The Starting Knight's True Name
Ludenberg Lavante couldn't help but be utterly astonished. He never imagined he'd meet the six heroes in person. And in such young forms, no less. They looked no older than his peers. In his eyes, they were merely immature boys and girls, not yet forged warriors.
The moment he realized this, Ludenberg vaguely grasped what kind of man the Starting Knight must have been. Given his superhuman strength and the current situation... it was likely that in some unrecorded, forgotten history, he had been the mentor to these six heroes.
Kyle Solenute and Orpina Testia eyed the suddenly stiffened Ludenberg with puzzled looks. At that instant, his mouth opened again, moving independently of his will.
"What's wrong?"
"Ah, nothing."
"Are you two the only ones left? Where are the others? Wandering this wasteland with just two of you would make you erosion beast bait in no time."
"Everyone we escaped with died. We barely clung to life and got lost. The erosion beasts attacked more than once."
"Lost... So you fled from Nadempir too?"
"Yes, that's right. We ran when the people evacuated Nadempir. But as I said, the erosion beasts targeted the people, so we've been drifting through the wasteland while fleeing."
"Where were you headed?"
"Tachgalde. Tachgalde."
"Tachgalde... Same as me."
Ludenberg felt as if he'd been dropped into a scene from history. Watching the Starting Knight's mouth move on its own, he surmised Raha's intent: since this was a reconstruction of the past timeline, she meant to show him the historical facts directly. In other words, he didn't need to navigate the awkward conversation himself.
He was inwardly relieved. He wouldn't know what to say to the six heroes face-to-face anyway. He just had to adapt to the situation and fight using the Starting Knight's body.
And the moment he realized that, Ludenberg felt his soul being pulled somewhere, separating from the Starting Knight's body.
As his soul detached, he could now observe the three conversing with his own eyes. It seemed this state persisted while the past unfolded.
"I-is that so? Then... could you perhaps take us with you?"
Kyle and Orpina brightened at the Starting Knight's words. They gazed at him desperately, clutching this last sliver of hope.
The Starting Knight looked up, staring into the distance. Ludenberg followed suit. The barren wasteland stretched out. Leaving them here would endanger their lives soon enough.
Sharing Ludenberg's thoughts, the Starting Knight turned to them and said,
"Very well. This must be fate. I wouldn't feel right letting kids like you die wandering out here."
"Th-thank you!"
"Follow me. It's a long way. Do you have water and food?"
"We're almost out."
Kyle replied to the Starting Knight with a slightly downcast expression. The knight distributed rations and water from his pack.
"This should last until we cross the wasteland. I can sustain myself with minimal supplies, so you two keep them."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Since I've decided to take you along, you're practically my companions now. I have to take responsibility."
With that, the Starting Knight turned north and started walking. Kyle and Orpina followed, calling out,
"Um, Sir Knight!"
"Yes?"
"May we know your name?"
"...Liberatus Ahad. Call me Libera."
Libera...?
Libera. The word hit Ludenberg like a bolt; he immediately thought of the jet-black sword in his possession.
Regardless, the three pressed northward. At the same time, Ludenberg's consciousness began to fade.
* * *
When Ludenberg opened his eyes again, he was before Raha. He resolved to ask her the questions that had arisen during the trial.
"This trial... was it to show me the past?"
"Exactly. To reveal what happened back then and what the Starting Knight was like. That's why I skipped direct combat."
"Was he the mentor to the six heroes?"
"You'll confirm that yourself as the trials continue."
Ludenberg nodded. He already suspected as much, so he didn't press further.
"One last question."
"What is it?"
"The Starting Knight's name was Liberatus Ahad... Libera. Is that connected to this sword?"
Ludenberg raised the jet-black greatsword in his hand.
"Yes. The sword's name is Libera for a simple reason. It's forged from... the soul of the Starting Knight, Liberatus Ahad."
"What?"
A sword refined from a soul? Could such a thing exist?
Ludenberg harbored the doubt, but Raha continued undeterred.
"How that sword came to be, and how Liberatus fought—that you'll learn through the trials. Don't dwell on it too much."
"...I see."
"Yes. Learning those truths matters, but your growth is paramount now. Got it?"
"Understood."
"Good. That's today's trial done. The next ones will ramp up with real erosion beast fights. Countless foes lie ahead. Well done... rest well tonight."
"How much of the first trial remains?"
"A bit more. I said defeating a highest-grade erosion beast marks the start. That was just basic training to attune to his body. Now the real trials begin... You'll need at least three more visits to this world."
"Still a ways off."
"Not really, if you think about it. You already have the skill to complete the first trial. It's just repetitive combat now. You've slain a highest-grade one—hone your edge by repeating it."
"Right."
"Anyway, good work today. I'll call you again soon, so keep your condition peak. Each trial drains you heavily. Today's wasn't too bad, but the next will be tough."
"Yeah."
"See you."
Snap.
Raha snapped her fingers, and the space enveloping them collapsed.
* * *
Ludenberg opened his eyes. He checked his body—unlike before, he was in his normal state. Evaluations were over, and it was a holiday with no assignments. What to do?
He didn't need to ponder long. Since reconciling with Ashytara Solenute, his holidays had a fixed routine.
He dressed neatly and headed to the girls' dormitory. They'd already agreed: rest on holidays, then study and train harder on weekdays.
He found merit in it. Raha had said the same—peak condition was key to enduring trials. Overtraining could lead to ruin, so rest when needed.
The girls were used to seeing him there now, showing no surprise. A few familiar faces waved; he nodded awkwardly.
This too had increased post-reconciliation. Many had witnessed his softened demeanor toward Ashytara, realizing he wasn't so intimidating. Some who'd been saved by him during the ambush raid now greeted him openly, eyes warm with fondness.
Of course, it never went beyond looks. They knew Ashytara's affection for him was immense—crossing her could mean Mion Altis-level backlash.
So they kept distance, contenting themselves with admiring his handsome features, which soothed their hearts.
But the moment didn't last. Ashytara appeared.
Displeased by the stares on Ludenberg, she grabbed his arm with a sharp glare and pulled.
"Tara?"
"Come on, Lud."
"We going somewhere special today?"
"Yeah."
"Where?"
"Just follow quietly for now."
"Alright."
Her words carried an oddly commanding force; Ludenberg yielded without resistance.
Ashytara led him to Solemnute Adem's shopping district.
"Why the shops?"
"First off—have you eaten?"
"No."
"Then food first. Anything you want?"
"Meat."
"Meat? Fine. I know a good spot—let's go."
"Huh? Okay."
Ludenberg was helplessly dragged along. The place was one he'd blindly entered on his first shopping district visit.
"I've been here before, clueless as I was."
"Oh, yeah?"
"Yep. Pretty tasty."
"Lucky then. Order for us. I need to step out briefly—won't take long."
"Sure, got it."
Ludenberg watched her puzzled as she abruptly left, then ordered his favorites and dishes she'd like.