Chapter 99

Episode 99

Since we were on horseback, we could ignore most monsters, as long as they didn’t jump in front of us.

However, this test wasn’t just about selecting knights. It was also about establishing security in the territory.

It was the Lady’s wish to create a safe haven for the people, and security was crucial for trade.

Therefore, we hunted down every monster we encountered on our way to the plain.

There were no dangerous monsters, so I observed how the seven applicants fought. Of course, I had my “Black Wind Bow” in hand.

I had also activated “Automatic Combat,” so I could instantly eliminate any monster that made a suspicious move.

I could now use the “Black Wind Bow” about thirty times. My mana efficiency had improved as I honed my magic skills.

‘They can all use aura, albeit faintly. With a little training, they’ll be ready for combat.’

Not only their aura but also their swordsmanship seemed quite decent. I wondered if the applicants in the other groups were equally skilled.

*Swish!*

“Kyaaack!”

The applicants cheered victoriously, their swords raised high, after slaying the last monster. It was an impressive performance.

“Good work. You all did well.”

“Thank you! It’s all thanks to your guidance, my lord!”

“Flattery won’t earn you any extra points. Are there any injuries?”

“None, sir.”

Another impressive thing was that a leader had naturally emerged among the seven applicants after a few battles.

It was common for those who overestimated their abilities to resent their superiors. But I didn’t see any of that in these seven young men.

They respected their leader, and the leader didn’t look down on his followers. I approached him.

“What’s your name?”

“Deneve of House Regulus. It’s an honor to serve you, my lord.”

His voice was clear and his tone was refined. He had some freckles on his face, but his sturdy physique made up for it.

The greatsword he was wielding looked particularly reliable.

Most knights were armed with a longsword and a shield, but he was the only one who had brought a greatsword.

The name “Regulus” sounded familiar.

“I’ve heard of House Regulus somewhere. Can you tell me about your family?”

“House Regulus is a baron family. My father has served Duke Kalisto for a long time. My ancestors have all served House Kalisto.”

I remembered.

“Is your family the one from the Dell region?”

“It’s an honor that you remember, my lord.”

We had a big shot among us.

House Regulus was known for its integrity. They had served the heads of House Kalisto for generations, known for their loyalty and upright character.

Not only was their family tradition admirable, but their swordsmanship was also excellent. The Regulus swordsmanship was one of the most famous styles in the Kalisto region.

“How many siblings do you have?”

“I’m the eldest, and I have five younger siblings.”

“The eldest?”

It was unexpected for the eldest son, the heir to House Regulus, to apply to my knight order.

“If you’re the eldest son, shouldn’t you be applying to the knight order at the main castle?”

“My father encouraged me to apply here. He said House Walker will become the center of Kalisto in the future. I agree with his assessment.”

His words gave me a glimpse of how the vassals of House Kalisto viewed me and the Inspection Unit.

It also showed me how loyal House Regulus was.

If they were seeking advancement, they should have applied to the Black Dragon Knights at the main castle. Statistically, Grand Duke Hylix was the most likely candidate to inherit the family.

Their decision to apply to my knight order was based solely on their loyalty to Kalisto and their desire for peace in the territory.

“I would like to meet your father if I have the chance.”

“He would be delighted to meet you as well.”

“Don’t just say that. Make it happen.”

“As you command.”

I continued to gather information about the other six applicants. None of them were commoners they were all from noble families.

‘They might not have high titles, but they’re all from established families.’

It was only natural.

Newly established noble families had to cling to power to grow their family. Applying to the Walker Knight Order required them to set aside their ambitions.

I suppressed a smile.

I wanted to recruit all seven of them. But if I did, the other teams would lose potential candidates.

We had to select a total of fifteen knights within our budget. Including Lady Ionia, we had fourteen.

Of course, as the lord, I could take half of the recruits, and no one could object. But I still needed to hear Selendis and Jericho’s opinions.

“Get ready. We’ll be arriving at our destination soon. We’ll ride there in one go. Understood?”

“Yes, sir!”

They finished their preparations quickly. We mounted our horses, and I led the way towards the plain.

After about half an hour, our view opened up. I slowed down and took out the map. Based on the location of the mountain range, this seemed to be the right place.

“Dismount and prepare for battle. We don’t know what dangers await us here. Stay alert. Deneve, you’re in charge of the rear. I’ll lead the way.”

“As you command!”

We tied our horses together and advanced towards the plain.

The terrain was mostly open, but there were scattered forests and hills.

‘We should search that hill with the forest.’

The other plains were open, so there was no need to check them. Only the hill, which blocked our view, seemed suspicious.

It wasn’t a tall hill, but it stretched for a considerable distance. The ground was elevated for about a kilometer, surrounded by trees.

We entered the forest.

I immediately raised my fist, signaling them to stop.

I channeled aura into my hearing, and I could hear goblins chattering in the distance. It seemed like there were kobolds as well.

“There’s a group of monsters ahead. Be careful of ranged attacks. Use the antidote immediately if you’re hit by a poisoned dart.”

There was a saying that the best defense was a good offense. It was especially true when fighting monsters.

If we allowed them to attack first, we would be more likely to get hit by poisoned darts.

But if we attacked while they were off guard, they wouldn’t be able to form a proper formation, minimizing our casualties.

“Deneve, can you come up with an attack plan?”

“It’s dangerous to stay grouped together in this situation. We should split into two groups and attack from both sides.”

Everyone agreed. Deneve and I took three applicants each and spread out to the sides.

The signal was given, and the battle began.

*Whoosh!*

*Slash!*

“Kyaaack!”

“Keeek!”

The applicants in the other group launched sword beams first. Even their weak sword beams were enough to slay the monsters, sending blood splattering everywhere.

We also launched our sword beams.

‘There are too many of them!’

There were at least a hundred monsters, and reinforcements were constantly pouring in from behind.

And they were well-equipped. They were wielding spears and other weapons that seemed to be made by humans.

‘There might be a demonic beast here.’

It wouldn’t be surprising. I had expected something like this ever since the Lady had chosen this location.

“I’ll charge in and scatter them. Cover me with your sword beams.”

“Yes, sir!”

I channeled a lot of aura into my “Sword of Chaos” and leaped forward. The monsters charging towards us flinched.

I landed in the middle of them and slammed my sword down.

*Boom!*

Aura and shockwaves sent them flying in all directions.

It was a technique I had been using frequently lately, and it was very effective. I had broken their formation instantly.

We relentlessly cut down the monsters. The reinforcements gradually dwindled.

After slaying the last goblin, I looked around. There were no monsters left alive, and the six applicants were panting heavily.

“Is everyone alright?”

“Yes, sir!”

“You don’t look alright. What are all those things on you?”

I took out the antidote. Some of the knights had poisoned darts stuck in their limbs.

I removed the darts and applied the antidote.

Just then, something shiny caught my eye.

“Deneve, take this. Treat the others.”

“Leave it to me.”

I handed him the antidote and walked towards the shiny object. I found it on the corpse of a goblin that seemed to be the leader.

‘Is this… gold?’

It was a necklace made of crudely processed gold nuggets. I tore it off and examined the gold.

‘It seems to be pure gold. Wait, could it be…?’

As I realized something, I started to notice things I hadn’t before. It wasn’t just the leader who was carrying gold fragments.

I found gold on the corpses of monsters scattered throughout the area.

I had already found five pieces.

‘Could there be a gold mine nearby?’

There were similar cases documented in various texts. Goblins and kobolds loved shiny things and sometimes stumbled upon gem mines.

That’s why adventurers, such as treasure hunters, would camp near the area and thoroughly investigate if they found a monster carrying gems.

Finding even a single gem could change their lives.

‘But this is gold. It needs to be refined to achieve this size and purity… That’s beyond the capabilities of monsters.’

I dismissed the idea of a gold mine. But it was too early to give up.

‘There’s definitely something here.’

Deneve approached me and reported.

“My lord, I’ve finished treating everyone. We can continue the operation.”

“It’ll be dark soon. Find a campsite. Somewhere not too far from here.”

“Yes, sir!”

Deneve displayed his excellent skills.

He chose a campsite with a large rock that we could use as cover. He even set up traps near the rock that would make a sound if someone approached.

The applicants ate their rations without making a fire. It was too dangerous to light a fire or cook food here.

“We’ll stand guard. Please rest, my lord.”

“I don’t think I’ll be resting tonight.”

“Excuse me?”

I finished my rations and stood up.

“I have something to do nearby. Stay here. If I don’t return by morning or if something dangerous happens, you can retreat at your discretion, Deneve.”

“But my lord…”

“Don’t worry about me. Focus on your safety and the safety of your comrades.”

Deneve saluted, and I left the campsite with a bag of supplies.

*Click!*

*Whirr—*

My “Black Wind Bow” hummed pleasantly. I entered the forest, guided by the blue light of the magic bolts.