Chapter 63

It's been a while, everyone.

I stopped updating due to significant revisions for the book publication and changes in future policies.

I plan to resume updates here as well.

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In a training ground as large as a school playground, I held a practice sword and was surrounded by over ten soldiers.

"If you're going to take my grandson, you'll have to show me what you're made of."

One of them, Gaurus, Al's grandfather, carried a practice sword as tall as himself and grinned. Gaurus was the former commander of the Royal Guard, the father of Al's father, Garrett, and came from the Milda family, known for generations as one of the most martial families in the Rennet Empire, as Al had told me during our journey.

...Well, what should I do? It's probably easy to defeat them. To be honest, I think I could even beat all of them with just Al.

Even though they should know that we captured the commander...

I could also pretend to lose, but the three of them would see through it immediately, and I can't afford to let my guard down.

I lightly swung my sword to check the feel and took a stance facing the soldiers.

"Looks like you're ready. Then, let's begin!"

The soldiers spread out, forming a circle around me, and five of them raised their swords and charged at me.

...I'll attack rather than defend.

I enveloped myself in magic, reinforcing my entire body, and charged forward. I swung my practice sword, breaking two of their swords and kicking them away. I then lunged into the surprised soldiers, punching them in the stomach.

I'm holding back so as not to rupture their internal organs.

Even so, the surrounding soldiers were shocked by my movements.

"That's enough!"

Although I had only defeated four, Gaurus called out from behind me.

I lowered my practice sword and exhaled.

"With such a disparity in strength, the outcome wouldn't change even if we continued to the end. I wouldn't want to injure the soldiers at a crucial moment."

I can use healing magic, so as long as they're not dead, it shouldn't be a problem...

The soldiers, now relaxed, sat down.

"From here on, it's just me and you."

Gaurus stepped forward alone.

Despite his age, he exuded a strength that set him apart from the other soldiers.

He carried a large sword.

Even though it's a practice sword with a blunted edge, a direct hit could cause a fracture.

I tightened my expression and readied my sword.

"Then, let's go!"

He charged at me with great momentum, but even though he was stronger than the other soldiers, he was still slower than Al.

I easily parried his sword, deflected it, and quickly circled behind him, placing my sword against his neck.

"That's the end, isn't it..."

Gaurus's body trembled, and then he suddenly burst into laughter.

"Ha ha ha! That's it! You're that strong, Toya! No wonder my grandson is smitten with you!"

The match was over in an instant.

I'm glad he has a straightforward personality. It would be troublesome if he got angry and injured himself at a time like this.

"Alright, let's continue the conversation."

Saying this, Gaurus returned to the mansion, looking pleased. The soldiers resumed their training, and we followed Gaurus.

---

"Still, to be this strong... Capturing the empire's commander with that many people is no small feat. And for the three of them to be drawn to you... I didn't expect even the Sage to be smitten."

I couldn't help but smile wryly at Gaurus's laughter.

The mock battle was over, and we returned to the parlor where we had been earlier.

"By the way, Grandfather, ...what's the situation in the capital...?"

Al's words made Gaurus's previously cheerful expression turn dark.

"The capital has completely fallen. Those who managed to escape have fled to here and the Elven Autonomous Region. Those who remained, the humans are living as residents, and the beastmen and elves are being reduced to slavery. The royal family is said to be imprisoned in the underground dungeon. However, we have no information at all right now."

Indeed, the Kingdom of Generate is human supremacist. The slaves captured in the Rennet Empire will likely be transported to the Kingdom of Generate after the capital is pacified. We need to retake the capital soon...

"So... what do you plan to do...?"

At my words, Gaurus frowned and clenched his fists.

"...Nothing has been decided yet. We're already stretched thin here. Thanks to you and your companions for repelling the enemy..."

Honestly, I want to know the situation in the capital, but the troops here are mostly beastmen and refugees from the capital.

There are few who can infiltrate the capital.

...There's no other way...

"I will... I will infiltrate the capital."

"What!?"

"Toya!?"

Everyone was surprised by my words.

"The defense here should be fine with the three of us. Besides, I'm an adventurer from the Salandiel Kingdom, and as a human, I should be able to enter without any problems."

We have already captured the commander. The hero has returned to the Kingdom of Generate, and the three of us are already at a level that surpasses ordinary soldiers. If I take them with me, Shal is well-known, and Al and Natalie are a beastman and an elf. They would be captured for sure if they went together. But I should be fine.

"But... even if you're strong, you're still just one person..."

"I'll be fine. As long as the hero isn't there..."

I don't know how strong the hero is, but I shouldn't lose so easily...

Our gazes met, and silence ensued.

"...Alright. Since the Sage and Al have recognized you, I will too. Toya, I'm counting on you."

With that, Gaurus bowed to me.

"Take this. It should be useful at some point."

Gaurus placed a short sword adorned with gems on the table. The hilt was emblazoned with a crest, clearly a high-quality item.

"What is this...?"

As I looked at the short sword, Gaurus began to explain.

"This was given to me by the royal family when I passed the command of the knights to my son. Any imperial citizen should recognize this crest. It should help you, Toya."

Such an important item... I can't accept it...

"It's fine. The fact that I need to rely on you is also a reality. Please take it."

Gaurus nodded, looking straight at me.

"Understood. I will take it."

I took the short sword and resolved to help this empire.

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The book will be published on September 25th with significant changes.

It might be available in stores around the 21st in the capital area.

Thank you for your support.