1017. I am a poet.
The dwarf’s name was Tora. His alias was the Little Giant.
As soon as Tora heard the news of the King and the Knight from the continent, he spoke. To be precise, it was what he blurted out the moment he returned to the island and encountered Kahal.
I can’t accept it.
Tongue-thorn Kahal nodded in response. They understood each other’s peculiarities, so they could communicate without any greetings.
“Right, when have you ever just listened and acknowledged it?”
There is none. Her alias is Little Giant; let her explain why the Emperor gave her that name.
It is not your size that is the problem, but your small heart. You are foolish. Since you are foolish, you are small.
She said that. She admitted it.
“Yes, that is correct. I acknowledge myself as such. Emperor.”
The dwarf was one of the people who spent the most time with the Emperor. She was one of the Four Great Knights of the Empire, roaming the battlefield and fighting for the Empire.
I will put an end to the false rumors.
Tora straightened her shoulders. Smashing the heads of guys doing this kind of thing was her specialty.
I’ve already fought it, and it’s not a baseless rumor.
No matter what Kahal said, he didn’t even pretend to listen. He must have his eardrums blocked by Will. It wasn’t the first time this had happened.
“You are the most oblivious of all the dwarves I know.”
Kahal shook his head as he spoke. Even if he went along, Tora wouldn’t listen to him anyway. But isn’t he busy? How did he even get here, especially since the early hours of the morning?
“The Emperor summoned you?”
He sends himself out but calls Tora instead? What is he thinking? Kahal had a question, but quickly shook it off. It was none of his business. He was only thinking about finishing his work and returning.
“where are you?”
Tora asks. Kahal answered.
Find it yourself.
Kahal was about to leave briefly to hunt some monster at the Emperor’s request. They just happened to run into each other; he hadn’t exactly come out to meet them.
Prok then went on his way. On
the way, Tora went to look for Enkrid after the Emperor’s clone told him to go to the training grounds. Then, Tora’s eyes sparkled after fighting briefly.
It’s true.
The knight, whose purity has not changed, keeps up with the speed and power.
Didn’t he say he had contested his strength with Kahal many times?
Tora’s specialty is attacks that surge with an irregular rhythm. Just moments ago, he strangely fragmented the beat.
He kicked my leg before that.
Did they prevent it before the beat was broken? That is the feeling.
Is it an instinctive response? If so, how many battles
has the other side fought their way through? It is too numerous to count. It is a conclusion reached by combining the knight’s insight and the dwarf’s unique discernment.
If the man before me is a lump of iron, that iron is a mass of iron that has withstood thousands, even tens of thousands, of hammer blows and whose shaping is unfinished.
‘ah.’
Tora is a master of training recognized by the entire empire. She stood in the training ground instead of the furnace, wielded an axe-spear instead of a hammer, and carved people instead of iron and stone.
That’s good, really good.
In Tora’s eyes, Enkrid was a raw gem that still needed much work.
The reason the word “giant” was attached to his epithet, “Little Giant,” was that, apart from his narrow-minded nature, he was not stingy with learning or teaching, nor did he harbor arrogance or stubbornness.
Although narrow-minded, his capacity for acknowledgment and acceptance was vast; one might say that the small and the big coexist.
While people are inherently dualistic, this aspect was particularly pronounced in Tora, which is why he was given the epithet “Little Giant.”
Looks sufficient to call him a bewitching knight. Passed.
Tora muttered. “How long has it been since I’ve seen a gem I want to touch?
I disliked the one I saw before because there was nothing to touch.”
“Return to the palace for a moment. Come and compete against the person I have designated.”
Tora had been full of complaints at the Emperor’s request, but not now.
Emperor, you have been hit again.
Acknowledgment comes quickly. Enkrid continued to watch her in the same posture. Tora
readily matched his pace. He thrust forward with a thud, swinging his axe-spear with great force.
From the opponent’s perspective, it must have looked as if a massive monster was suddenly swinging a weapon.
It was a technique named the “Black Bull Slash.”
Purity, refined Will, combined with Indules, heavy power. Tora executed all of this in an instant. Speed was added to such a condensed strike. It was a blow
that fell, distorting space itself. Enkrid extended the Onuil she held in both hands.
It was a stance that looked awkward. That is true if one intends to attack. It was not so if one focused solely on blocking.
With both arms pulled down, it was disadvantageous for transferring power, and the angle of the blade, twisted diagonally from the left shoulder to the right hip, seemed like an incomplete stance lacking any discernible intent.
In other words, this implies that she can transform into any stance.
Blocking, deflecting, parrying, and dodging. On top of that, she predicts the attacks unleashed by the opponent with insight, cutting them down and blocking them. It was an attitude solely for that purpose.
Even so, it was like a praying mantis charging at a moving carriage, but the mantis eventually survived.
Zzz
The sound followed belatedly, unleashing a roar and shockwave between the two. A gust of wind swept through them, pushing them in all directions.
Looking at the sequence of events, he parried the axe-spear with the blade of his sword, deflecting the force across his entire body, all while simultaneously moving his feet. He then retreated and swung to the side. He had incorporated the sword technique he learned from Oara.
In doing so, he channeled all his remaining strength into the ground. With this, Encred proved the effectiveness of the “Smoke Extinguishing Stance.”
It was thanks to Kahal, who had helped him train by sparring with him for days. Hadn’t he been relentlessly swinging his loop sword toward this very stance?
The amusing thing was that the axe-spear fell as if to strike the ground but then changed direction. Consequently, they ended up colliding diagonally.
As soon as his body recoiled, the dwarf played his next move.
‘Swift sword.’
The axe-spear flutters through the air like a swallow and flies in. The tip of the spear seemed to come alive. As its attack is blocked and deflected, it transitions seamlessly to the next. It is as natural as flowing water.
It was a response of astonishing proportions. In particular, the delivery of its power reached the realm of art.
Use force when necessary, and hold back when necessary.
In terms of the way he used his strength, he was superior to Kahal. If Kahal made his monstrous strength his forte, this one used finesse as his weapon.
If one were captivated by the appearance of the axe-spear, they would be defeated in an instant.
Every single one of them.
It is natural for me to infuse my body, skills, and attitude with deception. The Knight Commander is the same way.
Encred watched the spearhead flying toward him with accelerated thought.
It seemed to be flying in, but stopped. The dwarf stomped the ground with a thud and kicked Encred in the chest with both feet. As
Encred crossed his arms in front of his chest to block the kick, the transferred Will spread the shock throughout his entire body.
The more you try to block it, the more complicated it becomes.
Even using Will is incredibly delicate. At least on this side, Encred had plenty to do.
‘refusal.’
He rejects everything that goes against his will. Encred did just that.
Once again, an axe-spear drops from above his head. Should I say he attacks without waiting?
A blue light lingered on the engraved weapon, Today. If he pauses even for a moment, he is defeated. If things go wrong, he dies.
Well, isn’t it enough to just repeat today?
If the boatman were to intervene at this very moment, he would say this, but Encreed had no such thoughts.
He had long forgotten such soft thoughts. Be faithful to the present. Act like someone who has never lost. Forget the repetition of today.
He did just that. Being faithful to today—isn’t that why the name of his engraved weapon is “Today”?
The moment the raised sword and the axe-spear met, the hook-shaped blade snatched the blade. Encreed resisted, refusing to let go of his sword, and was dragged straight toward the dwarf knight. As
he was being dragged and clung to him, he tried to grab and break the dwarf’s forearm, but the damned dwarf pulled a shortsword from his waist and thrust. Encreed dropped his sword and rolled to the side.
If he stayed there, he would end up with another unwanted hole in his neck.
He dropped the sword. No, he let go. The dwarf stopped his grip.
Excellent!
The dwarf slapped his thigh with a loud crack and marveled. Using centrifugal force, he swung the sword hooked on the axe-spear he held in his right hand, then tossed Encred’s sword forward.
The flying sword lodged deep in Encred’s foot.
“Is it right to die because I’m fooled by the stubbornness that I must not let go of the weapon in my hand? It’s not.”
Tora was impressed once again. After all, there are always so many guys who hesitate and don’t drop their weapons in moments like this, only to get defeated.
Even Kahal would pull his hand out of the ring in times like this. But look at the attitude shown by this knight he was seeing for the first time, and one whose purity had barely changed at that.
I really like it.
As Tora’s eyes opened, a fairy blocked his path.
“Let’s fight. You old dwarf who is eyeing my fiancée.”
Tora’s change in attitude was dramatic, and it was visible to everyone. Sinar didn’t question the sudden change in attitude either. He was simply bothered by the look in his eyes.
I’m next.
Rem also received a turn on the waiting list. Temares just watched, and Krang let out the breath he had been holding.
“Why am I nervous when I can’t even see anything?”
He muttered. It was because of Will’s remnants spreading in all directions as the two knights engaged.
It is the little giant Tora.
The dwarf knight introduced himself again. No, he introduced himself for the first time.
“It’s my gift. Knight.”
The Emperor, who had previously arrived as a fairy with a voluptuous figure, spoke about when she had come. Sinar glanced at her and frowned.
“Your taste is awful. It’s awful.”
She showed fighting spirit as she spoke. It was a determination rarely seen in fairies. Tora became interested in this side as well.
You are all fun.
In her eyes, this fairy was a raw gem sufficient to be carved. The axe-spear was aimed at Sinar. The Leaf of Spring, the aged form of the Swords of the Four Seasons, also aimed at the dwarf.
The two clashed. For Encred, simply watching was a learning experience. He was realizing more and more of various things.
No, that was only natural. If Kahal was the type to stake the victory on every swing of the sword, Tora was not fixated on winning.
Watch and learn.
It is that kind of cutting.
Is it a gift?
Encred asked without taking his eyes off the fight.
Yeah, it’s a gift. Or not?
Encred fell silent at the Emperor’s question.
“In the morning I gave you wine, and now I have given you the Torah. How about that? Am I not better than your king? Moreover, I am a female fairy, and I have learned so much over the long years. For instance, the bed.……”
“Kaha!”
The Emperor’s words were cut short. It was the sound of Sinar shouting from the front, swinging a sword imbued with a deep green light.
Enemies to watch out for are everywhere.
Sinar spoke again. Tora stepped back appropriately. Blood trickled down Sinar’s shoulder.
It was only natural that injuries followed intense sparring. As the cloak Sinar was wearing stretched to cover the wound, the bleeding stopped quickly.
“What did you yell just a moment ago?”
Enkrid asked. It was the first time he had heard Sinar shout like that. It was enough to turn the attention that had been focused on the dwarf knight toward Sinar.
Me? When?
When Sinar feigned ignorance, the Emperor burst into cheerful laughter.
“Ah, it’s my turn, it’s my turn.”
No matter what others said, Rem stood before Tora.
“Alright, come on.”
Tora pounded his chest with his fist in joy. The two were strangely well-matched. Enkrid focused once again.
Tora’s delicacy was the same as ever, whether he was moving violently or standing still.
Even the smallest movements.
It is a stepping stone and a sequence for the next step. I didn’t realize it when I was fighting directly, but looking at it from the outside, I see one more thing.
Calculation and tactics.
If Kahal is instinct, this one is reason. The two were different, but in some ways, they were similar.
Whether it be instinct or reason.
Whether accidental or planned,
everything must come together to move forward.
Although he had only faced them once and watched two fights, Encred felt Will in his arms stirring and gradually coloring the surroundings. Though
that was merely a feeling.
Nothing begins without belief.
In the meantime, the Emperor asked from the side.
“Alright, now answer me. How is it? Is it a gift?”
Encred closed his eyes and answered.
I received it with gratitude.
It was while watching Rem get grabbed by the collar by the dwarf knight and the two of them headbutt each other.
“Damn it, it seems harder than the large intestine!”
Rem’s forehead was torn open and blood flowed. The dwarf answered, turning his head back and forth.
“That’s exactly what I should be saying. What kind of human head is this hard?”
The dwarf’s forehead was also torn open. The head robbery fight ended in a draw.
If you fight with your life on the line.
It is still difficult to win. That is a harsh assessment. I wouldn’t say there is absolutely no chance of winning, but it is truly difficult to guarantee a victory. That was the kind of opponent they were.
“What? Tora’s here.”
Balmung approached from behind, having arrived at some point, and spoke. The knights of the Empire are all busy. As if to prove it, Balmung had returned to the inner fortress after handling various matters.
Well, Tora fought enthusiastically, and after the battle ended, he laughed cheerfully and shouted.
“You guys are having fun, aren’t you? Let’s take a break!”
He was a spirited dwarf. It was the moment when the giant part of the small giant stood out. In the meantime, the Emperor disappeared once again, and two days later, Kahal returned.
“Now, wait a while. No, Tora, haven’t you left yet?”
“Where would I go, leaving such delicious friends behind?”
“You said it was just a rumor?”
“It turned out not to be.”
Toraran was a knight whose strength was his quick acceptance of things.
While he spent two more days rolling around with the two Great Knights of the Empire, Krang was dragged to the Council three more times.
Esther remained out of sight until then, when she sent a letter saying she would join him on her own when it was time to leave. She
said she had something to ponder at the Wizard’s Tower.
She was a woman who took care of herself. There was no need to worry. Encred spent each day faithfully. In the meantime, the number of people he had become familiar with and close to had increased.
“If only things hadn’t gone wrong on the battlefield, phew. What a shame.”
Tora also left in the middle.
“Well, I have some obligations to fulfill, so I have to go. See you later.”
Kahal has left, too. He is a Prok who devotes himself to honing his swordsmanship and mastering the art of handling Will.
The current situation is not bad, but the battlefield is also a sufficiently good place to hone his skills.
As Encred watched Kahal, it suddenly occurred to him that if they were not currently at war with the Demon Realm and he had not stood by the Emperor’s side, he might have sided with the enemy.
That is why Prok’s desires are dangerous. Well, it is wrong to condemn an entire race for something that hasn’t even happened.
“I wish I could do it for you. It’s a shame, isn’t it? But I just can’t. Well, sigh. It’s a long story to explain.”
Bram Ritzer, the knight commander with the funny alias “Barley Harvester,” spouted a non-excuse that he did not know how to fight without killing, but he also said that he could not stand by the Emperor’s side while injured if he were to engage in a duel risking injury.
“Why do you have to say such things while sitting right there?”
“Because it would be strange if I didn’t look after you since the Emperor likes you?”
He tilted his head.
You’re acting like you’re lovers.
When Encred asked back, the commander, crouching on one side of the training ground, nodded.
“Oh, right, the Emperor is very lonely. I like being her lover.”
How should I put it… it was just something that made me think, “So this is how it works.” Should I say it’s unusual, but not surprising?
Yes, that’s excellent.
Sinar praised him for no reason.
I could recite how wonderful the seasoned experience, expertise, and wisdom of an older person are.
It was cheering that bordered on being half-forced.
There were many other things as well. After all, I used to chat freely not only with the commander but also with ordinary soldiers.
“What do you want to be?”
One of them also left a deep impression on Encred.
A poet.
He was a soldier whose dream was to be a poet.
