Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 173

Chapter 173

For a full three weeks, the recruitment of female soldiers in the Maclaine territory continued. However, at some point, the number of applicants ceased to increase, inciting anxiety among those who had signed up earlier. Each applicant, having their own circumstances, eagerly gathered to discuss the situation in detail.

“The food is good, but… surely they’re not going to end it like this, right?” Cassandra voiced her unease, and all around her glared as if to silence her unwanted opinion. However, no one dared to speak up.

Throughout the three weeks of training and barracks life, most of the recruits had learned of Cassandra’s surprising strength, contrary to her delicate appearance. No one wished to provoke the muscular woman capable of effortlessly hefting a rock half her own size.

Yet, the only one clinging to Cassandra’s side—a girl with round features and a cute appearance—nagged her with stomping feet. “Sister, you shouldn’t say things like that! What if it really happens? I already received my monthly salary in advance!”

“Ah, Evelyn, sorry. It’s just that I’m nervous…”

“Anyhow, I won’t leave even if they tell me to. I’m going to hold out here no matter what. The food is good and… eek, don’t pull on my cheeks! I’m telling you, I’m not a child!”

Seeing Evelyn cross her arms and pout amused Cassandra so much that she couldn’t help but smile. This girl reminded her of her younger sister back home, which made the wait slightly less tedious.

“…Well, they are nobles after all; they should keep their word. Especially if they are famous.” As Cassandra consoled herself with this thought, another announcement filled the air.

“Everyone to the training field! Sir Ailen Floyd has arrived.”

* * *

“Nice to meet you all. I am Ailen Floyd, your future supervisor and chief instructor.”

As soon as Ailen finished speaking, whispers of disbelief erupted among the recruits.

“Wow, how can someone so pretty be a knight?”

“Is that even possible?”

“No way!”

While the general applicants murmured among themselves, Cassandra felt a chilling intuition about this petite and pretty woman. She felt more tense than when she had encountered a hungry bear behind the mountains—it was clear. A true knight.

Years ago, the knights who visited her village didn’t project such an aura of authority. As tension filled her, Ailen continued.

“It seems many of you don’t know me or have only heard vague rumors and are feeling anxious. So I’ll show you directly.”

With a swish, Ailen unsheathed a blue-bladed sword that emanated an extraordinary flame.

Forcefire.

A dazzling and powerful display of martial prowess that went beyond merely enhancing weapons with force, it showed off the overflowing power to onlookers. It was a technique rarely used in battle due to its inefficiency but perfectly suited for demonstrating one’s capabilities. It was a skill known only to high-ranking knights, though none present recognized it as such.

“Wow…”

Cassandra, like the rest, was left in awe.

“I believe any anxiety has been dispelled at this moment. If you don’t know what this is then…”

With a single swing, Ailen sliced through the solid stone dais easily.

“Woah!”

“Trust what you have seen with your own eyes—that I am the person who will make you strong. Do any of you doubt this?”

“No!”

“Good, then let’s begin the first training immediately. Instructors, front and center.”

“Onward!”

“Run!”

With quick commands, the instructors at the foot of the stage began to run, followed by the scrambling recruits. Uncoordinated and chaotic, this marked the beginning of what would become the prestigious Maclaine female troops.

* * *

“Huff…”

For Cassandra, following the instructors at a run wasn’t overly challenging due to her superior strength and stamina. Even as she ran, her thoughts were elsewhere.

‘What if I had been a noble, trained properly in swordsmanship—could I have done that?’

She couldn’t help but envy the female knight who had seemingly achieved the ideal life at a similar age. And she wanted the same for herself.

‘I can do it too!’

That was why she was here. Watching the knight demonstrate her prowess reassured Cassandra she had made the right choice. She should not be far behind in talent if she has come so far purely through hard labor.

‘You just need to work hard. That’s all it takes.’

With a renewed resolve, she kept running when suddenly she’s approached by the knight.

“Did you have any special training?”

“Wha?!”

“Sorry for scaring you. Just breathe slowly. Yes, exactly like that.”

Gasping, Cassandra looked at the knight who had come up beside her.

“Training?”

“Yes. Your physique and muscles suggest you’ve had proper training. You seem talented.”

“No, I haven’t. Just… farming. Huff…”

Embarrassed, Cassandra blushed at the knight’s sincere compliment. Her 180cm frame, broad shoulders, and defined muscles, usually a subject of mockery…

“Do I really have talent?”

“Certainly! If you’ve attained this physique without special training, you indeed have incredible potential. I’m looking forward to seeing how you develop. What’s your name?”

“Cassandra. Huff…”

“Alright, Cassandra. Soon our territory will gain another knight. Keep working hard.”

“Yes!”

Cassandra couldn’t contain her enthusiasm, breathing harder at the exchange. The knight gave her a supportive pat on the shoulder and moved on, her breath steady even while dashing around in full armor—a true mark of an advanced knight.

Cassandra’s eyes shone brighter than before at the prospect of achieving such mastery.

‘I will become just like that.’

While Cassandra eagerly pursued the instructors at the front of the column, not everyone could keep up with the demanding pace. Evelyn, near the back, was forcing her legs to move with great difficulty, feeling like she’d reached her limit within minutes, but she wouldn’t stop.

‘I can’t fall. I’ve been able to eat well these past weeks, my body can handle it.’

They had already advanced her salary—failing and returning it was not an option.

‘I’m the hope for our home.’