CH 17

So much had changed after that training day. The cavalrymen no longer treated Sunhyuk as a Stranger, rather accepting him wholly as a comrade.

"You call it a debt, but isn't it patronage when it's all said and done? The fact that you're reluctant in receiving this aid is incomprehensible."

After I had openly explained the reasons as to why I was reluctant in displaying my strength, Clarke shook his head.

"Whether it's patronage or debt or whatever, I'll have to refuse. I'm content in my current position."

"Since the patronage of the Kingdom was in truth a virtuous loan with unconditional commitment, service and loyalty. By carelessly receiving their aid and proposal, he could be bound by the Kingdom for however long.

"Well, if that's what you think."

Clarke didn't understand, but he respected Sunhyuk's opinions. And then he proposed another suggestion.

"However, you cannot keep it hidden forever. Who knows what will happen in a battlefield?" "I know."

Sunhyuk also knew that in order to pay off his current contribution, he had to achieve results and contributions in the battlefield. But the battlefield wasn't a place where a person like him should keep his strength hidden and struggle with other novices like him. Due to that truth, his head started hurting.

"Since you can't hide it anyway, why not show that strength to a trustworthy person and request for help?"

Sometimes, sharing a secret could solidify and strengthen a relationship even more. This was precisely the case. With Jonathan coming forth and proposing this suggestion seriously, Sunhyuk thought deeply.

"Who?" "Our Ahjussi."

Wondering what the heck they were talking about, after listening to the conversation for a bit, he soon realized the identity of the Ahjussi.

"We're talking about Frederik. Frederik. That Ahjussi is a highly influential person. If he were to know of your ability, he'll probably do whatever he can to support you and secure his own promotion.

Jonathan spoke as he explained.

"Don't worry about this secret leaking. Rather, that Ahjussi will do whatever he can to prevent that. Since he wouldn't want a unique sword he just obtained to be stolen by another, before he could even wield it.

Their explanation was certainly logical. If the truth about the strength of a Dragon Rider was vastly different to the current Rank he was assigned, it would be the royalty that would seek him first. The Lieutenant Colonel, who's silently waiting for the opportunity to achieve results in the battlefield, would not allow his weapon to be stolen or known.

"Let's think about it a bit more. It's not a situation where a decision needs to be made immediately."

Listening to all of the conversation quietly, Sunhyuk had a strange feeling. It wasn't his job, but the appearances of the cavalrymen formed in his head.

"What are you staring at with a face like that? Don't forget that the longer you stay with us, the more opportunities you'll have to be recognized in the battlefield." "Especially with that reckless charging of yours, you could aggressively and effectively utilize your skills." "If you take care of the strong ones in the front, then what remains for us, who are following you in the back, will have it easier."

The burly men were honestly expressing their true feelings, though the words were kind of clumsy and blunt. However, even he couldn't hide the warmth that he felt as Sunhyuk stopped pondering and laughed in the end.

***

Training continued, and now the cavalrymen were no longer surprised by Sunhyuk's powerful charge. They knew better than anyone else how to effectively use this mighty Spearhead, and adapted accordingly to their ability.

"Hmm. It's good for me since I don't have to waste my horse's stamina as much, but it's getting a bit awkward trying to charge now."

With how much space and momentum that Sunhyuk created in the front, it felt unfamiliar to those in the back, and thus having a difficult time adapting. However, it wasn't like they disliked this. Since it was not too tiring for them to overcome the winds, and push their bodies in order to maintain the canter required for the assault.

As such, they quickly became stronger including Sunhyuk.

[Kim Sunhyuk] [Level 4] [Dragon Rider] [Possessed Attributes] Wind / Attribute Expertise 64 Wind Fang [Strength 23 / Endurance 22 / Agility 25 / Magic Resistance 33 ] [Possessed Skills] << Dragon Taming >> << Dragon Riding >> << Charging (Wind) >> << Attribute Weaponry (Basic) >> << Advanced Horsemanship >> Advanced Horsemanship + Charging = Overbearing Charging (Wind) << Standard Kingdom Spearmanship (Intermediate)(Wind) ←→ Standard Kingdom Mounted Spearmanship Skill (Intermediate) (Wind).] << Standard Kingdom Swordsmanship (Basic) ←→ Standard Kingdom Mounted Swordsmanship Skill (Basic) (Wind) >> << Heavy Armor Maneuvers (30kg) ←→ Heavy Cavalry Maneuvers (65kg) >> << Infantry Shield Skill (Intermediate) ←→ Cavalry Shield Skill (Intermediate) >> << Advanced Work Skills (Civil Engineering) >>

The Statuses that he had now, compared to what he possessed when he was first dispatched to the 24th Regiment, was incomparable. And with his endless repetitive training, his attribute's aura soon began to surround the entire cavalry, making him wonder how much power he could wield with another Dragon Rider's skill.

"At this rate, I'll probably hit max level just from grinding?"

Despite having never experienced an actual battle, it was alarming at how much growth he had went through. It wasn't bad however, as the time will come when he will have to step into the light.

But he also knew that it would be impossible. In order to repay his debt, he had to achieve high results in the battlefield. There was no reason why he could not.

"Dispatch."

The dispatch command was relayed, causing Sunhyuk to freeze on the spot for a moment despite knowing this day would arrive.

"This time, Sunhyuk, you're included."

Despite the cavalry knowing how incongruous wars were to Strangers within the other world, they did not console him. In order to survive in this world, there seems to exist a test that one must pass through.

"The exact date and time of the dispatch will be relayed later, but we will be given ample time to prepare. Until then, keep your body and concentration to the highest level."

From Clarke's order, Sunhyuk quietly began to organize his equipment.

***

"Now what do we do?"

It wasn't just the heavy cavalry that was dispatched it seems. Jungtae and Soohong's faces were pale, realizing, with a sense of foreboding, what awaited them.

"I knew it was something that we had to experience one way or another, but it feels like I really might die." "Hyung, I'm so scared to death as well. Our heavy infantry will be marching at the forefront."

Amongst the Strangers, Soohong was the most scared out of his wits, as he is the youngest. Well, it wasn't an exaggeration. They were living a peaceful and comfortable life, while now they were suddenly thrown into the battlefield with their lives on the line.

"It must be great for you. It was said that usually the cavalry will just maintain position and not even participate in the battlefield at times." "That's correct. Since the cavalry are so highly valued and expensive to train, they can't send them out recklessly."

But why are they sending shots at him? Sunhyuk looked at them blankly and did not reply.

"Damn. Why the hell did I end up in this shitty place!"

Sunhyuk couldn't help but sigh watching Jungtae that used to brag and boast about improving his abilities, and even advancing into the Intermediate rank, now he's complaining and swearing like this.

"How about the others?" "You're asking because you don't know? The whole atmosphere is in chaos. For instance, if the infantrymen are dispatched, at least 3 out of 10 will die. Don't you think you'd be scared out of your wits as well?"

Looking at him, it seems he wasn't in a rational state to talk. As such, Sunhyuk rose from his seat.

"Where are you going?" "Organizing my equipment and my horse. Since I'm a beginner, it takes me quite a long time."

Making a reasonable excuse, Soohong intervened and asked.

"Hyung, you're not scared? You could die?"

In order to quiet the frightened young boy, Sunhyuk replied.

"I'm scared. I'm scared to death. If I could, I would want to rather escape and leave." "Then, should we really run away? If we were to escape to an unknown place and live quietly…"

Soohong was not in his right mind, as even he didn't realize what he was purporting to.

"You little bastard, don't you know that desertion results in execution!"

Seeing the hysterical, pale face of Jungtae, Sunhyuk settled him down.

"There's no one nearby. Don't worry."

Being already used to borrowing the attribute's power, he realized this fact by listening to the nearby surroundings with his ears.

"Let's return and prepare our own equipment. Since it'll be several times more productive to keep ourselves prepared and ready, than prolongedly worrying frantically about doing nothing."

Soohong and Jungtae that had expected consolation instead stared at him with their eyes wide open.

"What did you expect? Did you think we would live adequately like in the other world, promote and kill time comfortably? Wake up! This damned Kingdom will do whatever it takes to squeeze us dry in order to take back the value of patronage they have given to us."

Although he had no experience, but after directly encountering the higher nobles, that was what he thought. Actually, this barbaric world would probably be even more excessive.

"So stop whining and do whatever you can to survive. Since nothing will change by complaining here."

"How could Sunhyuk Hyung do this to us…" "That bastard, he's thinking that the cavalry won't participate. Considering how he didn't even receive treatment of a cavalrymen…"

It felt good hearing their complaints through the wind. Although he briefly talked with them, he was already starting to get tired of them.

"Whew."

After letting out a sigh and wandering around the outskirts of the barracks for some time, he entered.

Despite the battlefield closing in, these guys were still sleeping soundly. Sunhyuk, who was somewhat reluctant, walked to his sleeping quarters only to find Jonathan on top of his bed.

"Anyways, If you consider how it might be his last days, he might very well end up asking me to take his innocence…" "Seeing how you're spewing bullshit, he's not in a situation where he needs to whine like the other Strangers. Anyhow, the gifted are born talented." "Ah, have you heard?" "No, I just heard it while I was passing by. Don't worry. Although desertion is an execution, as your comrades, we'll pretend we haven't heard of it."

Despite those threatening words, seeing how unfazed they were, he could feel how tough and rough they have lived up to this point.

"The Sergeant is currently heading to the Lieutenant Colonel's tent. Because of you." "Because of me?"

Sunhyuk turned his head slightly to the side wondering what was he talking about, in which case Jonathan continued.

"No matter how I look at it, it seems the Sergeant is set on having you as the Spearhead."

He had thought it was realistic, in that he would not be assuming the Spearhead position until he had accumulated some more experience, but it didn't seem to be so.

"I know what you're thinking. We also thought in the beginning that you should stay in the back until you had accumulated some experience. However, the situation has changed."

For some reason, Jonathan's expression felt heavy as he looked around quickly before lowering his voice.

"There's a rumor that there are nasty bastards on their side." "Nasty bastards?"

It was not Jonathan that answered his question.

"It's not a rumor. It's the truth. There are witnesses that reported the Sastane [1] Cavalry, famed for annihilating other cavalry, have been seen on our borders."

Clarke, who had finished his errand, came in and spoke.

"That's why we need your strength."

TL Afterword: 

Calvis: Ooh, I can't wait. An actual battle against some tough looking opponents.

TL Note: [1] Sastein Cavalry is now Sastane Cavalry

Notice: After reviewing my translating speed and discussing with my staff, I decided to release both Green Skin and Dragon Poor daily. I hope that this will compensate for the lack of releases in the past, and also allow you readers to enjoy these novels more. Thank you.

PR Afterword:

Sai101: Ahh - such is life; talkers gona talk & when gameday is here - drop nuts!

BM: I want to see the tactics of the Sastane Cavalry that makes it so special and unique…

Translator: Calvis Proofreader: Sai101,Borderline Masochist