Chapter 115. Anticipation is the root of a gift (4)
Autumn has arrived in full force in Sephira.
The leaves turned yellow, and the trees along the road spread out like colorful carpets.
The clothes of the workers arranging the fallen leaves are thick. The tip of his nose was as red as a cherry, and his breath came out with every breath he exhaled.
Tick-tock-tock-tok-tok-tok-tok-tok-tok-tok, now you can hear the sound of preparing firewood for the cooler night. The sweet smell of pumpkin soup wafts through the cool air.
“Whoop, whoop.”
Soldiers cantering from early morning gasped for breath. At the head of them was a knight.
It was two weeks ago that the morning canter was included in the training schedule.
When first implemented, soldiers as well as knights complained of tiredness, but now it is said that one cannot start a fresh day without walking in the morning.
There is one must-see attraction in the Kubo course, which goes around the whole family.
The course passes right past the 2nd parade ground. The soldiers were busy looking to the side, not the front. The sound of the iron being chipped and the aura being torn was lodged in my ears.
Papababak! cooong! visor!
In the eyes of the soldiers, only the sight of a human figure opening and closing the distance in an instant, and then exploding the ground.
However, it was clearly visible in the eyes of the knights.
The figure of Anis fighting three diamond mercenaries.
Anise threw away the bow she was using and used a new one. It is an intermediate form between straight bow and archery, and it was a bow that made use of only the strengths of the two bows.
The fight went on for a long time. The 30 arrows in the quiver quickly ran out. However, the transition to close combat as before did not happen.
Zuuu!
Arrows form on Anise’s bow.
The diamond mercenaries were very wary and widened their distance. This is because Anise’s Aura Arrow only had a range of 100 meters.
Anis didn’t just sit there and watch it. This time, on the contrary, Anise shoots arrows while chasing the diamond mercenaries.
The cantering soldiers passed Anise.
But the sights were still there.
There is Tarragon fighting simultaneously with seven Platinum mercenaries. Originally there were ten of them, but three have already been beaten.
Tarragon’s appearance has changed significantly. Originally, archers do not wear armor. This is because mobility is important, and it is not assumed to be fighting close opponents.
However, Tarragon has evolved himself to not shy away from close combat. He wore the armor worn by knights.
Instead, the thickness was made as thin as possible. The intention was to reduce the weight as much as possible, even if the durability was low. In addition, the joint area was left empty so that there was no restriction on movement.
Tarragon’s fighting style was different. Until enemies approach, it is the same until shooting arrows. I reduced the number as much as possible, and when the enemy approached at close range, I held the arrow in reverse with my left hand and used it like a dagger.
puck! hooked!
The bow in the right hand is used like a stick, and the arrow in the left hand is used like a dagger. Instead of using the feet for attacks, focus on footwork.
There are a total of four platinum mercenaries who managed to get close by penetrating the arrows.
Tarragon narrowly dodges effective attacks with his excellent body vision, and blocks grappling attacks with his armor.
On the other hand, Tarragon’s attack, full of aura, was a serious injury to the mercenaries. just as expected. After a while, the four mercenaries rolled on the floor.
After the fight with the ten Platinums, Taragon continued the next fight without a break, but only one diamond mercenary appeared on the stage.
Tarragon put the bow in the bow case on his back and approached the mercenary Dia.
Then the battle begins.
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Tarragon started attacking each other with his bare hands and the Diamond mercenary with his sword.
“Do what you want to do.”
Kether’s words, Tarragon faithfully carried them out.
I didn’t insist on fighting multiple people. He did not insist on using only archery. Just like now, in order to learn how to deal with opponents who use swords with their bare hands, they fought one-on-one.
Anise and tarragon were growing exceptionally day by day. Mercenaries who actively cooperate with all those bases and generously share their know-how. And there was Keter’s medicine, which instantly healed any injury.
Bondi, no matter how well-financed aristocrats do, these training methods are not attempted. This is because no matter how excellent a medical doctor is, the mental strength of the person receiving treatment cannot withstand it.
Even if the wounds of the body are healed, the mind festers. tired and exhausted
Anise and tarragon are no different. they are people too mentally tough
However, Kether gave both of them a clear purpose and reason. Winner of the Southern Sword Tournament. Sephira’s fate in case of failure.
If these were sticks, so were carrots. Key advice and elixirs that are thrown around when you are discouraged.
The mental strength of the two was quenched. It was beaten hundreds of times, cooled, and smelted into steel.
“How is it, is it usable?”
Keter asked Burgundy, and he nodded.
“It is a great development. How can you grow like this in just 2 weeks? His senses and skills have risen by leaps and bounds. Even Aura.”
“I spent some money.”
“I envy you.”
“The Southern Sword Tournament. How many do you think you can do?”
Burgundy rolled her eyes and smiled.
“Are you trying to get information naturally?”
“Didn’t I show you a lot too? Isn’t that top-notch information? Sephirah’s madman Kether. It turned out that he was a very talented man!”
“I’m most curious about why you bring yourself into a crisis. Some people do not hesitate to commit murder to hide their skills and skills.”
“Do you know why you hide it? It’s because you want peace. it’s because i’m afraid Because I don’t want to fight.”
“Are you against it?”
“Should I say that with my mouth? Please, I hope some strong enemies will appear.”
“If you want to fight such a strong enemy, go to the Adeus Kingdom. It is a place where the strong enemies you want are widely spread.”
“Don’t go looking for me. I wish you would come No matter how strong I become, there is no meaning.”
“… You say something meaningful at random.”
“Stop talking nonsense and give me information. Unless you want to be my enemy.”
It’s not just a mercenary, it threatens the vice-chief.
No, it was not a threat as Burgundy felt.
it’s confirmation Are you my enemy or not? If it’s an enemy, I’ll fight it, otherwise I’ll give it to you to live. It was an intuitive question.
There was nothing to worry about. Burgundy had no desire to become enemies with Keter.
“Top 30. Any more than that will be difficult.”
“It’s pretty tight. Not even in the top 20?”
“It’s not harsh. The number is calculated assuming the best case. The southern sword is not simply a title given to the strong. You have to do well in all three battlegrounds. As an example, I will give an example of the 8th southern sword tournament that took place 12 years ago.”
Burgundy recalled what had happened at the 8th Southern Sword Competition.
“The 8th southern sword is Zerpi Ruban. At the time, he was a 4-star knight. But do you know? At that time, there were also 5-star masters among the participants. If really strong is everything, why couldn’t the Master become the Southern Sword? That’s because he was special. From the preliminary match, Death Match, I was intensively checked by all the participants. In the team tournament, he ignored the team and fought alone, annihilating the team. Even in the individual tournament, I placed 3rd instead of 1st. Zerpy took 2nd, 3rd, and 2nd place in each section and became the winner.”
The more special and conspicuous they are, the more focused they are in check. And among swordsmen, archers are bound to stand out especially.
Even Sephira is a politically isolated family. What Burgundy is trying to say is that in the end, no matter how strong you are, if you are isolated, even the Master can’t help it.
“No matter how hard Anise and Tarragon are, they are 3-star knights. Even if he made up for his lack of aura with skill and shot an arrow that could work even for a 4-star knight, it would only be done once. Even if you somehow survive deathmatches and team tournaments, it won’t work in individual tournaments. In the previous match, all capabilities will be exposed. I think it will be too much to fight against a 3-star knight who is alert.”
There is no exaggeration, and it is not subjective. At the words of Burgundy, who told the truth objectively, Keter stroked her chin.
“So what about me? How old do I look?”
“you… … .”
“I’m thinking about this.”
“Sheesh, let me give you top-secret information. Three masters participate in this tournament. It is the second highest number in the history of the tournament.”
“Master three. There are three of them and I am one, so I won’t be able to win first place?”
“I am not saying that we are at a numerical disadvantage. they… He may be stronger than you.”
“Hoo? All three?”
“Not all three. But I think the two will definitely surpass you. Because of that, I predict you will be in fifth place.”
Burgundy glanced at Keter’s expression.
Should I get angry, put on a troubled expression, or try to remain expressionless in order to appear calm?
All wrong.
Keter was laughing.
Like a child who received a present, with a bright smile.
“Good? I was worried that it would be boring, but thanks to that, I got a little more anticipation. thank you.”
“… Aren’t you asking where and who? Knowing in advance would be of great help.”
“It’s no fun if you know in advance. That’s what gifts are supposed to be. The anticipation that arises when you don’t know what you’re going to receive is the basis of a gift. Rather than the momentary joy of receiving a present, the anticipation of what will happen keeps you awake at night.”
“You’re crazy.”
“I know. I am the madman of this family.”
“I was told not to tell you, so this is the first time I’ve ever wanted to tell you more.”
“no. Do not say.”
“I will tell you just one person. don’t stare Get your fists down too. The anticipation of the gift you speak of will not disappear. What I am telling you is just the outer packaging.”
“who?”
“One of the seven dragons, Geomryong, is participating.”
Whoo!
Keter threw a fist. Burgundy avoided it by a hand.
“Why? If you’re a fighting maniac, isn’t this information you’d expect?”
“Seven dragons, those guys are lame. Rather, the anticipation has cooled.”
“… I think I misunderstood something, but the sword dragon is one of the three masters. 5 stars, Master.”
“I lost my excitement because of you, so take responsibility.”
Keter summoned Amaranth.
Burgundy sighed and drew his sword.
* * *
“It was the fastest month in my mercenary life. Am I the only one who regrets it?”
A diamond mercenary trembled. Perhaps it was the same with the other mercenaries, the disappointment was obvious.
“Is it okay for someone to help me without pay?”
At Keter’s words, the mercenaries shouted at Anise and Tarragon.
“It was fun for a month. If the opportunity arises, I’ll see you at the Southern Sword Tournament.”
“It’s not something I would say as a prosecutor, but I told you all about the prosecutor’s weaknesses. Shouldn’t you be easily defeated by the knights?”
“Good luck!”
The mercenaries leave leaving a farewell message.
Anis and Tarragon originally had bad feelings towards mercenaries, but now they have completely changed their minds. It means that there are not only bad mercenaries in this world.
“Are you? Will you serve for free?”
Burgundy shrugged, took a business card out of her bosom, and held it out politely with both hands.
“Princess Keter. We would like to officially invite you to the Lilian Kingdom Mercenary Regional Headquarters. Please accept it.”
Keter reached out and took the business card. Then he held out the fixer’s business card between his fingers.
“Take it.”
“thank you. Then, good luck.”
Burgundy, who took Keter’s business card, also left. Only 82 people were missing in Sephira, where thousands of people stayed, but the feeling of emptiness was greatly felt.
Tarragon and Anis, who had a crush on the mercenaries, had no time to feel empty. As soon as the mercenaries went, a knight came looking for them.
“Master Annis, Master Tarragon, and Master Keter. I am Navakin of the Holy Knights. I have something urgent to tell you.”
When I said it was urgent, Anise said with a nervous face.
“What is it?”
“The head of the household has called a family meeting. Currently, the entire family, except for the young masters, are waiting in the dining room.”
Anise’s eyes widened when she heard that the whole family was waiting. That meant that the two elders, including the family head, and the second son, Mile, would come first and wait.
“Keter, follow me. There is no time to change clothes.”
Even if it’s a family meeting you didn’t know about in advance, making the elders of the family wait. Anise broke out in a cold sweat.
Originally, running around unless it was an emergency was to cut the face of a noble, but now was not the time to lose face.
Anise hurried off first, followed by Tarragon.
After not sleeping for two full months, Keter yawned and walked leisurely.