STBS 10

Chapter 10

‘That’s quite a number.’

Namgung Hyuk observed the people gathered in the training ground, his eyes glinting as he counted them.

Even for selecting members of a mere Third-Class Unit, four times the required number had shown up.

This was highly unusual.

‘Looks like Brother helped out.’

It seemed Namgung Cheon had followed through on the request he made earlier.

Specifically, to make contact with those still loyal to the former clan head.

Indeed, among those gathered here were several individuals whose abilities were far beyond what a Third-Class Unit would normally require.

They were likely brought in by Namgung Cheon.

And then—

[The rumor that the commander distributed Socheongdan has spread widely.]

A voice transmission echoed in his ear.

Ho Young was looking at him with a grin.

Namgung Hyuk gave a slight nod in response.

As Ho Young said, his decision to distribute the elixir had clearly influenced things.

‘Well, it makes sense.’

Not just martial artists, but anyone would want fair compensation for their efforts.

However, reality rarely distributed rewards in proportion to merit.

So when someone who actually did so appeared, people naturally wanted to serve under him.

‘Good for me.’

A larger group meant more talent.

Even if the unit was small, it could be filled with capable individuals.

‘Of course…’

That alone wasn’t enough.

Namgung Hyuk clasped his hands toward the gathered applicants.

“Thank you all for coming to join this newly formed unit. I am Namgung Hyuk, appointed commander of this new Third-Class Unit.”

“……”

At his words, the murmuring applicants fell silent and focused on him.

Ordinary people might have felt intimidated—but Namgung Hyuk did not.

“I would prefer to select all of you, but since this is a Third-Class Unit, we are limited to a maximum of thirty members. Please keep that in mind. Now, the test will begin.”

He looked calmly over the crowd.

“From now on, until I say otherwise, you are not allowed to move from your spot or speak. That is the test. Violate either rule and you will be disqualified.”

“……!”

Everyone looked shocked.

They had expected a test of individual martial skill.

But to simply stand still?

‘If it’s that…’

‘I can do it!’

Those less confident in their martial abilities inwardly rejoiced.

Others frowned openly, but none dared object.

The test had already begun.

One moment passed.

Silence filled the training ground.

No one had been eliminated yet.

They only moved their eyes, silently observing each other.

Half a shichen passed.

“I… I can’t do this.”

The first person dropped out.

Namgung Hyuk silently raised a hand and pointed outside the training ground.

The man, exhausted, walked out with a defeated expression.

Another hour passed.

“Haa…”

“Why do we have to do something like this just to join a unit…”

More people began to drop out, though still only a few.

They shook their heads in disbelief and left.

Three shichen passed.

“Why are you doing this kind of test?”

One of the exhausted candidates, after failing, finally spoke in frustration.

Namgung Hyuk did not answer.

He simply pointed outside.

But the man refused to leave quietly.

“We could select people just fine without this! I was confident in my swordsmanship—no, in any field! So why this ridiculous test—huh!”

His complaint stopped abruptly.

A cold gaze from Namgung Hyuk pierced him.

At the same time, an overwhelming pressure crushed his body.

It felt as if he were standing before a predator.

“……”

The man trembled violently, unable to even breathe properly.

Namgung Hyuk pointed outside once more.

Only then did the man manage to stumble out.

Night fell.

“Stop.”

“Puh… ha…”

“Ugh…”

At those words, several people collapsed where they stood.

Their bodies were drenched in sweat. Even though they hadn’t moved or fought, they felt utterly drained.

Namgung Hyuk looked over them.

“There are exactly thirty remaining. You all have passed.”

“……!”

The eyes of the survivors trembled with emotion.

They had passed a far more difficult test than expected.

But at the same time, they were confused.

The remaining candidates varied greatly in skill.

Some were excellent, others clearly average.

Yet no attention had been given to martial ability at all—only endurance.

“Looks like you’re all wondering why this test was conducted.”

Namgung Hyuk spoke calmly.

“Honestly, when selecting people, differences in raw skill aren’t that important. Martial ability can be improved quickly through training up to a certain level.”

Everyone looked surprised.

But he continued without pause.

“What cannot be easily trained is patience. What I want are not simply strong individuals, but people who can follow orders and fulfill their roles with discipline, no matter what they are told. And you all met that requirement. That is all.”

“I-I see…”

“Rest well today. You’ve worked hard. Come back here tomorrow morning. I will explain everything and begin your training.”

The newly selected members left on shaky legs.

But one person remained behind.

“Commander. May I ask one thing?”

“Ask.”

Namgung Hyuk nodded.

The young man hesitated before speaking.

“What will the name of our unit be? We can’t just call it a provisional force.”

“A name, huh…”

Namgung Hyuk thought briefly, then looked up.

“Wind and Cloud Unit.”

“……!”

“A name meaning a new wind sweeping through the martial world. From now on, this unit will be called the Wind and Cloud Unit.”

News of the Wind and Cloud Unit spread quickly.

At first, many opinions circulated about the unconventional selection method.

Some called it foolish. Others called it wise, since a Third-Class Unit did not require absolute martial excellence.

But Namgung Hyuk paid no attention to the rumors within the clan.

Instead, he devoted himself fully to training the Wind and Cloud members.

“Since each of you has different martial foundations and skill levels, individual instruction is inefficient. Instead, I will train you to raise your unit’s overall combat power in a short time.”

At first, the members were confused.

If individual training wasn’t being taught, how could the unit become stronger?

But soon, they understood.

“What we will train from now on is formation techniques.”

“……!”

“The Wind and Cloud Unit will learn to fight as a group, not as individuals. Starting with basic three-man formation techniques, then defensive formations and encirclement formations. In addition, we will train light-foot techniques to improve overall mobility.”

Namgung Hyuk organized them into groups and began instruction.

It looked less like noble clan training and more like battlefield instruction.

And in truth, it was not much different.

He was applying the exact training he once used for his soldiers on the battlefield.

Thirty days passed like that.

‘We’ve built a decent foundation.’

It was only the basics.

From Namgung Hyuk’s battlefield-hardened perspective, it was far from sufficient.

But even so, they had already surpassed the level of the Namgung Clan’s Haewon branch unit he had fought with before.

Many martial artists underestimate this, but individual combat and group combat are entirely different.

Even weaker individuals, when perfectly coordinated, could overwhelm stronger enemies.

‘Now they just need real combat experience.’

“You seem to be training the Wind and Cloud Unit well.”

A voice came from nearby.

Namgung Cheon had approached, watching the training.

He had recovered enough to begin moving outside again.

Though still unable to train intensely, he was regaining his presence as the legitimate heir of the Namgung Clan.

“I was surprised when you first selected them. I thought you would only choose the strongest.”

“On the battlefield, individual strength matters—but so does how well soldiers follow orders. I selected them based on that potential.”

Namgung Cheon smiled.

“You really are an excellent commander. You don’t just see the surface—you look beyond it. That reminds me of what I heard from Geomnip.”

“Geomnip?”

“He told me about your deeds on the battlefield. I was quite surprised.”

Namgung Cheon then reached into his robes and handed over a pouch.

“What is this?”

It was filled with silver coins.

Namgung Hyuk looked at him, slightly surprised.

“Why are you giving me this?”

“This is all I can do for you right now.”

“……”

“Even though your unit is officially approved, there is no budget yet since you have no achievements. You probably don’t even have proper weapons or uniforms.”

Namgung Cheon spoke seriously.

“Use this to equip them properly. Give them uniforms to build unity. Feed them well to boost morale. Keep whatever remains for future use. I’m giving this because I feel guilty always relying on you as your older brother.”

“…I’ll make good use of it.”

Namgung Hyuk accepted it without hesitation.

He did need money, and there was no reason to refuse his brother’s sincerity.

Namgung Cheon smiled and patted his shoulder.

“I truly appreciate everything you’ve done. I can’t thank you enough.”

“You helped me a lot when I was young too. Think of this as repayment.”

“Haha. Hearing that makes me feel a little better.”

Namgung Cheon wiped the corner of his eye, slightly red, and continued.

“Anyway, I came to deliver this—and to tell you something.”

“Something?”

“Yes.”

His expression turned serious.

“I think the Wind and Cloud Unit’s first mission will be assigned soon.”

“……!”

Namgung Hyuk’s eyes sharpened.