It has been a year since I started training, and I feel incredibly lucky to have come this far. During the first year, under Fidelis’s guidance, I managed to learn the basics of sword fighting with a shield. Although I often found myself on the ground, there were moments when I succeeded in landing a strike.
From Zenita, I learned the fundamentals of five attack-based Light magic. Since I would be a paladin, it would be better for me to learn spells based on sword and shield. The first spell I learned was Shield Burst; it allows me to gather energy within my shield and then release it as a powerful beam of light. The second skill is Divine Punishment, a weapon-based spell. Like Shield Burst, it accumulates energy in my weapon, amplifying my attack. This spell is also capable of nullifying almost any type of magic. Additionally, Divine Punishment is particularly effective against dark magic.
The third skill I learned is Holy Light Ball, which enables me to create small light spheres to throw at enemies. While the damage isn’t incredibly high, the ability to fire them rapidly makes up for it. The fourth spell I mastered is Light Speed Rush, which allows me to strike my enemies at the speed of light.
Finally, the most advanced skill I've learned so far is Sword-o-Shield. This technique combines my sword and shield, transforming them into a powerful weapon. All the light energy charges within the weapon over time, and once fully charged, it releases a massive energy beam.
The strength of sword and shield-based abilities increases with the quality of the equipment. If the sword and shield are stronger and of better quality, the abilities become more powerful as well. Additionally, in my very first year, I managed to reach the Master level in these spells.
On the other hand, although I’d rather not mention his name, Oscard taught me healing spells. Now, in addition to attack-based magic, I was also able to use healing spells at the Master level.
A few weeks ago, while browsing through history books in the library, something interesting happened. While looking at a book on the history of Ardoria, a dusty book fell from the shelf. The book was titled “Forbidden Light Magic.” It was a very thin book—about 10 pages.
When I opened it, I saw the name of the forbidden spell: Resurrect.
It was a resurrection spell. To cast the spell, a large amount of mana and long incantations were required. In theory, this spell could bring the dead back to life. However, the more time that passed after someone's death, the less likely it was to succeed. Because it disrupted the natural order of life and death, Luminara had forbidden this spell. Still, I learned it just in case, as I had a strong feeling that one day, I would need to use it.
I had turned sixteen. The date of my reincarnation in Luminarca was the seventh day of the second month. I had come to accept this date as my birthday. Since adulthood was recognized at the age of fifteen here, I had technically already entered adulthood. At this age, everyone gains the right to marry, join a guild, enroll in an academy, join the military, or work at a job.
My training intensified during my second year. Along with swordsmanship and magic practice, I now had to make time for reading books. To be honest, I would rather spend the whole day training with Oscard than sitting down to read. Unfortunately, today’s lesson was about studying the history and culture of Luminarca.
I went to the library and grabbed an old book from the shelf. Sitting down, I glanced at its cover. The book was titled The History and Cultural Realities of Luminarca, written by Martin Coriron. The length of the title alone was enough to make me feel sleepy.
I opened the first page and began reading.
“The Kingdom of Ardoria was founded 348 years ago by the first king, the hero Milanus de Fortrand. Before his reign, the city of Ardoria served as the capital of demons. However, it remains uncertain whether this ancient city always belonged to the demons or if it transformed with their arrival.”
As I got lost in the pages, I couldn’t help but think: I shouldn’t be surprised if one day the demons decide to go to war to reclaim what was once theirs.
“Hero Milanus and his army laid siege to the capital, Ardoria, and engaged in a great battle. The struggle was fierce, but in the end, Milanus defeated the Demon Lord and reclaimed the city. His victory led the city’s residents to crown him king. Since then, his descendants have ruled the kingdom for 348 years.”
It was boring how the war was reduced to just a few lines. Such an important victory should have been described with more depth and detail.
“Currently, humanity holds dominion over three great cities, several towns, a number of rural regions, and villages. These great cities are Ardoria, Eldridge, and Stormhaven.”
“The capital, Ardoria, stands out as the political and cultural heart of the Human Kingdom. The city is home to a magnificent royal palace and a grand cathedral. Ardoria is the focal point of commerce, diplomacy, and governance, and it also houses the kingdom's most influential guilds. Alongside adventurers, mages, and merchants, the kingdom’s largest academy is located here. The Academy is filled with specialized schools that offer education in various fields such as magic, combat, stealth, healing, and archery, making Ardoria a hub for learning and innovation.”
This city is also the headquarters of the Knights of Light, the holy army of Luminara. The city's grand cathedral serves as their main base, and it was exactly here that I was teleported to after my reincarnation. Luminara's army holds significant influence within the kingdom; in addition to the city guards, the knights patrol the streets. This army is perhaps as strong as the kingdom’s own military, which is why the kingdom tends to avoid interfering with the knights' affairs.
The king had made an agreement with Luminara. The kingdom granted Luminara’s army full autonomy within its borders. As long as it did not negatively affect the kingdom, the Knights of Light could operate freely. In return, Luminara promised to protect the kingdom from both internal and external threats. Additionally, Luminara would remain neutral in any throne conflicts in the kingdom. However, there is one exception: if an heir to the throne takes actions against Luminara, the Knights of Light can wage war against the heir.
Luminara really knows what she's doing, I thought to myself. Although I was getting bored, I had to continue reading the book.
“Eldridge is the kingdom's bustling coastal city, serving as the hub for maritime trade and naval operations. Known for its vast docks, massive shipyards, and cosmopolitan population, the city acts as the kingdom's main gateway to international trade. Eldridge's multicultural atmosphere, enriched by foreign merchants and traders from distant lands flocking to its ports, fosters a rich cultural diversity.”
In truth, although it isn’t the capital, Eldridge is an incredibly important city from a commercial standpoint. Its coastal location allows for the transportation of vast quantities of goods by ship, giving it an edge in trade. However, alongside this advantage, pirate attacks and sea monsters remain a constant threat. To protect the trade route between Ardoria and Eldridge, the kingdom had constructed a secure passage covering a distance of about ten days. This passage was named the "Heaven's Path." The route is protected by a magical barrier to prevent monster attacks.
Still, the real issue in this passage was the bandits. Many caravans traveling back and forth between Eldridge and Ardoria hire mercenaries or employ adventurers to protect their goods.
“Stormhaven is known for its location in the northern mountainous region, its rugged terrain, and its strong fortifications. Serving as the heart of the kingdom's military power, the city is also the kingdom's center for mining and blacksmithing. Renowned for its resilient, warrior-like people, Stormhaven creates a solid defensive point against external threats, and its strategic location in the mountains contributes to the kingdom's security.”
Thanks to its geography, it is probably more difficult to besiege this city than even the capital. Surrounded by high cliffs, Stormhaven has only one entrance, a steep slope. However, the city's location makes farming and large-scale trade difficult. As a result, the kingdom regularly needs to send food supplies to Stormhaven. Still, the mining activities in the city make up 35% of the kingdom’s economy, making Stormhaven an indispensable city.
“The governance of the Ardoria Kingdom is maintained by six noble members under the king's control. At the head of the government are the reigning monarch, King Maxwell de Fortrand, and his wife, Queen Mariana. This couple has four children who play significant roles in various aspects of the kingdom's administration.”
I had never personally met the King or Queen; at most, I had had the chance to see them from a distance at a party. The King was around 40, and the Queen was about 35 years old. They had married about twenty years ago when the King was still a prince. As the sole heir to the throne, he had assumed control of the kingdom at the age of 23.
“Crown Prince Yokama has been entrusted with the military fortress of Stormhaven, the kingdom's stronghold. His leadership has enhanced the city's defense capacity and solidified its strategic importance. Princess Millina, known for her expertise in diplomacy and trade, governs the kingdom's most important port city, Eldridge, and has become a key figure in international commerce.”
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Since I arrived here, I hadn’t seen them. As far as I knew, the Crown Prince was 19 and the Princess was 18. Perhaps one day I’ll have the chance to meet them in person.
“The younger members of the royal family, Prince Kagemo and Princess Amelia, do not yet hold significant administrative roles. However, they play influential roles in palace affairs and kingdom politics.”
There are also members of the royal family who aren’t so fortunate. Without the support of powerful lords, they have no chance of claiming the throne. I’ve heard that most of the lords are backing the Crown Prince for the throne.
As long as they adhere to the agreement, Luminara’s army will not intervene in the throne disputes. And frankly, I have no desire to get involved in the royal family's internal matters. Still, a gut feeling tells me that, sooner or later, I’ll be drawn into this conflict.
"You look bored," Fidelis said, watching me. As soon as I heard him, I let out a scream.
"You scared me!" I said. "How long have you been watching me?"
"About ten minutes," he replied with a smirk. "It's a rare sight to see you reading a book. Unlike you, Felicia loves reading. She especially loves stories about adventurers."
"Good for her," I said sarcastically. "For me, reading is even worse than dealing with Oscard."
Then, all of a sudden, I wondered where Fidelis was from. "By the way, Fidelis, where are you from? It's been a year since we met, but I never asked about your hometown."
"I'm from the RUR," Fidelis replied.
"RUR?" I asked, surprised. I'd never heard that term before.
"Ah, the Republic of United Races," he explained. "Unlike other kingdoms, it consists of just one city," he continued.
"Ah! That's interesting. I want to know more, please tell me," I said eagerly.
"Hahaha, it looks like we're going to have a lesson that's not about swords and shields this time," he laughed. "Alright, let's do it."
I focused all my attention on Fidelis; listening to someone was far better than reading a book.
"RUR, or the Republic of United Races, consists of a single and important city: Unitia. This city is also the capital of the country," Fidelis explained, emphasizing his words with hand gestures. "There's a president, but their role is mostly symbolic. The real power lies with the parliament."
"The parliament is made up of representatives elected from each race – humans, elves, beastmen, dwarves, and demons. There are five members from each race, and all are elected by their people through voting. This system aims to provide equal say for each race on how things are run," Fidelis explained.
"How often do they vote, and who is eligible to vote?" I asked, curious.
"Elections are held every three years, and anyone 15 or older can vote," he replied.
It was starting to form in my mind; the system seemed quite similar to countries governed by republics in my old world.
"Slavery is absolutely prohibited in Unitia," Fidelis said, leaning slightly forward. "Visitors from other kingdoms can bring slaves with them, but once they enter the borders of RUR, these slaves can apply for asylum. Since its establishment, RUR has become a safe haven for countless slaves and war-torn peasants."
It made me happy to think that slaves could gain their freedom if they reached Unitia.
"Although RUR is just a single city, it has rich rural areas that sustain its population through agriculture and exports. Favorable tax regulations have made it a paradise for merchants. The citizens live a comfortable life with a high standard of happiness," Fidelis continued.
This sounded quite utopian, especially considering the time period where technology hadn't developed much, and I thought it would be difficult to make citizens wealthy.
"RUR is also a neutral zone. Every kingdom, including the Demon Kingdom, has agreed to maintain its sovereignty. This neutrality is partly due to RUR's modern banking system, in which many royal and noble families have invested their wealth," he added.
It looks like the banking system of a country from my old world. Even during World War, when everything else was a battlefield, this country remained extremely safe.
"RUR sounds like an unbelievable paradise," I said. "So, how did you become a paladin?" I asked Fidelis.
His expression suddenly changed, and I could see the weight of something that troubled him. The guilt I felt from digging deeper began to settle within me.
"Oh, I'm sorry if I upset you," I said quickly, still feeling bad for asking.
He lightly shook his head. "No, it's fine. Let me tell you my story," he said, his voice softening. "But in the end, you'll share yours too."
I nodded in agreement.
"Life in RUR was boring for me," Fidelis began. "Even though my family was rich enough to buy me anything I wanted, it never satisfied me. I longed for adventure and something more."
He paused for a moment, thinking about what to say next. Then he continued, "When I turned 15, I joined the adventurers' guild in Unitia. My family was absolutely against it, but I didn't listen to them. I was eager to go on adventures. I'd been training with a sword since I was seven."
Fidelis leaned back slightly; his gaze became distant. "I joined a party, and we completed a lot of missions in a couple years. One day, we took a job to escort a merchant to Libercivia," he said, his voice becoming heavier.
"Libercivia?" I asked, curious. Since I hadn't read the whole book, I wasn't familiar with places outside the Ardoria Kingdom.
Fidelis shook his head. "Libercivia is usually called 'the free city,'" he explained. "But in reality, 'free' only means it's a haven for criminals. The city is controlled by gangs that are constantly at war with each other."
The city sounded dangerous, but equally intriguing. I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to live there. Would the excitement of danger overshadow the fear? The idea of navigating a world filled with lawlessness and unpredictability sparked a sense of curiosity in me. What kind of adventures awaited those brave enough to call Libercivia home?
Fidelis paused again before continuing. "There's a ruler in the city, but he ignores most of the crimes involving the gangs and allows their activities to continue. It's a haven for criminals from all over Luminarca."
I guess this was a win-win situation for both sides; much like the relationship between Luminara's army and the Ardoria Kingdom. They maintained a delicate balance of power by avoiding interference in each other's affairs.
Fidelis' expression darkened. "Almost everything that's illegal elsewhere is free there. Stolen goods, all kinds of slave trading, forged documents, hidden information, all types of prostitution… One of the most dangerous commodities is maliska; a powerful magical substance that temporarily boosts mana and magical strength but leads to severe addiction."
My curiosity grew even more. In my old world, illegal activities were never appealing—there were cameras everywhere, and the police could easily track you with just a fingerprint. But here, none of those security measures existed. It seemed like committing crimes would be incredibly easy.
Fidelis shook his head and sighed. "The ruler allows this lawlessness because the gang families control the illegal trade. In return, the gangs pay him a share."
"Libercivia sounds dangerous, but also fascinating," I said. "I can't help but wonder what life is like there." My curiosity had only grown; I intended to visit one day.
"If you want to die, don’t hesitate to go," Fidelis replied. "You can be attacked easily while wandering around, and the guards only come to collect your corpse."
"Who knows? Maybe one day I'll have business there," I said with a smile. Fidelis responded with a grin; his expression was a mix of amusement and concern.
"After the Libercivia job, we went on a raid in Zaharia, a B-level dungeon," Fidelis continued, his expression turning grim. "Although our ranks were enough for the mission, things got pretty difficult in that dungeon."
"What happened there?" I asked, already feeling the weight of his story.
"We were ambushed by a group of pojikans in the boss room," he explained. "Pojikans are stealthy monsters that use dark magic to hide themselves. Sometimes, you can’t even sense their mana when they’re hiding." His face grew even more troubled as he spoke.
A shadow of sorrow appeared in his eyes. "In the end, I was the only one who survived and managed to make it back without killing the boss," he added.
"I’m truly sorry to hear that. It’s not your fault," I said, trying to offer some comfort.
"One of the reasons they died is because of me," he replied. "I was so shocked and panicked that I couldn’t move for a while. By the time I came to my senses, it was too late to save them. I couldn’t protect my friends."
Hearing this was heartbreaking. Carrying such a burden alone was impossible.
"What happened next?" I asked, hoping to steer the conversation toward a lighter topic.
"I ended up in a village near Ardoria," Fidelis continued, his voice heavy with emotion. "I was wounded and collapsed at the village entrance. My wife Leticia found me and took care of me. When I woke up, she was sitting right beside me. That’s when I fell in love with her."
He paused for a moment, as if lost in the depths of the memory. "We got married and lived in the village for a while. I was 20 at the time, and I dedicated myself to protecting the village. Then one day, Leticia got pregnant."
Fidelis' expression darkened. "When the time for the birth came, everything turned into a nightmare. Felicia had turned inside the womb. I managed to get her into the right position, but Leticia had lost too much blood. When Felicia was born, Leticia died."
Fidelis’ voice grew even heavier with sorrow. "Taking care of Felicia alone was incredibly difficult. One day, I went to the church and prayed to Luminara, asking for guidance. I didn’t expect an answer, but she spoke to me. She told me to go to the great cathedral and join the Knights of Light."
Fidelis took a deep breath, regaining composure. "I did as she said. At first, I was just an ordinary paladin. Over time, I rose to the rank of assistant commander."
His story was even more heartbreaking than mine. He had lost both his friends and his wife, yet somehow found the strength to continue living. Fidelis' willpower was truly admirable. My feelings for him, which had already been strong since we first met, deepened even more upon learning that he, too, had a tragic past like mine.
"Well, Shinya. It’s your turn now," he said, smiling. His mood shifted quickly, and I realized it was my time to share my story.
Throughout the day, I told Fidelis everything about my life and my past world. When I spoke about how I had sacrificed myself for my mother, a look of sorrow appeared in his eyes. In my world, there was no magic or other races—only technology and the life that came with it. As I explained this, Fidelis' surprise was evident on his face.
"So, all of this, machines, flying objects were used to travel to distant places... These existed in your old world. But there was no magic or other races like elves?" Fidelis said, as he processed everything I had shared with him.
"Exactly," I replied. "But still, I’m happy to be in this world. Even though I lost my family and friends in my old world, here, I have valuable people who care for me, like you and Zenita."
This conversation was a testament to how much closer we had become by sharing our past pains. I was truly grateful to have someone like Fidelis by my side.
to be continued...