Billy awoke once more to the sound of voices. This time he had slept for a longer period, but having been roused several times, he was starting to get annoyed.
Barely opening his eyes, he saw soldiers from the Gray Gate surrounding his bed. Suvel was answering their questions.
‘Please, just end this already.’
Billy pretended to be asleep, hoping Suvel would handle everything.
“Are you certain you don’t know where they went?”
The soldier questioning Suvel was named Murphy. He had a long mustache and appeared to be just over forty.
Suvel responded with a hint of irritation, “Why are your questions so accusatory? You act as if we’re hiding them. Bizarre assumptions.”
Murphy scratched his head, “I didn’t mean to offend. But witnesses said you two looked like their leaders. The innkeeper said you weren’t, but we had to verify.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to chase them down instead of wasting time on us? I heard they might be heading to Nadium. Or are you expecting me to catch them for you?”
“No way.”
Murphy dismissed the other soldiers from the room and apologized to the two, “Sorry for disturbing your rest. And thank you for your cooperation.” He soon left.
Suvel cursed under his breath, “Treated like suspects without a reward.”
Billy stretched as he finally got up, “I saw that guy at the Gray Gate. He was fairly polite, wasn’t he? If this had happened in Lontamon, they would have arrested us first. But where did Tego and his men go?”
“Do you really think they’d stay in a town that has guards actively searching for them? More importantly, why are you sleeping in my bed as if it’s yours?”
“Right! This isn’t my room, is it?”
“The innkeeper said he won’t charge us for the room or food. If possible, use the room next door,” Suvel said in a teasing tone.
Billy got out of bed, barefoot, and yawned while standing by the window, “It’s already evening. I don’t need a room. I’m leaving soon.”
“Why leave at night? Since the stay is free, why not rest and leave in the morning? They’ll even give us free wine. How about a drink together?”
“I’d like to, but the Knights only gave me half a year’s leave. It took two months to get from Lontamon to here. If I think about the two months to return, I can’t afford to waste time.”
Suvel, seemingly regretful about the free offer, glanced back, “Fine. I don’t plan to stay here for long either. Let’s go together.”
“You want to travel together?”
“Yes. Wouldn’t it be nice?”
Billy replied candidly, “No. I prefer traveling alone.”
“That’s not true. You don’t like traveling alone. And you wouldn’t mind traveling with me. Get ready and come downstairs. I’ll prepare some food.”
Without waiting for Billy’s reply, Suvel left. Billy was uncertain about how to handle someone like him or how to politely refuse.
‘If he gets annoying, I’ll just leave alone.’
Billy didn’t have the patience to respond to every whimsical comment from such a character.
He had come to Aranthia prepared to risk his life. He wanted to sharpen his mind, like a blade, cultivate unwavering courage, and show no weaknesses. His resolve solidified as he crossed the Gray Gate. He didn’t want to be distracted, not even by a few bandits or a boy who sleeps cuddled up with a rabbit doll.
When Billy descended, fully dressed and packed, Suvel had prepared an impressive meal box, complete with wine. Grateful to the two for saving his life, the innkeeper was willing to provide even more if Billy desired. But for Billy, the prepared dinner was more than enough.
“This is enough, thank you.”
Billy had leisurely enjoyed his meal, thinking he wouldn’t have a peaceful dining experience for a while. Suvel ate silently as well. The innkeeper observed them both before speaking in a hushed tone.
“Are you heading towards the Red Gate?”
“To reach Nadium, we’ve heard we must pass through there,” Billy responded.
If one sought the way from Aranthia to Nadium, there was no need for a guide. All one had to do was stick to the straight path and sequentially pass through the Blue, Gray, Red, Gold, and White Gates to arrive at Nadium.
“Be careful if you’re heading that way, both of you. Actually, a strange guest visited my tavern just yesterday,” the innkeeper said.
“Why? Was there another bandit like Tego?”
“No, he didn’t do anything. Yet, I remember him so clearly.”
As Billy and Suvel sipped on the beer the innkeeper provided as a courtesy, they listened to his story.
“He didn’t act oddly, nor did he harm anyone or steal anything. But, I was more terrified of him than I was when those bandits tied me up earlier today. It was around sunset when I heard a clanging noise, like metal. It wasn’t an eerie dawn, and the tavern was filled with guests. It seemed like a typical day with nothing unusual.”
The innkeeper lowered his voice even more. Suvel leaned in, captivated by the story.
‘The innkeeper is probably just trying to entertain his guests. But I do enjoy tales like this.’ thought Suvel. Billy took another sip of his beer, half-listening.
“The noise echoed as if it came from within a cave, and just then, a chilling wind rattled the tavern door. It wasn’t just me who was frightened. Everyone in the tavern felt the same dread. Some even thought it was a ghost and wanted to flee. This wasn’t just because of the mood or the weather. The door opened, and the source of the metallic noise appeared.”
The innkeeper paused for dramatic effect. Billy leaned in, the edge of his lips barely touching the beer mug, all ears now.
“It was a knight in black armor. Not the lightweight leather kind worn by hunters or traveling knights, but heavy, real plate armor. The tavern’s floorboards sunk with each step he took. Isn’t that strange? Even a strong knight wouldn’t be wandering around, not in a battlefield, in a full set of heavy armor and helmet!”
“I couldn’t stand in that for even half a day,” Suvel admitted. Though he didn’t say it, Billy agreed.
“Exactly. So, I thought he might be a ghost or a monster. The knight slowly approached me, and I was rooted to the spot, right here where I stand now. I wanted to flee, but my legs were frozen.”
The innkeeper gestured to the floor, then swept his hands across the entire tavern.
“It wasn’t just me. Nobody dared to flee. Everyone was frozen, just like I was. It wasn’t even embarrassing.”
Suvel had put down his beer to listen intently, and Billy, not realizing he’d finished his drink, pressed the empty mug to his lips.
“I thought I was done for. Then, the man suddenly asked, ‘Which way to the Gold Gate?’ I hastily replied, ‘Beyond the Red Gate…’ What a foolish answer! Looking back, it’s quite embarrassing. But that’s how terrified I was.”
The innkeeper looked grave, as if the memory still scared him.
“That man asked again, ‘Then where is the Red Gate?’, ‘Follow the main road to the west from here.’, He asked once more, ‘Which way is west?’ The knight’s voice wasn’t threatening at all. There was even an odd sense of him being somewhat slow-witted. I mustered some courage.”
Emphasizing as if the present moment mirrored that exact time, he pointed out the window as he spoke.
“So, I led him out of the door. ‘Please, follow me. Over here. That way. Do you see? That’s where the sun sets; it’s the west.’ However, the knight in black armor didn’t look towards the sun and asked, ‘I cannot see the sun. Point it out with your hand.’ I pointed towards the west where the sun was setting. Then, with a clank of his armor, he walked in that direction, even leaving behind words of thanks.”
They remained silent for a long while after the story ended. The sun began to set, and the beer ran out.
Suvel spoke first.
“It’s an interesting tale, but why are you telling us this?”
“I mention this as a word of caution since it seems you tread the same path. This is merely speculation, but…”
The innkeeper hesitated for a moment before continuing.
“It’s because you mentioned the Excelon Knights of Lontamon. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have brought it up. If my memory serves right, that armor belonged to the Excelon Knights.”
“There are many knights in black armor.”
Billy replied, seemingly a bit annoyed. The innkeeper nodded.
“True. But I have a good memory. About ten years ago, around a hundred Excelon Knights visited this village. We thought we were doomed. They were our enemies, weren’t they? The demon army that invaded Aranthia!”
The innkeeper emphasized, but quickly added upon seeing Billy’s expression.
“But they ate peacefully, rested for a night, and left without causing any harm. They even paid for their meals! A few days after they passed, they warned us about the main force that would follow and that it would be dangerous. We couldn’t even distinguish if it was an enemy or allied army that had passed. How could I forget the armor of such magnificent knights?”
Suvel laughed out loud.
“The Excelon are renowned for their discipline. While other armies might wreak havoc even when passing through their own territory, Excelon would never behave that way. Isn’t that right?”
“Things have changed now. The discipline has deteriorated, and the old reputation has plummeted.”
Billy spat out and stood up.
“Thanks for the story, innkeeper. But it’s of no help for my journey.”
He laid a few silver coins on the table and gathered his belongings.
“Oh, the meal was on the house.”
The innkeeper quickly returned the coins.
“It was your offer, and I never accepted it.”
Billy refused the coins and strode out. Suvel, packing up, spoke to the innkeeper.
“Despite everything, that guy must be one of the Excelon Knights. Have a good rest. Your story was interesting. Why not abandon the tavern and become a storyteller?”
Suvel exited the tavern in light steps, following Billy.
“Hey, Billy. I think it’s wise to heed the innkeeper’s words. We might cross paths with that black-armored knight tomorrow, even though he left a day early.”
“So what? Perhaps he’s just an old knight wandering around looking for a place to die. I don’t care even if we encounter him.”
Billy continued walking, as if he wouldn’t care even if the black knight was right beside him.
“Wait up. Let me fetch my horse. Hey, wait!”
Suvel rushed to the stable, but by the time he had saddled his horse, Billy had already left the village.
“Damn it.”
Cursing under his breath, Suvel mounted his horse and caught up quickly.
“Why are you traveling without even a single horse?”
Suvel dismounted and stood beside Billy, holding the reins.
“Don’t need one.”
Billy didn’t even glance at Suvel as he responded, making every effort to come across as the most uninteresting person to be around.
“Do you lack money?”
“I don’t want to just pass through Aranthia.”
“Oh! So you want to see for yourself the scars of a war that your predecessors swept through ten years ago? How romantic.”
Billy halted his steps and turned to face him.
“Hasn’t anyone ever told you that you talk too much?”
“No. I’m not the chatty type.”
Billy resumed walking.
“I can’t stand guys who talk too much. Nor the ones who are smooth talkers. Men should always express themselves through action, through silence. Those who just babble aren’t fit to be called men.”
“You sound convincing, but I told you, I’m not a chatty guy.”
Billy, not wanting to engage, quickened his pace.
“Hey, give me your backpack. I’ll carry it for you. Hey!”
Despite Suvel’s offer, Billy didn’t respond. Suvel scratched the back of his head and silently followed.
“Traveling with you seems terribly dull. Has it always been this way?”
Inside, Billy muttered, ‘Then just leave’ but he did not respond. He intended to make this journey with Suvel as boring as possible, hoping that Suvel would eventually ride off on his horse out of sheer boredom.
However, their evening turned out to be anything but dull.
☆ ☆ ☆
‘I should have seen it coming.’
Had it not been for Suvel’s distracting presence, Billy could have anticipated this. He would have taken a detour to avoid trouble.
Tego, Hell’s Sword, and his crew had mentioned they wanted to take over a tavern to stay for a few days. Even if they were chased out of town by the guards, they wouldn’t be too far. Tego needed the tavern to wait for someone. And if that someone hadn’t shown up, he would wait nearby.
‘It’s all because of Suvel.’
Suvel, on the other hand, looked rather pleased with the unfolding events.
“Here for revenge, I presume?”
Suvel said, seeing around fifteen of Tego’s men blocking their path. Billy didn’t want to risk facing fifteen men in the dark, ready to retreat at the slightest sign of danger.
‘There was a wooded area earlier. It’d be easier to confront them there. Or maybe taking out their leader first would simplify things.’
Billy assessed the positions of the men, but Tego was nowhere to be seen.
“What do you guys want?”
Billy felt it odd to ask questions in such a situation, but something felt off.
One of them hesitated before saying, “We… need help.”
It was Duff, the one Suvel had cut a finger off. His hand still had a bloody rag tied around it.
None of the others drew their swords or showed any hostile intentions. Given the situation at the tavern, even with their numerical advantage, they should have opted for an ambush. Yet, here they were, confronting them head-on, blocking their path. It made no sense.
‘Either they don’t know the basics of an ambush, genuinely need help, or it’s a trap.’
Billy remained on guard.
“What kind of help?”
Suvel was patient enough to continue the conversation, but Billy wasn’t pleased with the situation.
Duff said, “Our captain… he’s dead.”
“Tego?”
“Yes.”
“Really?”
Suvel said, clearly skeptical.
Billy remained silent, but he shared Suvel’s doubts.
‘He’s lying.’
Billy remembered a friend from Excelon, a top swordsman, who had slipped into a stream and drowned a day after sharing a beer. Such accidents happen. But if Tego, with whom Billy had a tense conversation just hours ago, was dead now, it felt suspicious under the current circumstances.
‘They probably have set up a trap, using his death as a likely excuse.’
Billy concluded, wary of their intentions.
Suvel revealed a blatantly skeptical look.
“That’s impossible. Why would he be dead?”
His voice was sharp, the kind that would instantly slash through any lie that didn’t seem plausible. Duff responded in a low, almost crawling tone.
“Well… the Black Knight appeared before us and attacked. The captain was the first to die.”
“How did he die? Explain in detail.”
Suvel, half reaching towards the sword at his waist, unconsciously scratched his neck. Duff hesitated, looking around, before he managed to reply.
“About five of us attacked first, and one of them was the captain. But they all died.”
Suvel tilted his head slightly.
“That’s a vague explanation. Is that all?”
“That’s all. With just one swing, five were killed at once. We… had no choice but to flee.”
“What did this Black Knight look like?”
“It was dark so I couldn’t see clearly. But his black armor looked like the ones from the Excelon Knights…”
Suddenly, Billy interrupted him sharply.
“Shut up! Both that tavern owner and you guys, as soon as you mention a black armor, you bring up Excelon. There’s no way an Excelon from Lontamon is here other than me. And what kind of stupid knight would wander the streets in full plate armor?”
Billy looked ready to draw his sword, causing Duff to hurriedly raise his hands in defense.
“But, I only told what I saw…”
“Seriously.”
Another man stepped forward quickly to add to the explanation.
“My name is Greenwood, and I’m also from Lontamon. I know well because I escaped to Irophis due to a bounty of fifty gold coins, and then joined the underlings of the Hell’s Sword. Anyway, I’ve seen the Excelon Knights since I was young. I know their armor design hasn’t changed in 10 years.”
“Didn’t you say you couldn’t see well in the dark?”
Billy interrogated.
“I couldn’t see all the unique details, but I recognized some.”
Greenwood continued, trying to justify himself.
Finally, Billy did draw his sword. Greenwood, Duff, and a few others in front were startled, backing away and some even falling over. A few people behind them also drew their swords, not in aggression, but out of sheer fear. Had Suvel not intervened, a fifteen-against-two battle might have erupted right there.
Suvel said, “Let’s at least verify it. I’ve been curious about it since earlier.”
Billy exhaled heavily and sheathed his sword. “If you’re lying, you’ll pay for carelessly invoking the name of Excelon.”
Billy seemed to be holding back, but in reality, he wasn’t eager to face fifteen opponents in the dark.
Tego’s underlings exchanged glances, but no one spoke up. Suvel urged them on.
“Lead the way. Wait a moment.”
Suvel then tilted her head and inquired, “Why are you guys even here? You said your boss is dead, why not run away?”
Duff seemed defeated and didn’t respond. Greenwood answered instead.
“We… were waiting for you.”
“For us? Why?”
“Please become our captain.”
Suvel laughed out loud.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You think either Billy or I would want to lead a group of bandits? Just lead the way.”
Another man stepped forward, “It’s true. We didn’t come to Aranthia simply as Tego’s underlings. He promised that if he became a knight of Aranthia, he would take us to a place where our past crimes wouldn’t matter, and possibly grant us a good position. But he died, and now we’re just wanderers, being chased around.”
“Don’t be chased. Just pass quietly through the Blue Gate and go to another country.”
Another unknown man from behind spoke up, “We didn’t come here with such a light heart to just retreat after getting this far…”
“Enough!”
Billy, having had enough, shouted.
“If this were Lontamon, I would’ve killed every single one of you out of duty. Want to atone for your sins? You lot, who’ve stolen the lives of others, think you can just erase your past and live comfortably? Nonsense. Lead me to where the Black Knight is. Beyond that, I can’t help.”
At Billy’s words, they simply lowered their heads, not knowing what to say.
A few lit torches and began walking. Before long, other minions of Tego joined, and they began a serious discussion. Their whispers were audible.
“Those people won’t become the Captain?”
“See? What did I say? I wouldn’t either.”
“Isn’t this a wasted effort?”
“Suggesting to run now?”
“Tego is dead anyway. Trego probably died coming here too. Rumor has it the Dragon Knights have emerged. So, it’s over, isn’t it?”
Suvel urged them.
“Cut the chatter and move on!”
They ceased their chatter and continued.
“Don’t you think these bastards are leading us into a trap?”
Suvel whispered to Billy.
“Yeah, if an ambush comes, I’ll abandon you and flee.”
“Hey, hey, Billy. If you and I are on the same skill level, even thirty bandits wouldn’t be a problem.”
“With trained bandits, it’s a different story.”
“Criminals getting training, what nonsense!”
After traveling a certain distance, they extinguished their torches and crouched low. In front of them was a steep hill with no end in sight. Everyone walked very carefully, avoiding making a sound, and when they reached the top of the hill, they lay flat on the ground.
Suvel and Billy quickly followed their lead, reaching the top.
Their words weren’t false. The Black Knight truly existed. And Billy couldn’t keep his mouth shut at the sight of the knight wearing the real armor of Excelon. The tall figure standing proudly in the plains, holding a massive halberd in the darkness, looked like a statue made of bronze.
Greenwood whispered to the shocked pair.
“Didn’t I tell you?”
“Seems real. But why isn’t he moving?”
Suvel inquired.
“I don’t know. After killing Tego, he hasn’t moved from his spot. One of the bodies nearby is Tego’s.”
In the darkness, it was difficult to discern which of the fallen was Tego. And now, his death seemed insignificant.
‘If such a thing appeared in a tavern, it would be unforgettable.’
To Billy, the surroundings of the Black Knight were filled with a malevolent aura. It was almost painful to look at directly. It seemed Tego, consumed by fear, recklessly engaged in combat. There were such types: those who fled when afraid and those who charged head-on. Generally, the latter were more fearful.
“Tego was an exceptional fighter, taken as a Captain by criminals like us. He acted modest in front of you two, but if he truly wanted to fight, you would’ve seen what a frenzied murderer looks like. If he went berserk, even the knights would hesitate to approach him. That’s Tego, nicknamed the Hell’s Blade,” Greenwood emphasized.
“It’s odd asking now, but why did you want to take over the tavern?”
Suvel questioned.
“Tego had a younger brother named Trego. They both aimed to join the Wolf Knights.”
“So, it’s because they accept even criminals?”
Suvel sarcastically asked.
Greenwood responded, slightly embarrassed, “Yes.”
Billy furrowed his brow, “Do the Wolf Knights really take in criminals?”
Suvel chuckled softly.
“Well, I don’t know. At least in the first test, there weren’t any riff-raff criminals like Hell’s Blade. If there were, they’d be heroic fugitives who killed an evil lord and fled. Honestly, not many talk about their past, so it’s hard to know.”
Suvel had a sudden thought and asked.
“The Wolf Knights accept criminals now, huh? Did the Excelon only accept the purest of souls?”
Billy didn’t reply. He couldn’t.
Luckily, Suvel directed his bubbling curiosity towards the Black Knight.
“Fine. Stay here. I’ll check it out.”
Suvel slowly crept forward. The criminals left behind held their breath, admiring his daring move.
Suddenly, Billy shouted from atop the hill.
“You in the Excelon’s armor, listen up!”
Suvel, startled, tried to back off.
“What are you doing?”
“What are YOU doing lying there? Do I have a reason to hide from that person?”
Billy surprisingly lashed out. He seemed embarrassed by the brief moment he showed weakness, and after brushing off the dirt from his chest, he went down the hill.
Suvel hesitated for a moment, then quickly conceded.
“You’re right.”
He too rose from his spot. Then a fearful Greenwood interjected.
“It’s better if we don’t go. That guy is a monster. If he’s confirmed to be wearing the Excelon’s armor, it’s better if we just…”
“Do you even know what a monster is?”
There was a fiery ambition in Suvel’s eyes.
“I know even the names of those monsters. Loyal! Azwin! Gerald! Sheyden! Dunmel! The fear of a tangible monster isn’t as frightening as the intangible ones. I’ve trained and faced death to overcome these very tangible threats and have reached this point. Retreat without even checking what kind of monster it is? Impossible.”
Billy, hearing Suvel’s approaching footsteps, thought, ‘This guy, he’s better than he looks.’
Soon, Suvel stood next to Billy.
They stopped not five steps away from the figure.
“Identify yourself. I am Billy from the Excelon Knights.”
As Billy spoke, the black helmet, which seemed as immobile as a statue, slightly tilted towards them. Yet, there was no reply.
Suvel chimed in, “My name is Suvel Lefman. From what I’ve heard, it seems you can speak. We’re not here with ill intent…”
“Name.”
The Black Knight interrupted Suvel’s explanation. Suvel quickly closed his mouth, listening to what the knight wanted to say. The Black Knight tilted his head slightly.
‘So slow. How did he defeat five giants with such slow movements?’
The Black Knight, in a deep voice, said, “Name… I don’t know.”
Billy promptly shot back, “Then, your affiliation?”
“Affiliation… I don’t know either.”
“How are you in the Excelon’s armor then?”
“Excelon? Is this the Excelon’s armor?”
“You’re joking now, aren’t you?”
“No, I…”
Billy’s imposing tone seemed to fluster the Black Knight.
‘Being close, he really is intimidating.’
Every movement of the Black Knight made Billy’s gut churn with the desire to flee. But he held his ground, maintaining the proud posture he learned from the knights.
‘I didn’t come to Aranthia to be afraid of something like a ghost.’
Billy gathered his courage and demanded, “If you don’t know your name or affiliation, how are you in that armor?”
The Black Knight’s helmet tilted the other way.
“When I woke up, I was already wearing this. I couldn’t remember my name or my affiliation. Perhaps, I never had a name? Was I ever a knight?”
The Black Knight pondered, as if he had been asked about life’s truths.
Suvel, confused, inquired, “Why did you kill these people then?”
“They attacked me first. It was a reflexive strike.”
The Black Knight’s voice resonated. It sounded as if it was echoing within his helmet before leaking out.
Moonlight broke through the clouds, illuminating them. Suvel, without thinking, looked into the knight’s helmet and gasped, stepping back. Billy was equally startled but didn’t step back.
There was nothing inside the helmet. Just darkness. No eyes, no nose, no mouth, only inky blackness.
It was an empty suit of armor!
If Tego had been startled by what he saw, it was perfectly understandable that he might have attacked impulsively. The Black Knight would not have pursued Tego had he run. However, Tego, paralyzed by fear, had attacked. Tego’s cleanly severed body lay at the feet of the Black Knight.
Suvel drew his sword. Billy, startled by the sound of the blade, looked back.
“Put your sword away, Suvel.”
“Who are you to command me? And why should I restrain myself?”
With a faint smile, Suvel continued.
“People often say death comes unexpectedly. I’ve trained for the past few years, ready to face death, standing here for my goals… So, it doesn’t really matter if I die here.”
Billy spread his hands, trying to stop Suvel from confronting the Black Knight.
“Why this sudden bravado?”
Surprisingly, under the moonlight, Suvel’s face looked beautiful. If Suvel had been a woman, there would’ve been an impulse to embrace him right then.
Suvel blinked with his large eyes and said, “Don’t you feel it, Billy? I’m not even curious about this guy’s identity anymore. The very moment intrigues me more. I’ve waited a long time to meet someone like this. Remember when I mentioned Loyal? Even if he’s improved significantly now, I doubt he could surpass this guy. No, not even Master Quain.”
“That’s nonsense. I don’t feel anything.”
“Really? Isn’t that disappointing, Billy?”
With a firm resolve, Suvel shrugged off Billy’s hand.
“Then step back. Let me show you this guy’s strength with your own eyes.”
Billy couldn’t stop him. He did agree with Suvel on one thing, though.
If the Black Knight were to fight with all his might, Suvel would die. Knowing this, the only thing Billy could do for Suvel, who boldly stepped forward with a drawn blade, was to give him space to fight.
“You said you had no name? Let me give you one for the time being. From now on, I’ll call you Black.”
Tossing his tied hair to the back, Suvel extended his sword.
“Black?”
The Black Knight asked.
“Yes, Black. Challenge me. Try to kill me just like the guys you just killed.”
The Black Knight glanced at Suvel’s sword and shook his head, speaking in a low tone without preparing for Suvel’s assault.
“It’s strange. Earlier, you were trying to protect me. But now, you don’t seem inclined to.”
“This has nothing to do with that. I just want to fight you.”
Billy was in disbelief. But Suvel really did swing his sword at the Black Knight. The Black Knight deflected it with his halberd. To Billy’s eyes, the Black Knight seemed not to want to fight. Still, he retaliated with what could only be described as reflexively swift movements. Suvel narrowly dodged, grazing his clothes.
“Making you feel the urge isn’t hard, right, Black?”
Joyfully shouting, Suvel daringly charged at the Black Knight. His movements were so swift that they seemed dance-like, circling the slower Black Knight. He was moving faster than the Black Knight could react.
It was chilling. Billy wondered how many among the Excelon Knights could match Suvel’s speed. If he had fought Suvel in a tavern in the Walled Village, he wasn’t sure if he could’ve kept up with those terrifyingly quick moves.
However, surprisingly, the initially outpaced Black Knight used the long reach of his halberd to obstruct Suvel’s movements. Suvel, thinking he had the upper hand, was caught by the back of his neck by the Black Knight’s massive hand.
It was a moment when the Black Knight could’ve dealt a fatal blow. But instead, he just threw Suvel to the ground. Suvel, after hitting the back of his head, tried to get up but staggered and sat back down. He tried to stand twice more but ultimately gave up. The impact seemed to be more severe than it appeared.
Suvel tried to say something to the Black Knight. Perhaps he wanted to ask why he hadn’t killed him. But, struggling to breathe, he couldn’t utter the words.
“This time, I’ll take the challenge.”
Billy reached for the two swords strapped to his waist, hesitating briefly about which one to draw. One was his own, while the other was the ‘Magic Sword’.
‘This is my personal desire. I can’t draw the Magic Sword.’
He shifted his hand from the Magic Sword to the other blade.
The silhouette of the Black Knight, holding his halberd, resembled a massive mountain shadowing the vast sky.
‘Don’t magnify the enemy within me.’
Before his thoughts could overwhelm him, Billy moved, trusting his skills honed over 15 years of relentless swordplay. If he were to die due to a lack of skill, he had no regrets. He’d long forgotten the reason he came to meet the Wolf Knights on behalf of Excelon.
‘Suvel was right. Facing an opponent like this, I can’t resist a fight. This will be a challenge to the path I’ve walked so far.’
With his head throbbing from a hit to the back of his skull, Suvel watched the face-off between Billy and the Black Knight. Gazing at the glint of Billy’s sword under the moonlight, Suvel chastised himself for attempting to challenge such a formidable swordsman at the tavern just a few hours ago. If these were the knights of Excelon, why did they lose to the Wolf Knights at the Gold Gate Battle ten years ago? It was incomprehensible.
From an objective standpoint, Suvel soon discerned Billy’s strategy. Billy was meticulously leading his opponent into a trap, just like a chess player setting up for a final checkmate. The Black Knight was gradually ensnared by this trap.
‘Now’s the moment!’
It was the instant when the Black Knight swung his halberd with full force. Suvel, having closely followed the trajectory of Billy’s blade as if he were the swordsman himself, clenched his fist. If Billy capitalized on this timing, his prepared final strike would land perfectly. And Billy didn’t miss that moment.
Billy’s sword penetrated at an angle the Black Knight couldn’t evade. But, shockingly, the magnificent blow was caught in the Black Knight’s hand.
“Ugh.”
Billy tried to pull back his sword, but it remained firmly grasped by the Black Knight. Even with great strength and hands protected by iron gauntlets, such a defensive move seemed impossible, let alone with mere reflexes.
‘He anticipated my final move!’
Both Suvel and Billy had the same realization.
This Black Knight wasn’t just about brute strength. Despite wearing heavy armor, he was fast enough to match Suvel’s movements. Furthermore, he possessed the insight to see through Billy’s strategy at a glance.
‘I’ve lost.’
Billy braced himself for the final, lethal blow. But the Black Knight released his grip on the blade. Billy, already convinced of his defeat, didn’t swing his freed sword nor did he step back. He just stood there, looking up at the Black Knight in puzzlement.
“Why?”
Billy tried to voice the question Suvel had intended to ask after his knockdown. But the question now felt redundant. He knew the answer. If he thought of his opponent as a mere murderer or an unidentifiable monster, such an answer wouldn’t make sense. Suvel understood the reason he was spared.
The Black Knight had accepted their duel as an official challenge.
“You were… a knight.”
Billy’s voice trembled as he spoke.
“A knight?”
The Black Knight mumbled, looking at the hand that had grasped Billy’s sword.
“That word… I don’t recall, but it feels familiar.”
“Even if your mind doesn’t remember, your body does,” Billy replied, bowing respectfully, “I apologize. I thought you were a charlatan wearing Excelon’s armor or perhaps even a ghost. But now, either way, it doesn’t matter. You are a knight, and I owe you my life.”
Having regained his senses, Suvel stood up, “I feel the same, Black. I apologize for instigating a fight with no reason. I genuinely wanted to duel with you.”
The Black Knight slowly nodded in response to their greetings. He had felt something peculiar since earlier, but only now did he realize something about the knight’s dark and ominous appearance.
The Black Knight was rather polite.
“Why are you heading to the Gold Gate? The tavern owner mentioned it,” Suvel inquired.
“I don’t know. I don’t recall. I only know I must head to the Gold Gate,” replied the Black Knight, looking up at the distant sky, his tone reminiscent of an old man lost in memories.
“Do you have someone to meet there?” Suvel asked again.
“Someone to meet?”
The Black Knight’s voice suddenly grew forceful, “The White Wolf!”
Both Billy and Suvel exchanged glances.
“You’re going to meet the White Wolf?”
“The strongest of the White Wolves. I feel he is at the Gold Gate. That’s why I must go there. Yes… that’s why.”
His voice was filled with determination at first, but slowly lost confidence.
“Who among the White Wolves is the strongest? Master Quain? Loyal? Azwin? Gerald? Dunmel? Sheyden?” Suvel named about twenty individuals he knew.
“I’m not sure. I don’t remember,” the Black Knight replied, shaking his head.
Billy interjected, “Regardless of who it is, if you’re referring to the strongest of the White Wolves, then surely it must be the captain of their order. And to meet him, naturally, you’d have to pass through the Gold Gate. I don’t know what caused you to lose your memories or appear this way, but…”
Billy hesitated for a moment.
‘Good heavens, I’m conversing with a specter in an empty helmet…’ he thought, then pushed the notion aside. “Perhaps it’s your knightly instincts that only allow you to remember the most essential details.”
“Perhaps. Thank you,” said a voice, which they assumed to be from the knight they’ve started referring to as Black.
“Why are you lingering here? If you left yesterday, you’d be halfway by now,” Suvel commented.
“I don’t know where the Gold Gate is,” Black admitted, his helmet tilting slightly. Observing this, a realization struck Billy.
‘Is he… embarrassed?’
Whether or not he noticed Billy’s realization, Suvel kindly explained, “The path to Aranthia is straightforward. Head west, and you’ll come across the gates leading to Nadium.”
“Which direction is west?” Black asked, looking at where Suvel pointed.
“It’s where the sun sets. What do you mean ‘which direction’?”
The Black Knight shook his head. “I cannot see the sun.”
“Hmm, then just follow the main road. It’s the only big one,” Black gazed at the ground Suvel stood on, saying, “I cannot see the road either.”
For a moment, Billy imagined the world from Black’s perspective, and it gave him chills. Yet, more than fear, he felt a wave of sympathy. “I can guide you,” he offered.
“I’ll join too,” Suvel quickly added, not wanting to be left out.
The Black Knight neither accepted nor rejected their offer, but they took his silence as agreement. Suvel led the way with his horse, which surprisingly wasn’t spooked. As Billy walked beside Suvel, the Black Knight followed at a slower pace.
Clank, clank.
The sounds of his footsteps, which were said to terrorize people, continued. But to Billy, they weren’t as frightening as rumored. Rather, each step seemed heavy, as if weighed down by immense responsibility.
“Speaking of which, who’s the captain of the Wolf Knights now?” Billy inquired.
“When I was active, the White Wolf’s identity was not yet decided. But by now, it might have been determined, and it’s probably Loyal,” Suvel replied, rare vigor in his voice.
“It has to be him. He should be the best among the White Wolves. If not, I won’t forgive it. And if someone other than Loyal is captain, I’ll kill that captain myself. Of course, in a formal duel.”
Suddenly, among the Black Knight’s footsteps, other footsteps could be heard. Billy looked back. At some point, men who had been criminals in the past started silently following the Black Knight.
‘Funny guys. They were shivering with fear just a moment ago.’
Billy pondered on what to do but ultimately did nothing.
‘They’ll probably sort it out themselves.’
–TL Notes–
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