A two-week journey eastward from the village where Ren lived led to one of the region’s few urban hubs.
The city was called Clausel.
Its streets were built along a rising slope that climbed toward the center of town. The paths wound upward in a spiral, giving the city a striking, three-dimensional silhouette when viewed from afar. The magnificent sight of its red-brick houses was famous even among the citizens of the distant Imperial Capital.
In the very heart of the city stood a manor often described as a small castle. This was the residence of Baron Clausel, the lord who governed the surrounding lands. The mansion was highly conspicuous, not only for its sheer scale but for its elegant ivory exterior.
Passersby who ventured near the front gates could catch glimpses of the Baron’s celebrated gardens. If they were lucky, they might even spot his daughter. It was said that any man she smiled upon would be instantly captivated—some even claimed they had seen an angel or a fairy in the flesh.
However...
"Sigh."
At that moment, the young lady in question was standing listlessly in a corner of the garden, looking thoroughly bored.
She was a girl of striking features, with sapphire-colored eyes and long hair that looked like amethyst dissolved into polished silver. Though her refined face was still young, it already held a beauty capable of toppling nations. Her flawless, porcelain skin was so radiant it seemed to compete with the morning sun. Her every movement exuded an innate nobility; she was a girl of quiet, cold dignity.
Her name was Licia Clausel.
"Oh, my lady."
A man called out to her. He was a middle-aged knight clad in armor, possessing the soft-spoken, polished manner of a butler.
"What seems to be the trouble? That lovely face of yours is going to waste."
"It’s nothing... I was just finished with my sword practice."
"I see. It appears my subordinates are no longer a match for you."
"That’s exactly why I keep telling you. I wish you would be my opponent instead."
"My deepest apologies, but I have duties entrusted to me by the Master. Furthermore, I must be away from the manor for a time, starting today."
Licia blinked in surprise. Her expression shifted, her peerless beauty giving way to a poignantly innocent look befitting her age.
"Even though you’re the Knight Commander? Why?"
"By the Master’s orders, I must conduct a circuit of the territory. I’m not entirely sure if I’m permitted to explain the details, so you should ask the Master for more information."
With a bow, the man left her. Outside the gate, his subordinates were waiting for him on horseback.
"Everyone, we depart," the man said as he mounted his horse.
A few minutes after the group left the manor and began trotting across the cobblestones, the man spoke again.
"What am I to do about this?"
Hearing his troubled voice, one of his subordinate knights spoke up.
"What is the matter, sir?"
"The young lady has become a bit conceited lately. Most likely because there is no one of her own age who can stand against her."
The subordinate nodded in understanding. "She did visit the Imperial Capital recently and achieved victory against the children of both nobles and knights, didn't she?"
"Indeed. That is why... I won’t go so far as to ask for someone who can best her, but if only there were a boy or girl who could stand as her equal..."
The man looked up quietly at the sky, praying that such a person existed.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
From the day his skill leveled up, Ren immersed himself even further in his sword training. The days passed in the blink of an eye, and three years had gone by since he first picked up a blade.
Ren was now ten years old, and his physique was beginning to resemble that of a young man. It was nearly summer. Ren recalled the events that had taken place a few days after Roy learned about his skill.
"From today, you may walk freely within the village by yourself."
Mireille had agreed, though she cautioned him to return before dark. Delighted by the news, Ren had made it his daily routine to walk along the field paths before breakfast.
Even today, three years later, he walked while rubbing his heavy eyelids.
"As I thought, I'm still miles away."
He sighed, summoning the bracelet on a whim to check the crystal interface. Floating within the crystal were the details of his Magic Sword Summoning Arts.
- Magic Sword Summoning Arts (Level 2: 659 / 1500)
This was the source of his frustration. The Mastery required to reach the next level had spiked significantly after his last level-up.
"Three years just to get this far..."
While it would have been ideal to train with Roy every day, House Ashton had many duties as the village's overseers. Between winter preparations and seasonal farm work—which Ren helped with daily—there was often little time left. On days when he could only squeeze in a short session, he sometimes gained only a single point of Mastery.
Ren looked at the next few lines.
Level 1: Can summon 【one】 magic sword. Level 2: Gain the effect of 【Physical Ability Up (Small)】 while the bracelet is summoned. Level 3: Can summon 【two】 magic swords. Level 4: ＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊.
He could finally see the effect for Level 3. Since his skill was currently Level 2, the system seemed to reveal details only one level ahead.
I’d really like to try out the Nature Magic from the Wooden Magic Sword soon, he thought. He had hesitated to test it near the house, but just as he was wondering when he'd get the chance, an elderly woman called out to him.
"My, young master, you’re out early again."
It was Granny Rigu, the village’s only midwife. She was the woman who had been present alongside Mireille on the day Ren entered this world. The two began walking side-by-side.
"Your father was bragging again. He says you'll eventually become a great knight in the Imperial Capital."
"Hmm... I don't really plan on leaving the village. Besides, if I go, there won't be anyone to take over for Dad."
"Oh, pish. If you get a younger brother or sister, you won't have to worry about that."
That was true, Ren realized. If his parents had another child, it wouldn't be impossible for him to leave. But that raised a more fundamental question: did he even want to go?
"If that happens, my brother or sister can be the one to go to the Capital."
Ren had no intention of leaving his peaceful life behind. Granny Rigu gave a resigned laugh, but then she suddenly stopped in her tracks.
"Granny Rigu? What is it?"
She looked toward the edge of a small hill on the outskirts of the village, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Young master, we must get back to the manor immediately."
"Why so sudden...? Wait, are those people on horseback...?"
Ren followed her gaze. There were about ten riders, all clad in shining armor. Even a boy from the frontier could tell what they were. They were knights.
"—Those are messengers from the Baron," Granny Rigu whispered, confirming Ren’s suspicion.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Roy was visibly flustered by the sudden visit. Seeing his state, the veteran knight leading the group took a step forward.
"Forgive the intrusion," the man said. He was a refined, dignified knight who looked like he would be more at home in a tailcoat than a suit of armor.
"N-not at all...! But why have you come to... to my village?"
"I shall explain. But first, please take this."
The veteran knight reached inside his armor and produced a sheet of parchment. "A village to the south has suffered an attack from a monster. The details are written there."
Roy scanned the parchment. Before he had finished reading, his expression grew grim.
"Reports of a suspicious monster... in this area?"
"Yes. According to eyewitnesses, it is a beast-type that moves as fast as the wind. Several villages have already been hit, and there have been fatalities."
"...What rank are we dealing with?"
"At the very least, be prepared for a D-rank."
Roy’s brow furrowed even deeper.
"However, rest assured. By the Lord’s command, knights are being dispatched to all neighboring villages. They are scheduled to arrive here as well, so please remain vigilant in the meantime."
"That is a relief! But how long will that take?"
"At least twenty days from today. We are dispatching to many regions at once, and selecting the right personnel is taking longer than usual. This village is quite far from the Lord’s manor, so I cannot promise they will arrive any sooner."
The knight sounded genuinely apologetic. Roy looked concerned, but the news of reinforcements seemed to give him hope.
"I understand. For the next twenty days, I will patrol the forest more thoroughly than usual."
"I am sorry to put this on you. Please, do not overextend yourself. I am told you are the only one in this village capable of fighting. If you were to fall, all would be lost."
"Actually, my son can fight, too." Roy looked proud as he gestured for Ren to come closer.
"Hmm? That child can fight?"
"He can. Come here, Ren. Greet the Knight Commander."
Wait, this man is the Knight Commander? Ren thought.
This was the highest-ranking knight in the Baron’s service. Realizing he was dealing with a high-ranking official, Ren cleared his throat and straightened his posture.
"It is an honor to meet you. My name is Ren Ashton. I hope for your kind acquaintance."
The Knight Commander let out a soft sound of admiration. "I am impressed by your manners. I am Weiss."
Weiss crouched down to meet Ren’s eyes. "How old are you, boy?"
"I turned ten this spring."
"Indeed? You are remarkably intelligent for your age. However..." Weiss turned an inquisitive look toward Roy. "I understand he is your pride and joy, but it seems a bit much to expect a ten-year-old to subjugate monsters."
"He’ll be fine! Ren is already much stronger than I was at ten, and he’s exceptionally skilled with a blade!"
"Is that so?"
"Yes! Furthermore, he already possesses a skill!"
"A skill? That is surprising indeed."
Ren felt a flush of embarrassment as the praise continued. He prayed the conversation would end soon. As if in response, Weiss stood back up and addressed Roy.
"It is good to have such a reliable successor. Now, on a different note, would you allow us to rest here for a single day?"
"Of course," Roy answered immediately.
However, looking at the number of knights in the group, Roy realized he didn't have enough food on hand to properly host them. Weiss told him not to worry, but Roy wouldn't hear of it. While Mireille prepared the house, Roy decided to head into the forest to hunt for ingredients. He firmly declined Weiss’s offer of help and set off alone.
Ren walked outside to see his father off.
"By the way, Dad, why were those other knights using polite speech with you? I thought they were all serving the same lord."
"Ah, even though we're all knights, House Ashton oversees a village. That gives us a slightly higher standing in terms of protocol."
"Ooh... I see."
"Well then, I’m off!"
Despite the hectic morning, Roy seemed his usual energetic self as he disappeared into the woods. As Ren watched him go, the manor door opened, and Weiss stepped out.
"I still feel we should assist," Weiss said. He had his sword at his hip, ready to depart.
Ren followed his father’s example and shook his head. "No, that isn't necessary. As my father said, please make yourselves at home and rest."
"But still..."
"You’ve been traveling through all the neighboring villages, so you must be exhausted. Please, take today to recover your strength."
Realizing the boy wouldn't budge, Weiss finally gave in. "My apologies," he said in his gravelly voice. He started to turn back, then paused, kneeling down once more to look Ren in the eye. "You really are an exceptionally polite child."
"N-not really... I just read a lot of books..."
"There is no need for humility. I deal with many children of knights, but I have never met one like you. Speaking with you feels much like speaking with our young lady."
"The young lady? You mean the Baron’s daughter?"
"Yes. She is the same age as you, but she possesses a maturity far beyond her years."
Ren was just making polite conversation, but his interest was suddenly piqued.
"The young lady was born with the White Saintess skill. Mark my words, her name will eventually be known throughout the entire Empire."
Ren froze. What did he just say?
White Saintess.
What on earth is going on?
That was the power of the Saintess whom Ren Ashton murdered in the plot of Legend of the Seven Heroes II.
The Saintess’s name was...
"Licia... Clausel...?" Ren whispered.
Weiss chuckled. "My, my. I’m impressed you know her name, but you shouldn't use it without a title, boy."
Ren was too stunned to care about etiquette. He crossed his arms and fell into deep thought.
"B-but the map in the library didn't mention a Clausel family..."
"The map was likely old," Weiss replied. "It was probably made many years ago. The geography hasn't changed, so Sir Roy likely kept it for reference."
Ren felt a headache coming on. "Wait, wasn't the Clausel territory supposed to be much closer to the Capital?"
He had stayed calm because he thought the Baron was a distant noble from the heart of the Empire.
"Yes, that is true. They do have territory near the Capital."
"Huh?" Ren blinked.
"Last year, they were granted additional land near the Capital as a reward for the birth of the White Saintess and for the Master's excellent governance of this region."
Ren’s mind was racing. He hadn't met her yet, but he had a terrible feeling. As long as I don't kill her and just stay here, it should be fine...
"Eventually, you will have to go and pay your respects to the Master and the young lady," Weiss added.
"Pardon?"
"Hasn't Sir Roy told you? It is tradition for the heir of a knightly house to be presented to their overlord. Once you are older, you will certainly go to greet them."
Ren wanted to avoid that at all costs, but it sounded like he had no choice. It’s okay... it’s just a greeting. I’ll deal with it when the time comes.
"So, Sir Weiss, you are the Knight Commander of the Baron’s forces?" Ren asked, trying to change the subject and calm his racing heart.
"I am. Why do you ask?"
"I was just surprised. It seems unusual for someone of your rank to visit such a distant village."
"I see. To be honest, I do not enjoy being away from the manor for so long, but as I said, this monster threat is a serious concern for the Master."
That was why a high-ranking official like Weiss was personally conducting the patrols—so he could kill the monster the moment it was found.
"A D-rank monster is a dangerous foe. It could easily kill my men even if they fought as a group."
Ren thought back to the monster rankings in the game. Ranks were determined by the Guild, based on the threat level to humans, ranging from G to S. A D-rank monster was equivalent to an early-game boss.
Dad is probably stronger than Weiss’s subordinates... I think.
But in the game, bosses were fought by a party of four. He wasn't sure if Roy could win alone. He felt a pang of regret for not training even harder.
"I guess I won't be training today, then," Ren muttered.
"Oh? Does Sir Roy teach you the sword?"
Ren nodded.
"If you like, I could take his place today. I feel bad about being a burden on your hospitality."
"Really? Is that okay?"
"Of course. Provided you are willing."
Ren beamed. "Yes, please!"
He ran to the warehouse to get a wooden practice sword for Weiss, while secretly preparing his own Wooden Magic Sword.
A few minutes later, just before they began, one of Weiss’s subordinates walked over. "Sir Weiss, may I watch?"
Weiss looked at Ren for permission, and once the boy nodded, the training began.
"As a warm-up, come at me with everything you've got, just like your usual training."
"Yes, sir!"
Ren stretched his limbs and took his stance. His body felt light today; he was in peak condition.
"Here I come!"
Ren lunged at Weiss. Using the same unreserved speed he used with Roy, he closed the distance in an instant.
"Mgh—!"
"What—!?"
Both Weiss and his subordinate gasped in shock. Weiss caught Ren’s strike, his expression shifting from surprise to a grin of genuine enjoyment.
"Hoh... your strength and your form are impeccable!"
The training session, which wasn't supposed to be anything serious, lasted until nearly sunset. As it went on, Weiss grew more and more passionate, his instructions becoming more intense.
That night, Ren checked his bracelet while lying in bed and was stunned.
- Magic Sword Summoning Arts (Level 2: 669 / 1500)
His Mastery had jumped by 10 points in a single day. It seemed the stronger the opponent, the more experience he gained.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
The next morning, Weiss and his men finished breakfast and prepared to return to the Baron. Once the sun was high, they mounted their horses.
"Sir Roy, I thank you for your exceptional hospitality. But please, remain cautious. You have a duty to protect this village, but that duty ends if you fall."
"I understand. I will protect my house and myself."
Weiss gave a final nod of thanks and signaled his men to move out. Ren and his parents watched from outside the manor until the knights had disappeared from view.
The group rode hard toward the Baron’s manor, crossing hills and forests. As evening approached, they slowed down to set up camp.
"Sir Weiss," one of the subordinates said while unpacking. "I saw you training with the Ashton boy yesterday."
"I heard Roy isn't much of a teacher," another knight added. "It seems like a waste of the boy's potential."
Weiss tilted his head. "You are mistaken. That boy is strong."
His subordinates blinked in confusion. Only the knight who had actually witnessed the training spoke up, his voice filled with excitement.
"Sir Weiss, was he really that talented?"
"Yes," Weiss replied. "He is still unrefined, but there is no doubt he is a genius. He is brilliant, too; he absorbed everything I taught him instantly. And more than that, he has the drive of a true hard-worker."
The knights had never heard Weiss praise anyone this highly. They were even more shocked by his next words.
"To be honest, I found myself wanting him for the Clausel Knighthood."
"Commander!? He’s only ten!"
"Are you serious, sir?"
"Think about it," Weiss said. "That ten-year-old boy is already stronger than some of you. His skill is already superior to the young lady’s."
The veteran knights looked at Weiss, realizing he wasn't joking.
However, Weiss’s expression soon darkened. "But even with him there, we must hurry the reinforcements."
His mind returned to the D-rank monster. While a G-rank Little Boar was no threat, and a single knight could handle several F-rank monsters at once, a D-rank was a different story entirely.
"But Sir Weiss, didn't Roy single-handedly kill a D-rank monster once?"
"Yes. That was before his wife was even pregnant with the boy."
Weiss looked up at the evening sky. "I hope they stay safe until help arrives."
He offered a silent prayer to Lord Elfen for the peace of the land.