Chapter 17: Training the Mages
The next morning, Arthur awoke early, drank the Enhancement Elixir, and trained hard with his Swordsmanship. He performed a series of physical exercises that boosted his fitness. After breakfast, he and Octavia—who had become his trusted assistant—headed to the blacksmith's workshop. There, he crafted large quantities of soap and shampoo specifically for the new recruits. He also ordered the artisans to produce eighty toothbrushes and ended up making two large jars of toothpaste himself.
The reason behind producing such a large quantity was that he had made personal hygiene an essential part of the recruits' training. As for why he crafted everything personally, it was because he didn't want his techniques to be leaked. He firmly believed that knowledge was power—no matter how simple or silly it might seem.
His day was so packed that he didn't find time for anything personal. He spent the entire day organizing matters related to the recruits.
He arranged sleeping quarters, designated bathing areas, and divided them into teams that would take turns fetching water and cleaning the space. Simultaneously, he ordered the soldiers to head into the forest and hunt as many beasts as possible. He had decided to provide the nine promising recruits and their instructors with daily Brutal Enhancement Elixirs.
Since the elixir's recipe was a precious secret, he resolved to brew it himself away from any prying eyes. He also decided to deliver the elixirs personally and supervise their consumption—firstly to prevent leaks, and secondly to strengthen the recruits' loyalty to him by appearing before them and reinforcing his presence in their hearts.
By the time the sun was about to set, Arthur returned to his room with an exhausted body. However, he couldn't sleep or rest—he had to guide the two recruits who had magical potential so they could sense the mana around them.
After a brief wait, Octavia arrived accompanied by the blonde-haired girl named Selene, who had moderate magical affinity, and a fourteen-year-old boy named Varek, who had low affinity. Arthur was slightly surprised to find three individuals with magical potential. He assumed he could discover more if he searched the entire barony—but he simply didn't have enough time.
The two future mages stood before him with bowed heads, afraid to meet his cold gaze. In contrast, Arthur scanned them with sharp eyes and commanded the system to determine their magical affinity.
[Magical Affinity: Fire Element]