episode_0010

In the end, the profound meaning behind Lena’s smile plunged into a labyrinth.

Was it merely trivial? Or was it something I overlooked to avoid getting involved?

As we continued, I wondered if I was completely indifferent to the whispers of our fellow students.

Or perhaps I was oblivious to the discomfort in the eyes of the elders….

“Lian!”

A shout to dispel distractions.

A sharp wind swiftly approached me.

– Clang.

The sword clashed, and my legs staggered.

Ouch.

“If you keep spacing out like that, you’ll lose again.”

“I know, ugh, I’m…!”

Perhaps due to exhaustion, I found myself immersed in darkness in an instant.

– Thud.

Pushed by force, my feet began to slip gradually.

In training, they say to aim for the neck at times like this or lower your stance to catch someone staggering.

But if the opponent is trained, especially a knight from the cathedral, it might be a whole different story.

One boasting a physique honed through rigorous training.

“It’s not good to engage in a strength contest with someone like me.”

Continuously pushing with force deliberately since earlier.

It might be a gamble, but….

“Be cautious to prevent such situations from arising – huh?!”

Exerting force to drop the sword to the right, I stretched out my left foot and slipped as if gliding.

Focusing on my empty back and legs, I shifted weight onto my foot –

– Thud.

…Was that a wall?

Did I just hit a wall?

“Huh, good attempt, Lian.”

I sighed involuntarily as I brushed off my back and adjusted my grip on the sword.

They might not call such a move monstrous.

“Lian, your skills have greatly improved?”

“If it were any other opponent, they would’ve been down in one blow.”

Knights and apprentices around nodded in agreement.

Though their gazes felt prickly on my back, now wasn’t the time to worry about that.

Instead of the numb ankle, I put weight on the sword and rose.

If I don’t confront the sword, moving swiftly might be the right choice.

By striking quickly, I might create an opening.

“Hah!”

With determination, my foot slid.

Sand scattered in the windless training ground as a massive figure emerged.

A sword drawn to the right. In that case –

“Are you just going to keep running away like that!”

Each swing of the sword released a fierce yellow smoke.

Each gust from the sword made my skin tingle as it dissipated.

“Cough, cough! Anton, his aggression is rising!”

“Ah, sand!”

Onlookers covered their eyes and mouths, waving their hands.

In other words, even Sir Anton, who caused this wind, wouldn’t see my position.

I can’t overpower him with strength. So…

“Hoo…”

Lowering my stance, I exerted force on my legs.

Gripping the sword firmly with both hands, I pulled inward with all my might.

As the power surged from my toes to calves and thighs,

When I felt like bursting with energy,

– Whoosh.

The wind scraped across my cheek.

Sand split at the tip of the sword, revealing the clear sky and ground beneath.

“What kind of shockwave is this, huh?!”

“Wow!”

Like a gust splitting the clouds,

Like a hammer piercing through dense foliage.

The strike sent Sir Anton flying beyond the yellow mist.

However,

“Ugh?!”

The blade cut through the air.

The body that flew landed on the ground.

Dusty particles filled the air.

It missed.

“Ugh – Ugh….”

…I hear some strange noises.

Hastily getting up, I looked where the knight should be –

Seeing the figure standing on one leg, arms wavering.

“Oh, oh!”

“He got him with one blow, Sir Anton!”

The knights, with folded arms, bowed their heads, gazing at the ground.

Everyone must be looking at the gold that shouldn’t be crossed.

There was a white line just behind my foot.

Could I push it over if I kicked it now?

Although I didn’t even flinch earlier, this time, with all my might, if I push it away with force…

– Thud.

The wooden sword fell to the ground.

The staggering figure swayed even more.

So, I charged.

“Whoa?!”

A firm strength felt in my hands.

At my fingertips, there was a body that could not be subdued by martial arts.

“Ugh.”

The giant stood on both feet again.

Both feet could safely step into the circle.

“Are you okay?”

I did not finish him off.

The black sword was still in my hand, and Sir Anton’s had already fallen to the ground.

Instead of thrusting the sword at the defeated opponent, I extended my hand to help him up.

“…It’s been seven years since I taught you.”

With a bowed head, I too respectfully bent my waist.

That concluded the duel.

“It’s my defeat.”

Applause and cheers began to ring out.

Amidst the congratulations mixed with cheers, a corner grew uncomfortably quiet.

And the crowd parted.

Though not appearing in the open space, someone seemed different.

“Congratulations, brother.”

Lena approached me with a towel in hand in one step.

Wiping away each drop of sweat, she smiled softly and gently stroked me.

In front of everyone.

“Lena, others -”

“Hehe.”

She covered any possible words with laughter, then her hand that had touched my cheek gently swept across my back.

Pulling me close, she enveloped my dirt and sweat-covered body in a soft embrace.

Right here, where there were Holy Knights, knight trainees, and fellow students.

Whispers began to be heard.

The word “siblings” seemed to echo particularly loudly, as if at that moment when cold sweat ran down.

“Ahem, well.”

The brief hug and awkwardness ended with a loud fake cough.

“I apologize, I got carried away.”

Even so, such a thing had never happened before.

In plain view of others, no one had come this close since reaching adulthood… until now.

“Lian has passed the duel test. From tomorrow, he will be sent out like the apprentice knights.”

“Will I also be facing the knights?”

“No, you will duel with other trainees. You understand the conditions.”

Was today also Lena’s exam day?

Or did she prepare right after seeing me take the test?

“I’ll use the staff here for weapons, right?”

“Yes. McLaren! Your opponent is Lena. Get ready.”

As his name was called, a man stood up.

…He was too big to be called an apprentice.

Was the condition that his body would be as huge as a tree?

“We’ve heard a lot about you, Lena sisters.”

“I’m sorry, but I only have one brother.”

Was it necessary to show off to others?

And did I have to attract attention to myself like this?

Just doing what I usually do should have been enough to become famous.

But I couldn’t just start a conversation and risk being exposed.

“Both sides, ready!”

Unlike Lena, McLaren came out with a hammer.

Whether he was angry at the rude attitude or because his breathing seemed quite rough, it didn’t look good.

“Begin!”

I still remembered Lena, who was struggling in my arms.

…Should I charge if things get dangerous?

My hand holding the wooden sword was cold with sweat.

***

A few days later, an opportunity to experience what it means to be dispatched came.

Going to distant areas, confirming and resolving unusual signs reported to the church was the mission.

Serving the local people, helping the weak in the name of God was the purpose.

We arrived at a village near the Mirmia Forest.

Church, carriage, inn, carriage… After moving around like this for a long time, my body staggered.

After standing on the ground with both feet, I briefly held Lena’s hand as she descended.

“Thank you, brother.”

Once again, I was caught.

And then, the ring was put on.

Has my hand grown this much? Long enough to completely cover my finger?

“Lena, correct your behavior.”

“….”

“Lena.”

“I apologize.”

A knight who let go of the touched hand.

Although Lena didn’t show much outwardly, her slightly trembling eyelids revealed suppressed emotions.

“You are ‘apprentice knights.’ Show behavior befitting the name ‘apprentice’ or ‘knight.’”

This aspect seemed no different from the past.

Even though the tone and demeanor had changed – without paying attention to the reprimand, trying to stick close to me.

“First, head to the church. Be alert.”

The heavy end of the hammer made a solid sound as it hit the ground.

Just as Lena was about to move her feet to follow the knight.

“An apprentice ‘hero,’ right, sir. And I am Ollivier’s…”

It was a whisper, but Lena’s voice was clear.

A trembling throat.

Her face, tinged with a fresh redness, was clearly glaring at the knight.

“Ah.”

Only the eyes moved to look at me.

And then, he smiled casually.

As if nothing had happened.

“You two! If you don’t want to lose points, move quickly!”

I wanted to ask Lena about the meaning of her expression and words… but it seemed more important to move quickly.

The lips that were moving had long since stopped, and her face had regained its composure.

Upon reaching the church, one could see faces of people and papers with information attached.

[Looking for people]

They all disappeared into the forest… it seems.

Did we also encounter monsters beyond the forest?

“Ugh.”

“…Lena!”

Was it so nice to leave the cathedral?

When I turned my head to gauge the knight’s reaction, he seemed to be discussing something with the priest.

His eyes probably wouldn’t turn towards Lena.

“What were you doing, Ollivier?”

I tried to gently push away the body leaning against me, but Lena, who accurately countered the large physique, remained firm.

The memory of the staff pointing directly at my neck after piercing my leg remained vivid.

How much training did she undergo for such movements, eventually allowing her presence by my side.

“…Really.”

“Heh, you haven’t answered yet.”

“Probably just a brief investigation of what we need to do.”

Six missing persons.

All in the same place.

There was something in the forest.

Perhaps a monster similar to the head nun we had to face.

“Do these people also seek heroes? Like me?”

“We can’t know that. It would be fortunate if they were just lost.”

“Ollivier.”

A face that came straight in front of me.

Slightly parted lips indicated that the conversation wasn’t over.

“Our promise, you haven’t forgotten, right?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Ollivier is supposed to protect me, and I am supposed to stay by Ollivier’s side.”

“That was already a given, wasn’t it?”

Since it was a promise I had fervently kept in mind since childhood.

Was it ever broken in the first place?

“So… if those people and I were in danger at the same time, what would you do?”

Oh, how should I answer this.

I have to protect Lena, but I am a hero.

Should duty come first, or the childhood promise?

…Come to think of it, didn’t he say to act according to our titles?

“As a hero, it would be right to save everyone. In books, in scriptures – ”

“I asked Ollivier.”

Your expectations are too obvious.

Who to save as Lian is already decided.

Instead of answering, I brushed her head once and distanced myself.

“Oops – ”

“Lena, Lian. We’ve gathered information. Today, we’ll head straight to the forest for a quick reconnaissance.”

Fortunately, Lena’s behavior didn’t give us away, so there were no additional reprimands coming in – for now.

Lena’s eyes didn’t seem to brighten up that much.

Maybe later, when I provide an answer, the tension will ease.

After a long walk, we reached the entrance to the forest.

In the familiar darkness, unpleasant memories resurfaced.

No matter how the day was fading into afternoon, this kind of darkness…

“Brother -”

“Lena, keep your distance!”

At the sharp voice, her hand eventually dropped.

With the repetitive tasks, the knight’s face darkened, and Lena’s expression mirrored his.

“No matter how blessed you are with talent, without proper conduct, you will never reach where you desire. Remember that.”

“…Yes, understood.”

A sigh escaped.

The hammer descended.

The bag that had been tied up unraveled on the ground, revealing a glass bottle filled with transparent liquid.

Three shimmered faintly in the sunlight, while the remaining six… were handed towards Lena.

“Lena, show us your skills.”

“Were there not enough holy waters stocked at the church?”

“We also needed many herbalists, and it’s an assignment for you.”

Receiving the six bottles somewhat reluctantly.

However, after placing them on her chest and closing her eyes briefly, Lena said –

“O merciful God above, bestow upon us the strength to protect the wretched from evil.”

In a single word, she infused light into the clear water.

Three bottles shone brightly compared to the rest.

“…There is no falsehood in the assessment.”

“You made an effort, and this is the response you get.”

“Rian, take care of the faintest ones; Lena and I will handle this side – ”

“What?!”

A voice echoed through the forest with a contorted face.

The hands that were about to set down the bottles grabbed onto them.

“Rian will wield the Holy Sword. With God’s protection, even with relatively weak holy waters, it can be compensated.”

“Did you not call him a ‘squire’ just now?”

“Are you questioning my decision now?”

The air froze instantly.

A deployment that seemed on the verge of complete distortion.

“Sir, allow me to apologize instead. Lena, I am fine – ”

“Do not intervene!”

As the hammer struck the ground, startled birds fluttered away.

Darkness settled at the forest entrance as the two remained…

“Lena, your position still remains as a ‘squire.’ No matter what the elders or the judge may say about raising your abilities, this situation poses a problem.”

“Asking an inexperienced squire to use blessings that have been stored for so long, rather than – ”

“All holy waters are the same. Whether more power was imbued in yours, or if it responded less to the nun’s prayer, they all contain the same essence.”

The armor clanked closer.

Rough breath escaped the helmet-covered face.

“Unless that prayer has something ‘special’ about it, Lena?”

“…That – ”

“Remember, based on your answer, I can send you back to the cathedral immediately. I have that authority.”

A moment of silence.

Flickering gaze.

To Lena like that, he slowly shook his head.

“…No.”

“Good. Distribute the holy waters as they are.”

Trembling hands divided the bottles into three strands.

With only formalities available for immediate comfort, frustration lingered.

“It’s said that evil spirits emerge in the forest. If the holy waters start boiling, recite a prayer and look down at the ground immediately. If that doesn’t suffice, sprinkle it behind and in front of you and leave your spot. Understand?”

“Any other methods?”

“That method is the best.”

Wouldn’t that be quite risky?

Navigating through the darkening space without proper preparation, should one proceed?

“Rian, ignite the Holy Sword. Search quickly and retreat.”

Responding to the command, Rian unwrapped the bandages around the sword.

Placing two fingers on top and offering a silent prayer, a white flame swiftly emerged.

The dense darkness began to gradually lighten.

“Guard the rear. Lead the way.”

In this place where even what lay beyond the trees was uncertain.

Feeling unease, they had no choice but to move forward.

“Ah, and. It is said that there is a witch in the forest. Although she has helped the villagers a few times, it is known that she wields powers different from magic, so one should be very cautious.”

Wouldn’t it have been better to share such information a little earlier?

…Even if you say that, there was no way to express dissatisfaction to the guide.

Simply treading on vague shadows, moving forward.

***

“…A sacred flame here, glowing so brightly in a place like this, is dangerous.”