Bloodhound’s Regression Instinct

Chapter 152

In the grand hall, Werner began by introducing those who had been awaiting their arrival. His finger first pointed to an elven pair.

“These are the third and fourth disciples of Electus, the commander of the Seventh Legion. Their names are Henry and Loen.”

Yan’s eyes sparkled with recognition.

He had known them even before his regression.

Among the disciples of the Radiant Sword Electus, the top five were not humans but elves, all inheritors of the White Radiant Sword, the only beings the skeptical Electus somewhat trusted.

Both, true to their elven heritage, possessed exceptional beauty. Henry, the third disciple, harbored a madness akin to the past Cruel, despite his beautiful appearance.

‘Considering he’s as consumed by magic as Cruel was, that says it all.’

Loen, the fourth disciple, wore a cold expression, her face impassive.

She reminded Yan of Lorena from the early days of the training center, only more desolate.

Next introduced were men with tanned skin.

“These are the consorts of Aisha von Lüpenhagen, commander of the Third Legion. Their names are Karam and Darkin.”

At a glance, their physiques suggested immense strength, their muscles packed tightly across their large frames, a threatening sight.

They bared their teeth at Yan with a vicious grin.

“Keh keh keh.”

“Giggle, such tender skin, seems like it would tear with just a touch.”

Cruel’s face contorted at their sinister laughter.

He was not one to endure such comments.

“What’s so funny? Want me to rip your mouths so you can laugh forever?”

A tap on Cruel’s shoulder from Yan, and he closed his mouth, though his face showed his displeasure.

Werner chuckled at their conflict and moved on to the next candidates.

These were two mysterious figures, their skin completely covered by cloth.

Yan’s gaze settled on them.

While he had a rough idea about the others, these two were enigmas.

How could one know, with their faces and skin so wrapped in cloth?

“Subordinates of the Fifth Legion’s commander, Castro. Their names are Don and Mel.”

Yan surveyed them from head to toe.

‘Commander Castro of the Fifth Legion, a power player in the Kingdom Alliance opposing the Empire. Could these two also be from the Kingdom Alliance?’

But he couldn’t be certain.

Just as Yan was committing the details of his fellow candidates to memory…

Thump.

Werner placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Former disciples of the Third Legion’s commander, Damian Caballan. Their names are Yan and Cruel.”

As Yan’s introduction concluded, the other candidates let out a snicker.

Newcomers, they thought, odd ones at that, ousted by the current head, Damian’s disciples.

But not all were amused.

Especially Loen, the fourth disciple of Electus, her face set hard as stone.

She raised her hand quietly.

Werner nodded, and she voiced the collective doubt of the candidates.

“All present are recommended by their respective legion commanders.”

Silence.

Werner listened, and Loen continued.

“But the ones who recommended them are former commanders. Damian is no longer in charge, right? And these two are the culprits who killed warriors of the Seventh Legion.”

“You seem misinformed. Even without the title, Damian has the authority to recommend. And you’re referring to the train incident, right? But they weren’t part of the revolutionaries then.”

Loen’s lips quivered, her face a mix of confusion and anger.

“But… but they killed my sisters and brothers-in-arms…!”

Werner cut her off.

“The head has decided. Even Electus did not object, so it’s not for you to question.”

Loen bit her lip, her gaze fierce as she glared at Yan and Cruel.

Seeing she had no more to say, Werner began explaining the test.

“From now, you will head to the Carabian islands in the south. Your mission is to persuade the Pirate Empress to join the revolutionaries. Only the one who brings her back will become an officer.”

The candidates were stunned by the announcement.

Karam let out a hollow laugh.

“Are you asking us to bring back the leader of the Empire’s Five Enemies?”

“If you can’t, then give up. You are welcome to anytime.”

Werner’s tone suggested he had little expectation, and Karam’s expression hardened.

“Huh.”

After a moment of stiffness, Karam scoffed and turned to the other candidates.

But unlike him, they showed no reaction.

That’s when it happened.

“Hey, scum. If you’re so unsure, why not just leave?”

Henry, the third disciple of Electus, taunted Karam.

Karam snorted and turned back to Werner.

“What if I kill all the other candidates and remain the only one?”

“Disqualified.”

Karam and Henry both sighed in frustration.

They had hoped to eliminate their rivals at the start of the mission and proceed at leisure.

But that plan was thwarted before it even began.

Then Don, his skin wrapped in cloth, spoke for the first time.

“Must… everyone… survive?”

His voice grated like scraping metal.

But Werner remained unfazed.

“Accidents happen. Just be prepared if you’re caught stirring trouble.”

“Yes… understood.”

After answering Don’s question, Werner surveyed the candidates.

Seeing no further questions, he was about to declare the start when Yan raised his hand.

Werner frowned.

“Ask quickly. It’s almost time to depart.”

“Is there any condition for persuading the Pirate Empress?”

Yan’s question caught Werner off guard.

Did he have something to persuade the Pirate Empress?

After a long look at Yan, Werner smirked.

“Do as you please. If you have such a thing, use it.”

“Thank you.”

With Yan’s question settled, Werner announced loudly.

“The officer selection test begins now! All candidates, depart for the Carabian islands immediately!”

At his command, the candidates snapped to attention.

“Yes!”

“Yes!”

“Yes!”

They shouted in unison, their voices filled with resolve.

* * *

Yan, with Cruel in tow, made his way to the nearby train station, situated between the southern and eastern regions. To reach the southern Carabian islands, they needed to move swiftly.

Cruel, following silently behind Yan, began to grumble, seemingly displeased with something.

“I bet, aside from that Henry or whatever his name is, I could take care of the rest…”

Yan chuckled at Cruel’s demeanor. It seemed he was still miffed about being held back from confronting the consorts of the Third Legion’s commander earlier.

“You know it well. They’re all within your ability to ‘handle.’”

“Is that so?”

Cruel’s lips curled into a smug grin, easily buoyed by a bit of flattery. Among the candidates, Cruel’s brute strength certainly ranked him near the top.

However…

“Still, be wary of that Henry and the pair wrapped in cloth.”

“Ah, those odd ones? They didn’t seem like much.”

Yan shook his head.

‘Commander Castro is not to be underestimated. In my past life, he inflicted great damage on the empire with the most extraordinary methods, unpredictable even to someone as experienced as myself. His subordinates are surely not to be taken lightly.’

“They must be hiding something. Best not to provoke them until we figure out what it is.”

“Hmph. Well, if you say so.”

Cruel nodded, then his brow furrowed as if struck by a sudden thought.

“But why did you hold back when those dark-skinned brutes provoked us?”

“…?”

“Have you forgotten how you used to beat me like a dog when I did that?”

Yan let out a dry laugh.

Was Cruel still holding onto that old memory?

“Back then, you were the first to draw your sword, and they didn’t.”

“Hmm, so if they draw their swords, you’ll show them their place?”

Yan looked at Cruel with a mix of pity and exasperation.

“Didn’t you hear the chief of staff? ‘Be prepared if you stir up trouble.’”

“If we don’t get caught, it’s all good, right? And it’s not like you’d just stand there and take it.”

Yan shrugged.

“That’s true.”

“Looks like we’ll have some interesting sights soon.”

With their trivial banter, they entered the train station.

At that moment, Yan paused and looked up.

Then, turning his gaze, he quietly observed the elven pair following from a distance.

A chill settled in Yan’s eyes as he watched them.

Cruel, having moved ahead, called out to Yan.

“Hey, aren’t you coming?”

“Yeah, I’m coming.”

Yan withdrew his gaze from the elves and boarded the train.

* * *

At that moment, Henry and Loen halted, sensing their master’s presence in the void. Simultaneously, a sound only elves could hear echoed from afar.

Screeeeech!

Loen’s eyes widened in shock, “A Thunderbird?!”

“Why is Master’s beloved bird here?”

The Thunderbird, a spirit tamed by their master Electus, possessed the ability to traverse vast distances in an instant. Thus, Electus often used the Thunderbird to send commands to his disciples.

But why would such a Thunderbird come to them during the officer selection exam?

Henry frowned, “This could be troublesome if the chief of staff finds out.”

“Don’t you know Master’s orders take precedence over the chief of staff’s?” Loen retorted.

At that moment, the Thunderbird circling in the sky dove towards them.

Screeeeech!

Henry and Loen knelt on one knee, bowing their heads as they had been instructed to treat the Thunderbird as they would their master.

-Ah, ahah.

Soon after, the clear cry of the Thunderbird began to resonate with their master’s voice, a unique ability of the spirit to convey messages.

-My dear disciples, there is something you must do.

Henry’s eyes narrowed at Electus’s message. A command during the officer selection exam?

It meant he didn’t care whether they became officers or not.

Electus’s message continued.

-By now, a new candidate should have arrived. I believe you know what kind of person he is.

Loen trembled, reminded of her beloved sister Hella.

-I had no choice but to agree with the head’s decision to allow that person to participate in the exam, but I cannot simply leave it be. At the right moment, sever his neck to console the spirits of my disciples and your fellow priests.

Henry’s face hardened at the message. It was as good as telling him to give up his chance at promotion.

But the following message widened his eyes.

-Even if you are disqualified from the officer selection exam, I, your master, will impart to you the latter techniques of the White Radiant Swordsmanship, so do not worry.

The White Radiant Swordsmanship was a pinnacle secret technique created by Electus himself, allowing for more efficient use of the White Sword Energy. Only the first disciple had learned it in its entirety.

The rest, including Henry, had to be content with just learning it.

Henry’s lips curled into a smile.

“Yes, I will heed Master’s command.”

Mastering it would allow him to reach the realm of the superhuman, making becoming an officer a trivial matter.

A cruel intent flickered in Henry’s eyes.

“It just so happens I didn’t like that brat either.”