Team Battle.
The rules for the team battle were simple. Squads would clash against each other, and the judges would assess the severity of injuries to declare the trainees’ deaths. If the squad’s members were reduced to five, the team would lose.
“If we win twice, we reach the finals, so let’s do our best!”
“Yeah!”
“Let’s win!”
The Twelfth Squad I led would automatically receive a bye if we reached the semifinals. That’s because we were given priority for a bye due to competing in four individual rounds. As the first priority for a bye, if we simply advance, a bye is guaranteed.
I wondered just how far these guys could go.
While I was lost in thought, the match between the First Squad and the Second Squad began. Both had been fervently training in formations for the past two weeks. It was a clash of heavyweights right from the start.
“Deploy the Sasan Formation!”
“In that case, we will deploy the Yukhap Formation!”
The trainees began by establishing their formations, with the instructors looking on anxiously at their respective squads as the trainees hurriedly took their places.
Formation.
In this Martial World, the formations known as ‘jinbeop’ can take many forms. Though a more detailed classification could be made, they can broadly be divided into three categories: Bingjin (Soldier Formation), Bangjin (Defensive Formation), and Suljin (Technique Formation).
The Cheonyeomi Milhwangjin is a typical example of a Suljin. It manipulates natural Qi through the power of the formation. This is the most common formation found in martial arts novels.
If Suljin represents the formations drawn from nature, Bangjin and Bingjin are formations composed of people. The difference between Bangjin and Bingjin is that Bangjin is aimed at sharing Qi, while Bingjin focuses on maximizing tactical effectiveness through the arrangement of people.
An example of Bangjin might be the Baekpal Nahanshin, while for Bingjin, it could be the Wedge Formation or the Hakik Formation.
The reason I’m explaining this is that the formation the first squad deployed was Bangjin, while this Second Squad’s formation was Bingjin.
The Sasan Formation is based on the core principle of Geokche Jeonryeok (Force Transmission through Barriers). Generally, Geokche Jeonryeok refers to the act of a prior expert transferring their power to another, but in the context of formations, it describes the effect of gathering Qi to maximize a person’s power.
In any case, the essence of the Sasan Formation is to funnel the strength of its core four members.
On the other hand, the Yukhap Formation is merely a Bingjin. It aims for those on the outside to tear through the opponent’s formation while those on the inside execute a sweep.
“Maintain formation!!”
“Watch the flow!”
This is quite interesting. Where else can you witness a Bangjin engaged in battle with a Bingjin?
As the First and Second Squads clashed, a fierce exchange of blows began.
The four peak experts of the Sasan Formation attacked the protruding members of the Yukhap Formation while those protruding members deftly lured the peak experts of the Sasan Formation into the heart of the Yukhap Formation.
To summarize, the victor was the First Squad, wielding the Sasan Formation.
Each squad had a peak expert, and the one backed by the Sasan Formation was able to exploit the weaknesses of the Yukhap Formation. Each time, the peak expert from the Second Squad was left helplessly swinging against the First Squad’s peak expert.
The Yukhap Formation required precise movements, but it lacked the speed to adapt to the Sasan expert’s actions. This failure to adjust the Yukhap Formation to the movements of the Sasan Formation was what determined the outcome.
The team battles continued after that.
Team battles showcased a truly diverse array of tactics.
Many unique formations emerged; some squads even achieved victory through sheer charges.
“What do you think about the team battles?”
“You’ve come, Lieutenant.”
Song An-seong approached me, having tasked the judges from the Golden Guards with overseeing the matches.
“The team battles truly reveal each squad’s individuality. Unlike the individual matches, this is also a stage where the instructor’s tactics are put to the test.”
“That’s for sure.”
The squads that successfully advanced to the second round were the First Squad, Third Squad, Sixth Squad, Seventh Squad, and Ninth Squad. The First, Third, and Seventh Squads deployed Bangjins, while the Sixth used a Bingjin, and the Ninth won without employing any formations.
“Now it’s the Twelfth Squad’s turn. What is your prediction for the outcome, outside consultant?”
“Well, I don’t know either.”
A puzzled expression appeared on Song An-seong’s face.
“I genuinely have no idea what strategy my trainees will employ.”
* *
“Match Start!”
“Formation!”
As the match commenced, it was Kang Chumo-ru who initiated the action. Despite the Twelfth Squad’s formation changes, the Eleventh Squad charged forward immediately.
“Close the distance before the Bi-do comes flying in!”
The Eleventh Squad, aware that everyone in the Twelfth Squad had mastered the Bi-do technique, charged forward. The Eleventh Squad leader, Wang Yi, thought to himself,
“For now, we must make contact!”
Maintaining formation would slow us down too much; quickly engaging would be far more beneficial. The Eleventh Squad, understrength by one and facing the fatigued Jo Ga-ju, had a higher chance of victory in a chaotic melee.
“I already got the judges to make a decision on the Bi-do hit!”
Since they confirmed that receiving a Bi-do hit to the head or vital points wouldn’t result in a death judgment, they advanced without fear.
However, the Twelfth Squad’s response was different from what the Eleventh Squad expected.
“Charge!”
The members of the Twelfth Squad charged head-on!
The Eleventh Squad was momentarily confused, expecting the Twelfth Squad to flee and throw Bi-dos, but they did not stop. Closing the distance was precisely what the Eleventh Squad wanted.
“Chahap!”
The first strike was initiated by Jo Ga-ju.
Jo Ga-ju swung his spear horizontally, extending it as far as possible. The four members of the Eleventh Squad, worried about being caught in the vast reach, halted.
Ja-a-aang!!
The sound of blunted weapons clashing echoed as Wang Yi set his sights on Jo Ga-ju. Jo Ga-ju, with his spear, had the potential to turn the tide of battle if not kept in check.
Jo Ga-ju seemed aware of this and maintained pressure without allowing any distance.
“Eleventh Squad, trainee number 15, deceased!”
The first death decision occurred amidst the clash. Wang Yi grimaced. He noticed Jo Gab-deok and Jae Sang-hae step back from the frontline.
Song An-seong, watching the battle unfold, marveled.
“Clearly, they have divided their roles effectively. They sent forward the trainees with close-combat weapons to form a front line, providing a safe zone for the Bi-do users at the back.”
But that wasn’t all. The shape of the formed front line and the formation clearly revealed the intentions of the strategist behind it.
Jo Ga-ju’s spear showcased superior defensive power at the front line. By placing Jo Ga-ju centrally, others supported from the rear.
This maximized the reach of Jo Ga-ju’s weapon. Despite having only two Bi-do users and being understrength by one, the Twelfth Squad managed to achieve sufficient defensive power to withstand the frontline.
“Sharp indeed.”
Song An-seong thought, observing the Twelfth Squad’s formation and movements. It was a painstakingly calculated distribution of members and roles. Though anyone could have desired more given they all could throw Bi-dos, they removed just the two most skilled Bi-do trainees from the equation.
Jo Ga-ju, too.
“So that was the strategy for today.”
All the techniques employed up until now were investments to amplify Jo Ga-ju’s ability. Practicing in actual combat to grow his spear-wielding skills while ensuring he stayed defensive during the decisive battle.
And Jo Ga-ju was delivering results for that investment.
With Jo Ga-ju’s efforts fortifying the frontline and protecting the two Bi-do users allowed them to focus entirely on their tasks, they began to reap the rewards.
“Twelfth Squad, trainee number 8, deceased!”
“Eleventh Squad, trainee number 9, deceased!”
Amidst the fierce skirmish, Bi-dos flew cunningly. The Eleventh Squad members, forced to engage with swords and poles, faced the Twelfth Squad, who had the upper hand with Bi-do support.
It was expected that the Twelfth Squad would emerge victorious with their long-distance attacking capabilities.
Sensing the disadvantage, the Eleventh Squad decided to make a bold move.
At the point where ten trainees remained from the Eleventh Squad and eleven from the Twelfth Squad.
“Break through!”
“Maintain formation while retreating!”
Eleventh Squad trainees tried to break through, determined to cut off the Bi-do users.
As Wang Yi poured his full power into attacking to restrain Jo Ga-ju, two other trainees charged toward the Bi-do users.
“Deflect!”
Jae Sang-hae and Jo Gab-deok abandoned their swordplay and drew their weapons. The Eleventh Squad trainees charged actively toward them, thinking;
“We’ve broken through! We’ve got the advantage!”
If they could stop Jae Sang-hae and Jo Gab-deok from throwing Bi-dos, victory was assured.
Though Jo Ga-ju’s defense was impressive, the difference in peak expertise still presented a significant gap. Just a moment’s distraction for Wang Yi to take Jo Ga-ju out would turn the tide!
Thinking this, the trainee number 3 from the Eleventh Squad, exchanging blows with Jae Sang-hae, got suddenly struck in the back by the spinning technique of Kang Chumo-ru.
“Eleventh Squad, trainee number 3, deceased!”
Upon hearing the judge’s announcement, trainee number 3 turned back in a daze. Just moments ago, Kang Chumo-ru, who had been engaged in combat with Eleventh Squad trainees, was now in a position to throw a spin.
Only then did the Eleventh Squad’s trainee number 3 recall that all Twelfth Squad trainees had mastered the Bi-do technique.
They thought they had restrained the two Bi-do users, but in reality, they had exposed their backs to those maintaining the frontline.
Even amidst fierce combat, it wasn’t impossible to offer even a brief respite for a single person. Kang Chumo-ru skillfully created that opening to throw a Bi-do.
And it struck right at the back of trainee number 3, who was so focused on Jae Sang-hae in front of him.
“Well done!”
“Finish it!”
Kang Chumo-ru dove back into the frontline to bolster defense, while Jo Gab-deok and Jae Sang-hae teamed up against the advancing trainee from the Eleventh Squad.
“Eleventh Squad, trainee number 10, deceased!”
With the odds now at eight against eleven, the Eleventh Squad, unable to withstand the numerical superiority and relentless assault, faced defeat.
* *
“The victor! Twelfth Squad!”
The Twelfth Squad had won.
In the second round, they faced off against the Ninth Squad and claimed a simple victory. The Ninth Squad, lacking training in formations, struggled when up against the Twelfth Squad’s refined strategies and crumbled without any reversal.
With the priority bye from the semifinals applied, they immediately advanced to the finals, where they faced the First Squad, who employed the Sasan Formation.
Kang Chumo-ru executed meticulous guerrilla tactics. He arranged Jo Ga-ju, Jae Sang-hae, and Jo Gab-deok into a small detachment, dividing the squad to disturb the opponent.
Ultimately, they aimed to exploit the fact that Bangjin could not form a cohesive unit.
As the main squad pursued, the detachment would throw Bi-dos; if the detachment was pursued, the main squad would respond with their own Bi-dos, thoroughly capitalizing on the distance to pick apart the core contributors of the Sasan Formation and seize victory.
“I did it!”
“Kang Chumo-ru! That strategy was genius!”
Everyone cheered as they gathered around Kang Chumo-ru. While everyone’s joy was natural, it was Chumo-ru who looked the happiest, grinning as if he possessed the entire world thanks to his successful strategy.
“Congratulations, outside consultant.”
“Hoho.”
Song Chang-sik whispered a few words into my ear. Although unexpected, it made sense upon reflection.
“Twelfth Squad, assemble!”
“Yay!”
The ecstatic Twelfth Squad rushed in, their dirt-streaked faces shining with excitement as they looked at me with hungry eyes, as if asking, “Is there more?”
Indeed, it seemed that being an admiral came with its perks.
If the admiral hadn’t arranged for gifts, I would have had to praise the trainees until they felt satisfied with my compliments.
“I have good news for the trainees.”
“Yay!”
“The admiral has sent a pig as a reward for the outstanding performance of the Twelfth Squad in both individual and team battles.”
“Wooaaah!!!”
“Long live the Admiral!!”
“Meat! Meat!”
These kids seemed even happier about winning the simulated battles than anything else, or is that just my imagination?
Soon, the pig sent by Admiral Song Chang-sik arrived, and the Twelfth Squad began their celebration in a corner of the Training Hall.
Cooks arrived with pots and began to build a fire while they broke down the pig, preparing to boil, steam, and roast it.
The delightful culinary process unfurled before their eyes.
The trainees watched, swallowing their saliva as the meat cooked. Perhaps because they were used to eating only chicken breasts and eggs, the trainees emitted an awed glow that startled the cooks.
“Instructor.”
Jo Ga-ju approached me with a water bottle. As if making a tacit agreement to treat water like alcohol, he poured it into my cup, just like serving liquor. The trainees, finally tearing their gazes from the meat, raised their remaining cups.
“Say a few words, Instructor!”
“Of course, isn’t today a good day?”
At Jae Sang-hae’s shout, the trainees rallied in agreement.
“This instructor does not get hung up on results.”
“U! U!”
The trainees erupted in jeers. Under normal circumstances, they would have shouted a different phrase, but well, today felt a bit different.
“However, this instructor is genuinely pleased to see the trainees showcasing their potentials.”
I decided to acknowledge their brilliance.
“There was Jo Ga-ju, who set aside personal honor for the squad’s choice; Kang Chumo-ru, who devised and coordinated the strategy; Jae Sang-hae and Jo Gab-deok, who exhibited exceptional Bi-do skills; and the trainees who persevered through the individual rounds with grit and determination.”
It would have been the safest path towards my objectives to eliminate them forcibly.
But I’d chosen not to take that route.
I determined that the humiliation of forced elimination was unnecessary.
“This instructor simply observes you growing and unfolding your possibilities. And the trainees have done exceptionally well until now.”
I locked eyes with each trainee looking at me.
“Enjoy today, and starting tomorrow, we’ll practice for the Bi-do test in two days.”
“AAAHHH!”
“UHHH!”
Listening to the sounds that could either be acceptance or screams, I chuckled and raised my cup.
“Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
