Chapter 3

I was running straight down the road.

Faster than a horse, I dashed straight ahead like an arrow.

With inhuman speed, and despite having run for more than thirty minutes, I was hardly out of breath.

Not only my speed but also my endurance had been greatly enhanced as my level increased.

Actually, how strong am I now?

I'm sure I far surpass the average human.

Even those who have received combat training like the imperial soldiers are no match for me.

Then, how about a more powerful – a top-class swordsman?

What about a hero renowned throughout the world?

– I killed all 157 imperial soldiers in my village.

Upon victory, I apparently gained 10 experience points per person.

In case of defeat, I would have lost 3 experience points per person.

The total experience points I gained were 1,606,000.

My level has risen to 44, and I need 15,500 more experience points to reach the next level.

However, I have no idea about the levels of others.

If I knew that, I could estimate my strength to some extent – but I don't.

When I arrived at the neighboring town, fires were breaking out everywhere.

This was the town I visited yesterday to buy a wedding gift for Mel.

Has it also been ravaged by the empire, like my village?

I recalled the dead bodies of the villagers, the scorched fields, and the tragic sight of my niece.

My heart ached.

"Damn it."

I entered the town, muttering under my breath.

"Who are you!"

A sharp voice called out from ahead.

Several figures appeared.

"Imperial soldiers –"

...but they weren't.

The one in front was a female knight on horseback.

A dignified beauty with long, golden hair tied up high.

She was wearing a dazzling silver armor and a red cloak.

She looked to be in her mid-twenties.

"Hmm, are you a local?"

The female knight looked at me and asked.

I slightly averted my gaze from her direct eyes.

I was intimidated by her youth and beauty.

"...No, I'm from the neighboring village. I'm worried about other towns."

I regained my composure and answered.

"We are the Second Squadron of the Miransia Kingdom's Holy Dragon Knights. We came to this town because the imperial army's invasion began."

The female knight explained.

The Holy Dragon Knights are supposed to be the strongest unit among the kingdom's regular knight units.

"...Unfortunately, by the time we arrived, the town had already been wiped out. The imperial soldiers seem to have moved on to another location."

...Perhaps the imperial soldiers who destroyed this town came to my village next.

"You are knights of the kingdom, then..."

I took a step forward.

"I want to fight the empire too. Can you let me join the army as a soldier?"

"A volunteer?"

The female knight looked at me.

"You seem to be a farmer... Do you have any combat experience?"

I wanted to say that I had wiped out the imperial soldiers who attacked my village, but they probably wouldn't believe me.

"None. I mainly make a living through farming."

She murmured.

"Alright. Based on the captain's judgment, I will add you to our squadron. To be honest, we are short-handed due to the sudden outbreak of war. We need as many soldiers as possible."

She said.

"I am Liza Forest, the captain of the Second Squadron. Nice to meet you."

Such a young female knight as the captain.

She must be quite exceptional.

"My name is Marius Farma."

I introduced myself.

"Then, Marius. Let's have a light sparring match to see how well you can fight."

"Sparring...?"

"It's more like a suitability test."

Liza dismounted and drew her sword.

"We can't just take anyone, even if we are short-handed. If you lack the physical ability, I'm afraid we can't let you join us."

"Then, go ahead and test me thoroughly."

I braced myself.

Then,

"There's no need for Captain Liza to be your opponent. Leave it to me."

A young knight, who looked to be in his teens, stepped forward.

A beautiful boy with a youthful face and a bright smile.

"Tack?"

"May I test him, if you don't mind?"

"Alright, I'll leave it to you."

She turned back to me.

"He is Tack. He is one of the top five in the squadron. I want you to have a sparring match with him."

"A regular knight as my opponent."

The soldiers I fought in the village were just low-ranking soldiers.

It would be good to see how my strength holds up against a regular knight.

"Then, let's have the sparring match."

Tack bowed politely.

He didn't look down on me just because I was a civilian.

He seemed genuinely interested in testing my skills.

"Nice to meet you."

I returned the bow and readied the borrowed sword.

"...You're a civilian, aren't you?"

I heard Liza mutter.

"But why – I can't see any openings. And there's an abnormal amount of pressure..."

Her voice carried a hint of fear.

"Here I come!"

On the other hand, Tack shouted and charged at me.

He didn't seem to be afraid or cautious.

"Weapon Skill – [Four-Strike]!"

Tack unleashed his sword with the speed of lightning.

It was a super-fast series of four consecutive thrusts, almost as if the sword tip had split into four.

Weapon Skill – it seemed to be a skill related to weapon use.

I dodged all of them by reflex.

It was a movement based on physical ability, not swordsmanship.

"What...!?"

I quickly closed the distance to the stunned Tack.

"Opening found."

I lightly punched him.

Using a sword might have killed him.

Even the light punch I threw had dented Tack's chest armor significantly.

"Ugh...!"

The beautiful young knight fell to the ground, writhing in pain.

The match was over in one hit.

...Well, I held back, so he won't die.

"To defeat Tack so easily –"

Liza looked at me, stunned.

"Ugh..."

Tack weakly got up.

"Hey, are you okay?"

I ran to his side.

"You're amazing... Mr. Marius."

Despite his pain, Tack looked at me and smiled.

"I thought you were a civilian, but I was wrong. Your movements – you must be a formidable warrior. I've never seen anyone so strong! You might even be at the captain level or higher! Amazing! I respect you!"

He looked at me with admiration and sparkling eyes.

"O-oh..."

I was at a loss for words, flattered so directly.

['Victory in battle against 1 kingdom knight, gained 20 experience points']

['Skill effect: Gained 20,000 experience points']

['Total experience points: 1,606,000 → 1,626,000']

['Caster's level: 44 → 45']

['Experience points needed for next level: 103,600 remaining']

['Reached specified level, obtained Defense Skill. Please check details in a separate window']

Messages appeared in the air again.

"Huh, Defense Skill?"