Episode 37: A Minor Mission and the Path to Senior Warrior
For Leon, this mission was anything but ordinary. On the surface, it looked like a routine patrol, but in truth, it was his first trial to prove himself worthy of becoming a senior warrior. It was the culmination of trust earned and skill honed, and the weight of the responsibility filled him with both tension and anticipation. Becoming a senior warrior—leading soldiers on the battlefield—was a role he had long dreamed of. He steeled himself: "This time, I'll prove my worth."
At dawn, Leon carefully inspected his weapons before heading to the outpost. Among today's squad were Alec, his rival with unmatched swordsmanship, and Ethan, his closest friend and steadfast companion. As Leon arrived, Alec strolled toward him with his usual confidence, a sly smile tugging at his lips.
"This mission will show which of us is more suited for the senior's mantle. Do your best not to disappoint."
Leon answered with a calm smile. "Keeping everyone safe comes first, Alec. But today, I intend to prove myself."
Their rivalry crackled with tension, yet it was also the kind that spurred each other to grow. Watching the two, Ethan chimed in with a teasing grin: "Remember, the enemy's out there, not across this table. Show off all you want, just don't kill each other." His warmth lightened the mood, if only slightly.
The squad soon marched toward the border outpost. Leon moved between the front and rear, checking positions and helping his comrades settle. He read the nervous faces of the younger soldiers and offered quiet reassurance."Stay together and we'll see this night through. Trust me, and trust each other."
His steady voice eased their fear.
Moments later, movement stirred in the trees. Leon scanned the field, and as the ambushers emerged, he barked orders without hesitation."Ethan, strengthen the right flank! Alec, draw their attention from the left and disrupt their formation!"
The squad shifted with practiced precision. Alec surged forward, blade flashing with ruthless grace, while Ethan raised his shield to protect the line, guiding the men behind him.
From across the din, Alec shouted, "Your orders held the line, Leon. If we press now, we can break them!"
Leon countered with firm command. "No one relax! Hold formation and keep the net tight!"
But then the unexpected struck—reinforcements swarmed from an unguarded direction. Panic rippled through the men. For a heartbeat, the line faltered. Leon's voice cut through the chaos:"Reform! Follow my lead! Rebuild the line—don't scatter!"
His calm authority anchored them. The soldiers rallied, reestablished their defense, and gradually stemmed the tide. What had been near collapse turned into controlled resistance, then into a counteroffensive. By the time the enemy broke and fled, the squad still stood firm.
As the battlefield quieted, relief and awe settled over the men. Ethan clasped Leon's shoulder with a proud smile."Leon, you kept us alive out there. That was the work of a true leader."
Even Alec, reluctant yet sincere, offered a nod."You showed more than skill today, Leon. I can't deny it—you've earned respect."
Leon accepted their words quietly, his heart swelling with a newfound certainty. He was no longer just a soldier with a sword—he was becoming a leader, one who could guide others through the storm.
**
Episode 38: The Appointment of a Senior Warrior
Days later, Leon arrived at the ceremonial hall of Elysium with his chest tight with nerves and anticipation. Today, he was to be officially appointed as a senior warrior. In this young kingdom, even a modest title carried immense meaning. It was tradition to honor every contribution, and this time, King Merslin himself would preside over the ceremony.
The hall hushed as the king addressed the gathered soldiers, his voice both strong and warm."Elysium is still young. Every one of you is vital to its future. The appointment you receive today is proof of your service and sacrifice. From now on, you are the shields that will guard this nation. Trust in each other, and let courage never leave you."
Leon's chest tightened with pride. To hear those words from the king himself was to feel the weight of history pressing upon him—and lifting him all at once.
When the speech ended, General Lisa stepped forward to present the appointments. One by one, names were called, until finally Leon's turn came. His heart pounded as he mounted the steps. Lisa met him with steady eyes and placed the scroll in his hands.
"Leon," she said, her voice sharp with conviction, "you did not come here by luck. You stand here because of your skill, and the trust you've earned from your comrades. As a senior warrior, uphold that trust with all the responsibility it demands."
Leon bowed deeply as he received the scroll, pressing it to his chest. The simple words carried a weight that brought a sting to his eyes. At last, he had achieved something tangible, something undeniable. "I've finally become someone,"he whispered inwardly.
After the ceremony, he stepped outside to find Serina waiting. Despite her busy schedule, she had come just for him. Her smile was proud, her eyes warm.
"Leon, you were incredible. I've always known how hard you've worked. Seeing you here today… it makes me proud."
Leon flushed, ducking his head. "Serina, thank you—for always supporting me. I still have much to learn, but I'll keep striving."
She reached out, briefly touching his hand. "I'll be here, cheering for you every step of the way."
With that, Leon began his journey as a senior warrior. Gratitude for those who believed in him filled his heart, and he vowed to grow ever stronger—for his comrades, for his kingdom, and for those he cared for most
**
Episode 39: Civil Support under Leon's Command
By royal decree, the armies of Elysium were dispatched to the fields. Leon's unit, too, was tasked with assisting the farmers. At first, some soldiers were disappointed—no battle, no glory—but Leon quickly reminded himself of his roots as a farmer's son and the truth he carried in his heart: "Farming is the backbone of the kingdom." He steadied himself and rallied his comrades, leading them toward the waiting villagers.
When they arrived, they saw men and women bent over in the fields, children running between the rows, and the rhythm of life etched into the endless stretches of soil. The soldiers, awkward at first, slowly began lending their hands.
Leon surveyed the work and moved quickly, assigning men where they were most needed. "Press the soil firmly around the shoots—strong roots mean strong harvest. It's hard work, but it matters." He demonstrated the motions himself, guiding the others. Slowly, what had been clumsy hands grew steady, and the soldiers learned the unfamiliar craft.
In time, the farmers brought refreshments—fresh bread, warm rice balls, cool cucumbers, vegetables, and jars of milk from their own cows. With broad smiles they offered them to the soldiers."Here, take this. Thanks to your help, we can expect a rich harvest this year."
The soldiers accepted the food, warmed by the villagers' gratitude. Children crept closer, wide-eyed at the sight of armor and blades."Mister, is that sword real? Can I try holding it?" one boy asked with a grin.
A soldier knelt, lowering the weapon carefully. "It's heavier than you think," he teased. The child strained, laughed, and the others joined in. Soon the soldiers themselves were laughing, the fatigue of the fields momentarily forgotten.
But the respite was brief. Work resumed, the harvest pressed on. They carried heavy baskets, leveled soil, and helped replant crops damaged by harsh weather and lack of hands. It was exhausting, and some soldiers faltered, but Leon encouraged them tirelessly. His voice carried conviction, reminding them that this, too, was service to the kingdom.
By dusk, the fields were steadied, the crops secure. Farmers bowed with gratitude, their relief plain on their faces. Children imitated the soldiers, mimicking their movements in play, while the men lifted them onto their shoulders with laughter.
As night fell, Leon bid farewell. He bowed to the farmers, exchanged handshakes with comrades, and watched children cheer as they departed. Beneath the fatigue, warmth settled into his chest. That night, he realized anew that a soldier's duty was not only to fight on the battlefield but also to stand beside the people who sustained the kingdom.
**
Episode 40: The Southern Rebellion and the Weight of Responsibility
News arrived that in the southern provinces, dwarves and orcs had united in open rebellion. The kingdom of Elysium moved quickly, summoning forces from across its lands. Leon's unit was among those called to march.
Before leaving, Leon stopped by the research hall to see Serina. When she heard the news, worry clouded her face."The south? A dwarf–orc alliance… that sounds dangerous."
Leon forced a small smile, though his eyes carried the weight of duty. "It's the king's command. I'll do what I can, as always."
Serina clasped his hand, her voice steady but earnest. "Then promise me you'll come back safely. I'll be waiting."
Leon squeezed her hand, warmth flickering in his smile. "I will. Thank you."
On the march south, Leon's unit was stationed in the rear lines, tasked with defense and supply. Though he knew little of the wider strategy, he felt the pressure of responsibility heavy on his shoulders.
That afternoon, calm was shattered by urgent reports—enemy skirmishers had broken through the front, and a detachment of orcs was already moving toward the rear. The soldiers had no time to dig defenses. Leon's voice rang out, steady and firm:"Hold your ground! Form up, now!"
He raised his shield and met the charge head-on, the first clash of steel against the orc's brute force echoing across the line. Behind him, the soldiers steadied, following his example.
The fighting dragged on, relentless. The enemy pressed hard, and exhaustion seeped into his men. The line wavered. Leon forced himself forward, locking eyes with soldier after soldier, lending them courage with every word."Stay strong! If we hold, reinforcements will come!"
His conviction steadied them. Inch by inch, they held the line. And soon, true to his promise, support arrived. The enemy broke and fled, leaving the rear intact.
When the dust settled, the men gathered around Leon, praising his command. Even the superior officer approached, clapping him firmly on the shoulder."Leon, you held this line when it mattered most. Calm, decisive, unshakable. We owe our survival to you."
Leon bowed his head, humbled. "I only did what I could. Everyone here fought bravely."
The officer nodded. "Perhaps. But your leadership made the difference. I expect much from you."
Applause and cheers rose around him, filling the night air. Leon stood quietly, looking up at the stars, his chest full. He was only one man, one soldier—but he had proved that even here, in the smallest corner of the battlefield, his choices could protect the kingdom.