Chapter 4 Duel and aftermath

Akiro and Ayama got into formation. Ayama stood in front with his shield set in front of him. Instead of charging at the knight, they stared at each other for a few moments.

It was quiet enough that you could hear the drop of a pin and the sound of the breeze.

When Kaiser was about to advance, the duo charged at the knight simultaneously, ambushing him.

“These two, they were paying attention to my breathing! That's stunning.”

During Kaiser's fight with Toshiyuki, when he charged at Toshiyuki, he took a deep breath. That moment of pure luck, on Toshiyuki's behalf,  he attacked Kaiser when his concentration was broken, hence catching the knight in total surprise.

With his concentration broken and flow disrupted, Kaiser narrowly blocks the attack instead of parry.

Clink!

Clank!

Pank!

Ping!

The knight and Ayama were exchanging strikes.

Tink!

Pang!

Ayama and Kaiser jumped back. Ayama glanced at his arm and shook it slightly. “It's numb, “ he cursed. He raised his shield to eye level and glared unwaveringly.

Kaiser grinned, “Seems like you two–”

 —and dashed forward. “–did your homework!”

Sccchskkk!

The wooden sword scratched across something, causing some of its wood chips to fly.

Ayama was able to block using his shield but fell back. Akiro quickly came by his side and supported him. The two stayed silent and ignored all of his provocations, hence worrying the knight.

Kaiser contemplated the ongoing battle, “Not only were they putting up a fight more than others, but they also strategized the battle.”

“They fought me when all the classmates have finished their duel, putting me in the most exhaustive state, and paid attention to the opening of my slacking movements. These two are… the superior heroes!”

Kaiser ditched his shield and charged again. Launching into the air, he held his sword high for a strike.

Ayama stepped back to parry the Chief Knight's downward stroke by spinning.

Tak!

Because of the rotation of the sword, the shield was deflected in front the Chief Knight’s arms. With the shield disabled, Ayama ****** his sword against Kaiser.

The move surprised Kaiser, making him barely dodge the sword in time.

Logically speaking, shield users should always put the shield in between themselves and their opponents, but Ayama put away his shield and pointed the tip of his sword confidently at the man.

“What’s the purpose of setting aside his only defense?” the Kaiser thought. “He must have a plan,” he thought as he gripped the sword tighter.

Ayama dashed forward, using the same technique as the last attack. But this time, he leaned further and outstretched his arm that was carrying the shield and swung it like a blade. This forced Kaiser to back off every swing.

This frustrated the Kaiser and considered all his options. “That move, the ‘Shield Punch,’ landed against me, interrupting my flow. I cannot strike back since my stance is in disarray.” Because of this, he tunnel-visioned. And when he realized his mistake, it was too late.

Akiro was descending upon him with his blade ready and set foot on Kaiser’s shoulders.

Two wooden daggers pressed against Kaiser’s neck. He looked up and saw Akiro gazing at him with void eyes.

It was cold. It was empty of all emotion. It was confident. It was the eyes of a killer.

The defeated knight now dropped his sword and shield. He raised his hands in surrender. “I forfeit.”

Akiro jumped off his shoulders while Ayama fell on his rear; both were panting, fending off exhaustion.

Ayama and Akiro gave each other a high five and celebrated their victory. Akiro gave Ayama his hand, to assist him in getting up.

Kaiser was dumbfounded. He thought Akiro wouldn’t advance and would wait for his turn. Or perhaps, that was his turn, but he blanked out. He conjured up reasons but wasn’t sure if they were right. So, asked, “When exactly did Akiro get above me?”

Both of them tilted their heads in confusion. “Pardon?” they excused.

In a stiffer tone, he repeated, “When did Akiro get above me?”

Ayama grinned victoriously, “Ah, that… It was when I did that weird spin move.”

Akiro nodded in agreement. “At that time, I was behind him, and when he swung his shield, I jumped on it like a springboard.”

“It was similar to what you did with Kenji-san,” continued Ayama with a grin growing ever wider, “and so you wouldn't notice Akiro disappearing, I swung my shield against you.”

Kaiser was utterly speechless. It was a humbling experience for him. How could two otherworlders use such a strategy to beat him, a seasoned knight. He could only laugh in amazement. “Well done–well done, but I still have one question.”

Akiro and Ayama were confused at the remaining question. “Yeah?”

Kaiser ruffled his hair, “Why do you hide your true classes? You could do away with the mockery if you hadn’t. Besides, your skills complement your classes.”

Akiro stared at Ayama seriously, and he knew what his look was for. Ayama nodded, confirming they were on the same page.

“The nobility is rotten,” Akiro stated with certainty.

Kaiser was surprised at their answer. “Why do you think so?” he asked.

***

Early in the morning, Akiro dashed above the rooftops of the city, using [Stealth] to hide his presence. After exploring the town, he went to the noble households and noticed suspicious individuals with hoods covering their faces gathering at the duke's estate. Akiro, overcome by nosy curiosity, ventured to eavesdrop

“This country has summoned heroes?” one of those mysterious figures inquired.

And the duke of the estate appeared in distinguished robes. “Yes, the king has summoned heroes to bring aid to the war effort.”

“Do these ‘summoned heroes’ have special classes?” another asked.

“Yes, they do.” The duke produced a piece of browning paper, “This is the list of their names, identity, skills, and classes, courtesy of my most dependable associate, kekekekekekeke!!”

“Your loyalty to the Kingdom of Tavoina has been proven again and strengthened.”

“When the invasion proceeds as planned, you will have the queen of Earlshide with the most distinguished titles and splendor—power you never dreamed of— all by the name of King Trevor Tavoina VI!!” exclaimed another hooded figure.

“May health and long life be given to you by the gods, blessed one.’’

Meanwhile, Akiro commented on his class, “I can hear them all the way an assassin sure is cool–” Then, he realized that one of the figures had disappeared. Akiro heard a thud behind him and quickly looked back.

“You are too green to be sp-” but Akiro, to whom he has been speaking too, has gone. “Damn, he’s gone? What reflexes!”

This was because Akiro repeatedly invoked [Dash] to get away. He hid in an alley nearby, and slumped upon its walls. His heart was thumping; his breath was ragged. “I can’t breathe, oh god.”

***

“I heard rumors, but I never believed them, for they were rumors,” Kaiser said.

“We knew you could be trusted based upon our observation,” Ayama replied.

“Plus, who would betray his country when his beautiful fiance would probably hate him for it? You’re loyal to your country; your heart’s pure,” Akiro added.

“W–what do you mean by that?”

“Nothing~ Old man,” he smirked.

“I’m only three years older than you.”

“What!? But you look mature because of your build!” Ayama exclaimed.

“I'm a Knight; the Chief Knight, no less. I should be mature and strong!”

Akiro asked, still smirking, “Are you sure it's not so you can show your fiance to only look at you and only you?”

“Stop teasing your superior!” he scolded blushingly.

Laughing, both replied, “Yes, sir!”

“Damn brats,” he muttered.

Then, these three returned to the banquet hall greeted by some pale, corpse-looking classmates.

Takumi, Hasimoto, Keichi, Katsumi, Rei, Tsukiko, Misuko, and Rei seemed dead tired.

“What the–” he turned to the healthier-looking classmates, “what happened to them?”

Kenji replied, “The mana training for mages took a toll on the user's mental strength thus…” He pointed, “This mess.”

“She has done it again,” Kaiser sighed.

And Kaiser’s wife arrived, “Oh, you brats are finally here.”

Ayama noticed something missing.“How about the other three who went to the temple?”

“Temple training is strict, so they will train them and keep watch on them, all hour, all day.” Olivia sighed, “You brats are so pathetic. Can't you do better? Even bugs–”

“Olivia Albion!!” Kaiser yelled. “Daughter of the Albion household! Hold. Your. Tongue!!”

The King entered as Kaiser was yelling these words. He genuinely was intimidated by Kaier, and so was everyone in the room.

“Oh, my,” the King intruded, “is now not a good time?”

“Pardon me and my fiance’s crudeness,” said Kaiser. “I have just returned from the training grounds, and my fiance and I shall have a word. Excuse us.”

“I–I'm s–sowweee! Uwaaahh!!”

Kaiser turned to her, “Your sharp tongue got you into this mess. Now, deal with the consequences.”

The was-dignified-but-now-crying Olivia was then dragged by a furious Kaiser out of the room.

“Jeez,” Masashi reacted, “even a kind guy like him can blow a fuse, huh?”

“On behalf of Grandmage Olivia,” the King started, “I sincerely apologize. She's always had a sharp tongue since she was young. Enough about that. I do hope your training went well.”

The dead-looking mages caught the eyes of the King. “For god's sake Olivia, you've done it again. Oh, well. Our training instructors have noted your limits, strength, and weaknesses, and they will train you to the best of their abilities. The castle maids shall lead you to your quarters.”

Ayama’s face brightened! Let’s go! Real maids!! Maids in maid uniforms!!!

Akiro glanced at Ayama. What’s this idiot thinking about now?

Kaiser came back into the room and found Ayama and Akiro leaving the room after the maids. So, he called out, “Spare me a moment, Ayama, Akiro.” They went beside Kaiser.

As they were exiting, many of the students saw this and wondered. “Why is Sir Knight asking for those two?” Kenji voiced out.

“Those two weaklings probably are gonna get scolded like the ‘hot glasses’ lady from earlier,” Masashi said confidently.

“Congratulations!” Kaiser began with a loud voice catching the attention of the students that remained an earshot away.

“Congratulations? What?”

“What happened?”

“Why is Kaiser congratulating them?”

“Since you won the duel, I shall serve you a reward fitting for it.”

“W–what!?”

“Whaaaaat!!??”

Ayama and Akiro glanced at each other with a smug look on their faces.

“The present I shall show to you. Now, if you’d please follow me.”

“Yes, sir!” Ayama replied, and the three went through another door.

“They are the weakest, and yet–!”

“H–how did they win?”

“They must’ve cheated, right? There was no way they won!”

“Fuck them. Shit them. Damn them!”

As they walked through a wide hallway, Akiro leans into Ayama and whispered, “Yo, Ayama.”

“Yeah, what?”

“Don't make any funny jokes or pick on Sir Kaiser, he still seems pretty pissed.”

“Well, duh, Mr. Obvious. You told him that his country was actually rotten.”

“...you’re right…”

“We’re here,” announced Kaiser. “The Royal Library.”

They faced a large, double door; it was about three times Kaiser’s height, and Kaiser was considerably taller than both of them. The door made them feel like ants. But, Kaiser kept his confident posture.

“Why are we here?” asked Akiro.

“To study more magic.”

The boys were confused but relieved simultaneously, for they were expecting to be scolded like Miss Olivia.

“I’m a master in combat magic myself,” Kaiser proudly stated.

“I see, but now what?” Ayama asked.

“Follow me inside.”

The door opened, seemingly automatically and introduced them to a spacious room. It was almost as spacious as the throne room; its ceiling was even higher than the door. The ceiling was a glass dome allowing natural light inside. The rows of bookshelves pointed at the center. And at the center, there was a large, blue sphere.

The Knight beckoned them to follow him since the two boys stood in awe of the place.

“Put your hand on this orb and imagine the flow of water.”

“What does the flow of water signify?” Ayama asked.

“That’s your power—your strength being emitted from within you.”

“Ah, I get it.”

When Ayama placed his palm into the glass, a blinding, white light emitted from the orb, illuminating the entire library.

Akiro and Kaiser were rubbing because the light was comparable to the modern-day concussion grenades used by the police.

Kaiser then forces Akiro's reluctant hand onto the orb. Instead of bright light, it was a dark and sinister shadow that shocked and frightened the seasoned knight.

“I guess…” Kaiser covered his mouth momentarily before speaking. “That was expected of you. Having the rarest classes maybe should have the rarest magic types. That was a pleasant surprise.”

“Rarest… magic types?” Ayama asked in surprise.

“Simply, each magic type has strengths and weaknesses: The weakness of fire is water; The weakness of water is earth; The weakness of earth is wind, and the weakness of wind is fire. Ice is the superior form of water and Lightning for fire. But there are 2 elements not part of that cycle—Dark and Light magic. Light magic is the most effective in the daytime. Same for Dark magic at night.”

Kaiser gave them a moment to process the information.

Then, he continued, “Promise me, you two will have each other's back, no matter what happens?”

“Sir,” Akiro grinned, “We always have.”

“Without me, this loner would probably die lonely.”

“Tsk, shut up!”

The Kaiser laughed. “I'm glad to hear that. Now off you go. You must sleep; it’s getting late.”

The next day, the students were awoken by the maids early in the morning.

“Why do we have to be woken up at five in the morning?” Kenji groaned.

“Good morning!” Kaiser greeted. “Did you sleep well?” He awaited a response, but all he received was yawns and groans. “I see, you kids are not used to  waking up this early.”

“Actually, sir, we do wake at this hour, but yesterday’s activity took a toll for us,” Haruto stated.

“Well, that's to be expected. You used your skills for the first time yesterday after all.”

Hitomi could be visibly seen sulking because she has been disarmed so quickly.

“Your training regimen will be done in groups,” continued Kaiser. “For this exercise, I'll group you into your respective groups.”

“Stamina training: Kenji and Haruto.

Strength training: Masashi.

Sword swings: Hitomi, Toshio.

Physical endurance: Ryuta.

Accuracy training: Yaso.

Speed and stamina training: Ayama and Akiro.

“But sir, I’m a tamer I don't physically fight,” objected Ryuta.

“That's the idea, you don't physically fight, but you still need how to learn how to defend yourself in the situation where your summons is eliminated. So that's why you'll train like the others.”

Ryuta joined Hitomi in sulking.

“Then, we shall begin.”

Instructed by Kaiser, the melee fighters began their assigned training.

Meanwhile in the Wizard Tower at the east wing of the Palace.

“Miss Olivia are you alright?” Takumi asked.

Miss Olivia was like a ghost, without life and depressed after her fiance’s scolding. She despondently lectured the young mages about mana circulation. She displayed how it is done and further explained the benefits.

“Mana circulation is the procedure of breathing in air from the atmosphere and the taking of the mana from the air and absorbing it in the heart. Since Mages absorb the mana in the heart, without the heart, you will die. When we put our magic ‘heart’ anywhere else and that part gets detached, we wouldn't be able to use magic for the part we stored our magic in. Our ‘storage’ of sorts, is removed. Ancient mages concluded from their research that the heart has the largest capacity to hold magic…”

“I see…” Keiichi pondered.

“More…. school,” Eri grumbled. “I thought being in another world would mean an everlasting vacation!”

“Now that we have covered the topic of Mana Circulation, we will cover the topic of Magic elements.”

“More lectures?!? I wanna go outside and play with magic!” Maki whined.

Olivia suddenly dropped a large book consisting of two thousand pages, capturing everyone's attention.

“This is the book about spells; every spell in mankind has been recorded and written on it, as well as its corresponding chants. You will get a book based on your Element.”

“Ohhh, we're now finally getting into spells, yeah! woohoo!” Katsumi celebrated.

“But,” Olivia interrupted, “you will have to pass a test before your book is given to you.”

“Fu–”

“Now don’t start complaining. The rigorous training my fiancé has set up is the standard. You are lucky.”

“What is this rigorous training you speak of?” A bell clanged as soon as Takumi asked.

“Oh, perfect timing! Since you want to know, follow me.”

Olivia, Takumi and the rest of their class walked to the west wing, where the training ground is.

“I'm soooooo done! No more books, please!” Mitsuko complained.

Takumi nodded agreeably, “Who knew reading was so exhausting.”

“You have no right saying that, manga-reader.”

“Now children, we will see your classmates soon,” Olivia announced. “I'll see my fiance too~!”

“Ma'am, your thoughts are leaking.”

The young mages looked down to the training grounds and almost mistook it for a graveyard. They saw a gravedig– Knight commanding the corpse– their classmates.

“I'm so glad I'm not a melee fighter,” Takumi sighed in relief.

The mages were horrified by the sight.

Miss Olivia was right,” said Eri, “we should be glad we're using our brains instead of training intensely under the grueling sun.”

“Alright now that my point is proven, let's go to the cafeteria, shall we?”

“Yes ma'am!”

During this time in the courtyard. Kaiser yelled commandingly, “Put your back on it!!”

“Yes, sir!” they weakly shouted.

There were some knights patrolling nearby and saw the Chief Knight training the heroes.

“Poor guys. We had the same training as them, and it was hell.”

“Indeed. These twirps have it rough. We experienced it.”

The melee fighters repeated every day for the remaining two months and 29 days.”

And that time has passed. And all students were gathered at the throne room.

“My, oh my, am I looking at the True Heroes!?” adored the King. “Chief Knight and the Grand Mage, you have trained these young heroes well!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” said Kaiser.

“Your words mean the world to us,” added Olivia.

The heroes that were present now appeared as true heroes unlike when they were summoned. They were now ready for the dungeon excursion.

The King continued, “They were once children and now they have become men and women.

I shall grant you two a reward, name it.”

Kaiser began, “I would like–”

“I wish to receive your blessing at our wedding,” Olivia interrupted.

The king, the heroes, and Kaiser were now utterly speechless. The kind but cold complexion of the Chief Knight, clad in mithril armor, turned into an embarrassment.

“If that's your wish, it shall be,” he turned to Kaiser, “What is your wish, Chief Knight?”

Kaiser still has not recovered from the embarrassing request that his fiancé asked. So, he stammered, “U–uhm… I–I request for t–two Red Diamond gemstones.”

The king was confused by the oddly specific request but quickly understood what they were for.

“Oh, I see~ Granted! Now to the important topic at hand: Chief Knight, Grand Mage, and Priest Sebastian, you are to oversee the heroes’ dungeon excursion into the newly found dungeon in Scavier Province.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the bowed.

The three overseers and the twenty-four heroes set forth into the newly found dungeon in Scavier Province.

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