Lord Link nodded slightly, gesturing to the personnel responsible for preparing lunch in the back.
Soon, steaming, fragrant buckets of food were carried up.
Lord Link cleared his throat and announced loudly, "Alright, everyone grab your bowls now and line up here in order to get your food. Anyone who dares to cut in line or make noise, won't get to eat this meal. Also, those few who I called out earlier for not holding their military posture, you won't get any meat today, and after dinner, you'll have to stand for another half an hour!"
Upon hearing this, everyone instantly quieted down, orderly picked up their bowls and chopsticks, walked to the serving area, formed a neat long queue, and waited patiently.
As for the new Soldiers who failed to maintain their military posture until the end, they could only watch enviously as those beside them held bowls of fragrant braised pork.
Although there were only a few pieces of meat in the bowl, for them, who might not taste meat even once a month, this was already a delicacy.
The new Soldiers who had gotten their food either found a place to sit or simply sat on the ground, eagerly digging in.
They carefully picked up the pieces of meat, chewed them slowly, their faces full of satisfaction and contentment, as if all the hardship and exhaustion from standing in military posture had vanished with the aroma of the meat.
And those new Soldiers who couldn't maintain their military posture, watching their companions devour the meat, secretly resolved: Next time, I must also get a taste of this meat! I must!
Lina sat to the side, silently eating the food in her bowl, occasionally glancing at Lord Link in the distance, who was eating the same meal as her.
She couldn't understand why Lord Link would expend so much energy just to make these new Soldiers stand a little straighter.
Alas, she still couldn't fathom the thoughts of nobles.
The brief mealtime quietly passed in this atmosphere of various thoughts.
"Assemble!"
A sudden command, like a thunderclap, broke the momentary calm.
Everyone who had been sitting on the ground quickly stood up, tidied their belongings, and lined up neatly in the previous formation.
Although their movements were not yet swift and sharp, compared to before, there was already a world of difference.
Lord Link handed his rice bowl to the person responsible for cleaning the dishes, his gaze sweeping over the new Soldiers who had already lined up neatly, and shouted, "Are you all full and satisfied?! Was this meal comfortable to eat?"
"Comfortable!" This time, everyone spoke in unison, their voices clear as bells, echoing over the training ground.
Lord Link's gaze suddenly shifted, focusing on the few new Soldiers who had performed poorly in military posture earlier.
"You few, step forward! I said before that anyone who doesn't stand properly in military posture will be punished to stand for half an hour!"
"Yes!"
The few who stepped forward felt everyone's eyes on their backs, and couldn't help but lower their heads, responding in a low voice.
"Good! You few, go stand over there and stand for a full half an hour before rejoining the ranks. If I see you unsteady again, pack your bags and leave early!" Lord Link's voice was stern, with an undeniable authority.
"Yes!"
The few slunk to the side. This time, they dared not be negligent in the slightest, each standing ramrod straight.
"Now, line up and go retrieve the shields and iron swords that Commander Lina has prepared for you." Lord Link waved his hand, issuing the command.
"Yes!"
The new Soldiers quickly lined up, entered the armory in order, and after collecting their equipment, returned to their neat formation.
"Pay close attention to the weapons and equipment in your hands. The shield can block a fatal blow for you on the battlefield, protecting you; the iron sword is your sharp blade for defeating enemies, helping you charge into battle. They will be your 'brothers' fighting alongside you on the brink of life and death!"
Lord Link began an impassioned speech. Although not as captivating as Hitler's, it was impactful and quite effective.
Lord Link looked up at the sun, and after estimating that enough time had passed, he shouted to the new Soldiers who were still being punished, "You few, don't dawdle, quickly get your equipment and rejoin the ranks!"
"Yes!"
Lord Link turned to Lina at the front of the line and instructed, "First, teach them how to properly wear this weaponry and equipment."
"Yes, Lord!"
Lina responded clearly, then stood at the very front of the line and began patiently guiding the new Soldiers in wearing their weapons.
Before long, the new Soldiers were fully armed, their armor gleaming with a cold light in the sun, and the shields and iron swords in their hands added a touch of grimness.
"Attention! Stand straight, all of you, don't be wobbly and look like nothing!" Lord Link roared, his voice echoing far and wide.
And indeed, the new Soldiers, now clad in armor and wielding sharp blades, stood in neat formation, possessing a genuine air of iron-blooded military might and presence, making one look forward to their future.
Lord Link's expression hardened as he loudly commanded, "Attention all! Commander Lina will lead, immediately begin a five-kilometer weighted long-distance run! Depart now! Whoever can persevere to the end will have meat on their dinner table tomorrow!"
Five kilometers!
At these words, the new Soldiers instantly froze, exchanging bewildered glances, their eyes full of shock. However, the temptation of the braised pork, like a flickering flame, quietly burned in their hearts.
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