W-What?

Was that lightning? It isnt even cloudy?

Those who were on the ground were shocked.

In the quiet evening, they were all shocked to hear the loud noise.

Of course, it wasnt thunder.

The truth was it was the sound from the sword wielded by the young man.

Irene, who finished the task, checked the plate.

[10772]

Is that high?

He didnt think it was low.

Irene was modest, but he wasnt shy enough to discard his effort.

Even Hill Burnett had constantly told him that.

Irene had already reached the Expert Level.

I dont know, but I think I can get a bronze card.

He looked away from the meter and asked the boss.

How is it?

Y-Yes?

Score. I dont know the standards, so I dont know if its high or low.

Ah just a, wait a minute.

The boss stuttered.

He's observed the scores of many people.

He saw the sword of a person from a rural area, the sword of a seasoned mercenary whos gone through everything, and even of extraordinary veterans.

However, no one had exceeded 10,000.

Even the gold card mercenary who gave him the magic tool.

a malfunction?

The man looked at Irene.

Right, it had to be that.

No, it could be the result of the kid.

Taking out a sword from the air, handling the weight of a greatsword, and the sound.

His kid had to be guided by someone great.

Maybe he was a noble of a prestigious family.

Thinking, he asked.

Excuse me what was your name again?

Irene.

Yes, Mr. Irene. Im sorry, but I have one question how did you get the sword out?

Its something like magic.

Ah, I see. I was so narrow-minded haha.

The mans words became even more polite than before. Even if Irene wasnt a noble, he was still a kid who had exceptional abilities.

Gulping, he spoke.

The score is great. Not a bronze card. You could get a silver card too ah, dont misunderstand, for first-timers, silver is the limit. Above that, it will be possible when you get credits and performance accumulates

Then I will take the silver card.

Ah, then excuse me, can I ask you to take the test once again?

Sorry?

Yes, sometimes the tool malfunctions. Im not saying that Mr. Irenes skills are low no never

Fine. Ill do it again.

Irene nodded happily.

It didnt matter if he didnt strike it as hard. He just had to do it again.

Raising the sword, he concentrated.

Breath in, clench and think.

Finally, remembering the sensation of hitting it and the points he accumulated.

Soon, the sword swung.

Boom!

Ack!

What now!

People were shocked again.

So were the people watching Irene.

Even though they prepared their hearts, the sound was still shocking.

Everyone looked at the square plate.

Whisper. Noise which didnt exist before, and then it came.

The score.

[11002]

Higher than before.

The boss couldnt speak.

It wasnt just him.

Those who were watching it and those who came to check out the number too were all shocked.

No one spoke.

No, there was one.

Irene looked at the boss and said.

Should I do it again?

ah! No! This is enough! The result its silver lets register! It doesnt take long.

The man moved.

His attitude wasnt that polite as he was too shocked.

Irene followed the man.

As I said before, silver is what we can give to the first-timers. It isnt that Im ignoring Mr. Irene

I dont think so. Its fine.

The two entered the building.

The others on the grounds were still left in shock.

Was that real?

Yes. Even Im doubting my eyes.

Ten thousand? Is that possible? I dont think its easy for even an Expert to do that, right?

Maybe hes a knight from the top 5 kingdoms?

The mercenaries were confused.

One of them drew his sword.

From what he saw, he had to try it for himself.

With a serious expression, he swung the sword.

Whoops!

Chik!

[86122]

Isnt this broken?

Shit! When did you awaken and turn into a Sword Master?

Then, that guy got a silver card by luck?

Ugh I dont think so. You heard the sound. It was very different.

Thats true, but

Arguments broke out.

Hes an Expert level talent, no, he looked too young to be that, then that sound, hes good, but not an expert

People voiced their opinions without raising their voices, but they raised their fists. There was only one person who was watching quietly.

What could the reason for the failure of the tool be?

He pondered for a moment and laughed.

Haha, no, it cant be that.

Thus, a small situation happened at the Alcantra mercenary agency.

What? Silver card?

Yes. Is this enough?

Returning to the Inn, Irene took out the card.

Edgar went stiff.

It was because he thought that this young man wouldnt even get a bronze card.

Nevertheless, he took the kid to the agency to show how competitive it was to enter Krono.

That was the best care he could give.

But seeing the silver card, he didnt know what to say.

Thank you. It was a fun experience.

Uh? Uh, yes.

Is it possible to have my dinner in the room? Simple dishes, bread, and smoked fish would be nice.

Ah, sure.

Edgar nodded and went into the kitchen.

He was an innkeeper who did nothing. The chef was the one who made the dishes.

However, he was too flustered to the point where he couldnt think of anything.

Silver? At that age? He only looks twenty.

It doesnt make sense

Oh, dont eat those; they are for the customers!

No matter what he was told, he didnt listen.

He picked up the snacks in the kitchen and mumbled over and over again.

Of course, Irene was unaware of Edgars thoughts.

Irene was full of thoughts about visiting Krono.

He thought of what he and Lulu would eat and went up to his room.

Shortly after, Lulu appeared.

Why are you so late?

I was playing with the local cats. Oh!

After that, nothing special happened. They ate, chatted, and showered.

Separate washrooms were given in each room, but it was nice considering the price of the accommodation.

And he went to bed a little early.

Then, shall we go?

Let's go! Go!

The next day, Irene got up before anyone else and left with Lulu, who was all dressed up.

And headed for Krono.

Maybe they were thinking of going to Krono; many were shocked to see Lulu.

Lulu looked at those who were shocked to see her and said.

Hello? I am a cat sorcerer, Lulu. As you can see, I can speak like humans. I understand that I look interesting, but its hard to answer your questions. Let's just keep it to simple greetings.

Toktoktok!

Lulu touched the swordsman's hand with her tiny front paw.

Even though it was a simple touch, everyone was satisfied.

Some of them smiled, and some looked a little shy.

As they moved, they arrived at the gate of Krono.

One of the gatekeepers said.

Guests. Come inside.

Uh? Ah

The gatekeeper led the way, and the swordsmen followed him.

Irene, who was with them, was perplexed.

He wasnt a guest but a real guest.

He didnt have to participate.

But the gatekeeper acted as if he had no idea that there would be any real guests.

It wasnt an atmosphere where he could talk.

Of course, after everyone disappeared, he could talk to the gatekeepers

Irene, where are all of them going?

To welcome the guests, to fight with the people of Krono

Oh-oh, fun! Lets go! Lets take a look.

Seeing Lulu swing her sword with excitement, he changed his mind.

Thinking, Irene nodded.

Sure.

Theres nothing urgent. It wont take long to look around.

Irene also wanted to see this guest thing.

He wondered how powerful the person of Krono would be and wondered how strong the swordsmen were.

Above all, the atmosphere was strange.

Like a festival.

Except for Krono and the subjugation, Irene never saw so many swordsmen.

And in both cases, it was far from a pleasant and light-hearted atmosphere.

The former one was too fierce, the latter too heavy.

Besides, he didnt have to participate.

He was just going to watch.

Thinking so, he thought that going along with Lulu was fine.

Why are you stroking me all of a sudden?

Just like that.

Then do it under my chin.

Okay.

Irene hugged Lulu and touched her nape.

Some people who saw that felt envious.

After a short period of time, they arrived at a spacious room.

There was tension on the faces of the swordsmen who knew what was coming.

Soon, a man walked in.

A young man with a bayonet draped over his shoulders.

Some complained.

What! Why is a young man here?

Arent they looking down on us?

They will know.

This kid

Be careful. What if we get kicked out?

Some interjected, and most mumbled.

It was dissatisfying.

These people had come from various kingdoms because they wanted to battle the strongest man in Krono, but now a young man had come.

But not Irene.

It wasnt because he was too young.

It was a familiar face.

Quietly he said the young mans name.