23 Tiffany Anglovich 1 (1/2)
The next day as the wind rustled through the training ground fields, two figures can be spotted as they made their way across it.
Spotting them, Edward waved.
Caine and Tiffany then stepped up to Edward while looking at the trainees sloshing about in the mud under barbed wires.
”Wouldn't want to be in their places, that's for sure,” said Tiffany while shuddering.
”Caine, it was my intention for you to join this company to become its company mage. However, an advisor of the prince has raised several concerns with me regarding this.”
Caine said nothing for several moments as his eyes roved over the training in progress.
”What will these combatants specialties be after training?” Caine asked.
”They will specialize in taking out key enemy objectives in one quick strike,” replied Edward.
”What will be my role?”
”The golems are to play a defensive role. You will be in charge of tying up enemy combatants while the strike team goes for the objectives in an ideal scenario.”
”Strength of opposition?” queried Caine.
”We will make it a point to not encounter massed resistance, hence most opposition will be weaker than us in general.”
”In the event, they are stronger?”
We will eliminate their core strength before moving on to said objectives. ”
”The concerns of this adviser being?” Caine asked while tapping his cheek with his finger.
Edward looked Caine in the eye as he replied, ”Your aether core being too weak. Despite your skills, you can only be considered a weak link in combat.”
An angry tsking sound came from the side, ”Caine is perfectly competent in combat, who is that old geezer to be making judgments before he even sees Caine?”
Caine's mouth curved as he shot a glance at Tiffany, ”Tif, it's fine. The concern is valid. In fact, I would be surprised if no one raised this issue. Don't you think it will be suspicious if we are to get so many benefits but no one raised any concerns over doubtful points? ”
”Having a small aether core is not a doubtful point.” Tiffany was stamping her foot at this point.
”Tif, I believe the main gist of the adviser is whether I would get men killed in combat due to my perceived lack of combat ability. It is valid. Would you trust an apprentice mage to throw a fireball onto a 200m target on his first try?”
”No, but that is not the point I am trying to make.”
”I understand, I've an idea to resolve this. No worries. ”
Caine turned back towards Edward, ”Edward, any suggestions for resolving this issue?”
”There is the simplest method available. Duel him.” Edward's expression was neutral as he replied.
Caine nodded, ”It is the fastest and most direct method.”
”I must warn you that should you undertake this method, your opponent will be a former adamant class combatant.” Edward said in a cautious tone.
”When I can meet this adviser? ”Caine stopped tapping his finger.
”Tomorrow at noon, here,” replied Edward.
”Very well I will be here. I must go back and prepare now. ”
—
”Caine, do you have confidence against this former adamant class opponent? ” Tiffany asked as they journeyed down the cobbled paths towards the mercenary guild.
”Confidence yes. Chances of winning, not so much.” Caine beamed as he replied.
Tiffany blew a breath through her nose, ”Be serious!”
”I am. I hardly think a former adamant being the adviser of an imperial prince will be an average person.”
”I intend to head to the mercenary guild and procure materials to upgrade several of the golems I will use tomorrow.”
Tiffany shot a worrying look towards Caine.
”There is no point in hedging now, I will invest what I can into what I have now.” said Caine.
Looking over Edward's demeanor, Tiffany changed course.