Chapter 2 - Sacred Beast, Carbuncle

Saix spotted a Carceron Soldier deep in the forest. “We’ll initiate the battle which will signal the others,” Krist said.

From behind, the tall young man, Saix slashed the Carceronian Dog Breeder alongside the tree with a halberd. In the original lifetime, the Carceronian was swifter and managed to get far before tasting the dual axes of Reddas. However, this life is far more efficient because Saix is far stealthier and light on his feet for being such a heavy-weighted character. Ultimately, the hunting party kills the rest of the Bloodhounds, “Do we really need to kill them all?” The dark-skinned Reddas begged the question because they’re were many cross-species that were dangerous and untamed.

“Yes.” Krist did not hesitate on this matter due to one of the rare Lupine species appearing in this camp.

“A Direwolf!”

The brave black Direwolf… Your home is at Luna Mountain, you must be the masterpiece of this dog breeder. Unfortunately, the giant dark Direwolf was far damaged long before Krist and the hunting party came due to extreme malnutrition. Must have been too dangerous to unleash in the world except for my country, is it?

“Kuku,” Krist chuckled at the fact that he had acquired quite a valuable fur. This dog breeder proved useful. Kuku. I’ll be taking the jet-black Direwolf’s skin, thanks. Kukuku!

“Look at that! The Direwolf is a female.” Reddas gently held the small dog-like creature.”

My precious pet, Carbuncle. Krist was excited for this moment. “Take a look. The cub survived.”

“Don’t you think it's from another species? It doesn’t resemble the Direwolf at all,” Saix questioned.

“Yeah. It’s a half-breed.”

***

In the outpost, all of the soldiers were celebrating the slaughter of the Bloodhounds in such a way that the stolen supplies taken from the dog breeder’s camp served as their sustenance.

Scout’s duty is to be at the forefront and track enemy movements… whilst trekking on all types of terrain. But, now I’m a Ranger? Loutch was busy pondering as to why Krist had advised the position of such a dangerous and highly ranked Job.

Ranger.

It is a high-ranked Job requiring the combination of a seasoned Archer and Soldier. Described as having exceptional bow skills that snipe enemies from afar with a shortbow or longbow. Unlike most long-ranged fighters, the Ranger is an elite physical combatant. All in all, it is a Hybrid vocation and quite prestigious.

Can I do it? Though, it’s not that safe being a ‘Scout,’ either. Reminiscing when Krist and Loutch were in their village. “Let’s go, Loutch. This is our only chance to make a lot of money.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Loutch replied.

“Become whatever you want to be,” Krist was invoking inspiration.

“You almost got it, but, the sarcasm.” Loutch judged how Krist was speaking.

“Nothing short but Seneschal or Prime Minister.” Loutch proclaimed such a thing when they were kids.

“Haha!” Both laughed at the remark.

“Make a bonfire!” Krist entered the tent which Loutch was in charge of guarding while everyone else was busy celebrating Krist’s slaughter of the Bloodhounds. He carried a few slabs of meat tied to a rope.

***

“Take your time,” Krist said softly.

Loutch was busy enjoying the food, “You’re not eating?”

“We had some meat before entering the camp,” Krist replied and had satiated his famished state a while ago. “Ain’t that right team?”

Saix, Laciel, and Reddas complied by nodding their heads, “As for you.” Krist put a bowl of milk for Carbuncle. Considering the red eyes and a large gem-encrusted on its forehead, it could be from the Demon species… I’ve heard they’re able to breathe out any Element.

“Have you decided on a name?” Loutch asked Krist.

“Carbuncle.”

“Inspection! Muster! Muster!” A soldier cried about the orders.

Kuku! Krist held an internal grin. The “Captain” should be here. And just like that, the soldiers mustered to the orders of the crier. They’ll call for me right about now…”

“Krist. Reserve Squad,” said the person clothed in a long coat.

The Disciple approached the unique-looking person. This person before me is… An Officer and Captain of the 7th Infantry, Commander Gerald Nickson.

Force Master would eventually be known as the ‘Dual Sword King” due to being the teacher and confidant to Forris Zecht. That event would occur about a decade from now, but, Krist has hopes that he would acquire such a Title in a couple of years. An incredible fighter who became the Dual Sword King after many wars and battles.

Gerald Nickson is the Officer who was secretly allied with Forris Zecht for many years and had taught the young noble swordsmanship, military tactics, and strategies.

Born in Lukedonia, Gerald had grown up to be a Warrior who had an aptitude for fighting and became a Mercenary during his adolescent years. After numerous experiences and advancement with swordsmanship, and even, the legendary Aura (Force), Gerald had joined the Lukedonian Army as a fully matured twenty-year-old and served until he crossed paths with Forris Zecht. Ever since then, Gerald has been maintaining a despicable reputation as a drunk and disgraced Knight, however, it was merely a ploy to divert attention from himself. In secret, Forris Zecht has already taken Gerald Nickson as one of his vassals, although, not legally due to Zecht being a bastard.

***

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“I appreciate the valiant feats performed by Private Krist, especially the discovery of the enemy’s scout and camp,” Commander Gerald Nickson applied the new rank given as a reward.

“Therefore, I, Captain Gerald Nickson, Commander of the 7th Infantry appoint Private Krist from the Reserve Squad as a Sergeant,” Gerald finished with the formalities. “We look forward to your future endeavors.”

“Aye-Aye Captain,” Krist received the order in militaristic bearings.

Applaud. Applaid. Clap! Clap! Cheers. Cheers.

The entire camp had commemorated the promotion of Krist from Private to a bonafide Sergeant. By Lukedonian Military Law, a Sergeant in the Army is responsible for ten or more soldiers.

On the flip side, some of the Officers looked at Krist with contempt while others held their neutral expression. At this point, this was when Krist would receive bad treatment simply by being younger and of higher rank. Wonder how this time will go. Krist was apprehensive, remembering the times when many soldiers gave him a hard time instead of submitting to his higher rank.

“Krist, should we call you ‘Commander’ now?” Saix asked the question when Krist returned to quarters.

Sounds tempting, but… “Call me like you used to.” Krist did not mind his friends calling him by name. “Anyways, we better start preparing.”

“Something going on?” Saix was perplexed.

“I want to get a ‘jump’ on some people. Kuku.” Krist smirked and petted his Direwolf cub.

***

Trekking the vast plains across the borders of Lukedonia and Carceron, Krist, Loutch, Saix, Laciel, and Reddas were heading to a hidden location, “How long have we been marching all this time?” Loutch begged the question.

“Four hours…” Krist replied nonchalantly.

“Hey. Sergeant.” Krist was reminiscing about a recent memory. Must be feeling quite high? Zecht made his appearance, almost mockingly.

“Ah,” Krist remembered that Forris Zecht was someone like that. “Not really. A Lieutenant outranks most of us.”

“Did you know that among the various units, ‘Rangers’ die the most? Well before the battle begins.” Zecht pointed out the demise that front liners are expected to encounter. “Take a look at your subordinates.” Zecht glared at Loutch, Saix, Laciel, and Reddas. “Will they make it to the end?”

Krist held a solemn expression that reflected his feelings regarding his friends, “There’s something ‘special’ about each of us. Don’t count us out because of our age.”

“I hope there really is something ‘special’ about you guys. Don’t perish out there,” Zecht held a conceited grin outwardly to Krist and left.

“...Kuku. The same as always.” At this point, Krist was beginning to grow his relationship with Forris Zecht and Foris Van Solidor simultaneously.

Forris Zecht was called “Double Executioner” after killing his half-brother. Krist knew exactly how the sequence of events would play out. You’ll be my vassal soon enough, old friend.

“We’re here,” Loutch broke Krist from his daydream.

“A swamp,” Krist said. “Begin harvesting.” It was already talked about what their instructions were specified by Krist. This event took a couple of hours as the quota was for three bags each excluding Saix who would be carrying five bags of herbs.

“Being a Ranger is indeed hard. Still, I feel a great sense of achievement,” Loutch sat down inside his tent.

Carbuncle was sleeping on Krist’s bed, “By the way, where did Krist go?” Loutch asked one of the roommates.

On his way to the central headquarters of the campsite, Krist headed to such a place by himself, “Halt. State your reason for visit.” A soldier inquired.

“Sergeant Krist of the Ranger Unit,” straight to business. Unlike the original lifetime, he made his identity known, but, the soldiers mocked him and ended up being in a fight until Sergeant Mondair broke it up.

This time, things went a lot more smoothly as there was military discipline with most of the soldiers, “You said your name was ‘Krist,’ right?”

“That’s right,” Krist looked at the person who was equally ranked as him.

“Come inside,” Sergeant Mondair wasted no time.

***

“There’s a small hill not quite far from here, and that direction leads to a swamp,” Krist had gone through most of his reconnaissance.

“Excellent. We lacked some information about the cartography of the landscapes and surroundings in this particular region. Honestly, your unit displayed the best outcome,” Sergeant Mondair commended the efforts of Krist’s squad.

“Really?” Krist was pleased to hear such things, but, kept a neutral expression.

The meeting between the two went quite well as Krist was busily heading to a place by himself. I intend on having you with my forces, Jarvis Mondair. Your fealty to Commander Gerald Nickson will not go unrewarded. I won’t repeat the mistake of not having all the forces to myself!

“This is it right here,” Krist arrived at the midpoint between Carceron and Lukedonia. Looking down from an overpass, the discovery of the delivery route of the enemy was found way before its imminent exposure.

?!

Six Carriages? There are more soldiers as well. In the original lifetime, there were only a few guards and two carriages instead of six. Not only that, inside those carriages held more than just food supplies, but also, materials like brocades and variations of ores.

This ambush will yield great results! Krist held a sinister expression, thinking that such plunder would advance his plans. Everything has changed. Some are subtle, and some things remain unchanging. In the past, Krist ambushed the caravan and barely made it out alive. This was the first instance in which Krist has had to risk his life, albeit, his combat skills were mastered, but, Aura had yet to be achieved. So far, thanks to the Mana Breathing Method taught by his Master and the opening of the Governor Vessel and Conception Vessel, Krist could now embrace the feeling of what it was like to imbue mana. Therefore, with the ability to infuse Blade Energy, The Disciple was on the level of a full-fledged Master Knight, making the ambush of this caravan easy.

Lord Kenesis had left some literature for Krist to read and study, but, personally taught Martial Arts like the Footwork Technique, Shadow Phantom Waltz. This was originally the Night King’s Martial Arts, a thief who made use of the darkness as an embodiment of self, he became a world-renowned thief who had made the Mallory Family infamous. It had been refined beyond perfection and laid the foundation for Lord Kenesis and Krist to become a Martial God.

In the original lifetime, Krist had no such techniques but did have nimble movements and swift actions gained through harsh experiences and near life-and-death situations. Albeit, while being disabled, Krist remained ambitious and continued his life as an Adventurer and Mercenary. With all of this said, Krist had learned the Night King’s Martial Arts and had made himself as if he were ‘darkness’ itself.

Krist culled the caravan guards one by one as they were traveling in a linear path and the soldiers positioned. The assassination was astonishingly quiet as Krist killed the guards simply by snapping their necks making no noise whatsoever. The Disciple grabbed a dagger from the guards and proceeded to and in darkness.

Slice throat. Slice throat. Slice throat. Slice throat. Slice throat. Slice throat.

No time could be wasted since Krist had no idea when another caravan would be taking the delivery route. Fortunately, no outstanding guards were present as the rest of them were nothing more than 3rd Rate worms. Krist made easy work out of them and the caravan stopped moving. All of the enemies had been killed by one person.

Good. I have to move the bodies and hide these garages over there! Being far more than what the original life had shown, Krist had to think fast and camouflage the loot and dead bodies so that he could return with his friends and steal the booty.

Phew! A few drops of sweat slowly descended from Krist’s face. That was tedious. He had moved six carriages into a densely forested area away from the delivery route and drugged the horses to sleep. 6 Carriages with 6 Horses and dead soldiers with valuable gear. A grin appeared on Krist’s face. I’d better rush back to the group. We can sneak out at night and reclaim them.