We were on our way to the gathering spot which was located near the old building behind the garrison mansion.

We had just left the main building and headed to the old one. They had a quite a big campus, but not as big as the military academy.

I looked around the campus. There was a small park located in the center which was an idle place for a picnic spot. Although, no soul could be seen on the park grounds.

Just when Jordan suddenly stopped and turned my way,

"I m really sorry about that!", he said out loud,

"If I wasn't so careless, you wouldn't have to deal with such disrespect by them earlier. It's all my fault!"

I was really surprised by such an action. I never had thought that he would apologize to me. I guess there were still some good and honest people in this world.

"There is no need to apologize. Human beings are bound to make an error, so don't sweat it! I don't mind it, at all. It was partially the receptionist fault as well.", I replied back to console him, "So who were those new recruits, If I may ask?"

When I asked that Jordan was a bit surprised.

"You didn't recognize them?", he asked with a surprised look.

Are they some sorta celebrity?

I don't know. If I had to judge, they were nothing but pampered arrogant little brats. It looked as if they had climbed to their position because of their family's influence. They were the type to chicken out when they were in a pinch during a battle and sacrifice other soldiers to save their own hide.

But I could be wrong. I shouldn't judge them merely by appearance. There could be more than meet the eyes.

"Are they some sorta famous celebrity that I should know about?", I asked.

"Did you not see their armband?",he replied to my question with another question.

Armband?

What was so special about an armband?

I didn't notice but they had some sorta Armband on each of their arms. Did it had some kinda deep meaning?

"Well, I didn't pay much attention. Is it something special?"

Jordan got pretty enthusiastic all of a sudden. His eyes lit up with a broad smile,

"Are you kidding me? You don't know about the Elite Knights?", he asked me to re-affirm and I responded with silence.

He continued,

"I guess you must be new to the city. Let me explain-"

He then started to explain.

Okay, so let me sum it up for you as per Jordan's explanation.

Basically, the Elite Knight class was a higher hierarchy of soldiers. They were said to be the most talented soldiers who had completed their training from the national military academy. Where no ordinary person could enroll. The only students able to enroll either belonged to a rich family or were of noble birth. There were very few talented students who were admitted to the military academy through scholarship. The students who graduated received an armband.

So earlier, those were the new recruits graduated from the National military academy. Now I see why they were being butthurt.

Compare to them, I didn't even go to a normal defense school. I had to work as a part-timer to keep us living by. As soon as I aged 17, I gave the military police exam and was selected. Thankfully they had physical examination where they tested the student's aptitude for sword skills. I passed with flying colors but I had no education background from any school. Hence, I was positioned as a lowly guardsman.

We entered the old building. There were many soldiers around, primarily consisting of lowly guardsmen and watchmen. Both of them had minor duties. Guardsmen patrolled the street, while watchmen disguised in civilian clothing as they reported the events transpiring around town to the head office.

We passed through the hallway to the backyard. The backyard was quite spacious, with a grassy lawn. There gathered common folks like myself who were chattering among themselves.

"This is it! Good luck.", said Jordan with a salute like a soldier, "I'll see you around!"

He heads back inside the old building and disappeared in the midst of the hallway.

I joined with the others. Most of the newbies seemed to know each other. They already had created their friend circle as they talked cheerfully, laughing and grinning. Not one of them looked any special. Most of the people were fat and plump, whereas some were skinny and frail.

Was this really the guardsmen rookies? Most of them weren't physically fit. From the looks of it, I don't think they would even manage to subjugate a petty pickpocketer. Nevermind! For now, I shall just wait and watch.

I took a seat under the tree in the corner. There was no point in with associating with the noisy bunch as this.

Just when I saw a group of three teenagers approached in my direction. I closed my eyes shut and leaned back on the tree and I pretended to nap.

I heard their footsteps got closer and stopped next to me.

"Hey there! You are a new recruit like us, right?", one of them asked loudly.