Chapter 5: The Chain of Encounters – 03
The following morning, just before dawn, I took Freinir and Larni to the training grounds.
We engaged in our usual physical ability enhancement training, and it seemed that Larni was quite impressed with the efficiency of raising physical skills.
From our conversation, it appeared that low-ranked adventurers generally lack the habit of consciously improving their physical ability-related skills. Of course, there was no technical system in place for specialized training in that regard.
I considered the possibility of spreading this training method through the guild, but Larni remarked, “Even if you spread it, no one will do it. Everyone is only focused on their immediate survival.”
It turned out that Larni excelled at precisely targeting vital points, indicating she possessed a remarkable ability for precise body control. I thought this might be a skill as well, and after focusing on my training, I managed to acquire the new skill, Body Control.
“I’ve never done training like this before, but I definitely feel like my movements have improved compared to yesterday. You’re amazing, Soushi.”
After finishing our training, Larni swung her longsword to test her body’s sensations. When skills increase, there can be a misalignment in one’s senses, so it was important to acclimate to the changes.
“Thanks to you, Soushi-sama, I can now fight as an adventurer. But this is indeed a special kind of training.”
Freinir struck a pose with her staff, focusing her mind as she spoke.
“That’s right; it’s rare for an E-Rank adventurer to enhance their abilities like this, isn’t it? After all, there’s no one else in this training ground right now.”
“That’s true. I owe you my gratitude, Soushi-sama.”
“By the way, how can you swing that stick around so easily? How much training does it take to do that?”
“It seems that my skill in enhancing my strength is quite high. I also possess Herculean Strength.”
“Hmm. But having such raw power is great for a leader. The members of my previous party were all weaker than me.”
“Is that so? That sounds a bit pathetic.”
Though beastfolk are said to excel in physical abilities, Larni appeared to be a delicate girl. If a man were to lose in strength, it would be quite embarrassing. It seemed there were reasons behind her being expelled from her previous party.
As it was almost time for the receptionist to arrive, we decided to head back when Zeal appeared.
“Oh, you’re at it again. And a new member, huh? I’m Zeal, nice to meet you.”
“I’m Larni. You’re the leader of Fortuner, right?”
“Yeah, that’s me. Looks like I’ve become somewhat famous.”
“There’s no way anyone in this town of adventurers wouldn’t know about Fortuner.”
“Wow, that’s nice to hear.”
As he said this, Zeal turned his gaze toward me, his eyes twinkling with mischief, likely implying, “So, do you like young girls?”
While I couldn’t deny the situation, I shook my head. The more I insisted otherwise, the deeper the hole I would dig for myself. It was best to let it slide.
I asked Mariane, the receptionist, to handle the paperwork for accepting the subjugation request, and we set off for our mission.
We exited through the northern gate of Euron and began our journey on foot toward the farming village, which was a day’s walk to the north. Well, that was the plan, but Larni suggested, “Since we’re at it, why not run?” and we ended up jogging instead. Freinir started to tire midway, so I carried her on my back, but it turned out to be excellent training.
By noon, we arrived at our destination, the farming village, and promptly visited the village chief to gather information about our target, the Terror Knight.
It seemed that the Terror Knights appeared regardless of day or night, and two had been confirmed. However, they were merely acting as a pair, so there might be more lurking about.
“Why do you think that?” I asked the elderly village chief, as this was an important matter.
“Every time we see them, they seem to wield different weapons. We’ve recently discovered that there are at least three types: swords, spears, and axes.”
This reminded me of the goblin horde we had previously defeated. I wondered if undead creatures also changed their weapons when their numbers increased.
Well, we would investigate, and if it turned out there were many, we could retreat and request reinforcements from the guild. For now, our priority was to locate the monsters.
After obtaining permission to use the lodging cabin, we decided to head toward the area where the Terror Knights had been sighted.
It was a grassy plain, distanced from the fields, with a forest visible in the distance.
The wind felt refreshing, but an unsettling atmosphere hung in the air.
Freinir squinted as she scanned the surroundings, while Larni twitched her ears and nose, trying to catch a scent.
“I sense something over there.”
“Yes, there’s an unpleasant smell coming from that direction.”
Both of them pointed toward the forest in the distance. My Presence Detection didn’t pick up anything, but if they sensed something, there was likely something there.
“Alright, let’s check it out. I’ll take the lead, and Larni, you bring up the rear.”
“Understood, Soushi-sama.”
“Got it.”
We cautiously advanced toward the forest, remaining vigilant. The prickling sensation at the back of my neck intensified. It was a new feeling; there must be something significant lurking nearby.
As we moved forward, I suddenly felt a presence through my Presence Detection. I could sense Larni drawing her sword behind me.
“They’re here. Freinir, cast Holy Light.”
“Yes!”
As I focused on the area where I sensed the presence, two warriors clad in black armor emerged. Though they were called warriors, the armor was likely empty. The Terror Knights were a type of so-called Living Armor.
The troubling part was that they seemed to materialize out of thin air.
Even in a game-like world, it was odd for monsters to appear without any warning. There had to be some mechanism at play here.
As we prepared for their approach, the two Terror Knights clanked ominously as they advanced, wielding swords and shields.
“Soushi, let me take on one of them.”
Larni stepped up beside me. She likely wanted to showcase her strength. Though there was a chance she was just a battle enthusiast.
“Alright. Freinir and I will handle one. Can you draw the other one out?”
“Leave it to me.”
As she spoke, Larni vanished from my side in an instant. Before I knew it, she had struck one of the Terror Knights, drawing its attention and darting away. It was a movement that showcased her Swift Run skill, and even with my Dynamic Vision, I struggled to keep up.
“I can use magic!”
“Go for it!”
Freinir moved beside me and unleashed Holy Light.
The laser beam pierced through the knight’s shield and armor, causing it to dissolve into nothingness around the hole created. It seemed that Holy Attribute Magic was indeed effective against the undead.
I watched as Larni danced around the Terror Knight, employing a hit-and-run strategy.
After glancing at me, she raised her longsword. The blade glowed a fierce red as she slashed through the knight’s shield.
Since the shield appeared to melt away, it must have been an enchanted flame sword. With two or three swift strikes, the Terror Knight shattered and collapsed.
Larni picked up the Magic Stone and ran back to me.
“How was that? That was my magic sword. Pretty useful, right?”
“Yeah, being able to slice through shields and armor is quite powerful. Your movements are so fast that I can barely keep up.”
“I’m confident in my speed. This is my basic fighting style, so remember it.”
“Got it.”
As we spoke, I sensed a new presence with my Presence Detection. Two spear-wielding Terror Knights appeared.
It seemed the village chief’s words were true. This meant there were still two more left.
“I’ll take care of those two. Larni, stick with Freinir. Be ready with Holy Light; more might show up after this.”
As the leader, I should demonstrate my strength. Larni seemed to value that kind of thing.
I walked forward, entering the range of the Terror Knights‘ spears.
Naturally, the Terror Knights thrust their spears at me, but with a single swing of my mace, I shattered both weapons.
Closing the distance, I brought my mace down to crush them. Even plate armor crumbled like liquid under the violence of mass and speed.
“Whoa! What was that? Did he just crush them with sheer strength? That’s insane power! I like it; it feels so manly!”
“Soushi-sama’s strength is beyond that.”
I heard the two of them exclaim from behind me.
Afterward, the remaining two Terror Knights appeared, but Larni and Freinir swiftly dispatched them, bringing our battle to a close.