Simple folding tables were neatly arranged, and one by one, steaming dishes filled the air with mouthwatering aromas.

Though perhaps not as exquisite as Miss Poppy’s cooking, the variety was dazzling—and hunger made everything taste better for most present.

The shabby tent, moments ago crowded with dozens of ragged men, instantly transformed into a banquet hall.

Seated at the head table was naturally the leader of this settlement—and the entire Pioneer Team—Commander Puleman.

Puleman: "Everyone, you’ve worked hard. This meal may be humble, but consider it practice for what’s to come."

Puleman: "No alcohol, of course. The military doesn’t supply liquor."

Puleman: "But once the Pioneer Team departs, all necessities will be provided."

Puleman: "Before we feast, a few reminders."

Puleman: "We depart tomorrow. As the last batch of recruits, your roles aren’t yet assigned. You’ll start with manual labor."

Puleman: "Our journey lasts at least one season. Plenty of time to prove yourselves."

Puleman: "From tonight, follow the rules tested earlier. After dinner, this tent becomes your sleeping quarters."

Puleman: "Formally, there’s one final test at departure—but if you dared come here, failure shouldn’t be an issue."

Seventh Ju: *……??*

Puleman: "Lastly—a serious warning. Especially to those who won’t join my team…"

Puleman: "—Don’t dream of becoming *adventurers*."

Puleman: "This nation tolerates no profit-driven illegal militias. Tailgating Pioneer Teams to scavenge leftovers? Unacceptable."

Puleman: "I trust none of you will become obstacles on our path."

*Huh? So "adventurers" are illegal here?*

*Come to think of it—they only exist in chaotic fantasy worlds. Realistically, yeah, they’d be outlawed armed groups.*

*I never planned to be one anyway. Can’t swing swords, no magic in this world… and I won’t waste Wish Points on it.*

Puleman: "Now—fill your stomachs!"

Puleman: "Loosen up! Just go wild!!"

Crowd: "————ROAR!!"

With Puleman’s final, explosive declaration, the pent-up silence shattered like overripe fruit.

Groups already huddled together burst into laughter and chatter. Strangers clinked cups—filled with water, not wine. Even the rejected recruits forgot their disappointment, swept up in the fervor.

This vibrant energy… my first since arriving in this world.

No—truthfully, my first *ever*.

Amid flickering lanterns and sweet-smelling dishes, who could I talk to? This life was utterly alien to me.

Guys like me would normally grab a plate, pile it with favorites, and eat alone in a corner.

But… slipping away now would feel like such a waste.

*Someday, I want to change—even a little—in this world.*

*This isn’t a place where exams and textbooks rule anymore.*

Aiton: "Hello."

Seventh Ju: "—Huh? Ah…"

Puleman’s deputy, Aiton, stood before me. I hadn’t even noticed him approach.

Aiton: "This, please."

Bewildered, I took the paper and pen he offered.

Seventh Ju: "…Huh?"

Aiton: "I’m recording personal details during dinner. Write your name and age here."

Aiton: "Other information can wait until you earn important roles."

Seventh Ju: "Oh… right."

*I’d heard classmates joke about time-traveling to kill Newton during physics exams.*

*I thought it was just a meme. Now I get it.*

*—Can I time-travel to kill the inventor of writing?*

*…But alas. Words exist. I survived literacy tests, only to be ambushed by this.*

*Even the most uneducated illiterate can write their name and numbers 1 to 100!*

*Miss Poppy—how could you skip teaching me that?!*

Puleman: "Aiton."

Aiton: "Sir!"

As I panicked, Commander Puleman had already left his seat and approached.

Up close, his meticulously groomed golden hair stood out first—proof he cared more about appearance and etiquette than most soldiers.

His face was younger than expected, strikingly refined.

*This guy? Even without his rank, he’d have girls chasing him. Just… unfairly handsome.*

His voice usually carried a gentle tone that eased tensions and charmed women. Paired with rare flashes of military steel? If he wasn’t a winner, no one was.

*Back home, he’d be my rival.*

Puleman: "What’s this?"

Aiton: "Recording personal details, sir."

Puleman: "I see."

He took the paper and pen from my hands without hesitation.

Puleman: "Your name?"

Seventh Ju: "…Seventh Ju."

Puleman: "Seventh Ju…"

He scribbled on the paper balanced on his palm.

Puleman: "Age?"

Seventh Ju: "Sixteen."

More scribbling.

Puleman: "Very young."

Seventh Ju: "…Family complications."

Puleman: "I know every surname from this nation and its neighbors. You’re from far away."

Puleman: "If you claimed to be from a country beyond the ‘Divine Temple’ with no contact to us—I wouldn’t be surprised."

Seventh Ju: "Uh… not *that* far."

Puleman: "If you possess unique skills from your homeland, share them with us. We’ll pay fairly."

Seventh Ju: "I… don’t know."

*High school theory won’t help. Basic tech? They probably have it all—even electric lights (maybe).*

Puleman: "Haha, relax. Prove your worth here."

Puleman: "Status and rewards come from contribution."

Seventh Ju: "O-okay."

Puleman: "Aiton—continue."

He handed back the paper and pen, then strode out of the tent.

Aiton: "Yes, sir."

Seventh Ju: "…………"

Just like that, I was alone again, staring blankly.

Commander Puleman had indirectly saved me—but why?

*He’s watching something I can’t see.*

…………

…………

Aiton: "Commander Puleman."

Puleman: "Hmm? Aiton. Need air too?"

Aiton: "Wherever you command, I stand ready, sir."

Puleman: "So you *do* have business."

Aiton: "Yes. You’ve already scrutinized every recruit meticulously, sir."

Puleman: "…What’s your point?"

Aiton: "Recruitment isn’t your duty. You needn’t personally vet non-combat hires."

Puleman: "—Meaning I shouldn’t chat privately with an untested boy? Is that it?"

Aiton: "…………"

Puleman: "Aiton. How old do you think I am?"

Aiton: "You’re exceptional, sir. Blessed by the Divine with gifts beyond mortal limits."

Puleman: "Yet I’m only two years older than him. Who knows what two years can change in a person?"

Puleman: "Or are *you* blind too, Aiton?"

Aiton: "…………"

Puleman: "During the strength test—Seventh Ju merely tested the triple-weight crate with his hands. Only three fingers embedded under it."

Puleman: "He hadn’t even braced properly when the crate lifted effortlessly."

Puleman: "Could *you* do that?"

Aiton: "…No human could."

Aiton: "Natural strength? Or Wish Power?"

Puleman: "Wish Power *could* grant it—but no one wastes Divine Sivi’s gifts on mere brute force anymore."

Puleman: "Wish Power and remaining Wish Points are private as one’s lifeblood. We won’t pry yet."

Puleman: "…But when I saw it, I heard Divine Sivi knocking at the door of my heart."

Aiton: "That’s…"

Puleman: "Yes. My Wish Power activated."

Aiton: "Then… I withdraw my doubts, sir."

Puleman: "Good. Don’t ignore Seventh Ju. Observe him—but no special treatment."

Puleman: "Your duty is to maximize *everyone’s* potential here."

Puleman: "Remember: this year’s Pioneer mission was abnormal from the start."

Aiton: "…………"

Aiton: "Understood, sir!"