The sun is already rising - and its gentle light touches Zero's and Alex's skins as it slowly reaches them.
They were still at the same spot since the evening - only now, they're standing.
Particularly in Zero's case, he did not sleep at all as he was guarding Alex and waiting for her to wake up. But since he was already used to this kind of thing, similarly to when he played games all night, he was not bothered by it at all. In fact, he doesn't feel like he wants to sleep in the little.
[ Alex-sama! ] the knights called as they saw the two of them.
Like any fallen knights Zero had seen at the bottom, these knights that had come to them are wearing complete set of armors as if they ready for a fight or for another round of subjugation.
[ Alex-sama! Are you okay!? ] one panicking knight came to Alex, covering her - with now revealing armor - with a cloth, ignoring Zero.
Considering how beautiful of a woman Alex is, it's almost a sin to see her exposed skin, that was probably why they had immediately prioritized the cover-up of her bare skin.
None is paying attention to Zero as if he was invisible and he was not there at all. They all just continue to worry about Alex and their eyes are all onto her, which all seems to be in disbelief that she is still alive.
Then, out of nowhere, another knight came in, brushing off the others and knelt in front of her.
[ Alex-sama! We're glad you're alive! ] with a voice that's shouting, he took off his helm and addresses her. And off of his helmet is a man with a fierce yet kind expression - he's also probably the tallest and most muscular person Zero had seen in this world so far. And like the other-worlders, his hair is dyed in a different color, which is the color of gray.
( She really seems to be an important person... ) Zero could only mutter as he stares at the knights, realizing their obvious and genuine respect to Alex.
[ Un, I'm fine, Guro. ] as if she recognizes the man, she immediately replies.
[ Thanks to this person, I was saved. ]
And just like that, his existence was suddenly acknowledged by all the knights. They turned their heads to him, awe-ing at him as they look.
[ Is that so? This man... ]
[ His name is Zero. ] Alex introduces him in his stead.
[ Oh! Zero-sama! We can't thank you enough! ]
Suddenly, he called him with respect and gratitude.
Like Gerald, Guro was the kind of person one would be afraid of at their first meet, but also like Guro, he seems to be a very kind and respectful person.
( ... ) Zero just can't help but stare at him awkwardly as he continues to bow at him repeatedly.
[ It's already fine, I just did what I can. ]
[ Still, I... No, we thank you for saving Alex-sama. ]
[ You've thanked me enough... ] Zero tried to push it, but he still continues to give his thank any chances he gets. And as Alex realizes Zero's discomfort, it was her turn to interrupt.
[ That's enough, Guro. We'll find a way to thank him later, for now... We'll go back to the city and recover anything left in this base. ]
[ Hmm... Is that so... Then...? ] he continues to stare at Zero and said:
[ Zero-sama... You seem to be an adventurer... Are you traveling towards Citrine? ]
[ That's right. ] he nodded.
[ Then, Alex-sama, wouldn't it be a great idea to take him with us as we go back? ] turning to Alex, he had asked. And to his words, Alex also nodded.
[ Un, I was thinking the same. How about it, Zero-san? ]
( Umu... it seems it was really worth saving her. I will be able to get a free ride from her... )
[ Un, Then, if you'll allow it. ]
***
The carriage shook as it rides the rocky road towards the city.
Zero looks outside the wagon he's on and sees a battalion of knights and wagons.
There are many varieties of knights that are following their wagons: knights with horses, knights that are just walking, and knights that are inside some wagons such as them. And there, also, on the other wagons are what seems to be the loots and whatever that were left in their base, and one particular large ride was carrying the body of the wyvern - in the middle of the formation.
And Zero, Alex, Guro, and Zear are now in the same wagon.
Alex had now recovered and is now wearing proper clothing. The damage from the wyvern is still obvious from her looks, but she doesn't seem to be bothered by it and none have really tried to inform her of it - particularly, her burnt hair and the ashes that had remained on her skin.
[ Zero-sama, let me introduce myself, my name is Guro, I'm Alex-sama's mentor and senior. It's nice to meet you. ] he introduces himself as such.
( A senior of Alex? Does that mean he has a higher position that her... Then why is he acting as if Alex is much superior to him...? ) he grew curious as he listens.
[ I really can't thank you enough. ] again, he bowed his head. And Zero couldn't help but feel uncomfortable, he was not really that used to such things, and it became obvious to the expression on his face - and seeing it, Guro finally stopped with a laugh.
[ Oh, I'm sorry, it seems you're bothered by it... I really just couldn't express it enough... ]
[ Zero-san, just please remain considerate to him, he's been a servant of my father for as long as I can remember and he was the one who took care of me, in a sense, he's like a father to me. ] as if bothering him was a big deal, they both apologized.
[ Is that so? ]
( Right... I remember Alex-san, mentioning that she's a noble... so that's why, huh? Nobles have a very strong power amongst everyone else in the lore of the game, it's not really a surprise how all the knights and Guro-san treats her so well... )
[ Zero-san, to be able to save Alex, who is a strong person on her own, only indicates that you're a strong person your self... Alex-sama had already told me about your situation, and I understand... You're an adventurer who wants to gain fame in the city. ]
( Did they really interpret it like that? I was not looking for fame at all! )
That was right. Zero is trying to go to Citrine expecting to grow stronger. He has no intention to become famous or to even get a higher rank, he just wants his continuous growth and the larger sum of money he will get from it.
[ Zero-san, I'll tell you this, if you want to become famous as an adventurer, you'll definitely be able to in a year or two, and that's already fast considering how strong you possibly is... ] he complements, but with a bitter face. Zero couldn't get what he's trying to say to him at all.
[ But... If you join us, the knights, I will assure your fame. ]
And just like that, the ball was thrown.
Alex had already explained to Guro what had happened, and Zero added his story too - how he drove off the wyvern. And Guro can't have any other reaction but of surprise and awe. It's self-explanatory how he would come to this conclusion - of having Zero join the knights.
[ Driving off a wyvern by oneself is something worth giving recognition... I believe you'll be most useful as a knight. ] he pushed even further.
Zero doesn't know what his position in the knights' is, but it seems that he guarantees his success as the person who has the power to give him so. And his offer is attractive enough for Zero to accept.
But...
[ I'm sorry, I just don't think that being a knight will suit me. ]
Soldiers have limited power. Unlike adventurers, who almost have no restriction in fighting off monsters. As a knight, he won't be able to fight off monsters as much as if he's an adventurer, meaning that he won't be able to gain level as fast as the other.
[ Hmm... You really won't accept my offer? ] Guro repeated.
[ I'm sorry, but I can't. ]
[ Is that so... That's really a waste... I could've have given you the proper reception if you have accepted. ]
( I don't really need it though... )
[ Right, anyway, if you change your mind, you can always come to me. I want your success to be fulfilled. ]
Looking at him, Zero felt that his words were genuine.
[ That's enough of that... Zero-san, once you get in the city, I'll help you in any way possible. ] it was now Alex's turn to talk, and like Guro, she offers him something, but her's was different. It seems that she's giving him a choice to say what he wants as a reward.
[ Thank you very much, Alex-san. I'll think about it. ]
[ Just say what you want, and I'll give it to you as a reward for truly saving my life... ]