Chapter 11
Chapter 11
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 11
Chapter Title: Knight Meets Knight
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Splash.
A sharp splash of water echoed out.
In the midst of a pouring spring rain, two knights walked side by side.
Licht, clad only in his black helmet.
And Mardol, covered head to toe in full plate armor.
Anyone seeing them might mistake it for a secret rendezvous between knights.
'What the hell do I even call this.'
It was a fusion of pure white and transparent glass. A white knight and glass—total opposites to me.
A transparent, mirror-like arch shielded them from the rain like an awning. It hovered over my head like an umbrella. It sparkled so brilliantly, you could call it crystal without hesitation.
Magic from the glass knight, huh.
Well, Dennis's nickname was Drunken, and Kainel's was Mutt.
The game's labels were pretty straightforward.
But why approach me? He could've just let me get soaked. We were only desk neighbors in class. Sensing something off, I asked him directly.
"So, what's the errand?"
"Can't use magic?"
"Nope."
Aha, he was just messing with me. I pressed a hand to my forehead as I eyed the knight armored head to toe. I appreciated the rain shield, at least.
Our heights were about the same. His build was impossible to gauge with that thick armor plating everything.
I shot him a scrutinizing up-and-down glance, and the knight looked back at me.
"..?"
"Some people are just like that, Mardol."
I was the weird one. In this world, everyone could use magic. Feeling a bit indignant, I sighed and quickened my pace.
"..Can you get stronger?"
"No idea what you're talking about."
The glossy helmet tilted. A muffled hum echoed from inside again.
Like a voice booming from a cave. My helmet never sounded like that.
Mardol propped his chin on his hand. Pondering something? Seeing this made him feel even more like the protagonist from part three. His presence was just too singular.
A character who seemed the exact opposite of the Black Knight.
Not quite a white knight, but decked out in crystal-forged armor, helmet and all—a mysterious glass knight.
'Gotta be from the Granasia Empire at this level.'
Captain of the knights? Nah, that guy's too old. Imperial Guard couldn't pull off gear like this either.
I racked my brain, dredging up every scrap of knowledge.
Mardol eyed me. A glimpse of golden eyes through the slit. Where have I seen that before?
"I'll teach you magic."
"You're my big bro from now on!"
The bombshell offer hit me like lightning. I bowed my head on the spot. Jackpot. My mind buzzed with anticipation.
'Kinda iffy, but it'll be fine.'
I'd run myself ragged in this game trying to cast spells. Previous games leaned heavy on mana-based combat.
Conquering the world with raw muscle? That's Heavenly Demon territory. Not for academy kids.
Magic from the protagonist himself? I could learn that. Ariel's was tied to her mutt complex, too awkward for me. Same with Kainel.
Joint flags could break.
As my thoughts raced, Mardol stared intently at the sword at my hip before continuing.
"In exchange, swordsmanship."
"What swordsmanship?"
Play dumb for now. Felt like I'd triggered the wrong flag. Drake warned death for teaching techniques, so I clamped my mouth shut to stay alive.
"Drake."
"..."
"Swordsmanship for swordsmanship."
Busted. No wonder he had me slicing coins in class. I pondered if I could scoop up the spilled water.
I didn't know his options anyway. Drake's fault from the start.
"..Don't want to?"
"Hold on, give me a sec to think."
I glared up at the magic overhead. Maintaining that size nonstop? More magic talent than swordplay, like Ariel.
"You tweaked the magic formula for this, right?"
"Yeah."
The déjà vu question froze my brain for a second. This was huge. Manipulation skills on par with Dennis. Probably swapped it with steel.
"Impressive."
"Not really. Still weak."
I meant it. Stronger than Ariel or Kainel, at least.
'Just teach in secret, problem solved?'
Took me nearly five years to learn mine.
No way this guy had that kind of talent, protagonist or not. I could match Hero Kainel.
'Unless he's one of the Ten Heroes.'
That cleared it up. Love lines there: three total.
One impossible pre-Demon King. One unrequited, and don't touch Laplace.
No issues.
"Deal."
"When do we start?"
"Tomorrow? Come to the boys' dorm."
"Ah."
Footsteps halted. We'd arrived at the dorm, the two knights.
Lost track of time chatting.
"I'll keep this up."
"Disappears indoors? This glass... umbrella."
"Yeah."
Mardol gave a tiny wave. Seemed like a decent guy. Where do I know him from?
Too heartfelt for coincidence. Heartwarming, even. In this downpour, barely damp was a blessing. I bowed deeply.
"Hey, not heading into the dorm, Mardol?"
"I go home."
"Ah, commuter."
Made sense. Empire folk, lives close. But seriously, who is he? Ask Kainel later.
"Thanks a ton today. Dry thanks to you."
"Bye."
'Speech is brutally curt, though.'
One trait noted. A personality that standout? Bound to be one in my notes.
I mulled it over as I entered the building. The two-person room.
Kainel was already there.
'Wolf crests here too.'
Definitely Granasia Empire style. I shut the door, lost in thought for a moment.
The mutt greeted me cheerfully. Happier than I'd seen in a while.
"Licht, you're late."
"Had some business."
"Something for you up front. Here."
The blond hero handed me a letter.
"Thanks for today. Always ending up owing you."
"Ariel make it back safe?"
"Thanks to you. We were just messaging."
"Good work."
The hero beamed, explaining brightly. Relief. No soaked vibe—successful escort.
'But what's this? No one I'd expect to send mail.'
I smirked at his fresh love talk, then examined Kainel's delivery closely.
Bottom right corner.
-Your one and only master
Scribbled on rough paper.
Ugh, the old man again. Knew I'd spill his techniques, so this? Creepy. Mind reading? I glanced around suspiciously.
Checked for surveillance, then read.
[To my dear disciple Licht]
Gross.
[Saw your performance today.]
Why letter, not in person? Not his style.
[Worried about Dennis favoritism talk, so letter.]
Fair enough.
[You've grown. Drake's impressed.]
[Dragon Shadow's near perfect. Now, master's ultimate...]
Skipped ahead. Can't learn that. What, give up my humanity?
[Anyway, one thing to watch out for.]
Meeting you as professor was risky enough.
[Licht, avoid the glass knight as much as possible. Professors-only fact.]
Master? What...
[Son of a brother I know.]
Cold sweat down my spine.
Drake's "hyungnim"? Only one:
'Emperor Locke Granasia.'
His son? Only child, crown prince.
No way.
"..."
Fuck. The crown prince?
I'm screwed.
"Gahhhhh!!"
"What the hell's in that letter?!"
"This is a dream! Has to be!!"
My scream echoed through the dorm. Kainel stared like I was nuts. Thought a bug jumped out? Even prepped a spell.
Good reason.
Link with this guy, and the route's wrecked.
Saintess, I'm done for.
Meanwhile,
The moment the Black Knight screamed.
At the imperial training grounds, someone swung a sword. Only the whoosh of air slicing wind in the silence. Two shadows present.
"Lady Pine. Enjoy the academy?"
"..Probably."
"Fine progress. Swinging like that already."
The glass knight in heavy armor reflecting moonlight. An elderly butler watching. Pine and Dijur.
After shielding Licht from rain, she mimicked his classroom feat. Dragged her foot, slashed forward.
"Dijur."
"Yes. Here."
The butler tossed a copper coin swiftly. She tried recreating Shadow Slash, but it embedded in the wall. Fail.
"Tough."
"Why this suddenly?"
"Reason."
Without mana, still tricky. She clenched and unclenched her palm repeatedly.
Silence stretched.
The butler marveled at his lady's abrupt change. Something at the academy?
'A change. Lady Pine.'
Probably that young man. The butler mused inwardly.
Clang.
The training ground door burst open with a bang. Footsteps rushed in, joining the butler and her.
"Sis! Academy good? You're back now!"
"Yeah. Lupus."
"I gotta wait three years?"
"Probably."
The black-haired, golden-eyed boy with wolf ears dashed to his sister. Ears and tail wagging furiously—long time no see.
"Wanna go soon... Grand Hearts Academy..."
"Wait."
"But hate being apart from you...!"
Pine shoved the boy away. Focused on swinging, ignoring him completely.
"Whoa, still in that armor? Not stuffy?"
"Bearable. Lupus."
The little brother watched curiously. His sister struggling to slice coins. Armor and helmet looked suffocating.
"Take it off, Lady Pine."
"But that Black Knight."
"Yeah! Looks rough! Sis!"
At their urging, she finally removed the helmet.
Long white hair cascaded to her waist, golden eyes gleaming. Her wolf ears twitched upright.
"Feels weaker."
"You met that man, Lady Pine?"
"Yeah."
"Wh-what? Sis got a boyfriend?"
"No."
She shook her head.
But Lupus's face twisted in shock. Blank stare, soul fled. Butler gazed at the ground, unfazed—routine.
"Unique. Licht."
"Disciple of my friend's, so yeah. Though this old man's no Drake."
"What kinda playboy name is that!"
The baffled boy.
Ignoring him, Dijur tossed in a line.
"First impression?"
"..."
Pine pondered silently, then spoke. Tiny fangs peeked.
"Rain-soaked puppy."
Life flickered briefly in her eyes.