At the tender age of fifteen, I reached the Expert level—a feat that would undoubtedly earn praise as a sign of sheer genius to outsiders.
In reality, among the dozens of knights in the Meyer Clan, less than ten have ever attained the Expert level—including my father. To call my achievement at fifteen insufficient would not only be arrogant but outright blasphemous.
“But it’s not enough.”
And truly, it is not. I know this world’s future. A future where everyone and their mother claims “Master” status, only to die off in droves like flies. This inflation of power, typical of games, means I must reach at least the Master level to keep up.
“But how?”
Every day, I endure bone-breaking training, grueling sparring sessions that feel like my muscles are tearing apart, and relentless conditioning that drains my very soul.
After years of honing my skills and physique, it feels like I’ve hit a wall—like there’s no possible way to get stronger.
“Look at yourself. You’re already halfway there.”
Nearly a decade of rigorous exercise has sculpted my body into something enviable—an impeccable muscular form, not just bulging biceps but a perfect balance of fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers. My physique resembles those Greek statues, with every sinew and vein perfectly carved into an ideal V-shape.
“Now weight doesn’t increase easily anymore, and my swordsmanship progress is stagnant… There’s no answer.”
I could already sense my limits. My body and skills cannot improve further.
Of course, consistent effort always pays off. If I keep pushing myself through physical training and swordplay, I’ll eventually reach Master level someday…
But when?
At thirty? Forty? Or when I’m old and decrepit?
“That’s too late.”
I don’t expect some magical shortcut to instant power, but I need a method that will show significant improvement within a few years.
I looked down at my sword—the true silver Rozario blade gifted upon reaching Expert level.
Ironically, not a single drop of blood has ever stained this sword.
“…That won’t do.”
A swordsman, by definition, is someone who cuts things. I realized what I lacked.
And so, I went to find the viscount.
* * *
“—I wish to experience real combat.”
“Yes, Father.”
Upon hearing my request, the viscount let out a thoughtful hum. Refusing outright due to my young age would undermine my skill, yet trusting me solely on skill without experience would be reckless.
But don’t modern people always say: “If we only hire experienced workers, how will newcomers ever gain experience?”
In the end, after much deliberation, the viscount conditionally approved my request for field experience.
“…Take Sir Leon and Sir Moar with you. With three Expert-level knights, any situation should be manageable.”
“Both of them? What about the territory?”
“There’s nothing urgent at the moment. Besides, if my son wants to take over this responsibility…”
The viscount chuckled as he spoke. Bowing respectfully, I exited his chambers.
Permission granted. Patrol outside the territory. The mission to hunt down bandits or monsters—this was the live combat I had long desired.
“My heart’s already racing.”
Clutching my pounding chest, I sprinted toward the training ground, where Sir Leon was training soldiers.
It was still my personal training time, so Sir Leon tilted his head in confusion at my sudden appearance.
Once he heard my story, Sir Leon exclaimed in shock.
“The viscount assigned patrol duty to you?”
“Yeah. Apparently, you and Sir Moar are coming along.”
“Wait, both of us…?”
Sir Leon finally understood why the viscount entrusted me with this mission, nodding while looking at me.
“True, even Lord can’t swing a sword forever inside the territory. Practical combat experience is just as important as training.”
“Exactly. I’m looking forward to it.”
“—Understood. I’ll inform Sir Moar. You, my lord, should prepare mentally for tomorrow’s patrol.”
“Mentally?”
Confused, I repeated his words, prompting Sir Leon to chuckle.
“Yes, mentally.”
“But isn’t patrol just… no big deal?”
“Hohoho, you’ll see.”
His eerie smile filled me with inexplicable unease.
The next day, I would learn exactly what that unease meant.
* * *
“Hurry up! Move!”
At the senior knight’s command, the apprentice knights scrambled frantically to load supplies onto the carriages. Some apprentices grumbled about having to do such menial tasks, but orders are orders.
With the carriages fully loaded, the knights mounted their horses, completing their preparations for departure. The viscount stood before the assembled knights, conducting a brief send-off ceremony.
“To ensure no villager suffers from evil or monsters—go forth and cleanse all threats.”
“YES!”
The collective battle cry shook the entire estate. Then, Sir Leon led the group out of the territory.
I followed closely behind Sir Leon, adjusting to the unfamiliar pressure of the saddle against my rear, which I hadn’t ridden since my riding lessons.
“Lord, is your backside alright?”
“—Sir Moar.”
“Ho ho! Perhaps you should turn back now? The estate is still visible!”
Sir Moar urged me to retreat, but I had come here seeking real combat. Nervousness or fear were no excuses for cowardice.
As the heir of the house, I couldn’t afford to appear cowardly. Even if it was stubborn pride speaking, I declared I was fine, causing Sir Moar to close his mouth in understanding.
I sensed he was testing me, though it didn’t bother me much. Acting arrogantly because of one’s rank during one’s first live combat was akin to signing one’s own death warrant.
‘How long will this take?’
Our procession—three carriages, thirteen knights, and fifty cavalrymen—quickly left the territory and headed toward the nearest village.
Upon reaching a village, we’d briefly stop to rest our horses, confirm there were no immediate problems, then move on to the next village.
This routine continued until sunset.
“All troops, halt!”
Just as my Aura-enhanced rear felt like it was on fire, Sir Leon called out. Immediately, the knights and soldiers stopped their mounts and began setting up tents.
Watching the apprentices quickly erect the tents, Kail entered one to inspect it.
Even with magic in this world, these tents paled in comparison to the cutting-edge ones made by modern industry. Still, they were better than the outdated military tents I remembered.
Standing idly in the tent, I noticed Sir Moar approach me, perhaps sensing my thoughts.
“Disappointed?”
“Hmm?”
“Is this live combat what you expected, my lord? We might return without encountering a single fight. Meanwhile, you’ll be roughing it in these uncomfortable tents.”
Carefully considering Sir Moar’s words, I nodded slightly. So this was what he meant by ‘mental preparation’…
From Sir Leon’s perspective, venturing outside the territory and camping must seem daunting for someone inexperienced like myself.
‘Except… I thrive in such conditions.’
What Sir Leon didn’t know was that I adapted well even in harsh military environments.
I could ignore giant bugs the size of palms, devour combat rations expired by several years with relish, and sleeping in tents was second nature to me.
“This is fine.”
Back in the army, I squeezed into a tent half this size with two other people. Now, as the heir, I got this spacious tent all to myself.
The apprentices handled setting up and dismantling the tents, leaving me with little to complain about.
“I see. That’s good to hear.”
“Will we patrol again tomorrow?”
“Yes, though ideally, we’d encounter no fights. Getting injured unnecessarily would be disastrous.”
Sir Moar revealed his true thoughts. I understood his concern—if the inexperienced heir froze in combat or got hurt, both of us would face serious consequences. Thus, avoiding conflict altogether would be preferable.
However, I thought differently. This world was like a game. Staying idle meant falling behind, and falling behind equated to death.
“For tonight, there shouldn’t be any major issues… Rest well.”
Sir Moar smiled knowingly—it wouldn’t be a peaceful night.
Returning the smile, I lay down on the makeshift bed in the tent. Though slightly firm, it was comfortable enough.
‘This is practically heaven.’
Closing my eyes, sleep came quickly. Knowing I wouldn’t be disturbed by guard duties helped immensely.
Ultimately, the supposedly uncomfortable outdoor sleep passed without incident.
* * *
Awoken early by the rustling sounds of apprentices dismantling tents, I stepped out to relieve myself.
Finding a discreet spot away from the knights, I lowered my pants and began urinating when I noticed something odd about the tree in front of me.
“…Hm?”
“─Grrr.”
Looking up, I saw a towering figure with green skin staring down at me.
An orc.
“Aaah.”
Pssstttt—
My urine streamed down the orc’s foot.
