The Knight and Paladin legion had just arrived yesterday. The city of Arulli had grown used to the random appearance of dragons, such as when the Holi legion was despatched and when the Knight came back.
But yesterday's sight was something else, that was the first time anyone had ever seen an entire dragon swarm in one sky, flying with an entire legion, not just the vanguard. The city had long since quelled their excitement since then, and so the time had come for the Knight to go meet up with Cathina's friend, he was in the city and had been notified.
Cathina had to avoid being found, so she had to stay back. Thus, the friend was supposed to recognise the Knight from the pretty unique description. Even with its intimidating appearance, it still got crowded, that it had to aptly escape.
And right before the Knight, waving with a forced smile was this kid in leathery clothes – ashen. He had found the Knight, but it seems he had quite the awkward air to him.
You have encountered a level 211 mountain folk, Voldron. Type-Creator.
"Hi there, it's me, Voldron, Cathina must have sent you…"
"Yes, I was wondering about a sword."
'I really don't want to make another one – I don't think I can refuse – I owe her a lot.'
"So, what kind of sword would you want me to make."
"I see we have neglected to clarify. No. You are incapable of crafting anything remotely strong enough to bear my strength. I am here looking for my sword – Cathina said you might know something about it."
'He doesn't want one… I kind of feel like that's an insult."
"So, tell me then, what does this sword of yours look like?"
"It looks like my armour – I am guessing."
'Guessing? Like his armour… I think I'd remember.'
"Sorry, but I haven't seen any or even heard of a sword like that."
The Knight turned around and left. Then Voldron looked back at the armour, and he thought: 'I'm sure, I wouldn't forget anything like that – but something about that armour reminds me of something grandpa used to talk about it couldn't be.'
In the end, the Knight had prepared for such an eventuality – it had was just thinking of the next thing to do in the search – no use dwelling on a dead end. This is when it heard a rushed breath.
"what's with people rushing after me? Is it really that hard to think when I'm around?"
"… I don't know about this and even though I doubt that this really is the sword… you see my grandfather used to tell me about this story – I really am doubting it though."
"..."
"I'd hate to send you on a wild goose chase. He told me about how the first ever smith in my family ever became a smith. He was a valiant knight Errant."
(Same station as the Knight, just not part of any army and has more freedom.)
"He had done something so spectacular that he was given an audience with the Mother He was just one of the knights Errant that had contributed. My grandfather said that our ancestor saw this rugged, cracked sword, almost as if a breeze would be enough to shatter it into pieces.
But just looking at it, he could tell it was greater than any sword that he had ever beheld. It also happened to arouse fear in him – the kind he could not put into words. My grandfather told me this to get me to get over my hatred of making swords. It helped. I have never even seen the sword, but it's the closest thing I could think of, aged, rugged, crumbling, and just a little scary – those are the feelings your armour gives me."
He flexed his muscles, smiled and said.
"I might not be cut out for making swords, but armour speaks to me. You could say – I only think this might be the sword because it's the closest description to how I feel as I inspect your armour. This might be what my ancestor felt. Your armour makes me think of becoming a better smith like how that sword made him pick up the mantle of creator."
"So, tell me, where is it that your ancestor saw this sword."
He scratched his head, "I really got to give it to you straight, I really don't think it's your sword though. The sword might not even be real because my grandfather likes to weave stories out of nowhere. And even if it's real, the sword would have to be ancient, and I don't see how it could be yours. And let's say I forget all of that for a second – how are you going to make it up there."
He then pointed into the massive island above.
"I really am sorry for even bringing it up, it's just… it reminded me of the story."
The Knight then moved its head starring right at the sky. That would make more sense. Not many have access to that place – thus the fruitlessness of its search till now.
"Who made your armour anyway? I'm a fanatic and I'd like to know about my rival."
"I did."
It answered instinctively, its gaze still locked onto the island. Then the Knight teleported back to the academy, this lead was the most promising to date.
Voldron, staring at the blank spot the Knight was. "Oh-wait, if you made it, wouldn't that make you older than my ancestor... no way…"
Then he looked he shook his head "…I must be imagining things."
***
The Knight then got inside, went to the archives, and began reading up on the island. Even though [Paced Reading] was making it easier for the Knight to read – there was relatively little information available regarding the island, so the reading didn't even take long.
And just as it had foreseen, it still found nothing. No-one who had ever gone there ever felt necessary to mention it. Or it might just be this is the extent of the Knight clearance as a Bachelor. It could try becoming a Banneret, but without its void, army, and more, the fight would be near impossible since it knew it could not take it easy against them.
It had learned this lesson after facing Vice, Marshal Kiyun, even those in the paladin legion. Even if it had gotten stronger, it could not power through the fight without its full arsenal – it would be like a cat without claws or even eyes, fighting another bigger cat. This meant it would have to come up with another plan – but what?
The Knight was walking through the halls, when it spotted Banneret Rode, still at level 388. The Knight understood why, it was harder to level up, the higher one's level got.
"Sir – may I bother you?"
'The hero?'
"You may."
"what does it take to gain access to the island above."
He laughed hysterically, almost as if he would never stop – "Give me a minute, I'm not done ha… –" and sure enough, he continued. Finally, after catching his breath, he hit the Knights shoulder, being as tall as the Knight, he looked at it in the eye.
"I guess no-one told you, did they? Marshal Kiyun must be slacking on her training duties. But in her defence, it's not like this is something that usually crosses someone's mind. Well, it's either you become the Grand-Master, or you do something incredibly incredible, even more incredible that all your achievements as a hero, because in reality, no-one goes there, one can only be invited."
He then waved his hand, saying goodbye. The Knight could still hear echoes of Rode's chuckles coming from inside his helmet.
"I'm guessing you know which one is simpler between the two. There's no taking on the grandmaster; rumour has it he possess three powers. Anyways, good luck, you'll need it. See you around."
The Knight knew it as well, ascending to Grand Master might take too long, and the event begins in about twenty-three years, and it'd rather be ready for it.
"what do you think Mugaw… and whisper – should we go see what the guild has for us?"
Before Mugaw could even answer, whisper cut through and spoke.
If your goal is to achieve something grand – then that creator – you met earlier had the right idea. His ancestor happens to have been a knight Errant. As I see it – that also happens to be the position at equal hights as being a Bachelor. You remember the stories you have heard regarding them – they seek glory – and defend where the Knights cannot reach. A year ago – right after breaking the second seal – a report from Arduo happened to include a request which you promptly accepted. I suggest you change rank to knight Errant and pursue this end – it ought to be easier than conquering an abysmal dungeon as a level 104 spawn at the very least.
"I guess that sounds okay, Boss. It would also give you something to judge your full capabilities without having to hold back as you do around other knights. You will also get the chance to train the 'apprentice' and get to see your general's capabilities in action, maybe even complete her rank before the event begins.
All of this should be fairly achievable in two decades time. You will also have time to investigate things that are strange about your stats like the spawns and more. And if you're lucky, you might even achieve more than expected on this excursion."
The Knight easily agreed with their counselling, and it couldn't refuse, [Greed] had already heard all the benefits of this single exploit. It then moved to the Marshal's office, this was another one, Kiyun was not here, and the Knight had never met him before.
You have encountered a level 396 Human, Marshal waddor. Type-Knight.
"Hero – nice to meet you, I'm waddor. How may I help you today?"
"I would like to change from knight Bachelor to knight Errant."
He made a still face, but he wasn't too surprised.
"I see. But may I ask if you know what this means?"
"I do."
"well, I still have to refresh your memory to be sure. You will have no support, you will still have to face the darkness alone, and most importantly you have to bring back more glory than all that you have earned till now which is going to be quite the feat for you specifically.
In fact, knight Bannerets – Reble and Sharli, used to knights Errant, only two centuries ago. And it might be hard to top their feats…" (his explanation continued)
'Certainly, more detailed that Kiyun – or maybe it was because Kiyun knew I was of the void – even still, I'd say her professionalism needs work – not that mine is any better.'
Then as the Knight got officiated, it turned around and prepared to leave. It was a very easy sermon and didn't even require a witness or even an audience. The major difference was that the Knight was going to go at it solo. This was not a rise or decrease in position anyway, it was just a change of how it will be recognised.
But he was not done. "wait, were you going to take one of the guild quests?"
…
"I figured as much – no – you won't. For a knight Errant, you go on a long journey clearing problems wherever you go – defending those who are or chose to be out of reach. But there is in fact a mission log of which you can chose from, which has a surplus of tasks that the Order of Knights would rather not deal with. Entire islands filled with monsters, strong individuals, rogue organisations, even helping kingdoms with problems.
If I had to put it for you, I'd say, the darkness is so active, only the knights Errant handle these lesser priority areas. There is a whole catalogue of them, let me look for it…"
As he searched the Knight spoke – and even though he was good and holding his composure, this really shocked him.
"Do you have anything on the dark knights?"
After thinking for a bit, he spoke with a bit of humour in his voice. "Those damn cowards. Sure, I do. Cowards they may be, they are strong, some of our best once upon a time. The problem with them isn't just their strength, it's the fact that they have adjusted to facing people instead of destroyers.
Their techniques are even specially made to handle knights – retched, aren't it? Many have gone after them, but each ruthlessly felled. Mostly outnumbered and butchered on the spot. A few of my students too. Even though we have had a problem with them affecting protocols since they still knew some of them, they're still extremely dangerous.
Dangerous to anything except the darkness. Strange, considering that they call themselves the dark knights – trying to ally themselves with what they failed to defend against. In all seriousness, I greatly advice against facing them."
"well, that sounds…"
"Problematic right, only growing stronger just to become a hindrance to all knights everywhere…"
"No… It sounds… simply Perfect."