A short while later, at the Arcadia main camp...
A knight burst through the door, kneeling to deliver his report while still gasping for air.
"Reporting! Urgent report! The Fifth Army has captured the castle on the Eldoro Plains! General Adidas has taken the fortification!"
"What? Give us the details!"
"Is this true?! How on earth..."
"That place has been a thorn in our side for weeks!"
"How did they manage it? Regardless, this is a massive victory!"
Though the generals found the report hard to believe, unbidden smiles spread across their faces.
That castle had been a persistent nuisance. Its capture meant that the enemy’s finest defensive stronghold had just been transformed into Arcadia’s most formidable forward operating base. In this theater of war, seizing a fully constructed fortress was an achievement of immense strategic value.
Only one man listened to the report in silence.
"General Adidas of the Fifth Army says a detailed report will follow," the messenger continued, "but apparently, one of the examinees for the Knight Commander Exam—a boy named Leo—single-handedly defeated the Knight Commander defending the ramparts. Furthermore, he cut down Delhart himself, the man charged with holding the castle!"
"What? An examinee?"
"Wait, Leo... isn't that the name of the young knight who was awarded First Class Merit at the Emerald Plains?"
"The one Gaia was backing? Wasn't he a commoner?"
"That hardly matters now. This is a staggering feat. It’s easily worth another First Class Merit."
Finally, the silent man spoke.
"The plan I prepared to seize the castle has gone to waste, then... Leo, was it? I suppose he is indeed worth Gaia’s recommendation."
The Five Star Sword—Osiris Ashtress—found himself intrigued by the boy named Leo for the very first time.
"A-Also... there is one more thing," the messenger stammered. "There is a problem. General Adidas is requesting Lord Osiris's personal judgment."
"What is it?"
"It’s... about this knight, Leo. He is currently turning his blade on our own men. If things continue as they are... it looks like it might turn into a bloodbath."
"What?"
◇ A short while earlier.
It was immediately after Leo had defeated the Two-Star Knight, Delhart.
"Haa... haa... I'm actually a bit tired."
I was breathing heavily. I had pushed myself to the absolute limit without a single thought for pacing, and my stamina was finally flagging. I’ll need to manage my energy better in the future. Redlining it the whole time is a mistake.
"I won... I think."
The Two-Star Knight named Delhart seemed to be the linchpin of the castle’s defense. With him gone, the disparity in fighting strength was irreversible. The Odixia Federation soldiers realized this as well; the knights who still possessed crests sheathed their swords and raised their hands. They were surrendering.
It was only logical. Continuing the fight against these odds would result in nothing but certain death. There are times when dying is part of a grander strategy, but there are other times when dying achieves nothing at all. This was the latter. Even if they managed to take a few of our men down with them, they couldn't hope to close the gap in numbers.
The surrender spread like wildfire, enveloping the castle in an instant. It was a total collapse of morale. The fortress wasn't particularly large—about the size of a sports field—so the news reached every corner quickly.
It was a complete victory.
"Leo-dono! Who... just who are you?"
"Zain. Sorry for being so reckless... and sorry to the rest of you, too. Haa... good work, everyone."
"Sir! Thank you for your hard work, Knight Commander Leo!"
To my surprise, the members of my unit all pressed their hands over the crests on their chests and saluted in unison. They were really starting to look like a proper Knight Order.
Knight Commander Leo... right. I suppose I really am their commander.
"To be honest, sir... it’s as if you captured this castle entirely on your own," Zain said. "I doubt even a Five Star Sword could have managed a feat like this."
"That’s not true. It’s only because you were all here. Because you and the others watched my back, I could focus on the fight without having to worry. You really saved me. Thank you."
"Ugh, that pure, innocent smile... it’s like a babe in arms. Where did that demon from a moment ago go?"
Taking a deep breath, I pulled myself to my feet.
"Zain, what happens now? It looks like the Odixia Federation forces have surrendered, but I’m not really sure about the protocol."
"Yes, well, since Delhart—the castle’s representative—is dead, there’s the question of who will make the formal declaration, but surrender is inevitable. For now, they will all be taken as prisoners of war. They’re being rounded up in the central courtyard as we speak. You should head there as well, Leo-dono. Lord Eisen and General Adidas will likely arrive shortly."
"I understand."
I looked at the knights standing before me with their hands raised. They seemed resigned to their fate, prepared to be taken into custody. Suddenly, one man stepped forward from the group.
"I am the One-Star Knight, Dial. We will offer no resistance. I beg you, please... just show mercy to my men."
"I understand. Leo-dono, it is custom to spare knights who have offered their surrender. Since the prisoners are being gathered in the center, I’ll ask you to lead them there. This, too, is the duty of the Knight Commander who secured the victory."
"............Right. Okay."
The knight named Dial lowered his eyes and walked toward me, offering his hands without a fight. I used the rope Zain-san handed me to bind his wrists and began to lead him. It... wasn't a very pleasant feeling.
Behind us, the knights who had lost their crests followed in grim silence.
"How old... are you, if I may ask?" Dial whispered.
"...I'm twelve."
The knight let out a soft, dry laugh.
"Heh, using polite speech with an enemy. You look like an Academy student, so I assume you’re a commoner?"
"Uh... well, yes."
"I'm a commoner too. I could tell by your manner. Still, to possess such strength at that age... you’re a nightmare for Odixia. But... you’re a kind soul, aren't you?"
Dial looked down at his bound wrists. I hadn't pulled the rope tight at all. It was barely even looped over him.
"May I know your name?"
"It’s Leo."
"Leo. I have a son who’s ten. He’s always bragging that he’ll grow up to be a knight just like me."
"............"
"Ah, forgive me. Please don't misunderstand—I’m prepared for what’s to come. It’s just... seeing you reminded me of my son. He practices his sword swings every single day. I’m sorry... I’ve already written my final letters, so don't feel burdened on my account."
"It’s okay. You’re just becoming prisoners. I’m sure you’ll be able to go home eventually."
"............Heh. I see. You really are... far too kind."
I led them down from the ramparts and toward the inner plaza. Looking at it from the inside, the "castle" was really just a clearing surrounded by high walls. In the center, the Federation knights were being gathered. True to Dial’s word, they weren't resisting. I had him join the rest of the group.
There were five Knight Commander-class officers in total. They were being separated from the common soldiers and the subordinate knights. I stood in the plaza and waited as the prisoners were processed.
Then, a voice called out.
"Are you the one they call Leo?"
"...Yes, that's me."
It was General Adidas—the Three-Star Knight in command of the Fifth Army. He was a massive man, built like a sumo wrestler.
"You’ve done a great service today. I watched from a distance and read the initial report. Back at the Meritorious Star Decoration Ceremony, I found the stories about you hard to believe, but after seeing your performance today, I have no doubts."
"Thank you very much."
"Indeed. And now, you should seize the opportunity to increase your merit further. It is your rightful due."
"Merit?"
Merit... meaning more fighting? The battle just ended, and they’re already sending me to the next one? Well, I suppose if I can rest for a moment—
Wait.
General Adidas pointed his finger toward the group of five Odixian Knight Commanders.
"You may take the heads of those commanders yourself," he said casually.
"What?"
"Five One-Star heads. It’ll make for a decent merit prize. It’s enough to earn you a house in the Royal Capital, I should think."