Once the work of the Executive Committee began in earnest, their duties expanded to coordinating the student representatives for various events and working with the faculty to prepare for the selection trials.
As those busy days passed, a certain day arrived at the Academy.
With the representative selection for the Lion King Festival approaching at the start of July, a palpable sense of tension and excitement began to drift through the student body.
—By the way, how many slots are there for the Martial Arts Tournament?
—Wasn't it four? Four per school. I think the rules said the school year doesn't matter.
As Ren walked down the hallway during his lunch break, snippets of these conversations reached him from every direction.
Actually, isn't it normally three? The school that produced the previous winner just gets an extra slot.
Ren leaned against a window frame in the corridor, recalling the details silently. For the past few decades, the Imperial Military Academy had dominated the Martial Arts Tournament at the Lion King Festival. This was only natural; it wouldn't do for students of a prestigious institution known across borders to suffer defeat. In fact, one could argue they weren't allowed to lose.
Ren was enjoying a quiet moment watching the view when a voice called out from beside him.
"Yo, Ashton."
Ren turned to find Kaito Leonall standing there in his casual attire. Though slightly startled by the sudden greeting, Ren kept his composure.
"Leonall-senpai?"
"Yeah! I saw you, so I figured I’d say hi. What are you doing in a place like this?"
"Just soaking up some sun after lunch to recharge my batteries," Ren replied in his usual laid-back manner.
Kaito turned his gaze toward the window as well. Perhaps lured by the pleasant weather, he let out a large yawn.
"The selection trials are starting soon. Since you and the Saintess aren't participating, I guess I’ll just have to look forward to fighting students from other schools—or Wayne and his group in the main tournament."
"Are you not looking forward to the internal selection trials?"
"Well... I am the heir of a Heroic Ducal House, after all." Kaito hesitated for a moment before speaking with a wry grin.
Truthfully, he didn't want to sound like he was looking down on his peers, but he was acutely aware of the strength and responsibility that came with his lineage. It was the pride and dignity of someone from House Leonall, one of the Seven Great Ducal Houses. To lose to boys and girls his own age was, from any perspective, unacceptable.
"Anyway, changing the subject—did you know there’s another member of a Heroic Ducal House in our class?"
Assuming he meant the Second-year Special Merit Class, Ren nodded.
"The female student, right? I heard she’s quite fond of Wayne."
"Yeah. Aside from Wayne and the others, she’s pretty formidable too. If you give her a bow, even I’d have a hard time getting close. But man... I really just want to clash with sword and shield."
The selection process for any competition involved several stages. While the criteria varied, the system ultimately culminated in a round-robin tournament where the top point-scorers became representatives. Ren was certain that Wayne, Sera, and Kaito would eventually secure those spots.
"You’ll get to fight in the trials and the main tournament, so isn't that enough?"
"Don't be so cold!"
"Wh-What...?"
"I always want to fight strong opponents—oops, I have to get ready for my next class! It’d be bad if I failed another exam, so I’ve gotta run! See ya!"
After watching Kaito depart with slumped shoulders, Ren spotted two of his classmates through the window. Wayne and Sera were heading toward the training ground with high spirits. It seemed they were off to the swordsmanship lesson that Ren and Lithia were exempt from attending. The pair would undoubtedly be putting their all into the lesson for the sake of the upcoming trials.
Ren lifted his elbows from the window frame, gave a light stretch, and began to walk. Since Lithia had mentioned she would join him later, Ren headed toward the library alone.
"Ah! Ren-kun!"
Fiona called out to him as she descended from the upper floor, catching up with him on the landing.
"Are you heading to the library now, Lady Ignat?"
"Yes, I am."
Ren spoke before they started walking again. "I was on my way there myself. Would you like to go together?"
"Y-Yes! I’d love to!" Fiona’s voice practically bounced with joy.
As they walked side by side, several students cast curious glances their way. Fiona had been a standout figure long before Ren entered the Academy, and the sight of her walking beside a specific boy—looking even happier than usual—piqued the interest of students regardless of gender.
Neither Ren nor Fiona noticed the stares, but Ren did notice the lightness in her step.
"You seem happy. Did something good happen?"
"It did. Fufu, and it’s still happening right now."
"Still happening...?"
"Yes. It’s continuing even as we speak."
Realizing she might have been a bit too bold, Fiona looked down as Ren tilted his head in confusion, clearly not realizing he was the cause of her joy. Watching his puzzled profile, she smiled.
"Just now, one more good thing was added," she declared in a voice as light as a melody.
After school, the committee gathered in the room they had finished cleaning just days prior.
"This is for everyone. From the Academy," Radius said, placing a small wooden box on the table. He instructed them to each take an armband.
While the words 'Executive Committee' weren't explicitly printed on them in large letters, they were the official identification for the group. The four of them began fastening the armbands to their uniforms.
"We are required by regulation to wear these armbands while performing committee duties. They weren't strictly necessary until today, but consider them mandatory now that the selection trials have begun."
Ren muttered an "I see" as he finished putting his on. Looking at his reflection in the window glass, the simple band made him feel different.
"Suddenly, I actually look like an Executive Committee member."
"I agree," Radius said. "Until now, I’ve had you four help with general preparations, but today marks the real start of our work. Let’s divide the tasks."
Radius had already organized the day's schedule.
"Mirei and I will oversee the selection trials, handle the paperwork, and organize the results in cooperation with the Academy staff. I’d like the three of you to compile the information needed for future competitions and review the materials to be handed over when we return."
"What about the official committee room the Academy provided?" Fiona asked, referring to the primary room they weren't currently using as their base.
"I’ve decided to leave the work over there to Mirei. Are there any other questions?"
Once satisfied that there were no issues, Radius and Mirei departed. Documents were piled high on the large table in the center of the room. Soon after the three of them began sorting through the work, the bustling sounds of the trials began to drift in from outside.
As the days grew increasingly hectic, with hardly a moment to breathe after school, there came a day when Ren and Radius went on patrol together.
"What exactly do we do on patrol?" Ren asked.
"It seems students can occasionally get too heated with one another. We handle those situations as they arise."
As they walked across the grounds at dusk, Radius spoke up.
"By the way."
"Yeah?"
"When I leave the capital on official business, I am always flanked by a Strong Sword User. What do you think about the fact that I have a Strong Sword User by my side even now, while I'm here as a mere student?"
"Even if you ask me that, it’s just a coincidence that I happen to be one, so I don't think much of it."
"I’m counting on you, regardless. If any students get carried away, I’ll need you to step in."
"And how exactly am I supposed to 'step in'?"
"The Academy has informed me that, if necessary, we are permitted to silence them with force."
Among students competing for representative slots, altercations were not uncommon. If a verbal warning failed to settle things down, the committee was authorized to use a bit of muscle to restore order.
Ren let out a dry laugh. "That’s more..."
"Brute force than you expected?"
"...Well, yeah."
Radius sensed Ren's thoughts and laughed. "I agree with you, Ren, but it means that if a student goes too far, we have no other choice."
"Well, I’ll pray that the occasion never arises."
"I share that sentiment."
Their patrol eventually brought them to the edge of the school grounds.
"Ah." Ren noticed something.
In one corner of the field, the Martial Arts Tournament selection trials were underway, drawing a massive crowd of spectators. The cheers of the students echoed across the grounds.
"Want to take a closer look?" Radius asked.
"No, I can see from here."
Watching from a distance, Ren saw Wayne claim victory over an upperclassman with a decisive swing. Nearby, Sera and Kaito were watching, smiling and clapping for Wayne’s success. Ren sat down on a bench, and Radius took the spot beside him.
I wonder when Wayne will finally awaken...
The thought crossed Ren's mind. Because Fiona was alive, the possibility of Marquis Ignat's madness was virtually zero. And since only a single horn of Asval remained, his resurrection was unlikely. It was clear the opportunity for Wayne’s awakening in the Baldur Mountains would never come.
Well, the Lion King Festival is another prime opportunity. He’ll awaken somewhere.
Since Ren hadn't intentionally stripped Wayne of his destiny, he didn't feel the need to worry too much.
As he watched the trials, Radius glanced at him.
"You don't look like you're watching because you want to be out there yourself."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"You look happy, Ren. But strangely enough, I don't see any desire to join the competition in your eyes. It intrigued me."
"Ah..." Ren leaned back against the bench, relaxing his posture. "Isn't this fun, though?"
"This? What are you referring to?"
"The whole 'behind-the-scenes' aspect. Patrolling for the festival, watching everyone else work hard, and knowing we have our own work to finish later... I actually quite like this."
Radius, unlike Ren, wore a thoughtful expression and crossed his arms. He peeked at Ren, trying to process the sentiment. In the end, he couldn't find the words.
"Look at the crowd under that madder-red sky. Even in the school building, you can see the teachers watching from the windows. It's a great atmosphere."
"True, but we aren't actually participating in the festival."
"That’s the best part. We’re the only ones in a position to stay late and enjoy the Academy in a way we usually can't. It’s a unique experience."
Radius looked around again. The vibrant energy under the twilight sky was something he had never witnessed from this perspective. He watched the students interacting with a newfound curiosity.
"...This is my first time doing work like this."
"And? What do you think?"
Radius finally relaxed, crossing his legs in a way that felt uncharacteristically casual for him. Yet, despite the slouch, his innate refinement remained unmistakable, lending him a certain masculine charm.
"It’s not bad."
Seeing the boyish smile on Radius's face, Ren smiled back.
As they sat there resting, a female student approached them, looking frantic. Ren and Radius immediately asked what was wrong.
"There's a fight in the training hall!" she gasped, struggling to catch her breath. "I was going for the instructors, but I saw you two on the way...!"
"The training hall... that’s where the martial arts contestants are preparing, right?"
As they stood up, Mirei arrived from the opposite direction.
"Your Highness, I need a word—nya? Did something happen-nya?"
Thinking it best not to waste time explaining, Ren turned to Radius. "I’ll handle this. Radius, you take care of Mirei."
"Are you sure you’re okay alone?"
"Probably. An instructor should be there soon anyway."
Ren took off at a run. Within the Academy’s festive atmosphere, a sharp edge of tension began to rise.
The training hall, usually the site of swordsmanship lessons, was currently serving as the staging area for the trials. Its massive doors were thrown wide open.
"What did you say?!"
"Yeah! You've got some nerve telling me to apologize!"
"Wh—you're the one who started this!"
Ren peered inside with a sigh, spotting a group of students arguing in one corner. As he approached, the crowd turned to look. Both the fact that it was an Executive Committee member and that it was Ren drew their attention.
"What's going on here?"
The students in the heat of the argument initially seemed ready to ignore him. It was only when the armband caught their eye that they finally acknowledged him.
"These guys were picking a fight with us!"
"Damn right! They said we bumped into them on purpose!"
"I see. And you three?"
"One of the pieces of gear they tossed aside hit my bag. My equipment for the selection is in there, so yeah, I’m pissed. My friend saw it too."
"He's right. They definitely aimed for us."
Tempers continued to flare, and the air grew thick with enough hostility that it felt as though someone would grab a collar at any second. Since they were upperclassmen, their investment in the Lion King Festival was likely much higher than that of the first-years.
"You're the one who bumped us from behind first!" the student who had tossed the gear shouted.
"I said I was sorry! Look around, the hall is packed with people and gear! Someone pushed me, and I bumped into you!"
Ren thought the whole thing was trivial, but he didn't forget his duty. The situation escalated in an instant, crossing the line.
"Don't go picking fights just because you lost in the preliminaries!"
"Why you—if that's how it is...!"
Both sides reached for training weapons—blades that had been dulled for practice.
Seeing they had lost their composure, Ren slightly loosened his tie. He turned to a nearby student carrying a training sword and said, "Borrowing this," drawing the weapon before the student could even respond.
Before either side could complete a single swing, the moment they entered the motion of raising their weapons, Ren intervened.
A fraction of a second before their swords rose past their waists—
"Huh?"
"What just...?"
Two swords clattered onto the floor. Ren’s speed was so extreme that no one had even seen him move. The spectators only knew that Ren had done something, but they couldn't grasp the details. All that remained was the reality that the rumored first-year had effortlessly suppressed a group of upperclassmen without even breaking a sweat.
"No one wins if this goes any further," Ren said flatly, returning the borrowed sword to its owner.
As the brawlers fell silent, Ren exhaled. The overwhelming pressure he had been emitting vanished instantly.
"I think this was just an unfortunate accident," he continued. "Please, just calm down."
"A-Ah..."
"Maybe... you're right."
The leaders of the two groups mumbled their apologies. Ren wondered if his approach had been too heavy-handed; he mused that Radius might have settled things with just words.
Ren stood his ground, waiting for the instructors to arrive. Almost simultaneously, the gentle chime of a bell echoed through the training hall.
That sound...
Ren recognized the bell. She had arrived.
As the bell rang, the last of the hostility drained from the students Ren had stopped. When the instructors finally rushed in, they saw Ren and walked over.
"Swords on the floor... what kind of brawl was this?"
"I stopped them before it got that far," Ren explained. "They might have just been taking stances. It was mostly just an argument."
"Phew... I guess even upperclassmen get worked up over a festival that only happens every two years. Thanks for looking out for them."
Ren didn't answer, simply tilting his head as if he didn't quite understand the praise. The instructor took the hint and didn't press further.
"I’m heading out. Let me know if you need anything else."
"Understood. Good work today, Executive Committee."
As Ren turned to leave, one of the students he had disarmed approached him. Looking sheepish, the upperclassman opened his mouth to thank him for stopping them, but—
"I know it's exciting, but please be careful," Ren said with a wry smile.
The second-year student froze. Even without a sword in his hand, Ren’s presence felt sharp enough to slice through him. It was as if Ren were silently saying: There won't be a second time.
The student managed a quick "I'm sorry" and watched in silence as Ren walked away.
Stepping out of the training hall, Ren let the cool evening breeze wash over him. As night approached, the air had developed a slight chill, which helped settle the lingering heat of the confrontation.
"A friend called me over, and man, was I surprised!" a girl's voice called out from behind him. "The rumored classmate is out here stopping seniors, and he’s completely unaffected by Nemu’s magic tool? What’s up with that?"
"Maybe it’s just a coincidence?" Ren said without turning around.
"Hmph. Ashton-kun, are you doubting my work?"
"Not at all. I wouldn't dream of doubting the quality of a magic tool made by a daughter of House Altia. That bell has a calming effect, right?"
"Spot on! As expected of the Student Representative!"
Ren turned to see the girl. She was short but possessed a surprisingly curvaceous figure. She wore a large hooded jacket over her uniform, and her thick belt was laden with test tubes and various tools. She was a lively, petite girl who reminded him of a small animal.
"Wait, this is the first time we've actually talked, isn't it?"
"Right, right! But Nemu’s known about you for a while. You're the Student Representative, you're always with Lithia-chan or Sera-chan, and you talk to Wayne-kun too!"
Her name was Nemu Altia. Her family was descended from one of the Seven Heroes—the legendary artisan who had designed Erendir’s Great Clock Tower and the Guild Card system. Nemu herself was a brilliant magic tool artisan, serving as the support for Wayne’s party.
"How’d you do it? It’s so weird that Nemu’s magic tool didn't work on you at all."
"How I did it... didn't you say it yourself?"
"Me?"
"The bell calms people down. I said it might be a coincidence, but honestly, I was calm from the very start."
"...So, because you didn't need to be calmed, it didn't do anything?"
"Exactly. That’s the only logical explanation."
"Hmm... I see."
Ren didn't offer any more detail, wanting to keep the conversation brief. While he was mindful of her status as a member of a Heroic Ducal House, he still had committee work to finish.
"Well, if you'll excuse me," Ren said, making his departure.
"How strange," Nemu whispered to herself. "For someone who didn't need to be calmed, he was putting out a terrifying amount of pressure."
As the days of committee work continued, the selection trials for several events, including the debate, were successfully completed. The group finally had a moment to breathe, no longer forced to work through every lunch break. While the martial arts trials were still ongoing, everything was proceeding smoothly.
Nearly two weeks after the trials had begun, Ren found himself with some free time during the afternoon swordsmanship period. He headed to the committee room to catch up on his studies. His bag was packed with assignments for various subjects.
Fiona was already there, working on her own tasks. Radius and Mirei were absent, having taken the day off for official duties. They were expected to return later that evening for committee work.
"Mind if I study here too?"
"How could I ever say no to that?" Fiona replied.
Ren took the seat opposite her. The table was already covered with her reference books and official committee documents.
"Oh? Where’s Lithia-sama?"
"She has official business in Erendir today. Radius is away as well; apparently, he had to take a magic ship for a day trip."
"I see... and I assume Mirei-san went with them?"
"Most likely."
As Ren answered calmly, Fiona blinked. She watched him start his work, then quickly looked down, hiding her reddening cheeks. She stood up abruptly.
"I’ll... I’ll go open the window," she said, shielding her face.
Just the two of us...? she thought, her heart racing.
She scolded herself silently. She was two years older than him; she couldn't allow herself to be a flustered girl forever. It’s fine. I’m okay now.
Once the heat in her face subsided, she turned back to Ren. He had already stood up and was preparing tea using the equipment in the room.
"Would you like some, Lady Ignat?"
"Please. I always look forward to your tea, Ren-kun."
Fiona had offered to help, but Ren was already nearly finished. Moments later, a fragrant cup was placed before her. It was excellent—perfectly brewed without a hint of bitterness. Ren’s skills had surpassed hers long ago.
"Um..." Ren began.
Fiona, savoring her tea, looked up. "Yes?"
"I’m having trouble with an assignment. I was hoping you could help me."
Fiona beamed, her eyes sparkling. "Of course! I’d be happy to!"
As she leaned forward, the necklace at her throat swayed. It wasn't the Necklace of Warding she had worn in the Baldur Mountains, but the one Ren had given her—the one with the Star Agate charm.
Ren looked a bit bashful. "I’m glad you’re wearing it, but are you sure you didn't want it processed more professionally?"
The Star Agate was still in its raw state, which felt a bit unrefined for a Marquis’s daughter.
"I like it just like this," she said with a warm smile.
Ren didn't press the matter further. Seeing her joy at being able to help him, he let the subject drop.
"Which part are you struggling with?" she asked, leaning closer.
"It’s the alchemy assignment. I don't quite understand why this specific chemical is used here."
"Let me see... ah, the calculation for the secondary materials is a bit tricky. Here, if you use this formula, that chemical becomes necessary..." Fiona’s pen glided across the notebook. Her handwriting was elegant yet possessed a certain rounded cuteness. "How’s that?"
Ren stared at the page, his expression strained. "Uh..."
Fiona gave a soft laugh. "Ahaha... I’m sorry." She wasn't laughing at him, of course; she simply stood up to move to the seat beside him.
"Let’s look at this part of the calculation first."
Fiona sat next to Ren, her pen moving across the page as she explained the concept from a different angle. She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and stole a glance at his profile. Seeing how focused he was, her cheeks began to warm again.
"...and that’s how it works."
Ren turned to her. Their proximity allowed him to catch the faint, floral scent of her hair.
"Thank you! I finally get it!"
"I’m glad."
Fiona stood up and returned to her original seat. She wanted to stay by his side, but she knew her limits—her heart was already pounding too hard.
The hours passed as they worked in companionable silence. Eventually, Ren stood up to stretch and walked over to the window. As the breeze hit him, he remembered the day they had cleaned the room. He recalled a specific book on the shelf that had caught his eye.
He walked over and picked it up. The cover read: Monsters of the Demon King Army.
I don't recognize any of these...
The book was filled with terrifying illustrations of monsters he had never seen before. According to the text, most had been wiped out during the war by Hero Ruin’s party and various national resistances. Some entries described creatures that still supposedly inhabited the Demon Continent.
His finger stopped on a specific page. It showed a monster walking through a desolate wasteland. Fiona peered over his shoulder.
"A bestiary?"
"I’ve been curious about this since we cleaned the room. Apparently, this one was a general in the Demon King’s army."
The illustration showed a five-meter-tall suit of jet-black armor adorned with gold. Even as a drawing, it felt ominous. It had four arms, each carrying a massive sword, and a tattered blue cloth draped over one shoulder. There was no flesh inside the armor; it was filled with dense magical power, with a Magic Stone floating at its center.
"There’s no rank listed. Probably not enough information," Ren noted.
Fiona read a line from the page. "...'A monster that grew even stronger after entering the Demon King's service. It never obeyed anyone but the Demon King, and was previously known as the Sword Demon'..."
Ren read the next line. "It’s classified as a Dragon-type. It doesn't look like one, but it has organs similar to a dragon’s near the Magic Stone."
It was likely a best-guess classification based on its internal structure. The book also noted its incredible vitality. To think there were once multiple creatures like this spoke to the terrifying power of the Demon King’s forces. The Seven Heroes had reportedly defeated one of them on the Demon Continent.
Ren closed the book and returned it to the shelf.
"So, Ren-kun," Fiona said, "do you have any plans for the upcoming holiday?"
With the selection trials nearly over, the school was set to have a short break next week.
"Nothing special. Lithia-sama has work for House Clausel almost every day. What about you, Lady Ignat?"
"Ahaha... I’m in the same boat as Lithia-sama." She sounded a bit disappointed; she had hoped to invite him shopping. Then she remembered something. "That’s right! My father gave me a letter for you!"
She pulled an envelope from her bag. It was from Ulysses. Ren opened it to find a short message: Let’s visit the Blacksmith District next week.
The new armor... Ren realized. Ulysses had specified a meeting in the capital for the following evening.
One evening during the break, Ren and Ulysses were walking through the capital.
"Is it really okay to go without guards?" Ren asked.
"I have you, don't I? Well, that’s half a joke. I’m sure they’re hiding somewhere," Ulysses replied with a smirk.
"I figured."
"By the way, when I said 'I have you,' I meant I feel perfectly safe with you by my side even if the guards weren't there. Did you catch that?"
"Please, give me a break."
Ulysses chuckled, looking triumphant. "How is the committee work going?"
"It’s fun. I didn't plan on doing anything at first, so I’m glad I can contribute to the festival this way."
Ulysses smiled warmly. "Hearing that makes me nostalgic for my own time on the committee."
"Wait, you were on the Executive Committee too?"
"Oh? Does that surprise you? I did it once. I found it much more entertaining than competing in the debates."
"Really? What was so fun about it?"
"Watching the other young nobles, of course. Seeing how they reacted when they got excited... I remember finding it quite pleasurable."
"Wow..." Ren looked at him with a flat expression.
Ulysses grinned. "Right now, seeing that face of yours is the most fun of all."
Ren wondered if anything could ever truly rattle the man.
"I assume you know why I called you out today?"
"The armor made from Asval’s horn."
"Exactly. I heard it was finally finished."
Ren’s expression softened as he began to look forward to the reveal. Seeing Ren look like a normal boy his own age, Ulysses wore a serene expression that gave no hint of the formidable noble who had made countless peers tremble.
As the Lion King Festival drew closer, the city felt more vibrant than ever. When they arrived at Werlich’s Workshop, the dwarf greeted them from the doorway.
"Been waitin' for ya."
Werlich looked exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes and a sluggish step. In the center of the cluttered workshop, a pair of boots sat on a round table.
"Are those the ones?" Ulysses asked.
"Yep! Decided on boots this time. Ren’s feet shouldn't be growin' much more, and I can always fine-tune 'em."
Werlich had worked day and night since the secondary materials provided by Ulysses arrived. The boots were reinforced with processed Asval horn at the heels, toes, and insteps, yet they looked like standard leather footwear that would match a uniform perfectly.
Ren put them on and tested the feel. "They’re incredibly light. No friction at all."
"Course they are! Finally admit I’m a genius?"
"I never doubted your skill for a second."
"Hah! Well, use 'em well. You can wear 'em under your uniform and no one will be the wiser. I made 'em so I can adjust 'em later, so go ahead and grow as much as you want."
"Uh... thank you?" Ren wasn't sure what to say to that, as he had no control over his growth anyway.
Werlich asked if he wanted to wear them home, and Ren agreed, packing his old shoes into a hemp bag.
"They don't have a name like the Flame King’s Gauntlet. That one’s more of a centerpiece. Anyway... we done?" Werlich swayed on his feet. "I haven't slept in days. I’m dead on my feet."
Before Ren could even finish his thanks, the dwarf collapsed onto the soot-stained floor and began to snore.
"He certainly put his all into it," Ulysses remarked.
"Yeah. Heave-ho." Ren picked up the dwarf and carried him to his bed. He grabbed the key from the table, and they stepped outside. "I locked it, but how do we get the key back in?"
"See that broken pane over there? Just toss it through. Not that a lock matters much when the window’s broken."
Ren couldn't argue with that.
"Did you not want chest armor?" Ulysses asked.
"My body is still growing. I’d rather wait until my frame settles before getting something that large."
The boots were a smaller commitment. The remaining materials would be saved for later.
With these, maybe I can handle the Flame Magic Sword better...
Ren decided he would test the theory during the rest of the break.
The next morning, before dawn, Ren prepared to head out. He hadn't been hunting in a while, and it was the perfect chance to test the new boots.
"Oh, Ren-sama?" Yuno called out as he reached the hall. "It’s so early. Where are you going?"
"Just heading to the forest for a bit of a change of pace. I wanted to harvest some fruit that’s only available at this hour."
"Fruit only available now...?" Yuno tilted her head but let him go.
Ren headed to the stables and mounted Io. The horse had grown alongside him, her chestnut coat shining even in the dim light. She let out a soft whinny as he approached.
"Let’s go for a ride, Io."
They left the mansion, the sound of hooves echoing in the quiet morning. At the city gate, a knight greeted him.
"Heading out early today, aren't you?"
"Just going to the forest for a bit. Feeling like a change of scenery."
"Good for you! Stay safe!"
After an hour of riding, the sky began to lighten. They reached a small clearing in the forest where Ren dismounted and let Io graze. He harvested some bright red fruit from a nearby tree—Morning Glow Fruit, which only ripened for a brief window at dawn.
But the fruit was just an excuse. Ren donned the Flame King’s Gauntlet and secured the straps.
"Come," he commanded.
The brass-colored sword manifested in his hand. Before he had the gauntlet, the recoil from summoning the Flame Magic Sword was too great to manage. Now, with the addition of the new boots, he wanted to see if the increased support made a difference.
"It worked. No recoil at all."
Io gave a soft huff but stayed focused on the grass.
Ren swung the sword lightly. A wave of crimson fire—not the gold he had unleashed at the clock tower—rippled through the air before vanishing. When he swung again while consciously suppressing the flames, only the blade’s afterimage remained.
"If I can master this and reach Sword Saint, I’ll be set."
Even with his talent, reaching that rank was a monumental task. But he knew he had to push himself. He remembered Edgar’s 'Strong Sword of one who can handle magic.'
During that secret training session, Edgar had released Ice Blades that were as powerful as the sword strikes of a master. Ren had countered them by tapping into a new level of power, driven by sheer will.
I have to reach that realm. Absolutely.
To open the door to becoming a Sword Saint, he had to try everything. As he looked at the sword, the sounds of monsters reached him. They had been drawn by the scent of the fruit—or perhaps the soft meat of Ren and his horse.
"If you don't attack, I won't either," Ren warned.
The monsters, a group of E-rank lizard-like creatures, ignored him and charged. They used magic to raise the earth, creating paths for themselves while trying to trap Ren.
Ren swung his sword, releasing a burst of flame to ward them off. He thought about using Star-Slayer to cancel their magic.
As he did, one of the lizards tripped as the earthen path beneath it crumbled back into ordinary dirt upon touching a mere spark of his flame.
That fire just now...
The lizards, spooked by the strange effect, scrambled away.
Ren looked at the sword. It hadn't been a mistake. A tiny portion of his flame had carried the property of Star-Slayer, unraveling the opponent's magic. It was just like Edgar’s Ice Blades—his magic now bore the strength of his sword arts.
Ren felt the slight drain on his mana. Even that tiny effect was incredibly taxing. It was far from a usable technique yet, but it was a start.
"Io! Did you see that?!"
Io ignored him, continuing to munch on grass.
"Still as fearless as ever, I see."
He tried to reproduce the effect against more monsters, but he couldn't do it again. The mana consumption was too high, making him feel a familiar dizziness.
"Time to head back."
He stopped by the Adventurer Guild on the way to turn in his haul. While waiting, a voice called out.
"If it isn't Ren!"
Estel was sitting in the guild’s eatery, already enjoying a massive meal and a mug of ale. Chronoa was sitting beside her, looking slightly exasperated.
"I didn't know you were in the capital," Ren said.
"Umu! I ran into Chronoa on my way back from work and dragged her along."
"I was just finishing up with Viscount Clausel," Chronoa explained. "Then Estel caught me on the street."
"Want something to eat, Ren? My treat."
"I won't say no to that."
Ren sat with them. Chronoa was in her usual elegant attire, while Estel looked striking in a simple shirt and trousers, her coat draped over her chair.
"So, Ren, what brings you out so early on a holiday?" Estel asked.
"Just some training in the forest. I’m trying to figure out how to reach Sword Saint."
Estel took a large gulp of her drink and bit into a steak with an air of refined ferocity. "Struggle, young one. That is the only way."
Chronoa smiled. "Estel, why don't you tell him about when you reached that rank? It might help."
"Sensible advice from an educator," Estel teased. "I became a Sword Saint when I was still a junior officer. I was on a mission and nearly died. I fought with everything I had to make sure my subordinates made it home alive."
She continued. "That death-defying focus opened the door for me. I needed that life-or-death crisis to awaken my true potential. My thirst for life triggered something deep inside."
She looked at Ren. "But you’ve already been in life-or-death situations. Maybe you need a different trigger. You’re already stronger than I was back then. Keep training, and try everything you can."
"Whoa! Estel actually said something helpful!" Chronoa laughed.
Ren enjoyed the conversation, noting how well the two got along. Estel drank enough to floor several men, yet she seemed perfectly sober when it was time to leave.
"I should stop here. My husband scolds me if I drink too much," Estel said.
Ren looked at Chronoa, who simply shook her head. "Don't ask, Ren. Just don't ask."
Lithia, having bathed to wake herself up, was looking for Ren. She hadn't seen him all morning. She had hoped to greet him after tidying herself up, but even now, he was nowhere to be found.
"Yuno, do you know where Ren is?"
"He left before dawn, Lithia-sama. Something about fruit that can only be harvested at that hour."
"Fruit?" Lithia tilted her head.
Just then, the front door opened. Ren walked in, carrying a hemp bag with bright red fruit peeking out.
"Ah, Lithia-sama."
Lithia ran over to him, her hair still slightly damp. "Welcome back! Where were you?"
"The forest outside the city. I remembered this was in season and really wanted some, so I went out early."
He showed her the bag.
"Morning Glow Fruit?"
"Yeah. It only stays red for a few minutes at dawn. I figured it would be a nice treat for everyone."
Lithia smiled warmly. Yuno had already slipped away to get back to work, leaving the two of them alone.
"You must be tired," she said.
"Not too bad. I took Io. I had to fight a few monsters, but nothing serious."
"Fufu. Well, go take a bath and relax."
As Ren headed for the kitchen, Lithia watched him go. If he fought monsters, he must have used that mysterious power...
She remembered seeing it during their escape from the cultists. It wasn't just curiosity about the power itself; it was because it was Ren's power that she found it so fascinating.
"I wonder what it really is," she whispered to herself, looking out at the morning sun.