Several days had passed since I set out from that isolated city. By the way, I didnt get to talk with Baldo and the others again, since I left town as soon as I could.

Well, they also wandered from town to town, helping subjugating monsters here and there, so one day well likely to cross path once again. When that time comes, Ill gladly have some drinks and exchange stories with them.

We rode north on a swaying carriage. The carriage this time was different than the previous one where I also served as escort. I used the sand golem bounty money and directly chartered the carriage.

Might be a bit too luxurious. But its a trip in which I unlikely will return from. At least I have to go with style..from whom did I borrow that kind of thought? And of course, Myne who sat next to me with a refreshed face didnt have to pay. She wanted to return to her village with as much money as possible.

Whatever, its better than having to travel alone.

I listened to the middle-aged coachman who I had paid 15 gold to drive for us.

How long till the next city?

Ei, aboutthree days or so

The further you were from the mainland, the sparser the cities became. In other words, the closer you got to Gallia, the harder it was for people to live. Its mostly because of the monster waves from Gallia.

The situation only got worse since the holy knights whore responsible to hold them off were absent. I could tell from how, up until this point, I still had to kill groups of monsters

The monsters overflowed into areas far from Gallia. This certainly had a serious impact on the kingdom.

While I was deep in thought, the carriage made a stop with a loud noise at a small village.

Achaa, this is no good. Looks likethe left wheel is broken

The man told me in a troubled face as he got down off the carriage. He said that it would take at least 3 days to repair it. So we decided to stay in the village while waiting.

Because Myne told me that she wanted to do something, at first I thought she was annoyed by the delay, but it seemed that I was wrong. She said that the delay didnt matter, and that she wanted to look around the village on her own. Shes indeed an at my own pace kind of person.

I decided to go find the village chief to ask permission to stay here for three days.

By the way, this village is so peaceful

Perhaps, a strong person guards this village

Greed told me through the mind reading skill. Perhaps it was, since I couldnt even feel a shred of presence of any monster that I had encountered up until now. This was such a peaceful village that I would confused it as one that was located far away from Gallia instead.

This was abnormal in a sense. I tilted my head as my sight fell upon some children passing.

Even with the supposedly unfriendly environment, the people of this village were calm and relaxed.

While I walked around, I took notice of an old man sitting on a big tree stump. His long gray hair was bundled behind his neck.

Lets just ask him where I can find the village chief. As I approached, the other party had spoken to me first.

You are one of the strong presences that entered the village just now. Hmm, I sense no ill intent out of you

The old man smiled, then offered me a handshake.

I am Aaron Barbatos. The chief of this village. Welcome, young warrior

He was the village chief? Then, I have to introduce myself properly.

My name is Fate Graphite. Can I ask for a permission to stay here, while waiting for our coachman repairs our carriage?

Oh, I dont mind you staying here as long as you want. But there is one condition. Would you fight this old man in a one-on-one duel?

Aaron took out a golden sword from under the stump. Thats a holy sword.

In other word, this old man was a Holy Knight. And hes been waiting here for us while hiding his weapon.

But Aaron himself did say that I had no bad intentions.. Could it be, if it was the other way around, hed kill me without question?

No, Im not strong enough to fight a Holy Knight

Hahahah, no need for lies. I have an appraisal skill. For a level 1, you have some abnormal stats there

For real. Its rare to see a knight with appraisal skill. I can hide my skill list using hiding skill, but I cannot fake my stats. Hes the kind of Holy Knight Im really afraid to come across with.

Then, what do you say?

I slowly unsheathed Greed. But Aaron stuck out his left hand in front of me.

Ive said it so myself. You bear no ill intent, and do not actually want to fight. All I want is to test your strength, a spar if you may. What do you say

The old man, while waiting for my confirmation, unsheathed his holy sword. He seemed pretty motivated.

Then, Ill just have to do it. I brandished Greed toward Aaron.

Fumu, that stance looks like a goblins, or kobolds. A wild stance.

Is that a compliment?

It cant be helped. My swordsmanship was mostly self-taught. I didnt even know if what I had now was proper posture or not. Either way, I could still defeat monsters. Then Aaron told me.

Although you can defeat monsters, youll have trouble dealing with human opponent

Am I right? Youll understand if you have the appraisal skill. But those stats are

Then, what about this

Before I knew it, Aarons sword tip is already inch away from my nose. Fast!

All of those stats are over 2 million, that is pretty strong. But, itll be a waste if you cant utilize it completely. It seems to me, you havent accustomed yourself to your rapidly rising stats

Whats wrong with that

That, as a sporting elderly figure, I will train you while you are staying in this village. How is that as the condition to stay here?

Sporting.. I dont need to be told on how to fight. Perhaps, there was something else behind that seemingly kind smile. However, hes right about how I had a hard time controlling my body once I reached 2 million stats.

This may prove to be an opportunity. Having an old Holy Knight teach me how to fight, its like dream come true. Otherwise Id be stuck with the fighting stance taught to me by professor goblin.

Very well. Just for a while, Ill be in your care.

I lowered Greed down, and slightly bowed my head to Aaron.

He in turn resheathed the golden sword, and offered me a handshake once more.

Fumu. Me as well, FateRather than die of age, I wished that I can teach everything I know to the younger generation. Who wouldve known, the perfect chance actually came knocking on my door.

ErrIm glad to hear thatbut I will only be here for 3 days

That wont do. So lets start the training now!

Leaving his holy sword behind, the old man attacked me bare-handedly. I managed to catch the fist, but it was so heavy that it knocked me back. This old man was too good.

Ho, you managed to block that despite being taken by surprise. Then, how about this?

Aaron attacked me again, this time employing acrobatic moves. That wasnt a move that a normal aging old man could do!

Afterward, I ended up training with Aaron till sunset. Without my auto recovery skill, my body wouldve ended up black and blue.

The best way to get used to your stats is by fighting barehanded. Well, thats it for today. Then, Fate, let me direct you to your lodging

I wonder what hell train me in tomorrow While I was thinking about that, Myne walked relaxedly from the other side of the road. Aaron seemed to be surprised upon seeing her, although its only temporarily.

Could it be

Whats the matter?

No, nevermind. Is that girl your companion?

Yes, she is. She is Myne. Be careful not to make her angry. Shes like a wild horse you shouldnt ride on.

That is indeed troublesome, hahahaha

Thats not a laughing matter, you know

While the two of us were gossiping about her, Myne who was coming from the road ahead seemingly sneezed.

Then for some odd reason she glared at me. Eeee, I hope Ill be fine.

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