Chapter 39: Sparring Match

 

The next day.

 

We were summoned to the Kingdom Knights' headquarters, located near the royal palace.

 

This morning, a knight delivered a letter to our inn, requesting our presence.

 

The Kingdom Knights are a direct organization of the royal palace, responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the Mist Kingdom. Their duties range from deployment during foreign conflicts, handling internal disputes, dealing with emergency situations involving monsters, and even disaster relief. Their scope of responsibilities is vast.

 

If the city guards who protect the royal capital can be likened to local police in Japan, the Kingdom Knights are akin to the Self-Defense Forces.

 

At the capital headquarters, they handle planning and budget management, with highly skilled personnel compared to the provincial branches. The headquarters boasts high-level training facilities and medical centers, offering a superior environment even compared to major clans.

 

I never considered joining the knights as I aimed to become an adventurer, but many of my fellow graduates from the Wells Adventurer Academy have joined the knights.

 

As Guild Master Grave had mentioned during our consultation yesterday, we needed to coordinate closely with the knights to align our efforts in dealing with the situation.

 

"So this is the knights' headquarters... It's my first time seeing it up close," said Milia, a bit awestruck.

 

"It's... nerve-wracking," Lisha added, equally overwhelmed by the imposing fortress and its strict security.

 

"Have you two never been inside before?" I asked.

 

"No, not really. Even as a hero, I was an outsider and had no reason to enter," Milia explained.

 

"Same here. As an adventurer from a major clan, I'm just a civilian," Lisha added.

 

"I see."

 

In truth, I was familiar with the interior, thanks to the scenario in "Sieg" that depicted the knights' headquarters. However, given the circumstances, it was best to pretend I was seeing it for the first time.

 

With these thoughts in mind, we approached the guards stationed at the entrance, ensuring no unauthorized individuals could enter.

 

"...! Are you Mr. Rain?" one of the guards exclaimed upon seeing us.

 

"Uh, yes," I replied.

 

"We've been expecting you. May I see your letter?"

 

"Here it is."

 

I handed the letter from my pocket to the guard.

 

"Everything seems in order. Thank you. Please follow me."

 

One of the guards began to guide us, and we followed behind.

 

We were led into a room within the vast premises.

 

"I've brought Mr. Rain and his companions," the guard announced after knocking on the door.

 

"Let them in," came the response from inside.

 

The door was opened, and we were ushered into the room.

 

"Thank you. I will take my leave now," the guard said before departing, leaving the three of us inside.

 

The room was spacious, with a large table and chairs, giving it a conference room feel.

 

Inside, Guild Master Grave and an older man in an elegant silver armor were waiting for us.

 

"Thank you for coming," said the man in the silver armor, addressing us first.

 

This must be the knight Grave mentioned yesterday. Given the secrecy of our mission, he must hold a high-ranking position.

 

"He is Vice-Captain Jean of the Kingdom Knights. I've already briefed him on your situation and our conversation from yesterday," Grave explained.

 

"Our captain is currently away due to an emergency, so I'm in charge of the royal capital's defense," Jean added.

 

According to the scenario, the Mist Kingdom was on the brink of war with the neighboring Aeris Empire. The knights, including the captain, had been dispatched to reinforce the borders, leaving the kingdom's interior relatively unguarded.

 

This gap allowed the "Black Mist Blade" to attempt their internal rebellion. Nonetheless, the current priority was that Vice-Captain Jean was effectively in command of the knights.

 

"Understood. I'm Rain," I introduced myself.

 

"I'm Milia."

 

"And I'm Lisha."

 

Even though Grave had already briefed him, it was courteous to introduce ourselves.

 

"After hearing Grave's report last night and considering the situation, I concluded that your plan is the best course of action for defending the capital. We'd appreciate your cooperation," Jean said.

 

"Of course. That's why we're here," I replied.

 

"Assuming your plan works perfectly and Jild is the only remaining threat, he's still a formidable opponent," Jean continued.

 

That's true.

 

If my memory serves correctly, Jild possesses triple jobs: swordsman, mage, and enchanter. Technically, until a mission unlocks full attributes, everyone is classified as a 'Novice,' able to become anything through training.

 

Despite being a 'Novice' in terms of game mechanics, Jild could claim to be a swordsman, mage, or enchanter based on his roles.

 

Jild is one of the strongest single-attribute adventurers, undeniably a tough adversary. His formidable power enabled him to unify strong adventurers and grow a small clan into a significant force.

 

"So, I'd like you to join our anti-Jild strategy as a combatant. Naturally, we will compensate you adequately. What do you say?"

 

I glanced at Milia and Lisha.

 

They seemed on board. We had planned to fight Jild and his group from the start, so nothing changed. Being guaranteed compensation was a bonus.

 

"No problem."

 

"Thank you for your cooperation. However, regardless of how strong you are, I need to gauge your combat abilities to plan our strategy. Could you spar with me for a bit?"

 

Ah, I see.

 

That explains why we were summoned here.

 

Jean likely doubted the tales he heard from Grave. Despite their impressive backgrounds, Milia as a former hero and Lisha as the youngest executive of the "Black Mist Blade," he needed to see their skills firsthand.

 

Given my background of just graduating from the Wells Adventurer Academy, his skepticism was understandable.

 

I'd rather he question our abilities than blindly trust us. Demonstrating our true strength would earn his trust more effectively.

 

"Understood. Let's begin."

​

[Translator Note]
Thank you for reading my translation so far.
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