Chapter Four: The Agreement

Early the next morning, at the training ground.

“Sergeant Mike, I’ve made up my mind. I’m willing to sign a contract with the Baron.”

“Excellent, you’ve made the right choice. There’s no time to lose—let’s go see the Baron at once.” Mike was delighted. He was in the know and had high hopes for Lando, understanding well what this decision meant, so he was genuinely happy for him.

When the two of them were admitted to see Baron Moria, they found the Baroness present as well, holding a little girl of about seven or eight in her arms.

“My lord, I have brought Lando.”

“Good. Go fetch the contract from my study,” Baron Moria directed his butler.

“At once, sir.”

A short while later, the butler returned, carrying a parchment scroll, which the Baron motioned for him to hand to Lando.

‘Just as Mr. Carter said,’ Lando thought.

A cursory glance at the terms showed they were indeed generous. Without further hesitation, Lando signed his name.

Throughout the process, the Baroness watched quietly. Only after Lando had signed did she offer a faint smile, stood, and left with the little girl.

Baron Moria paid her no mind. He looked at Lando with a meaningful gaze. “Now that you have signed the contract, you shall receive all that is due to you.”

The rest was straightforward. Lando received a vial of “Elixir of Life”—said to greatly aid in becoming a true knight—and a set of advanced sword techniques: “Gale Swordsmanship.”

Five days later, in the indoor training hall.

“A knight is one who can find and wield the life force within themselves, thus breaking through their own limits. In theory, the stronger one’s body, the easier it is to sense life energy. Anyone who discovers their life force without external aid is considered a legendary talent.”

“In a moment, drink the Elixir of Life and begin your exercises. Your life force will be easily awakened; try to sense it, to control it.”

As Mike left, Lando found himself at a loss. “That’s it? No secret manual or anything?”

There was no need for further preparation. He drank the Elixir of Life in one gulp and began practicing the White Lion Combat Technique.

After a long while, a lion’s roar echoed through the empty training hall.

Soaked in sweat, Lando halted his movements, feeling the power gathering in his chest. “Is this life energy? Becoming a knight is easier than I thought.”

The energy at his chest remained, radiating throughout his body, swiftly rejuvenating his weary limbs.

Silently, he focused and opened his system panel.

[Name: Lando]
[Soul: Green (5%)]
[Class: Knight (10%)]
[Talent: Advanced Life Energy Affinity] (Slots: 1)
[Equipped Soul: Iron-Blooded General (Green)] (Slots: 0)
[Possessed Souls: Scholar (Green)]
[Recorded Talents: Advanced Life Energy Affinity (Green) (600), Eidetic Memory (Green) (100)]
[Soul Essence: 147]

“Huh? There’s a new class slot, and my soul progress increased by 3%. Was it because I advanced to true knight, or because I broke my limits and strengthened my body? And this Knight (10%)…”

Lando pondered for a moment and advanced his Knight class by 1%. Instantly, he lost 10 points of essence, making his heart ache.

A terrible loss!

He pushed open the training room’s heavy door, and Mike saw him coming out with a pained expression.

“No way, did you fail?” Mike asked in surprise.

“I succeeded. I’m officially a knight now,” Lando replied weakly.

“Then why aren’t you happy? What’s with that look?” Mike asked suspiciously.

Lando offered no explanation. Instead, he drew life energy to his hand.

Seeing the glow on Lando’s palm, Mike’s doubts were dispelled.

“Sergeant Mike, I’d like to participate in the Winter Hunt. What do I need to prepare?” Lando set aside his frustrations and got straight to business.

“Hah, I knew you’d say that. I’ll report to the Baron shortly—he’ll assign you to a suitable squad.”

By now, Lando had learned the general shape of the “Winter Hunt.” Since the barbarians could not challenge the lords’ main forces directly, they split into countless small bands each year. In response, the lords had developed a system: large garrisons for defense, and elite squads for hunting—thus, the Winter Hunt.

…

“Well done—no wonder you’re the one Sir Mike favors, able to become a true knight at such a young age. Since you wish to join the Winter Hunt, have the smithy forge you a set of knight’s armor tailored to you,” Baron Moria said, clearly pleased.

Mike, standing by, looked on with envy. Knight’s armor was nothing like a weapon—few could forge it. Within Baron Moria’s domain, only one master smith was capable. When Mike became a knight, he had no such privilege.

“Thank you for your generosity, my lord.” Given his age, Lando would still grow in coming years, so knight’s armor wasn’t strictly optimal, but with the Winter Hunt imminent, it was certainly the best choice. His thanks were heartfelt.

…

After conferring with the smithy’s best master, Uncle Riley, the old man thumped his chest and promised to deliver his finest work.

“Huh? Where’s Mayr?” It was rare for Lando to come by and not see his friend. Apprentice smiths didn’t get days off.

“He… I’m not sure why, but lately he’s been coming down with chills and fevers again and again.” Uncle Riley’s face clouded with worry at the mention of Mayr.

“Recurring illness? Has he seen a physician?” Lando asked, concerned.

“He has. They all say it’s just a common cold, a few doses of medicine and he recovers, but in a few days it’s back again. Alas.” Uncle Riley sighed helplessly—there was nothing he could do.

…

Two months passed in a blur. At last, Lando received his own suit of knight’s armor. The set comprised a helmet, breastplate, greaves, bracers, and boots, all ingeniously constructed so as not to hamper movement. Whatever metal had been used, the armor was much lighter than he’d expected.

Still, he hadn’t seen Mayr again. When Lando asked if he could visit him at home, Uncle Riley refused, saying Mayr wasn’t fit to see visitors. Lando found it odd but did not insist.

“Come, Lando, let me introduce you. These two will be your teammates for the Winter Hunt.” Mike gestured to two knights. “This is Georges Orle and Nery Torre. Both are veteran knights, specially recalled from the border for this hunt—seasoned hands who have participated many times. Stick close to them, watch and learn.”

“This is Lando. Don’t be fooled by his youth—he’s strong and won’t hold you back.”

“Mr. Georges, Mr. Nery, hello—I’m Lando. I look forward to working with you.” Lando greeted them politely.

Georges gave a slight nod. Nery, more boisterous, clapped him on the shoulder. “Lucky to have a prodigy knight so young in our squad. If you have any questions, just ask me on the road—ha!”

“All right, let’s get ready to set out. Any questions, we’ll discuss on the way.”