CHAPTER 154

Just as they entered the barracks.

"The Platoon Leader definitely doesn't seem normal."

Hearing such words from Rem, Encrid felt a strange sensation. Why does this guy always say things like this to him, without considering his own state?

"Is that something you should be saying?"

They joked, and despite being reprimanded, Rem smirked.

What could he possibly be happy about? Encrid disliked that smile. But what could he say, that the smile was annoying? That it made him sick? It was all pointless talk.

Encrid shrugged his shoulders.

"So, have you finished training, brother?"

Audin seemed to glow, as if he was radiating light, approaching like a bear. He seemed to be in a very good mood.

But why was he approaching with the lamp light behind him?

His gentle smile was like the one he had when he increased his weight during The Isolation Technique.

"Oh, uh. Yes."

In reality, he had added the afternoon training to the insufficient morning training.

His legs weren't trembling.

Come to think of it.

'Since when?'

Even after finishing all the training, he no longer felt like he was going to die. He could endure it.

Unless he was recklessly enduring with the Heart of the Beast activated.

While thinking about that for a moment.

"I have something to do."

Jaxon brushed past them and left.

Since returning to the unit, it seemed he spent more time outside than in the barracks.

But he seemed to be leaving a bit late today.

"Krung."

Esther was sprawled on Encrid's bed, waving a paw.

It looked like she was saying welcome.

"Yeah, I'm here."

Would anyone think he was crazy for greeting a panther?

Well, who cares.

'Trying desperately to become a Knight probably looks crazier.'

Just because he hadn't given up on his dream.

Walking a path with conviction and more than stubbornness didn't mean he lived with closed eyes and ears.

Not perfectly, but Encrid had a rough idea of how he appeared to people, especially those seeing him for the first time.

'Do I look like I'm half-crazy?'

On the surface, he seemed fine, but his actions were incomprehensible.

At least better than Rem.

It wasn't much comfort, but it was better than being crazy like him. Better than swinging an axe at a superior's head.

Rem opened his mouth as if he felt something.

"Your eyes look really disturbing."

Rem had a good sense.

"It's nothing."

Encrid avoided his gray eyes and suggested they eat.

It was time to eat and drink. They should rest when they need to rest.

"Shall we? I'll go ahead and check for seats in the dining hall."

Krais moved first. In the meantime, Encrid quickly washed himself in the barracks' bathroom.

They didn't dawdle and headed to the dining hall.

Encrid also quickly wiped himself down and left, holding Esther.

It's not a special meal, but the Border Guard's mess hall isn't bad. Of course, someone with picky tastes might dislike it.

"Is there no bread?"

Ragna said.

"With a face that looks like he eats dirt, why does he always nitpick?"

They were sitting around the table, taking up the center of the dining hall.

Everyone was busy sneaking glances at them.

Normally, their platoon wouldn't attract this much attention, even if they were known as the Madmen Platoon.

But Frog was among them.

Gurgle.

It seemed like Frog was observing Rem as he scolded Ragna.

His bulging eyes, resembling a frog's, watched the two intently.

"It's a night where I don't want to mingle with lowly barbarians."

"Hmm? You want me to feed you directly? If it's too much trouble to chew and digest, should I just put it directly into your stomach?"

As he spoke, Rem mimicked slashing his belly with the side of his hand.

They were truly a consistent bunch.

"The lamb is quite good. It's well-seasoned."

Encrid interjected just in time. Rem and Ragna were moments away from a conversation involving axes and swords in the middle of the dining hall.

"...I see."

"Is that so?"

Rem and Ragna withdrew the hostile looks they were giving each other.

Lately, it seemed like they were listening to him more, which Encrid found curious every time.

In truth, he had felt something odd before.

'Why do fights end when I intervene?'

Why could he be the Platoon leader here?

All he had done was treat them honestly and straightforwardly.

He spoke his mind, asked questions when curious.

He was direct but respectful.

That was all.

'Or maybe it's not that they're listening to me but that they're getting along better?'

It was something only Encrid felt, but recently their fights didn't feel like real fights.

They seemed to end at the point of confirming each other's skills.

Even before, though their words were harsh, they respected each other's boundaries. Now, it felt like they didn't even need to clearly define those boundaries to avoid fighting.

'It's like watching wild animals in the plains becoming friends.'

While Encrid pondered this, Frog spoke up, chewing on some salad.

"Fresh vegetables, huh? This city must be quite prosperous."

"It's more about trade than farming, so we do get fresh vegetables."

Krais responded.

Frog nodded and then spoke again.

"There seems to be a spare spot in the barracks, so I think I'll stay for a few days."

"...?"

Besides the salad, there wasn't much for Frog to eat.

They only ate insects or plants.

No one reacted to his words, puzzled by what he meant.

Even Encrid was confused.

This was Frog, a distinguished person returning from the main force. So, where was he planning to stay?

Everyone cast questioning glances.

Frog, still eating and not looking up, replied.

"I'll take the spot next to you."

No matter how others treated him, Encrid always maintained basic courtesy. After all, wasn't he the Platoon leader? Even if he appeared half-crazy to those seeing him for the first time, those who were close to him would know better.

They knew he was probably the only sane person in this Madmen Platoon.

That's why formal language came naturally to him.

Encrid assumed that the frog-like person in front of him would soon be leaving.

Frog wasn't originally part of their group.

He thought Frog had stayed to tell him he couldn't become a Knight, which seemed an unnecessary use of time.

A day had already passed, so Frog should have left by now.

It was strange for him to remain alone when the junior Knight, who was part of their group, had already left.

Of course, everyone had their suspicions.

Ragna guessed that the Frog was interested in him.

So no one asked about his staying.

Rem and the other platoon members weren't particularly interested.

If Frog wanted to stay, they just thought, 'So be it.'

"Really?"

With no need to hide his thoughts, Encrid asked directly.

An odd silence settled over the dining hall.

Only the chatter from other tables, discussing gambling, the battlefield, women, and the like, filled the air.

Encrid let these noises wash over him as he focused on Frog.

Frog shrugged and didn't say anything further.

Encrid stared at him for a while and then let it go.

To be precise, he decided to leave it be. Although it was just a feeling, Frog didn't seem hostile.

Besides, having Frog around could be helpful rather than harmful.

While it was strange for him to want to stay in the barracks, there was no reason to stop him.

"Me too, me too! I want to stay in the barracks now."

Finn also raised her hand and spoke. Her mouth was smeared with lamb seasoning, she wasn't the type to eat delicately.

She was a ranger, and expecting proper dining etiquette from someone used to living under the stars and using the night sky as a blanket was silly.

Besides, they were in a barracks. No one here bothered with formalities.

Only Frog showed any sign of refinement.

Encrid didn't know much, but he imagined that's how a noble would eat.

Moving the greens onto his plate, cutting them into small pieces, and popping them into his mouth.

Of course, Frog's eating style was unique to him, using his tongue to snap up food.

"Go ahead."

Encrid granted permission.

While they hadn't officially joined the platoon, staying in the barracks wouldn't be a problem.

'Should I report this?'

He thought he should. If they wanted to stay, they could.

Encrid pondered this while continuing to eat. The lamb seasoning was quite good.

With a subtle herbal aroma and the right amount of fat, it filled his mouth with a spicy and sweet taste.

The seasoning was really well done.

The meal was relatively pleasant compared to usual.

"Brother, today's lamb is really excellent."

Audin laughed heartily.

"You like that, huh?"

"Stop worrying about others and keep your hands busy. Oh, and that thing next to you is called a fork. If you don't know how to use it, just leave it."

Rem and Ragna were bickering, but there was no real hostility, so things were quite harmonious.

It felt like the atmosphere had been tense when he first entered the barracks.

"This is interesting. Really, none of them are normal."

Finn muttered. She was an experienced ranger.

She had encountered all sorts of people in various situations, but she had never seen a group as peculiar as this Madmen Platoon.

They were a mix of unusual skills and personalities, anything but ordinary.

Finn continued chewing her meat. The lamb today, well-marinated, was exceptional.

"But what about Andrew and Mac?"

Krais asked, chewing on his lamb.

Quick to notice, Encrid responded, recalling the sparring session he had with Andrew the previous night.

"He said he's discharging."

"What?"

Originally, Andrew was the legitimate heir of the Gardner family.

He had a duty to restore his family.

Just before leaving, what had he said?

"I learned how not to give up by watching you, so I will do the same. We'll meet again under the name of Gardner."

His tone was confident.

His eyes showed eagerness.

His demeanor was full of certainty.

Encrid had agreed. That night, Andrew and Mac left the unit.

It was Encrid's responsibility to report it.

The Fairy Company Commander took it lightly.

"If you're sad about the reduced numbers, I'll fill the ranks for you, Platoon Leader."

When she made that offer, Encrid shook his head.

The title of independent platoon sounded good, but accepting just anyone would be unsustainable.

Only someone like Andrew would make a difference.

'I've heard that the previous Squad leaders also didn't last long.'

Rather than increasing numbers unnecessarily, it was better to maintain the current situation if there were no issues.

"We're fine."

He politely declined, and the Fairy Company Commander joked about joining herself.

Encrid had politely refused and left the room.

Pushing aside the memories of last night, Encrid continued.

"They're not coming back, and the formation will remain as it is for now."

"Ah, okay."

Krais seemed to understand and let it pass.

"What? One of my toys left without saying a word to me?"

Rem suddenly stood up.

"Um?"

"I'm going to check on something."

With that, Rem stormed out.

"I'm sleepy, so I'm leaving."

Ragna also got up as soon as he finished his meal.

"It's time for prayer."

Audin left as well.

Encrid finished the remaining food, washed it down with cheap tea from the mess hall, and headed outside.

As he started walking towards the training grounds instead of the barracks, Frog asked from behind.

"Where are you going?"

Encrid answered indifferently, "There's still training left."

It was now time for the evening training session.

Frog, hearing this, stopped in his tracks for the first time.

"You're going to train again?"

For the first time since meeting Encrid, Frog sounded somewhat surprised.

"Of course."

Encrid remained indifferent, regardless of whether Frog stayed or left, or whatever happened.

Whether people said he couldn't become a Knight or not.

Work needed to be done, and he would do it.

Putting off today's work for tomorrow?

Encrid wasn't that kind of person.

In fact, he was the kind of person who would even pull tomorrow's tasks into today, a kind of madness in itself.

'This guy is the craziest of them all.'

Frog thought to himself.

The 'Madmen Platoon' indeed, and this guy seemed the craziest of them all.

While Encrid believed he was the most sane, that was merely his own perspective.

The views of others were very, quite, significantly different.

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