The fireball screamed as it flew towards the soldiers neatly arranged in the square and then exploded among them. The massive roar followed by a strong wave of heat roasted everyone present. Feeling the threat of the flames, many warriors dropped to the ground, rolling to evade the searing shockwave. Many raised their shields, hiding behind the metal barriers.

Wislin grabbed Lynch's hand and shouted, "What are you doing? Are you trying to kill my men?"

The mage smiled and replied, "Rest assured, this is just a test. They won't be injured."

Wislin was about to retort when a new change occurred in the field. The flames generated by the explosion wove through the crowd as if they had their own consciousness and awareness, actively avoiding every soldier on the field. They could all feel the magma-like scorching fire stream, yet none were harmed.

The dispersed magic energy eventually gathered again, transforming into a small flicker of flame that vanished with a pop.

"All those who stood still and didn't roll away, you can stay. The rest of you, go back," Lynch shouted to the soldiers, still shaken. "For the eliminated ones, your reaction wasn't wrong; it's just that I don't need those skills at the moment."

The soldiers exchanged glances but still obeyed the order and left in an orderly fashion. This inexplicable test just now could become a topic of conversation for them in the coming days.

Since this group consisted of elite warriors who survived the bloody battlefield, the likelihood of them choosing to roll and avoid an enemy attack was far higher than others. After the fireball attack, most of them left the square, leaving around a hundred people.

Lynch looked carefully at these warriors. They were all heavily armored infantry. The massive shields and finely crafted armor were their only lines of defense, so it was no wonder they formed the habit of facing attacks head-on.

"I now need a lot of guards, and you are those best bodyguards. The upcoming training will be very tough. You must learn how to survive various strikes and ensure the safety of those you will protect," Lynch said seriously. "You might have to pay with your life for those strangers behind you, so I won't force you to join. If anyone wants to quit, now is your only chance."

But after a while, still, no one quit.

Lynch looked at Wislin, whose face showed pride and admiration. "These warriors are fearless heroes!" Wislin thought proudly. "It seems that the usual training and the baptism by fire played its part."

However, the mage had other thoughts. His doubtful nature started to act up again. He didn't believe these warriors were all completely fearless of death. It's very likely some didn't leave just because their commander was still watching them from the platform.

"Ultimately, only a few among you will survive," Lynch stated the worst-case scenario. "And because you're carrying out my mission, even if you die, the temple won't posthumously honor you as Heroic Knights."

"But as Lynch mentioned earlier, he's very wealthy," Wislin interjected, seeing the mage trying to dampen the soldiers' spirits. "In future days, you need to obey the Great Mage's command, just as you obey mine. If anyone makes a mistake, I will not protect them. If you can return alive, I will hold a celebration banquet at the Five Realms Fortress!"

Wislin patted Lynch on the shoulder and finally said, "They're all yours."

Lynch nodded, floated off the platform, and stood before the group of elite warriors. "You will face the most elite troops of the Snake-men. And you will fight isolated; no matter the situation, you cannot retreat." The mage drew a circle around himself with his arcane wand and said, "I will simulate as many situations as possible, letting your bodies experience through actual combat. In the first few days, I'll go easy on you. But you only have that long to adapt."

A warrior looked around and couldn't help but say, "There are over a hundred of us, Mage, are you sure you can..."