The city of Isturmkam is where the Knights’ Order is located. It is essentially where one of their main bases is located. Rocks and grime chunks bump against the carriage that I am riding as it drove on the rough road that led to the Knights’ Order’s Home.
The sun was covered by the cloud-filled sky, giving a small relief to the city workers. I couldn’t blame them. It was already past noon, having this minor respite could be considered a blessing already. The presence of other horse carriages combined with the densely packed stalls, slowed us from moving forward.
Though this gave me time to enjoy the smell of freshly baked bread. I catch the distant sound of pots rattling in a kitchen as someone fixed up a home-cooked meal. My mouth waters as I crave for food to eat. I haven’t eaten since the start of our journey. I sure wish that I packed some lunch before we went on our way.
Everyone had a chimney on the block, pumping away smoke. We rounded the corner to the city’s center. As the stalls grows bigger, I am starting to think we entered the commercial part of the city. The clanking of coins suggest that business is striving.
Due to the jammed pack stores and thin road, I decided to get out of the carriage and just walk my way there. This is also for the reason that I want to buy myself some lunch cause my stomach is seriously rumbling. I bought some piece of good smelling pie in some random stall and paid 3 copper coins the Kingdom gave me as “funds”.
I was given sixty-six (66) silver coins, twenty-four (24) bronze coins, and four (4) copper coins. Though now, I only have 1 copper coin left because I bought a piece of pie. It was worth it though. I roughly understand how the monetary system works here.
One (1) gold coin is equivalent to one-hundred-thirteen (113) silver coins, eight (8) bronze coins, and eight (8) copper coins. One (1) silver coin is equivalent to twenty-four (24) bronze coins and eight (8) copper coins. One (1) bronze coin is equivalent to eleven (11) copper coins. One (1) copper coin could buy a loaf of bread.
As I made my way towards the Knights’ Order, I can now see their building in the distance. I made my way past the stalls and through the thick wave of people. Some of them thought I’m a member of the Order due to my appearance.
Well my armor and weapons were given by the church and have a similar design with the armors of the Order. Though it did help me get through cause the people cleared the path for me. I finally neared the Order’s vast doors.
In either side, there was a knight stationed, guarding the building. The Church said to approach one of them and show them my Status Card. They’ll know how to accommodate me afterwards. I should listen and do what they say.
Following the instructions, I introduced myself to one of them and showed the knight my status card.
“Hi, I’m Aimi Fumiko, one of the summoned heroes, and having the Knight class. I am here to join your Order as the Church requested. Please take good care of me”
Silence filled afterwards. Did I say something wrong? [She didn’t say something wrong. The Knight was just mesmerized by her due to her beauty]
“Ah…yes, yes. Aimi Fumiko. We… were notified beforehand about your arrival and your… initiation. Please come inside. Ser Reginald would like to meet you. Follow me.”
The huge door opened revealing white marbled floor and beautifully designed statues inside. They were in a vast hall. The entire structure was completed with an even snowy gleam, and it had massive columns that was engraved stunningly holding it up. The room had a very firm atmosphere.
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A woman of young appearance looked at me and smiled. She has a lovely lime colored hair and lilac shaded eyes. She is wearing light armor that remarkably compliments the dress she is wearing. She approaches me with confidence as if we are old friends.
“You must be that girl who was recommend by the Church to join our Order. I was so excited to meet you. You see, very few girls joined in the history of the Order. Oh, where are my manners. I’m Linet the Flower Knight. Nice to meet you, Aimi Fumiko.”
She held out her rose white hands, intending for a hand-shake. I didn’t notice that my mouth was agape. I quickly closed it and held her hand in a shake.
“Aimi Fumiko at your service. Wait, how did you know it was me?”
“Oh, silly. I could sense your presence since you got here. Your presence is very strong and stands out in the crowd. You should learn how to control it. Your aura is basically shouting: ‘Hey, I’m a summoned hero! I’m a knight’. It’s not a bad thing but your enemies could definitely sense you very easy.”
Our conversation was cut due to a man approaching us. He had an oblong-shaped face with a distinct, somewhat jagged chin and a tough jaw line. His dark eyes were small and spread out consistently apart, sitting under sleek eyebrows that appeared to bend as a natural extension of his broad, rounded nose.
His hair was disordered mess and had a color of smoke black. The heavy armor he wore over his chainmail had neatly engraved magic arrays, and the dark cloak around his body was worn so that it covers the space left exposed by his armor. He marched straight, his expression held front in a solid look, and had an atmosphere of authority that was tangible.
“Welcome to the Knights’ Order Aimi Fumiko. I see that you got to know one of our esteemed Knights, Linet. I am Ser Reginald the Dark Storm(y) Knight. Are you ready for your initiation?”
“Initiation?” (Aimi)
“Surely, you don’t think we’ll accept you into our Order jut because you have a class of Knight and the Church orders it. No, in here we have rules. And our rules states that all joining individuals will have to take the initiation test in order to be accepted.” (Reginald)
“Then what should I do?” (Aimi)
“There is currently a small village being ransacked by several bandits. They lack protection but we are sending a significant number of soldiers now. Unfortunately, those soldiers are not trained to eliminate the bandits. They were trained to protect. I want you to drive those bandits out…permanently. With your stats, you could do it alone. But Linet here will supervise you and help in case of emergency. I was told you were… a valuable asset of the Church.” (Reginald)
“I will? I wasn’t informed about this.” (Linet)
“You are now. You have a week to do this Aimi and if you pass, you will officially be part of the Order. I wish you success.”
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[AN: The next part is an experimental one. It could be remove if wanted and/or needed to advance the story]
Shouts and screams filled the area as the smell of blood carried through the air. In front of me, a bandit was holding his dagger unsteadily. His eyes were filled with fear. I smiled, rush of happiness burst in my body seeing him like that. Around him were the bodies of his fallen comrades.
“Why… why are you doing this?” (Bandit)
“You weren’t paying attention, were you?” I stabbed my sword through his shoulder, bypassing the light armor he is wearing. More screams. He dropped his dagger due to the pain.
I held his face with my free hand, forcing him to look at me. “You are evil. You lot stole from those poor little villagers. Threatening to kill their family if they don’t give you want you want. And me? I am good. Pure good. The good protect those who are weak and kill those who are evil.”
“Please no more, no more pain. I swear I won’t do it again. I’ll be good. Please, just spare my life. I have a family to feed. Please, I still want to meet them” (Bandit)
“Evil can never be good. All lies, what you said. The existence of evil must not be tolerated in this world.”
“You’re insane! You’re the evil one! Ahhh! Stop, please, stop” (Bandit)
I twisted my sword in his shoulders, spilling more blood. “What did you say?! I’m evil?! Absurd! Blasphemy! Don’t you know your fairy tales?! Good always wins. Good always defeat evil. I’m winning, that means I’m good you useless ****.”
In a fit of rage, I ended his life, slitting his throat before he can answer. I turned my back from the burning camp. “I’m good, I’m good. What he said was a lie. I’m always good. Don’t let his words fool you. You did the right thing. You killed evil… *continued mutter*”