Unyielding Resolve
No sooner had the sparring matches ended than the knights announced that dispatch duty details would be posted tomorrow. For today, they told the students to return to their dorms and rest.
The students headed back to their lodgings amid a lively buzz of chatter about the day's events. Numerous eyes followed them, and a few seemed eager to strike up a conversation. Ludenberg Lavante quickly slipped away from the scene.
Only after returning to his room did Ludenberg realize he had suffered his first defeat in ages.
In truth, he wasn't the type to obsess over every win or loss. He had grown accustomed to defeat through countless spars with his father. He knew full well that today's outcome was to be expected—after all, the gap between Martin Taylor and himself was vast.
Strictly speaking, I shouldn't feel much about it... but I can't let it slide. I lost. I have every right to be displeased. No—I must be.
To ensure he didn't miss that fleeting flash of insight from his duel with Martin, Ludenberg forcibly channeled his displeasure into motivation, meticulously reviewing the match.
Moments of mental laxity were when such inspirations vanished forever.
As he replayed the duel, Ludenberg couldn't help but admire Martin's swordsmanship. It was a display of seasoned mastery honed over decades—movements that begged the questions: How can I wield my blade more efficiently? How can I control my body with greater precision? These were techniques Ludenberg understood intellectually but had been unable to execute due to his physical limits. Martin had demonstrated them flawlessly today.
If there's a next time... I won't lose so pathetically.
He vowed as much. A sword style seen once could surely be countered. The real issue lay with his own abilities. Hadn't he felt it today, too? His body failing to keep pace with his mind.
In the end, only relentless training is the answer.
His thoughts always circled back to the same conclusion. Tireless refinement.
He assessed his stamina. Could he head to the training ground now and swing his sword more? Or not?
Plenty left. I can still move.
Judging he had reserves, Ludenberg made for the training ground to hone his body, believing that these incremental efforts would one day yield monumental results.
The next day, the knights gathered the students and distributed schedules for duties during Terra's Origin Festival. They also formed the teams.
"Memorize the schedules and your team assignments we're handing out now. Duties start this afternoon, so no mix-ups. Your assigned knights will brief you on the details—just follow their orders. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!"
Ludenberg checked his schedule. Duties ran from morning to evening, with times shifting daily—some mornings, some evenings.
There were fifty teams in total, each a five-man unit: one knight and four students, drawn one from each rank.
As a result, Ludenberg's team included Knight Carmen Ansis, Ador rank Leb Heinz, Frigus rank Leila Satin, and Abyss rank Cletta Peliche.
The moment he saw the roster, Ludenberg scowled. One face in particular he had no desire to see.
Leb Heinz—the one who clung to Eden Asta and spread all sorts of nonsense rumors about him.
Ludenberg itched to plant his fist in Leb's face right then, but starting a brawl among students during an official dispatch would likely end poorly. He held back. Moreover, with the vital Terra's Origin Festival underway, airing personal grudges and ruining the event was out of the question.
Resolving to set aside all private feelings for this duty, he approached Leb Heinz.
Leb, who had just confirmed Ludenberg was on his team, wore a look as if he'd chewed dung.
Damn it. How the hell did they pair us up? Shit, shit. This is bad. One slip-up, and he might beat me half to death...
Stomping anxiously, Leb spotted Ludenberg approaching and flinched in panic.
"H-Hiiik!"
His old bruises suddenly throbbed. Unable to muster his usual cocky attitude, Leb stared at Ludenberg with a face frozen in fear.
"I won't drag personal matters into official business. That said, don't pull any stupid stunts. If you do, I'll make you realize last time was nothing."
"......"
Not waiting for a reply, Ludenberg turned away. That was warning enough. The guy was sharp enough to behave.
If he screwed up even after this, Ludenberg would leave him unable to walk. He harbored no great aversion to violence or killing, after all.
With team formations complete, it was time for the members to assemble.
Leb's face stiff with tension. Ludenberg's impassive. Leila and Cletta huddled awkwardly in the strained atmosphere.
Without that vibe, Leila and Cletta might have mustered some semblance of warmth despite the awkwardness—but no such luck. Caught between bitter enemies, they could only watch Ludenberg's mood.
Carmen Ansis scanned her team and spoke up.
"Why so tense? Something wrong?"
"No. Nothing at all."
"Alright. As long as it doesn't affect duty, I don't care. Everyone checked the schedule?"
"Yes. 8 p.m., right?"
"Correct. We meet at the training ground at 7:30 p.m. and head straight to the site. Don't be late. Feel free to sightsee the city if you want—just no trouble. Got it?"
"We'll keep that in mind."
"Good. Dismissed. Free time now. Train if you want, nap if you want. Just be on time."
"Yes!"
As soon as Carmen finished and departed, Leb's expression brightened instantly.
Shh-shh-shh—like a bug fleeing for survival, he distanced himself from Ludenberg in a flash and scurried off to find his cronies.
Cletta watched in disbelief before turning to Leila and Ludenberg.
"What're you two up to next?"
"Training."
Ludenberg replied curtly.
Cletta eyed him with exasperation.
"Ugh, training now? Don't you feel like sightseeing a bit, Ludenberg? We're in the capital—might as well check it out."
"Not particularly. I've been to Solemnute plenty."
Ugh, wrong target. This guy's brain is all training. Okay, then...
Cletta pivoted to Leila.
"What about you, Leila?"
"Uh, not sure yet..."
"Then come sightseeing with me! We're teammates now—perfect chance to get friendly. Except that Leb guy who bolted. Ludenberg, you too! All training will wear you out. We've got night duty—don't burn all your stamina now."
"I'll train, sleep it off before then. Plenty of time. If you want me along, give a good reason. I hate moving without purpose."
Ugh!
Cletta racked her brain but found no compelling argument. She hung her head, abandoning the recruitment.
"Fine, can't be helped."
"No business, then I'm off."
Ludenberg turned and headed straight for the training ground—a stance as predictably rigid as ever.
"Sigh. Wanna hang out just us, then, Leila?"
"Uh, yeah? Sure. But where to?"
"Dunno... First time in Solemnute for me too."
Cletta and Leila hit a snag from the start. Free time was great, but the capital was vast, and they had no clue where anything was—or what to do.
"Too early for lunch, but sightseeing without knowing the way... What now?"
"Hey! Over here, Cletta! Here!"
As Cletta clutched her head in thought, a saving voice rang out.
"Oh? Philia and... Ashytara?"
There stood Ashytara, looking bemused, and Philia, brimming with excitement.
"......Hi."
"What brings you here?"
Cletta knew from the dorm duel that Philia was Ashytara's roommate, so she skipped the obvious question.
"Philia dragged me out to see the capital... Didn't have anything better to do."
"Cletta, is your team just you and Leila?"
"Nah, two more—but they ditched for their own stuff."
"Who?"
"Ludenberg and Leb. Whew, same team as those two was suffocating. Good thing Ludenberg said he'd keep it professional for duty, or it'd be worse."
Philia grimaced in sympathy.
"Of all people, those two bitter rivals together. Must suck for you guys..."
"Eh, Knight Carmen'll mediate, probably..."
Leila said with resignation. Philia's presence seemed to ease the mood; even Leila, short on friends, looked relaxed.
"Where'd Ludenberg go?"
"Training ground. Said he was training."
"Oh...?"
Ashytara's face betrayed unwitting disappointment. The other three caught the fleeting expression.
"Huh?"
"......Why?"
As the trio flashed enigmatic smiles, Ashytara couldn't fathom the reason.
"Nothing. Anyway, Ashytara—know any good spots in Solemnute? Wanna do some proper sightseeing while we're here."
"Hmm... Where do you wanna go?"
"Somewhere to eat? Sharing a meal's the best way to bond, right?"
"Sounds good to me."
Cletta glanced at Leila, who nodded vigorously in agreement.
"Me too!"
Philia beamed, seconding without a care.
Ashytara pondered their suggestion, then snapped her fingers as an idea struck.
"I know a place. Wanna check it out?"
"Let's go!"
A spot endorsed by a princess, no less. They had to try it. Brimming with vague excitement, the three trailed after Ashytara.