Chapter 54
Chapter 54
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 54
Chapter Title: Swordsman? Or Knight? (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
It sounded like a pretty appealing name at first glance. Free Knight. A name that evoked images of chasing romance and youth, adventuring through the world to uncover unknown realms. To the uninitiated, it might even sound downright cool, like something out of a hero's tale.
But those in the know saw it differently. A Free Knight meant no liege lord—and in most cases, that signified someone so utterly incompetent that no one wanted to take them in.
"……Why would you even think of something like that? Knight Orders searching for you are crawling all over the place. The Royal Knight Order alone seems ready to whisk you away at any moment."
"It's a great place, sure."
"I get it—you don't want to be tied down somewhere. But Ban, well…… I'm not sure. Should I cheer on your decision, or offer some advice?"
"Whether you cheer me on or give advice, I'll gratefully accept either. But I don't think my mind's going to change. There's still so much I want to know. I know joining a Knight Order and learning step by step is an option…… but you know how impatient I am."
Ban gave an awkward smile. The Dean wasn't unaware of his temperament, so he let out a resigned sigh.
"I doubt a few words from me will make much difference…… Fine, let's hear it. What do you plan to do as a Free Knight?"
"Gain some experience. I want to see for myself what this world is really like, check out how many powerhouses are out there with my own eyes……"
It was odd. If it were anyone else, it might sound immature, but coming from Ban, it rang true and sensible. The Dean sighed again.
"Alright, do as you like. And if you change your mind, just say the word. I know you'll manage somehow, but I can't help worrying."
"Thank you, Dean. Oh, and…… there's a personal favor I'd like to ask. If that's alright?"
"What is it?"
The Dean asked wearily. Ban grinned softly.
§
Word soon spread that Ban intended to become a Free Knight, and reactions were unanimous. Everyone said he was crazy. Some even sought him out with solemn expressions, like prophets on a sacred mission.
"Change your mind, Ban."
"Hey, are you nuts?"
"Turning down the Royal Knight Order to become a Free Knight? Dude, that's just a ronin with a fancy title!"
"……I wash my hands of it. He'll come to his senses once he starves a bit."
Even juniors showed up sometimes, asking, "Senior, you really thought this through, right?" It made him wonder if he'd committed some colossal blunder.
"……You said you'd think about it. Lighthouse."
"No, I'm going."
"That's not what I meant."
Anya didn't hide her disappointment the moment she saw Ban return. Her slumped shoulders, sulky face, and the White Flame flickering behind her at times made cold sweat trickle down his back.
"I'm sorry we didn't talk properly. But it's not set in stone. A Free Knight can join anywhere. Maybe even the lighthouse……"
"We all know you'll just say that and leave again."
Were they doomed to part ways after all?
Gazing at Ban, Anya revisited the thoughts she'd kept buried in her heart.
She didn't know when it started. Maybe after she'd given him the warmest spot in her heart. Anya always felt it—no matter how close she got to Ban, they could never walk the same path.
It might not be the perfect metaphor, but Ban was like a wild dog. He could drop into her yard for a playful romp, but he'd never settle for a life fenced in. She, who'd lived her whole life at the lighthouse and would continue to…… was cut from a totally different cloth.
That was why Anya picked up her staff. White Flame quietly rose along the birchwood shaft. With a serious expression, she said,
"……Let's spar, Ban."
"Out of nowhere?"
"Please."
"……No need to beg. Sure, why not."
Ban smiled. An enigmatic smile.
News of Ban and Anya's spar spread like wildfire. Juniors gathered in the training grounds in small groups, watching eagerly for the start. Seeing Ban casually letting his broadsword hang, Anya bit her lip.
'I've worked hard too.'
The training retreat. When the Wraith Legion commander killed Serifa and demanded her, what had Anya thought? Guilt and fear consumed her…… and she wondered when they'd say, "Just hand over Anya." She backed away trembling.
Then Ban stepped in. Even if it wasn't solely for her, his words and blade had cut through their fear and saved her.
She wanted to repay that debt.
"Ban."
This was as far as she'd come.
Ban looked at her. He didn't draw Kishin. Its demonic aura wouldn't shine against Anya, and even if it did, he couldn't unleash such overwhelming power in a crowded place. Someone like Drnoa might gauge his strength.
'Impressive, Anya.'
Ban was genuinely amazed. Compared to when they first met, her skill now made her seem like a different person.
It wasn't just refined staff work. The White Flame cloaking the staff lay dormant like cloth wrapped around it, then lashed out to devour foes on command.
"Khuh……!"
Ban chuckled in delight. Anya's staff struck. Thrusting, swinging. Her weapons weren't just the staff. Feet, fists,
and her willful White Flame itself assaulted him with intent to erase.
Yet none connected.
Fierce momentum. Honestly, Anya's White Flame was strong enough for the White Flame Squad. Still, Ban's blade splintered and deflected it all, not letting a single singe touch his clothes.
Watching him, Anya felt a surge of frustration bubbling up from within. She didn't want much. Just to get a little closer. To reach him. To give him her time, her heart, everything she'd built. Words she'd held back for so long, carried in these flames.
But Ban brushed them all aside. As if their words and feelings were never meant to touch.
'Why won't you come to the lighthouse?'
'Didn't you know what that meant?'
'Or are you……'
'Look at me, Ban.'
'Me.'
"Ban—!"
The White Flame fattened on her lingering attachment. It ignited over her floating, cotton-like hair. As she swung her staff, White Flame dozens of times longer erupted to engulf him.
This was why people said the kingdom's future rested with the Academy. But beneath the spectacle lay pathos. Ban smiled, feeling the heat he couldn't fully deflect warming his body.
'It's heating up. I like it, Anya.'
Was she sparring or trying to roast him for dinner? Her intensity, ready to char him, was something Ban appreciated.
Each of Anya's strikes carried something words couldn't express. Though not a sword, he was too fine a swordsman to miss the heart in every move.
'Who am I to……'
White Flame veiled his conflicted smile. Joy mixed with pity. Anya wasn't wrong. He was a wild dog. Her yard could never be his world.
But that's why he couldn't dodge her outstretched hand.
—Ban, don't push yourself.
Yuri whispered. Push himself. Yes, he was. Deflection wasn't invincible. It nullified most attacks, but not all—especially not this widespread blaze.
Still.
'Anya's pushing herself too, Senior.'
He recalled the northern border. The emotionless girl weeping before terrifying wraiths. That girl had grown into a woman with a mature face, capable of conjuring flames too dazzling to ignore.
There were openings. Chances to deflect the White Flame and reach her heart. But Ban didn't take them. He deflected each flame, bearing their full weight.
What he'd thought untouchable was reaching him—subtly, imperceptibly, surely.
"Hah, hah……"
Anya panted harshly. It felt like she'd scraped every root of White Flame from her veins. But she knew: if it burned her heart, the flames would rise again…… to pour onto Ban.
A round orb of White Flame formed at her staff's tip. Perfectly spherical, like a doubt-is-it-fire? mini-sun. Pulsing like a heartbeat. Watching it expand and contract, Ban smirked.
"Didn't expect a hidden trump card, Anya. Something I've never seen before."
"……A girl needs a secret or two. No big deal."
Anya replied. She aimed for a mature, dry tone, but her voice came out damp. Fighting tears, she opened her mouth.
"It's everything I have. Take it."
"As if I'd refuse."
Anya's eyes widened. The White Flame orb, fattened on her heart's dregs, compressed. And compressed. Fist-sized, then pea, grain, dust……
It fired.
Ziiiiing! A bizarre sound tore a long line through the air. The line toward Ban thickened to elephantine girth, devouring and burning all around.
"Uwaaaah!"
"Damn, what the hell!"
"What kind of spar is this……!"
Spectators fled in panic. But not Ban. Facing the White Flame beam head-on, he gripped his broadsword tight.
'Sorry, Senior. Can't deflect this one.'
—……Do what you want.
Yuri's sulky voice replied. Ban sweated but smiled. Heat? Or fear of death? He could dodge or deflect…… but didn't want to.
A dear friend's heart. Facing it head-on gave it meaning.
He'd never used this technique without Kishin. It demanded demonic aura to fully empower the body. Aspiring Sword God, yet falter at a girl's shy heart? Absurd.
He trusted himself. Aura or not, his training remained. He might not cleave the sky yet, but this sun Anya made…… wasn't the heavens. It was before him.
So just slash it.
Anticipation like tension spurred him. As the all-consuming heat closed in, ecstasy deepened on his lips.
Ban leaped. Eyes forward, feeling the blade's weight, slashing.