"Oh? I thought you would put to struggle more than that."

As the people surrounding them heard what the young merchant have said, they were left with the question of why.

For them, the two have just

started the fight. They didn't even get to be able to enjoy it, let alone understand why he surrendered so easily.

The fight only lasted for a minute and that first and last minute for them is like nothing happened at all.

Though some did notice that the scared merchant was able to attack a few times, they still don't understand why the young merchant surrendered so early.

"So what did you notice? Say it to them so they can learn it too, as the person who learned it first-hand."

Because of the arrogant tone of White, the young merchant can only greet his teeth, trying to contain his anger of White.

He really wanted to punch his face. So much so that he is gripping his hands so hard that if his nails are longer than what it is, it would have definitely pierced his skin. But he stopped himself knowing that the opposite is what would only happen if he tries.

"I can't reach him at all..."

"And why is that?"

"I can't find any opening. He's too far for my sword to reach."

Unlike earlier, White just smiled at him and didn't even try to mock him.

For White, it's already enough punishment for him to be humiliated by a person that looks weaker than him.

White then proceeds to look at everybody around him and said.

"The match is over. Go back to your places now and continue making those sticks."

When they got back from their original position. They also got back into making the spears. White decided that it's the right time, also started breaking down what really happened in the fight.

In the fight between the two, both of them didn't think about the advantages and disadvantages of their weapon. But as soon as both of them got to their position. Both of them immediately started to contemplate. The young merchant started to think of so many things that he wasn't able to think of earlier. Like the range. He noticed that, unlike his weapon, the spear of his opponent has more range than his own.

Because of this, he tried to look for an opening, a weakness of his opponent's weapon. Since it is a spear, he thought that it could only be used to thrust at the enemy. Thinking of such, he thought that if he can form a defense against that single form of attack, forming a counter-attack using his more versatile sword would be easy thus defeating his opponent also becomes easy.

One specific strategy he has in mind is to grab onto his wooden spear. Unlike a sword, you could easily grab onto a spear as it doesn't have a sharp edge on its side. After that, he would end the fight by closing in on his opponent and ending it by pointing his sword at his opponent. It was a perfect plan, though only on his mind.

When he tried to grab the spear of his opponent to hold it in place, the merchant that should have been weaker than him was easily able to retract his spear out of his reach.

Although he tried again and did succeed in holding onto the spear. He wasn't able to hold on to it for long as his opponent was easily able to take back his spear.

What he didn't notice is that even though he is stronger than his opponent. He was only able to hold the spear using one hand against his opponent who holds his spear using two.

He also didn't try to do it anymore when he noticed that instead of being able to control the fight by holding onto his spear. He was controlled instead by the more dominant force holding onto the spear which is coming from its wielder.

But it is not over for him during that time. Feeling confident enough himself, the scared merchant went for the offense which the young merchant reacted to by trying to go for a counter-attack.

He first dodge the spear of his opponent which turned successfully as his initial plan. He only needed to do the next step of his plan before he could even do it. The scared merchant is already stepping back and before he knows it, the scared merchant was already ready to attack again.

At that point, he already knew that he has no chance.

"You see, since eons ago. Spears are already being used by our ancestors. Some said that spears might actually be our first weapon..."

White said to his students as he look at the spear he is holding.

His student on the other hand just listens to him while being busy making their spears.

"Spears through time have already become part of our blood that even if we only used it for the first time, it's going to feel natural for us to use it."

The merchant who fought earlier with the spear was amazed at the explanation of White as he relates so much to what happened to him earlier in the fight.

For him, the explanation of White about the spear is definitely how he experienced using it.

"Don't you agree?"

"Yes!"

Although he never held a spear once in his life. Using it in the mock fight felt like he already knows how to use it since forever.

The ideas on how to use it, how to defend, how to attack.

He can imagine it all and even though he never was able to hit his opponent using those.

His opponent never was able to also. His opponent can't even get close to him nor hit him with the sword.

While his attacks on the other hand although not hitting, it is still more close to hitting than the sword.

He felt as if the young merchant didn't end the fight, he would have definitely hit him in just a matter of time.

"After this, we will train you all on some drills."

As White finishes his teachings. Most of the merchants are still not finished making spears.

"Why do we even have to do this? Can't they just do their own one?"

Said by one of the merchants who White forced to do make the spears for the others.

"Well, it's not like you have anything to do for two days right?"

...

After defeating the Ogres, the leaders of the caravan, White and Drey are leading the talks about the next course of action that they should take.

The people in the caravan on the other hand are around them listening while also trying to give their opinion.

Through the days of traveling together. They faced countless enemies, time and time again.

Wild animals and monsters attacking them at a time they didn't expect when they are most vulnerable.

Like when some of their companions got deeper into some forest while they are camping.

A random ambush to their advance party to ensure more safety and other carelessness that happened on the caravan.

But unlike all of those accidents. This is the first time that they have had death and the number of casualties is on its highest.

And as they were discussing about such topic, the topic about the injuries that came from different accidents like when White ordered to push the Ogres off the cliff using the wagons wasn't able to be missed which many weren't able to help themselves but release their anger at White for his seemingly unnecessary actions.

"I have to do it. If they retreat, they would just call for more of them. Do you know how strong even a child ogre is?"

White reasoned out. Trying to reason out that his decision is only made with thinking of what's best for the group.

Although many were left unsatisfied, they were forced to accept it as they also know and experienced firsthand how dangerous their opponent is.

It's not like they didn't also try to go for another way which they knew already how ineffective it was compared to what White did which unlike theirs, the only risk is him being on the top of the Caravan.

The subject was easily dropped and it continued till it reached another important point which seems to where the many of the people in the caravan is divided.

It is the fact that many of them wanted to go back.

Most of those who wanted to go back gave different reasons as to why they wanted to but most of them are grouped into the ones that are wary of the further danger that the mountain can bring, and the others wanting to recover first before moving again.

Though they became more divided when Drey himself chose a side.

"We will continue the journey"

Even though their casualty is at its highest, not many of them are in a critical condition.

Most of them only have minor injuries and even those hit in the head aren't exactly in critical condition.

That is how Drey sees it. While White and many more also agree.

"It's just some injuries. Don't be pussy about it."

The cocky statement of White was met with the angry stare of some people he injured but they weren't able to do anything.

"What about Wilbur?"

Said one of the people who is an acquaintance of the person who died. He wanted a proper burial for his friend but since the decision of Drey is to continue, he is thinking that his friend will just be buried like how the ogres were.

"Don't worry about him."

White said to him with an easy-going attitude.

It might be due to his experience which is why he is pretty calm but most people felt uneasy knowing that a person they were with for days, died.

The guard though thinking that White doesn't give a flying freak to his dead friend burst out in anger at him for what he said.

"What?!"

Almost no one seemed surprised at his angered reaction as many expected that when they heard what White have said.

'How can he just dismiss it like that?' many thought.

"What?"

Replied White with a look on his face as if he doesn't know why he is angry.

'The fuck is his problem.' he asked on his mind.

"I know death is part of the job but I can't allow you to disrespect him like that!"

Said the Guard. Finally giving in to his emotion. His outburst was met with sentiments, most of which are the people in the caravan sympathizing with him about what happened.

"Hey, hey, who said I didn't respect him?"

Replied White as he look at the guard with a confused look.

Like earlier, the face of White will tell you that he doesn't know what the merchant has been blabbering about.

Everyone was confused at what they just heard. The same as the angry guard, they too thought the same thing as him.

"He was nothing but a brave man!"

White said proudly as he stand up to face the angry merchant.

'Oh, he's starting to spout some bullshit again.' Black thinks as he watches the conversation unfold.

The angry guard on the other hand isn't even angry anymore but is just shocked that White is now walking towards him.

"He faced those fucking Ogres like they were some small goblins. Why the F would I not respect him?"

White continued, as he walk close to the face of the angry guard.

The angry guard on the other hand steps back due to sudden pressure and intimidation coming from White.

"You won't fool me! Didn't you say that you didn't care?"

Replied hastily by the guard which was seconded by most of the people.

"Stop this pls."

In the front of the gathering, the voice of the merchant leader Drey was heard.

So naturally, everyone looked at him.

"It was my decision to not retreat when we saw the Ogres. White only followed my order."

Drey continued. Trying to ease the situation by putting the blame on himself.

Drey being the most influential person in the caravan, utilizes his position to resolve the problem they have.

"But we will have no choice but to leave him here."

Though sympathetic, Drey still chose to go with his initial words.

"But my-"

Before the angry guard can finish, White already has cut him off.

"Are you really that selfish?"

Asked White with the same tone as before.

"You dare ask that to me?"

Replied the angry guard thinking about how ironic the statement coming from White.

White on the other hand only look at him unfazed and decided to talk to make him face the real truth.

"Do you really think, a merchant caravan would go back just because of a single person?"

As White said that, the angry guard was hit by a sudden realization.

Drey on the other hand face palmed hearing the thing he was trying to avoid.

"Let's just leave it here."

Drey ended the meeting there before the people starts causing a commotion.

To appease the guard, they held a small funeral to which they found out that White is already planning to do.

After recovering, they decided to continue on their journey without much delay.