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It would have been easier if they were just glancing occasionally, but their constant, piercing stares made him feel uncomfortable and uneasy.

Eventually, he decided to ask them directly.

“…Why?”

“It’s nothing.”

Mari turned away from Ian with a blunt tone, returning her gaze to the front.

“Mael must have noticed that you’ve changed a lot.”

“Mael, stop talking nonsense. When did I say that?”

“Well, isn’t it true? I think so too. Oh, of course, it’s in a good way. You’ve clearly grown a lot, both outwardly and inwardly.”

“……”

Mari didn’t deny that she thought so. Although it might sound odd to judge growth based only on appearance, hearing it from them, of all people, made Ian feel an inexplicable sense of pride.

He couldn’t help but feel a bit puffed up.

Mael and Mari.

These twins, born into the declining Count family of Rondria, possessed extraordinary talent as if blessed by some of the Twelve Lords, who are considered divine agents.

From a young age, they began to accumulate magical power simply through breathing, without any special training methods.

They also had an innate talent for martial arts, able to replicate techniques after just a few observations.

They didn’t just mimic movements; they understood and could apply the principles behind them.

They were truly exceptional geniuses.

In fact, before turning twenty-five, they had already reached Level 6 in the Spiritual Realm and were revered as heroes in the East.

“Not that they were arrogant like me.”

Of course, they could have been disliked for their bluntness, but their honesty was appreciated by everyone.

Ian had always been compared to them.

Whenever they were together, he felt diminished and miserable, and naturally, he became envious and resentful of the twins.

He deeply understood what it felt like to be endlessly small. But interestingly, that wasn’t the case anymore.

“Perhaps….”

It must be due to his several decades of accumulated experience and a year of rapid growth based on his relatively matured mind.

Ian took a deep breath and spoke to them.

“Thank you. It feels good to hear that.”

It was sincere. How many people could receive such praise from future elite knights? It was rare.

“……”

“……”

Mael and Mari said nothing more, and in the quiet atmosphere, they arrived at the Ley Line.

“Is this your first time coming to a Ley Line?”

“Yes. But it’s not as full of magical energy as I expected. The density is high, but… honestly, it’s disappointing.”

“I’ve absorbed a lot here over the past year, so it’s to be expected. Still, it’s much better than other places.”

That was true. Even if the magical energy was depleted, it was still a Ley Line. The quality of the energy was inherently different.

Mael nodded, acknowledging this.

Mari had already settled in a corner, focusing on channeling her magical power. A faint shimmer was undulating over the armor she wore, giving the impression that she was ready to unleash flames at any moment.

‘I should start too.’

Ian closed his eyes and slowly began to concentrate by taking deep breaths. As he did, the surrounding magical energy naturally gathered around him. A satisfying sense of fulfillment and warmth spread through his body, and vitality began to swirl within him.

How long had he been channeling? Suddenly, he felt a gaze on him and opened his eyes.

About ten steps away, Mael and Mari stood side by side, watching intently.

“Sir.”

Mael spoke first. Ian, catching his breath slightly, responded.

“What is it?”

“If you’re okay with it, would you like to have a spar with me?”

“…Suddenly?”

“I apologize. But seeing you so engrossed in your channeling, I couldn’t help but want to see your skill in action. I understand it’s rude, but since there’s no one else around…”

In other words, since there are no spectators, there’s no need to worry about the outcome.

It seemed like a considerate offer, but Mael didn’t seem to entertain the idea of losing at all.

‘So arrogant.’

On the other hand, it seemed understandable.

These twins were born geniuses. Given their few rivals of the same age, their attitude was somewhat natural.

Perhaps that’s why. The opportunity to humble them seemed to have arrived.

A chance to release the pent-up frustrations and shake off past insecurities.

It felt a bit childish to be eager to win against someone like them, but Ian pushed aside the embarrassment and nodded willingly.

“Sure.”

“Mari, lend Sir a sword.”

“No, you do it.”

Ian was puzzled by the twins bickering over who would handle the sword.

He couldn’t understand why such competitive spirits were stirred up just by channeling magical energy.

In the end, it was Mael who stepped forward.

Mari sighed, unsheathed a sword from her waist, and silently handed it to Ian.

“Use it well and return it.”

“Alright.”

Ian glanced at the discontented Mari before looking down at the sword in his hand.

It had been a year. No, it had been since his reincarnation that he last held a blade.

The weight was subtly different from the wooden practice swords made from cedar, awakening a long-forgotten sensation.

He gripped the scabbard, held the hilt, and tried to draw it.

Clank.

Or rather, he attempted to draw it.

“……?”

Clank.

It wouldn’t come out. What’s going on? Why is this happening?

Was he so weak now? Couldn’t he draw a single sword?

Ian couldn’t hide his confusion. Though he could force the sword out, he feared it might get damaged, so he became cautious.

“Is there some kind of magic on this?”

Mari let out a slight, almost mocking laugh and nodded.

“Yes. It’s enchanted with recognition magic, so unless you’re of the same affiliation, you can’t draw it.”

She extended her hand, indicating that Ian should return the sword. When he handed it back, Mari demonstrated how it should be done.

Srrrng.

The sword slid out effortlessly. The blade was so sharp it seemed unnervingly well-maintained. It was a real sword.

‘So that’s how it works.’

It seemed like a measure to prevent the sword from being stolen in a critical situation, but he wondered if such a level of attention was necessary for just a single sword.

“As you can see, there’s a safety mechanism, so you can use it as is.”

Ian took the sword from Mari and looked at Mael.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m taking off my armor. It should be fair that way.”

Ian looked at him disdainfully.

“Not wearing a combat ring?”

“…What?”

Mael blinked in confusion. Ian’s puzzlement grew even more.

Combat rings are an innovative invention of the El Carda Empire, equipped with a small subspace to store any type of clothing. They’ve become essential gear for knights due to their advantage of allowing quick changes of attire anywhere. How could he not have one?

But Mael’s response only deepened Ian’s frown.

“I don’t know how you know about it, but those are only issued to the captain and the vice-captain. As a regular member, I wouldn’t have such a valuable item.”

“What?”

Oh, come to think of it….

The initial versions of the combat ring were both costly to produce and technologically complex, leading to supply shortages. If this was that period, even the Berger family would not have had many in stock.

So, it seems that providing them to all the Red Spear Knights was still a far-off future prospect.

‘I should have visited the main family to learn more.’

His isolated lifestyle had left him out of touch with current affairs.

Anyway, if they don’t have it, they don’t have it.

“Then put on your armor.”

“Pardon?”

“Put it on. How long are you going to be out of uniform? You don’t even have spare clothes.”

They hadn’t arrived by carriage but walked, so they had no means to transport their gear. Thus, Mael would have to put everything back on for the return trip.

From the look on Mari’s face, she didn’t seem inclined to help.

Mael’s expression brightened, perhaps pleased by the suggestion.

“Is that alright?”

“Just don’t go charging into things just because you’re wearing it.”

While his body was tougher due to channeling magical energy, he wasn’t invincible. Though he might be able to withstand it at level 6, for now, it was clear that he would likely suffer some injuries.

“Such a thing will never happen. Even if I suffer a serious injury, it will be alright. Even if I lose an arm or a leg, there are mid-level potions prepared, so as long as the severed ends are clean, they can be reattached.”

“…Are you saying you’d cut off a limb if necessary?”

“Of course not. I’m just making a point.”

“Seems suspicious. No one sent me here to kill me, did they?”

Mael shook his head in response, handing back the sheathed sword.

“By the way, just in case, I’m not a Red Spear Knight, so the sheath shouldn’t come off. But could yours fall off?”

“Don’t worry. Didn’t I mention that I have potions?”

Damn… this is making me uneasy.

“And unless you’re leaking magic, it won’t happen.”

“Alright, alright.”

“Are you ready?”

Ian gripped the sword. His heart pounded. This was undoubtedly the most nerve-wracking moment since his reincarnation.

“Let’s begin.”

Though he hadn’t said so, Ian moved first.

He didn’t bother with a preliminary skirmish. He would learn through direct confrontation.

Indeed, had his diligent training over the past year been worthwhile?

It felt as if the memory of his crushing defeat was shackled to his body.

Was decades of accumulated experience enough to surpass innate talent?

‘I may not lack in talent myself…’

Yet before a true genius, he might be no different from an ordinary person. Therefore, he would give it his all from the start.

Ian charged at Mael with all his might, sword raised.

———-