As I awoke the next day, a sense of relief permeated the camp. The air buzzed with an unspoken joy, a collective celebration of survival. Yesterday's events had marked a significant turning point for me. I was no longer the same man who had first arrived in this harsh, unforgiving world. Yet, despite my newfound strength, I remained cautious, knowing that killing an overconfident commander was no monumental feat in the grand scheme of things.

Like everyone else, I too felt relieved. However, the sight of Ruvy from the day before lingered in my mind, casting a shadow over my mood. It wasn't the first time I had encountered something so disturbing, but it still left a bitter taste in my mouth. Anyone with an ounce of sanity would have been unsettled by such a sight.

Boredom nudged me to explore the camp. As I wandered, I saw many unfamiliar faces—some engaged in sparring, others drinking. Despite the generally upbeat atmosphere, I couldn't help but notice the slight unease that followed me. It felt as though rumours about me had already begun to spread. While walking, a voice called out from behind.

"Well, if it isn't Yoshida."

I turned to see Almon, his brown hair flailing in the wind, a large grin spreading across his face. Unlike yesterday's extravagant armour, he was dressed in smart, noble attire.

"You did well," he said. "I'm honestly surprised you made it out alive."

"Thanks for that," I responded curtly. "No thanks to your strategy."

"Well, you're alive, aren't you?"

I couldn't argue with that. His plan had indeed worked flawlessly, leading to a decisive victory and the only reason I had survived was due to the sword skills he had taught me back in Cassis.

"Anyway, why am I getting odd stares from everyone?" I hoped Almon, with his close ties to the soldiers, could shed some light on this.

"Ah, well, that's because of the name the Sylvans have given you."

"What name?"

"The Devil of Cassis. It's pretty good if you ask me," Almon chuckled as he observed my reaction. This was yet another nickname to add to my collection. Was it the third? People in this world seemed to have a knack for bestowing grandiose titles, and this one would surely give others a negative impression of me.

"But that's the least of your worries," Almon continued. "The emperor will be arriving later today to partake in the coming battles, so be on your best behaviour."

This news shocked me. It wasn't just the fact that the emperor would fight alongside us, but the timing of his arrival. It was as if he had anticipated our success. I nodded, processing this information but just as I was about to return to my tent, Almon added one more thing.

"Don't get too confident. The top brass of the Sylvan Empire will be waiting for us as we advance into their territory." With that, we parted ways, and I walked back to my tent, the words floating about in my head unsure of what challenges the coming days would present me.

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After about an hour of sitting and waiting, the sound of trumpets blared around the camp. "That must be the emperor," I thought, though the frantic rush of soldiers already made it obvious. We lined up outside our tents as a carriage, surrounded by heavily armoured knights, passed through the camp's centre. The carriage was made of dark oak with gold lining, adorned with the Cassis eagle on its side. Its small, slit windows were designed to protect the emperor. Once it had fully passed, the murmurs of fellow soldiers filled my ears.

"Why is the emperor here?" one soldier asked another.

"I think he might be joining us in the war."

"But can the emperor even fight?"

"Can the emperor fight? Of course he can. It's said that no one has ever defeated him in a duel."

If no one had ever defeated him, surely that meant he was on par with Almon. Given the gap between my skills and Almon's, it seemed I would have to climb a mountain to reach the emperor's level of prowess. Suddenly, all conversations went silent as the sound of someone marching toward my tent brought me to my feet.

"The emperor has requested your attendance." It was Almon, acting on the emperor's orders. I walked with him to a large tent in the middle of the camp, guarded by two tall knights in beautiful silver and gold armour. As we entered, pushing through the draped curtains, there sat the emperor, not in his usual attire but fully suited in fine steel armour with a red cape flowing behind him.

"We meet again, Yoshida," he exclaimed.

"It is a pleasure," I responded, bowing my head to show respect.

"You've gained more wear on your face, I see," the emperor said, analysing my features. "Do not take it as an insult; what is a man who has not gone through tribulations such as yours?"

Indeed, my face had changed dramatically in the past months, and I wore my scars with pride as testaments to my struggles.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Enough of this meaningless chatter. I heard you performed well in the last battle," the emperor said, a grin spreading across his face. "I would like you to join Commander Almon and his group in leading the next assault on the Sylvans."

I couldn't reject the offer. I didn't want to accept it, but how could anyone say no to a man who essentially had the world at his fingertips?

"Yes, of course," I nodded reluctantly.

As I looked around the room, I noticed numerous unfamiliar faces. Judging by their attire, these were higher-ups, wearing fine equipment that signalled their status and authority. None of them had been present in my eyes yesterday, suggesting they were leaders of different segments of the troupe, ones I hadn't interacted with. Almon, standing beside me, was grinning ecstatically. It must have been his idea to keep me close, but the emperor's easy agreement puzzled me. Each time I encountered this man, he was an enigma. Whether he was scheming or genuinely believed in me was something I couldn't decipher.

The room settled into an awkward silence, which was finally broken by one of the men. He was of moderate height and build, wearing armour similar to the emperor's and his voice carried a hint of disdain as he spoke, "Why are you so fond of this man, Your Majesty? He doesn't look like anything special, and I must say, his face is rather unpleasant."

The emperor interrupted sharply, "Enough. You will see what he is capable of when the time comes. Now, everybody leave so I can begin the plans for tomorrow." His command was clear and authoritative, leaving no room for argument. As everyone began to file out, the man who had critiqued me shot a dirty look in my direction. "Who the hell even is that?" I asked Almon.

"Oh, him? That's Odius. The emperor's nephew. But don't worry about it; he acts like that to everyone since his father died."

Those were the type of people I hated—the type that displaced their own sadness and anger onto others below them. In other words, a coward.

As the next morning dawned, the first rays of sunlight filtered through the canvas of my tent. I emerged to find Almon waiting patiently by the entrance. His eyes were bright with anticipation.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked, his voice steady but filled with a hint of excitement.

I met his gaze with a determined look. "Of course."

I gathered my gear, feeling the weight of my new sword at my side. The polished steel glinting in the morning light. As I fastened the last strap and checked my provisions, I could only wonder what the future would behold me.

To be continued…