Category: JP WN

“The red wolves we fought originated from the undeveloped northeastern region… Even if human expansion hasn’t reached that far, it’s not as if it has had zero influence. The monsters might have noticed humans surveying the mountains and beginning development, which could have prompted their movement. But that still doesn’t explain why they’ve reached as far as the fortress.”

Elias’s musings made Misheana tilt her head.

“You mentioned before that there was no reason for them to go all the way to the fortress. Is that really something that bothers you?”

“Somewhat. These creatures have the intelligence of beasts, but unlike regular animals, monsters tend to act on instinct. However, that instinct usually leads to logical behavior—monsters rarely take action without purpose. If they’ve moved, there must be a reason behind it.”

Misheana studied Elias’s expression for a moment before asking, “Earlier, you mentioned three possible explanations for their movements. Are you about to explain the third one properly?”

“Yeah. Though I can’t say for certain, my best guess is this—the monsters are searching for a new home.”

The knights and Misheana frowned. That idea alone didn’t necessarily explain why they had attacked humans.

“My theory is that these monsters originally lived deep within the gorge. They’ve established a pack—and we don’t know how they’ve been multiplying, but if they’ve been creating new members, it must have taken some time. That means they aren’t newly born.”

“So you’re saying they used to stay deep inside, but then they suddenly moved closer to human territory?”

“That’s right. And now, they’re sending scouting parties to find a new place to settle—likely under the direction of their leader. These scouts end up encountering humans, leading to these conflicts.”

“Hmm… Then, what forced them to leave in the first place?”

“That’s the part we don’t know. There could be many possible reasons. But if they’ve abandoned their old territory in search of new ground, the most likely cause is—”

Just as Elias was about to finish, the terrain ahead opened up before them.

The gorge came into view.

It wasn’t an abrupt drop into a bottomless chasm but rather a gentler-sloped ravine, effectively blocking their path forward. Wild vegetation had grown unchecked, and numerous boulders and jagged cliffs surrounded the area. It was a natural stronghold, immediately recognizable as difficult terrain.

“This place… would be a nightmare to traverse.”

“But monsters can move through it easily?”

It was Frenn who answered Misheana’s question.

“Monsters adapt to their environments. If these red wolves really came from deep in the mountains, they should be able to navigate the terrain effortlessly.”

“Huh… Oh, look—there’s one over there.”

Misheana pointed toward a lone red wolf watching them from the top of a cliff.

“It’s observing us,” Frenn noted, eyes narrowing.

“If they move in packs, then naturally, each one must have a specific role. It wouldn’t be surprising if some were designated as watchers.”

While Frenn spoke, Elias compared the map to the actual terrain in front of them.

“It’s one thing to see this on paper, but looking at it firsthand makes a big difference… This is easily passable for monsters, but for humans? Not so much.”

One of the knights, staring at the observing wolf, asked, “If that’s the case, can we assume the leader of these creatures is deeper inside?”

“Yeah. I can feel a strong presence further ahead. That’s most likely where their leader is. Which means…”

Elias sighed.

“This will be a pain to deal with. Even if we do form a subjugation force, getting to them will be the real challenge.”

“Luring them out?” another knight suggested. “No… That could attract even more monsters from deep inside.”

“Exactly. For now, we’ve gathered enough information. Our best option is to report this and wait for the kingdom’s response.”

“Wait, that’s it?”

Misheana sounded disappointed.

Elias turned toward her with an amused look.

“Not enough fighting for you?”

“I was expecting one more battle at least. Now it just feels anticlimactic.”

“The less fighting, the better. This is a recon mission, remember?”

Elias then glanced at the knights.

“This should conclude our investigation. Are you heading back now?”

“Yes. Given our current equipment, we wouldn’t last long if we pushed forward recklessly. We’ll return and file an official report to the kingdom—”

Just as the knight finished speaking—

Both Elias and Misheana suddenly turned toward the gorge.

The knights and soldiers froze at their abrupt reaction.

“W-What’s wrong…?”

“…It looks like this area is already within their territory.”

Even as Elias spoke, a growing rumble filled the air.

The distinct sound of pounding footsteps—the rapid thudding of beastly legs against the earth.

“They’re coming.”

The knights stiffened as multiple red wolves burst out from the gorge.

Elias quickly counted. Five—no, even more in the back.

The soldiers visibly paled.

“We need to retreat, NOW!”

Elias unsheathed his sword.

“Misheana, can you handle this?”

“Of course!”

She grinned, drawing her sword and charging forward.

Her blade glowed with condensed magic, and as she swung, it cleanly severed the lead monster in a single blow.

Elias stepped forward, slicing down another beast with effortless precision.

But more monsters were coming.

Their sheer numbers were overwhelming.

Elias’s magic flared around him as he took a defensive stance.

“Go! We’ll hold them here—GET MOVING!”

The knights hesitated for only a moment before nodding.

“Understood! Everyone, fall back!”

As the soldiers and most of Misheana’s party retreated, Elias noticed that Frenn remained.

He sighed.

“Frenn, you should go with them.”

Frenn adjusted her glasses.

“Elias, do you really think you’d be able to find your way back to the fortress without me?”

“Ugh… That’s… fair…”

“You don’t have to worry about me. I can’t fight, but I can defend myself just fine.”

“…You sure?”

Misheana glanced at Frenn with a skeptical expression.

Frenn simply smiled.

“There’s no problem.”

Even while they spoke, more wolves poured out of the gorge.

Elias gritted his teeth.

“Misheana, we need to pull back soon.”

“I know—but seriously, why are there so many?!”

The five wolves they originally saw had already been cut down—yet their numbers continued to grow.

“More than ten… and they’re all Level Two at minimum…”

Elias’s brows furrowed.

“If a leader exists, then its Danger Level must be—”

Before he could finish, another wave of monsters lunged at them.

There was no time for words.

Elias and Misheana steeled themselves as they continued fighting—slowly but steadily falling back toward safety.

As they advanced, Elias briefly summarized his background—his upbringing, his rise to knighthood, and his recent appointment as a Holy Knight, which had led to his reassignment from the Eastern front to the North.

Misheana listened attentively without interrupting, and once he had finished, Elias decided to ask her a question in return.

“For those working on the Northern frontier, do you ever hear much about what happens in the East?”

Misheana tilted her head slightly before replying.

“Not really. At least, not that I’ve heard.”

She then turned to her companions.

“What about you guys?”

One by one, her comrades shook their heads.

“Yeah, seems like information about the East doesn’t really reach the capital or the North.”

Elias frowned slightly.

“…You mentioned ‘frontier experience’ earlier?”

Misheana nodded.

“Yep. My three companions have been on the frontier for at least five years.”

Elias glanced at her.

“And you…?”

He was about to ask further, but after observing her youthful appearance, he reconsidered.

“I started at seventeen, so I’ve been here for about half a year.”

“…You earned the title of Hero in just six months?”

The word “prodigy” immediately came to mind.

“Did your companions form a party to support you?”

“Pretty much. Though honestly, I spend most of my time realizing how weak I still am.”

Misheana chuckled wryly. Elias had no doubt that before coming to the North, she had been winning every battle without difficulty.

“How exactly did you become a Hero?”

“Huh? I just trained hard, then went on a monster-slaying spree until the kingdom recognized me.”

“Reckless charge, huh…”

“Pretty much. I originally planned to come to the North alone, but these three insisted on tagging along.”

“She wouldn’t listen when we told her it was insane to go solo.”

The warrior in her party, a broad-shouldered man, let out an exasperated sigh.

The others exchanged knowing smirks.

“Even the monsters we fought today would’ve been a pain if you had faced them alone. We were lucky you showed up.”

“So you weren’t worried about losing, just… taking unnecessary injuries?”

“Exactly.”

Elias folded his arms.

“I don’t have much perspective on these things, but how is her strength generally evaluated?”

The warrior took a moment to consider.

“Compared to legendary heroes, she still has a ways to go. But among rising stars? Easily at the top.”

Misheana grinned.

“Fufun~.”

Her companion sighed, rubbing his temples.

“As a general rule, a hero should be able to defeat Danger Level Two monsters solo. If it’s Level Three, though… it depends. There’s a wide range in that category.”

“Agreed.”

Elias recalled the pack of wolves they had fought earlier.

“Individually, they were Level Two, but as a pack, their collective threat level increased. And if there’s a leader among them, extermination will require an entire force of knights and warriors.”

“Which is exactly what we’re trying to find out.”

Misheana nodded as they continued deeper into the mountains.

The terrain gradually steepened, signaling their approach to the true frontier.

Some of the knights likely expected they would push all the way to the front lines—but when Elias stopped to scan the surroundings, he noticed something unexpected.

“The monster trail veers away from the front lines… It’s heading northeast.”

He pulled out a map.

“Hmm… If we head northeast, we’ll reach a break in the mountains—there’s a gorge there.”

One of the knights spoke up.

“That area has been left undeveloped. The terrain is too difficult to work with.”

“A gorge, steep cliffs, and dense, uncharted forests… along with rocky outcrops that are nearly impossible to traverse.”

(…That sounds similar to the Eastern front.)

Elias glanced at Frenn, who nodded slightly.

(Uninhabited zones tend to breed troublesome monsters… Because no humans venture there, any creatures that settle in remain undisturbed, with no natural predators to cull them. And since monsters grow stronger with age…)

“We won’t go deep into the gorge itself, but can we approach its edge?”

He turned to one of the knights.

“The monster trail is definitely leading northeast. I want to get a visual of the terrain.”

“It should be possible, but we’ll need to remain on high alert. That area is rarely visited.”

The knight then turned to Misheana.

“Will that be acceptable, Hero Misheana?”

“Yeah, no problem.”

With their next objective set, the group altered course northeast.

As they neared their target, Elias sensed something.

“Even from this distance… I can feel them. There are a lot of them.”

Frenn’s gaze sharpened.

“That’s what concerns me.”

Elias turned to her.

“What do you mean?”

“If these monsters really came from a region untouched by humans, then they weren’t displaced by expansion.”

She looked toward the distant gorge.

“So why did they suddenly leave their domain?”

A chill settled over the group.

Several knights turned their gazes to Frenn, clearly considering her words carefully.

Elias frowned.

“The geography might differ between the East and the North, but monster behavior remains constant.”

Frenn continued, her voice even.

“Once monsters establish a territory, they rarely expand beyond it—unless something forces them out.”

Elias narrowed his eyes.

“That leaves us with three possibilities.”

Misheana’s eyes flicked to him.

“What are they?”

“The first possibility…”

Elias began, speaking loud enough for everyone to hear.

“The knights’ expansion efforts may have unknowingly encroached upon their territory. If the wolves already had a large hunting ground, they might simply be driving humans away.”

But then he shook his head.

“However, in that case, there would be no reason for them to appear near our fortress. If they were merely trying to reclaim their land, they wouldn’t need to travel that far.”

Misheana nodded slowly.

“Makes sense… What’s the second possibility?”

Elias exhaled.

“The monsters’ behavior itself has changed.”

His voice grew sharper as he continued.

“Something has disturbed them. A change that caused them to break their usual patterns.”

The knights stiffened at his words.

And deep within his mind, Elias felt a lingering premonition—

That whatever had caused this disturbance…

Was only just beginning.

Elias had just finished surveying the most promising locations on the map when he turned to Frenn, storing the map away.

“There were no places where monsters might have taken root.”

“No. There were a few depressions in the terrain, but none showed signs of lingering miasma.”

Miasma—the corrupting magical energy emitted by monsters. Knights and mercenaries, accustomed to battle, had measures to resist it, but ordinary people could suffer severe harm from prolonged exposure.

Furthermore, areas with concentrated miasma could attract other monsters or even serve as spawning grounds.

“At the very least, the monster I defeated wasn’t born near the fortress.”

“A monster of that class—Danger Level Two—would require a sufficiently dense miasma to manifest. But from what we’ve seen, there’s no such place nearby.”

“That means it must have descended from the mountains.”

Having drawn his conclusion, Elias shifted his gaze toward the mountains.

“It seems we have no choice but to investigate further.”

“And it seems that in the time we’ve been investigating, the front lines have already begun to shift.”

Frenn, too, turned her attention toward the mountain range.

There were still monsters in those lands—but something else had entered their domain.

“A knight? Or perhaps a hero…”

“I can’t tell from this distance.” Elias frowned slightly before glancing at Frenn. “Shall we check it out?”

“It’s still early. If we leave now, we should be able to return to the fortress by evening.”

“You’re assuming we’ll be using enhancement magic for travel.” He smirked. “I can handle that, but what about you?”

“I’m prepared.”

“Then let’s move.”

With that, their aura shifted.

Magic surged through their bodies, enveloping them completely. Their eyes sharpened, fixing on the mountain slopes ahead.

And in the next moment—

They launched forward.

What they were using was not conventional magic.

It was a combat technique, one essential for knights stationed at the front lines. By infusing magic into their bodies, they could drastically enhance their physical abilities—allowing them to react instantly should a monster appear.

It was a standard technique in the eastern front, where combat was relentless.

Now, using it to traverse the terrain at inhuman speed, Elias contemplated the monster from the previous day.

Two questions weighed on his mind.

First—where exactly had the Class-Two monster come from?

Second—why hadn’t the knights at the fortress displayed any of the combat techniques he and Frenn were using now?

“Frenn.”

Even as they moved, Elias called out to her.

“Yesterday, when I engaged the monster, the knights and soldiers hesitated—but they still attempted to fight. And yet, none of them showed any signs of using enhancement techniques like these.”

“One possibility is that they were too shaken by the monster’s sudden appearance to use them properly. However…”

“There’s another, more likely explanation.”

“They simply don’t know how.”

Frenn’s voice was calm, but the implications were significant.

“Could it be that combat training differs between the east and the north?”

“Soldiers, perhaps—but knights? They should have had more experience.”

Elias narrowed his eyes.

“We’ll find our answer soon enough.”

“For now, we should observe from a distance before making our presence known.”

“Agreed. Given our sudden arrival, we’d only draw unnecessary attention if we rushed in carelessly.”

As they spoke, they neared their destination.

The northern front spanned a vast expanse of untamed land, and the place they were headed to was merely one section of a much larger battlefield.

Elias suspected that the strongest knights and warriors—those leading the expansion efforts—were positioned deeper within the mountains.

By assessing the strength of the fighters here, he could gauge the importance of this particular location.

Then—

He stopped.

The forest thinned, revealing an open battlefield.

In the clearing ahead, figures clashed.

Through their magically enhanced senses, Elias and Frenn could clearly make out the scene.

Knights fought against monsters identical to the one Elias had slain yesterday—and among them were four individuals in mixed attire, different from the standard knights.

Elias narrowed his eyes.

“Mercenaries… or perhaps heroes.”

“Most likely.”

Not everyone who ventured into monster territory was a knight or soldier.

There were adventurers, who scoured the land in search of rare materials.

There were mercenaries, hired through the Adventurers’ Guild, who fought alongside knights when needed.

And among them were those who had achieved great renown—those officially recognized by the kingdom as heroes.

For many, monster hunting was not just a duty, but a means to fame and fortune.

As Elias observed, one thing became clear—

These monsters had indeed come from the mountains.

And more importantly—

They were not solitary creatures.

Multiple identical monsters fought together as a pack.

“So it was a group, not just a lone stray.”

Frenn nodded.

“A pack of Class-Two monsters… That increases the overall danger significantly.”

Elias turned his attention away from the beasts and toward the four non-knights.

Among them—

A woman wielding a longsword, her golden hair flowing down to her waist, moved with notable precision.

She was accompanied by three others—a fully armored man, a woman in white priestly robes, and an elderly figure clad in a black robe.

“A four-person party. No doubt about it.”

As Elias murmured, Frenn suddenly spoke, as if recalling something.

“Gold hair… and that weapon… I believe I recognize her.”

“Oh? You know her?”

“While we were in the capital, I briefly researched known heroes. One of the most frequently mentioned figures… matches that woman’s description.”

Elias raised an eyebrow.

“When did you even find time for that?”

“I had some free time.”

Her response was as efficient as ever.

“Her name is Misheana Hyraine—a recently recognized hero.”

“I see. With a hero present, it seems there’s no need for us to intervene.”

However—

Though Misheana handled her opponent with ease, her companions and the knights struggled.

Despite their best efforts, the pack of monsters was proving difficult to contain.

Elias narrowed his eyes.

“If this keeps up, there will be casualties.”

Frenn nodded.

“We also need information about the monsters. This is a good opportunity to gather it.”

With that, Elias and Frenn activated their magic once more—

And charged toward the battlefield.

The following morning, Elias visited Noque’s chamber and formally declared his intent to conduct an investigation.

“An investigation… of the monsters?”f

“Yes. Regarding yesterday’s beast… If a Class-Two monster appeared in an area where such creatures were unheard of, it suggests that something is occurring in unexplored territory—something that is driving them toward the fortress.”

At Elias’s reasoning, Noque’s expression grew tense.

“So you mean to uncover the reason why a Class-Two monster emerged here?”

“Precisely.”

“…A dangerous endeavor, to be sure. However, judging from yesterday’s battle, I believe you would be capable of handling any similar threats that arise.”

“That wolf was easy to read. If I determine that a situation is too dangerous, I will withdraw immediately.”

“…I see. There is no doubt that this is an abnormal occurrence. Very well, I shall entrust this matter to you. Will you be going alone?”

“If possible, I’d like to bring a few knights or soldiers along.”

At this, Noque’s face darkened with reluctance. Elias quickly discerned the reason.

(A Class-Two monster is already considered formidable by Noque’s standards. If any knights or soldiers accompanying me were to be injured… he would be held responsible.)

“However, I cannot afford to weaken the fortress’s defenses.”

Elias adjusted his approach.

“If granted permission, Frenn and I will handle the investigation ourselves.”

“…Can she fight?”

“She possesses means to defend herself, but her primary role is administrative. That said, she has accompanied me onto battlefields in the eastern front.”

“I see…”

“For now, we will investigate on our own. Is that acceptable?”

Noque hesitated for a moment but finally nodded.

“Very well. I leave this matter in your hands.”

---

“Frenn, we’re heading out.”

Upon returning to his quarters, Elias wasted no time explaining the situation.

Frenn narrowed her eyes slightly.

“…What’s wrong?”

“I understand why I’ve been brought along, given the lack of personnel, and I don’t mind… but this means I won’t be able to complete the other tasks you assigned me yesterday.”

“Take your time with those. There’s no deadline. Besides, if we’re investigating monster activity, we might run into front-line knights or even ‘heroes’—it could be a good opportunity to gather information.”

“That’s an optimistic outlook… But true. It’s better than being confined to the fortress.”

“Exactly. Though our top priority remains identifying the source of the monster activity. Let’s move.”

“Understood.”

Together, Elias and Frenn departed the fortress. Soldiers and knights watched as they set off toward the mountainous terrain beyond.

---

Upon reaching the outskirts of a dense forest, they came to a halt.

“First, reconnaissance.”

“Right.”

Elias closed his eyes, summoning the magic that lay dormant within him.

“Reveal the domain of darkness—unveil its secrets.”

As his words carried into the air, a wave of magic radiated outward.

It was a spell designed to detect monsters lurking in the vicinity.

Elias allowed the sensation to wash over the landscape, then slowly opened his eyes.

“Frenn, do you have a map?”

“I do.”

“Oh? You had it ready without me asking? Impressive.”

“You should put more thought into preparation yourself.”

She handed him the map, and Elias chuckled at her remark.

---

“There are no monsters near the fortress. Which means yesterday’s creature didn’t originate from nearby.”

“There’s no sign of a nest either?”

“If there were, the northern knights would have discovered it long ago.”

“True enough.”

Elias studied the map thoughtfully.

“The most plausible theory is that it came down from the mountains. But… I doubt that monster was alone.”

Frenn glanced at him.

“Why do you think so?”

Elias met her gaze briefly before responding.

“Just a feeling.”

“Normally, I’d sigh at that… but your instincts tend to be accurate.”

“Still, it won’t hurt to confirm the surrounding terrain.”

“Agreed. By the way—”

“Yeah?”

“Are we not heading toward the mountains?”

---

Elias had determined that no monsters lurked nearby.

However, faint traces of monstrous energy could be felt to the north—in the direction of the front lines.

Even Frenn, who specialized in administrative work rather than combat, could sense the lingering aura.

That region was the true front line, where battles against monsters were a constant reality.

---

“I’m still deciding.”

“We could easily go there and return within the day.”

“…Do you want to investigate?”

“I can’t do my work without interacting with people.”

Elias smirked.

“You’re diligent as ever… Well, let’s finish surveying the terrain first. Then we’ll decide.”

With that, he resumed walking.

Frenn followed closely behind.

---

“Frenn, what’s your take on the monster’s appearance?”

“I doubt it has anything to do with our arrival. If I had to speculate, I’d say something on the front lines has triggered it—forcing monsters to migrate toward us.”

“A battle stirred up the local beasts, and they started pushing into rear territories?”

“Yes.”

“That’s my assumption as well. I wonder how Noque sees it.”

“He was hurriedly preparing a report, so I imagine he’ll send word to the capital within a day or two.”

“And if that prompts action from the kingdom, what happens to me?”

“Hard to say… Even though you were stationed in the eastern front, you’re still a Holy Knight. The kingdom might entrust you with resolving this matter.”

“That would give me an opportunity to achieve merits. Which is the last thing those who want me sidelined would want.”

“Even those people wouldn’t sit idle if monsters began descending upon villages.”

Frenn’s reasoning was logical.

Elias nodded, continuing his stride.

---

(This is becoming more complicated than expected…)

Elias sighed internally.

Not because of the monsters, but because of the politics.

(I knew becoming a Holy Knight would involve more than just fighting… but still, this is a pain.)

Even as he lamented, his feet never stopped moving—his resolve to see the investigation through unwavering.

(Well, whatever. For now, let’s focus on the task at hand.)

“Frenn, let me know if you get tired.”

“This is nothing I can’t handle.”

Muttering this in his heart, Elias continued to swing his sword.

“Frenn.”

Elias called out as he locked eyes with the red-furred wolf—its body tense, coiled like a spring, ready to pounce.

“A monster of this danger level has never appeared around this fortress before… If its arrival coincides with mine, do you think they’ll see me as a harbinger of misfortune, or as a stroke of luck?”

“It’s hard to imagine they’d take the former stance…”

“You never know. The people here may be rational, but those in the capital who wish to get rid of me would certainly find a way to twist the narrative.”

As they spoke, the monster finally lunged.

Lord Noque’s voice wavered with fear, and though the knights and soldiers held their weapons at the ready, their faces were stiff with apprehension.

(This fortress has never faced a monster of this level… which means these knights have no experience fighting a Class-Two threat. Their reaction makes sense.)

“Frenn, I’m moving.”

“By all means.”

The moment she responded, Elias dashed forward.

In an instant, he was ahead of the knights, stepping directly into the monster’s path.

“S-Sir Elias—?!”

Lord Noque’s voice trembled with disbelief.

But Elias ignored him.

Without hesitation, he drew his blade.

The wolf charged.

A gasp rippled through the soldiers—

And in the next instant, Elias’s sword flashed.

His blade cleaved cleanly through the beast’s skull.

Momentum ripped its head from its shoulders, and its lifeless body collapsed onto the earth with a heavy thud.

Silence fell over the battlefield.

For several moments, the knights and soldiers stood frozen, unable to process what had just occurred.

Elias calmly slid his sword back into its sheath.

“Well, that takes care of that.”

The moment the blade clicked into place, a roar of cheers erupted from the gathered men.

For the first time, they had witnessed the true power of a Holy Knight—and they were in awe.

Elias, however, paid the reaction no mind. Instead, he turned to Noque.

“I believe that was sufficient proof of my ability?”

“A-Ah… You have my thanks, Sir Elias.”

Noque straightened himself and immediately began barking orders for the knights to dispose of the monster’s remains.

Elias watched for a moment, then turned to Frenn.

“We’ll need to talk later.”

“Understood. Should we investigate the surroundings?”

“Yes. Let’s check the perimeter—just in case.”

With that, Frenn moved swiftly to carry out the task.

The appearance of a Class-Two monster had shaken the fortress.

Knights doubled their patrols, and watchmen scanned the horizon with newfound vigilance.

As Elias observed the commotion, he stopped a passing soldier.

“Is this kind of incident rare?”

“Yes, sir. I’ve been stationed here for a year, but the strongest monsters we’ve encountered have been Class-One at best.”

“I see… Do you receive any reports about the monsters near the front lines?”

“Unfortunately, no information reaches us.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

As Elias turned to leave, the soldier hesitated before speaking again.

“Sir Elias, your swordsmanship… It was incredible.”

Elias simply nodded in acknowledgment and resumed walking.

Upon returning to his chamber, he heard a knock at the door.

“Enter.”

Frenn stepped inside.

“How is the fortress holding up?”

“Things are settling down. However, Lord Noque and the other officers are busy compiling reports and organizing information.”

“Makes sense. A Class-Two monster appearing here is unheard of. The higher-ups will be on edge.”

Frenn nodded.

“What shall we do?”

Elias sighed, rolling his shoulders.

“For now, we need to investigate. If monsters of this level were not present here before, why did one suddenly appear?”

“The timing is too convenient.”

“Exactly. That said, at least no one was hurt.”

For a moment, silence settled between them.

Then, Frenn spoke carefully.

“Should we inform Lord Noque about our past experiences?”

“You mean the fact that we’ve regularly taken down Class-Four monsters?”

“Yes.”

Elias crossed his arms, considering.

“I can’t decide yet. Frenn, gather more intel.”

“Regarding?”

“What kind of monsters roam the northern front, who is fighting them, and—most importantly—how the northern knights perceive the eastern front.”

Frenn’s eyes sharpened.

“You suspect misinformation?”

“Our records have always reported the dangerous monsters we’ve fought. But if that information was twisted or buried…”

“That would be troublesome.”

“Indeed. If we were truly recognized, our reputation might be greater than we realize. But if the east has been dismissed as insignificant, then we have a problem.”

Frenn nodded, realizing something.

“Come to think of it, we’ve never actively sought out information on the north either.”

“Exactly.”

Elias leaned forward.

“We’ve been reporting dangerous monsters. But has the truth been delivered? Or has it been altered?”

Frenn exhaled sharply.

“If that’s the case, we’re dealing with something far more complicated.”

“Which is why we need to investigate. We begin tomorrow.”

“It seems we have our work cut out for us.”

“When don’t we?”

At that, Frenn gave a small smile.

“This will be an interesting challenge.”

“Aye. Let’s do our best.”

Frenn raised a brow.

“You seem… oddly excited.”

Elias chuckled.

“Do I? Well, it’s never a dull day.”

Frenn sighed, shaking her head with amusement.

“I suspect this will lead to more trouble… But at least we won’t be bored.”

“Indeed. Tomorrow, we report our findings to Lord Noque.”

“Do you think he will prioritize the investigation over sidelining you?”

“From his reaction to the monster attack, I believe so. He is more concerned about security than court politics—at least for now.”

“Then, for now… we focus on the monsters.”

Elias nodded.

“Frenn, gather what information you can. How we proceed depends on what we uncover.”

“Understood. I’ll begin at once.”

With that, Frenn left the room.

Elias sighed, leaning back in his chair.

“It seems I won’t have time to relax after all.”

His brief hope of a leisurely life as a Holy Knight was already slipping away.

Still, if it meant uncovering the truth… he had no complaints.

“I never cared for fame or status. But fighting monsters? That, I can do. For my own path… and for the peace of this land.”

He murmured the last words softly, determination burning in his eyes.

Twenty years of battle, and yet his goal remained unchanged.

He fought not for recognition, but for mastery—and to ensure the safety of those who could not fight for themselves.

“Tomorrow, we begin.”

With that final thought, Elias retired for the night.

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.