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Akira: Roland was really a dashing knight just like Cain said.
Cain: Haha, I know right?
The sword that Arthur returned to its rightful place had reverted back to its old, rusty state. Cain stood in front of the sword and addressed it.
Cain: O Sir Roland from a faraway past, it was an honor to have the chance to cross swords with you, whom I admire. From now on, you will still be a knight I look up to. Please rest in peace.
The trees rustled as if in response to Cain’s words. Suddenly an unusually strong wind rose. Cain raised his head in surprise.
Cain: Huh! What’s that just now?!
Arthur: What’s the matter, Cain?
Cain: I think I heard someone’s voice.
Akira: A voice?
Cain: I can’t be completely sure, but the voice said someday they’d help me. Perhaps that’s his voice. Roland’s voice.
Akira: (I didn’t hear anything though)
Even so, Cain had definitely heard it. The voice of Roland, the knight he admired. Cain lowered his head to pay his respect. For just a moment, the sword glowed with a sharp, powerful light. One could say that was the proof of an invisible bond between them.
[In the village]
After we transported the bandits back to village and handed them over to the people in charge
Akira: Good work, everyone. It’s time we return to the Manor.
Cain: Yeah, it’s a relief to see the smiles return to the villagers’ faces. Ah, Riquet.
Riquet: Yes? What’s the ma- Hey?! Cain, don’t suddenly mess up my hair like that!
Cain: Akira told me everything. That you did all you could to help me.
Riquet: M- Master Sage, you told him?
Akira: S- sorry. Should I have kept it a secret?
Riquet: N- not really. That’s no problem.
Arthur: Thank you, Riquet. It’s thanks to you guys that we could capture the bandits.
Riquet: Ehehe, Master Sage did their best with me too!
[Running sound]
Rusta: Hey, you guys!
Cain: Rusta! Is it okay for you to run with your injury? It was pretty bad.
Rusta: It doesn’t hurt as much anymore. It seems that the magic your friend did was effective. Anyway, thank you so much! After you guys dealt with The Cruel Knight, I mean, the bandits, we can live in peace again.
Cain: That’s a relief. Traffic will gradually resume. Hopefully everything will be like before soon. Still, you shouldn’t strain yourself before your injury completely heals, Rusta. There’s another thing.
Cain paused and looked at Rusta directly in the eyes.
Cain: If it isn’t too much trouble, could you please take care of Roland’s grave for me? The bandits sullied his name, so he was kinda a victim in this case too.
Rusta: Got it. We’ll revere him as a knight of legends from now on. However, it isn’t just because Roland is innocent. From now on, we’ll pass down stories, that the Sage’s Wizards are no less dashing than the legendary knight Roland. Thank you from the bottom of my hard, my lords Sage’s Wizards!
Besides Rusta, the other villagers who saw us off also gifted us many thanks-you. Cain blinked at their gratitude.
Cain: You’re welcome.
Then he touched his sword and smiled gallantly just like a knight. That was the handsome face beloved by his comrades who had come to trust him.
Akira: Hey, Cain.
Cain: What’s the matter?
Akira: When we’re back at the Manor, could you tell us stories about Roland? I’d like to know more about the legendary knight you idolize.
Riquet: Yes, please. You were in the middle of telling us about him, after all.
Cain: Ahaha, sure! We’ll probably end up talking all night though.
Shino: That’s fine. There’s something else I want to know even more though. Tell us about how you waved sticks around and pretended to be a knight when you were a boy.
Arthur: Cain playing pretend to be a knight? Then I’d like to hear about that.
Cain: Uh no. It’d be embarrassing to tell you such stories, Your Highness.
Arthur: No need to be embarrassed! When I was small, I often pretended to be Master Oz. How nostalgic. Don’t you think so, Master Oz.
Oz: ……
Heathcliff: Play pretend to be Master Oz, huh. What kind of game is that?
Cain: Okay, okay, I’ll tell you guys many things when we’re back. In return, you guys must tell me all kinds of embarrassing stories about when you were children. You too, Akira.
Bashfulness was all over Cain’s face. In that moment, he wasn’t his knightly self. He was smiling at us as our dear friend Cain Knightley.
Previous part
Nero: Trouble after trouble. We can’t catch a break.
Heathcliff: Repsev aivulp sunos!
As Heathcliff held his magic focus and chanted his spell, the ghosts stood still as if time had stopped.
Heathcliff: Shino, now!
Shino: Leave it to me!
Shino deftly wielded his great scythe and mowed down multiple ghosts in one go. His actions were completely in sync with Heathcliff’s. However, no matter how many of them had been taken down, it didn’t deter the ghosts from flooding in.
Nero, Hey, Teach, what should we do now? If things keep up like this, we’ll run out of magical power sooner or later.
Faust: As long as Roland is still there, the ghosts will keep increasing. So I’ll eliminate them now. The Cruel Knight and the other ghosts.
Cain: Please wait!
Cain, who was still fighting off Roland’s ghost, interrupted Faust.
Cain: He is only angry because his honor gets sullied and what he treasures got trampled on. I’ll stop him, so please don’t eliminate him just yet! Give me a moment!
Faust: But…
While Faust knitted his eyebrow in confusion, Oz replied in his place.
Oz: Do as you see fit. Show me what you’re made of, Knight of Central Country Cain.
Even if he didn’t say it that loudly, Oz’ solemn voice rang like a bell over the tense scene filled with the groaning of the ghosts and the screams of the bandits. As Cain heard that, light flashed from his eyes in the darkness.
Cain: Yeah!
Faust: You’ll only have a moment. We don’t have time to waste.
Cain: No worry. I’ll end this now.
With a heavy sound that seemed to split the sky, Roland directly attacked Cain without mercy. However, Cain nimbly dodged. With agile, skillful movements, he charged at Roland. His blade seemed so sharp it could split the moonlight.
Akira: (Cool…)
Amidst the ringing sound of swords incessantly clashing with each other, sparks danced around them.
Cain: Tsk! Roland!
Cain dodged the unceasing attacks and raised his sword countless time. He called out loudly, as if to appeal with all his might to Roland’s heart.
Cain: Roland! You’re a knight! Remember what you wish for! Remember your honor!
Roland: ……!
Seemingly in reaction to Cain’s words, Roland’s movements visibly slowed down in just a second. That opening didn’t escape Cain’s attention. He took down the great sword.
Cain: Ha!
Riquet: The sword!
The sword flew off from Roland’s hand. Moonlight reflecting from its blade, the sword danced through the air and landed by Arthur with a clang.
Faust: Arthur, purify the sword with magic and return it to the grave!
Arthur: Understood!
As Arthur quickly got the sword, Roland let out a painful scream as if his soul was being torn apart. Right away, in response to that, countless vines and ghosts came forth from the ground and targeted Arthur.
Akira: Arthur, watch out!
Arthur: Ah..!
At that moment, a figure appeared in front of Arthur.
Cain: Your Highness!
[Clashing sound]
Cain: Are you alright?
Arthur: Thank you, Cain! You saved me!
Arthur turned his back at Cain and fixed his gaze at the gravestone below. He raised the sword and took a deep breath.
Arthur: O hero from another era, Sir Roland! Return to the earth and rest! Pernoctant nix zo!
Under the moonlight, Arthur chanted his spell again. In that moment, the sword plunged into the great stone that had become its seat. The sound of pure metal clashing together echoed all over the place.
Akira: …..!
Then for a second, a dazzling white light fell all over where we were. It was so bright I unconsciously closed my eyes.
[Memory]
Villager: Sir Roland! Thank you for protecting us! Since you’re here, we have been able to continue our life! We thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Soldier: Sir Roland, you’re my hero! My son keeps saying he wishes to become a magnificent knight like you!
Lord: Roland, I’m grateful for you as always. I feel safe when you’re with me. I’m truly blessed to have a knight like you. Please stay by my side, always. I trust you, my knight Roland.
[Back to the forest]
The radiant light slowly faded away. Tranquility filled the forest, as if the commotion earlier was just a dream. As I looked around, Roland’s ghost had disappeared. The ghosts that had been coming at us like a flood were nowhere to be seen either.
Akira: (What I saw just now was…)
Faust: That was Roland when he was alive.
Akira: (So that was how Roland’s true form)
That tall young man with fiery red hair and eyes somehow gave off an aura similar to Cain’s.
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Nero: He really means it. Wouldn’t it better for all of us if you behave when we’re still in the mood for talking? Your friend is a wizard, right? You should know well that you’ve no hope against us. We’re doing a favor for you and ask instead of pulling your memory out with magic.
Nero’s words as he persuaded the bandits were gentle, but one could sense that his eyes promised a world of pain. That was more than enough to convey that we were serious. With obvious reluctance, the bandits began to talk.
Bandit: Because of the Great Calamity, our previous hideout was flooded. We moved our base to this forest. In the beginning, this ruse was to hide ourselves, but their reaction was hilarious!
According to the bandits, the villagers attacked by the bandit in armor mistook them to be Roland’s vengeful ghost and called them The Cruel Knight. That suited the bandits just fine, so they pretended to be Roland to rob people and to prank the villagers as entertainment.
Heathcliff: Terrible.
Faust: Sacrilege beyond imagination.
Bandit: That should be enough, right. Time to let us go home now.
Shino: What are you saying?
Bandit: You there, now! Grab the blond one and the one next to him as hostage!
As he yelled that, two of the bandits hidden in the shade of a bush jumped out and headed towards me.
Akira: Eh?!
Riquet: M- Master Sage! Stand behind me!
Riquet: Sunrotea-
However, at that moment, something like a cocoon of light appeared and wrapped around us.
Bandit: What the hell?!
As the bandits touch the ever expanding barrier-like light, there was a sound like electric shock. The bandits were blown away backward.
Bandit: Aaah?!
Akira: W- what just happened?
Riquet: Ah, that must be the protective magic from Chloe and Oz, Master Sage. Right, Oz! Thank you!
Oz: Hmm.
Bandit: Fuck!
They ran into the bush to escape.
Shino: They’re running towards Roland’s grave. Let’s go after them!
Nero: Hey, wait. What about the ones we caught? Should we just leave them here?
Faust: Not a good idea. It’s dangerous to take our eyes of them. Let’s bring them with us.
Nero: Er, how?
Faust: Aren’t you a wizard? Use your magic. Stop dallying around further.
Heathcliff: Nero, I’ll help you!
[In front of Roland’s grave]
Bandit: Fuck, don’t come here!
As soon as we got out of the bush, one of bandits glared at us while standing in front of something that looked like a sword.
Bandit: I’ll kill all of you with this!
Shino: You think you can win against us like that? At least both of you should come at once.
Arthur: Sorry to inform you, but you’ve no hope of winning.
The bandits didn’t listen to them. They tried to pull the sword out. However, the sword was stuck in a great rock and didn’t move an inch.
Bandit: Fuck! It doesn’t come out. Don’t fuck with me!
He lashed out by spitting on the sword. In that moment-
Akira: Eh?!
Suddenly the forest shook as if gravity had doubled. A ghastly sound like a cry of something in death throes echoed all over the place.
Akira: (Why does everything feel heavy all of a sudden?)
Arthur: This is…
Noticing the sudden change in our situation, Arthur rushed forward to protect me. Meanwhile, black fog gushed out from the place where the rusted sword was stuck in. The bandit hastily backed off from the sword.
Bandit: Aah!
When the black fog completely covered the grave, within seconds a silver light pierced through from within.
Oz: The defiling of the sword was the last straw. They’ve been desecrating the resting place of the dead for a long time. There’s a great anger being contained there. That will be no doubt The Cruel Knight.
Akira: That’s….
Cain: Does that mean… that’s the actual Roland?
As all of us held our breath, the black fog faded. A knight clad in armor and an ominous aura was standing there.
Bandit: D- don’t come here! You monster!
The bandit tried all his might to escape from Roland. However, with a speed one wouldn’t expect from such a heavy armor, Roland was right next him. Letting out a beast-like roar, Roland raised his sword without any hesitation. Just as the bandit’s life seemed about to be taken at any moment.
Cain: Stop!
Cain stopped the sword of the armored knight just in time and kept it down.
The vengeful ghost: *roars*
Bandit: Aaaaa! He’ll kill me! P- please save me!
Arthur: This is….
Heathcliff: Dark shades are rising from the ground! There’re many of them!
Oz: Seems like Roland’s malice has lured the souls of the dead here.
Arthur: Oh… Pernoctant nix zo!
When Arthur recited his spell, the short sword in his hand was wrapped in a dazzling light. With his agile movement, he tried not to injure the bandits and slashed only the ghosts.
The ghost: *groans*
A faint light wrapped around the parts of the whimpering ghosts that were slashed by Arthur. The light gradually eroded the bodies of the ghosts. In the end, they glittered like ice crystals and quietly disappeared.
Riquet: Sunrotea edif!
Following Arthur, Riquet coated his sword in light and raised it. His movements were awkward and there’s fear in his eyes. Even so, he tried his best to wield his sword. Seeing him like that, I was reminded of what he said about wishing to become someone who could protect people like Cain.
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Riquet: According to the teachings of my Church, everything those who use violence to make a living does is evil. But then I came to the Magic Manor and met Cain, who took pride in knighthood and strived to protect everyone, so I began to think that knights weren’t as bad people as I had thought. Even if Cain sometimes eats my snacks by mistake, and his room is often untidy. He can be pretty crude too.
Akira: (He is really trying to be fair)
Riquet: I’ve realized that I too wish to become someone who protects those I hold dear and is trusted by people like Cain.
His words were full of envy and admiration. A strong will shined in his eyes.
Akira: You can definitely do it. After all, aren’t you helping a lot with the mission and protecting us?
Riquet: Yes, I can achieve what I wish by helping and leading people with my words and my prayers in my own ways.
As we looked at each other and smiled
Akira: ……!
Riquet: What’s that just now?!
Both of us looked in the direction of the suspicious sound from the bush.
Akira: Er-.
As we stared, a huge figure dressed in ancient armor with a menacing air fixed their gaze in our direction. The figure stood out starkly in the pitch-dark forest. Certainly one’d think one saw a terrifying ghost.
???: *Growls*
Akira: (S- so this is The Cruel Knight!)
Riquet: Look out, Master Sage!
Riquet held tightly my hand in his. I could feel the cold sweats from both of our palms.
Akira – Riquet: ………..
As the situation grew tense, Riquet and I made eye contact in a split second. Before we came here, we’d arranged with everyone the signal we’d use to let them know the bandits had found us.
???: I am the Cruel Knight Roland.
As the Cruel Knight announced his name in a rumbling voice and headed towards us with a sharp sword in hand
Akira – Riquet: Ahhhhhhhh!
Riquet and I took a deep breath and released the signal with all our might.
Cain: Gladias procella!
As soon as we heard Cain’s spell, a fierce dust storm rose as if to shield us.
???: What? What happened?!
Cain: Akira! Riquet! Are you okay?
Akira – Riquet: Yes!
Shino: Come, you bandits. I’ll deal with you all in one go!
[Fighting sound]
???: Wh- aaah!
The Cruel Knight’s stature crumbled as if to avoid the great scythe in Shino’s hand. Heathcliff didn’t miss this opening and chanted his spell.
Heathcliff: Repsev aivulp sunos!
Right away, the enchanted tree branches began to move and attack the knight’s helmet while restricting his movement.
???: Fuck! Stay away!
As we expected, it was a human under the armor. Nero’s read on the situation is correct.
Akira: (So Roland’s ghost is really a fabrication)
Shino: Meh, he really looks like a bad guy. Definitely a bandit.
Nero: Shino, I don’t disagree that he has a bad guy’s face, but prejudice isn’t nice imo.
Bandit: What the fuck are you babbling on about?! They dare looking down on us… All of you, enemies are here! Kill them all right away!
The bandits: *charges*
As soon as there was that call, a dozen bandits appeared from the bush, where we had thought no one was there.
Akira: S- so many of them hid there.
Riquet: Master Sage, please stay close to me!
A young-looking, tall bandit wrapped in branches appeared in front of Arthur.
Wizard bandit: You lot are wizards too? Interesting. You silver haired, I’ll deal with you first.
Arthur: So you’re a wizard like us. However, it’s unacceptable that you use our miraculous power to hurt the weak. Accept your punishment!
Wizard bandit: Hah, punishment? There’s such a thing?
As the bandit chanted something that sounded like a spell, a huge boulder emerged next to Arthur. However-
Arthur: Pernoctant nix zo!
Wizard bandit: Aaaah!
Arthur’s thunder-like magical offense easily overcame the wizard who was fighting against him. That wizard’s earlier aura of danger completely vanished. The boulder which he had lost control fell to a spot where no one was and broke apart with a loud noise.
Bandit: Damn that bastard! He dealt with even a wizard so easily.
Oz: Vox-
Bandit: !
Oz: …….
[Hitting sound]
Bandit: Aaaah!
Heathcliff: H- he hit him hard with the short sword. That looks painful.
Shino: What a novel way to use a sword.
Afterwards, the Sage’s Wizards defeated the bandits with overwhelming strength. It didn’t take much time until the bandits fell flat on the ground and the outcome of the battle was decided.
Shino: Is this all of them?
Heathcliff: Yeah. What a big group. Because there’s a wizard with them, we didn’t know how many of them there are until now.
Arthur stood in front of the bandits, who looked resentful as they were tied up by several rounds of ropes. Severity was in his gaze.
Arthur: Speak. What have you done in this forest? Leave nothing out.
The bandits: …….
Shino: It’s fine if you don’t want to talk. That means we’ve no other choice but to use force though.
Shino boldly smiled as he waved around the great scythe in front of the bandits.
Bandit: W-?!
Previous part | Next part
Cain: Bandits?
Oz: So it’s a fabrication of the living?
Nero: Yep. There was trace of human footsteps being erased in a deep part of the forest where no one crosses. The tree roots look like they were stepped on too.
Cain: I see. Very observant of you.
Nero: You can see the trace with some attention. It wasn’t hidden that well. So, that points to some bandit’s handiwork.
Arthur: Did you see the bandits in the forest?
Shino: No sign of them when we were there.
Nero: Maybe they only come to the Tranquil Forest at night, then go somewhere else to fence the stuffs they steal. According to what we heard, The Cruel Knight only shows up at night.
Cain: Nero, when do you think they’ll move next?
Nero: Tonight at the earliest. There’s something else though.
Nero tapped his lips with his fingers as he mused about something.
Nero: With this many victims around, ordinary bandits would likely be found out and there’d be an uproar about them already. But they haven’t been caught yet. There’s likely a wizard skilled in concealing the traces among the bandits.
Akira: (A wizard among the bandits, huh)
The atmosphere grew tense as Nero said that.
Riquet: We must capture them then.
Shino: Just as Riquet said. It doesn’t matter if they’re bandits or wizards. Let’s smash them all.
Faust: Don’t get carried away. Let’s consider how we can capture them first. If we clumsily charge in, we’ll be found out and they’ll get away.
Cain: Shall we erase our presence with magic and ambush them in the forest?
Arthur: No, there’s a wizard among the bandits. If we erase our presence with magic, maybe they’ll notice us.
Shino: In that case, let’s make it simple and lure the bandits with a bait. I’ll….
Riquet: Please let me be the bait!
Riquet volunteered with a grave face.
Shino: You? But you’re so weak though?
Riquet: I- I’m not weak! Thanks to Oz’ training, I can use many spells now.
Shino: Ah well, weak guys may indeed be better as bait though. The bandits will let their guard down.
Heathcliff: Shino, stop disrespecting Riquet like that!
Shino: That’s the truth though. Right, Oz?
Oz: The enemies will come for your life without mercy. Do you still want to take on that role?
Riquet: Yes, I too am a Sage’s Wizard. I have prepared myself to face any danger.
Cain: …..
Akira: (Weak guys are the most suitable to be bait. In that case…)
Akira: Excuse me, may I go with Riquet?
Riquet: Master Sage…
Akira: I’m just a human. The bandits will likely target me. I’d like to be of help in resolving the current problem too. Please let me do it!
In the troubled atmosphere, Cain was the first to nod.
Cain: I’ll leave it to you guys then. I trust that with your words and the determination you show, our plan will be run successfully.
Riquet: Of course! With Master Sage, we will definite attract the attention of the bandits and lure them to you.
Faust: Very well. You two must not do anything reckless though. Should something happen, call us right away.
Akira: We will. Thank you for worrying about us.
Oz: Vox nox
Akira – Riquet: Whoa?!
Suddenly, a strong light flared up from the clothes we were wearing in just a second. A faint warmth wrapped around us.
Akira: Oz, what kind of magic did you do?
Oz: I reinforced Chloe’s protective magic in the outfits. Like with the barrier, it will be effective even at night.
Akira: You can do that too! That’s cool!
Riquet: Thank you, Oz. Since you won’t be able to use magic in a short while, you too should be careful not to get hurt too.
Oz: …….
Arthur: No need to worry, Riquet. I’ll definitely protect Master Oz. Even so, please take my sword just in case something happens.
As Arthur held up his hand, a short sword appeared. He handed it to Oz with a soft smile.
Shino: Hey, you, do you know how to use it?
Oz: To an extent. I’m not that proficient in physical combat yet.
Faust: Somehow it feels strange to hear you talk about ‘physical combat’.
Nero: Even so, the most powerful wizard wielding a sword is probably not something to sneer at.
Shino: Nah, my great scythe is way cooler.
Heathcliff: Why are you trying to compete with Lord Oz anyway?
Thus we devised various plans to deal with the bandits, and waited for nightfall in the village.
[In the forest at night]
Riquet: Master Sage, the path is bumpy. Please be careful.
Akira: Thank you, Riquet.
It got later and later in the night, the time The Cruel Knight was said to appear. To lure the bandits to come out, Riquet and I walked in the densely grown Tranquil Forest, which was still completely quiet.
Akira: (Without Riquet’s lantern, this place would be pitch-dark such that we won’t be able to see anything. That feels a bit scary)
Riquet: Master Sage, I’ll hold your hand, so that we won’t get separated.
He held my hand with a little more force than usual. Riquet was probably scared too. To reassure Riquet, I squeezed his hand back.
Akira: Let’s do our best together, Riquet.
Riquet: Yes. Master Sage, I would like to resolve this case however I can.
Akira: Is it for Cain’s sake?
Riquet: Eh, how do you know?
Akira: Since we received this request, you often look at Cain. Besides, I feel the same way.
Riquet: I don’t like seeing Cain being sad when people speak harshly about Roland. Also every time they call a knight bad, I feel like they are saying Cain is bad too.
Riquet frowned worriedly as he looked at the trail winding in the night.
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Arthur: Pernoctant nix zo
Rusta: Whoa, the pain has gone away!
Arthur: It’s only a stop-gap measure but I gave you a spell to alleviate the pain.
Rusta: I see. Thank you. I’m feeling much better now.
Arthur: No need to thank me. You still need proper treatment though. It seems that your arm has been infected.
Rusta: …….
After some hesitation, he nervously showed us his left arm. Perhaps because its length was insufficient, the bandage didn’t completely cover the opening of the wound. Parts of its were still visible.
Riquet: That looks painful.
Akira: (The injury is indeed serious)
The festering wound was so bad that you couldn’t bear to look at it.
Oz: Was this wound caused by The Cruel Knight?
His face full of helplessness and misery, Rusta hesitatingly put his story into words.
Rusta: That’s right. This was caused by The Cruel Knight.
Cain – Riquet – Arthur: ……….
Rusta: The medicine reserve in the village has run out, so I can’t buy it here. When traffic with other villages or towns has been cut off, re-supplying is impossible.
Arthur: I see. Sorry for forcing you to talk about such hardship. We’ll end this situation as soon as possible, so that everyone can get supplies again. Please bear with it for a little while more.
Rusta: ……
Arthur’s earnestness had probably reached Rusta, since the latter let his guard down.
Rusta: Hey, didn’t you guys want to ask me about the Cruel Knight?
As if hesitating about something, he let his gaze wander aimlessly for a while. Then he slowly looked at us.
Rusta: If it’s of any use, I’ll tell you what I know.
Cain: Are you really fine with that?
Rusta: I really don’t want to think about it, but if this keeps up, maybe someone else will be attacked like me.
Cain: Thank you, Rusta.
Rusta nodded at Cain and began to talk little by little.
Rusta: That day I was returning from home from selling what I harvested in the nearby town.
[Memory about what happened in the forest]
Rusta: Huh? What’s that sound? Sounds like a metal thing. What?
The knight’s armor: *growls*
The knight’s armor: I’m the Cruel Knight Roland. I’ll kill you all! I’ll kill you all!
[Attacking sound]
Rusta: Aaaaah!
[Memory ends]
Oz: ……
Rusta: In the beginning, my eyes went dark from fear, so I couldn’t move even one step. But the pain from being cut by a sword woke me up. I left behind all of my belongings and ran home like mad. I thought that I’d definitely get killed if I stayed there in that state.
Cain: …….
Rusta’s story was packed with horror. He touched his left arm and continued with great effort.
Rusta: I must have looked awful with blood all over me when I returned to the village. Everyone thought I must have been mistaken what attacked me for a ghost.
Arthur: So that’s how it was. You must have had a hard time.
Rusta: I’m not the only one. There’re many other victims too, some of them are still unconscious. That Cruel Knight is unredeemable!
Besides pain, anger was tangible in Rusta’s words. Probably there was someone important to him among the villagers who got hurt.
Rusta: However, our enemy is a monster. We don’t have the power. We can’t do anything. Probably all we can do is sitting here waiting to be killed. You guys though, you will help us and eliminate the Cruel Knight?
Cain: That’s…
Riquet: Of course. We will vanquish The Cruel Knight.
Hearing Rusta’s earnest to the point of painful plea, Riquet replied before anyone else.
Riquet: God doesn’t tolerate those who terrorize and cause harm to others. Also, the knight I know will never be a cause of grief for people.
Arthur: Yeah, like Riquet said, a true knight is someone noble and virtuous. And cool too. Right, Cain?
Cain: ……….
Cain’s eyes went round at what Arthur and Riquet said. Smiling like the sun with his whole face, he nodded emphatically.
Cain: Yeah, of course. Rusta, to tell the truth, I’m a knight too.
Rusta: Eh?
Cain: A former knight, to be precise. I was with the Knights of Central Country. So I understand what Roland felt. Come what may in the end, he’d accept it all in order to protect his most beloved lord. I believe he wouldn’t become a vengeful ghost.
Cain expressed what he believed in unwaveringly. The pride in fulfilling the duties of a knight. That was what he held close to his heart, even in the present after being dismissed from the Order.
Rusta: …….
Rusta first stared fixedly at us, then hanged his head.
Rusta: Please. Please eliminate that terrible ghost who is bringing disasters to us here.
Cain: Sure. Just leave it to us!
[A while later]
Heathcliff: Master Sage, we’re back.
Akira: Good work, everyone.
Riquet: It seems that you have found something about the identity of the vengeful ghost in the forest?
Shino: Yeah, we found something big.
Nero: Long story short, you were right, Mr. Knight.
Cain: What do you mean?
Faust: The Cruel Knight isn’t Roland.
Akira – The Central Wizards: !!!
Faust: The Cruel Knight… No, I should say the entity that has been attacking people indiscriminately in the forest is most likely the bandits.
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Nero: Back to the issue at hand, let’s investigate a bit more. To subjugate The Cruel Knight, we need to hear from those who have encountered our opponent. Whatever his real identity is, we’ll need some clue to deal with that kind of ghost.
Faust: Let’s split up then. One group will investigate Roland’s grave. The other go around talking to villagers.
Arthur: That’s a good idea. Then we Central wizards will take care of the information gathering from the residents here. Master Sage, would you mind giving us a hand?
Akira: Of course!
Arthur: Eastern wizard friends, do you have any problem with investigating Roland’s grave?
Shino: Got it. We’ll take care of everything so just relax and wait for us.
Heathcliff: See you later. Please be careful, everyone.
The Eastern wizards with Shino at the front headed towards the Tranquil Forest. Faust, who was walking at the back, paused and looked at Cain.
Faust: Cain.
Cain: What’s the matter?
Faust: I didn’t mean to disparage the knight you idolize just for sport. I myself have heard that Roland was an honorable knight. However, from time to time, the truth is more bitter and cruel than stories and legends. You should keep that in mind.
Cain: Yeah, I know. Thank you, Faust. Sorry for making you worried. Not that I thought differently before, but you’re really kinder than you look!
Faust: What? You’re mistaken. I’m…
Shino: Hurry up, Faust! Or we’ll leave you behind.
Cain: Look, they’re calling for you.
Faust: Geez.
[In the forest]
Nero: The forest really lives up to its name. Lush greenery, little sign of animals.
Shino: It smells strange though.
Faust: We should ascertain if Roland’s grave is really here first. Let’s go.
Nero: Huh?
Heathcliff: What’s the matter, Nero? What’s over there?
Nero: Something. Let me check over there a bit.
Faust: Should I go with you?
Nero: Nope, just me is enough. I’ll leave the grave to you guys, Teach. I’ll join you guys in a bit.
Faust: Understood. Try not to get injured.
Nero: Haha, I know. See you later.
[In front of the grave]
Heathcliff: What a big clearing. The air seems different here too somehow.
Faust: Indeed. Are you feeling okay, Heath?
Heathcliff: Yes. This area feels pure and sacred, but it’s also filled with an aura of sharp will like when Cain wields his sword too. It calms the heart, or more like, it feels reassuring. I can’t believe this forest is haunted.
Faust: …….
Shino: Hey, something is stuck on the ground over there. It looks like a sword.
Heathcliff: That’s right. Why is it here of all place?
Shino: That sword’s rusted and worn down by the elements. Looks like no one has polished and sharpened it.
Faust: Shino, don’t touch it willy-nilly. That’s most likely Roland’s grave.
Shino: That spot?
[Rustling sound]
Heathcliff: W- what’s that?
Nero: Found you guys finally. You sure got deep in the forest.
Heathcliff: Oh, it’s you Nero. What’s a relief.
Shino: Good thing that isn’t a ghost, right?
Heathcliff: S-shut up.
Faust: Hey, don’t fight. Nero, have you found something?
Nero: It’s so-so. Anyway, is that a sword over there?
Faust: Yeah, that’s Roland’s grave, but it’s not like what we’ve heard. If Roland, who is laid here to rest, becomes a vengeful ghost that attacks people, there should be and aura of malice and cruelty around here. But it’s the opposite. Heath too said that this area is filled with an aura of sacred purity.
Nero: So that’s how it’s. I believe I have an explanation for that.
Heathcliff: An explanation?
Nero: Let’s talk when our whole group’s together. Let’s get back to Mx Sage and the others first.
[At the village]
After split up with the Easter wizards, the Central wizards and I continued to gather info from the villagers.
Cain: No one here wants to talk with us.
Riquet: Oh, can it be that Oz’ face scares them off?
Oz: …..It’s because their minds are seized by anxiety and fear.
Riquet: I- I know that. That was a joke.
Oz: Is that so?
Arthur: I know that it must have been a joke, because Master Oz has the kindest face after all.
Akira: Ahaha. Oh, it’s Rusta over there.
Arthur: He’s really there. However, there’s something not right about him, with how he sits stiffly like that.
Riquet: Perhaps something happened. Let’s head there!
When he hadn’t noticed us, Rusta’s face crumbled as if in pain. His left arm was wrapped in bandages.
Akira: Excuse me, are you alright?
Rusta: Wha-! It’s you guys again!
Cain and Arthur spoke gently to Rusta, who looked away from us in a gesture of refusal.
Cain: Sorry for earlier. I was ignorant of how you felt and behaved rudely.
Arthur: We don’t come here to hurt you. We saw you sitting here and got worried.
Rusta: That’s….
Confusion was all over Rusta’s face. His gaze fell on his own arm.
Riquet: Does the injury in your arm hurt?
Rusta: …..!
He let out a long sigh at Riquet’s question. With a worried expression, Arthur walked towards him. Taking the hurt arm, he recited his spell.
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Cain: It was hidden by the sleeve so I can’t really confirm, but his arm was wrapped in bandages.
Arthur: Indeed. Judging from his reaction, he’s probably one of the victims attacked by The Cruel Knight. It must have been such a terrifying experience that he didn’t want to recall that again.
Cain: So I insensitively poked at a painful spot of him. I suppose I should apologize next time I meet him.
As he reckoned with what he did, Cain made a face as if himself was hurt.
Akira: (We still don’t know what kind of entity The Cruel Knight is. It must be bothering Cain that someone who bears the title of a knight is said to have committed such terrible deeds)
Cain: What’s the matter, Akira?
Akira: Ah, it’s nothing! Let’s continue our investigation.
We walked around for a while afterwards. Eventually we found an old lady whom we could ask about the matter.
Old woman: You want to know about The Cruel Knight?
Cain: Indeed. Grandma, sorry to bother you, but can you tell us what you know?
Old woman: I can only talk about Roland though.
Akira – Riquet: Roland?
Riquet and I looked at each other as we heard the unfamiliar name.
Cain: Can it be that you mean Roland the legendary knight?
Shino: You know that one?
Cain: Pretty well. In any case, Grandma, why do you mention Roland all of the sudden?
Old woman: The Cruel Knight is none other than the ghost of that Roland.
Cain: ….!
Riquet: Cain, I have never heard the name Roland before. What kind of person was he?
Cain: Roland was a knight said to have done great deeds in Central Country.
Old woman: That’s right. Roland, who was unmatched in swordsmanship and popularity, was said to be an honorable, chivalric knight respected by all. The cruel reality is, he had no chivalry at all. Countless people have been slain by him.
Cain: Grandma, is The Cruel Knight really Roland’s ghost?
Old woman: There’s no mistaking it. It’s said that The Cruel Knight appears at night in the Tranquil Forest, looking the same as when he was alive. Roland’s grave is in that same forest.
Cain: ……..
Old woman: When attacked by enemies, Roland came to the Tranquil Forest with his lord. He managed to help his lord escape, but ended up beheaded by his enemies. Probably his anger lingered on and became a monster. He is really a terrible ghost.
The old lady let out a deep sigh full of disgust and slowly walked past us.
Riquet: Hey, Cain, are you alright?
Cain: I’m fine. Sorry to make you worried. I was in a strange mood because I didn’t expect Roland of all people is the cause of the strange occurrence here.
Shino: What’s the problem? Was he that great a guy?
Cain: We talked about him a bit before coming here already. Remember the legendary knight that I’ve admired since I was a boy? That’s Roland.
Akira – Riquet: Eh.
Arthur: I’ve heard of the name Roland too. It’s written in the ancient records that his skills with the sword were unrivalled in the country. Having witnessed his strength, the then Royal Family invited him to join the Order of Knights.
Heathcliff: A direct invitation from the Royal Family? That’s amazing.
Cain: Yeah. However, Roland refused the invitation and remained loyal to the liege lord he had chosen himself. I… have always admired him, who both stayed true to his faith and excelled in swordsmanship.
Cain murmured, as if deep in his reflection. Cain’s feelings must have been precious to him, just like the feelings one had for one’s heroes in my world.
Nero: If that story is true, then don’t you find it strange? According to our knightly friend here, that Roland guy doesn’t seem to be the type that became a troublemaking ghost.
Faust: It’s just like the old woman said back there. No one knows what personalities of great renown are actually like in real life outside the legends. Besides that, there’s the matter of what appeared within him at the time of his death. Perhaps his hatred backlashed on him and turned him into something like a cursed being.
Cain: Can’t deny that.
Akira: Cain..
Akira: (No one wants to think about the person they admire as the cause of harm for other people)
However, what Faust said couldn’t be dismissed as simply groundless speculations.
Cain: Sorry. No matter how I think about it, I can’t see Roland became The Cruel Knight at all.
Faust: I understand your feelings. You wish to believe in the subject of your admiration. Still, don’t lose sight of your objective here.
Cain: I know. The people we should prioritize here are the residents of the village, not Roland. Even so, I’d like to trust in his honor and his achievements that I admired just a bit longer.
Oz: Cain.
Cain: Sorry, Oz. I know I was being childish just now.
Oz: It isn’t an illusion that flowers bloom in Northern Country. However, it isn’t easy to see such flowers with your own eyes.
Cain: Eh?
Oz: It also happens that that the heart that longs to see flowers blooming in the North will make the flowers of illusion turn into real ones. It’s the same for you.
Cain: Uhm…
Riquet: Come on, Oz. Why are you talking about flowers at a time like this?
While what Oz said made everyone tilted their head, Arthur nodded approvingly.
Arthur: Because Northern Country is a place that is extremely cold, many people think that flowers certainly can’t bloom there. However, the truth is that flowers bloom in Northern Country too if rarely. Even so, if you don’t believe from the beginning that there are flowers and go search for them, maybe you will never be able to realize that the flowers are real. If you stay true to what you have faith it, you may see it become true.
Oz: …….
Arthur: That is what you said, isn’t it, Master Oz.
That was indeed the kind of encouragement Oz would say. As the meaning of the words got to him, Cain blinked as if surprised. Just a moment after that, a smile bloomed on his face as he smacked Oz in the back.
Oz: Don’t hit my back randomly like that.
Cain: Ahaha, sorry, sorry. Anyway, thanks, Oz!
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Cain: The ghost of… a knight? They attack people while bearing such a title?
Akira: Yes. There’re apparently many people who have been injured. The terrorized residents of the area around the forest call him “The Cruel Knight”.
Arthur: The problem isn’t just that. There is a big problem related to this abnormal occurrence. There’s a little village whose residents must go through the forest to get to the nearby towns and villages. But they keep getting attacked by the Cruel Knight, so all exchanges with the outside have been blocked.
Cain: In other words, if the situation goes on, there are high chances of starvation and unrest.
Arthur: Yeah, that is also something we need to prevent.
As if imagining the difficult conditions the people there are suffering, Arthur frowned.
Riquet: Your Highness, please do not worry. We, whom have been granted miraculous power, have the duty to protect and guide the weak after all. Let’s head to the location of the strange occurrence and resolve it.
Arthur: Indeed. Thank you, Riquet.
Shino: So that’s the details. Just as I said earlier, we Eastern wizards will definitely take part in this mission. Oz can’t use magic at night, so it’d be better to have more hands on deck.
Oz: ……
Akira: (He doesn’t object to that)
Cain: It’s definitely reassuring to have the Eastern wizards on board!
Shino: Hehe, just leave everything to us.
Heathcliff: Ahaha, we should inform Master Faust and Nero first.
[After a while]
Shino: We’re back.
Faust – Nero: …….
Akira: (It feels as if they were told to do something impossible)
Nero: Ahem, Heath told us something about you guys wanting us to participate in the mission to subjugate some Cruel Knight?
Akira: I-indeed. Thank you for dropping this on you all of the sudden, but could you go with us?
Faust: Well, we can’t let Shino and Heathcliff going by themselves. There’s no other way. We’ll take part in this mission. Is that fine with you, Nero?
Nero: Ah well, I’m not sure if I can be of any help though.
Akira: (What lukewarm responses)
Faust: Are we departing right away?
Arthur: Yes. It’s an urgent matter.
Faust: ………
Faust: Satirknart mulcreed
Akira: Whoa!
As Faust cast his spell, the outfits of everyone changed to something completely different in the blink of an eye.
Shino: ……..!
Heathcliff: That startled me. These outfits are somehow…
These outfits, the main tones of which were black and grey, were made of thick, sturdy fabric. However, they also had fine, delicate decorations on them.
Faust: I asked Chloe to make these outfits. The chances are high that we’ll encounter danger in this mission, so we should wear them.
Shino: You asked Chloe? Why?
Nero: That’s unexpected. Did you have a hand in the design too?
Faust: Partly. I gave some input on the technique to increase the sturdiness of the fabric.
Riquet: Sturdiness of the fabric?
Faust: The Central and Eastern wizards usually get injured during missions. Chloe has been occupying himself with finding a way to prevent that.
Heathcliff: Chloe….
Cain: We ended up making him worried a lot, didn’t we.
Faust: So I’ve been teaching him how to apply protection magic to the outfits. That’s all.
The outfits imbued with Chloe’s gentle considerateness warmed our hearts.
Akira: We should go to say thank you to Chloe after the mission.
Arthur: That’s right. Let’s return safe and sound so as to not disappoint Chloe’s care for us.
Thanks to Oz’ magic, we arrived at the Tranquil Forest right away and entered the gate of the little village. A vast forest spread on as if to engulf the village, where brick houses lined up alongside cobblestone path and the well.
Heathcliff: The huge forest outside this village must be the Tranquil Forest.
Cain: Yeah. Meanwhile, it feels like there’s no liveliness in the village at all.
Shino: You can tell even if you can’t see them?
Cain: I can. On top of that, there seems to be a sorrowful atmosphere all over the village.
Arthur: Oh.
Oz: What’s the matter?
Arthur: There’s a villager in the shade of the house.
Akira: Ah, that’s true. Let’s go talk to him. It’d be good to get more details about the situation of the village first.
Arthur: Sorry to bother you. Do you have time for a little chat?
Young man: W- what do you guys want? Who are you?
Cain: Nice to meet you. I’m Cain, a Sage’s Wizard.
Cain inserted himself in the space between Arthur and the startled young man like a shield as if it was only natural to do so. He held out his hand in a gesture of requesting a handshake.
Young man: You guys are those Sage’s Wizards?
Cain: That’s right. Can you tell us your name?
Rusta: I’m Rusta.
Cain: Thank you, Rusta. We are investigating the strange occurrence in the Tranquil Forest. We heard that a ghost called “The Cruel Knight” appeared. Do you know anything about that?
Rusta: T- the Cruel Knight!
As soon as he heard that epithet, Rusta became visibly anxious. As if terrified by something, he stepped away from us, his voice shaking.
Rusta: If you guys want to know about that, then go ask someone else!
Cain: H- hey!
Riquet: Wow, he’s gone.
Akira: He seems terrified of us for some reason.
Cain: No, what he’s afraid of isn’t us. It’s definitely The Cruel Knight.
Akira – Riquet: Eh?
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Akira: Uh, I don’t see him anywhere.
Riquet: Cain told me that he usually trains in the forest this time of the day. Where can he be?
That day, when the cool breeze blew, Riquet and I went searching for Cain in the forest near the Magic Manor.
Riquet: Oh, is it Cain over there by the bush?
Akira: Ah, that’s really him!
When I looked in the direction Riquet pointed, Cain was there, preparing himself for a swordplay move with a serious expression.
Cain: Hah!
The tension in the air around him was sharp like a blade. Every time he made a move with his sword, the air-splitting sound could be heard even from where we stood.
Akira – Riquet: So cool.
Shino: I do this kind of training myself. I will show you guys sometimes.
Riquet: Whoa?!
Akira: Shino? And Heath!
Heathcliff: Hello, Master Sage, Riquet. Did we startle you? My apologies.
Akira: It’s no problem at all. Are you two training here too?
Shino: Yeah, we’re trying out the magic Faust taught us yesterday.
Heathcliff: Do you need Cain for something?
Akira: Yeah, but we got drawn in by his serious air, and ended up staring at him in admiration.
Riquet: No, not me. By no means I should admire such barbarism.
Cain: What are you guys talking about? If it’s something fun then tell me too.
Akira – Riquet: Cain!
Cain: I was aware that someone was around from their aura. So it’s you, Master Sage.
With a bright smile, Cain approached us. He casually held up his right hand and high-fived everyone.
Akira: We disturbed your training. Sorry about that.
Cain: No need to worry. I was about to take a break anyway.
Riquet: Even if you can’t see them, you can always tell someone’s presence.
Cain: It’s simply a matter of habits. When I was with the Knights, from time to time we had to fight monsters in pitch-dark forests too.
Heathcliff: I heard from Arthur that when you were a member of the Order, you had the reputation of being a knight par excellence in all the country.
Shino: Hmm, in other words, you were the strongest knight, right?
Cain: How should I put this? In this vast world, there’re many others who are stronger than I.
One could tell Cain was saying that with complete sincerity. However, he also somehow looked pleased with himself, as if he was about to tell us a great secret.
Akira: Do you mean Oz and the Northern wizards?
Cain: Yeah, they’re definitely stronger than I. When it comes to magic, I’m no match for them at all.
Riquet: In that case, if we leave out magic, then you should be the strongest?
Cain: Well, if we’re comparing only swordplay skill, then I’m not too shabby. Still, there’s a knight I’ve always admired. He’s considered a legendary knight by everyone.
Akira: A legendary knight?
Cain: Yeah, when I was a boy, I wished to become a strong, dashing knight like him, so I waved around a tree branch imagining that it was a sword. Many of my friends in my hometown were the same. We played pretend that we were knights together.
Akira: Whoa, what an adorable memory!
Riquet: A knight that you admire…
Heathcliff: He must have been a wonderful person. What’s his name? Maybe I know him too.
Cain: I suppose? He was a knight of renown all over Central Country. His name is…
Arthur: Riquet, Master Sage! So you’ve found Cain.
Shino: Hi, Arthur.
Heathcliff: Hello, Your Highness.
Arthur: Hello. Oh, Shino and Heath are here too.
Akira: My bad, I got distracted by the conversation and made you come here to call us.
Arthur: Please don’t mind that. I myself got distracted when I found Master Oz. He is waiting for us in the lounge. Cain, can you come with us now?
Cain: Sure. Did something happen?
Akira: Yes, there is a new request for the Central wizards that has just arrived.
Shino: A subjugation mission?
In response to Cain, whose face had gone all serious, and Shino, who showed great interest in the content of the request, Arthur said.
Arthur: Indeed. There’re reports that an entity called ‘The Ghost Knight’ that attacks people indiscriminately has recently appeared in a forest near the border of Central Country.
[In the lounge]
Returning from the forest, we joined Oz in the lounge and discussed the details of the request.
Shino: Hey, Oz.
Heathcliff: H-Hello, Lord Oz.
Oz: ……
Shino: If it’s a subjugation mission, then we want to join you. Give us the details.
Oz: Do as you like.
Heathcliff: T- thank you very much. We are glad to have your permission. Right, Shino.
Shino: You’re so nervous around Oz, Heath. It’ll certainly be good for him and the Central wizards that we join them.
Heathcliff: I think it’s your nerves that are too strong though.
Oz: ……..
Arthur: Sorry to call you here all of the sudden. It’s an urgent matter so allow me to explain the current request. We are asked to handle the so-called ‘Ghost Knight’ which is spotted at a place called The Tranquil Forest. According to the report, the ghost of a knight frequently appears at night after the Great Calamity.
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