A heavy, resonant thud echoed through the canyon.
It was early morning, the air thick with mist. At the bottom of the valley, surrounded by dense forest, a colossal presence strode forward.
The creature resembled a lizard clad in crimson scales—but its sheer size dwarfed all other beasts. Even lions paled in comparison, and its gaping maw could easily swallow an elephant whole. It was a monstrosity, an aberration of nature.
Mankind referred to such beings as “monsters”, the eternal foes of humanity. Sixty percent of the world remained under their dominion, and over the years, humankind had fought to reclaim lost ground, inching forward with every victory.
The red-scaled monster roamed the canyon as if it were the undisputed ruler of these lands—untouched by human hands.
But today was different.
“Sir Elias, we’ve found it!”
A voice rang through the canyon.
The speaker was a knight clad in resplendent silver armor. Though the thick forest prevented him from riding, he stood firm, sword in hand, his gaze locked onto the monster below.
“Understood. Prepare for combat!”
The one who responded was also a knight, donned in the same silver armor. Yet, rather than fear, his voice carried an eager excitement—like a hunter who had finally spotted his prey.
His armor bore countless scars, the blade in his right hand well-worn with age. A seasoned warrior—that was the only way to describe him. His black hair and keen, almost feral eyes locked onto the beast, appraising it.
“It is large, but if we strike from above, we can bring it down. However, we must slay it in a single blow to prevent casualties. That will require a devastatingly powerful strike.”
The knight, called Elias, murmured his thoughts, yet his lips curled into a faint smile—evidence that a plan had already taken shape in his mind.
As Elias kept his gaze fixed on the monster, the knights positioned in the surrounding forest moved into formation. Perched atop the canyon, they watched intently, making their preparations.
Each of them held a silver blade, and as they raised them, the weapons began to glow with a faint, ethereal light.
It was humanity’s answer to the monsters—the culmination of wisdom and ingenuity.
The knights were invoking magic.
“Sir Elias! We’re ready!”
“Good. Commence the attack!”
At his command, the knights simultaneously drove their swords into the ground.
At once, radiant light surged from their blades, racing through the earth, descending into the canyon below.
The moment the light touched the colossal beast, it exploded into glowing chains that ensnared its limbs.
The monster bellowed, its deep, thunderous roar filled with surprise. It had not expected to be rendered immobile so suddenly.
“Now!”
A knight’s cry signaled the decisive moment.
In the same instant, Elias leaped from the canyon’s edge, hurling himself toward the beast.
As he fell, he poured his strength into the sword clutched in his right hand. In response, the blade gleamed with blinding radiance, its light stretching outward—morphing into a colossal sword of pure energy, far exceeding human proportions.
Mid-air, Elias gripped the sword with both hands and raised it high above his head.
He then gathered magic into his legs, preparing for the landing. A fall from such a height would be lethal under normal circumstances, but with reinforcement magic, he could withstand the impact.
In mere moments, he landed atop the monster’s back—and without hesitation, he brought the colossal light blade crashing down upon its head.
The beast roared once more, writhing under the attack, but the enchanted chains held firm, rendering its struggles futile.
“Haaah!!”
Elias followed up with a second strike, cleaving straight through the creature’s skull.
With that, the monster’s body stiffened.
Its four massive legs gave out, and its towering form collapsed onto the canyon floor.
The chains of light flickered—then vanished.
“Victory! The battle is over!”
Elias’s voice rang out from the depths of the canyon.
From above, his comrades erupted into cheers.
After the battle, Elias and his knights emerged from the forest surrounding the canyon, making their way back to their stronghold.
The fortress had been constructed to oversee the valley and the dense woodland around it. As Elias and his men returned, the remaining soldiers and knights welcomed them with enthusiastic cheers.
“Welcome back, Sir Elias.”
A woman’s voice called out to him.
She was clad in a black knight’s uniform, her silver hair neatly braided. Her straight posture, sharp features, and piercing black eyes gave her an air of both severity and androgynous grace.
Her name was Frenn—Elias’s administrative aide, a knight responsible for logistical affairs.
“The hunt proceeded smoothly, I presume?”
“Aye. Not a single injury. The beast was massive, but we felled it before it could counterattack.”
“That is good to hear. You seem ready to retire for the evening after a hard day’s work, but…”
“What is it?”
“A messenger has arrived from the royal capital.”
The moment she spoke, the knights and soldiers around them turned their attention to the conversation.
“A summons from the capital?”
“Yes. A decree from the king himself.”
“Hah? What for? I haven’t done anything, have I?”
“It is not bad news.”
Frenn smiled faintly before delivering the announcement.
“In recognition of your achievements on the battlefield, His Majesty has decreed that you shall be granted the title of… ‘Holy Knight.’”
For a moment, silence reigned.
Then, the entire fortress erupted into an uproar.
The title of ‘Holy Knight’ was an honor known throughout the Kingdom of Rundell—a distinction that stood above all other knights.
“Twenty years on the front lines, and finally, your valor has been acknowledged.”
“…Wait. Isn’t ‘Holy Knight’ a title reserved for nobles? I’m a commoner, through and through.”
“Indeed. This is an unprecedented exception.”
Elias sighed, scratching his head.
“Great. Sounds like a hassle.”
Frenn smirked at his reaction.
“Only you would hear such a proclamation and find it bothersome. This title alone will bring you wealth, status, and followers.”
“I’ve no interest in wealth or fame.”
At his words, the surrounding knights and soldiers chuckled.
Elias’s ambition had always been singular.
“What I seek is the pinnacle of martial prowess. Only by continuing to fight on the front lines can I gain the experience and skills needed to reach my goal. Becoming a Holy Knight will not change that.”
“You turned forty this year. Perhaps it is time you slowed down a little. You must feel your body weakening, no?”
“I realized my limits long ago—that’s why I’ve incorporated magic into my combat style. By properly enhancing myself, I’m far stronger now than I was in my youth. The monster we fought today? Ten years ago, I would have stood no chance against it.”
Frenn sighed.
“I understand your need for battle. But you cannot refuse this honor.”
“Fine, fine. I take it I must prepare for departure?”
“Indeed. We leave at dawn.”
“That soon?”
“The messenger originally demanded immediate departure, but I delayed it by a day due to the monster hunt.”
“What’s the rush…? Bah, whatever. I’ll get ready. The rest of you—resume your usual patrols.”
As Elias issued orders, the knights and soldiers scattered.
Throughout the fortress, there was no other topic of conversation—the rise of a commoner to the rank of Holy Knight.
“Frenn, what about you?”
“I will accompany you. Just me.”
“A long journey, then… What a pain.”
Frenn chuckled.
“Feel free to complain now. Just don’t wear that expression when we reach the capital.”
And so, Elias returned to his quarters, preparing for the journey ahead.