CH 93

“That’s fine, isn’t it? Alright, today, we don’t need to worry about ranks or anything. Let’s consider it a personal choice whether to challenge or not,” Lord Cecilm’s voice prompted various reactions from the members of the knight order. Some sighed in relief, while others emanated a fighting spirit.

After a while, several knights stepped forward and began to speak with each other.

‘Huh? Wait, does this mean I have to fight without Rei and the others in this lineup…?’

I grew anxious, but the knights seemed unaware of my concerns as they finished their discussion and started walking. Before me stood a large man.

“I am the First Knight Order’s Commander, Grois. I would like to have a match with you.”

“Ah… um, please go easy on me?”

‘The Leader is here!?’

I glared at Milim with resentment, and it seemed she was also being addressed by a different captain.

“I am the Second Knight Order’s Captain, Fryud.”

“Hmm. How many knight orders are there?”

“We have two resident knight orders. In times of crisis, there are five captains who can act, but…”

“I see. You guys aren’t the strong ones.”

“You’re harsh… It’s true. The captains are not chosen for their strength.”

Unlike the burly man in front of me, the man who introduced himself as Fryud had a refined face, resembling that of a noble.

The man’s gentle expression suddenly changed as he faced Milim.

“However, that doesn’t mean I am weak, so please be careful.”

Milim laughed.

It seemed that knights approached Rei and the others as well.

Based on Milim’s conversation with Fryud, it was likely that all of them were captains of their respective orders.

“Well, shall we begin?”

Grois standing in front of me also had a sudden change in atmosphere.

Certainly, it made sense that they could hold their own against A-rank opponents. In fact, I felt a power that could overwhelm even an average A-rank adventurer.

“Nice to meet you.”

However, I was an adventurer who had received permission to claim the S-rank title.

‘Do I have what it takes to win even without Rei and the others? But as a Tamer, strength includes the familiars, right? That’s normal.’

‘Well, it’s too late to say anything now…’

Perhaps the objective of this encounter was to dispel the knights’ lingering thoughts about the dragon zombie subjugation. I understood that I needed to win in order to fulfill Lord Cecilm’s expectations and show gratitude.

“Now, is everyone ready?”

It seemed that Lord Cecilm was about to give the signal.

I didn’t know the extent of the opponents’ abilities, but there was no choice but to go for it… In terms of aura alone, they weren’t opponents I couldn’t defeat.

“Then… let’s begin!”

Upon receiving Lord Cecilm’s signal to start, everyone moved at once.

The mock battle had begun.