Everyone stared at Dan with a doubtful light within their eyes. But on the outside, they remained indifferent, as if the matter of Dan becoming the Vice-Commander didn't bother them at all. But Clyde Barthos who stood among the soldiers stared at Dan with a shocked expression on his face,
"Commander," He spoke up, face still respectful as ever, he glanced at his fellow soldiers before saying, "Do you think that is somewhat inappropriate to promote someone so easily? What if he's incompetent? Instead of helping us, he would just hold us back, especially since I don't think that his cultivation is even at the Organ Tempering Realm."
The soldiers stared at Clyde with a gratified expression on their faces, Zaramias chuckled, his eyes momentarily swept over at Dan. But when he found that the latter didn't seem to mind the doubtful expressions of the soldiers, he said, "Okay, I see, I understand your feelings, but since I have decided, it shall be effective."
Clyde Barthos stared at Commander Zaramias. Taking a deep breath, he stood upright before saying, "This humble one doesn't dare to question the commander's decree! However, if we do it like this, the morale of my fellow comrades will definitely drop if they are led by such an incompetent brat." He glanced at the nonchalant Dan before staring at Commander Zaramias.
Silence took over the entire training grounds. The gazes of those present concentrated at Dan who suddenly revealed a slight smile as he said, "You're right about that Clyde Barthos," Clyde's expression darkened, 'How dare this brat call me with my full name? Is he thinking that just because he's appointed, he could exert his authority?'
Dan noticed his inner monologue. But he shrugged, before continuing, "I do think that your opinion is right, but since father appointed me as the Vice Commander, no matter how much words you say, the outcome will not change..." A smug smile lifted on his face as he scanned the irritated soldiers.
Clyde became exasperated towards the brat's presumptuous actions, "Even if you're the Commander's son, the army needs cooperation and mutual consent to work. If you can't prove to us that you're capable of leading us, then you better scram and go back to your home!"
The soldiers who observed all this while started expressing their objections,
"That's right, Commander! Clyde is right! You can't expect to be led by such a brat that still has milk on his lips!"
"At least have him show his prowess before us!"
Zaramias crossed his arms together, his expression stoic and his body faintly emanated an imposing might before saying, "I already bestowed upon him the position of the Vice Commander! Are you saying that you want me to renege on that?!"
"No, sir. We won't dare, we won't dare..."
They bowed their heads in fear and submission, Clyde also backed out, his might retracted as he stood there, maintaining his tranquil expression. Zaramias' eyes gradually swept over at Dan.
The latter noticed his father's gaze as he sighed in his heart, 'Damn this old man really is pushing my limits, if I don't do anything, this guys will never submit under my authority...' He shook his head, dispelled all unnecessary thoughts before saying, "Since most of you guys are opposing my father's decision on the basis that I am not capable enough."
Raising both of hands, he cracked his knuckles, stretched his neck as a domineering smile crept on his lips, "How about we settle this with a showdown? Test me on whatever topics you like."
His words resonated across the training grounds as all of the soldiers stared at Dan with incredulous lights in their eyes. Clyde lightly chuckled, disdain and mockery evident on his expression as he calmly explained,
"I don't mean to underestimate your skills since you're the Commander's Son, however, most of us here, trained our own skills for several decades! Are you really that naive to think that you can surpass us? Even if you started training inside your mother's womb, you will never surmount our abilities!"
Dan didn't reply, his gaze swept over at his father who remained indifferent. Zaramias sighed, staring at Clyde whose expression reddened in anger, he said, "You need to calm down Clyde," Glancing at the soldiers, Zaramias continued, "Dan Longinus' position as the Vice Commander of the Fiery Blood Army will be temporarily withheld unless he passes the test of Clyde Barthos in this topics."
Smiling, Zaramias continued, "Archery, Swordplay, and Strategy!"
"The assessment will be held two hours later. Until then, I want all of you guys to prepare this training ground for the assessment." Nodding his head, he continued, "All of you are dismissed for now. Remember to come back here, two hours later, including you, Dan Longinus." He turned his body around and returned back to his quarters. Leaving Dan alone with the soldiers of the Fiery Blood Army.
Clyde Barthos coldly chuckled. Directing his gaze at Dan, he mumbled, "Even if you're the commander's son, I won't hold back. You better prepare yourself." He shrugged, turning around, he also returned to his residence. But before he could walk far, Dan lightly chuckled.
"Not convinced? Then I'll force you to submit!"