NOVEL NEXT Chapter 56
Chapter 56: Adventurers, Be Amazed
I witnessed a completely unbelievable battle……
The confrontation that took place in this secluded vacant lot was so shockingly impressive that it would never be forgotten, not even until death. Witnessing an exchange of masterful techniques far surpassing my imagination, I stood there dumbfounded, yet my body grew feverish, as if I’d just exercised.
Despite concentrating as hard as I could, I couldn’t help but feel certain that even with all my efforts, a swordsman of my caliber wouldn’t understand more than a fraction of what transpired—leaving me with a frustrating mix of helplessness and a yearning admiration that welled up in my chest.
But right now, there’s something else—something more important……
“Of course, it’s true……”
Franz was watching a tall knight conversing warmly with Cross, his eyes filled with admiration. I hadn’t noticed it earlier during our introductions, but after seeing his fluid spear techniques, it suddenly clicked. This was the famous knight celebrated as the strongest in the kingdom, whose solitary prowess had turned the tides in the great war against the Orcus Empire eighteen years ago.
The legendary hero, Raoul Velastelos.
Famous even without mention, Raoul had reportedly rejected invitations to join the royal direct-retainer knight corps, preferring to remain as the steadfast guardian of the west. In those days, his prowess in bodily enhancement was unmatched across the continent, and his enemies feared him as the “Spear Knight of the Pharas Kingdom.”
Though it was just a legend dating back to when I was only five or six years old, his name is meticulously documented in the kingdom’s war records housed in the Guild archives.
After the war, rumors spread wildly about his supposed death, concealed to prevent rumors of the kingdom’s weakening from reaching other nations. Yet, unmistakably, the true hero stood before me. The surreal nature of the situation made me wonder if pinching my cheeks might snap me back to reality.
“Franz. Could it be…?”
Judging by the similar expression on his face, it seemed Barth had also come to the same realization.
“Yeah, I just noticed too. That man…he’s ‘Spear’.”
“If so, the armor Cross damaged must have been… the one made entirely of mithril and personally bestowed by His Majesty…”
“Still, isn’t it more likely it’s someone else?”
Lord Raoul hadn’t used any magic, and hadn’t Lord Renald mentioned something about a loss of magical power?
“No, it must be a case of mistaken identity. That’s definitely it.”
…
After exchanging heartfelt farewells with Renald and the others, the base grew quiet, leaving only our cheerful lizardman companion behind. His beloved horse, which had been galloping madly around the estate’s iron fence, was finally tied to a tree, and we sat opposite each other in the parlor’s sofas.
“I’m going to the bath…”
“Idiot, take care of the bleeding first!”
Barth intercepted Cross, who was attempting to rise casually, and pressed a cloth against his shoulder. Though the wound didn’t seem too grave, he must have thought it unwise to leave the young noble to himself after their very first meeting.
“So, Lord Tyumen…”
“Oi-oi, no ‘Lord’ business! You’re making my scales bristle! Among adventurers, it’s fine to go by our given names!”
“You know… I kinda thought nobles were supposed to be, like, more intimidating…”
“Agreed. Sure, Cross here might be an exception, but until now, I’ve never had the chance to speak directly with any nobles, and Lords Renald and Raoul were surprisingly approachable.”
Perhaps it’s due to the preconceived notions from grand speeches by our Lords or the impressive flag-bearing processions led by the knight corps.
“Country nobles aren’t that different from commoners, you know. My old man and I go out fishing and sailing; we work on the water. Hardly anyone in Navar treats me like a noble!”
“So, Tyumen. Cross mentioned he wants to live here. Can you fill us in on what’s going on?”
“I’ve never once left Navar. With the Island Turtles now preventing us from even doing our tax collector jobs, I wanted to move to Angila for a while. Since I’ve earned a little as an adventurer, I can certainly pay the rent as well. So, please—let me join you for a bit?”
His sincere expression and the deep respect in his bowed head made it seem as though there were far more similarities than differences between Tyumen and the rest of us.
“Very well. We’ll welcome Tyumen as a temporary member of the Wild Guardians. Given you’ve earned Cross’ trust, it must mean you’re reliable. The second-floor storage room will be yours, so feel free to make use of it.”
“YES!! Thanks a lot!”
With joy, Tyumen slammed his tail on the floor, startling Pamela, who chuckled nervously.
“Still, Island Turtles, huh… things must be tough in Navar.”
Island Turtles are known among S-rank monsters as relatively docile creatures. As long as you don’t provoke them, they don’t pose much harm. However, their backs are rumoured to contain rare minerals and plants, and there are tales of how an entire country was once wiped out by a ruler seeking instant wealth who sent his army after one.
Thus, almost every country has established laws strictly prohibiting attacks against these creatures.
“I’ve heard stories but never seen one. Have you ever, Cross?”
“Yeah, Mauri called it an island so massive that ten thousand people could comfortably sit on it.”
“What about you, Franz?”
“Three thousand people, maybe.”
“Oi, you’re saying I’m a third of Franz’s size now? What’s that supposed to mean, you lizard bastard?”
“Maurin isn’t usually this small, though, is he?”
“What’s that supposed to mean? Spit it out, lizard bastard!”
Mauri fixed Tyumen with a glare at his pitying expression.
They’re such an interesting pair. Despite Tyumen being a relatively large lizardman and Mauri being a surprisingly small travel dwarf, the stark size difference makes them look like an adult and a child.
“Ah, right. We’re planning our second dungeon exploration soon. What kind of combat style do you use, Tyumen?”
“I’m a heavy warrior. My magic affinity is water, but the only spell I can really cast is ‘Creation of Water.'”
“At least we can get drinking water, that’s a relief. Last time, we struggled because there weren’t many water sources.”
Too bad I just bought a big water bottle from Toto’s shop yesterday; I’ll have to return it now.
“How’s your preparation for the expedition going?”
“It’s pretty much done, though we’re still missing a waterproof tent and—”
“Restorative potions. Toto’s store is out of stock, and Elio’s is busy producing more. Buying from Garland will be expensive, so it’d be better to get them ready in the provincial capital.”
“Alright. Let’s finalize everything tomorrow and set out the morning after.”
Franz’s plan was met with nods of agreement from the group.
—
Thank you so much for reading my work as always.
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P.S.
After reading other authors’ works, I’ve noticed that my chapters tend to have an excessive word count per episode (5,000-7,000 words). Hence, I tried my best to keep it short this time.
Personally, I hadn’t been bothered by it much, but would chapters around 1,000-2,000 words be more casual to read for everyone?
Since I’m still in the beginning stages of this process, I would greatly appreciate any feedback.
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