The Sage that the Sword Saint is Obsessed With

11 – 3. To the Battlefield (4)

1.

The response to the proposal to join the imperial knight order is firm.

“…I’ll decline.”

No matter what good conditions are offered.

A hero?

He’s not doing this for the sake of honor.

Money?

He’s not doing this to become wealthy.

Hunting monsters is Leven’s way of atonement. He captures monsters out of guilt for causing pain to the person he loves with his foolish choices.

Of course, it wasn’t like that at first.

“Protecting the family.”

Until now, he had caught demons with that determination, but with the establishment of the formidable Star Knights, he could now protect his family even if it wasn’t in Reuen.

The Star Knights were gradually growing, and those who couldn’t swing a sword properly were now becoming respectable knights.

They guarded three villages around the Starflower Forest and recently took on mercenary jobs as well.

Running the knights required operating expenses, after all.

Until now, they had been operating on a volunteer basis.

…Well, heading to the battlefield might be a good idea.

Rather than sitting here, going to the battlefield and engaging in combat every day would be less exhausting. It would allow him to momentarily forget about Evan and focus solely on the battles. In reality, when he returned home and in the early days, his mind wasn’t as exhausted.

There was no time for that.

With the demon subjugation, rebuilding the village, and taking care of his younger siblings, he could forget about Evan and live. However, as leisure and peace began to set in, Evan started to come to mind every day of the 365.

“Why are you refusing?”

Alfred spoke as if he couldn’t understand.

“It’s a chance for success, isn’t it?”

“I’m not interested.”

“If I recommend you, you could at least start as a squad leader, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a platoon leader. And if you accumulate merits on the battlefield, your rank will continue to rise, and you might even receive a title.”

“I’m not interested.”

No matter what was said, Reuen’s answer remained unchanged.

“…I’ll leave first.”

Reuen stood up from his seat.

Listening any longer would be a waste of time.

He wanted to quickly return to the forest and be alone.

Looking at the starflowers that resembled dandelions, he could briefly feel the happiness of the past. Despite knowing how pathetic it was.

As Reuen was about to step forward.

“Captain!”

A member hurriedly ran towards him.

“What’s the matter?”

Reuen examined the member, Martin.

Heaving breaths.

A face drenched in sweat.

Just by looking at it, you could tell how urgently he had rushed here.

And for someone who had been serving in the Knights for over four years, it was clear that this wasn’t an ordinary occurrence.

“Ma’su… Ma’su attack!”

Martin gasped for breath as he spoke.

“It’s not just happening once or twice…”

I thought it was a bit overboard.

Getting attacked by Ma’su was something that happened about once every two months.

Now it felt like a regularly scheduled event.

Some of the members even looked forward to the attack so they could feast on meat and drink after repelling it.

“This… this time is different. Ma’su, armed with armor, there are dozens of them!”

Alfred exclaimed in shock upon hearing that.

“That’s the Demon Army, isn’t it?!”

Even though they were Ma’su, they were intelligent and had received military training. It was more appropriate to see them as a group of knights rather than just Ma’su.

“How did they end up here…”

The Demon Front was formed in the north of the continent.

This place was in the south of the continent.

It was strange that the Demon Army was gathering here, on the opposite side.

“Come to think of it… they said the ones who attacked you were the Demon Army too, right?”

Alfred looked at Heide.

“That… yeah.”

The ones who had attacked Heide were also from the Demon Army.

Back then, he had thought they were deserters from a unit.

But now, considering the situation, he began to think of them as scouts.

Scouts sent to assess the situation before the full-scale invasion.

“…Prepare to leave.”

Leuven sighed deeply.

“Ma’su are just Ma’su, after all…”

2.

The Star Knights swiftly completed their preparations to deploy.

“Raven.”

Levain called for his younger brother, who was trying to equip himself with armor.

“Yes, Captain.”

Outside the house, he was frequently addressed as ‘Captain.’

It wasn’t an order.

“…If it seems dangerous at any point, run. Got it?”

Levain looked straight into Raven’s eyes.

Now taller than himself, Raven had to lift his chin to meet Levain’s gaze.

Although he had become an adult, in Levain’s eyes, Raven still looked like a worried child.

“I will fight until the end.”

“This is an order.”

“But I’m also a member of the Order of Knights.”

“Before that, you’re my younger brother. If something happens to me, you have to protect the younger ones. If both of us leave, who will protect them?”

It was a valid point, but Raven was still displeased with being treated like a child by his sister. He didn’t say it, but it was evident from his chubby expression.

Levain looked at his face and turned away.

“…Don’t die. Understood.”

With that, Levain mounted his horse.

“Wait!”

As soon as Levain mounted his horse, Alfred approached on horseback.

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“We’ll go together.”

Behind Alfred were the knights he had brought with him. Their number was 20, forming a small squad.

“They’re knights of the Drager family. They’ve been guarding the family’s territory for a long time. I don’t know the level of the Star Knights, but I’m sure they’ll be helpful.”

Levain glanced at Alfred’s knights and then at Alfred.

“…Is that arm okay?”

Levain pointed to Alfred’s arm with a nod of his head.

The arm lost on the battlefield.

The empty coat sleeve swayed in the spring breeze.

It wasn’t mockery.

It was a question born out of genuine concern.

“I’ll make sure it doesn’t get in the way.”

Alfred wanted to see Levain’s skills for himself.

Heide may not be lying.

Judging one’s abilities just by words is not possible.

Exaggeration often finds its way into speech.

If he claims to be capable of easily defeating ten Demon Kings alone, he must be an extraordinary expert.

“…Do as you wish.”

Even if it’s impossible, I will follow.

After all, being the Duke’s son, he has the right to be heard.

And I have no authority to stop his actions.

“Thank you.”

Alfred led his knights and headed back.

“Preparations are complete. Shall we depart?”

Karen, who had checked the formation, came riding alongside Leuen.

“……Sure.”

Leuen nodded.

“Depart!”

As Karen shouted with vigor, the command to depart echoed from various places.

– Thump, thump, thump, thump

Military boots touched the ground in a steady rhythm.

Dust rose, signaling the beginning of the battle.

They headed to the location reported by Martin.

It was quite far from the Starflower Forest to the south.

If they advance north, they will inevitably pass through the Starflower Forest and several villages.

Will they pass quietly?

Absolutely not.

“Karen, I entrust this to you once again.”

Leuen looked at Karen, who wore a stern expression rather than a warm one.

“Leave it to me.”

The command of the knight order is entirely in Karen’s hands.

She can be considered the de facto commander.

Leuen tried to hand over the position of the captain to Karen, saying he didn’t need a captain-like guard, but she refused, stating that if it’s not Leuen, she won’t accept it.

Leuen may seem like she’s doing nothing, but she is a symbol of the Order of Knights. And that symbol unites the knights as one.

All those who have received Leuen’s favor owe her.

If it weren’t for her, these people would either not exist in this world or be living a life as wretched as trash.

The Order of Knights crossed the Starflower Forest and arrived at the southern fields.

“There it is!”

A black line was drawn across the blue fields.

The line was advancing like waves originating from the horizon.

“A real demon army….”

Suddenly, Alfred, who had come up beside, murmured.

Having experience in frontline combat, he immediately recognized the demon army.

Even thinking about it again, it was incomprehensible.

How did such a large number come from the northern end to the southern end?

One thought crossed his mind.

The worst-case scenario.

That’s right, a portal to the demon realm has opened in the south too.

That would be truly the worst-case scenario.

May it not be.

“Let’s go!”

Karen shouted fiercely.

In response to her shout, the members roared, making a collective sound.

At the same time, the sounds of trumpets and drums announced the start of the battle.

The Order of the Star advanced toward the demon army.

Leuen also charged on her horse.

She ran to the front.

It’s truly an odd sight for the leader of the knights to stand at the forefront.

But that’s how it has been until now.

Although the Order of Knights is systematically divided into roles, Leuen is an exception.

Leuen fights freely.

Trying to assist her from the side would only be a hindrance.

To ensure she can fight without distractions, it’s best for her to fight alone.

-Kugugugung!!

The footsteps of the two warriors shake the field.

Waves clash, and the cold wind howls.

The true battle has begun.

As soon as the soldiers see the demon army, they realize that this battle is different from any before. And indeed, it is.

There is a difference from the foes they usually face, starting from their strength.

However, retreating is not an option.

If they step back here, the villagers will die.

Knowing this, they fight even more fiercely, as if possessed by evil.

To protect their loved ones.

-Seok! Seok!

Leuen sweeps through the enemy territory, cutting down the enemies one by one.

With each swing of his sword, heads fall like ripe fruits.

“Ah….”

Alfred swallowed a breath, watching Leuen.

It’s different.

Different in courage and skill.

Entering the midst of the enemy alone, dancing with the sword, sweeping away the foes.

Smooth and graceful, yet fast and agile, the sword dances.

3.

Raven, in the midst of the battle, looks at her sister.

Leuen, single-handedly sweeping through the enemies.

Truly remarkable.

Worthy of respect as a swordsman.

That’s why she wants even more acknowledgment from her sister.

Now, she wants to prove that she is not just a child but a capable adult.

This battle is the perfect opportunity.

Every group has its leader.

Raven looks around at the enemies.

And there, in the enemy lines, she spots the one who seems to be the leader.

The massive figure, towering over three meters, had seven spears embedded in its back. These spears were meant to be pulled out and thrown at enemies.

…Would they acknowledge me if I bring that guy down?

The human need for recognition blinds them and drives them to irrational actions.

Raven clenched the sword and charged at the leader.

He displayed considerable swordsmanship.

Taking down enemies one by one, he moved forward.

However.

“Huh…?”

As Raven approached the leader, the enemies’ gaze focused on him. They rushed towards Raven in a swarm.

Blocked from the front.

Blocked from behind.

Raven was completely isolated in the enemy lines.

Raven resisted.

Avoiding and deflecting the onslaught of attacks from all directions, he moved frantically.

“Oof…!”

But there were limits.

He tripped over an enemy’s foot and fell.

As he tried to get up, a shadow covered his path. An enemy raised their sword high, ready to strike Raven.

He needed to get up.

But it was already too late.

There was nowhere to escape.

People always realize they made a foolish choice only after making it.

Raven tightly shut his eyes.

-aaaHH!!

The enemy’s sword slashed through the air.

“What…?”

It wasn’t Raven but Lewen’s body.

Lewen shielded Raven with his back.

A thick sword cleaved through Lewen’s back diagonally.

“Ugh…!”

Levain tightened his lower lip, turning back as he swiftly slashed the neck of his opponent. Without pausing, he single-handedly swept away the surrounding enemies. With each swift stroke, silvery streaks cut through the air, and blood splattered in all directions.

Levain, with bloodied face, glared at Raven.

In the dimming light, the golden eyes of the blood-stained Levain blazed with fury.

In that gaze, Alfred felt life.

It was the first time Raven’s sister had looked at him with such eyes, and it startled Raven.

“S-sorry…”

Levain, without uttering a word, gestured as if to say the apology was enough; Raven should hold his ground.

“U-uh…”

Raven hastily got up and hurriedly returned to his position.

His heart thumped loudly.

It was more frightening than being surrounded by enemies.

Levain looking at him with those ominous eyes, as if ready to kill him, was terrifying.

Raven wouldn’t understand.

For Levain, family was the only reason for a life to go on.