This chapter is brought to you by AnmesicCat and Masadeer.
This chapter has been sitting in my Google Drive, untouched, for far too long. Therefore, as a surprise, here's chapter 2. If you noticed, we've combined 6 parts into one large chapter. Enjoy your read.
Chapter 2
"Now~ Since everyone has finished eating, please gather at a vacant lot."
"Ah~ Id I'd be happy if you let us off today. We have already memorized everything you have taught us so far."
"Exactly. Since you have already memorized it, you are going to apply it. Go to a vacant lot already."
Id brought everyone outside and found a large vacant lot right beside the inn.
"It's time for the final test. Please make use of what you’ve learned of Boh Buhb so far to move as fast and agile as you can."
After Id finished explaining what they needed to do for the final test, each person in the party performed everything they have learned and as fast as they could.
'Hmmm, not bad. They'll be alright with using it. Irlina, however, almost mastered the skill perfectly. She could easily dodge normal attacks without using Ki.'
Just like he said, Irlina certainly moved extremely faster. Though that was only the perspective of everyone in the party. She even created a slight after images when she moved.
'Maybe she’s fit for Heart/Mind (simbeop) method? There probably won't be anyone amongst them who could catch up to Irlina when she masters the skill. Although, there probably isn't anyone who can catch her even now.'
"Now~ This will be enough. Please go back to the room."
Although people didn’t know what Id was saying, they followed Id upstairs for now. The group gathered around in the room.
"It seems like everyone has gotten used to Boh Buhb. Now I will teach you how to use Ki, the mana, using Boh Buhb as an example. But to do that, first you need to learn how to manipulate mana."
"I'm guessing manipulating mana is different from magic?"
"Of course it is different. If Wizards also knew how to use it, , there would be no need for swordsmen."
"Then how do we do it?"
"You guys won't be able to understand it if I just explain it. So I thought of a way of using the skill Boh Buhb to help slowly you operate the mana inside your body. By then, you guys should remember the flow of mana and be able to operate it yourself"
It sounded like a good idea. However, Ilran misunderstood Id and though he was talking about using his own mana to manipulate another person's mana flow, so Id said.
“You don’t have to worry about that. There’s no way I would ask for the impossible. Also, something good might come out of this.”
"Huh? What good thing do you mean?"
"Grey, don't be too hasty. You will know once you've tried it. So, who would like to go first? Would you like to try first, Grey?"
Grey looked around at the rest of the party members and then nodded.
"Alright! Then come sit down in front of me. Remember to keep your posture relaxed and position your legs like this... Yes, and position your hands like this... Good. Now close your eyes and sit still. When you feel something moving inside your body, you have to remember the movement well."
After making Grey sit in a Zazen posture, Id laid his hands on Grey's back and performed the most secure method of Heart/Mind (simbeop) called Diamond Zen Method (Geumgangseon-do).
The reason why Id choose Diamond Zen Method was because simpeop has the least chances of causing internal body damage and it also cleanses both body and spirit, which increases Ki circulation (nae-gong).
Thirty minutes had passed since Id had laid his hands on Grey's back. Id then got up. However, Grey still remained in the same position.
"Grey has gone into the highest point. Now, who would like to go next?"
Id ask as quietly as possible.
Hael looked at Grey, who was currently in the nature of spiritual state of perfect selflessness, looked at Id and asked for an explanation.
"That's because inside Grey's mind, he is currently moving the flow the mana that he has inside his body. You don't have to worry about him."
When Id finished answering Hael, Ilran, and then Hael entered the nature of spiritual state of perfect selflessness. The only ones remaining where the non-humans: Randolph, the Dwarf, and Irlina, the Elf. Soon after, Randolph also entered the nature of spiritual state of perfect selflessness. Irlina was the only one left.
"Id, is it possible for non-humans such as Elves and Dwarves?"
"Of course. Randolph is doing it without any problems."
"Then how long are they going to be in that state? Grey has been sitting in that position for over an hour."
"It varies upon the person. Usually, an average person will have to sit in that position for about five hours. So you don't have to worry."
Finally, Irlina sat down. Irlina, just like Randolph, had acupuncture points slightly different compared to humans.
"Whew~ It's finally done. They are going to be staying in that position for a while. Should I go to bed and get some sleep?"
***
Dawn was fast approaching, yet not a single one of them woke up. Right after dawn had passed, Ilran was first to wake up.
The first thing Ilran saw after waking up was Id, who was sitting on a bed, eating soup while observing him.
“You woke up. Would you like something to eat?”
“No, I’m fine. By the way, what time is it now? No one else has woken up yet?”
"Yes. Ilran is the first to wake up, and is the first to finish meridian. And right now, it's around five o'clock."
“Five o’clock? Then this must mean I was sitting like this all night long? Unbelievable. It didn’t feel all that long... But why isn’t Grey awaking up?”
"It's because Grey has more Ki circulating his body than Ilran. Since you are a Magician, you don't need to discipline your body, whereas Grey is a Swordsman. That's why he has more Ki than you. In any case, he should be waking up soon."
Ilran started to get up while he was listening to Id, and felt as if the weight his body had gotten lighter. In addition, his mind felt clear and his body felt young again.
"What is going on Id? My body feels light and my mind is clear..."
"By reaching Meridian, your body has evenly distributed your mana throughout your entire body, making it feel lighter, and also cleared your mind. That was the positive thing I was talking about before."
As Id and Ilran were having this conversation, Grey and Hael both woke up.
They both woke up with exactly the same expression as Ilran, and asked the same question...
About an hour later, Randolph woke up, followed by Irlina a few seconds later. And again, they asked the same questions as Ilran. Id gave them the same answer for the third time.
"Now that we're all awake, let's go down and eat so we can go to the temple."
After eating breakfast, the group gathered in the yard again because it was too early for them to visit the temple.
"You guys all remember what we did last night, right? It's good idea to do it whenever you have the time. But you have to remember to do it in a quiet place, where no one will interrupt you. Because as you are circulating your mana, your body will receive heavy internal damage if you get injured. Especially you Grey, you should do this as often as possible, since it’ll shorten the length of your path to becoming a Swordmaster."
“WHAT?! It that really true?”
'He gets so happy whenever I mention ‘Swordmaster’.'
"Now, try performing Boh Buhb, just like last night. It will be a lot different from yesterday's so be careful. It’ll feel different, but you’re doing it correctly. Try not to hit anything..."
***
After hearing about Swordmasters, Grey went first. Id said to Grey, who was positioning himself in the center of the yard.
"Listen carefully Grey. From now on, the Ki from last night will automatically move on its own when you perform Boh Buhb, so don't be confused and don't panic when you move too fast, and stop."
After Id finished talking, Grey nodded his head as a response and performed Boh Buhb.
In the beginning, Grey had his doubts on how fast he could actually move, until he started seeing the sceneries and wind blowing past him, without feeling tired. Everyone except for Id was surprised at Grey fast movements.
After Id saw Grey's fast movements, he thought it to be acceptable and asked Grey to stop.
"Grey that's enough. Stop!"
Suddenly, Grey stopped in front of the rest of his party, with an excited expression.
Grey's face was filled with bliss. He had never dreamt he would meet such a great companion during his adventure, and learn amazing things. Even if this was all he learns in his journey, he had already gained a lot.
“Thanks a lot Id!”
"You don't have to thank me. Since we’ll be travelling together, teaching you is not much of a big deal, right?"
'I'm just trying to make it easy for myself later on. It gets really annoying when there's people hindering me.'
"Now, try it one by one."
As Id asked them to, they performed Boh Bubh, and were very pleased with the results.
Randolph especially, was extremely pleased, with tears running down from his eyes. Because he was a Dwarf, it was impossible for him to move quickly without using any magic.
However, there was one person who was ruining the moment...
"Hahahaha... Look at that... Fuuu... Kaa... T-the Dwarf is actually running..."
It was Ilran. He was laughing as he watched Randolph running. Although if others saw him, they would find it rather amazing. But because everyone in the party learned it, and because Ilran was Randolph's long-time friend, he laughed after seeing Randolph.
Because of that, Randolph took out his axe and starting swinging it.
***
"I think it's time for us to head off to the temple."
After Hael commented, the party realised what time it was, and left the inn.
Because the party were busy while they were in the inn, they walked leisurely while sightseeing around the streets.
"Whoa. It seems they are all prepared for the event. It will be one incredible festival. When does the festival start? Ilran?"
"The event will be starting today, Grey. Yesterday was the eve of the festival, and today will be the start of the festival. It will continue on for the next three days. There will be lots to see, including the highlight of the festival, the Academy of Magic's Magic tournament. The champion of the competition will instantly receive an increase of rank. There will also be prizes, which is the reason why Magicians from outside the city comes here to participate… I wonder, what do you think the prizes are for this year?"
"Really, Ilran? When does it start? When should go see it."
Grey asked earnestly.
"That? I think it will be starting today and ends tomorrow? But I'm not really sure of the exact time. We should go to the temple and come back quickly. Lets go see the battle."
'Hm~ I should go see the competition as well, since I haven't clearly witnessed magic ever since I came here. It's going to be fun.'
***
Soon, the party arrived at the entrance of one of the Holy Temples. It was the temple of the God of Water and Forest whom Hael serves; the Temple of Ilian.
Rather than blindly visiting a random temple, it was better to visit the Temple of the God whom Hael serves. Soon after, a young Priest came and welcomed the group.
"What is the purpose of your visit?"
Hael went ahead and answered the Priest's question.
"Nice to see you, Father. We would like to request a meeting with the High Priest. Oh, and we would also like to purchase some healing potions."
"Ah, there's a follower of God of Ilian here. Please wait a moment. I will send a notice to the High Priest."
After a while, the Priest returned with a word from the High Priest of his agreement of speaking to them, and led the party to a small hall inside the temple. Inside, there was an old man with a long beard adorned in blue clothing.
"May the gentle breeze from the mountains be with you. Hmm. So I heard there was something you need to see me for? Please come in and sit down."
The High Priest spoke formally despite of the fact he looked older. After the party had sat down, as expected, Hael spoke.
"I am Hael, a Priest from a temple in the town of Sillion. We came here because one of our party members needed to meet with the High Priest."
"Is that so? Which one of you needed to see me?"
"Please, you don't have to be formal with us. My name is Id. First, the question I'm about to ask might be rude and offend you, but can the High Priest hear the voice of God Ilian?"
"Hmm. It's a difficult question. To hear God Ilian's voice directly... I'm not sure how to respond. Unless He really needs to, He does not send any revelations. That's the reason why He hasn't said anything to anyone for nearly a hundred years. The situation is similar to other temples. So I haven't personally heard His voice. But if it's a question he might answer, you will receive an answer through Priest Hael's prayers."
'What? Since I can't cause any trouble here, I should just ask Hael. So I didn't even have to come here?'
"I see. Thank you for answering, High Priest."
"You're very welcome. But is that all the reason you came here for? Or did you have any other questions..."
"No. That was all the question we had. Thank you very much. I hope we didn't bother you."
At the end of Id’s remark, the High Priest smiled warmly.
After meeting with the High Priest, the party bought some healing potions and left the temple. The walked towards the city to watch the festival.
***
The entire city seemed to be in a festive mood as there were loud noises, with many people wandering around.
Since it was almost lunch time, the party decided to find a restaurant to eat. They also heard that the festival's highlight, the magic competition, starts at one in the afternoon.
Id and the rest of his party entered a restaurant named 'Afternoon with the Faeries'. And because of its popularity, all the tables were almost occupied. Thankfully, Id and the others were able to find a big enough table for them inside. They sat down and started ordering food.
"Then I'll get this, mixed vegetables and a glass of cold beer."
"I'd like this, that, a beer... and this too."
The party ordered food and drinks by pointing out things inside the menu. Among them, it was Grey and Randolph who ordered the most.
"Now~ Let's hurry up and eat so we can leave this place quickly." Said Grey.
'Grey seems like the type who plays way too much. He looks like he doesn't know a lot of things, just like me, who came to this city for the first time.'
The situation was exactly as Id had thought. Although Grey and Hael heard things and knew more about the festival than Id, however, just like Id, it was also their first time actually seeing it happen.
In fact, just like Id, it was the first time for Ilran, Irlina, as well as Randolph to visit this city.
"Grey, when will you ever stop showing off that you're from the countryside? Stop it!"
Hael prompted Grey with a yell after feeling embarrassed with his actions.
"Why Hael? It's your first time to visit this city too. Don't you also want to see it?"
"Yeah it is, so be quiet and start eating."
Grey had finally calmed down after Hael talked to him with sharp glares.
Id, who was watching Grey, gave him a sympathetic look.
'Grey... It seems like he's completely tamed by Hael... I guess it's the same for me too? ^^;;'
After the party had finished their meals, they leisurely drank their beers and wines.
"Since we still have 40 minutes before the start of the magic competition, why don't we go shopping? I still need to buy a dagger."
After the party agreed with Irlina's suggestion, they stood up and left the restaurant.
The streets around the marketplace seemed to be two or three times more busy than usual because of the festival.
Irlina entered the weapon store to buy a dagger. The weapon store they entered looked like an old store. Inside were various type of swords and armor lined up. And in one corner, there was a middle-aged man who seemed to be the owner of the store.
"Welcome. What might you guys be looking for?"
The owner said with an inviting smile.
"I am looking for a dagger I could use. Do you have any recommendations for me? I prefer light-weight ones."
"Hmm... A dagger for an Elf... Please wait here for a second."
After saying that, the owner went inside a room. He came out a few moments later carrying a box. Inside the box were many different kinds of daggers.
"The daggers that are currently on display are pretty heavy, but there are also light-weight ones, which are mostly used as a fashion. But these here, inside the box, are made and bought for their utility. Take a look and let me know if there's something that interests you."
As the owner was talking, he showed the box filled with daggers to Irlina.
Irlina, who was in need of a dagger, examined each of them carefully, while the others browsed through them as well. Id also examined the daggers since he didn't possess a dagger.
Before long, Id picked up a dagger with a white flower emblem embroidered on it.
The dagger he picked up was a little longer and thinner compared to the other daggers, although not by a large margin. The handle was covered with leather, which attracted Id's attention even more. He felt a 'cool' feeling as he picked it up.
Right then, Id heard a beautiful voice, which seemed to be resonating inside his heart.
[Id-nim, I found magic fluctuating inside the sword you're holding. But the magic seems to be be sealed.]
Id was bewildered for a brief moment as he heard the voice coming from deep inside him, but he soon thought of Lamia.
'I was surprised. But then again, it's probably because I haven't spoken to her since I left Greydrone's lair. Besides, who would think of talking to a sword? And it's a magic sword at that!'
'Lamia, can you find any other magic swords here in the store?'
[Yes, it's possible. I will try to find it now. Detect Magic Hard Blade.]
[Found them. There are two other swords. I will send the images to your eyes.]
'There are two other magic blades in the store? What kind of store has that much magical items? Then again, this store probably purchased a lot of things.'
Soon, Id saw two other blades glowing in blue hue, and immediately picked them up. One of the blades was a simple dagger, while the other was a dirk with one sharp edge. The dagger was light-weight, it was exactly the kind of dagger Irlina was looking for.
"Mister, I'll buy these three blades. Irlina, you can use this dagger. It's pretty light."
Without asking for his party members' opinion, Id bought the three blades. All the weapons Id bought was purchased from elsewhere. The totaled price of the three weapons was about 50 Silver.
(The monetary unit in this world is as follows: 1 Silver, 1 Gold, 1 Rune. 100 Silver is equal to 1 Gold, and 100 Gold is equal to 1 Rune. A typical family's monthly spendings was about 20 Silver. A Rune is mostly used by the Royal Family members and Nobles, and was almost never used by commoners.)
However, when Id exchanged a jewel in the last village, he received 10 Rune. So for him, 50 Silver was not a problem.
"Here's 50 Silver. Could I see other swords you have in store, and armor as well?
Since Id was able to find three magical weapons, he wondered if there were any other magical items inside the store. Although Id did not know the true value of the items, he had a general understanding it was pretty expensive.
However, Id did not know the total value of the three swords he bought was already close to 1 Rune.
After all, if people knew they were magical items, and because of their rarity, people will not sell them off readily.
Id only knew magical items were rare and very expensive, because he remembered Grey telling him about them.
"Of course you can take a look at the items in store. Not only the ones in display, but also the ones in the storehouse."
“Thank you, Sir.”
Id talked to Lamia while looking around the armor and swords in the store.
'Lamia, is there any more magical items here?'
[No. It seems like there isn't any more magical items in here.]
"It seems like what I'm looking for isn't here. Can I take a look at the items inside?"
"Of course. Please follow me."
While following the owner inside, Grey asked Id.
"What are you doing Id? We don't need any more swords. And armor? Are you going to wear it?"
'He sure talks a lot. Not to mention, it's going to benefit him as well.'
"Be quiet. We'll never know, we might get lucky today."
"What on earth are you talking about? You better answer properly and not get a Dwarf annoyed!"
"I will answer your questions once we are out of the store. So just wait until then!"
The place where the owner led Id and his party members, was a storehouse. Inside the storehouse, there were various swords, armor, and other types of weapons lying around.
"The place is a little disorganized, but I hope you can find whatever it is you're looking for."
"No, it's alright."
'Just how exactly is this 'a little' disorganized? Lamia, see if you can find them for me.'
[Detecting for more magic items... One magical item Id-nim is looking for has been detected. I will send the image of it to you now.]
Soon, Id saw a spot glowing in a blue hue.
Id walked to the spot and started digging. He then found a sword. It was a black Long-Sword. The scabbard of the sword had corroded, as if it has been there for a really long time.
'Is this the only magical item here? Well, I guess it's already an amazing feat to find four magical items in one single store. This sword is similar to the ones used in Middle Kingdom, so it shouldn't be too hard to use!'
T/N: Middle Kingdom is where Id was from.
This man still does not understand /in detailed}, the true powers of his sword, Lamia.
"How much is this sword?"
"That sword is pretty old... So just give me 20 Silver for that. Wait here, I think I have a scabbard for that sword."
'Scabbard... Wait a minute. Lamia, is the scabbard of the sword directly linked with magic?'
[There isn't any magic linked to the scabbard. Only the sword itself seems to be enchanted with magic.]
'Hmm... Then I guess there's no problem if I changed the scabbard. But what will I do with two swords?'
Id left the store after he received the new scabbard.
He then looked around and gave a command to Lamia.
'Lamia, take a look around and see if there are any magical items around here.'
Id hoped for another lucky encounter, but the answer was as he expected.
[There are no more magical items here.]
"I guess it's just because the store is old, that's why he had weapons such as these. In any case, today's a lucky day."
"What do you mean it's lucky day? You'll have to tell what this is all about."
Grey and the rest of his party members asked curiously.
"So here! Irlina, since it's you, you can probably tell what kind of dagger this is, right?"
Confused, Irlina received the dagger from Id. But soon became bewildered and stared at Id with surprise.
"Why Id, this is a magic sword!"
"What! A magic sword?!~"
"It that true?"
Ilran took a look at the dagger and start examining it. Then he said.
"Hmm... It's not a powerful magic, instead, it is enchanted with some kind of 'Wind Blade' magic. Still, it's quite amazing. But Id, if this is a magical item, then the others are also..."
"That's right. As you can see, all these weapons are magical items."
"You're amazing Id. But isn't this called profiteering*? Those magical items are rare and very expensive..."
T/N: * It means making money/revenue by unethical/fraudulent means.
"I don't think it really matters since the other party didn't know what this weapon really was. And this dirk is for you, Hael."
Again, Ilran examined the dirk and explained.
"This weapon is enchanted with shield protection magic."
Id, then showed another weapon to Ilran, and asked.
"Ilran, do you know what kind of magic is in this sword?"
"Let's see! I'm not sure for certain, but I think it has some sort of lightning magic such as 'Lightning Bolt' and protection magic."
'Should I also show him the other dagger? Nah, I'll just ask Lamia about it, and since it's sealed Ilran would probably not be able to tell.'
"Thanks Id, for giving me a magical weapon."
Irlina and Hael came up to Id and showed their gratitude towards him.
"It's nothing to worry about. Besides, I bought them for a cheap price, and I won't need to use all these weapons, plus they’re just carry-ons. It's about time we go and see the magic competition."
"Right. Ilran, where is the competition being held?"
Grey asked Ilran as he looked at the magical weapons with envy.
"Let's see... Ah, right. It's supposed to be held right in front of the Magic Academy, where they built an arena. Come on, let's go."
Ilran, who was familiar with the city, lead the party to the venue.
However, there was something bothering Id. He had Lamia, there was also a dagger on his waist, and then there was the longsword, which kept bothering him.
'Should I just give this to Grey? It seems like a waste even though I already have Lamia.'
While he was contemplating, Ilran led the group to the venue of the competition. It was close to the market, so it did not take long to get there. Although the competition has not started when the party arrived, the place was almost filled to the brim. The only place left vacant was close to the arena. People did not want to sit close up front because of the possible danger. However, to Id's party, it was not a big deal for them since they had a Magician in their party — Ilran.
***
Shortly after, a few people came and sat near them.
One of the people was an old man who looked like a Magician, while the others were a Knight, a Swordsman, and another young Knight.
They seemed to know each other and started having conversations amongst themselves.
"Hello everyone. I am the headmaster of Greensylt Magic Academy and Lasillin Magic Academy. We will now commence the pride and joy of both academy, the magic competition.
The winner will receive a one class advancement and a Silver Rod. The runner-up will also receive one class advancement. However, Magicians and Swordsmen who are not enrolled in the academy are also allowed to compete in this magic competition. Therefore, I must emphasize that there must not be any bloodshed or any serious injuries.
Finally, for the winners who are not enrolled in any of the academies, will receive a scroll for Magicians, and a magical sword for Swordsmen. This sword is made by our Academy. It is enchanted with protection magic. Now, let the competition begin, and best of luck to all participants."
As the headmaster finished his speech, fireworks blasted into the sky.
*Swish… Swish sss boom boom*
AnmesicCat: Yes, I know I suck at coming up with fireworks sounds...
"Now, please let me introduce to you the participants! The participants for the first round are students from the academy. Ruin and Crain! Let's get this show on the road!"
After the introduction, two young men came up to the stage and greeted each other. They were both wearing Magician Robes.
The young man with shoulder-length blonde hair, Ruin, was first to attack.
"Fire Storm!"
True to its name, it was exactly like a storm of fire. Although every 'raindrop' was small and weak, its range was wide, thus it was hard to dodge.
"Water Blaster!"
The student named Crain tried to use huge streams of water to prevent fire raindrops from coming towards him and attacked.
"Water Shield!"
Ruin used the skill called 'Water Shield' to block Crain's 'Water Blaster'. This attack showed minor differences in their magic abilities.
'It seems the guy named Ruin is better. Blocking water with water, making it seems like Crain's attack got sucked in.'
Id was observing the battle with keen interest.
A few moments later, as expected, the guy named Ruin won by pushing his opponent off with 'Wind Block'.
Unlike the first round, the next round was between two Swordsmen. They were both approximately 20 years of age, and they both stood shirtless on stage, with confident expressions on their faces.
'There's nothing special about them. Even toddlers back in Middle Kingdom have better skills than them.'
Just as Id had predicted, the fight was quite boring and ended quickly.
"What kind of match was that? Right Id? I can probably do better than that."
"Yeah, yeah. I know."
Soon, the third round started, right after a Magician and a Swordsman took the stage.
The Magician seemed to be a student of the academy, whereas the Swordsman looked like he has a mercenary in his mid-20s.
"Hmm... This match seems like it'll be boring as well."
"Id, what do you mean by it's going to be boring?"
"Hael, if you take a look at the Magician, he looks very anxious, while the Swordsman looks very calm, which can only mean he has a lot of fighting experience. It also means he has fought with several Magicians before, whereas that Magician has zero combat experience. So it's pretty easy to guess the outcome of the match."
"Oh? Surprisingly, the Lady knows her stuff"
Right when Id finished explaining, the young Knight, who was sitting next to them, starting talking to Id.
Although Id was mistakened as a girl, he did not get angry. He would have gotten angry if he was mistaken for a girl once or twice, but since it has happened hundreds of times, it was pointless to get angry.
"Ha~ It's not that much of a big deal. And I'd also like you to know I'm not a lady."
"Yeah? Ah... Yeah... I-is that so? My apologies."
After he had apologized, he turned his attention towards the stage, however, his friend decided to jump in.
"Hey, did you really believe that? By saying she's not a lady, she's trying to tell you she's not interested. Although, it's quite weird to reject someone that way. You should keep pushing for it."
"Hey, you better not do that..."
Although the middle-aged Swordsman was encouraging the young Knight, the middle-aged Knight tried to stop him. Judging from their conversation, they seemed to be close friends.
Although their conversation was not too loud, it was loud enough for Id and his party members to overhear.
They thought Id told the young Knight he was a man because he was not interested in him. Therefore they spoke loud enough for Id to hear their conversation, and attract his attention.
Overhearing their conversation, Id's party members focused their attention on him. They weren’t paying attention to the match, since the Magician, just as Id had predicted, did not perform well. They were more interested in Id because he looked like he might explode at any time.
"You've said too much for us to hear. Granting you're free to say whatever you want, you should never change another person's gender."
"No, No. The lady is only a bit upset. Don't act like that. Despite his looks, he's pretty skilled, you know. He's also the son of Earl Klein, so he's from a family with good background. So don't hate him too much."
He answered slyly and smirked at Id.
'I really hate shrewd people like him...'
"What evidence do you have that proves I'm a girl? Why can't you accept the fact when I tell you I'm a guy? Who do you think you are?"
"Ho~ The lady is excellent with her words. Look, you don't have to get that angry. Besides, who's going to believe you're a guy with a lovely face and beautiful hair like yours?"
"Look mister. What is wrong with believing I'm a guy? And I've also heard a male Elf looks a lot more beautiful than me, aren't they?"
"Only because he's an Elf while you're a human. So your argument doesn't make sense."
"I will slash you if you continue saying that."
Id suddenly stopped using formal language. However, the other guy was still smirking slyly.
"The lady seems to know how to use a sword. That's great. The Klein family is a military family, so it's good for a wife to know how to use a sword!"
"Hey, I think you should really stop saying that..."
Just when Earl Klein was stopping his friend, Id sent out a punch. However, Id and the Swordsman were still three meters apart, a distance which could not be reached by a mere fist.
After Id had punched at the Swordsman, the Swordsman suddenly grabbed his stomach in pain, and stepped back.
"What the..."
"How did he..."
"Id..."
"H-how... From so far away..."
"Will you listen to me now? Excessively making fun of people will not help you live longer."
It seems this guy's appearance had become small gossip...
However, no one was paying any attention to what Id had said. Everyone was busy watching Id and the fallen Swordsman. Soon, the Swordsman stood up and stared at Id, as if he forgot his stinging stomach.
"Lady... No, no... Just now, how did you do that? How can you punch and hit a person from that distance?"
'So that's what he wants to talk about? He should apologize first!'
"Why would I want to tell about about it? I don’t think I have any reason to do so."
"Um... That's..."
Id examined the Swordsman, who seemed to be embarrassed. The Swordsman knew he had no right to ask such questions after making fun of Id. However, the Knight next to him, Earl Klein, decided to interfere at that moment. He was also curious about how Id punched the Swordsman from a distance.
"Look young man, how about we stop this squabble and call it truce with this friend of mine. He didn't have any bad intent. It seems you guys are here to watch the match, how about I buy you drinks after the match is over?"
Id calmed down a little after hearing Earl Klein's suggestion. Since he wasn't very angry to begin with, and since it was an Earl, who was talking to him, it was hard for him to remain angry.
"Since you've said it in that way, I've got nothing else to say. I'm sorry for attacking him earlier, so we can call it truce now."
"Hahaha. That's good. Then, let's all sit back down."
After everyone had sat back down, Grey and Ilran confronted Id.
"Id, how can you speak like that in front of an Earl?"
"Id, you're lucky the Earl seems to be an easy-going guy. If it was some other Nobleman, they would have tried to kill you! So you better watch out from now on."
"I will. I didn't know what an Earl is. Well, now that I have some slight idea, I will try to be more careful. But I'm not a citizen of this country (or any other country in this world), so I don't care about those kinds of things all that much. So please understand when things like this happens again."
Right then, a hue of white light exploded on the stage, and there was a sound effect of someone falling down.
When Id looked at the stage, there stood one girl, who was surrounded by something, which emitted a bright white light. While of the other side of the stage, was a young man wearing a robe, laying flat on the ground. A few people ran towards the stage and transported the young man out of the stage. Meanwhile, the announcer reported that the girl had won the match.
"What? Ilran, what's that thing floating over there?"
"I think it's a spirit and that person looks like a Conjuring Magician."
'Conjuring magic?... Is that some sort of collecting the energy that makes up this world?'
The Knights who came to watch the Magician did a further explanation.
"That's the spirit of light, Laead. Although it belongs in the lower tier of spirits... I believe it has good destructive power. That person's name is Reinian Klein, Earl Klein's daughter, and this over here is Laint. She's his younger sister. We're actually here to see that girl participate in this competition."
The group all turned to look at the girl. Now that they examined her carefully, she does seem to look a little similar to Earl Klein.
With the end of the girl's match, the competition had ended for the day. She came down from the stage and greeted the Earl and the others.
"You did great Reina. Greet them as well. They are people we got to know while watching the competition."
The party hurried to introduce themselves first because they found it unacceptable to receive greetings from Nobility beforehand.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Ilran Howgun, a Magician. This Swordsman here is Grey Lanatus, a follower of Ilian, Priest Hael Ilsain, and this is my dear friend Randolph Torciano. This person where is named Irlina, and this here is a friend who uses a sword named Lamia."
Ilran introduced the party one by one. Only Irlina's and Id's full name was excluded because he didn't know what it was.
"Nice to meet you all. I'm Reinian Klein. You guys seem to like adventures."
"Yeah. I'm currently performing pilgrimage as a celebrant of Ilian, and travelling with them."
"Ha~ Now that we've all introduced ourselves, let's go eat."
Earl Klein led Id and his party to his home. The location of his home was quite near to the venue of the competition.
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