Chapter 18: Skyknights of the Imperial Guard
‘The North sure is cold,’ I thought while listening to the buffeting wind.
Several months had already passed since coming to Kallian. Since then, it had already beco winter, and because it was situated in the North, Bajran’s weather was rather chilly.
‘Heh, who said in novels that teleport magic circles could be used in magic towers? Just lem grab a hold of whoever said that! I’ll give them a perm with Fire Ball!’
Following my mories of fantasy novels I had read in the past, I approached a magic tower in Chadour and told them I wanted to use teleport magic and asked how much it cost.
Since I didn’t want to be seen as soone who had never used teleport magic before, I spoke with a self-assured tone. Facing with wide eyes was a 4th Circle mage. Shortly afterwards, he suddenly got mad and summoned a Fire Ball while yelling at to scram.
In the end, I had to quickly run away.
‘Dammit! Alright, I was doubtful while reading that too. With just that level of magic, does it make sense that spatial teleportation would really be possible?’
Magic-related information was all written out in my head. Among the spatial spells, Warp magic was the lowest, starting at the 7th Circle. Even that required a tough teleportation magic circle where coordinates were necessary and the distance traveled was proportionate to the mana given.
Knowing that, I felt montarily defeated. I went to the magic tower thinking maybe it was possible, but only received a face full of insults.
‘Sigh, I still made it though.’
Having been kicked out of the magic tower like that, I slowly traveled to the Bajran Empire on horseback.
Unfortunately, my difficulties didn’t end there. Because I was accosted at every territory and country border, I was eventually forced to enter a rcenary guild and receive a Grade 1 rcenary badge.
Thankfully, the rcenary guild didn’t pry much. As soon as I showed them my blue Aura Blade, a Grade 1 rcenary badge with my na on it was handed over to . After that, I was able to pass through territories much more easily, and after two months of travel, the capital of Bajran Empire lay before my eyes.
‘It wasn’t long, but it sure was a fun trip.’
Using a fairly well-made map as a guide, I had ridden my horse for two months all the way here. I acquired recent information from rchant groups or rcenaries traveling on the sa path, and despite the back-breaking labor, I gained a taste for traveling.
‘As expected of the empire’s capital, it sure is big.’
The huge wall ahead of couldn’t be compared to the castles or forts that I had passed on my way here. Bajran’s capital was sprawled on these expansive plains, which were called the Great Northern Plains, and boasted a castle wall several tens of ters high, as tall as the eye could see.
‘A city where 200 thousand people are living…’
As expected of the empire’s capital city, there were a whopping 200 thousand people living within. It wasn’t much compared to cities in the modern world, but for the Kallian Continent, which hadn’t yet developed science and technology, the number of people here was imnse. Moreover, my jaw had dropped upon hearing that among the thousands of empire residents, 80 thousand of them alone were soldiers.
‘Most kingdoms have around 200 Skyknights. I heard empires have between 300 to 500 of them.”
The info I had prioritized the most was about Skyknights. It was necessary in order to realize the beautiful future I dread of. The fighting force of knights, mages, and soldiers was also important, but on this continent, Skyknight numbers determined a country’s strength.
‘I wonder what will bring happiness here? Shall we go in?’
I wanted to live not pressed to the ground but high and mighty, like Master on Earth. If it was my fate to be here, then it was only smart to seek the things that brought joy.
“Naldo! Run! Hiya!”
With a loud whinny that I had heard plenty of tis during our two months together, Ronaldo galloped forward with liveliness, as if he understood my words.
Accompanied by the sound of Ronaldo’s hoofbeats, my horse blew out white condensation while galloping on.
Like the saying that all paths lead to Ro, I followed the empire’s long governnt-managed road and ran towards Vaisha Capital.
In my heart nestled a great dream.
* * *
“Uwahh~!!”
I was so impressed that an exclamation burst from my lips.
‘What’s all this! This is so bomb, it’s killer!’
According to the information I gathered, the first founding emperor, Alvatreon, was originally a commoner. After acquiring a black wyvern through a stroke of luck, he surpassed the nobles and ford the empire during the continent’s period of turmoil. Because of that, unlike other empires or kingdoms, Bajran Empire placed more importance on one’s ability.
‘I was told the Skyknight Academy examination starts tomorrow and lasts for just 15 days.’
This was the reason why I didn’t let myself get distracted and only gathered information while running non-stop to Bajran. The special entrance examination for the Skyknight Academy was open to commoners as well. As long as you had the skill, you could beco a knight– that was the kind of place Bajran was.
‘Recruiting talented people is probably what allowed them to get a foothold and thrive on this continent.’
After showing my rcenary badge, I was allowed to pass through the thick, 15-ter high wall, and the capital’s scenery entered my eyes. At a glance, I could see countless carriages and people traveling through the castle wall. Just like how Jongo district would be packed with foot traffic on the weekend, an incredible number of people were walking to and fro here.
‘As I thought, it’s nice to be in a big pond!’
The scale and crowds here couldn’t be compared to the territories I had passed until now. On top of that, there were countless antique-looking stone buildings laid out in front of . It was exactly the fantasy world I had yearned for.
‘Let’s go get so money first. After all, first impressions make the man.’
The money in my pocket was more than enough for my travels. However, the path I was going to walk now was an elite course that would lead to knighthood. With that in mind, I wanted to keep an adequate amount on hand.
“Excuse … are you perhaps looking for a place to stay?”
The mont I decided to ask soone about where I could find a Rubis rchant Group store, a faint voice called out to from down low.
‘Is it a touter?’
[TN: A touter is soone who tries to draw in custors.]
The voice belonged to a young boy who looked just about 12 years old, but his attire was clean and his eyes were shining.
‘The others don’t even bother, huh.’
This kid still had traces of baby fat on his face. Bigger boys were targeting rchants or people who had just entered the castle, but this small kiddo, having been forcefully pushed aside, was shyly talking to .
“Do you know where I can get the most delicious food and comfortable sleeping quarters?”
“Huh? Yes! I know all the inns in the capital with the most delicious food and cozy lodgings. May I guide you around?”
‘Just take a look at this kid? He’s cute.’
He was young, but in order to eat and live, this kid undoubtedly had no choice but to jump into the front lines of working life. Unlike the other kids who were busy attracting custors, his manner of speech was rather dignified.
“I’ll leave it to you.”
“Thank you very much!”
As soon as I gave permission, the kiddo took Ronaldo’s reins. I couldn’t help but feel sad and proud at the sa ti.
“What’s your na?”
“Hehe. My na is Alex.”
“Alright, Alex. Do you happen to know the Rubis rchants?”
“The Rubis rchants? Of course. The Rubis rchants have the biggest building on rchant Street.”
“Is it close by?”
“Yes! To the right of that street there is rchant Street. Shall I guide you there?”
“Please do so, Alex.”
As young as he was, his bravery was limitless. He was heaven and hell apart from the cheeky brat in Luna Village, Deron.
‘I wonder how Hans and Cecil are doing.’
I had left things to Jamir, but I was still a bit worried. Since I kicked his ass, it was possible that the lord could bear a grudge and target the village.
‘I dare you to touch Luna Village. I’ll beat you to a pulp if you do!’
To , Luna Village was like my holand. There was no way I couldn’t be concerned.
* * *
“We’re here. Here is the Rubis rchant Group Branch,” inford Alex gallantly.
‘Hooh, seems to be a pretty successful conglorate.’
This street was as fancy as Myeong-dong Street and packed with countless storefronts. Rubis Branch’s stone building dominated the others on the street with 5 floors. With a satisfied smile, I dismounted from my horse.
“Alex, I’ll be back so wait here a bit.”
“Yes, please do not worry.”
‘Little kid.’
At his cute and brave appearance, I patted his head once and walked towards the building.
“How may I help you? We do not sell wares here…”
Though we were in the securely policed empire capital, two people with swords were guarding the entrance.
“I’ve co to collect my money.”
“…..?”
At the ntion of money, the two guards looked up and down. “Are you joking right now? Where do you think this… Ah!”
Having just completed my long journey, I was still clothed in a thick traveler’s robe and dusty from the road. In their position, I also wouldn’t allow soone who looked like into the building. However, I had sothing they couldn’t possibly ignore—a token that certified my identity, given to by Jamir.
“A, a Supervisor Token!”
“Welco!”
While the person who had blocked was frozen in shock, the other guard quickly lowered his head.
“I can co in now, yes?”
“I am truly sorry. Please co inside,” said the guard with a humbled expression while opening the door.
“Do your best, will you? Don’t just judge based on outer appearance. Tsk tsk.”
“Huh? U-understood.”
Passing the guards who were nodding like bobbleheads, I straightened my shoulders and walked in.
* * *
‘Special guest? Jamir’s got a good pair of eyes.’
When I held out the token given by Jamir after entering the Rubis rchant Group building, soone who was the top dog here ca out and bowed his head to . I didn’t know what had happened in just a few months, but apparently, Jamir had jumped from one of the twelve supervisors to one of just three executives.
The token representing Jamir had an impressive effect. The 10 thousand Gold I was supposed to receive sohow multiplied to several hundred thousand due to interest, and thanks to executive rchant Jamir’s fa, I received special treatnt reserved for high-ranking nobility at every Rubis store. I heard all of this from the manager, who offered a cup of hot tea with a congenial smile.
‘So they’re saying I’ve got a 20% discount on all items sold by the Rubis rchant Group, eh? I can even take a credit loan of 100 thousand Gold.’
The large-scale rchant groups operated similarly to the banks in the 21st century. My mood grew cheerful upon receiving Jamir’s extre favor.
‘Keep it up. I’ll be your driving force in the future.’
There was no need to withdraw too much, so I only took out 1,000 Gold. Though our deal had been in Dapis Kingdom currency, the sa amount applied here in the empire, probably because Gold coins were minted with gold tal.
While on rchant Street, I purchased and put on a set of clothes that were currently trendy– a white dieval tunic and a black leather mantle suitable for the winter weather. The comfort level fell a bit short of modern standards, but perhaps because it was made with natural materials, the fabric felt amazing to the touch.
“Here is Elmar’s Resthouse, which I highly recomnd. It is one of the top-level accommodations in the city; even nobles who wish to rest well frequently co here,” said Alex while guiding .
‘Yup, this looks about right.’
In front of was a large, five story building. Adorning its entrance was a golden sign with the words “Elmar’s Resthouse.” It was obvious at a single glance that this was a luxury inn.
“Welco!”
As I stopped my horse in front of the building, two neatly clothed employees who were watching the entrance ca over and bowed their heads.
“Alex, thanks for the trouble.”
“No trouble at all. Hehe, thanks to you, cool Mr. Knight, I was able to earn enough food for the whole day. Thank you very much. With the grace of the Goddess of Blessings, Semire, may peace be upon you,”
‘Brat…’
Despite his age, Alex showed a dignified and cool appearance.
“Go to the kitchen in the back.”
“Yes!”
The employees looked at Alex with piercing eyes that clearly said he should make himself scarce. It seed that if he brought custors like over to the inn, he would be given food.
“Wait a mont, Alex. You still haven’t received your commission.”
“Huh, commission?” About to turn around, Alex looked quizzically at my face.
Ting! I grasped one Gold from my breast pocket and threw it towards Alex.
Alex caught the coin by reflex.
“Holy! Is, is this…?” Rather than showing gratefulness, the blood drained from Alex’s face. “It’s, it’s Gold!”
Not just Alex, but the employees also looked shocked.
“In the future, live just as you are doing now. If you do so, the future you dream of will open up.”
I saw my past self in him, so I gave Alex a few words of encouragent.
“T-Thank you so much.”
Holding the gold carefully with both hands, Alex bowed low with a trembling body. It was only a small amount to , but it was most certainly an amount Alex had never seen in his life.
I firmly believed that even if he received a large amount, Alex wouldn’t waste it carelessly.
‘That’s right, money should be used like this.’
There was an ancient saying, “One makes money like a dog and spends it like a minister.”
I dismounted from my horse and walked towards the inn.
“M-May I ask your na? Please tell ,” Alex beseeched, his voice full of tears.
“Kyre, my na is Kyre.”
“Kyre….”
Alex repeated my na quietly, as if to engrave it in his heart.
While patting the kiddo’s soft hair, I walked into the inn.
Now, I wanted to rest quietly. It had been fun, but traveling was a tiring business.
“Aahh! Feels great!”
I washed my body with Clear magic every morning, so there wasn’t any dirt, but the feeling of subrging my body in hot water was truly a pleasure.
“Is it because magic has developed?”
I rented a top suite that cost 3 Gold per day. Then I went into a tub that seed to be crafted out of marble and let my fatigue be washed away.
Reclining in the tub, I looked at my room. The room was huge, almost as big as the 150 sq. m. (1600 sq. ft.) apartnt I’d lived in on Earth. A plushy, clean, wide bed occupied the room, along with antique style furniture that my mother would surely like. All in all, it was as nice as the luxury suite my parents had booked for their wedding anniversary.
“La la~ Lalalala~”
As I lay in the spacious tub, I began to hum involuntarily. I closed my eyes and let myself be subrged in my thoughts.
‘The Skyknight Selection Exam… Huhu. It feels like I’m taking a school test.’
My thoughts drifted to the Skyknight Selections that were starting tomorrow. That I would pass was a sure thing, but pre-test nerves tingled through my body.
Suddenly, I heard soone knocking at the door.
“Who is it?”
‘Who’s there? I was so comfy though.’
I wanted to enjoy this sensation of utter relaxation longer, but I was startled awake by the sound of knocking.
“It is the manager.”
I recalled a birthmarked face belonging to a man rubbing his hands and smiling ingratiatingly at as soon as I walked in.
“Is there a problem?”
“That is, dear guest, I am very sorry, but would it be possible to exchange rooms?”
‘My room? Is this old dude crazy!’
“I refuse,” I said, closing my eyes while soaking in the tub.
From my door ca the manager’s low voice, “Dear guest, I beg you. Your stay will be free of charge, so please move to another room!” His voice was full of urgency.
“I said, I refuse.”
“Dear guest, it’s not just that will get hurt but you might get hurt too. There are nobles who wish to rest in our top suite. Please switch to a different room~! I beg of you!”
‘Noble? I’ve run into so nasty scum.’
“The hell is going on! Has the room not been cleared yet?”
“The Young Master said he wanted the room, so why haven’t you cleared it yet!”
“Oh, Gods! Please spare , Sir Knights!”
While I was filled with ominous feelings regarding nobles, a very harmonious(?) conversation was going on outside the door.
Bam!
“Ackk!”
As the conversation went on, I heard proof that physical action had been taken. Another heavy thump sounded in the hallway.
“Oi! Who the hell is in there! If we say to take the room, then it will be taken!”
‘Say whaaat? Get a load of these guys!’
I only wanted to pri myself with a good mood for the exam ahead, but what greeted my eyes next were two knights with blue mantles atop thick magic plate armor. The knights roughly opened the door and rushed in.
‘These rude little bastards!’
The two knights opened the door without my permission and ca in without compunction.
“How bold! How dare you refuse when a noble wishes to use this room?”
“This is your last warning! Put on your clothes and scram!”
The two knights spat out arrogant words. Anyone who was human would definitely furrow their brows in my situation.
“But I dun wanna?”
“What, you, you don’t want to?”
“Kuku, this guy dares to disdain a knight; he’s a crazy guy who wants to die.”
These two knights showed rude expressions.
“Looks like he’s soone who will only co to his senses if he is dragged out like a dog.”
“For a damn commoner to dare…!”
The two approached while wearing armor covered in dust. My mood hit a new low.
“If you co one step closer, I won’t take responsibility.”
With enrollnt at the Skyknight Academy ahead of , I didn’t want to cause a ruckus, but these guys really weren’t cutting a break.
“Puhahahah! Responsibility?”
“This little brat, how dare he—!”
Ignoring my warning, they approached with heavy footsteps.
I raised my subrged hand and lifted it out of the tub.
“Lightning!” I called out,
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