Chapter 31
Chapter 31
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: Knight Hanson (1) - Robert
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1.
A shadowy figure rushed toward me from the front in an instant, so I hurriedly raised my sword.
Claaang—!
The intense sword strike pushed my entire body back. Even that should have been enough, but she showed no mercy whatsoever.
Cliiing—claaang—!
It was a dizzying barrage pouring down like a waterfall. I gritted my teeth and put strength into both legs.
"Recall what you've learned!"
At my opponent's shout, I gripped my sword again and endured the attacks with minimal movements. Some strikes I deflected, others I absorbed with my whole body.
'I held out!'
I weathered one wave. Just as I felt a surge of pride, pain shot through my abdomen, forcing me to collapse to the ground.
"Huff... huff... huff..."
As I panted, sweat pouring from the pain, something cold touched my cheek. When I looked up, Anne was gazing down at me with a smile.
"Good work. You finally did it, huh?"
"I barely blocked it once?"
"Before, you couldn't even handle a single strike from me. That's huge progress. And for someone who's not even a knight to block a knight's onslaught even once—that's impressive."
"Aigoo. Thanks for the praise."
"Then don't overdo it—get up slowly. We've got a busy day ahead."
"Yeah."
I took Anne's outstretched hand and stood. We walked quietly across the training grounds.
'Leaving feels bittersweet.'
For the past two weeks, I'd trained like a madman. Mornings sparring with her, afternoons cultivating mana, nights resting or occasionally getting intimate.
Maybe because I'd pushed to my limits every day without a care for the count's watchful eyes?
⚔ STATUS ⚔ ⚡ Strength: 44 💨 Agility: 43 ✨ Mana: 20 My stats had risen by a total of 11 points across the three—even without leveling up.
'This must be what professional training feels like.'
Of course, I wouldn't see gains like this forever. Environments for unrestricted training and feasting aren't common, and above all, Anne wouldn't be by my side anymore.
'Still, I gained a lot.'
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Through repeated duels with a powerful knight and deep understanding of swordsmanship, Basic Swordsmanship evolves! Lv.1 Knight's Swordsmanship – Grants the ability to use swordsmanship techniques exclusive to knights. Thanks to sparring with her, my swordsmanship had evolved.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Knight Anne's Mana Cultivation Method The mana cultivation method of Anne, the Knight of the Waterfall. It boasts extremely high efficiency and builds a sturdy foundation for accumulating mana in the body. The biggest gain was successfully acquiring a mana cultivation method.
'Mana will rise the most for a while.'
It should have felt great, but somehow, everything felt stifling.
*
I straightened the bed and buckled my sword to my waist. Confirming my armor was fully on, I quietly stepped into the corridor.
The mansion looked the same as always. No sign of the maid I'd been friendly with, nor the butler who always greeted me at night.
Descending the stairs and stepping outside, the vast garden came into view.
"Hahaha, splendid! Perfect!"
In the fresh garden stood Bardi Count, his daughter Amelia, and her guard knight Amelia beside them.
"Then I'll be off, Count."
Worried he'd nitpick if I left without a word, I approached Bardi Count and bowed politely.
"Tch."
Amelia turned away, and Bardi Count waved dismissively with a displeased look—like shooing a bug.
'Fucking bastard. Shouldn't have saved him.'
I glanced at Anne one last time. Her black bob and beautiful features were unchanged. But her usually steadfast eyes were trembling.
"Farewell. Take care."
"Yes. Thank you so much, Lady Anne."
With sincere thanks, I started down the road again.
Time had passed, and the city was regaining its former state. Streets once filled with blood and bodies were now fairly clean; the crude wooden barricades were gone.
'Feels rewarding.'
"Sir Hanson, are you leaving?"
Nearing the gates, a soldier on duty recognized me.
"Yes. City's back to normal, so it's time. That's the mercenary life, right?"
"Shame. I thought you'd stick around and we'd work together."
"This guy's been thrilled about his boss changing."
"I'm sad too. If fate brings us together again, we'll meet."
"Understood. Open the gates!!!"
With the soldier's shout, the massive gates began to creak open. Chains rattled as the drawbridge lowered, connecting the path.
"Then I'm off."
"Yes. Safe travels!"
Their send-off followed me across the bridge. Just before my feet hit solid ground, I turned back for no reason. The road stretched far, nothing special.
"Sigh..."
I let out a deep breath and stepped onto the earth.
Vast plains. The fields looked the same as ever. The difference? It was getting colder.
'Winter's coming.'
Lost in sentiment, I walked on. At the field's end—the forest's edge—I turned one last time.
Not expecting anything. Just wanted one more look at the city.
"Huh?"
At first, nothing seemed changed.
But atop the main tower, far enough that people were invisible, a blue lion banner fluttered. Next to it, someone waved vigorously.
"Pfft..."
I grinned wide and waved back. Might not even be Anne. Even if it was, she might not see.
But it was enough.
*
Kieeeek!
I cleaved the last charging goblin. Hot blood splashed over me, souring my mood.
"Ah, fucking hell..."
The sentimental city farewell didn't last; monsters swarmed relentlessly once in the forest. Goblins especially.
⚔ STATUS ⚔ 💨 Agility: 43 → 44 Experience coming to me was nice, but goblins no longer sufficed for level-ups.
Hitting level 80 had spiked the required EXP again.
'Got an upgrade out of it, though.'
Rare shop prices had kept me from buying before; now it meant little. I'd already picked my purchases.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Magic: Water Allows creation of water. Amount depends on mana invested. ⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Magic: Fire Allows creation of fire. Heat and size depend on mana invested. Top priority: those two spells. Needed drinking water, but hygiene was the real issue.
'Gotta bathe, do laundry too.'
Ignorance is bliss, but after mansion baths, I couldn't stand the filth and grime.
'Why are spells so damn expensive?'
Should've asked the count for a spellbook. If he even had one.
Sighing deeply, I trudged onward.
'A lost wagon en route—or one under attack—would be perfect.'
Could help, hitch a ride, score food. Too bad.
'Yeah, like that'd happen...'
...Kuaaack!
A faint scream ahead—I bolted toward it. After a good run, far off: two wagons, mercenaries fighting goblins.
"What. It exists?"
Guess today's my lucky day.
2.
Kikikik!
The merchant hugged a crate beside him and yelled at the goblin horde charging from ahead.
"D-do something, quick! They're coming!"
"We know! We know!"
The mercenaries surrounding the wagons snapped irritably.
"...Fuck, shoulda hired more mercs from the start. Guarding two wagons with just five?"
Five would've sufficed normally.
They hadn't anticipated Bardi Count abandoning the roads. Coming from a remote eastern village, it was unavoidable.
"How 'bout we ditch and run?"
"Sounds better."
Mercenaries whispered as goblins closed in.
"W-what are you doing? Fight!"
The merchant bellowed, sensing their intent. Irritated, the mercenaries decided—
Splaaash!
Blood sprayed skyward. Three goblin heads hit the ground simultaneously.
Kikikik!
Too fast—the front goblins didn't even notice.
"Wh-what...?"
Their fatal mistake. The intruder methodically slaughtered from behind, all dead just before reaching the wagons.
Silence gripped the wagons. Merchant and mercenaries froze, staring at the man ahead.
Blood dripping from his hair wasn't pretty. It made him scarier.
Gulp...
'Fuck, he won't attack us, right? Looks like a knight.'
His gear, walking silently—suspicious. But authenticity didn't matter.
'Just spare us!'
Their lives hinged on his actions.
Best case: toll extortion. Worst: death and loot.
'Please be a good guy!'
As they prayed silently, a voice from behind.
"G-glad to meet you, Sir Knight. I'm Robert of the Leas Merchant Group."
The local head merchant disembarked to greet personally, bowing repeatedly to avoid offense.
'Idiot.'
The mercenaries bowed too.
"Hm."
"S-Sir Knight?"
He pondered briefly, then nodded.
"Yes. Glad to meet you. I'm Hanson of the Medici family."
A real knight!
"Ah, H-Hanson of the Medici family! Truly glad! I've heard of you! As expected of a knight from a honorable house—bold and incredibly skilled!"
"Thanks. More importantly, I have a favor."
The merchant paled but held back.
"Y-yes! After your grace, we happily oblige! What is it?"
All gulped, eyes on his mouth. Their fate depended on his words.
'Won't suddenly want our heads, right?!'
Mad knights might. As they hoped, Hanson spoke.
"Can I hitch a ride on your wagon?"
Relief washed over them. Not a bandit knight, thankfully.
"O-of course! Absolutely! We'll make space!"
The merchant whirled on the mercenaries and barked.
"W-what are you waiting for? Make space for the knight!"
"Y-yes!"
They scrambled aboard, shifting cargo. The merchant even brought his own bedding.
"H-how's this, Sir Knight?"
The knight inspected closely, nodded, and smiled.
"Good. Let's move."
"Y-yes! Hurry up, you lot! The knight says go!"
Mercenaries and merchant sighed in relief, boarding.
"We're off!"
Thus began their uneasy companionship with the knight, against their will.