Have you ever dreamed of being in a fantasy world? And not just being in an ordinary 'fantasy world', but a world where being the strongest would be easy.
Well, I don't have to dream about it now, because that is the reality I'm currently living.
My name is Walter. I had another name in the past, but I already forget about it as it doesn't matter; what matters is now and what's coming in the future.
Looking far ahead, I can see the green scenery of the trees, fields, and some giant boulders on the horizon of the orange decaying sunlight, but all of those would be ignored by the thing that stoles the very spotlight - the Wyvern I just took down myself.
[ Amazing, Walter-sama! You took down the wyvern yourself! ]
[ You really are the strongest! ]
As I lay my mighty sword on top of my shoulder, praises came running down on me. Praises from the weaklings who can never compete flooded, witnessing the legendary scene that will go down on history.
[ Such a weak creature; If this is how weak these monsters are, I might as well go on and turn them to extinction. ] slightly laughing, I proudly announced what I know I can easily accomplish. And these people, who are witnessing my Ascension - couldn't agree more.
[ Of course, Walter-sama! We're sure you can do it! ]
Finally over with my gaze on the enemy I defeated, I left the area and went into our base - continuing as I receive the applaud of many men gathered to be in this mission.
[ Thank you, thank you. ] I waved back at them with an empty smile. I'll be happier if they're nobles or some people with higher positions, but it still nevertheless feels good to have unending compliments.
I slowly walk as I bask myself in their voices.
But then as I continue, I was stopped by a group of mercenaries, who also gave me their praise. Normally, I don't mind these people that are singing me good words, but making me stop on my tracks like this is something I very much hate.
[ Yo! Congratulations, Walter-san. ]
Furthermore, the leader of this mercenary group is annoying. The most annoying person I've ever encountered in this world so far.
[ Thank you, Richard-san. ]
( Tsk! ) Even if I'm faking it, I just couldn't take this person - my smiling mouth twitches every time I say a word to him.
He is called Richard and is the leader of his mercenary group. His group is very much uncultured, wearing nothing but ragged equipment - and just as my army, are weaklings. But he, Richard is still rather pretty strong compared to the people of this world.
Boasting as the strongest adventurer in his town, he can adapt to all kinds of enemies. And it's a bit regretful to say, but he is one person I'm trying to prevent being opposed to.
[ Taking down a wyvern single-handedly... you really is strong, Walter. ]
[ It's not really... I'm sure you can also do it if you try. ]
[ You don't need to be so humble, Walter; you know I won't be able to do that. ]
Sure you can't. There's no way other than me in this whole battalion will ever be able to do it like myself.
[ That's a really creepy smile you have there, Walter... ]
Oops... I shouldn't be showing this kind of smile...
[ Sorry about that... ] as I made a fake apology, I tried to stray away from him and his deviant group, but still, they kept on following me, bothering me endlessly with their useless talk.
[ That reminds me... I know of this one person... Other than you, I'm pretty sure he can also take down a wyvern himself, especially now that he's gotten stronger. ]
This bastard... Talking of other people when I'm still here. And, is he saying that this person can beat me? What a bluff.
Well... Anyways... I'm sure it's just one of the knight commanders or something... Pretty much, they're the only people that can match me... It'll be soon too that I'll be able to pass them so it doesn't matter... And if it's an adventurer or a mercenary, I'm sure he's just exaggerating.
[ You actually kind of reminds me of him, always fighting off enemies recklessly that is. ]
[ Please don't say it like that, you know that all of my moves are precise and have a purpose. You must've not been watching properly. ] I couldn't be more humiliated.
[ Hmm... Is that so? ] he mutters as he looks at me with digging eyes as if he's trying to examine my whole being. And when he finally turns his eyes away, he spoke -
[ You're right... He's nothing like you... He's stupid and you're not. ] he replies with a small smile forming on his face, and because of it, I'm sure he was saying it in a very sarcastic way.
[ Anyway, you must be busy. We're actually going separate ways now as we'll head to a different city, that's all I wanted to say but it's not a trouble to leave a few words behind, right? ]
Finally...
[ Then, keep yourselves safe. ]
[ Ah, and if you ever find Zero in Citrine, please tell him I'm going to catch up to him. ]
[ I-Is that so? I will if I ever met him. ]
As if I'll ever do that to a nobody.
[ Well then, we'll leave now. ] he said with a small bow.
[ Thank you for your help. ]
Their group are just mercenaries we stumbled across so we really don't need them here. They helped a bit by dealing with small fries, but they're still ever so useless. I'll be more than glad that they're finally leaving.
And as they finally raised their heads up, they finally stroll away, carrying their items and equipment as they did so. And I as well continue on towards my own tent.
And only after further steps, I was able to arrive - seeing the sight of a green large tent, the largest there is in this base. Entering inside, I was greeted by an unknown person, or rather, a knight - adoring a set of armor that only knights have permission to wear.
He's the largest person I probably have met in this world so far. With huge bulging muscles and a shaved head, he's also the most intimidating.
[ Good afternoon, Walter-sama. ] he spoke with a very deep, pressuring voice.
[ Good afternoon. ]
Knights have different variations of clothing; ordinary knights will wear the most common ones, but anyone that has a higher rank will wear something more grandeur - having symbols and linings, sometimes even personalized.
I've seen most of them from most knights and the knight captains I've met before, but this man has a set of armor that is different from any of those.
[ My name is Guro, the knight major assigned in the knight company in Citrine. It's nice to meet you Walter-sama. ]
[ A-A knight major? ]
It's the second-highest rank in the knights, so this guy must be really strong... But... What is he doing here?
[ I've been sent here and my group to accompany you to Citrine. I and Herald-sama have been informed of your arrival by the kingdom and they've asked us of proper preparation for it. ]
[ Is that so? ]
[ Of course, as the emissary assigned by the king himself, it's only necessary that we prepare the most fitting reception. ]
So that is why, huh? Of course, I haven't wasted these past two months doing anything... I've gained the king's trust and I'm able to become one of his advisors.
[ We will set out the next morning, and we will be able to arrive in no time. ]
[ Then, I will inform my group. ]