Chapter 328: Become Me
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 328: Become Me
For a while after meeting Telot, Jin stopped wandering and focused solely on his missions.
Using teleport gates to traverse the world, he engaged in skirmishes of all sizes with the Zipple, mediated disputes between factions, rescued key figures, assassinated enemies, and destroyed their facilities.
In just one month, he handled no fewer than seven missions.
While none were of the highest difficulty, like the assassination of Barton Vichena, completing seven without a single break was enough for even Jin to feel the strain.
Naturally, every mission was a success. In five of them, he even achieved objectives beyond the primary goal.
There was a specific reason Jin was performing his duties with such fervor.
His three-year ban from leaving the clan grounds was, technically, still only suspended.
While Telot was exerting his influence, completely erasing the disciplinary action would take time. Jorden, in particular, was still gnashing his teeth that the punishment had been reduced to a mere suspension.
At the slightest hint of a misstep, Jorden would surely use it as an excuse to bring up the disciplinary action again.
Munch, munch, gulp.
"I feel like a delinquent student doing community service. After achieving this much in a month, even the Elder Council will have to get off my back."
Jin spoke as he swallowed a mouthful of meat.
"By the way, this brings back memories. It’s already been almost ten years since I used to eat here with you and the other cadets. Guardian Knight Vellop, I hope you haven't forgotten how I always made sure you got your fill of meat back then?"
"If I had known you’d hold it over my head ten years later, I would have eaten less, my lord."
Jin was sitting on the floor of the empty Beginner Class training hall, sharing a meal with Vellop. It was the same meat-heavy menu they had eaten during their days as cadets.
A smile spread across Vellop Schmitz’s face as he looked at the meat on his tray.
It had been a few days since Vellop returned from the eastern snowy mountains of the Mitel Kingdom. He had finally earned his return by capturing the apostate knight Hwirok of Vankella and the Mad Dog of Western Viment, Jack Glow—targets that Kuzan and Julian had intentionally driven toward him.
Naturally, as soon as he returned, he sought out Jin to swear his oath of loyalty and had been accompanying him on missions until just yesterday.
"When those big names suddenly went into hiding in the mountains, I thought at first that one of your enemies had hired them to kill me. I never imagined you were the one who sent those monsters after me…"
Vellop shuddered at the memory of the battle in the snowy mountains.
It had been the longest, most intense, and loneliest fight of his life. Without any support, he had chased and been chased through snow that reached his knees, seizing opportunities, ambushing, being ambushed, and watching his food supplies dwindle to nothing.
"Haha, you must have felt quite betrayed."
"It was an experience I never want to repeat. But thanks to that, I achieved a breakthrough—in my swordsmanship, my physical strength, and my mental fortitude."
"You certainly seem to have grown much stronger."
Even back in the Beginner Class, Vellop had shown the most potential, second only to Jin. Since then, he had dedicated himself every day to the goal of becoming Jin’s knight and had crossed the threshold of life and death several times. His growth was a natural consequence.
"You know, it suddenly occurs to me how lucky I was to meet you back in our cadet days."
"Weren't you just trembling with betrayal a moment ago? And now you're flattering me?"
"When did I do that? I just said I was a bit flustered. Anyway, I just have this feeling… If I hadn't met you, my life would have been very miserable."
"What makes you think that?"
"Back in the Beginner Class, you broke the fear inside me. Even after you became a reserve flagbearer, and even now… I often think of that day."
—As you’ve just realized, you are weaker than me. And you are kinder than me. I like that about you. But you can’t survive this hell by only doing what’s right.
Vellop spoke as he recalled the words Jin had said to him during their time as cadets. Jin remembered it too, and for some reason, his face felt a bit flushed.
"Because of that moment, I was able to become a knight of Runcandel. I wouldn't have been able to endure it if not for you. Perhaps—and this might sound extreme—I might have even given up on life one day, exhausted by the suffering."
"Don't talk nonsense. You would have done just fine even without me."
But you didn't do fine in my past life.
Before his regression, Vellop had been exiled from Runcandel. He went to Hairan for training and eventually became part of the Viment Imperial Guard. Then, following the orders of the imperial family, he repeatedly carried out massacres he didn't want to commit, eventually ending his own unhappy life.
As those memories surfaced, Jin felt a swell of pride at how well Vellop had grown.
"You probably don't realize how shocked everyone was by your actions during that duel. Even now, whenever our classmates gather, it’s a topic that always comes up."
"Is that so?"
"But what was even more shocking was when you rescued Mesa by yourself. The moment you went into the Land of the Beastmen alone and brought her back, we all made a vow in our hearts. That you were the only one we would ever offer our loyalty to."
Looking back, his ill-fated relationship with Kinzelo had started then.
Back then, I thought Kinzelo was just a terrorist group made up of lunatics.
Now, they were a force so massive that even the Zipple hesitated to engage them in an all-out war. Furthermore, their leader was still only suspected of being a demon.
They’re a bothersome bunch, that Kinzelo. I should visit the Ivliano family soon. I need to check on their movements.
However, it didn't seem like he would have the leisure to do so for a while. Because he was effectively under house arrest and buried in missions, he hadn't even been able to visit the third tomb that Olmango had told him about.
Jin had called Vellop here specifically to resolve that issue.
"Enough with the flattery, my ears are burning. Where did that awkward kid from the old days go? Did you learn to sweet-talk somewhere?"
"I can do more if you wish."
"No, that’s enough. More importantly, Vellop, there’s something I need you to do."
"Just say the word, my lord."
"From today until I return, you are Jin Runcandel."
"Pardon?"
"You know I’m supposed to leave for the next mission tomorrow, right?"
"You, my lord? You mean the mission to rescue the Count of the Ekan Kingdom who was kidnapped by mercenaries?"
"Exactly. But it's not my mission anymore; it's yours. You're going to go in my place, as Jin Runcandel."
"Are you serious?"
"The Count will be blindfolded anyway. Even if someone rescues him, he won't be able to identify them clearly. Rescue him, play the part for a bit, and then hand him over to the Ekan guards."
"Good heavens."
"You're not confident you can rescue him?"
"No, it’s not that. How can I possibly pass for you, my lord?"
"Why not? The hostage’s eyes will be covered, you’ll be wearing a mask, and you’ll even carry the counterfeit Sigmund I commissioned. You said you’d do anything."
While carrying out his seven missions, Jin had already stopped by Picon Minche’s workshop to request the creation of a fake Sigmund. It was a sword that looked identical on the outside but had no special functions.
Of course, the eerie, pale glow unique to Sigmund couldn't be perfectly replicated, but a similar color was possible. Furthermore, since the imitation was also a product of the God of Blacksmiths, it was bound to be a masterpiece in its own right.
"It should be finished by now. And here, try this on."
Jin took off his Flagbearer coat and handed it to Vellop.
Vellop jumped in surprise and looked around. There were only the two of them in the training hall, but the act itself felt like a grave transgression.
"Yo—Young Master. No, my lord. Are you serious? This is a Flagbearer’s coat! No one but a Flagbearer of Runcandel is allowed to wear this!"
"It’s just clothes. Put it on; let’s see if it fits."
"My lord!"
"It’s an order. Vellop, now that you’re all grown up, are you starting to rebel?"
Jin meant it as a joke, but Vellop shook his head with a very serious expression.
"No. I will put it on."
"Oh, it fits well. I’ll give you some dye, so color your hair black, too."
"Will this really be alright?"
"If your disguise is discovered and it becomes an issue within the clan, I’ll make sure you don't face any consequences. So put your worries aside."
"That’s not what I meant. Do you really think I would obstruct your will because I fear for my own safety?"
"Then it’s fine. This is how you can help me. You’re the best fit for this. You’re the most trustworthy, your build is similar to mine, and your swordsmanship is the best among my knights. To anyone who doesn't know me well, there are plenty of reasons for them to mistake you for me. I’d have liked to ask Mesa, but her being a woman makes it impossible."
"The gap between your martial prowess and mine is much larger than you think, my lord. It could be exposed in an instant."
"That’s why I’ll have to go myself if the opponent is too strong. As you said, those people would recognize the difference."
"I trust this is a one-time thing, and that you don't intend for me to impersonate you indefinitely?"
"Unfortunately, that trust is misplaced. You have to earn the meat you ate. I have too much to do outside the clan. You can handle it, right?"
Sigh.
Vellop let out a long breath. Then, as if he had made up his mind, he replied.
"Starting today, whenever I have time, I will seek out actors from theater troupes to learn how to act. Since this is also your command, I have a duty to perform it perfectly."
"That’s the spirit. And if you even suspect the Black Sword Council is tailing you, run away immediately. Don't get caught, even if it means failing the mission. If the Head of the Black Sword Council catches you, it’s over for both of us."
"Just a minute ago, you said that if I were discovered, you’d make sure I wouldn't suffer any harm."
"Did I say that?"
"You've always had a strange way of doing things, both then and now."
"The results were always good, so I never saw a reason to change."
"Sometimes, you make us all hold our breath in worry, my lord."
Good kid.
Jin chuckled and gave Vellop a light pat on the shoulder.
"Once your other classmates pass the Guardian Knight exam, let’s all get together. We’ll have a drink, and I have something to tell you all."
"What is it you wish to tell us?"
"I’ll let you know then."
He couldn't bring himself to tell the Youngest's Division, who would be arriving brimming with excitement from passing their exams, that another round of hellish training awaited them.
Except for Vellop, most of the Youngest's Division were still in the late 6-star or early 7-star range, so it was difficult to use them as a proper fighting force immediately.
"But, Young Master, where do you plan to go while sending me on your mission instead?"
"I’m going to see my ancestors."