Freeday, 27th of Janus, 5662 AE, 468th Year of the 5th Era
Breathe in and breathe out. Focus on every molecule of air flowing in and out of my body, circulating through my lungs and back out again.
The cold morning air was attacking me left and right as I stood there at the usual training yard, eyeing down Alfred in his wheelchair as he waved his training sword up and down before smirking and batting the sword in his hands as if to challenge me. I paid his taunts no mind though. We had been sparring for nearly half an hour now as Alfred had awoken me to train far before the sun was even up.
Though only darkness shrouded the yard, I had already started to get used to the terrain after sparring there so many times as well as the fact that even though I was wearing the limiter bracelets, I could still make use of my enhanced night-vision granted to me by my Wolfbane passive skill. However, despite my heightened senses, Alfred still managed to keep me on my toes.
Without further warning, Alfred had again unleashed unrelenting torrents of wind and gale to assault me. I put emphasis on controlling my breaths as I maneuvered to dodge each and every one of Alfred’s attacks. Though I was still quite a bit away from being a threat to the old man, I could still see that I was making good progress. I had begun doing more breath-training exercises since the day before as Alfred had suggested so that I can better get the feel of the flow of wind and more importantly, the flow of mana in the air.
Alfred had rolled his wheelchair forwards, lounging at me with his sword, targeting me at all of my purported blind spots. As the strikes were approaching me, I could sense the slight shifts in air pressure as well as the flowing of mana from one spot to another. A few hits managed to land on my shoulders and a few to my legs, causing me a little pain, but I managed to catch most of the big attacks as I swiveled and swerved to dodge some of the attacks while outright parrying other slashes.
This back and forth continued for a further while as today I had managed to somewhat stand my ground against Alfred’s relentless attacks. My body’s energy was being sapped, my user interface showed as much, but as if the arbitrary track of my stats that I could see were nothing more than pure imagination, I paid both it and my growing fatigue no mind as I was getting more and more excited as I was able to go on a counter-offensive.
The wind at the soles of my feet started to gather as if naturally propelling me to move thus quickening my steps as I began to unrelentingly unleash a barrage of attacks from all directions towards Alfred. The old man’s playful demeanor was no more as he switched to actually focusing on blocking and parrying my attacks. I felt every parry from Alfred contained a hidden strength that I didn’t realise he still had as each hit felt heavier and heavier. Our clashes reverberated through the air as I continued my assault.
It was only when I had readied myself for one final attack did Alfred finally give one giant swing of his training sword towards me which threw my sword out of my hand and sent me flying back with it.
I was writhing with my back against the ground as I was finally reeling in the pain of overextending my energy against Alfred. My muscles felt like they were in a constant ache as I was gasping for air with my burning lungs causing my chest to expand and contract rapidly, gasping for air. I was this close to having actual tears appearing from my eyes from the utter frustration I felt at my inability to do anything towards Alfred, even if it were only training.
As I was just wallowing in pain, I felt a gentle breeze softly caressing my body as I looked up and saw Alfred approaching me with a smile and an outstretched hand. I gave out a sigh before I chuckled and grabbed his hand.
“Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever be reaching your level anytime soon.” I said as I got up and took off the limiter bracelets. As soon as they were off, I could already feel my energy and strength recovering at an abnormal rate.
“Charles, I’ve been at this for more than what I’d say is twice your age. But you are indeed a monster yourself. In only a week of me training you, you already pushed me back to the extent I had to take you on seriously.” Alfred patted my back in consolation, but I could hear his tone was serious “I can only imagine what a few more years would do to your progress. You’d probably shake the world with your power, hahahah.”
“Hahaha… Wishful thinking I’d say. If a random paraplegic old coot from the ass-end of nowhere can turn out to be a legendary warrior-prince of an Empire, I dread what else I’d run into in my travels.”
“Hahahahah… You’d be surprised, Charlie. Anyways, that was good training for today. Get some breakfast and wash up. We’ve got to prepare for the arrival of the expedition.”
“Aye.”
And with that, I got up and dusted myself off to prepare myself. I felt my fatigue leaving me as the excitement in meeting these adventurers welled up in me. How powerful were these individuals, their backgrounds, and just generally wanting to experience more new things outside of Alfred’s books and tomes.
Rosie had prepared me a nice bucket of heated water to wash myself with when I got back home to the office building. After washing myself, I proceeded to enter my bedroom and just wait there for either Alfred or Rosie to wake me up when I needed to greet the arrivals. And so I sat comfortably on my bed with a good book to read while I waited. It was rare that Alfred would give me breaks like this so I was sure to make full use of it.
I took this time to look into the Adventurer’s Associations origins in Feldonia. As I was flipping through the chapters, I sought to at least grasp the basics of the association’s structure.
The book read, ‘With the Special charter of the ‘Ordo Venaria Feldonii’ signed by His Majesty, the King Richard Ironfist, as part of the treaties of the Partitions, in the 442nd Year of the 5th Era, the Imperial Order of Adventurers will be officially divided with the Offices of Godwinston, Blairlech, and Caer Morhan, each representing its states as its own independent offices along with all subsidiary offices under its jurisdiction. All registered members of the Guilds had gone through a re-registration process to accommodate with the new changes.
The Feldonian Association of Adventurers will then be led by an elected leader with an office term of five years. Up until the writing of this book in the 465th year of the 5th Era, there have been five leaders who have served as Grand Guildmaster. The first leader of the Association was appointed by King Richard Ironfist himself. The Most Hon. Count Alfred de Lamellarouge, brother to the King, served as leader until his resignation at the death of King Richard Ironfist in the 445th year of the 5th Era. The next guildmasters were in order: The Rt. Hon. Sir Aubrey de Lamellarouge served next after his father for six years until his death during a dungeon raid. The Rt. Hon. Sir Patrick Blakebow next served for ten years, then the current guildmaster, Sir Henry Rolfe who has been serving since the 461st year of the 5th Era…’
And yet another layer to Alfred’s history appeared in these texts. The old man even served as the bloody guildmaster! But the text right after mentioned a Sir Aubrey de Lamellarouge… Alfred’s son… Up to that point I had always wondered where Alfred’s children might be considering he lives with his granddaughter. However, I knew then not to pry too deeply into what could be a past that should not be mentioned so I put my curiosity to rest for the time being as I continued shifting through the book’s pages.
Perhaps it was due to the early morning start I had, but I felt that for each page I turned, the book had cast a charm on my eyes as they got heavier and heavier, not helping was the fact that the sounds made by the clock in the main hallway provided me with a soothing ambience. It probably didn’t take more than a few minutes for me to finally succumb to the sweet slumber.
I was only just beginning to see disconnected visions in my sleep before I jolted up as I heard the sounds of knocking on my bedroom door.
“Sir, Charles! I’m sorry to bother you while you were resting…” Rosie said apologetically as she opened the door to my room. I quickly wiped my eyes and shook my head before I immediately got up from the bed.
“Oh, it’s of no concern, Rosie!” I said as I gathered my wits about me while my head was still slightly pulsating “Have the expeditionary forces arrived?”
“Yes, the vanguard of the Baron’s forces had just arrived and grandfather is already at the main courtyard to greet them…” Rosie said as she came in “You should hurry and accompany him, Sir Charles.”
“Aye, that would be best.” I dusted myself off to quickly head to the courtyard but not before Rosie stopped me to tidy up my garments which were slightly wrinkled from my short nap. I thanked Rosie and immediately made my way to the courtyard.
I could see Alfred already sitting on his wheelchair flanked by Jasper to his right. Alfred saw me come out and wordlessly motioned his head towards his left. I nodded before taking my position next to him. I looked out to the main road leading to the village’s main courtyard as I could hear the sound of trumpets coming from the gates of the village followed by the rough gallops of horses.
Soon enough, several horsemen - about twelve of them - had ridden up towards the courtyard, dressed in full-plate armor and at the helm of these armed knights was the familiar face of Sir Blakebow. The knights were holding banners that showed arms far more ermine than what I’d expect a baron’s household would be able to afford. Following Sir Blakebow and his bodyguard were a few dozen men-at-arms with some of them being the soldiers that had already arrived with me from Surlock a week prior.
Finally trailing the expeditionary force from further back were six people on horseback, four men and two women, all of them geared with more unique-looking equipment for the most part. My heart beat a little faster as I was excited as these people were most likely the Adventuring party assigned by the Guild to help out the expeditionary forces.
A middle-aged man with a rough complexion and messy brown hair with a few streaks of white who I assumed was the leader of the adventurers quickly rode up and took a position next to Blakebow. Soon as the entire force had entered the main courtyard of the village, Blakebow and the Adventurer leader dismounted, followed by the other knights and adventurers as they approached Alfred, myself, and Jasper.
Alfred had kept up a sort of dignified air around him and in looking at his serene posture, I also straightened out my back to receive the guests. As Blakebow and the adventurer walked in front of the force, they stopped just a few feet away before bowing their heads in a respectful manner. Alfred raised his hand to accept their bow in a manner befitting towards a nobleman, but somehow I got the feeling that he was rolling his eyes a bit.
But all this time, I had this weird feeling that I was being watched. My senses directed me towards the adventuring party and a rather tall man standing to the far side of the adventurers. He wore ominous-looking blackened armor while his face was obfuscated by his hood and cloak, the only thing I could see was the lower part of his face which was clean-shaven and for a split second I had thought I had seen the man smirk at me as he was gazing at me. Suffice it to say, it felt oh so very uncomfortable but regardless, I put it to the back of my mind as I noticed Sir Blakebow also glancing at me and giving me a smile. I nodded my head in respect towards the veteran warrior before smiling back at him.
“I, Sir Patrick Blakebow, Chief Knight of the Surlock Barony, accompanied by the Esteemed Sir James Hunt, Branchmaster of the Ashfall Guildhouse, give our greetings to the Most Honourable Count of Taltree, Imperial Prince Alfred de Lamellaroughe…” Blakebow said in a manner of full decorum.
I knew Alfred somewhat disliked these official ceremonies and whatnot, but seeing him actually playing his natural role with full dignitas, I couldn’t help but be awed at the man’s etiquette. As a nobleman myself in my past life, of course I was used to these sorts of formalities, but a couple of years in the modern day did chip away a little from my noble court practices.
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“If the Lord count allows…” The adventurer I now knew was called James Hunt said “I have brought with me a good party that the short notice your highness put out allowed me to gather. My own personal party that I shall introduce.”
Alfred nodded his head as he motioned for Hunt to introduce his party.
“This is Sir Henry Whitefield.” Hunt introduced a rather muscular man who looked no older than twenty was carrying with him a large broadsword. He had a short stubble and a well-trimmed set of dark brown hair “A promising Steel-rank warrior who’s proven his worth in numerous raids before.”
“It is an honor to meet the First Guildmaster.” Henry bowed
“Next we have Sir Perseus of Coldreach.” Hunt motioned towards a lean young man with round eyes and a thin face. His body had an athletic build to it, to be sure, but gave off a less intense vibe. “A third-level Iron-rank Marksman, took part in the great hunt of a wyvern nest that had been terrorising the trade lanes of the Northern Ridge.”
“Your Grace…” Perseus gave a comfortable bow. It seemed like he was accustomed to Noble etiquette.
“I’m very sure His Grace is familiar with the Reverend Mother…” Hunt said as I saw a middle-aged woman in a black and red habit. I was surprised to see a nun here and based on how she was addressed, an abbess. Though I digress as she most likely came from a protestant order “Abbess Margaret of the Great Abbey of St. Alphonse and Regional Director of the Sisters of the Flaming Sword.”
Well, that was one way to name a sisterhood of nuns.
“May the Lord keep you always, Your Imperial Highness…” The nun bowed towards Alfred.
“Bah! What’s with these formalities? Get over here!” As if Alfred didn’t care anymore that we were in a somewhat formal setting, he rolled his wheelchair closer to the nun as the two embraced “How many years has it been, Margie! Last I heard of you was that you were undergoing training at the abbey after becoming mother superior!”
“The Blessed Lord has kept me, Uncle Alfred!” Mother Margaret laughed as she returned the embrace
“How is Sybil doing?”
“Mother is doing well and is in relatively good health. You should come over to visit us once in a while. It’s been far too long. You didn’t even come visit us when you were in the capital for New Year’s!”
“Ah, there were… many matters to attend to, hahaha…” Alfred said sheepishly
“If Your Grace would permit, I would like to continue the introductions…” Hunt said as he cleared his throat. Alfred now visibly rolled his eyes as he nodded. I helped Alfred by pulling his wheelchair back to place. After the abbess, A young woman stepped forward. Now this was an admittedly very pretty lady. With dark blonde hair, blue eyes, and comparatively nice figure complemented by well-fitting elaborately embroidered robes that weren’t all that covered by her crimson gilded cloak, I could assume that she must have had a well-off if not outright noble upbringing. “I present to you a most promising young mage of her generation, a fifth-circle expert and Silver-ranked Adventurer, the Lady Genevieve de Montverde.”
“It is a most esteemed honor, Your Grace.” The noble lady curtsied and bowed in immaculate noble fashion towards Alfred who nodded his head and smiled.
“I should be the one to feel honored considering a daughter of the great ducal House of Montverde has graced us with her presence.” Alfred replied, confirming my suspicions of the girl’s identity.
“I am honored by your words, Lord Imperial Prince…” Genevieve maintained her stalwart composure as she made a bow and curtsy.
And last but not least, Hunt moved to introduce the hooded figure who appropriately removed his hood. I could feel my jaw drop as I realised the identity of the last adventurer fellow.
“Lastly, this is the newest arrival to our group as he has only joined the guild recently, but his skills are not to be trifled with as I personally saw him kill a great bear with his bare hands.” Hunt said as if to hype the adventurer “I present to you the Steel-level warrior, Ivan Grozny!”
I didn’t know whether to be surprised, laugh, or cry at the development that my actual dorm roommate somehow ended up trapped inside of this rpg-like world along with me. On that day, one of my suspicions was confirmed to be true right in front of my eyes. Other people from the academy were indeed sucked up into the portal incident back at the lab and my friend Ivan was one of those people. As he removed his hood I could see him flash a smirk at me before facing Alfred to greet him. The bastard looked as cocky as ever but I have to say, his neck-length brown hair and slightly unkempt appearance were somewhat balanced out with the armour and cloak he was wearing which did make him look the part of a grizzled adventurer.
“It is an honor, your Grace.” Ivan said
“A strong-looking lad indeed!” Alfred said as he nodded
“I am honored by your words, your Grace…” Ivan bowed again in a very polite way, I snickered as I rolled my eyes slightly at the psychopath’s insane acting skills.
“I have to say, Sir Hunt, the party you managed to put forward has quite the promise and talent about them!”
Hunt only shook his head as he smiled as if to wince in embarrassment. “No, this is in fact shameful. A summons from the Most Honorable Prince-Imperial himself should’ve aroused the mobilisation of at least a Platinum Griffon Platoon.”
“Oh don’t give me that, Hunt. You did well assembling this party on such short notice, and let us not forget the fine knights and men-at-arms that our dear Sir Blakebow have provided for this exploratory expedition.” Alfred said as he slapped the side of Hunt’s left arm amicably before he then turned towards me “Speaking of introductions, I’d like you to meet my grandson, Charles. I adopted him recently and I can attest to his abilities that should be of great help to the expedition as well.”
“Ahahahaha! That is an understatement, your highness…” Blakebow said as he the formalities were starting to crack among the old comrades “Charles here is a real trooper! You’ll like him, hunt!”
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sir Hunt…” I bowed my head in respect towards the veteran adventurer
“Sir Blakebow has also told me a great deal about you, young master Charles.” Hunt said respectfully as he gave a slight bow “And hearing that His Highness speaks so highly of you, I can’t help but be assured of this expedition.”
I simply nodded at the veteran adventurer’s praise of me. The pleasantries and compliments were all quite nice but I had reminded myself that it wouldn’t be good to be swept up by praise. Besides that, I had a feeling that these adventurers weren’t too convinced of my prowess and that was fine by me. Too much attention towards myself would only bring much harm in the long run.
"Will the Right Honorable Sir Blakebow be joining in the expedition as well?" I asked the old knight "I'd imagine having the Legendary Third Guildmaster on our side would render this venture a stroll in the park."
"Bwahahahahha!! I see Alfred's been running his mouth about the old times!!" Blakebow slapped the side of my arms enthusiastically, as if forgetting we were still in a somewhat formal setting "While I'd love to be back bashing skulls on the field, I'm afraid I'm already stretching the area's defenses to the limits. If the baron returns to find me and half the household retinue gone, he'd throw a fit! No, I won't be going but in my stead, Sir Churchward here is an Advanced Knight of great prowess who'll do well to lead in my stead."
"Bah, that's assuming the good-for-nothing is even planning to return here." Alfred scoffed with disdain at the mention of the Baron "If it weren't for the fact that it would take a few extra weeks to gather the Count's Retinue, I wouldn't have even bothered with relying on him in any capacity."
"Ahem…" Hunt cleared his throat "While the Lord-Prince Imperial is well within his rights to criticise his direct vassals, it would perhaps be best to move the conversation inside with less ears to eavesdrop."
Alfred and Blakebow laughed and nodded, acquiescing to the request. The expeditionary forces except for the adventurers and the captains of the Baron's forces were ushered into the village's office building. There, Blakebow explained the gist of his findings and investigations. Apparently, the Malcanis cult made their base of operations in the ruins of some old bygone fort from the Auguatan era less than a week's travel north from Dansville.
The meeting was spent discussing the specific composition and strategies the expedition would utilise in scouting the ruins though once again, it was stressed out during the meeting that the main goal of the expedition wasn't to eradicate the cult head-on but to investigate further and contain the problem. Alfred stated that he had already sent a report to the King himself and had already prepared a second more serious contingent of soldiers from the army of the county. Finally after a few more hours of deliberations, me and the other adventurers were dismissed as the veterans and leaders remained behind to probably catch up and reminisce with one another.
As I was heading out to the courtyard to give the old folks their space, I felt a hand up my shoulder as I saw the man named Harold coming up to me like we were old friends or something. I can’t say I appreciated the gesture and I almost put my guard up but I’d been through worse at the academy and making enemies here wouldn’t do me any favours.
“So Charles was it, eh? I expected the hero of Dansville to be a little bit bigger based on Sir Blakebow’s incessant stories…” Harold said as he had his arm around me “You don’t look too tough but I’ve been told looks could be deceiving.”
“Yes, looks indeed can be deceiving.” I forced a smile and an exasperated chuckle as I gently tried to remove the man’s arm from my personal space “For instance, people seeing you approach me with such confidence would think that I was a subordinate of yours, Master Harold…”
“Oho… No need to get feisty, Sir Charles.” Harold let me go as he chuckled and raised his hands in front of him “I didn’t mean to offend our great hero in any way, I just wanted to make an acquaintance of the man who mysteriously showed up not too long ago but somehow has the ability to turn away entire werewolf armies by himself…”
The man’s tone had a slight hint of condescending to it but I managed to keep my wits about me. If years of dealing with sly and snake-like dignitaries in the court of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire didn’t prepare me for situations like this, then my tenure as Student Council President should suffice.
“Perhaps there were indeed slight exaggerations in Sir Blakebow’s recount of events.” I said as we had made it out of the building
“Perhaps.” Harold said “But there’s no need to be so formal, eh, Charlie? You can call me Harry! It isn’t like any of us are nobles except for maybe the Princess over there.”
At the same time, Harold turned towards Lady Genevieve and gave her a wink to which she only rolled her eyes with a coquettish smile. What a blatant display of affection.
“Could you be any more annoying…” With a curt statement, I finally heard Ivan speaking.
“Tch. What are you doing butting in? No one was talking to you.” Harry retorted to Ivan’s comments with visible contempt on his face. I raised one of my eyebrows at the scene as I discovered that Ivan didn’t quite get along with this party of his
Ivan only snorted at the annoyed Harry before facing me. “Don’t let this prick talk down to you like that, Charles. He isn’t all that…” Ivan said which only served to provoke Harry’s ire.
“What was that you fucking-..!!” Harry was obviously insulted and it looked like a minor fight was about to break out. I saw the other party member Perseus only shaking his head at the sight as if to say it wasn’t the first time it’s happened.
Just as Harry was about to start a fight, Genevieve immediately got between the two as she held Harry back facing him. “Oy, Calm down and stop acting like children, you two!” She said “And Ivan! Why do you keep provoking Harry? Honestly…”
“Stop defending that big bastard, Jen! Let me give him a good socking and-!” Harry was about to charge at Ivan before the door to the office building opened again and I saw Hunt coming out.
“What’s going on here? What are you two doing in someone else’s front yard?” Hunt asked with an air of authority around him to which the two men immediately held themselves back now only glaring at each other “You two would do well to remember the mission we have been assigned and to not sully your names as adventurers with petty squabbles. Now hurry and rest up while one of the villagers show you to your temporary accommodations. And don’t you dare start anything again? Am I understood?”
“Loud and clear.” Ivan said with a nonchalant look to which Harry only grit his teeth and glared at Ivan before nodding.
“Percy, Jen, get Harry some rest and don’t bother the locals…” Hunt continued as the three acquiesced and immediately left for the house they’d be staying at accompanied by a villager. “And you, Ivan. What did I say about picking fights with your teammates?”
“I was only looking out for Harry.” Ivan gave one of the most insincere smiles I’ve ever seen “I prevented him from doing anything stupid like getting to friendly with Sir Charles here and potentially gaining the ire of the Lord Count.”
Hunt only gave an exasperated smile before he rubbed his temples in slight frustration, “Honestly, Ivan. You should have some mercy on this old man and at the very least try to get along with Harry.”
“Of course…” Ivan said with a big smile to which Hunt only shook his head before making a gesture with his fingers from his eyes indicating he was watching Ivan. When Hunt finally re-entered the building, it was just me and Ivan left at the front porch. We looked at each other for a while, locking eyes as if analysing each other to the minutia of details before finally the silence was broken.
“This is major gay shit, Carl.” Ivan finally said in a modern English tone which made us both laugh at the random statement. This beyond a shadow of a doubt confirmed to me of his identity. This was my dear roommate from the academy. Ivan Vasilyevich Rurikid, called ‘the Terrible’, Grand Prince of Moscow and the First Tsar of All Russia.
“And here I thought I was never gonna see anyone from the academy ever again…” I said as I put my fist to the side of his arm
“Oh well, might as well get the gay shit over and done with.” Ivan shrugged his shoulders before pulling me in for a bear hug. We laughed as we realised that we weren’t totally alone in this new foreign world.
Finally as we both calmed, Ivan pulled out a question I knew he was going to ask…
“We have a lot to talk about but on that note, where can we get any drinks here?”