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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Sanctuary of the Nameless Knight Order
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[(Legendary) Dimensional Gate to the Sanctuary of the Nameless Knight Order]
A dimensional gate spell that leads to the sanctuary where the 'Nameless Knight Order'—who swore oaths long ago and fought to protect something—once resided.
"Magic use is impossible, but this is probably an exception. Good, let's learn it."
With that, I acquired the dimensional gate spell and cast it immediately.
A stone gate made of pure white light, slightly different from a dungeon entrance, appeared in midair. When I opened it, an ancient medieval ruin-like landscape came into view.
It didn't feel dangerous or harmful at all, so I figured it was perfect for hiding these guys. I ordered Akaron and Seom-myeol to wait inside.
"I'll call you later. For now, stay hidden here."
[Order received and acknowledged.]
"As you wish."
Once I saw them enter, I finally felt at ease.
Now all that was left was to conceal my own appearance.
By simply releasing the armor, I reverted to the ordinary, dime-a-dozen look of a low-rank Awakener in his thirties.
"Haa~ I'm really beat. I cleared just one E-rank dungeon, but so much crap happened."
The knightly tutorial that suddenly popped up in the dungeon, all sorts of interference, safely clearing the dungeon only to get ambushed by unexpected Scavengers, and then having to take them out—which only made me stand out even more in the world. It had been exhausting.
"I can't do any more today. Heading home—shut up and head home! Level and stats can wait. Haa~"
Since I hadn't been an Awakener for long and my head was spinning from one complicated issue after another, I decided to call it quits for the day and headed straight back to the city.
I reported the E-rank dungeon clear at the Association management office, then crashed into my one-room apartment and passed out.
***
The next day, at the exclusive Staff dormitory.
"Mmm... ughhh..."
It was my own voice, but it sounded like I really didn't want to get up—like, I'd rather die.
But on the flip side, it was proof of just how exhausting yesterday had been.
I grabbed my phone with one hand and checked the time: already 10 a.m.
"Don't wanna get up, but I guess I have to."
"Indeed. A knight must rise early each day and begin with personal training. Of course, after yesterday's battle, rest is advisable."
"Wh-what? Oh... Seom-myeol? Ah, no—how did you get out here?"
I'd clearly stashed them away quietly in the knight order's sanctuary yesterday, but somehow she was out here now.
I was startled, but she casually opened yesterday's dimensional gate right beside me as if it were nothing.
"How? Well, as the sanctuary of the knight order, any knight under the Captain's command should be able to use it, right?"
"Fine, even if that's true, didn't I tell you to stay hidden?"
"That's why I partially disarmed and changed into civilian clothes."
Huh? For real?
She'd been in pristine white armor before, but now she was dressed for this world.
A simple white shirt and jeans—decent enough attire, anyway.
Sure, her appearance was too striking to pass for human, but in this reality that outdid any light novel or fantasy story, that was something people could overlook.
"More importantly, where'd you get those clothes?"
"Sir Akaron made them. He's a knight of many talents. Far more capable than me, who only knows fighting. He couldn't find clothes to fit his body, though, so he's still in the sanctuary."
His body isn't the issue for clothes, is it?
No, wait. Does that mean he went outside?
"No. For the sake of camouflage, he borrowed some clothes left in the house. No permission, but since protecting you, Captain, takes priority, Sir Akaron asks for your understanding."
"Well, that's a million times better than going outside and causing a stir."
Yeah, using a few of my clothes beats him heading out and becoming a spectacle.
Anyway, wondering what else happened while I slept, I checked around.
In the spacious kitchen—nothing like my place—a pot I'd never touched sat on the sink and gas stove, giving off a faint, savory aroma.
"What the? He even cooked?"
"Oh, that was Sir Akaron too. He said provisioning and maintenance are crucial, so he prepared your meals, did the laundry, cleaned the bathroom and tub—everything."
Only then did I notice how much cleaner the room was. I'd just moved in yesterday, and it had been a mess everywhere, but now it was spotless.
Dust gone from the corners and window frames, AC and TV wiped down.
That tin can is surprisingly diligent? Let's see how his cooking tastes, at least.
Looks like he used the ingredients I bought on the way here... Wonder if it'll be good.
"A stew I've never seen before... Mmm, it's good? Could use a bit more salt."
"He followed a stored recipe and kept the seasoning light since he didn't know your tastes. He also organized clothes for you to wear when you head out."
Sir Akaron—what the hell is that Night Metal Golem? Looks like a merciless war machine, but he handles all the housework too. I really like that tin can.
No more annoying cleaning, laundry, or cooking—I'm grateful.
"But this is overkill. Cheap clothes like these—he didn't have to go that far..."
One downside: he babies you too much?
He'd ironed my street-vendor shirts and pants to perfection, fixed all the burst seams and buttons from rough wear.
Well, nothing wrong with that. After finishing my meal, I changed and headed to the guild to exchange magistones for cash.
"I'll accompany you."
Why is she naturally falling in behind me?
Her looks already draw enough eyes—now she wants to tag along with a guy like me?
Her 'inorganic' vibe is just my impression; with goddess-level beauty surpassing most celebrities, having her next to me would cause an uproar.
'Especially in this academy!'
Plus, didn't she get photographed yesterday?
She absolutely had to wait in the sanctuary.
"...No. Stay in the sanctuary."
"It takes at least three seconds to come out, no matter how fast. The stone gate only opens if the dimensional gate is generated by your side, Captain. I can't protect you during that time."
"...If I die in three seconds, that's on me for being pathetic. Just go inside."
Is she seriously trying to kill someone? Haa~
Anyway, she didn't resist my order and opened the dimensional gate to enter the 'Sanctuary of the Nameless Knight Order.'
Confirming that, I left the exclusive Staff dormitory.
'Everything else is great, but this one's a hassle.'
Free from Association oversight and restrictions, but now I had to report dungeon logs, handle acquired items—everything.
'Still, better than them finding out my situation, right?'
As a mid-tier guild's A-rank Awakener, I could get solid info. I'd discreetly ask around.
Influenced by my skill, they 'respected' me, so they'd share even without specifics.
'Anyway, check my status before heading out. Too lazy this morning.'
[Lv.17 Yoo Seongwon]
Status Growth: 21/21/21/21
Str:728 Dex:726 Vit:728 Mag:714
[Possessed Skills]
Path of the Great Knight (SSS)
(Unique) Myeong's Knight Grandel's Martial Talent
(Unique) Spirit Knight 'Silleion Forest Blade' Secret Art
(Unique) KMG TECH Master Device
(Legendary) Dimensional Gate to the Sanctuary of the Nameless Knight Order
[Applied Effects]
Divine Beast's Power (All stats +1 rank (2x))
Level up by 2.
One new skill from yesterday, no equipment changes.
Still boosted 2x by the Legendary item—terrifying stats.
Every stat already surpassed the S-rank cutoff of 640.
"My god... No! I can't get complacent!"
But I still had a long way to go.
An Awakener's power isn't just stats. Experience, skill, wisdom—all essential, plus teamwork. Far from there yet.
"Time to head out? As exclusive Staff, I should show my face at Baekya Guild once or twice—polite thing to do..."
I'd need Staff uniforms and supplies anyway. As I thought about going to Baekya Guild, the doorbell rang.
Not early morning, prime working hours—no one should visit.
Opened the door: sure enough, Ayoung was there.
"Good morning? How'd the dungeon go yesterday?"
"Eh, so-so. You got classes?"
"For a simple Fighter class like mine, no real exam prep. General classes are afternoon, and meeting exclusive Staff is kinda work-related."
"Work?"
"You're heading to Baekya Guild for the dungeon report and approvals anyway. They have an office here in the academy, so let's go together. Report, then lunch—perfect."
Talent recruitment is fierce at Awakener training spots like the academy, so guilds compete hard.
They even set up branches to support contracted students.
Pros: quick management, capital infusion helps a ton. Cons: not negligible.
"Haven't been here much, so it feels like forever... Geez~"
"What're you grumbling about?"
"Hmph!"
Cons: early guild entry fosters factions. Heaven, Earth, Human class divides solidify into rigid hierarchies.
Academy recognized the issue, but awareness doesn't fix everything.
Think of it like smashing Seoul's high schoolers into one uni overnight.
Everyone wore academy uniforms, but added guild emblems or special jackets.
Academy tried stopping it, but guild influence killed that quick.
"Ideals and reality always clash at training spots. Same as before, whatever~"
"Here it is. Baekya Guild Academy Branch!"
We arrived at the branch amid those thoughts.
A traditional building with a sign reading 'Baekya (白夜)' in Hanja.
Nothing special, so I opened the door and went in.
The office buzzed with Baekya Guild academy students cramming for exams.
"Damn, another joint exam. I hate that crap! Gotta carry those Human class tool bastards."
"Worse is if they screw up, our grades tank too. Ah, Miss Ayoung! You're here?"
"Studying well? Call if you need anything—happy to help."
Mid-study frenzy, they spotted Ayoung and rose like gangsters greeting the boss—bowing in unison.
What is this? Scary.
"Ah, how many times have I said no to this? Why do you keep doing it? Are you nuts? I hate it!"
"But you're our guild's one and only Heaven Class, so naturally..."
Maybe these kids are already used to the class system.
Back to feudal times? Watching the drama, one bowing guy looked up and passed a message to Ayoung.
"Ah! Right. A guest for you, miss. From Blue Dragon Guild? In the office."
"Ah, that guy's here again?"
Her face darkened at 'guest.'
Blue Dragon Guild.
One of Korea's Big 3 guilds—known nationwide just by name.
Anyway, Ayoung glanced at me hesitantly, sighed in resignation, and headed straight into the office.