03 — Joint Exercises with the Valkyries

03 — Joint Exercises with the Valkyries

I gave my team leave until dinnertime and stopped by Granhart’s quarters to explain the situation.

“...so, basically, I’ve suddenly got ten knights and five healers under my command,” I concluded.

“I see. And what are you looking to do, exactly?” the priest replied.

That was a good question. I didn’t even know what I needed to do, let alone what I wanted, so Her Holiness’s orders were all I had to go on.

“The pope gave me a year and five months to prepare myself, but the problem is that I don’t have any actual responsibilities as an S-rank healer, which means my team doesn’t either. I’m worried that I’ll end up wasting our time dawdling.”

Doing nothing was definitely an appealing option but would do none of us any good in the long run. At the same time, keeping my new subordinates on duty every hour of every day didn’t sound like much fun either.

“I understand that your position has risen quickly and your thoughts must be rife with worry since becoming a leader, but you must calm yourself.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“You don’t necessarily need to oversee your subordinates at all times. Try to recall when you first became an exorcist. The extent of my involvement was providing your robe and elevator card.”

True. I also remembered Jord teaching me at least some of the ropes, but other than that, I’d been on my own. My team wasn’t diving into labyrinths, though, so I wasn’t keen on following that example.

“Maybe I should take them down to the labyrinth. Oh, and what do I do about their pay?”

“Pay? The Church will compensate them as usual. Nothing is required of you in that regard. However, I must mention that escorts are forbidden to enter the labyrinth.”

All those hours worrying about how in the world I was going to provide for them wasted...

“Oh, okay, but otherwise we’re allowed to act independently, right?”

“Within Headquarters, yes. If you want to travel outside the city, you will need Her Holiness’s permission, so I recommend that you make such requests in advance.”

“Wait, how do you...” Since when did Granhart have a mind-reading skill?

“Jord was my own subordinate for many years, and he wears his emotions on his sleeve. I know what it is he dreams of.”

Oh, he meant Jord, not me. “Jord has dreams?”

“To travel the world. I imagine that is what motivated him to join you.”

So much for privacy. Jord had probably told Granhart about me wanting to go back to Merratoni at some point, though. The two of them seemed connected in a way that I wasn’t. Granhart might have been about as flexible—and half as emotional—as a piece of wood, but he was a man with a sense of duty. I wondered if we’d ever get to chat as friends someday, as tense a conversation as it would likely be.

“Interesting,” I commented. “S-rank healers do have to travel, after all. Do you know why that is?”

“Simple. To be a beacon of hope for those in parts of the world that lack Healer’s Guilds. To expose corruption in places that don’t. To show the people that we, the Church of Saint Shurule, are here for them.”

I could go around healing people all day, but asking me to expose corruption was a bit much. That “being hope” bit, though... That would be easy with Extra Heal. If I was allowed to use it, that is.

“How do we handle compensation in places without guilds? Do we heal for free or maybe in exchange for food or something?”

“Yes, but do be cautious as those practices are banned elsewhere.”

“What about in slums, where people can’t afford it?”

“Please treat it as you do your monthly healings here, something like a special event, or conduct your operations outside the city. Just keep it subtle. The local clinics will object either way.”

“You’re always a huge help, Mister Granhart. Do you mind if I come to you for advice again at some point?”

“Not at all.”

I had struggled to get a good read on the guy at first, but Granhart was an exceptional listener and advisor. As soon as I was able to stop mistrusting everyone, I knew that he’d make a great personal confidant.

I had a quick lunch, then dropped in to see Lumina.

“Good afternoon, Lumina. You must be exhausted after all that running. Care for a Heal?”

“No, but thank you. I wasn’t expecting to run laps this morning. I’ve so much work to get to now.”

I’d better make this quick, then. “Oh, I’m sorry to keep you, but I wanted to ask you something, if that’s okay.”

“It’s not often that you make requests. What could it be?”

“We have our training session tomorrow morning, right? How would you feel about me bringing my new team along with me?”

“The knights who joined you, you mean?”

“Right. And five healers.”

Lumina considered it for a moment. “May I ask why?”

Not the best reaction, but I’d seen worse. “Honestly, because they’re weak. I can’t leave my life in their hands with the way they are now.”

“I wish I could help you, but I simply can’t slow our progress for the sake of your own.”

“What if I buffed them with Area Barrier and kept them healed? That’d make them decent training partners, right?”

“That it would, but then the burden falls on you. You’re okay with that?”

“Of course. I’m planning on having them give you girls a run for your money one of these days.”

“Oh, are you? In that case, we’ll see you tomorrow morning. But don’t expect it to continue if it doesn’t prove worth our time.”

“I wouldn’t ask that of you. Thank you for giving us a chance. Please let me know if I can ever return the favor.”

“Actually, I may just have something.”

“Oh? How can I help?”

“I want to rewrite the ladies’ reports—make them somewhat presentable.”

Either Lumina was asking me to commit perjury or the Valkyries were terrible writers. There was only one way to find out.

“I’ll get right on that. I assume these reports should all follow the same format. If you have any you’ve submitted that have been accepted before, could I see them too? They’ll be good references.”

“You’ve done some maturing since we first met. I’ll leave it in your hands.”

“I’ll have them back to you soon.”

As I skimmed through the Valkyries’ reports it became increasingly clear to me that there was no standardization whatsoever. They were all over the place, so I proposed making a template to Lumina, who enthusiastically accepted the offer.

Afterwards, I headed off to meet my team for dinner, spirits high after securing our training session.

What awaited me at the dining hall was a most unusual sight.

“It’s always a bit awkward eating with people you aren’t used to, huh?” I said to my fifteen companions with a nervous smile.

No reply came. Jord was usually the tension-breaker, but for some reason, he was more on edge than anyone, leaving me stranded and alone. I had to do something. Sheesh, it was like someone had died here.

“Anyway, let me thank you all for your boldness in choosing to join a random newcomer like me. To be frank, it still hasn’t quite hit me that I’m an S-ranker. I mean, I trained at an Adventurer’s Guild and then spent years fighting in a labyrinth, so I don’t really feel like a healer at all.”

I smiled and looked around at everyone. Still no response. Tough crowd.

“I want to one day be able to repay your dedication, but until then I’m going to do everything I can to at least live up to your expectations.” I bowed and finally got a reaction other than deafening silence.

“Sir, you mustn’t bow to us!”

“You’ve made your point; now raise your head!”

Even Jord’s anxiety had been blown away in shock. “Listen to them, sir. No one here’s used to your usual antics.”

“Well, I’m sorry, but I was expecting you to help me out, not be stiff as a board the whole time.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“No apologies. The floor’s yours.”

“Right, um, hey. My name’s Jord. I’m a healer...”

The rest of the healers and knights soon followed Jord’s introduction with their own. With that out of the way, I changed the subject.

“We’re supposed to be traveling abroad to all the Healer’s Guilds around the world, but by my understanding, not every country is as developed as Saint Shurule. Thankfully, Her Holiness has given us a year and five months to prepare. That’s plenty of time to put everyone through their paces, and that’s just what I’m going to do.”

“I haven’t heard about this before. What exactly are we doing?” one of my new comrades asked.

I didn’t feel like explaining every single detail, but I was sure that Jord would get the hint. “A lot of you are probably going to get used to passing out pretty soon, but it’ll serve to make everyone stronger. I need your trust on this.”

“Sir, don’t tell me these ‘paces’ you’re going to put us through involve going to the Adventurer’s Guild,” my friend pleaded.

“You bet it does,” I replied. “Now, early tomorrow morning we have our first training session, and I don’t want anyone to be late.”

“Where are we gathering?” another team member asked.

I smiled. “In front of the Valkyries’ personal training grounds. We’ll be joining them.”

Finally, my funeral procession of a team started to beam. Their full attention was on me now, their replies spirited and frequent. The power of the Valkyries’ popularity amazed me, although I was slightly concerned about everyone suddenly acting like adolescents. I prayed that our joint training session wouldn’t break them too much.

Our joint training session would, in fact, not break them much at all.

The next day, we organized a match between my unit and the Valkyries to test the waters. Seeing as I was the only healer with combat training, the others were acting as standby medics. We took our places about thirty meters apart, and I decided to precede the fight with a few sparks.

“Get ready, Valkyries, because today’s your last day as the strongest of the knights.”

“You think we’ll lose to a team of infants that’s hardly learned to walk? Luciel, you must have lost your senses.”

Lumina’s sheer and utter exasperation stabbed me right through the heart, but I held it together.

“If you’re so sure, why not make it interesting? If we win, you all owe us a favor.”

“Very well. I won’t fault you for dreaming.”

I’d known she would say that. Lumina clearly didn’t have much experience on the verbal battlefield, because she’d just given my team a nice morale boost.

“Did you hear that?” I called out to my team. “I’m only here for support. It’s up to all of you to make the victory ours!”

“Yes, sir!” they cried.

I cast Area Barrier, which, combined with their zeal, created a veritable wall of defense. They knew that I was there to heal and back them up. It was all up to them now.

As an aside, I’d told them they might just get to take the girls out on a date, which I somewhat regretted after seeing how intense it made them. Note to self: maybe don’t use the Valkyries as bait.

Our opponents suddenly flew into action. After all the thought I’d given to what their strategy would end up being, I was surprised to see them fall back on brute force. They were underestimating us.

“Palaragus, Piaza, stick together and stay on the offensive! Templars, focus on defense!”

“Sir!” the team answered.

Swords began to clash almost immediately, with Ripnear and Elizabeth leading their pack just like the day before. The dual-wielders rained down a flurry of blows, never letting an opening go to waste, while the templars defended against the brunt of their assault.

The line of templars tilted their heads in confusion when Kathy, Marluka, and Gannet suddenly added their swords and shields to the attack, but my guard held its composure and stood its ground.

I sensed impatience from Kathy’s group. Just then, Beatrice, the spear-wielder, let out a sharp cry of pain. As strong as the Valkyries were, both Palaragus and Piaza were paladins, and they had greatly heightened defenses. Taking them both on at once had been too much.

The Valkyries started to slip. Palaragus parried Saran’s massive greatsword, and Piaza put his blade to her neck. With two of their teammates already dispatched, the women were losing their edge, but their captain stood firm.

“Hold fast! They only have the advantage as long as their defenses are being enhanced! Force Luciel into the open, and stay in groups!”

The nimble Queena, wielding her rapier, and Myla, with her naginata, tag-teamed one of the templars. I quickly cast Middle Heal as they came down on him, giving the knight a chance to counterattack. He hit back hard—maybe a little too hard. I cast High Heal on the two Valkyries as well, just in case, then had them retire.

Our team went on the offensive, and the fighting intensified. The templars paired up and took down the panicked paladins one after another. But something about the whole thing felt off. The women we were making such quick work of simply weren’t the Valkyries, the mightiest that the ranks of the knights had to offer, even considering our increased defenses. On top of that, Lumina hadn’t stepped into the fray once. It was like she knew that she had us in the palm of her hand.

Eventually, only Lucy and Lumina remained, and the former had run out of enough magic to perform her healing role, so she quickly retired. And then I understood what was going on.

“Lumina, we’re fighting with everything we have. Can’t you guys do the same?” I asked sharply. “I hope your plan isn’t to steamroll us by yourself, because I just found these guys. I’d prefer to keep their dignity intact.”

My guard stared at me in confusion, and with good reason. I was really raining on everyone’s parade just as we were winning, but this wasn’t what the Valkyries were made of. Their guilty expressions told me everything I needed to know.

“I’m sorry, Luciel. I am. But I swear to you there’s a reason for it.”

“Are you allowed to tell me what that reason is?”

Winning this easily would only inflate everyone’s egos, and I wanted to make them the strongest, to train them strictly and properly on the miniscule chance that we ever found ourselves inside a labyrinth. It was too early for them to be getting full of themselves.

“I’ve disrespected you when I should have spoken of this earlier. You deserve an explanation.”

“You were obviously holding back.”

Lumina nodded gently. “We’re under orders to restrict our use of skills like Physical Enhancement while training with other regiments.”

“To keep you from overtaking everyone else?”

“Yes. But I want you to know that in spite of that, we gave this match everything.”

It sure didn’t feel like they had restricted much of anything when I’d fought with them. The other knights must have really been slacking if the Valkyries had still managed to run circles around them.

I sighed. “Who’s the wise guy who even came up with that idea?”

“Lady Catherine, Luciel. Please don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.”

“Well, I mean, if everyone stopped relying on Physical Enhancement, focused on actual training more, and learned to cooperate, we wouldn’t have these issues.”

“I know, Luciel, believe me. I’ve thought much the same more times than I can count.”

I sympathized with her, but now I wasn’t sure what the solution was. If Lumina went all out, we’d lose and the team’s morale would be toast. And if the team’s morale was toast, that meant getting Substance X down their throats would be that much harder. Without a carrot to dangle, they wouldn’t run.

Good thing I knew how to bargain.

“All right, I understand your position now. Do you remember what we talked about before the match, though?”

“Yes, I believe we were to owe you a favor if we lost.”

“Right. See, originally, that was going to be you guys going on a date with everyone, but that doesn’t seem fair to force on you when you couldn’t go all out. So how about we all have a casual lunch together sometime instead?”

Everyone on my team turned to look at Lumina in unison, their eyes filled with apprehensive hope.

“Um...” She turned to the Valkyries. “We can make that work.”

The men exploded and cried out with joy.

“Thank you,” I said, filled with relief, and steeled my resolve. This casual lunch was not going to happen any time soon. It was too perfect and enticing a reward to let it go to waste so quickly. There would be no escape from Substance X.

After that, the Valkyries promptly beat the hell out of us by using all their abilities, but I’d never forget the smiles my team left the training ground with.

Catherine asked for me just after our session came to an end.

“Have you been in the labyrinth recently?” she asked.

“Not since I got back.”

“Her Holiness has been a little concerned about it, if you wouldn’t mind looking around for any changes down there.”

This was actually the perfect chance to try to level up. I’d been holding off on Substance X for a while to test that out.

“Sure thing. Should I report to you or the pope?”

“Her Holiness, if you please.”

“Got it.”

I made for the dining hall to grab breakfast, hoping to eat with Lumina or the team, but everyone had already left. Eating alone felt so strange these days. I almost always had someone to join me lately.

After a lonely breakfast, I went on down to the labyrinth.