Liberatus's Return to Command
Liberatus told the three about his conversation with the emperor—that from now on, they would belong to the empire's knight order. He even shared that he himself would resume his role as captain.
"Really?"
"Whoa!"
Unlike Kyle and Orpina, who beamed with joy, Hidea gazed at Liberatus with a more complicated expression.
"Is that... okay?"
She seemed worried that joining the knights without proper trials might draw suspicion and scrutiny from others.
"It'll be fine. It's been approved by His Majesty himself."
"...In that case, I understand."
"You've all worked hard. Rest today."
"Ah, yes!"
"Starting tomorrow, I'll visit the knight order formally to announce that you've become members. Keep that in mind."
"Understood!"
Liberatus immediately headed toward the Imperial Knights. Ludenberg watched with keen interest. He was curious about the differences between the current Imperial Knights he knew and this era's version.
Without divine power, they might even be weaker than the current knights.
But that thought shattered the moment Liberatus entered the training grounds. Weapons wreathed in ferocious auras clashed fiercely against one another, making Ludenberg question if this was truly the power of those without divine power.
What...?
Knights on par with the current Imperial Knight Martin Taylor were everywhere. Even without divine power, their battle-hardened experience against erosion beasts made them far superior to modern knights under divine power restrictions.
Liberatus isn't the only strong one. The knights and warriors of this era were all powerful. Of course—that's how they survived the erosion beasts' invasion.
It was even more terrifying. If knights like these awakened divine power, just how strong would they become?
As Ludenberg marveled at the past knights' prowess, several spotted Liberatus and rushed over.
"My God, Captain Liberatus!"
"It's been too long!"
Liberatus could only offer a wry smile at their enthusiastic welcome. They still embraced him despite his abandonment of the order.
"It's been a while, everyone. I hope you've been well."
"Well? Our skills have improved tremendously."
"I'm looking forward to it. We'll test that later."
"Um, is it true? About you returning as captain?"
"...Yes. It's His Majesty's command. That's why I'm here today—for the handover. Is Ridenah in the captain's office by any chance?"
"Yes. She's reviewing reports right now, as far as I know."
"Got it."
"Captain."
"Hm?"
"Everyone, including the current captain Ridenah... we've all been waiting for you. You have no idea how happy we are that you're back."
"I'm grateful for that."
Liberatus gave a faint smile and made his way to the captain's office. There was no hesitation in his steps. He knocked on the door before entering—proper respect for the current captain, even if he would soon take the position himself.
"Who is it?"
"Liberatus Ahad. Captain Ridenah Dwin."
"...!"
A clatter erupted from inside, and the door flew open. Standing there was a young woman with brown hair and a somewhat youthful face. For the leader of the empire's vast knight order, she looked remarkably young.
Ridenah Dwin. Liberatus's first disciple, unmatched in the order with her upright character, deemed the perfect successor. She hadn't fully filled his shoes, but being capable of it at all earned her high praise.
She gasped in surprise at the sight of him.
"My God, Master!"
"...It's been a long time, Captain."
"What's with the formalities? It doesn't suit you. Speak casually like always. You'll be taking over as captain starting today anyway."
"Even so, you're still the captain for now. A knight who disrespects the captain's position defies protocol."
Unable to argue with such sound logic, Ridenah sighed.
"Haa. Still as rigid as ever. Anyway, since you'll be resuming as captain from tomorrow, I've prepared the handover documents. You can review them all. Nothing's changed administratively, and the Imperial Knights' duties are the same as when you were here. So... you're captain again starting today. The inauguration is tomorrow."
"...Understood."
Ridenah didn't even ask the usual pleasantries about how he'd been. She knew better than anyone why he'd stepped down. Bringing it up would only reopen old wounds.
"Well then, I'll pack up and go."
"Let me help."
"No, it's fine. Not much to pack anyway. Honestly, it's a relief. Being captain... it was incredibly heavy."
"The fact that it's run smoothly until now means you handled it excellently."
"Heh, thank you. But I could never match you, Master."
"I've always felt sorry toward you. Forcing that burden on you must have been tough."
"It's all in the past now. And above all, it's good to see you again after so long."
A small smile tugged at Liberatus's lips.
"I'm glad you say that."
"Anyway, I'll head out. Take your time reviewing, and see you at the inauguration tomorrow."
"Ah, Ridenah."
"Yes?"
"Later, meet the new disciples I've taken in."
"New disciples?"
"Yes. Good kids."
"That sounds promising. Anyone you approve of must be impressive. How skilled are they?"
"The strongest of the three can handle a high-grade erosion beast alone."
"Whoa... How old?"
"Around seventeen, I suppose."
"That's way stronger than me, isn't it?"
"If we're comparing, yes—stronger than you were at seventeen."
"They're joining the order this time, right? Knowing you, you must have recommended it to His Majesty."
"Yes."
"Perfect. Talented juniors are always welcome. Erosion beasts have been giving us headaches anyway. I'll really go now, Master."
"Alright."
After Ridenah left, Liberatus pored over the documents. Clearly preparing thoroughly for the handover.
Watching Liberatus's visit to the order today, Ludenberg learned another fact about him: the man commanded immense respect. Goodwill flowed from all around—from lowly knights to the emperor himself.
Of course. Just look at how he treats his disciples... You can tell what a good man he is. I would never have taken them as disciples.
Ludenberg felt anew just how remarkable he was. After five years of distrusting others and deeming all bonds worthless, witnessing Liberatus's selfless devotion inevitably stirred admiration.
Liberatus embodied the ideal knight Ludenberg had dreamed of before the world scarred him. He'd aided Kyle and Orpina in danger, sheltered the homeless pair, and saved Garundel without expectation of reward. Even pursuing his own goals, he never excluded those around him. Despite his quest for vengeance... he strove to protect the weak caught in its path.
How can he be like that?
Every time Ludenberg saw him, complex emotions stirred. His own path had been the complete opposite.
Suddenly, Sione's words came to mind. Don't just charge ahead. Look around more. Build bonds with others. It wasn't mere advice on his sudden feelings for Ashytara—it was guidance on how he lived.
Upon reflection, Liberatus now exemplified what Sione had meant.
Of course, that didn't mean Ludenberg thought his path wrong. No need to deny the road that brought him here.
No—had I not acted that way back then, I wouldn't be here now.
But clinging solely to old ways wasn't necessary. If a better path existed, taking it was valid.
And Liberatus's example... was something Ludenberg could reference going forward.
Beyond mere physical strength, he was mentally resilient. Mental strength... Am I mentally strong?
Ludenberg shook his head. No matter how he thought about it, he couldn't claim to be.
I'm rather weak in that regard. That's why... I need an even stronger resolve. Perhaps Liberatus could infuse his convictions into his blade because of that mental fortitude.
In that moment of realization, Ludenberg reached an epiphany.
Conviction is unwavering faith in one's ideals. Unwavering faith demands resilient spirit. If faith wavers, so does the mind. Maybe that's why I couldn't infuse conviction into my sword.
Ludenberg pondered deeply.
I haven't even established what my conviction is. The example Raha gave—that my sword could cut anything—wasn't truly mine. So don't rush. Think carefully about the conviction I truly want to embed in my blade. When I grasp my own firm conviction, I'll gain greater mental strength.
He had simply observed Liberatus... but combined with Sione's advice, it unraveled the knot around conviction.
He'd sought advice over feelings for Ashytara, yet it led to this insight. Ludenberg wondered if he should thank Sione properly later.