It was a night of cutting winds.
Even the moonlight was obscured, and complete darkness had settled over the village. Yet two people remained unable to sleep.
As though they had arranged to meet, they encountered each other upon the wooden porch covered in a thick layer of snow.
“It is late. You must be considerably exhausted, so what are you doing here, Joshua?”
“Worry will not allow me to sleep, Instructor Sezelin.”
“…You sensed it as well.”
“Yes. This village is dangerous. We do not know when the Arachne might attack, and the Village Chief appears to be hiding something.”
“That is a matter for your Instructor to watch over. You should rest in preparation for tomorrow.”
“It is not that I distrust you, Instructor. However, I cannot sleep easily when my comrades may be in danger.”
Sezelin smiled bitterly and released a sigh. Her white breath spread through the air like cigarette smoke.
Upon that pure white canvas, she instinctively pictured Light’s face.
“Every swordsman truly is impossibly stubborn. If you cannot complete tomorrow’s schedule, I will punish you severely.”
“Thank you, Instructor. I will gladly accept any punishment.”
The two sat beside one another and remained vigilant, listening for even the faintest sound.
An unknown amount of time passed in silence.
Sezelin eventually spoke as though murmuring to herself.
“Joshua, why did you choose the sword? Since you possess the Sacred Eye, becoming an Archmage would not have been beyond your reach if you had chosen a Staff.”
The boy hesitated before answering.
Joshua’s previous life had belonged to the age of the sword.
Magic had existed, of course, but he had been born as the eldest son of a prestigious house of swordsmanship. He had grown up in an environment where taking up the sword was inevitable.
However, he had chosen the sword once again in this life.
At first, it had merely been because the sword was familiar to him.
Now, however, he was gradually discovering a new purpose.
“I want to restore the true essence of Galahad—and of knighthood.”
“What an interesting thing to say. Are you suggesting that Mages such as myself are not knights?”
Joshua lightly shook his head.
“Anyone who shows mercy to the unfortunate, judges the wicked, stands against death and cold, and dreams of reaching Valhalla is a knight.”
“That was true a hundred years ago. Those values have faded now.”
“They are values that must never be abandoned if knights are to remain knights. If I can walk this arduous road with the faded sword, I believe that people will begin dreaming of those ideals once more.”
Sezelin listened attentively before placing both hands upon the boy’s shoulders.
“…When I look at you, I am reminded of Joshua from the old tales. I sincerely hope that the world does not break you and that you achieve what you desire. I hope Galahad rises again because of you. And when it does… change this adult who has been worn down by the world.”
Joshua could not know what kind of life she had endured.
However, he could see that Sezelin the knight had once been righteous and pure.
“I will remember your words.”
“I look forward to seeing the world you will create.”
At some point, the wind that had mercilessly stabbed at them subsided.
The clouds parted, and moonlight descended upon the porch.
Their sincere conversation, which had allowed them to see each other’s true selves, ended when footsteps suddenly rang through the night.
“Where are you going at this hour, Village Chief?”
Sezelin asked somewhat sharply.
“Wh-What are the two of you doing awake?”
“We were standing Night Watch in preparation for an attack by the Arachne.”
The old man stroked his white beard and calmed his startled heart.
“If the creature attacks, the village guards will inform us. Do not worry and get some sleep. It would be terrible if your lack of rest affected tomorrow’s subjugation.”
“We are strong knights. Going without sleep for a single night will not cause us any difficulty.”
“E-Even so, there is no harm in resting, is there?”
“We will judge the condition of our own bodies.”
Sezelin cut him off firmly.
“My apologies if I was interfering unnecessarily.”
The restless old man sighed and headed toward the privy.
After he disappeared, Joshua spoke.
“Suspecting others appears to be an exhausting burden. Judging only by his actions so far, the Village Chief seems closer to a good man.”
“I live while assuming that anyone could be an enemy. Eventually, people cease to appear human. Emotions spent upon things no different from stones beside the road do not hurt nearly as much.”
Of course, I hope you never become like me.
Sezelin added those words as she finished speaking.
Her eyes were infinitely empty, reflecting the snow piled across the courtyard.
The sight caused Joshua’s heart to ache.
For a moment, only their unsteady breathing disturbed the silence.
“…I apologize for revealing your origins without permission and insulting you before.”
“Are you referring to the survival examination? I do not hold past events within my heart. Nevertheless, I gratefully accept your apology.”
“Hah. You truly sound like an adult.”
Sezelin laughed softly.
A little more time passed before the rooster announced the dawn.
The sun rose over the peak of the snowy mountain at the edge of the horizon.
“…What? You did not sleep, Joshua?”
“You are awake, Galev. Good morning.”
The Squires began emerging from their bedding one after another to greet the new day.
“…I enjoyed tonight. Truly.”
Sezelin smiled at Joshua for the first time.
Then she swiftly dried away her emotions and returned to the rigid demeanor of an Instructor.
“Everyone, have your bodies recovered sufficiently?”
“Yes, Instructor!”
“Good. We will now follow the guard to the Arachne’s Nest. There may be traps along the path, so watch your steps carefully.”
Joshua drew his sword and recalled the monster’s characteristics.
The enemy wielded invisible webs that could not be seen with the naked eye.
Therefore, they had to check the ground with their weapons as they advanced.
“Are you going to find my father?”
Just as they were leaving the Village Chief’s house, the girl searching for her father appeared while rubbing her sleepy eyes.
Joshua lowered himself to meet her gaze and nodded.
“Yes. Do not worry. Wait here for us.”
“…Be careful, Brother. And thank you.”
The girl clasped Joshua’s hand and tightly closed her eyes in prayer.
She prayed that the boy who had first extended his hand toward her would return safely with her father.
After parting from the girl, Sezelin and the Squires followed the mountain path.
When they reached the middle of the rugged mountain connected to the Anton Mountain Range, the guard stopped.
His expression had been tense ever since their departure.
“J-Just a little farther ahead is the cave. I believe… I have guided you far enough.”
“Yes. Please return to the village.”
Sezelin answered while chanting the Second-Circle Fire Element spell, ‘Hellfire Arrow’.
Hannibal carefully observed her.
In the boy’s eyes, her skill was worthy of spontaneous applause.
WHIZZ―
Dozens of attacks shot forward simultaneously.
The arrows illuminated the cave as they flew before embedding themselves in the wall at the end of the passage.
“T-Treasure!”
“Be careful, Galev. The Arachne placed it there to lure humans.”
Joshua recalled the monster’s characteristics, which he had written in his notebook.
“Correct, Joshua. The surrounding area will be filled with webs, so we shall burn them all.”
“I will help you, Instructor.”
“Hannibal? Very well. Use an Area-of-Effect Spell and target the ground.”
The boy confidently stepped forward and chanted the First-Circle Fire Element spell, ‘Fireball’.
It was magic that contained the results of Hannibal’s blood, sweat, and tears.
‘There is not a Mage my age at the Academy who can control twenty fireballs.’
He manipulated the flow of mana with practiced movements.
Dozens of fireballs struck the ground in sequence.
SIZZLE―
The cunningly concealed webs were completely incinerated.
“Excellent, Hannibal.”
“Th-Thank you.”
The boy rejoiced like a child at Sezelin’s praise.
It felt as though all his suffering had finally been rewarded.
“Then we will advance to where the fire arrows landed. The Arachne could appear at any moment, so remain alert.”
“Yes, Instructor!”
Their resounding response echoed through the cave.
They planned to retrieve the treasure on their way back.
They repeatedly examined the interior, cleared the path, and moved forward.
The cave was far longer than expected.
“The path divides in two.”
Sezelin inspected both passages with her magic, but neither end was visible.
“It appears that the male is in one passage and the female in the other.”
“I agree, Joshua. If we force our way through only one passage, we will undoubtedly be surrounded. It seems we must separate. I will take the left passage alone. Joshua, you will lead the Squires through the right.”
“Understood.”
The boy tightened his grip upon his sword and stepped in front of his comrades.
“…I cannot believe I have to follow the orders of a sword-wielder.”
Hannibal muttered loudly enough for everyone to hear, though he did not resist as fiercely as before.
“I am counting on you. Your assistance is essential if we are to hunt the Arachne.”
“As expected, none of you can accomplish anything without someone as magnificent as me. Since you are pleading so desperately, I will graciously lend you my strength.”
Hannibal’s shoulders rose proudly.
“Thank you. Everyone else, protect Hannibal while following the Arachne’s trail.”
Joshua stood at the vanguard with his sword raised and sharpened his senses.
At that moment, his keen perception detected a faint vibration.
“…It is coming! From the ceiling! There is a risk of collapse, so be careful with your attacks!”
The Arachne appeared like a bolt of lightning.
It indiscriminately sprayed deadly poison and webs.
“Leave it to me!”
Hannibal’s magic erupted at the perfect moment.
The flames spread across a wide area like a Barrier and blocked every one of the enemy’s attacks.
Spells with carefully limited power shot through the opening.
BOOM―!
The Arachne and chunks of stone crashed to the ground with a deafening roar.
The two swordsmen, who had been waiting for their opportunity, charged without restraint.
SCREEECH―
The Arachne sprayed poison again to prevent them from approaching.
However, the two had trained to fight against Mages and did not retreat.
‘Send mana from the Core within the Energy Center throughout the entire body. Then release it outside the body and shape it like armor.’
It was known as the Snow Mountain Form.
It was the first Galahad-Style Defensive Art they had practiced after entering the Expert realm.
The result was successful.
The deadly poison, capable of melting plate armor, disappeared together with their mana.
They had overcome the enemy’s attack.
Now it was time for their swords to shine.
Blue light born from conviction surrounded their blades.
SLASH―!
Using the full momentum of their charge, they severed the creature’s legs.
The wounded monster released a roar and fled deeper into the cave.
It left countless webs behind as it escaped.
Even for swordsmen, keeping pace with the Arachne under those conditions was difficult.
Joshua and Galev abandoned the reckless pursuit and rejoined their comrades.
“Hannibal, I leave it to you.”
“You are making me work because you failed to catch it.”
Despite his complaints, the boy chanted Fire Magic.
Thanks to him, they were about to advance through the newly opened path when—
“W-Wait! The way back has been blocked!”
Freya, who had been waiting at the rear to evacuate any wounded, shouted.
Powder made from crushed poisonous herbs blew toward them on a cold wind.
“Cover your noses immediately!”
Joshua held his breath and swiftly assessed the situation.
‘Did the cave collapse? No. Since poisonous fumes were released, this must be the work of a human.’
The Village Chief, who had continued behaving suspiciously, surfaced in his mind.
However, they had no time to search for the culprit.
“Herb Girl! Can you move all of us outside the cave?”
“I will suffer Mana Exhaustion, but I can do it! Everyone, link arms with me!”
They did not know who was targeting them or why.
However, Teleportation Magic was undoubtedly beyond the enemy’s expectations.
Before long, blue light flashed, and they once again breathed fresh air.
Their relief lasted only a moment.
The enraged Squires immediately began searching for the traitor.
“Who did this? If I find them, I will roast them alive!”
“…Was it the Village Chief? Or perhaps the villagers?”
“It could have been both, Heria.”
Joshua answered while tending to Freya, who had collapsed from Mana Exhaustion.
However, Galev looked around before shouting anxiously.
“…But where is the Instructor?”