My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 15

At the moment just after Praus left the scene, a tremendous explosion echoed, drawing the members of the Royal Knight Order to the location, including the Knight Commander.

The Knight Commander had already finished his work for the day and was in civilian clothes, but a sword hung from his waist.

“What the hell is going on here?”

The soldiers let out sounds of confusion at the carnage caused by Inkuro.

“Ugh, damn.”

In one corner, Inkuro was still fuming, unable to suppress his anger. Not only had he lost most of his fortune he had amassed this year, but his pride had taken a hit, plunging him into profound despair.

The knights exchanged glances at Inkuro’s state.

“Hey, isn’t that Inkuro?”

“What’s he doing here?”

“Just as expected, the knights have arrived.”

While the knights whispered about Inkuro, the Auctioneer, who had been wearing a goblin mask, stepped forward. The goblin mask group and a golden armored unit glared at each other. It was as if they were in a standoff, but the only thing exchanged was their gaze.

“Those goblin mask people are from the Rexton Trading Company.”

“I’m just thankful that he remembered me.”

Rexton Trading Company, the leading trading house in the empire owned by Rexton himself, was said to be the intermediary for most goods circulating in the empire. So much so that rumors suggested if the Rexton Trading Company adjusted prices, the entire empire’s economy would shift.

It was an organization of considerable influence.

“What happened here?”

The Knight Commander asked, surveying the crumbling building.

“There was an unprovoked battle.”

“Unprovoked battle?”

If it’s a battle, then it’s a battle, but what does ‘unprovoked battle’ even mean? The Knight Commander tilted his head in confusion.

“It was a fight between Inkuro and an unknown individual who participated in the slave auction.”

“Inkuro? Are you talking about the S-Class Adventurer Inkuro?”

“That’s correct.”

‘If an S-Class Adventurer was involved in this, it certainly makes sense.’

As he recalled the intense pillar of fire that had illuminated the night sky, he looked around. It didn’t take long to spot the crumpled figure of Inkuro in the corner.

“But why is Inkuro the only one here? Where’s the opponent?”

“He left.”

“What?! Just like that, after causing this mess?”

“That person did nothing wrong. Even if they had, it would be best not to provoke them.”

“…What do you mean?”

“That individual proved with a single strike that they are stronger than Inkuro. Without even attacking.”

“What?”

He pointed at Inkuro. The eyes of the Knight Commander and his knights shifted toward Inkuro, who was cradling his face in his hands while muttering profanities.

‘For a prideful guy like Inkuro to be like that, just how strong was the opponent?’

“If you had witnessed that person firsthand, Knight Commander, you wouldn’t even have considered intervening.”

At those words, the Knight Commander’s throat tightened.

“Regardless, I have determined that I cannot hold the one who merely defended against Inkuro’s attacks accountable, so I have decided to hold Inkuro accountable for the unprovoked assault.”

“Defeated him just by defending? That’s a bit hard to believe, isn’t it?”

“If you were present, Knight Commander, you would never say such a thing. The overwhelming strength that absorbed Inkuro’s Zweihander attack without being pushed back or flinching, the immense magical power that was unaffected by the violent explosions and fiery pillars— that individual possessed both.”

The strength and magical power that could overwhelm an S-Class Adventurer.

It was proof that a talent capable of shaking the empire had emerged.

“…Did you see their face?”

“I did not. They were wearing a mask imbued with anti-recognition magic.”

“What a shame. Let’s save that discussion for later. Until the situation is fully under control, our order will take charge of this area.”

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

The masked figure bowed politely.

*

Swiftly, the leader of the Black Light Corps, the exclusive assassin unit of the Crown Prince, slipped through the window of the Crown Prince’s office.

“I must first apologize for intruding into your domain without the Crown Prince’s summons. I had urgent news to relay and had no choice but to disregard manners.”

“What is it?”

The arrival of the leader of the Black Light Corps, who should be monitoring the identities of the S-Class Adventurers, conveyed to him that the situation was dire.

A man with golden hair dipped a feather quill into the inkwell and lazily brushed his hair back.

“Did you hear the explosion earlier?”

“I did. It sounded like thunder. Such a noise would have been heard throughout most of Pretéum. So, what’s the point?”

“Yes, that sound was the result of a battle between Inkuro and some opponent from earlier.”

The Crown Prince frowned. Even with wrinkles forming on his face, his beauty remained unscathed.

“Inkuro? You mean that crazy S-Class Adventurer?”

“Exactly.”

“And then?”

“The fight concluded with Inkuro’s unprovoked offensive.”

“Hah. If that bastard Inkuro attacked unprovoked, his opponent must be dead. With that level of power.”

The Crown Prince chuckled slightly, anticipating the outcome. However, the leader remained silent, looking troubled.

Noticing the change, the Crown Prince asked, “…Was my guess wrong?”

“Actually… the opponent received Inkuro’s attacks with one hand.”

“What…?”

The previously uninterested gaze of the Crown Prince now focused fully on the leader.

“And even in front of a calamitous pillar of fire, they faced Inkuro with a composed expression, showing no signs of being fazed.”

The leader of the Black Light Corps felt a shiver as he recalled the fight.

“In the end, the people from Rexton Trading Company intervened, and the combat fizzled out. However, had the fight continued, Inkuro likely would have died on that spot.”

“The idea of Inkuro dying is hard to imagine.”

“That was just how overwhelming the gap was. I’ve never seen someone unable to handle Inkuro’s power or magic before.”

“That means… we can assume a long-rumored eighth S-Class Adventurer has finally made an appearance?”

“That would be one interpretation, but I see it differently. After observing the fight, I believe that individual is not just someone who can be rated as an S-Class Adventurer. It might be someone transcending that, a ‘Hero.'”

“A Hero?”

The Crown Prince’s eyes widened, and he rose from his seat.

“Are you saying a Hero capable of defeating the Demon King has appeared?!”

“I’m not entirely sure. However, from my experience, a Hero is said to possess overwhelming power greater than any praised individual.”

“And just now, someone who holds the power that can suppress an S-Class Adventurer has arisen. That’s what you’re saying.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“But you aren’t entirely sure?”

“That’s right.”

“Then I understand what you must do to gain that certainty.”

“I will risk my life to gather information.”

“Good. Go.”

The moment the leader stood up, he vanished. Watching him meld into the shadows, the Crown Prince smirked.

“A Hero… how interesting.”

The Crown Prince muttered as he glanced back down at his documents.

*

“I don’t accept disciples.”

Me, a useless person, taking in a Hero like her as a disciple? What an absurd thought.

Having already cleared the game once, I could advise her on potential futures and how to grow.

However, that was where my capabilities ended.

The three Heroes, including Maria, would automatically grow just by awakening.

“Wh-why not? I’m an Elf! I’m born attuned to mana, I can do anything, even if it includes… um, you know…!”

“Shut up.”

“!”

I spoke up, causing her to take a step back.

Good grief, what a child she is. When would she make someone a criminal?

“Anything? You’re joking. Do you think just because you’ve recently escaped enslavement, you have anything to offer me?”

“But, uh, I was bought by you because I’m helpful to you, right?”

Now that’s a sharp comment.

The reason I, as a player, bought her, the reason I had to gather Heroes, was to prevent the Demon Tribe from destroying this country.

“…But right now, you wouldn’t be of much help.”

“So, does that mean when I do become helpful, you’ll accept me as a disciple?”

Was Maria always this proactive of a character?

I know she harbors resentment against humanity, just as Iris does. Witnessing her family, relatives, and acquaintances die and become slaves in the Elf’s forest at such a young age undoubtedly fueled her drive.

That’s why she clings to me so desperately.

I understand. I’m well aware.

But even so, I couldn’t be strong enough to accept her as a disciple.

I had been reincarnated as a character with a weak background.

“Know your position. Just because you’ve been freed from slavery, do you think you’ve gained freedom?”

I rose from the bench and towered over her, radiating killing intent.

Maria’s gaze dropped to the ground before eventually bowing her head.

“…I’m sorry.”

She bent down in apology.

It’s unfortunate, but that’s the reality.

“I’m leaving. Follow me.”

I turned and walked toward the inn.

“Excuse me, may I ask for your name as someone I will be spending time with from now on?”

Her words made me stop. I turned back to see Maria, now standing erect, wearing a resolved expression.

Whatever resolve it was, I hope it’s not to kill me.

I loosened the cord holding my mask and took it off, revealing my face to her.

With the anti-recognition magic undone, my true face was now visible.

“…It’s Praus.”

“Praus. I will remember that.”

“I’m off.”

I answered curtly and continued on my way.

*

“Oh? Quite handsome, isn’t he?”

On the roof of a three-story building, Dex, the leader of the Secret Garden, murmured as he looked at Praus, who had removed his mask.

‘A warm-looking man who seems like he couldn’t fight at all but took the brunt of Inkuro’s attack directly and survived the heat wave. His capabilities can easily be assumed to be at least S-Class.’

Dex stored the information he gleaned about his appearance in his mind.

Just as he was about to make a move to determine his whereabouts, a chill ran down his spine.

“!”

A sudden surge of killing intent engulfed him.

‘Is he sensing me? No way…!’

The man atop the roof hurriedly hid.

‘Can he feel even the slightest presence from this distance?! And without using magic to create a barrier… this doesn’t make sense!’

Panic gripped him as he slowly raised his head. Praus was still gazing in his direction, and Dex held his breath, sealing his mouth shut.

‘That’s a monster! Damn it! Am I gonna die here?!’

As he considered passing his guild down to his deputy, he fidgeted with the will he kept hidden within his clothes.

While Dex was caught up in such thoughts, Praus, looking at the moon now high in the sky, lamented that he would hardly get any sleep tonight.