In the castle's training grounds, the clang of wooden swords, the shouts of commanders and the rhythmic marching of soldiers filled the air of everning. Here, Rudeus stood near a group of knights that was in better world sparring with each other.

Eyes darting around, tried to take in every detail since when get here to this word, Rudeus had make it his jobs to document all the details of this world, from how currency used to how the kingdom army fight.

Although wearing the expression of a curious newcomer, a goofball who easily impress but in reality, his sharp mind was analyzing everything.

He observed the armor, noting the differences in quality among the soldiers. Some wore chainmail that looked well-maintained, while others had dented plate armor that barely seemed fit for battle, then there those who wear clothes and leather.

"It seem like the type of armor once wearing reflect their position in the army" mumbles to himself, keeping his voice as low as possible while theorying what the difference in type of armor mean.

And the weapons? They are similar to the armor situation coming in many by types and conditions— for example some swords gleamed and shine in the sunlight, while others were chipped and dull.

"It’s a patchwork army" Rudeus thought, pretending to scribble notes in a small notebook as if jotting down tips from the training sessions infront of the knights and soldiers. But in reality, he was recording the army's organization, equipment, and weaknesses. The officers seem competent, but the rank-and-file soldiers... They’d crumble against an organized force.

As he wandered closer to a group practicing archery, he listened intently to their conversations.

"King Alden’s orders are getting stranger by the day," one soldier muttered under his breath. "He’s pushing us to train harder, but for what? We haven’t had a campaign in many cycle now."

"Don’t question it," another replied, stringing his long bow as they look at the previous soldier. "We just do what we’re told. Our loyal is to the king and god, that is our chivalry."

Hearing that, Rudeus felt a chill run down his spine but kept his expression neutral. "So, Rory is right about the knighthood thing" he think then continue moving along the field.

Come to another section of the training ground, Rudeus saw a group of knights running drills under the watchful eye of a grizzled of there commander. Pretended to be engrossed, he leaning forward with an eager look on his face as if it was his first time meeting real life knights army.

"Excuse me, sir—!" he called out, waving his notebook like a eger squire wanting to learn about their knight. "—What’s that formation called? It looks so efficient!" He ask.

The Knight Commander gave him a side glance but he doesn't look annoy instead he seemed pleased with Rudeus’s apparent enthusiasm. "This? It’s a standard pike wall formation. Good for holding off cavalry charges and formidable offensive."

"Wow, that’s amazing!" Rudeus said, nodding vigorously while jotting it down. "Standard, huh? That means they rely heavily on defense against cavalry. If they face agile units or ranged attackers, this formation will collapse quickly." He thought while written down the information.

As the commander walked away, Rudeus smirked as he think to himself. "These guys are so focused on traditional medieval tactics. No flexibility, no creativity. If it ever came down to a fight, we’d have the upper hand easily."

His attention was drawn to a corner of the grounds where a few soldiers were sparring with maces and axes. He wandered over, making a show of marveling at their weapons.

"Those are some heavy hitters," he said with a grin. "Do you guys use those in real battles?"

"Oh this—?," one soldier replied, hefting up the axe. "Yeah you can said that, these baby can crush armor like it’s paper."

Pretended to wince, Rudeus continue to scribbling in his notebook again. They rely on brute force. Effective against poorly equipped enemies, but slow and predictable. Against someone like me or Rimuru, these guys wouldn’t last a minute.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, Rudeus tucked his notebook into his pocket and stretched, letting out an exaggerated yawn. "Whew, I’ve learned so much today! You guys are incredible," he said, flashing the soldiers a wide grin.

They waved him off, some rolling their eyes, others smiling at his apparent naivety. To them, he was just a curious outsider with a penchant for asking too many questions.

As he left the training grounds, Rudeus’s expression shifted to one of grim determination. The king’s planning something big, and he’s counting on this army to do it. But if he thinks he can use us like pawns, he’s sorely mistaken.

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he made his way back to the chamber, ready to report his findings to Rimuru and Rory—after, of course, they were done with whatever antics they were up to.