"Commander." Shale was finally released from the commander's ability. He kept glancing at the entrance where the kids had left.
They had taken the second option, so they had to get stronger as quickly as possible to avenge Noel.
Meanwhile, Shale didn't understand why the commander did this and demanded an explanation.
The commander shook his head. "That's the only way for them to get stronger. Noel hasn't died."
"But…" Shale suddenly fell silent. The news about Noel's death had reached his ears, so it confused him to hear those words from the commander. It seemed that there was another conspiracy in this matter, which was something he didn't want to get involved in.
"I know your concern, but this is for the best. The kids have a lot of motivation, but that's not enough.
"There are only some ways for those kids to survive in this harsh world. I'm sure you know it too, Shale."
Shale looked down, understanding those words. He couldn't help but recount his past.
If there was only one kid, their survival chance would be higher. But there were a lot of kids in that group. If they wanted to survive as a group, they had to get stronger fast so that they wouldn't be taken advantage of by others and end up getting killed in a plot. They might even get enslaved.
So, the commander fueled them with hatred so that they could get stronger as quickly as possible.
But what he didn't understand was the fact that the commander forbade them from entering the barrack. After all, it was the best place to train.
"It seems that you don't understand why I give them the second option." The commander made a small smile as if understanding his confusion. "There are three reasons for it. First of all, they don't belong here.
"The moment the new apprentice knights come, there is bound to be a conflict of interest between them. No matter how talented the kids are, I am still the commander of the Demon Banner Army.
"I have to put the interest of the army as a priority. So, I have to chase them away.
"The second reason is about their instructor. Don't forget that you are going to return to your squad soon, Shale."
"Ah!" Shale widened his eyes in surprise, forgetting about this important matter. He didn't forget about going to his squad. Instead, he actually forgot who would be taking over as an instructor. "That gorilla…"
"Yeah. He will be coming as the instructor. The kids' sword… dance? Yeah, that. They are not compatible with his rough training. His training focuses solely on the body, while the kids emphasize their footwork and swordsmanship, so letting him oversee the kids will only give the opposite effect."
The second reason alone was enough to convince Shale what his commander did was correct.
But he still had one reason left.
The commander raised his finger. "The third reason is the most important. What do you think is the most expensive thing in the world?"
"Hmm?" Shale tilted his head for a moment before answering, "Strength? Or maybe treasure?"
"No. With enough money, you can still buy them. The most expensive thing in this world is freedom. You can't buy it no matter how much money you have.
"The freedom to do anything you want, the freedom to gain happiness, the freedom to be with your loved one…
"In this cruel world, there are various forces that will restrict your freedom. Even your in-law can easily restrict your freedom to be with their son or daughter.
"Yeah. Those kids are free. I don't want them to get entangled in this situation…at least not now. So, it's better to let them stay there."
"I see." Shale nodded in understanding. He never thought that the commander would put so much effort into that kid.
But he didn't forget to add in a low voice, "Of course, everything is paid by Noel's contribution points. He has told me to take care of them anyway."
"…" Shale's eyebrows twitched. More than half of the respect he had just given to the commander was gone.
…
"That's what happened…" Erica told him the story until the kids left.
But from the story alone, Noel could somehow understand why the commander chased them away.
Though, he didn't explain it to them since it wasn't important.
Erica was wiping off the tears while saying with a shaking voice. "I thought that… big brother… hmmh… *sob*…"
Erica couldn't continue as she was crying because she couldn't imagine what they would do if Noel truly died.
She remembered how much they cried after that day. They were completely devastated.
They never cried as much as they did that day. Even when they were bullied in the slum, they were never that sad.
Noel was their savior, the one that pulled them from the darkness. So, his death hit them hard.
The kids couldn't help but come to Noel, hugging him and refusing to let go. They didn't want to lose him anymore.
Rose, who was watching the entire situation unfold, smiled. She had heard the story about them, but it seemed that Noel still underestimated the bond between them.
She remained silent in the distance because she didn't want to disturb their reunion.
The kids were crying all the time while Noel tried to calm them down.
They were also telling the story of how they overcame his death. Eric, as the leader, had fulfilled his role.
He was the first one to hide his sadness and became stronger for the group. He tried to calm them down, but the hardest one was Erica.
Erica had a similar ability to Noel in terms of leadership, so Noel had taught her the most. They could say their relationship was the best in the group.
So, she was the last one to overcome her sadness and finally had the will to get stronger to avenge Noel.
Now that they found out Noel was still alive, they had to figure out what they were going to do after this.
