Since time immemorial, monsters and humankind had stood as bitter foes.
Through unyielding conflict and ceaseless expansion, humanity had gradually carved out its dominion, reclaiming land from the monsters’ grasp.
Presently, human civilization controlled forty percent of the world’s landmass. Yet, nations bordering monster-infested territories remained locked in a perpetual struggle, deploying knights and warriors to continue their advance. Expanding into these hostile regions meant securing new lands and resources, a cause for which the Kingdom of Rundell ceaselessly trained knights and recruited mercenaries to press onward.
Among these warriors was Elias, who had taken his first steps as a soldier at the age of fifteen—in a fortress situated on the kingdom’s eastern frontier.
Born to humble farmers, he had possessed no remarkable talents. Yet, through sheer survival and experience, he had steadily honed his strength.
For years, his days had been filled with nothing but the slaying of monsters.
On the front lines, death lurked at every turn, and many of Elias’s comrades had perished in battle.
He had mourned their passing, carried forth their will, and steadily grown stronger—his unwavering dedication earning him the rank of knight a decade ago, an unprecedented feat for a man of common birth.
From there, he had continued to battle ever-fiercer monstrosities, spending over twenty years in combat—until, at the age of forty, he had finally been granted the rank of Holy Knight.
“For your valor and achievements, I bestow upon you the title of Holy Knight.”
In the royal palace, within the grand audience chamber, Elias knelt before the king, head bowed, as the decree was solemnly spoken.
The nobles and high-ranking knights present remained silent, their gazes fixed upon him.
“I expect that you shall uphold the honor of your title and continue to fight with distinction.”
“Aye. I shall devote myself to the cause.”
His response was formal and perfunctory.
With that, the audience was concluded.
Around Elias’s neck now hung a pendant—a silver cross, the emblem of a Holy Knight of the Kingdom of Rundell.
As he stepped out into the vast corridors of the palace, Frenn, his attendant, awaited him at the far end.
He approached her.
“It’s done. Do we return now?”
“Regarding that… I have secured a chamber within the palace. Let us speak there.”
Elias followed Fra\enn’s lead as she guided him to a modest room within the palace’s outer wings.
A small space, with a central table and several chairs.
Seated across from her, Elias studied Frenn’s expression.
“From the look on your face, I take it this won’t be an enjoyable conversation.”
“You can tell?”
“You wear the same look when particularly troublesome monsters appear.”
Frenn sighed.
“Then let us get straight to the point. A formal directive has been issued for you.”
“A reassignment?”
“Yes. As a Holy Knight, you are to be stationed in the northern frontier, where expansion efforts are currently underway.”
“…Figures. The east never gets much recognition.”
“The eastern front is not regarded as a valuable asset for expansion.”
The Struggle for Dominion
The Kingdom of Rundell had focused its expansion efforts primarily in the north, where vast forests and towering mountain ranges promised abundant resources and arable land.
As such, a significant portion of its forces had been deployed there.
By contrast, the eastern frontier, where Elias had been stationed, bordered another nation. The rugged canyons dividing the two lands made expansion impractical—instead, the east primarily served as a defensive outpost, dedicated to monster suppression and border security.
Thus, postings to the northern territories led to faster promotions, whereas other assignments were often regarded as demotions.
“Despite this, you still earned the title of Holy Knight, Elias.”
“Back in the throne room, I could feel the nobles’ eyes boring into me. While some acknowledged my achievements, others were clearly displeased—wondering why a mere commoner had been elevated to such heights.”
Frenn looked at him in mild astonishment.
“You noticed?”
“Reading monsters’ emotions is more difficult.”
Frenn sighed, shaking her head.
“It appears that while His Majesty judged you by merit, there are many who find your promotion… distasteful.”
“Hah. If I had my way, I’d have refused the title outright.”
“Do not speak so lightly. That brings me to your reassignment.”
“You already know where I’m being sent?”
“The official decree will be issued tomorrow, but I have been informed in advance to make the necessary arrangements. Your destination is in the north—but notably, far from the front lines.”
Elias fell silent for a moment before glancing at Frenn.
“What do you think?”
Frenn was no mere aide—she had long served as his strategic advisor, handling logistics, political maneuvering, and tactical planning behind the scenes.
After a pause, she spoke.
“Given your prowess, you should have been placed directly on the front lines. The fact that you were not suggests that the nobility sought to sideline you—to prevent you from further distinguishing yourself.”
“So they’ll tolerate my new rank but won’t allow me any more battlefield glory?”
“Precisely. If you were to continue amassing achievements, you might eventually secure influence in the capital—an outcome they clearly wish to avoid.”
Elias let out a deep sigh.
“I have no interest in politics, yet they insist on scheming against me anyway. Bah. I suppose I’ll deal with it once I get there.”
“Are you certain? You still have the option to formally contest your assignment.”
“No point in making enemies in the royal court. I’ll play along—for now. Besides, after so many years on the battlefield, a little break doesn’t sound so bad.”
“Even if you are far from the front lines, monsters will still pose a threat.”
Frenn nodded.
“And what of the eastern fortress?”
“Your replacement is Sir Jates.”
Elias’s brow lifted slightly.
Sir Jates was a seasoned Holy Knight, long revered in the eastern front. Though age had diminished his strength, he remained widely respected among the knights.
“That should work out well. I’ll pay my respects once I’m settled.”
“I am more concerned about how the knights at the fortress will react to your departure.”
“They knew the moment I was named Holy Knight that I’d be reassigned. And with Sir Jates taking over, there’s nothing to worry about.”
“You are rather optimistic.”
“It’s nothing to brood over. No one’s dying over this, so it’s hardly worth losing sleep.”
Elias rose to his feet.
“Right. I’ll get some rest. Where are we staying?”
“Accommodations have been arranged within the palace. Leave the travel preparations to me.”
“Good. I’ll leave it to you.”
He started toward the door—then paused.
“Wait. You’re coming too, aren’t you?”
“Naturally. There’s no reason for me to remain in the east, and bringing one attendant should be acceptable.”
“Fair enough. I’ll be counting on you, Frenn.”
“Your casual attitude never changes… Not that I mind.”
Frenn stood as well, preparing to leave.
“One last thing, Elias. As a Holy Knight, you will be under much greater scrutiny. Mind your words and actions.”
“I’m hardly the type to go around harassing people.”
“Not that—but in battle, you have a tendency to rush into dangerous situations before we’re properly prepared.”
Chuckling, Elias pushed open the door.
“Old habits die hard.”
And with that, he stepped out into the dimly lit corridor, ready to face whatever lay ahead.