A lot had changed while Jaymer dozed off briefly.
The sun had almost set, and the Wolves, previously unable to train due to a ‘standby’ restriction, were back to clashing wooden swords. At the next seat, Putier and Kassel were playing chess with serious expressions, while Coen was distracting Putier with small talk.
Sildire was training, receiving swords from three knights she had positioned around her, after instructing them. It looked like an interesting training.
Jay stretched and stood up from his chair. His back hurt from the uncomfortable sleeping arrangement.
“Slept well, lazy friend?”
The knight he had fought against earlier hit him playfully on the back.
“What was your name again?”
The sudden question about his name left the knight with a slightly bewildered expression.
“It’s Zainon. Didn’t you say you didn’t want to remember it earlier?”
“Starting now, I’ll try to remember a bit. It might take some time for my brain to memorize all fifty names, though.”
“Speaking of remembering names, how does that guy Kassel know all of ours? No one has ever introduced themselves to him… Moreover, he suddenly asks Malra about the history of an island across the sea, and then he asks me about what pet I have. How does he know about my hobby?”
Jay muttered, massaging his stiff shoulders.
“He must be using magic.”
Zainon didn’t catch his quiet voice.
“What did you say?”
Jay responded, feigning ignorance.
“Kassel probably even knows your swordsmanship habits by now. Annoying, isn’t it?”
“Annoying? Why should it be annoying?”
“Figuring out your hobbies to approach you.”
“Why would that be?”
“I think I’d be annoyed.”
“Really? Hmm, I never thought about it until you mentioned it.”
Zainon continued, scratching his head awkwardly.
“Well, speaking for myself, I actually welcome it. Anyone who has raised animals would understand that it’s better done in company. Exchanging information and all. Ah, back home I even raised crocodiles, but these dumb Wolves here freak out even at the sight of a lizard.”
Jay opened his mouth wide in surprise.
“You raise such things? I’d chop it to pieces if you brought it out.”
Zainon’s eyes widened in fear.
“That’s why I don’t raise them! Damn it, in a place like the Sky Mountains where one can encounter such fascinating creatures, I’m stuck raising just goats!”
Zainon grumbled, placing his hands on his hips.
“What’s wrong with goats? They are a thousand times cuter than lizards!”
“Goats may be cute! But lizards have a different kind of charm.”
“Different charm? More like a different taste.”
“What did you say?”
“I’ve never raised a lizard, but I’ve grilled and eaten one.”
“You barbarian!”
“I’m not talking to you anymore!”
“Who’s asking you to?”
The two glared at each other, huffing and puffing, then simultaneously looked away.
‘This place is full of incomprehensible people.’
Jay felt like he now understood Kassel’s strategy.
‘So, you’re trying to get close and be acknowledged as the captain? I may be dumber than you, but even I can see that your strategy is flawed. At this rate, you might become friends with these guys, but never their captain.’
At that moment, Jay remembered Sheyden he had seen in the morning, his face determined as he spoke of fighting Black with his spear by his side. Jay felt a sense of defeat he hadn’t even experienced when meeting Quain. He couldn’t understand why such a guy would call Kassel ‘Captain’. What exactly had happened in Camort?
“By the way, did they say we could start training again?”
Jay looked back at Zainon, changing the subject.
“Ho, talking to me? Are you ready to hear about the charm of lizards?”
“Just stick to raising goats. I won’t ask for goat meat, promise.”
Zainon stared at Jay for a while before explaining.
“It’s a decision we made among ourselves. If there’s an important fight coming, it’s better to loosen up a bit rather than conserving our strength.”
Counting them, there seemed to be forty. The rest must be on guard duty somewhere. Jay asked again.
“What about Sheyden?”
“From what I’ve heard, he’s still recuperating from a magic-inflicted wound. He won’t be joining if there’s a fight.”
“I see.”
That was different from what he had said in the morning.
‘These guys still don’t know Sheyden’s true feelings. Am I the only one who knows? Then I should keep it to myself.’
Jay interlocked his fingers and stretched.
“Then, can I also warm up a bit?”
For some reason, Zainon looked at Jay with interest. Jay, finding his gaze suspicious, shot back.
“What are you looking at? Afraid I’ll snatch your goat?”
“No, it’s nothing. Come on, I’ll spar with you.”
Living in Nadium for only two days, Jay found such things truly enjoyable. Waking up from a nap and grabbing a chatty fellow for a match was fun. These were strong opponents, skilled enough to point out mistakes after just a few bouts and of such a high level that being corrected didn’t feel bad at all.
The initially awkward and strange space was gradually becoming more appealing, and at some point, he started to think about wanting to live here.
After sparring with Zainon and a few others, when Jay was getting tired, another knight approached. Seeing the wooden sword in the hand of this older-looking knight, Jay waved him off.
“I don’t want to spar anymore. I’m tired.”
In the past, he would have fought until he collapsed from exhaustion, but now he restrained himself. Especially after hearing that a major enemy was approaching, he thought it wasn’t wise to push his body too hard.
‘I’ve changed too. Conserving my strength for the future.’
The knight also waved his hand and crouched beside Jay.
“Ah, I came to rest too. Can’t keep up with the younger lads.”
“Come to think of it, you do look a bit…”
Jay trailed off, but the knight didn’t mind and continued.
“Older? It can’t be helped. I was a Wolf Knight even in the war ten years ago. I guess it’s almost time for retirement.”
“I thought you looked older than my master. What’s your name?”
“Starting to memorize names now, Jaymer? I’m Alex.”
“Alex… good.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s an easy name to remember. I’ve already started forgetting that guy’s name and calling him ‘lizard-goat’.”
“Who? Zainon?”
“Zainon. Yeah, ‘Goat Zainon,’ I’ll remember that.”
The two sat without much conversation, stretching their legs. Jay suddenly realized he couldn’t see Kassel and started looking around frantically.
“I know who you’re looking for. Who is that guy?”
Alex asked.
“Weren’t you there when I explained? He’s my and Sheyden’s friend.”
“No, not that.”
Alex took a sip of water and handed the water pouch to Jay. He had the wise eyes of someone older and more experienced. He continued after Jay had finished drinking.
“His real identity.”
Jay closed his mouth and slowly swallowed the water he had been holding in. He had no intention of revealing Kassel’s identity nor had he promised to, so he wasn’t inclined to tell.
“A friend! That’s all I’m going to say.”
Alex smiled as if he was pondering something.
“Yeah, it doesn’t really matter. More importantly, I’ve been watching you all day and came to tell you something.”
“All day?”
“I saw you fight with Malra, with Zainon, and then Eryl, Coen. I saw it all. Especially, your duel with Franz was impressive.”
“So?”
“Paval came by earlier and said they’ve identified who our enemies are. So, everyone is in a light state of tension, preparing for battle. Notice how many are missing? They’ve gone to put on their armor.”
“Isn’t it heavy to wear it in advance?”
“Usually, we don’t wear it unless it’s for an official event, so it’s probably all dusty. They want to get used to it in advance. I’d like to do the same, actually. If the enemy passed through the Gold Gate this morning, they’ll reach the White Gate by tonight or tomorrow morning.”
“Who is this enemy?”
Jay naturally thought of Black, Suvel, and Billy.
‘How did the three of them get through the sturdy Gold Gate?’
He had thought that if the friends training here just took up their swords and rushed out, they could handle them. But Alex said something Jay totally didn’t expect.
“A group of about a hundred Black Knights.”
“A hundred?”
Jay was shocked. Alex continued.
“So I wanted to tell you this now, as I might not get another chance later. It’s not my duty or right to say, but you’ve already passed the second test of the Wolf Knights.”
Jay was initially concerned about the sudden increase in the number of Black Knights, but his curiosity was piqued by the word ‘test’.
“Wait, wait! That’s strange.”
Jay tapped his forehead, thinking deeply, and then continued.
“They said you’d automatically know what the test was once you pass it, but I have no idea?”
Alex replied with amusement.
“You’re reacting just like I did when I passed my test. Yes, you automatically find out, but unlike the first test, it’s not as intense, so many don’t even realize they’ve passed a test. Some quick-witted ones realize what it was the moment Quain declares the end of the second test, but most find out the next day.”
Alex playfully punched Jay’s tense shoulder.
“Don’t be so tense. In my case, Lofin came to inform me I’d passed the test. But I couldn’t understand it. Me? I’ve become a Wolf Knight? Impossible! Thoughts like that kept me up all night.”
“I also received a test from Master Irine. But this… this is strange. Explain it to me.”
“You’ll understand by tomorrow. After living here for 10 years, I can tell who’ll pass in a day or two. But your personality was so strong that you could tell in just two days.”
Alex seemed about to stop but then continued.
“But since we’re short on time, I’ll explain. Not running away from this place is the second test. You’ve only been here for two days, but what did you feel? Didn’t you start thinking you wanted to live here? Wanting to spar with more people, wanting to challenge more friends?”
“That’s a test?”
Jay couldn’t understand.
‘Thinking that enjoying something I like is a test? It’s like saying you passed because you like pork and you’re eating it.’
Alex explained patiently, even counting on his fingers.
“See, the first test looks at the basic foundation. Objective skill isn’t important. It’s enough if one is at the level to face the second test. The second test is about seeing if you can withstand the harsh trials ahead. In other words, those who feel burdened by the Wolf Knights here or lose their will to learn tend to leave on their own. That’s the second test.”
Alex folded his fingers and continued.
“In my case, it was Irine. And five years ago, in the test, it was a friend named Loyal who was the key to the second test.”
Jay was aware of Loyal’s name from Kassel.
“Most give up thinking they have talent after seeing Loyal. Have you seen Sildire? She’s a real genius. But not as much as Loyal. Even if she reaches twenty years old, will she have the same skill level as Loyal did when I first saw him? It’s doubtful.”
Alex shook his head as he continued.
“Everyone was astonished by Loyal and many gave up. But if you don’t give up after seeing him, then you’re qualified to become a Wolf Knight. That’s where development starts.”
“Thanks for the detailed explanation, but I don’t really get it.”
“That’s normal.”
Alex pointed at Jay’s face and said,
“That’s why I said it was premature to say you passed. Continuing the second test for you was meaningless. Not just me, everyone here thinks so. You’re really something. It’s a miracle to have someone from outside who can fight at this level.”
Alex stood up. In the distance, a horseman with a red flag was approaching, signaling an emergency. Many Wolves stopped their activities to look. Alex continued speaking, his head turned toward the scene.
“That’s why I’m even more convinced, Jaymer. I’m sorry, but you’re not cut out to be our captain. Please give up.”
Jay looked at the flag-bearer and then frowned.
“What did you just say?”
Alex gave a sheepish smile.
“The White Wolves must have brought you here to be their captain, right? They discovered you in Camort, saw your amazing talent, and decided to make you captain. But we can’t accept you. I apologize on behalf of everyone. Sorry.”
“This is getting interesting…”
As Jay started to speak, Alex quickly waved his hand.
“Don’t misunderstand. I’m asking you not to be the captain, not to leave us. Since the Queen or the Master seems to have recognized you, if I or others reject you, it might lead to awkward situations. So we thought it would be better if you stepped down on your own…”
“I never said I was the captain!”
Alex blinked slowly a few times, seemingly confused.
“You’re not?”
“When did I ever say I was the captain?”
“Well, no, but…”
“When have I ever given orders? Did Sheyden call me captain?”
Alex looked puzzled.
“Then, if you’re not the outsider captain, who is?”
“How should I know?”
Jay turned his head away abruptly. Meanwhile, the knight with the red flag had reached the training field. He was a guard from the White Gate. It was said that the guards of Nadium, like those at the Red Gate, were selected from knights who had applied to the Wolf Knights but hadn’t made the cut.
The guard spoke loudly.
“This morning, a spokesperson for the knights who are planning to invade Nadium after breaking through the Gold Gate appeared. He said they would come here by force… so, I just brought him.”
The guard looked a bit scared. Looking closely, Jay noticed a horseman slowly ascending the hill behind the guard.
Zainon, checking out the horseman behind the guard, commented.
“Isn’t that face too friendly to be the spokesperson of the ones who are about to invade?”
The guard somewhat defensively replied.
“That’s why I just brought him here without much thought.”
Jay was also surprised to see the face.
Alex, forgetting what he was about to say to Jay, exclaimed in surprise.
“Isn’t that Suvel?”
☆ ☆ ☆
Suvel leaped off his horse and walked into the training ground. The black-haired horse he brought didn’t need its reins pulled; it quietly followed Suvel’s lead. The Wolves were pleased to see a familiar face after a long time, but the ominous aura of the black horse held them back from greeting. Suvel seemed to recognize the other Wolves but didn’t greet them. He approached Jay directly.
“Here you are, lounging around in a place like this, Jaymer.”
Jay didn’t avoid him and asked.
“Is the guy I stabbed still alive?”
“Of course. And he will be coming here soon to smash this place to bits.”
“Then what about you? Came alone to die in his place for revenge? So what I mean is… you came to avenge him…”
“Shut up!”
They got closer as if to butt heads, but neither backed down.
Suvel said,
“I told you before. I’m the one who will kill you.”
“When? I don’t remember.”
Jay was being honest.
“I thought as much.”
“No, I mean… I really don’t remember.”
Suvel ignored him, took a step back, and addressed the gathering Wolf Knights.
“Isn’t anyone going to greet me after such a long time?”
When no one immediately responded, Franz stepped forward.
“The news you bring is so shocking we’re hardly in a position to greet you. But, welcome, nonetheless. I speak on behalf of everyone.”
“You’re the representative? Well, if you managed to push me that hard back then, you might not be a White Wolf, but you’re fit to be a representative of the Wolf Knights.”
Franz, crossing his arms, said,
“First, it doesn’t seem like you’ve come here in a personal capacity, so we’ll hear your story later. What’s the purpose of the Black Knights breaking through the Gold Gate and coming here? It’d be good to know how you’re involved too.”
Suvel, standing askew, replied.
“I came here in a personal capacity. But considering our past friendship, I can tell you about the other knights’ intentions.”
Suvel looked around at the other Wolf Knights and explained.
“Soon, an army with tremendous power will come to Nadium. They have only one demand: bring the Queen of Aranthia to the front of the White Gate. There are no other conditions. If not, Nadium will be destroyed.”
“You know how contradictory what you’re saying is. The Queen of Aranthia isn’t here just to rule this country; the country exists because she is here. And we exist to protect Her Majesty.”
“So you plan to fight with the immortal knights?”
“Immortal? Then we won’t die either, what’s the matter?”
“You stubborn guys wouldn’t negotiate, and they wouldn’t want to negotiate with knights who have such conditions either, would they?”
“You were once trying to be a part of the Wolf Knights. Then you know what our answer will be, don’t you?”
“I know. Then I have nothing more to say.”
Alex, who had been listening, chuckled.
“Is that all you came here to say, Suvel Lefman?”
“Still on active duty, old man?”
Suvel sneered, drawing his sword. Everyone else only had wooden swords, as they were in the middle of training. But no one backed down.
It was actually Suvel who was in danger in this situation. Jay didn’t think the guy was ignorant enough to provoke them recklessly.
Suvel declared,
“I threw away my own chance to pass the second test. Franz, you probably understand. Sometimes I regret that decision, pushing myself to this point. Yet, I was never certain… I’m here to confirm it.”
Suvel’s sword pointed at everyone’s faces in turn.
“Anyone is fine. Come at me. A reject of the Wolf Knights’ test challenges the passers to a formal duel.”
Everyone looked at each other. The largest knight among the Wolf Knights, Vunataidol, stepped forward.
“Suvel, it’s truly regrettable that you’ve come as an enemy. But if what you want is a formal duel, there’s no issue. I’ll be your opponent.”
“Vunataidol. You’ve grown even bigger since then. Still growing, huh?”
“Growth isn’t just in height and weight. Wait here. I’ll return with my weapon.”
“Take your time. I’ve waited years, what’s a few more minutes?”
Suvel narrowed his eyes and said,
“I should warn you, this isn’t one of those silly duels where you watch out for each other and avoid vital spots. Bet your life on it. Anyone who can’t shouldn’t even step in front of me. The rest of you, go get your weapons. I’ll take on the next guy right after Vunataidol falls.”
As Vunataidol, angry and about to retrieve his weapon, turned around, Alex grabbed his shoulder and shouted.
“Don’t be reckless, Suvel. Are you planning to keep fighting like this? With all forty of us here?”
“Is there a rule against it? Or are you worried about me?”
“I’m worried about you, Suvel. If you go on like this, we’ll have no choice but to kill you!”
“I’m the representative of the invading knight order.”
“Then as a representative, you should take our response back! If you die in a duel here, they won’t even hear your report.”
Alex tried to reason with him, but Suvel shook his head.
“I won’t go back unless the Queen herself comes to the White Gate. If not, I’m not going back. There’s no place for me to go back to.”
Frustrated, Franz yelled out.
“How can someone who couldn’t even pass the second test be so confident?”
“That damned test.”
Suvel pointed his sword at Franz.
“That’s what always tormented me! Don’t make me laugh! I passed it. Rather than being bound by such a crappy test, it’s better to die here.”
Alex shouted in frustration.
“Suvel, you idiot! I didn’t see you that way. I’ve encountered countless Wolf Knights, and I believed from the start that you could pass the test. But you quit for some bizarre reason!”
“If you mention that reason here, I’ll cut you down first, Alex!”
Suvel’s face turned red with anger. Alex shook his head.
“I haven’t said it until now and I don’t plan to. The night before you left, I spent a long time trying to convince you. Even if you quit here, I believed you would return one day to request another test. I thought you had that much caliber.”
Alex was desperately trying to persuade him.
“Put away your sword now, Suvel. You still have those clear eyes from five years ago. You don’t need to pretend to be a villain with those eyes. Your soul is already part of the Wolf Knights! Suvel Wolf! Put that sword down now and follow what your heart tells you.”
Amidst the forty knights, Suvel broke the long silence with a sigh. Suddenly, he burst into loud laughter.
“The strongest knight order? You guys are a joke.”
Suvel stood askew again and said,
“You all are just frogs in a well, rotting away in this backwater village. Soon, you’ll realize how pitiful and naive your strength is when you face a power stronger than yourselves.”
His attractive blue eyes under long lashes glared menacingly at everyone. Alex reached out his hand in a last attempt to persuade, but had to step back in front of Suvel’s drawn sword.
“A test? Fine. But before that, I’ll test you all. Let’s see if you can still give me that damn test after Nadium is destroyed!”
The knights’ expressions changed. They no longer showed any warmth for their old friend.
“Hey, Suvel. Before you take on the Wolf Knights, could I have a go?”
Jay stepped forward amidst the silence.
He drew the sword he wore at his waist, Lergo’s sword.
“I too want to be a Wolf Knight, but the duel with you is important.”
Suvel said.
Jay shrugged his shoulders.
“I just passed it. That damn second test.”
“What?”
Suvel’s eyebrows twitched. Jay looked at Alex and said,
“Indirectly, but yes, right, Alex? I guess nobody here would object.”
After saying that, Jay looked around at the knights, suddenly unsure.
“Anyone object?”
The Wolves looked between Alex and Jay.
“Well, object or not.”
Jay cleared his throat and said,
“I’ve been here only two days, but I’ve learned enough about how things work… If these guys accept it, doesn’t the rest not matter? Whether it’s Master Quain, the Queen, the royal ministers, or whoever. Uh, so, what I mean is, it’s the same thing, right?”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Uh, that I too can stand before you as a Wolf Knight. That’s what I wanted to say.”
His speech became long and somewhat disconnected. Jay tried to finish quickly.
“Ah, screw it, let’s just fight, Suvel! You and I just fought to the death not long ago. Why make a fuss about reasons?”
Suvel, half amused, half incredulous, nodded.
“Convincing argument, Jaymer. How’s your injured shoulder?”
Jay rotated his shoulder to test it. There was still some pain, but it didn’t hinder his movement.
“Feels fine.”
“Good. Let’s fight!”
The knights around them stepped back, forming a circle around the two.
‘Looks like they all know how fast Suvel is.’
Jay raised his sword with a light excitement. He was eager to try out the various techniques he had tested against the knights here and his newly acquired sword. Fighting an opponent he had once struggled against under these conditions was incredibly exhilarating.
‘I’m stronger now.’
Just as Jay was ready to fight, Kassel’s voice rang out.
“Jaymer, step back.”
No one had tried to stop the fight, but Kassel walked into the middle of it, unarmed.
Though it was under the guise of a duel, Suvel was clearly an invader of Nadium. No Wolf Knight would foolishly confront such an enemy unarmed.
“You’re not in a condition to fight Suvel.”
Kassel said. Everyone’s eyes widened in surprise at the sudden intrusion. Kassel then spoke to Suvel.
“Suvel, you’ve chosen the wrong opponent to fight.”
Suvel sheathed his sword, but his expression was twisted with killing intent.
To Jay, it seemed like he was just one step away from Kassel in terms of sword range. At such a distance, it would be hard to block an attack if it came. But Kassel seemed confident that Suvel wouldn’t attack him, sending a reassuring signal to Jay.
An angry Suvel, holding up his sword, said,
“There are plenty of opponents around to fight. Except you! I’m sick of your tricks. If you don’t step back, I’ll cut you down.”
“Suvel, even if you cut down a couple of people here, it won’t solve the doubts you have.”
“My doubts?”
“Haven’t you fought against Beryl? Even someone like me, who knows nothing about swords, can tell. Unless you’ve gained immense strength in the short two days you weren’t looking, how could you possibly defeat even one person properly? No, I don’t know about swordsmanship. Maybe you’re stronger than the knights here. But two? Three? More than that? What then? Do you think you’ll be compensated for your past five years by defeating those friends who took the tests with you in the past, and die happily?”
Kassel rattled off as if he had practiced these lines.
“Get lost! How dare you preach to me? You who knows nothing about swordsmanship or anything else?”
Suvel shouted, lunging with his sword. The blade came right up to Kassel’s face, and the other Wolves, including Jay, flinched. However, Kassel himself didn’t even twitch an eyebrow.
If Kassel hadn’t ordered him to stay still, Jay would have jumped out right away.
Just now, Suvel had almost closed half a step towards Kassel. Yet, he didn’t cut him. He hadn’t cut down Kassel, who was defenseless, despite having braced himself for death.
‘Suvel, that guy, is kind?’
On the other hand, Kassel seemed unkind.
“Preaching, you say? Yeah, preaching is good.”
Kassel looked around at the circle of Wolf Knights and pointed at one.
“Sildire, you’re holding a sword, right? Come out with it.”
Sildire opened her eyes wide in surprise. Suvel, even more incredulous, asked,
“What are you trying to do?”
As instructed, Sildire came out and stood next to Kassel.
Kassel held Sildire’s shoulders from behind and spoke to Suvel.
“Here, we have a knight who has passed the second test and bears the Wolf’s crest. And now, I will teach you the meaning of the second test that Beryl didn’t get a chance to teach. Preaching, was it? That’s fine too. Instead, the one to preach to Suvel Lefman, who doesn’t bear the Wolf’s crest, will be Sildire, who does.”
“You want me to fight a child? A girl at that?”
Suvel said, grinding his teeth.
Kassel shrugged.
“I don’t think you’re in a position to underestimate women.”
Suvel’s face contorted terribly, and the Wolves looked at each other. Kassel spread his hands wide, pointing to all the Wolf Knights.
“Do you still think I’m deceiving, Suvel? Then look at these Wolf Knights. This evil and unkind Kassel sent ‘Sildire, who is a girl and only fifteen years old,’ to challenge in the Wolf Knights. Yet, no one is perturbed!”
Only then did Suvel look at the others. Jay had been momentarily stupefied by the amusing turn of events, and the Wolves, too, had been so focused on Kassel and Suvel’s verbal sparring that they hadn’t paid attention to their own reactions.
‘Huh, is that really so?’
It was unexpected for Kassel to pick Sildire as a match opponent. However, no one thought it was an absurd fight to initiate. Jay had been thinking, ‘Why her? Why not me?’
The other Wolves seemed to feel the same, surprised at Kassel’s words. Kassel used everyone’s silence as a weapon against Suvel.
“Don’t be careless. You’ve never seen this ‘knight’s’ sword! And, Suvel, after spending days with me, do you still not know my character? If it were a fight I thought I’d lose, I wouldn’t have sent a girl who will be a fine lady in the future into a rough battlefield.”
Kassel smiled broadly.
‘If I were Suvel, I would have slashed at that smile.’
Jay did not interfere. Kassel said no more and stepped back, leaving Sildire in front of Suvel.
“You know as well as I do that Suvel is strong.”
Jay whispered, and Franz joined in.
“I don’t know what you were thinking sending Sildire out, but I disagree. I couldn’t intervene as things unfolded this way, but what right did you have to send Sildire out?”
“Sildire was the first to…”
Kassel watched the two targeting each other with their swords, his expression stern.
“…she told me to ask her whenever there was a fight since I can’t swordfight. She said she’d fight instead.”
‘That must have been a conversation while I was asleep. I thought she only cried.’
Jay accepted it, but Franz was surprised.
“I knew you couldn’t use a sword, but Sildire said that? She volunteered?”
Suvel and Sildire’s swords clashed. Sildire, tall for her age but small compared to the other knights, held a sword that was objectively very long.
“It might be embarrassing for a man to be protected by a young girl… but if it’s Sildire, isn’t it not so embarrassing?”
Kassel asked, genuinely puzzled.
“That’s not what I mean! Sildire isn’t a child who speaks without thinking. She only speaks that way with me or Sheyden… Damn it.”
Franz seemed to be in a complex mood, Jay noticed. Kassel just stroked his chin, saying nothing.
Franz crossed his arms and glanced sidelong at Kassel. Kassel was focused only on the fight between Suvel and Sildire. He pretended not to be, but his tense gaze was evident.
‘Right. This is a life-and-death match?’
Jay also concentrated on the fight.
Suvel’s movements on flat ground were incredibly fast. Jay had intentionally fought on gravel or in mud until now. This was Suvel’s real movement. If Jay had been standing where Sildire was, he would have been surprised by such agility. But Sildire calmly kept up with Suvel’s feet.
Suvel was the first to panic.
“Hey, Kassel. You haven’t told us something, have you?”
Franz asked.
“If it’s about me, I don’t want to talk about it now. At least for now, I want to concentrate on this fight. If by any chance Sildire loses and gets hurt or dies, I won’t be able to forgive myself.”
As Kassel spoke, Suvel’s sword slashed Sildire’s thigh. Kassel, who had been calmly crossing his arms, jolted and trembled. Sildire, unfazed, stepped back and briefly touched her wound. Bright red blood stained her palm, but she grasped her sword again and continued the fight.
“Then why did you send Sildire? If it was a fight we absolutely had to win, it could have been me or Jaymer. Why her?”
Franz said, struggling to hide his distress, but clearly pained by every movement of the sword.
“Sheyden wrote this in his journal. Sildire, maybe because of her young age, always gives her all and does her best against any opponent. So, in her first match when she first met the group, out of 50, only eight managed to beat her. Apart from the five White Wolves, only three Wolves have beaten Sildire on their first encounter. And Franz, you’re not even among those three.”
Jay, already judging the outcome by the sword distances, listened as Kassel continued unabated.
“In other words, Sildire has the highest win rate in first encounters. You all beat her after several fights, exploiting the weaknesses of an inexperienced child. But Suvel doesn’t know Sildire’s weaknesses.”
Franz’s eyes widened. Kassel spoke softly.
“I chose the most difficult opponent for Suvel, excluding the White Wolves.”
As Sildire closed the gap, she caught up with Suvel’s movements in the last step. Suvel quickly thrust his sword, but it narrowly missed Sildire’s neck. Then, Sildire’s sword sliced from Suvel’s flank up to his shoulder in one swift motion.
Suvel’s body jerked back and fell towards the Wolf Knights. Sildire, too, seemed to lose balance from Suvel’s final strike and stumbled down.
Kassel shot towards the fallen Sildire like an arrow.
“How do you know all that?”
Franz’s eyes were as wide as could be with intrigue.
“That’s because Kassel saw Sheyden’s journal,”
Jay kindly explained. Franz looked at Jay as if he had made the most absurd reply in the world.
“Just because you read that doesn’t mean you can recite it and act on it immediately. What were you thinking when Suvel appeared?”
“That I should fight… something like that?”
“Exactly. Everyone here thought just that! Nobody thought about Sildire’s record or weaknesses! Who in their right mind would think of that in front of a man threatening to kill everyone and destroy the city?”
Franz bit his lip hard.
“Where is such a person? Right there.”
Jay pointed at Kassel and then walked towards Suvel.
Suvel was still conscious. He faintly opened his eyes to look at the Wolves around him before closing them again.
“Defeated by a little girl! Haha, so, you wanted to say I lack talent. It’s only natural I couldn’t pass the second test.”
Jay, overwhelmed with frustration at Suvel’s muttering, couldn’t help but shout.
“Stupid guy, that’s why you failed the second test. Now I see why Kassel chose Sildire.”
Jay extended his hand. Suvel, looking at Jay’s sturdy hand, narrowed his eyes.
“What?”
“Isn’t it embarrassing to make such a fuss and then lie there? Get up.”
“Harsh fellow.”
Left with no choice, Suvel reached out his hand. Jay grabbed it and pulled him up, with Vunataidol assisting on the side. Suvel was in too much pain to refuse the support.
“Giving trials to those who believe they have talent, that’s the second test. I’ve experienced it, albeit briefly. Here, my skills are just average. If you get frustrated here, it’s over, if not, you advance! If you advance, you unknowingly gain the Wolf’s crest… This is it. Got it? This is the second test. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Jay turned around, expecting Kassel to add some explanation, but the damned guy was busy bandaging Sildire’s injured thigh. Sildire, her face reddening, entrusted her leg to him.
‘Just yesterday, she was ready to beat up Kassel, women are so…!’
With no other choice, Jay continued the explanation on his own.
“So, what I mean is, um, if you had remained… that is, if back then, a few years ago, you had just admitted you were weak and planned to climb up gradually… That means, if you had thought like that. Like the others here…”
Jay licked his lips and looked away. Everyone seemed to wait expectantly for his explanation but slowly showed signs of disappointment.
Jay closed his eyes and murmured.
‘I forgot what I was going to say…’
But then, miraculously, tears began to fall from Suvel’s face, who was leaning on Vunataidol’s shoulder with his head bowed down.
“Are you… saying that my last five years were useless? That my… my choice was wrong?”
Jay revised his previous thought. Not just with crying women, but he also had no idea what to say to a crying man. Fortunately, Vunataidol spoke up.
“Yes, you chose wrongly. I think I understand why Kassel chose Sildire. Sildire is our standard. No one underestimates her, but no one loses to her either. That’s what makes us. We are still undergoing the second test. Because of her, we are not frogs in a well.”
Alex approached the sobbing Suvel and said,
“Your last five years weren’t useless. You have experiences we don’t. Start over with those experiences as your foundation. My judgment won’t be wrong. You’ll become a great knight.”
‘Ah, that’s what I meant to say.’
Jay wished he could turn back time.
Influenced by either of the two, Suvel finally broke into loud sobs. He lost strength in his legs, and they had to let him down. Despite the heavy bleeding and danger, he seemed unable to move.
“Jaymer. Call Kassel.”
Finally wiping his tears, Suvel spoke.
“What is it?”
“I have a message to convey.”
Kassel, who had just finished giving first aid to Sildire, was already standing behind Jay.
“Speak, Suvel.”
“Black has revived the Excelon Knights who died at the old Gold Gate. The identity of the approaching Black Knights is those very Excelon, dead before.”
Several nearby Wolves all opened their mouths in shock and asked simultaneously,
“Is that true?”
“Really?”
“For real?”
Suvel continued, smiling weakly,
“Would I lie at a time like this? It’s not an empty boast. The power they’ve gained from rising from death is truly formidable. You can’t stop them with your strength alone. It’s not about skill. They don’t die.”
Everyone was astonished, but Kassel spoke as if he already knew.
“Yes, I understand. The message you wanted to convey? Did Black say something?”
“Black said, ‘If there’s no one on that side who realizes the meaning behind our march, the city of Nadium will vanish tomorrow.’ Neither I nor Billy understand that meaning. If we, who are right beside them, don’t know it, I don’t think anyone here will. However, if there is one person who knows, I thought it would be you.”
“Thanks for telling me.”
Kassel nodded his head.
Suvel then lost consciousness.
Vunataidol checked his chest briefly and said,
“He’s just passed out. He won’t die from such a wound in a place watched over by the Queen’s power. But we need to move him to the infirmary quickly.”
Wolves had gathered around by now, all looking at Kassel.
“Could you explain what’s going on?”
Alex asked. Kassel nodded and began to speak.
“Captain Welch of Excelon has awakened from death. This happened while I was captured by Suvel here…”
At some point, Kassel had become the center of attention for the Wolf Knights, with all eyes focused on him.
‘He really knows how to tell a story. Look at me. I’m listening to the same story again and it’s still interesting.’
Jay watched Kassel, who was engrossed in his storytelling, and realized something astonishing.
‘Oh, I was wrong. Kassel wasn’t trying to become captain of the Wolf Knights by getting close to them.’
The advice to Sildire, the bet with Franz, playing chess, the story with Goat Zainon, Alex’s story… Jay realized he had been the calculating one, even after witnessing all that.
‘He just wanted to be friends. It wasn’t about doing something with that; it was about just doing that!’
Jay couldn’t help but smile. And to Kassel, who was still seriously and passionately speaking, he said in his mind,
‘Hey, Kassel. Do you like the Wolf Knights that much?’
–TL Notes–
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