,

“Wow… That’s impressive. Did you come up with this training?”

“Huh? Oh… No, my father was a training instructor in our village. I learned it from him.”

“You have an amazing father! That’s incredible!”

Lian felt a pang of guilt towards his deceased father but found this excuse fitting.

“Would you like to train together?” Lian asked.

“Can I join you?” Isaac replied.

“Of course, comrades should stick together,” Lian emphasized the word ‘comrades.’

Isaac nodded at Lian’s words.

“My name is Isaac. I’m 13 years old and part of the 1st Platoon, 1st Squad.”

“I’m Lian. I’m 14 and in 3rd Platoon, 4th Squad.”

“3rd Platoon, 4th Squad? Is that where Squad Leader Bark is?”

“Is he famous?”

“For having a terrible temper?”

“Hehe, anyway, nice to meet you.”

“So, you’re a year older than me?”

“Age doesn’t matter between comrades. Just be casual.”

Lian lightly stretched his shoulders and started bouncing on the spot.

“Did you warm up enough? This is pretty intense. You saw me throw up, right?”

“I’m ready. Let’s get started.”

Their first meeting went like that, and Lian and Isaac continued training together until late.

* * *

“Lian, the battalion commander is calling for you!”

“Yes, sir!”

Lian replied loudly to Lieutenant Derek, fully aware of the significance of this summons.

After following Derek to the designated location and waiting for a while,

“The battalion commander is here!”

At a soldier’s announcement, everyone turned their attention to the entrance.

A man walked in.

The commander of the 3rd Battalion of the 6th Corps, Ulthorn Diang.

With streaks of white in his hair, Ulthorn glanced at the officers and soldiers.

“Thank you for returning alive.”

His first words were an acknowledgment of their survival rather than congratulating their achievements, appreciating his soldiers who returned from war.

At his words, Captain Raymond and the platoon leaders pressed their lips together, looking moved.

With a faint smile, Ulthorn continued,

“The achievements you made in this battle are enormous. Not only did you survive the ambush by the beastmen who aimed to cut off our supplies, but you also annihilated them. Such deeds cannot be praised with mere words.”

He glanced at a soldier beside him.

The assistant unrolled a scroll and began reading.

“Eagle Company, Captain Raymond. Step forward!”

“Sir!”

“Due to your exceptional leadership during the battle at Pellon Gorge, where you annihilated over 500 beastmen and perfectly executed the supply mission, you have set an example for other commanders. You are hereby promoted by one rank, awarded 30 gold coins, and a medal.”

“Thank you, sir!”

*Clap clap clap clap clap clap-!*

Everyone present applauded Raymond’s achievement.

Following this, the commendations continued.

Each platoon leader received rewards, especially those who performed reconnaissance missions, receiving considerable rewards.

Tauran, who led the scouting party that discovered the beastmen, was granted a leave, a rank promotion, and a reward.

*Clap clap clap clap-!*

Tauhan smiled lightly at Lian as he returned to his seat. Lian smiled back in response.

“Finally, recruit Lian! Step forward!”

“Sir!”

As Lian stepped forward, Ulthorn looked at him with an intrigued smile.

Could this small recruit really have accomplished such feats?

“Lian! With your outstanding archery skills, you killed the beastman officer in charge of the rear and greatly contributed to killing Karouldin, the beastman army’s commander and aura user. You are hereby promoted by three ranks, appointed as a squad leader, awarded a 15-day leave, 15 gold coins, and a bow crafted by the artisan Paula!”

A soldier holding a long, rectangular box stepped forward and handed it to Lian.

“We expect great things from you in the future.”

“Thank you, sir!”

Lian responded loudly, shaking Ulthorn’s hand.

Returning to the barracks with the large box, Lian opened it carefully.

“Wow…”

The dark mahogany bow was made of high-quality materials, evident at a glance.

‘This is better than what I used before…’

As Lian admired the bow, Derek entered the barracks.

“Do you like it?”

“Ah, Lieutenant! I love it!”

“Captain Raymond made sure to highlight your contributions in his report. That’s probably why you received such a special reward.”

“Captain Raymond did?”

“Congratulations. By the way, the entire Eagle Company has been granted a 3-day leave. If you want, you can extend it with your reward leave.”

“I’d like that very much!”

Even 3 days felt too short. There were things Lian needed to do during this leave.

Derek nodded.

“I’ll report it. By the way, you’ve been promoted to squad leader, so you might be transferred to the 6th Platoon, which is short on members.”

“…I see.”

Lian felt a bit downhearted.

He had grown fond of the 3rd Platoon and its leader, so the thought of leaving was disappointing.

But then, an idea struck him.

“Lieutenant, can I choose my squad members?”

“Hmm… Not all of them, but you might be able to choose a few. Of course, the soldiers’ opinions also matter.”

“Understood.”

“Do you have someone in mind? You haven’t been here long.”

Derek asked, and Lian replied,

“There’s definitely someone I want to bring along.”

A particular face came to Lian’s mind, and a small smile tugged at his lips.