Vol 5: Chapter 11

Lack of sleep is not good. Because it makes people short tempered.

Are you insulting the knights of the Saint Knight Kingdom Gafuu!!

The bearded knight, Johann, who had already dismounted, pulled out the sword on his waist at which time I usedWind Magicto send him flying back.

His armor was designed to disperse mana, so the impact seems to have been significantly reduced. So, before Johanns body fell to the ground, I fired about 3 more shots to render him unconscious.

Aah, maybe I overdid it a little

I regretted it for a moment.

A magic-user? His invocation time is pretty quick! Get off your horses!

Wilhelm jumped off his horse while saying that. The other knights followed suit.

That was a quick judgment. It is true that horses are highly mobile, but when dealing with magic users, they cannot make tight turns. And if the horse is hit by magic, there is a danger of falling off your horse.

To think there is a magic user in House Border Earl Mule Times sure have changed!

I dont know why everyone regards that House so highly

Two female knights lunged at me at the same time.

Huh!? Stop! Both of you!

Wilhelm called out to stop them, but he was too late.

One of them had already lunged close towards me. I waited until the very last second and sidestepped to dodge her. Immediately following, the second woman came right at me. So I ignored the first woman and responded to the second.

Her sword was thin and specialized for thrusting.

UOOOOHHH!

The sword cut my clothes and grazed my skin slightly. However, I grabbed the second womans arm, turned my body around, and then threw her over my shoulder with the one-armed shoulder throw judo technique.

Wha gaha!

She slammed onto the ground without being able to slow her fall.

Kuh!

Too slow.

The first woman tried to turn around and unleash her next attack.

Hah!?

I kicked her back before she could turn around, causing her to fall face first on the ground.

N-Not yet!

The female knight, whose face was covered in mud, got back up. Right then

Enough, Hannah. It doesnt matter if your opponent didnt land the finishing blow. This is a mock battle, and you have lost.

B-But

Dont make excuses, knight.

Yes, sir.

The female knight who was called Hannah nodded reluctantly and went to nurse her fellow knight whom I slammed onto the ground.

I see Wilhelm was watching me carefully.

So, do you still want to continue?I asked.

I have learned a few things in this short time.

The knights were far inferior to the Border Earls vassals. The vassals were also blown away by my firstWind Magic shot, but they corrected their posture in midair and when I fired follow up shots, they knocked it away with their bare arms with a grin. Simply remembering that scene makes me tremble.

WithoutSupport Magic, my physical attacks would have no effect on the muscular vassals. But I was able to easily throw around these knights.

Amazing So this is the power of House Mule, which is feared as the Border Tyrant

Well, Im not really from House Mule, you see. Though, if I say that out loud, it would contradict my previous statement, so I wont say it.

As I was wondering if Wilhelm would stand down or not, he pulled out his sword.

At the very least I want to see your sword technique.he said.

Did losing to magic and bare-hands hurt his pride as a knight?

If that would be enough for you.I said.

Sword technique isnt really my specialty, but I have no other choice. I recalled the time when Joseph-san trained me at an adventurers guild training ground in Achenbach Dukedom a few years back.

At that time, I was over reliant on theSword Techniqueskill.

But now, I know that I am good at using skill orbs. I havent been properly trained to use a sword, but I have learned how to survive.

KIEEEEEE!!

!!

There was quite some distance between us.

However, that distance was shortened in an instant. As if he teleported, Wilhelms sword was right at my nose tip.

(Are you trying to kill me!!)

I twisted my neck, but my cheek was still slashed. My mind started racing.

While usingHealing Magicsubconsciously, I tried to thrust my dagger into Wilhelms body.

THATS ENOUGH!!

My body stopped moving as a loud voice suddenly echoed, as if I was hit on the head with a bat. Not only me but Wilhelm as well. As if the momentum and vigor that fueled my movement suddenly disappeared, my body simply stopped.

While thinking it must be some kind of skill, I took a distance from Wilhelm. I turned to look at the person who emitted the voice.

Referee-samaWilhelm muttered.

Referee?

I was inwardly confused.

The match ended when Wilhelms first strike was evaded. Both sides should lower their swords.

The old knight had swept back white hair and sideburns from both sides connecting to the beard on his chin. He approached us while galloping on his horse.

**

Apparently, this man is a lieutenant general of Saint Knight Kingdom, who spearheads the current expeditionary force.

He seems to be called referee-sama by the knights because he acts as a referee in a fair sword fight. He said his real name is Otto, but I dont care about that.

(That voice ability Is it something like aVoice Techniqueskill? I have never heard of it. Well, there are all kinds of skill orbs, after all.)

I still kept my guard up. After the referee convinced Wilhelm to stand down, he faced me while on horseback.

Sorry, our esteemed guest. Wilhelm isnt a bad guy, but he has the temperament to challenge strong opponents.

No need to be so wary.

Anyone would be wary if they are surrounded by 10 horses.

The referee brought 10 horses, and they were deployed around me.

Ah, these are to conceal you.

The referee said with a hoarse and astringent voice.

Conceal me?

Since you stand out in this grassland, I am concealing you with the horses.

Hmm, you are still on alert, I see. I just want to welcome you as our guest because I know you are the young boy who was involved in the midst of the civil war in the Kruvan Holy Kingdom and demonstrated fine abilities at a very young age, Reiji-dono.

!

He knows about me?!

Well, I certainly didnt try to hide things while doing this and that in the Holy Kingdom. The thing that occurred at the Holy Royal Palace might still be a secret, but the battle against Ouroboros is being sung by bards all around.

That surprised look so you are Reiji-dono, after all.

You got me. You tricked me into revealing the truth.

Im sorry, I didnt have any confirmation.

The referee nimbly got off his horse.

If you continue with that appearance, you wont be able to get close to the Empires Queen of the Night. For the past few days, security has been tightened even more after the Heroic Gear Disappearance. If Reiji-dono wants to meet with Earl Sillys, it will be far easier if you stick with us.

Its not really about meeting the Earl. I just want to meet Lark and solve the Redgate issue. Though I suppose since he knows my identity, he would naturally think that I would want to meet the Earl. He couldnt have heard my conversation with Wilhelm at the start, could he?

The referee extended his hand with all smiles.

And wouldnt it be useful to you to learn more information? Guest-san.

I reluctantly took his hand.

I am not good at dealing with cunning old men I get swept up by their pace.