Chapter 5: Registering as a Subordinate
Inside the outpost barracks, Kazuki sat at a wooden table, his eyes scanning the room. Female knights in leather and steel armor moved about, some sharpening their weapons, others engaged in casual banter. A few of them glanced at him, their eyes lingering with curiosity and suspicion.
"Here," Elara said, dropping a stack of papers in front of him. "Fill these out."
Kazuki blinked. "What are they?"
"Registration forms," Elara said, crossing her arms. "You need to be officially recognized as my subordinate. Otherwise, the guards will treat you as a rogue male and arrest you on sight."
Kazuki picked up the quill, staring at the form. "Name... Kazuki Harada. Age... 20. Status... Subordinate."
His grip tightened on the quill. Status: Subordinate. The word gnawed at him, a bitter reminder of his current position.
"Done," he said, sliding the form back to Elara.
"Good," she said, taking it. "Now, we wait for approval."
Kazuki leaned back, his eyes wandering to a nearby group of knights. They were sparring in an open area, their swords clashing with loud, ringing echoes.
[Skill Copy - Active]
Kazuki's vision shifted, targeting the fighters. A translucent window appeared before him.
[Target: Tara Veil - Knight of Estoria.]
[Skills Available to Copy: Dagger Mastery - Beginner Rank, Enhanced Agility - Intermediate Rank]
Kazuki's eyes widened. 'Enhanced Agility... That could be useful.'
"What are you staring at?" Elara said, following his gaze.
"Nothing," Kazuki said quickly. "Just... watching them train."
Elara sighed. "Don't get any ideas."
Before Kazuki could respond, Tara returned, holding a stamped document. "All set. The registration is complete."
"That was fast," Kazuki said.
Tara grinned. "I pulled some strings. Don't get used to it, boy."
Kazuki forced a smile. "Thanks."
"Now," Elara said, folding her arms. "Time to show me what you can really do."
Kazuki blinked. "What do you mean?"
Elara's eyes gleamed with a predatory light. "You're officially under my command now. And that means I need to test your skills."
Kazuki's stomach churned. "A test?"
"A duel," Elara said, drawing her sword. "Right here. Right now."
Kazuki's heart pounded. The sound of steel being unsheathed echoed through the barracks, drawing the attention of every knight in the room.
"Well?" Elara said, her gaze piercing. "Show me what you're made of, Kazuki Harada."