I had just woken up, and things were already getting interesting.
"Place all your offerings here!" bellowed Ryuji Asura, his voice echoing like thunder across the valley.
"Knights! Present the tributes!" commanded Alexander Everett, the stalwart Knight Captain of the western battalion, his armor gleaming in the early light.
"Oi! Everyone, place the tributes in the middle!" shouted Carlos Arden, more direct and loud, always a bit rough around the edges.
"My knights! Place our tributes as well!" called out Beatrice, a noblewoman as fierce as she was graceful. Her troops followed her command with military precision.
I hovered above them all, quietly observing. Hm... hmmm... how should I accept these offerings in a way that's suitably flashy?
Bruce Asura knelt beside the mound of tributes and raised his voice in prayer. "Oh Lord Angel, please accept the offerings of these humble knights."
Got it.
"You have brought these tributes with sincere hearts—I shall accept them!" I proclaimed in a deep, divine tone, letting it reverberate through the village.
The moment my words descended, silence took hold. Even the most hardened men of the Luminos Kingdom trembled. Their instincts screamed at them—not in fear, but reverence.
The villagers dropped to their knees, clasping their hands in prayer, awe dancing in their eyes.
Then, with a flick of my hand, a brilliant beam of blue fire shot from the heavens and engulfed the offerings. The tribute pile was reduced to glowing ash in an instant. However... I might've overdone it. A rather massive crater now smoldered in the ground where the tributes once lay.
"Heavens above..." Beatrice whispered, her voice hushed with wonder. "What terrifying power..."
"Now that you've seen our lord's might, perhaps you'll reconsider ever standing against him," said Ryuji Asura with a smirk.
Alexander Everett, still composed despite the sight, nodded respectfully. "Ryuji-dono, our tributes have been offered and accepted. We shall now take our leave."
Bruce stepped forward. "Wait. Why not rest here for a while? Your men seem worn from the road."
The village chief joined in, nodding. "Yes, please, esteemed knights. There's a natural hot spring nearby. Let your men rest there and recover."
Alexander considered it for a moment before responding. "Very well. We shall accept your hospitality. Carlos, send a transmission to the commander. Let them know we'll remain here a few days."
The knights set up their tents while the captains chose the village inn. Peace returned... for now.
---
The Next Morning
"Good morning, Ryuji-dono, Bruce-dono. Your breakfast smells delicious," Alexander greeted the two brothers seated around a roasted boar.
"Oh, Alexander. Come, sit and eat," Bruce offered cheerfully.
"Thanks, but no need. I already had breakfast with Beatrice and Carlos back at the inn."
Bruce grinned and turned back to the food. "More for us, then."
But Alexander's tone shifted. "Actually, I came here because I wish to challenge Ryuji-dono to a duel."
Ryuji looked up from his plate, chewing. "Hm?"
"When I first laid eyes on you two, I felt an overwhelming aura... like standing before a sleeping dragon. I want to face that strength, even if just once."
Ryuji laughed, loud and hearty. "You've got a good eye. Alright, I accept."
"Please, allow me to fight with everything I have."
"Then let's find an open space. How about the grass plains nearby?" Ryuji asked, stretching his arms.
"Perfect. I'll await you there."
"Let me finish eating first. Can't duel on an empty stomach."
---
Noon, at the Grass Plains
Both men stood opposite one another, the wind carrying the tension between them.
"I'll oversee the match!" Bruce announced. "Standard rules. If one can no longer continue, the match is over!"
Beatrice arrived just in time to hear the declaration. "What's going on?!"
"Your comrade here challenged my brother," Bruce said with a shrug.
"That battle maniac!" Beatrice muttered, planting her palm on her forehead.
"Be quiet and watch," Bruce said coolly.
The duel began.
"I'll move first!" Alexander declared as he coated his sword in pure mana, the steel shimmering.
"Come!" Ryuji answered with a grin.
Alexander closed the distance in a flash, his blade aiming straight for Ryuji's torso.
CLANG!
Alexander gasped. "What!? How!?"
Ryuji stood firm. The blade had struck true—but barely scratched him.
"You thought that little toothpick could pierce me?" Ryuji said, amused.
"Tch! Then I'll just keep sharpening it!" Alexander yelled, swinging wildly.
Ryuji parried easily, then clenched his fist.
"Heavenly Demon Arts: Star Shatter Fist!" he roared, his fist glowing with celestial energy.
Just before it could connect—
CRACK!
Bruce shot in and kicked Ryuji's fist away, sending it harmlessly into the air. The sheer shockwave cracked the earth beneath them.
"Ryuji! Are you trying to kill him?! He's not an apostle!"
Alexander fell to a knee, bruised but conscious.
"Alexander!" Beatrice cried, rushing to his side. "Are you alright?!"
"Just some bruises... ow ow... nothing serious."
Ryuji scratched his head, embarrassed. "Sorry, I got a bit too excited."
Alexander chuckled weakly. "To make someone like you excited to fight... that's an honor."
"That's what you get for not choosing your opponents wisely," Carlos muttered, arms crossed.
"Shut up, Carlos. I just needed to fight someone stronger than me. At least now I know how far I have to go."
Ryuji yawned. "I'm starving. I'm heading back."
Bruce tossed a potion to Alexander. "Drink this. It'll heal you up."
"Thanks," Alexander said after chugging it. "Already feeling better."
Bruce gave a brief nod and left.
Beatrice knelt beside him. "So? How was it?"
Alexander exhaled. "I felt like I was going to die... and yet, I could tell he wasn't even trying."
She looked toward the village. "Hard to believe someone like that is just... living here."
"They said they're apostles of the god who saved this village," Beatrice added.
Alexander smirked. "I might just stay a little longer."
"You bastard," Carlos muttered. "You're seriously thinking of vacationing here, aren't you?"
Alexander laughed. "What's wrong with a break?"
Carlos sighed and walked off. "Do what you want."
"We should return too," Beatrice said.
"Yeah," Alexander agreed. "Let's head back. I need a proper rest."
---
A Few Days Later
The knights and captains returned to the kingdom. The villagers resumed their lives. Training had begun for the village's youth, under the eyes of Ryuji and Bruce.
As for me—I left the village.
Don't worry, though. My apostles are watching over it. I had new matters to attend to.
I arrived at the gates of the Luminos Kingdom.
"Next! Identification card, please," a guard requested.
"Sorry, I'm a traveler. First time here," I replied.
"You'll need to register over at that counter."
I nodded, made my way over, and after a brief exchange of information, I received my identification card.
With a grin, I stepped into the grand city of Luminos Kingdom.
"Adventurer's guild, let's go!" I said to myself.
My journey was only beginning.