1043. You’re laughing like a crazy bastard, seriously.
“Are you telling me to keep Will in the cloak all the time?”
Luagarine asked. The sight of him leaning back in the chair with his legs up on the desk looked quite familiar.
It was only natural, considering he must have eaten, slept, rested, and worked here all day.
“Why don’t we make it part of the training process? Like slowly falling from a certain height while wearing a cape?”
“That’s a good idea.”
Frock puffed out his cheeks. Of course, it was a room high up where sunlight streamed in through the window and one could rest whenever needed, yet it was a place that could well be called an ink-scented back room; Luagarné continued to puff out his cheeks with satisfaction. He did so for three days straight. Encred was the same.
“It would be better to divide the method of handling tools into stages as well.”
“I will teach Roford, Pell, Theresa, and Dunbakel in the training hall, so observe.”
“Right, seeing once is better than hearing about it a hundred times.”
Frock, who had been leaning against the desk, reached for it again. He dipped his pen with a loop into ink and wrote again.
Seeing him do this, even though there was no need to stay cooped up in the back room now that Encred was back, it must be because he enjoys the work itself.
“It’s similar to the way fairies handle spirit.”
“Yes, I did see and learn some things from there.”
Encred spoke, stretching his upper body upward while seated. There was a cracking sound as his spine straightened and bones meshed together.
Were the Empire’s Four Great Knights and the boatman his only teachers? Naturally, everyone who had fought by Encred’s side all this time was his guide and his teacher.
While he had discussed future responses to demons and the political situation with Crys, he had only talked about swordsmanship with Luagarne.
Perhaps that is why it was so exciting.
“I guess I’ll have to use it during the minimum cycle phase. It will also serve as a tool to train how to control Will, right?”
Luagarne’s insight was like a finely honed blade. Even though he was not a knight himself, he accurately grasped what Encred wanted.
“Once you have achieved renewal, return to the basics and hone your skills. If you have formed and refined a circle, I would put it this way: forge a single point to break the circle, use that point as a starting point to create a larger circle, and ultimately become the smallest and most solid circle possible. If I were to explicitly tell you to hone your basics after renewal, it would actually become difficult to understand. Appropriate examples, metaphors, and rhetoric often help with comprehension instead.”
Looking at Luagarne reminded me of Jitte. Both gave off a similar vibe.
“It is the process of reaching the pinnacle of a knight. After renewal, one merely hones the individual skill, the Indules, once again. Broadly speaking, there are only three: Uske, Enobatio, and Indules.”
Aside from the introductory text for becoming a knight written with Encred and the secret manual to consult after becoming a knight, she also wrote a swordsmanship manual that organized her own thoughts.
The three books she wrote did not cover a single basic swordsmanship movement; instead, they were filled only with fundamental mindsets and basic theories.
Someday, the book you wrote will spread across the entire continent.
Encred spoke. He seemed indifferent, but his voice was mixed with anticipation.
“I don’t know. I just organize things because I like it. I simply enjoy the process of organizing, gathering, and seeing it come together into a book again.”
For three days, Encreed occasionally examined the books Luagarine had written individually.
They were all created by weaving stories together, designed so that anyone who read them would internalize the theories contained within.
A book for those determined to become knights.
If Encreed wanted a theory for those who strive, Luagarne wrote a book that would awaken unknown talents and serve as a catalyst.
This was entirely due to their differing perspectives on the situation.
From the very beginning until now, Encreed had never ceased self-sacrificing training and held those who relied on such determination in high regard.
Luagarne went a step further. He wrote texts that would serve as a catalyst not only for those who strive but also for those who are unaware of whether or not they possess talent.
This is talent.
Encreed thought so.
Luagarine would never rise to the rank of knight. For she was someone who found joy in writing, organizing her thoughts, and creating something beneficial to everyone here.
The one who holds the sword holds the sword.
Power belongs to those who hold it.
Right now, I, Prok, am merely holding a pen and walking my own path.
Everyone just needs to pick up the weapon that suits them and fight. It’s not like we need to worry about a loss of strength just because she is gone.
Is there anything you haven’t mentioned that helped with the reform?
From Luagarine’s perspective, was there something lacking? Encred fell into thought for a moment.
Finding clues through deliberation was a habit ingrained in him. This time was no different.
“The Phoenix, I saw only one thing: the will to burn.”
It meant that seeing that determination was helpful.
Among the conversations held over the course of three days, there were many instances where the same story was repeated. Encred stopped there and left the room.
Now, any lack would be filled by Luagarine personally watching over the training of everyone, including Roford.
She drank water from a tin cup with a round ring. Since she was a Frog, she would need to stay hydrated frequently, but seeing a large water bottle placed to one side, it was clear that Kreis was taking good care of her.
“Pooh, that was fun. Enki.”
This is what Prok said after drinking his fill of water.
“okay.”
As I came out just like that.
So, did you end up falling for that prog?
As soon as he came out, it was Sinarda. With her arms hanging down and a blank, indifferent expression, she greeted him as if she had been waiting for him.
“Then are you giving up?”
When I played along with the joke, the fairy laughed enough to brighten up the surroundings. I wonder if they say a company of soldiers would risk their lives just to see her smile.
It wouldn’t be a lie.
Even looking at it coldly and objectively, that is the case. Rumors were widespread that the Golden Witch and the Black Flower used a spell to organize a royal guard with a single smile.
“Do you think I would give up? I have learned so much from watching you, Enki.”
Sinar approached and whispered. She didn’t say what she had learned, but the hairs on my whole body stood on end. Her breath entered my ear.
I don’t know how to give up, either.
Encred answered as if nothing was wrong.
“I’m busy.”
“Right, I see.”
Encred came out and walked, and Sinar leisurely followed behind.
“Where do we go now?”
“I need to take a look at Dunbakel and the rest of them.”
“A beastman this time? A beastman after Frog? What is wrong with your taste? Here is your fairy. And over there is your witch.”
Esther, who had been leading the magic corps, looked this way and raised her hand. That witch has changed so much, too.
It feels like just yesterday she had turned into a leopard and pretended not to know me.
Had I changed just as much? I must. After all
, no one lives in this world without changing.
I had met the Order of the Mad Knights, met Lord Cypress and the Boatman in the Red Cloak—my childhood dreams—and faced the Knights of the Empire.
All those times were the catalysts and turning points for change. Encred also raised his hand and trudged toward the training grounds.
For some reason, whenever he had a spare moment, Crys laid down flooring for the Order of the Mad Knights’ training grounds, planted trees, and even prepared a resting area on one side.
Is this substituting for the desire to decorate a salon like this?
Sinar, who was following from behind, said.
The wind is nice.
A lukewarm breeze of early summer passed beneath the trees, sweeping coolly past the ears.
The sun had been shining brightly for the past few days. This is the kind of sky that Encred likes, too. Encred loved the sky on days as clear as the twilight that settles in the afternoon.
Yes, I see.
On a windy day like this, I naturally feel like swinging my sword. Well, Encred is a person for whom days when he doesn’t feel that way are rare, though.
As I approached the training grounds, the people staying inside came into view.
“So you’re actually doing that. Watching Dunbakel comes later.”
This is what Sinar said while looking at those waiting.
Yes, killing two birds with one stone.
Encred answered nonchalantly, drew his sword, and let his arm hang down. The tip of the sword touched the ground.
The path leading to the training grounds was a dirt road on a gentle uphill slope.
Flagstones had not been laid because they would frequently come out this far and break during training.
Although it was a dirt road, its well-maintained appearance revealed the meticulousness of the person who built it. Perhaps it was only natural, given that it was the work of Crys and Edin.
Crunch crunch.
The tip of the sword scrapes the ground. Dust clings to Encred’s imprinted weapon. Is it to reveal some kind of will?
Are you serious?
Rem, who was standing near the entrance, looked at Encred and raised only his left eyebrow as he asked. It seemed like a look of displeasure, but looking at it differently, it also seemed like he was asking if this was necessary.
“uh.”
Encreed answered and entered the training ground, continuing to speak.
It starts with Lawford, Pell, Theresa, and Dunbakel.
It has been over five days since Audin returned.
“great.”
Theresa replied. In just those five days, the Half-Titan’s body had returned to its former state. It
was still not in perfect condition, but it was a fight where four people were facing one. As long as she didn’t become a burden, there was a chance of winning.
Just as Fell learned from Lawford and Lawford learned from Fell, Theresa was influenced by both of them. In particular, she was influenced by Lawford’s ability to formulate tactics.
I’ll block the front, and Dunbakel will turn.
Since Roford and Pell work well together, what if we leave those two alone and have the rest coordinate their fight?
The gap between me and Audin, my theology mentor and deputy commander, is not small. I felt it even more acutely while watching this fight. Was that why I felt such a sense of defeat?
‘no.’
She follows. She will do so no matter what. Just because Encred has stepped up against the four of them now, she has no intention of meekly giving up.
Theresa knows that she stands here today thanks to that man, before she learned how to love herself first from the former Holy King of the Legion.
I will fight and fight again to prove myself.
That was her life, her purpose, and all that remained. Even if she now harbors more, her fundamental nature has not changed.
Crunch.
She tightened her grip on the sword and shield. The shield, covered in black metal and lined with Manticore hide, concealed part of her body.
The surface of the square shield was pitch black, yet it gleamed.
Fel’s eyes sank lower and colder than ever before.
If his eyes were usually like burning firewood that would burst with sparks at the slightest, now they were like a swamp where not a single ray of light had penetrated.
Roford looked the same as usual, but in his mind, he had already started the fight dozens of times.
Where and how should I start?
Among them, Dunbakel was the most thoughtless. After all, she was a fighter who followed her instincts more than her thoughts.
The sour smell comes first.
Roford spoke naturally. When the four of them form a group like this, Roford naturally assumes command. This is because, regardless of individual capabilities, their abilities are different.
Dunbakel lunged toward Encred but then hopped to the side. The movement was so dynamic that it created an optical illusion, making it appear as if Dunbakel’s waist was stretching out.
Seeing this, Encred recalled the move Primahild had demonstrated. Compared to her, it was a bit clumsy.
The speed, the timing—everything.
thud!
Theresa took two steps forward in sync with Dunbakel’s movement. The Half-Titan’s movement alone created a sense of pressure.
Encred felt as if a large rock was flying toward him. It was Theresa’s intimidation.
At this moment, Pell quietly took a step. Using a fairy tale to conceal his presence, he turned to the side, and from Theresa’s right, Lawford fully revealed himself, approaching by kicking the ground repeatedly.
Even though it was a short time.
Their movements look like they have just finished tactical training. So, should I say it looks good?
No, today’s training wasn’t like that.
“Even if you’re the leader, isn’t four a bit too much?”
It was a gathering attended by Kreis, Abnaier, and even Edin Molsen. It was the sound of Kreis muttering.
With the exception of Krang, who had returned to the palace, all the key figures were present. Even Temares was sitting in a chair watching with a long blade of grass in his mouth.
Under the pressure of the four, Enkrid swung his sword upward, which had been scraping the floor.
No, the moment it seemed to have swung upward, four afterimages appeared, and blades struck the right shoulders, left flanks, left foreheads, and right thighs of Pell, Roford, Theresa, and Dunbakel. All four reacted, but they were all slightly late.
Just once.
Encred, who had displayed such unbelievable speed and movement, muttered.
Instead of slashing, he merely struck and passed by. Had he intended to cut, every blow would have been fatal.
His muttering pierced everyone’s ears, much like a shout shouted from the depths of one’s stomach.
It was heard even more clearly by the four he was facing. While
spending time with Luagarne, Encred casually announced to the Knights Order that he would spar with
the entire Order and that they should prepare, specifically stating that he would take on these four at once.
At first, their pride was hurt, but it soon became a situation where they gritted their teeth and charged forward.
The outcome was decided in the first contest.
You’re not just going to do this once, are you?
Enkrid asked again in the meantime.
My body isn’t fully warmed up yet.
Pell muttered. He abandoned the thought of striking with a surprise attack, his gaze cold. There was absolutely no chance of winning this way.
He had done something completely unbefitting. Of course, he had attempted it to hone his skills in both aspects.
To put it in Encred terms, he was forming a new circle.
“Oh, you too? Me too.”
Roford took the words.
Ah, a bit of an injury.
Teresa is speaking too.
“Practice is over. Now I just need to do it properly, right?”
Dunbakel also spoke up. At times like this, the rhythm matched perfectly, as if producing a beautiful harmony.
“If you don’t do it properly, it’s going to hurt a lot.”
Encred responded to their words with a radiant smile. Although the three days with Luagarne were enjoyable, they could not compare to the joy of standing with a sword in hand. Ecstasy welled up inside him and naturally showed on his face.
“You’re laughing like a crazy bastard, seriously.”
Rem muttered from behind.
