This world was far more dangerous—and far more awe-inspiring—than Ron had initially imagined. Mages existed. Real mages. People who could wield power so overwhelming that ordinary humans stood no chance against them.
Immortality was wonderful, of course. But if someone blasted his head off with a spell, he would still die.
"Found it!"
After rummaging through the dusty corners of the study, Ron finally uncovered a thick book buried under layers of ash. He blew across the cover, revealing a single word carved in ancient script—
Genesis.
A chill ran up his spine.
He opened the first page.
"Ennos, the God, created the world…"
Ron froze.
Ennos?
The same God Egbert had spoken of so casually? The deity Ron had assumed was part of some vague cultural myth?
The further he read, the more shocked he became.
The book detailed how the Creator God Ennos shaped the world, then disappeared, leaving behind a land that evolved on its own. In time, new gods emerged—beings who did not live on the Osna Continent but manifested miracles to inspire worship. Their believers, in turn, received divine power based on their faith.
But not everyone wished to kneel.
And so, over countless years, mortals carved out their own path—Magic Power and Battle Aura.
Those with aptitude for magic became mages.
Those without… trained in Battle Aura, the foundation of knights.
At this point, Ron's eyes widened.
Irene said before that Abel is a "Second-Order Knight." I thought it was some fancy ranking system… he's actually a Second-Stage Battle Aura practitioner?!
Ron slowly closed the book. His blood was boiling.
Magic existed. Real magic. And he absolutely wanted to become a mage.
Then a more sobering thought cooled him instantly.
What if I don't have magic aptitude?
After all, there wasn't a single magic manual in the manor. That said, he wasn't discouraged.
"If I can refresh one trait… there must be a way to unlock a second."
He possessed immortality. He had time—the luxury to experiment.
But first, he needed life-saving items. Now that he knew mages existed, survival was priority number one.
Those "beast attacks" mentioned in territorial reports suddenly felt suspicious. And that massive Black Valley Forest… could it be hiding more than wild animals?
Ron massaged his temples.
He had missed many clues. Both Egbert and Irene had said things that didn't quite line up, but at the time he'd been too busy trying to survive to think deeper.
"No more delaying. I need stronger items."
Ron glanced at the silver ring on his finger and inhaled sharply.
Refreshing traits must continue.
Manor Hall
Irene stood stiffly, head down, unable to look at the six knights glaring in her direction. Abel's deep voice cut in harshly:
"What's wrong with you? Arguing with a child? Where is your knightly dignity?"
Shamed, the six knights quickly withdrew their intimidating stares.
Irene 's heart eased a little. She timidly looked toward Egbert.
"Sir… did I do something wrong?"
Egbert didn't scold her. Instead, he praised her for worrying about the Lord's safety, then explained calmly:
"These six were hand-picked by Abel. Aside from him, they are the strongest knights in the manor. Each has the potential to reach Second-Order. Dealing with bandits is easy work for them. And as for the dangers you mentioned—I've already made arrangements."
As Egbert spoke, Irene realized her earlier comments had wounded the pride of knights who took honor very seriously. She bowed quickly in apology.
Egbert continued, "The caravan will pass through a Count's territory. I've arranged for adventurers and mercenaries to join us from the local Adventurer Guild. They will escort the Lord."
Irene 's eyes widened.
"Oh… so that's how it is. I'm truly sorry for causing trouble!"
"Mistakes must be punished," Egbert said lightly. "Your workload will double this month. Do you understand?"
"Yes!" Irene nodded vigorously. The other maids lacked experience—Egbert couldn't afford to sideline her for long.
When she left, one knight couldn't help asking, "Sir Egbert… why were you so gentle with her? You even explained so much."
"Sig!"
Abel was ready to scold him, but Egbert lifted a hand, stopping him.
"Sig, it doesn't matter whether she understands or not. What matters is that the Lord understands."
Sig blinked, confused—but Egbert had already walked away.
Abel clicked his tongue.
"You idiot. Mr. Egbert wasn't explaining to Irene . He was explaining through Irene —to the Lord."
It took a moment.
Then the knights collectively froze.
"That… actually makes sense."
Another knight added thoughtfully, "Finette told me Irene likes to talk. As the Lord's personal maid, she'll definitely repeat everything to him."
"…So that's the purpose!"
"Mr. Egbert's wisdom… truly terrifying."
Sig finally understood—but then frowned.
"But wait… could Captain Abel have figured it out too?"
"…"
Silence.
"Yes, of course! Captain Abel—"
"No way."
"Absolutely not."
"Zero chance."
The courtyard fell into doubt once more.
Abel's intelligence was… quietly re-evaluated.
Naturally, Irene reported everything to Ron. He wasn't surprised by the existence of Battle Aura—but this situation gave him new ideas.
This was a perfect chance to interact closely with the knights… and check their character cards without raising suspicion.
A handshake meeting.
Ron smiled.
"Tomorrow, I'll visit."
He spent the rest of the night trying to refresh the silver ring's trait—but after countless failures, he finally set it aside and rested.
Next Day — Knights' Training Yard
Ron arrived with Irene and found Abel and Egbert discussing something.
"What are you two talking about?" Ron asked casually.
Everyone immediately stopped and bowed.
Abel stepped forward. "Lord, I was investigating the bandits' whereabouts as you ordered, but found no leads. I was consulting Mr. Egbert."
Ron nodded. "I see."
Egbert asked gently, "Lord, do you require Abel today?"
"No." Ron smiled. "In fact, since you're all here, let me say it now."
He looked around at the knights. Irene behind him already had tears brimming in her eyes.
"I reviewed the territorial documents yesterday," Ron began softly. "My people are struggling to survive… yet as their Lord, I can do nothing."
"Lord…"
Abel and the knights clenched their fists.
Ron raised his hand to stop them.
"This journey to the capital—perhaps it is an opportunity. If we can establish trade with powerful nobles, our people may finally have a stable life."
Egbert hesitated. "But our territory has no goods to offer…"
Ron shook his head. "There is more than one type of commodity in this world."
That one sentence caught everyone's attention.
Irene blinked. "Lord, is there something else we can trade?"
"That's for the future." Ron waved it off quickly—because if Egbert took him seriously, they might actually bankrupt the territory.
"Egbert, go handle your tasks."
Egbert bowed and left.
Ron turned to the knights.
They were young—17 to 28 years old—but talented. Abel had picked them personally.
"Are you tired?" Ron asked kindly.
"Not at all, Lord!"
"Training is nothing for your sake!"
Ron nodded approvingly.
"I noticed many of your training tools are damaged. Using worn equipment affects progress—and risks injury."
He turned to Abel. "Inform Egbert to procure new gear. Tell him it's my order."
The knights were visibly moved.
Afterward, Ron slowly approached a tall young man.
"You must be Sig."
Sig's eyes lit up. "Yes, Lord!"
"You have exceptional talent. Work hard, and you may become another Abel."
Sig's face flushed with excitement as Ron placed a hand on his shoulder.
But Ron's real focus was the card that appeared before him.
[Silver One-Star]
[Sig]
[Affection: 87 (Loyal)]
[Entry 1: A Blessing in Disguise (White)]
Ron raised a brow.
[A Blessing in Disguise: Every time you lose something—actively or passively—you gain something else of equivalent value. Value fluctuation: ±1]
Ron: "…A gambling trait?"
He gave Sig a meaningful pat.
"Do good deeds often. You may find fortune smiling upon you."
Sig didn't get it—but nodded seriously.
One by one, Ron inspected each knight's card.
Finally, he stood before Abel Guy.
The Second-Order Knight knelt on one knee, eyes filled with unwavering loyalty.
Ron placed a hand on his shoulder.
[Silver Two-Star]
[Abel Guy]
[Affection: 89 (Utterly Devoted)]
[Entry 1: Great Wisdom Appears as Folly (Green)]
[Entry 2: Empty]
Ron stiffened.
…I underestimated you, Abel Guy.
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