Chapter 18
Chapter 18
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: Imperial Guard Sky Knight
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Whiiiiiing! Whiiiiiing!
'The northern region is damn cold, alright.'
Several months had already flown by since arriving on the Kallian Continent.
The passage of time had brought winter, and the weather in Bazran, located in the northern region, delivered biting cold.
'Damn it, who was the idiot who said in that novel that you could use teleportation magic circles from Magic Tower branches? If I catch them, I'll perm their hair with a Fireball!'
Remembering a fantasy novel he'd read in the past, he'd politely inquired at a Magic Tower branch in Shadur about the price to use their teleportation magic circle, acting like he knew all about it.
To avoid looking like a clueless country bumpkin who might get ripped off, he'd phrased it that way.
The apprentice mage and 4th Circle mage had stared at him with round eyes.
Then suddenly, they'd exploded in anger, unleashed a Fireball, and yelled at him to get out.
In the end, he'd had to flee in a hurry.
'Rotten luck! Yeah, even I thought it was suspicious while reading it. How could low-circle magic handle spatial teleportation?'
The magic knowledge forming in his mind.
The minimum circle required to deploy a teleportation magic circle was the 7th Circle Warp spell.
Even then, it was a ruthless teleportation that depended on memorized coordinates and distance proportional to mana reserves.
Knowing that full well, he'd lost his head for a moment and gone to check anyway.
Just in case—and ended up getting verbally abused.
'Whew, at least I made it here.'
Kicked out of the Magic Tower, he'd asked around and ridden toward the Bazran Empire's capital.
But the troubles didn't end there.
At every territory and border crossing, soldiers and knights picked fights, so eventually he'd stopped at a mercenary guild to get a 1st-grade mercenary badge.
Fortunately, the mercenary guild hadn't pried too much.
When he'd unleashed a brilliant Aura Blade, they'd respectfully forged him a 1st-grade badge with his name on it.
From then on, he'd passed through territories smoothly, and after two months of travel, the Bazran Empire's capital lay before him.
'It was a short time, but a fun trip.'
Guided by a well-made map, he'd ridden for those two months.
When paths aligned, he'd joined merchant caravans or mercenaries to gather the latest info, slept rough under the stars, and savored the true essence of travel.
'They call it the imperial capital for a reason—it's huge.'
A colossal wall dwarfing any city or fortress he'd passed.
Rising from the vast Northern Great Plains, the Bazran Empire's capital was ringed by walls dozens of meters high stretching to the horizon.
'Two million people live inside...'
As befitting the imperial capital, two million souls resided within the outer walls alone.
Not that many compared to modern cities, but astronomical for the undeveloped Kallian Continent.
And hearing that the empire had tens of millions of subjects and 800,000 regular troops had left his jaw on the floor.
'Normal kingdoms have around 200 Sky Knights. Empires have between 300 and 500.'
The key intel he'd gathered focused on Sky Knights.
They were a necessary and sufficient condition for building his dream paradise.
Knights, mages, and soldiers mattered too, but on this continent, national power was measured by Sky Knights.
'What fun can I find here? Shall I head in?'
He didn't want to be a stranger—he wanted to live like a master roaming Earth, like his own teacher.
If fate was unavoidable, thriving within it was the true mark of the wise.
"Wood! Run! Hya!"
Hiiiing!
Honawood, the horse he'd grown fond of over two months.
As if understanding, it reared up on its forelegs and neighed powerfully.
Clop clop clop!
Breath steaming white in the chill wind, Honawood charged forward.
Like the saying "all roads lead to Rome," he galloped along the straight imperial highway toward the Baysha capital.
His heart brimming with dreams of glory.
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"Wow~!!"
He'd tried to hold it in, but the exclamation burst out.
'What the hell is all this? Amazing!'
According to his intel, Bazran's founding emperor, Albatron, had been a commoner's son.
By chance, he'd tamed a Black Wyvern, risen through nobility, and forged an empire amid continental chaos.
Thus, Bazran valued ability over bloodline more than other empires or kingdoms.
'The Sky Knight academy exams start tomorrow and run for about two weeks.'
That was why he'd focused solely on gathering info while riding to the empire.
The special admissions exam for the Sky Knight academy, open even to commoners.
In Bazran, talent alone could make you a knight.
'Merit-based recruitment must be the foundation of this empire's growth.'
Flashing his mercenary badge, he entered through the massive outer walls over 15 meters thick.
The imperial capital's sights unfolded before him.
First, waves of countless carriages and people flowing through the gates.
Like throngs cramming into Jongno on weekends, masses surged back and forth.
'Big leagues are where it's at!'
Scale and crowds incomparable to the territories he'd passed.
Plus countless stately stone buildings.
It matched his dreamed fantasy world perfectly.
'First things first, money. They say looks are half the impression.'
He'd had enough cash for the trip.
But now he was stepping onto the elite path to knighthood.
He wanted to maintain some dignity.
"Um... are you looking for a place to rest?"
Scanning for the Rubis Merchant Guild branch, a thin voice piped up from below.
'A tout?'
A boy who looked barely twelve, in worn but clean clothes, eyes sparkling.
'The others aren't even approaching me.'
A little kid who still looked young.
The bigger guys were hawking to well-dressed merchants entering the city, so the kid, pushed aside, shyly approached him.
"Do you know a place with the best food and comfy beds?"
"Yes? Yes! I know inns with the capital's tastiest food and coziest rooms. Shall I guide you?"
'Look at this kid. Cute.'
Just a child, but clearly driven to the streets for survival.
Unlike other hawkers, his speech carried poise.
'Let's see what you've got.'
"Thank you!"
The boy grabbed the reins the moment he agreed.
Pitiful yet admirable.
"What's your name?"
"Hehe. I'm Alex."
"Alright, Alex. Do you know the Rubis Merchant Guild branch?"
"Rubis? Of course. It's the biggest building on Merchants' Street."
"Is it close?"
"Yes! Merchants' Street is right there on the main road to the right. Shall I take you?"
"Yeah. Lead on, Alex."
The kid was spry beyond his years.
Worlds apart from Luna Village's brat Deron.
'I wonder if Yans and Cecil are okay.'
He'd asked Jamer to look out, but worry nagged.
After thrashing the lord like that, the guy might take it out on the village.
'Touch Luna Village, and I'll bury you all.'
Like a hometown to him now.
He couldn't help but care.
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"We're here. This is the Rubis Merchant Guild branch."
Alex announced their arrival briskly.
'Ho, big corp vibes.'
A street as flashy as Myeongdong, lined with countless shops.
A five-story stone building dwarfing the rest.
He dismounted with a satisfied smile.
"Alex, wait here while I go in."
"Yes, no worries."
'Kid.'
He ruffled the cute, plucky boy's hair and headed into the guild.
"How did you get here? This isn't a retail shop..."
Even in the safe imperial capital, two sword-bearing guards blocked the entrance.
"I'm here for my money."
".....?"
They eyed him up and down at "money."
"You messing around? Do you know where—gasp!"
His thick traveler's robe, caked in travel dust, looked ragged.
Even he'd avoid letting someone like that into a major guild.
But he had the iron badge from Jamer proving governing merchant status.
"G-Governing merchant iron badge!"
"Welcome!"
The aggressive guard gaped while the other bowed deeply.
"Can I go in now?"
"Our deepest apologies. Please, come in."
The guard opened the door with a fawning expression.
"You all do well. Judging by appearances... tsk tsk."
"Yes? Ah, understood."
He strode in shoulders squared, ignoring their bows.
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'VIP customer? Jamer's got an eye.'
Showing Jamer's iron badge inside got the branch manager bowing low.
Jamer, who'd risen from twelve governing merchants to total governing merchant in months—who knew what happened.
The badge carried real weight.
His 10,000 gold principal had ballooned with interest to hundreds more.
The manager served hot tea, explaining he'd been classified as a top-tier customer, dividends distributed to high nobles on Jamer's orders.
'20% discount on all Rubis goods. And credit up to 100,000 gold.'
Like 21st-century banks, these mega guilds.
Jamer's preferential treatment lifted his mood.
'Keep it up. I'll back you big time.'
"This is Elmar's Rest House, my recommendation. Even nobles stop here—one of the capital's finest."
No need for much cash, so he withdrew about 1,000 gold.
Dafis currency worked fine; empire treated gold coins the same, minted pure.
'Yeah, this'll do.'
On Merchants' Street, he bought a trendy white super tunic and black winter leather cloak.
Less convenient than modern clothes, but natural materials made them comfy.
And the five-story building before him.
Golden sign reading "Elmar's Rest House" screamed luxury inn.
"Welcome!"
As he stopped his horse, two neatly uniformed staff bowed at the entrance.
"Good work, Alex."
"Work? Hehe, thanks to this cool knight, I earned today's bread. Thank you. May Goddess Sermy bless your peace."
'Kid...'
Young, but bold and dashing, Alex.
"Go wait by the kitchen back there."
"Yes!"
Staff giving him the hint to scram.
Probably fed them if they brought customers.
"Wait, Alex. Take your tip."
"Yes, tip?"
Turning to head behind, Alex looked back.
Ting!
He flicked a gold from his pouch to the boy.
Thud!
Alex caught it reflexively.
"Gasp! Th-this is...?"
Gratitude? No—face drained pale.
"G-gold!"
Not just Alex; staff gawked too.
"Keep living like you are. Your dream future will open."
Seeing his bold self in the boy, he offered words.
"Th-thank you."
Clutching the gold, trembling, Alex bowed deeply.
Pocket change to him, but life-changing for Alex.
He trusted the kid wouldn't squander it.
'Yeah, this is how you spend money.'
Earn like a dog, spend like a prime minister—ancestors' wisdom.
He dismounted and entered the inn.
"Wh-what's your name? Please tell me!"
Alex's voice cracked with emotion.
"Kaiyer. Name's Kaiyer."
"Kaiyer..."
Murmuring to remember, Alex.
He stroked the boy's soft hair and stepped inside.
Time for real rest.
Fun, but travel wore you out.
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Gurgle.
"Kuh! Good!"
Cleaned daily with Clean magic, no grime, but soaking in hot water was pure bliss.
"Magic makes it easy, huh?"
He booked the top suite at 3 gold a night.
Lying in the vast marble bath, old fatigue melted away.
The room matched his folks' 45-pyeong apartment.
Plush clean bed, antique furniture Mom would love.
Rivaled the hotel suite from his parents' anniversary.
"La la~ la la la~"
Humming idly in the tub.
Eyes closed, deep in thought.
'Sky Knight selection exams... Heh. Feels like college entrance exams.'
Starting tomorrow.
Pass was guaranteed, but exam thrill buzzed through him.
Knock knock.
A knock at the door.
"Who is it?"
'Who now? Perfect timing ruined.'
Mood shattered mid-bliss.
"It's the manager."
The spotted toad-faced guy from check-in, rubbing hands slyly.
"What is it?"
"Um, sir, forgive me, but could you switch rooms?"
'Switch? Is he nuts!'
"No."
Eyes closed, soaking, he refused.
"Sir, please! No charge—stay elsewhere!"
Desperate plea from outside.
Urgency dripped.
"No."
"Not just me—the sir too could get hurt. Nobles want the suite. Please switch~!"
'Nobles? Screw these bootlickers.'
"What! Still not vacated?"
"You dare not yield the room Young Master wants!"
"Mercy, knights!"
Bad noble vibes peaking, then cute(?) chatter outside.
Thwack!
"Argh!"
Heavy impact followed words.
Thud.
"Hey! Who the hell! Vacate when told!"
'Brats? Look at these guys.'
Prepping condition for tomorrow's exam, mood soured.
Two knights in thick plate magic armor, blue cloaks, kicked the door open.
'Such rude bastards!'
No permission, barging in.
"Guts bloated! Noble wants it—dare refuse?"
"Last warning! Dress and vanish!"
Arrogant threats.
Face twisting was natural.
"No thanks?"
"Wh-what, no?"
"Kuk, this punk insults knights—suicidal fool."
Dumbfounded knight faces.
"Needs dragging like a dog to learn."
"Filthy commoner...!"
Clank clank.
Dust-caked armor approaching.
Mood hit rock bottom.
"One more step, I won't be responsible."
Not wanting trouble before Sky Knight academy, but they provoked.
"Puhahaha! Responsible?"
"Kid talking big!"
Clank clank.
Ignoring warning, advancing.
Swoosh.
Hand emerged from water.
"Lightning!"
Short 3rd Circle incantation rang.
Zzzzzzzzt!
"Arrrrgh!"
"Uwaaaaaah!"
Sneering knights.
Cheap armor, no magic defense—sparking, screaming.
Boom!
Smoke rising, they sprawled flat on the floor.
'Damn! Who the fuck!'
Owner unleashing hounds was the issue—loyal dogs innocent.
Splash.
Rising, chill wind from hall raising goosebumps.
Shiver.
'You're dead.'
Noble or not, rage at peace-shatterers.
Gnashing teeth, dressing.
Curious what noble ruined his mood.
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"Hoho, such luck. Without Alphonso, no room."
"Haha, my doing? Your knights would've handled."
'Rumor says Laifon Viscount's heir is knightly true. Taimon Barony thanks again.'
Past fainted knights and groveler, down to restaurant—cringe dialogue.
'Idling around.'
Two noble heirs, century's bad luck, gold-plating faces under dozen knights.
"Merely humbled. Thanks to wise Emperor and Fate God Romer for this bond via Sky Knight exam."
"Hoho, I thank noble-souled Emperor and Blessing Goddess Semir for Alphonso."
'Ugh! What chicken skin this sudden!'
Staircase view—goosebumps everywhere.
He could do cheesy lines, but they transcended.
Like born brawler Fedor or kindergarten boss.
"But knights aren't down. Long trip, wanna rest..."
Woman in white mage robes, not dress.
Pretty face, but upturned eyes screamed man-eater fox.
"Sir Part, why no knights?"
Fox frowned; arrogant boy beside barked at knight.
Classic noble smugness matching bitchy girl.
"I'll check!"
Soundproof double doors hid screams.
Pete knight bowed, turned hastily.
Eyes met Kaiyer's on stairs—early forties Pete.
Smirk.
"....."
Pete puzzled by smile.
"Haha! Who seeks me so urgently? Where's the owner of uneducated rude knights barging my bath?"
Clear laugh, booming shout.
Clang!
Swords drawn noisily.
Not dumb—got the point.
"Y-you! Where are my knights?"
Alphonso, claiming rude knights' master.
Face beet-red, jumping up.
'Rotten, time to pay dog fees!'
Tomorrow's problem tomorrow.
Demand accountability for today's mood-ruiner.
"Your knights? Probably ping-ponging heaven-hell knocked out. Wanna join?"
Smirking, taunting lightly.
Two months' peace-ruiner rivaled lifelong foe.
"Dare insult noble! Suicidal?"
Pete bulged eyes, bellowed.
"Insult fan? You'd like bath interrupted, door kicked? Bread in soup, nose blown?"
Noble/knight BS piled—ready to blow.
Snarling, proclaimed justice to curious restaurant crowd.
"Noble right absolute! Protected by imperial law—lowly commoner rebels! Needs blood to repent!"
No remorse from noble spawn.
'Only academy here?'
Man's righteous anger demands pole-smashing.
Not just Bazran had Sky Knight academy.
His skills? Kingdoms begging to scout.
Vowed unforgettable 21st-century commoner fist taste.
"Right? Ogre jitterbug. Five meals a day, three shits? Puking cheesy lines—noble? Taste lowly commoner's hot fist!"
Whiiiiiing!
5th Circle mana activated.
Shing!
Drew thick sword.
"Attack! Sever his neck!"
Alphonso paled at gibberish, ordered kill.
"Die!"
Knights, furious like Alphonso, Aura Blades on swords.
Pitiful worm-wriggle level.
'Dead meat!'
No mercy for provokers.
Self-defense! Plus loving education whip—er, drew sword.
"Umahahaha! I'll teach world's fear, you orc minions!"
Chest out, hearty laugh.
Only parents scared him.
Daring irritate? Only hot rage awaited.
Swoosh!
Pete's sword thrust at gut fast.
"Eek!"
"Uwaak!"
Onlookers screamed.
'From below!'
Mana gathered, sword slammed down.
Kaaang~!
Clear ring.
Right foot up, smashed Pete's jaw.
Thwack!
Clang clatter.
Body flew ~3m, crashed armored.
Jaw hit—no scream, out cold.
"Th-that one! Kill him quick!"
Alphonso shrieked.
"Burning fury of flame, light piercing dark..."
Knights paused; mage-robed bitch chanted Fireball.
'Vicious bitch!'
To catch him, risking building blaze—wicked.
Crunch!
Ripped wooden railing.
'Mouth shut!'
Hurled at concentrating bitch.
Thwack!
"Aaaaah!"
Fox gut-punched, collapsed.
Fsssh.
Mana mist dispersed.
"Noble harmed! Kill! Kill him!"
'Irrevocable line crossed. Kek.'
Alphonso whipped knights.
"Kill!!"
Knights charged narrow stairs.
"Taat!"
Mana to sword flat, not edge.
Baseball bat swing—smashed lead knight hard.
Booom!
"Crraaaack!"
Metal clash, but leather drum burst.
Clang clatter!
Five-six clustered knights tumbled from shockwave.
'Don't die, jerks!'
Annoying, but no murder.
Controlled force, dispersed over armor.
"Y-you fear no imperial law?!"
Alphonso stammered, few knights left—terror hit.
Voice weakening.
'Finish quick, bolt!'
Not idiot—thrashing nobles/knights in capital? Guards incoming.
Approached most annoying Alphonso.
"You need a beating."
Step step.
Stared into trembling eyes, advanced slow.
One step— he retreated shakily.
Knights clumsily blocked, swords up.
"Heh heh heh..."
Evil grin, raised sword.
Mana flared—blue Aura Blade glow.
"A-Aura Blade Knight!"
Finally recognized.
"Tat!"
Shout, swept trembling knights.
"Halt!"
Sudden sharp command.
Zing.
Back—blade-sharp aura.
"Gasp!"
Onlookers gawked behind him.
Swoosh.
Turned head.
'Huh?'
First: blood-red cloak.
Second: black muffler at neck.
Third: odd silver armor under red cloak.
"S-Sky Knight!"
Someone gasped it.
'Whoa!'
Three Sky Knights entered, oozing nobility.
Leading, gazing at him: woman.
Mysterious silver hair cascading over red cloak, biting plump red lips, troubled expression.
'F-female Sky Knight?'
Stunner who'd ordered halt—heart-pounding beauty.
"Imperial Guard Sky Knights..."
Frenzied groan from someone.
'What? These legends own the Black Wyverns!'