Chapter Two: The Contest

“Lando, Lando, get up quickly, or you’ll be late!” came the pounding on the door.

The visitor was Kark, the son of a butler in the castle, about the same age as Lando—one of his few friends.

“Kark, it’s still early for training. Has the sun even risen yet?” Lando opened the door and complained helplessly.

“Lando, Baron Moria is coming to visit us today! Of course we need to be at the training ground early for an occasion like this.” Kark, looking anxious, grabbed Lando and pulled him along.

“All right, all right, I got it.”

By the time the two of them reached the training ground, many people were already present. When they saw Lando arrive, expressions of envy flashed across their faces.

Because Lando never intended to keep a low profile, his progress and performance had always been first among the trainees, earning him the special favor of their instructor—Sir Mike.

Since he was already there, Lando had no plans to slack off. After warming up, he began practicing the basic sword techniques.

Basic swordsmanship was a compulsory lesson on the path of knighthood; if you couldn’t master it, you could never become a true knight.

This was a phrase their instructor, Sir Mike, often repeated.

As time passed, daylight gradually crept in. Sir Mike arrived at the training ground, saw this scene, and nodded with satisfaction.

When training was nearing its end, Sir Mike glanced toward the main gate, and soon, a clamor of footsteps echoed through the grounds.

A group of people entered, led by a middle-aged man in lavish robes, strikingly handsome—the Baron Vasili Moria himself.

Though Lando, as an illegitimate child, had hardly met the Baron more than a few times, he could recognize him at a glance.

Baron Moria nodded first at Sir Mike, and after the knight stepped aside with a bow, the Baron surveyed all the boys present, pausing deliberately when his gaze fell on Lando.

Lando wore an expression of great excitement, while the others looked on with varying shades of envy and jealousy.

“Children, I have always kept you in my thoughts. You are all outstanding, the future of our domain. I hope that among you more knights will emerge, for only then can our land prosper, drive out barbarians and monsters, and only then, in the years ahead, will you earn domains of your own…”

His words set the hearts of the youths ablaze; they yearned to rush forth immediately to win glory and reward for the Baron.

Lando, too, feigned an outward display of excitement.

“This time, I’ve brought something special for you all. But because it is so precious, there is only one, and it will go to the one who needs it most.”

As he spoke, he produced a small box, opened it, and revealed a vial of potion. “This is a strengthening elixir, crafted by master alchemists from rare materials. It can greatly enhance a person’s physical strength.”

“Wow—”

“Is that the legendary potion? Amazing!”

“A strengthening elixir—only nobles can use such treasures, or so they say.”

“Is it really for us?”

Sir Mike coughed, interrupting the chatter. Baron Moria, still smiling amiably, said, “Now, whoever wants it, step forward.”

Without hesitation, Lando stepped out from the crowd. At the same time, two others did as well. The rest, seeing these three, shrank back.

Besides Lando, the other two were Ambo and Marl, both outstanding among this year’s trainees.

Sir Mike, seeing the Baron silent, stepped forward. “Since you all desire it, let’s have a contest so the Baron can see your abilities. Ambo, Marl, you two first.”

Lando, enjoying his preferential treatment, had no objections and stood to the side. The two boys’ duel was plain but revealed their solid fundamentals and practiced swordsmanship.

In the end, Marl narrowly defeated Ambo. Noting the Baron’s approving look, Marl’s heart swelled with pride.

Seeing Marl’s state, Sir Mike refrained from immediately having him duel Lando. Instead, he let Marl rest, offering guidance on mistakes made during the fight.

“If you can correct these minor flaws, it will benefit you endlessly in both training and battle.”

“Yes, thank you, Sir Mike! I’ll work even harder to become a knight and serve the lord!” Marl replied, his gratitude overflowing.

Lando, watching Marl’s performance and the envious looks from the others, felt the favoritism was all too obvious—Sir Mike’s special instruction was a rare privilege.

“Now, you two may begin.”

Lando and Marl began their bout. Lando noted the many openings in Marl’s defense, most of which Sir Mike had just pointed out. Habits honed over years of training were not easily changed; some flaws Lando spotted himself, unsure if Sir Mike had missed them or simply chosen not to mention them.

In the end, Lando decided to win in the most impressive way possible—to make himself seem all the more valuable.

After blocking a blow, Lando stepped back and called out, “Now I’ll get serious!”

He then displayed a speed and strength far beyond what he’d shown before. His first strike sent Marl staggering; the second flung Marl’s weapon from his grasp.

Marl fell to the ground, staring up at Lando’s tall figure in disbelief.

“Apprentice knight at the peak? Lando, your progress is astounding—truly remarkable… yes, you are this year’s most outstanding knight trainee,” Sir Mike exclaimed.

Listening to the murmurs from the crowd, Lando put on a casual demeanor—of course, all for the Baron’s benefit.

Anyone who began knightly training was called an ‘apprentice knight,’ but to be called ‘peak apprentice’ was an honor reserved for those whose physical qualities met the lowest standard for promotion to true knighthood.

He silently summoned his system and glanced at his soul essence count: 143, unchanged.

‘Sigh, still nothing.’

Lando had long wanted to make a stunning display to see if it would increase his soul essence; today was the perfect chance, but once again, no luck.

After the others had dispersed—

“My lord, Lando truly is exceptional—not only gifted but also hardworking. He is indeed a worthy heir to a noble bloodline,” Sir Mike said with a hearty compliment.

“Yes, not bad,” Baron Moria replied, clearly in good spirits. “Since his talent is promising, see to it that you give him extra attention from now on.”

“Yes, my lord,” Sir Mike answered respectfully.