CHAPTER 27 "Join the League"
This web novel is a draft of the story. Please expect frequent changes and updates as I see fit. Enjoy! -Cloki
Ch. 27/50 (tentative estimate of Arc 1)
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-The party made their way into the Fabled Castle, a famous restaurant in the town of Oakheart. There, they met a woman named Aubrey, who seemed to have a close relationship with Klaus. The party took their seats in the restaurant, ordered their food, and are now discussing their plans for when they return to Formai, and their plans for when they eventually set off to find Ivy, and learn magic~
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-It seemed to me and Azure that Klaus and Aubrey had a history with each other. Klaus's aura was constantly shifting as we sat in the restaurant, switching between confidence and anxiety. It piqued my interest, so I eventually decided to speak on the matter~
Siegfried: "So, Klaus. You and Aubrey..."
Klaus: "-- -!"
-Klaus glanced up at me. His eyes locked onto mine with an unbreakable focus. His hands were together, resting on his chin. I could tell I had caught his complete attention, there was no backing out now~
Siegfried: "Do you and Aubrey know each other? It seems to me that she knows who you are."
Klaus: "Well... I suppose we could possibly have a history with each other..."
-Klaus seemed apprehensive toward the topic, however, he continued to explain his history with Aubrey, as if he would rather get it off of his chest than hold his secrets to himself~
Klaus: "You see, Aubrey and I grew up together, we were neighbors, attended the same magic academy, and both entered the league of knights when we were 14 years old. We're both 27 now, and have kept in touch VIA questing together."
-Klaus and Aubrey are 27? Klaus looks like he could pass for a 21-year-old, and Aubrey a 17-year-old! They must have nearly perfect genes~
-Regardless, my suspicions were confirmed. Aubrey and Klaus knew each other, as they were close childhood friends for nearly their entire lives~
Siegfried: "Ah! So you guys have known each other for your entire lives? She seems to have taken a liking to you, Klaus-sama. What are your thoughts on her? Ever gone out with her?"
Klaus: "Well, I do like her, and if I wasn't in the position that I'm in, I'd probably end up with her, but I cannot pursue an active relationship with her, because I wouldn't have enough time to dedicate to it."
Klaus: "Regardless, we do see each other often, and are in a sort of "partnership" if you will."
Siegfried: "...partnership?"
Klaus: "Well, you see, we are both knights. I currently hold the top position in the League of Knights, and Aubrey is currently ranked in the top 10 knights, a group known as the Decem Electi. She is ranked 8th in Provincia."
-Decem Electi translates to "The Chosen Ten"~
Klaus: "Due to our high positions in the league, we are both required to complete quest quotas per week to maintain our rank. This gives us very little time to focus on each other. However, we do work together often."
Siegfried: "I see. Well, she works here too, so how does she manage her time? It seems like she has a ton on her plate."
Klaus: "Well, she works here two times a week, and today happens to be one of those days. On her off days, she's questing with other knights, sometimes myself included. However, we haven't seen each other for about 2 months due to her being stationed in Laeval until recently."
Klaus: "She took a break from her work here while stationed in Laeval, so they're depending on her to run the place for a while now that she's back. Anyway, we've known each other for a very long time..."
Siegfried: "Well, it's interesting to know that you two are both knights. She seems strong, considering her aura was that of a hunter. I've been considering joining the League of Knights myself, actually. Perhaps we can look into it when we get back to Formai?"
Klaus: "If you'd like to join the League of Knights, I'd be happy to refer you to our commanders. The process of becoming a knight is challenging though. There are a few tests you must go through to receive your initial ranking within the league."
-The League of Knights is an official military organization in Provincia. Their HQ is based in Durma, in the central city of Dalmore. They were established almost 230 years ago, 30 years before hasher began the war. With the uprising of Hasher's Cult, activity within the league has spiked tremendously throughout the decades~
Siegfried: "Could you perhaps explain how these tests work, Klaus-sama?"
Klaus: "Surely. The first thing you need to do i-"
-Suddenly, Aubrey burst out of the kitchen, dishes in hand. The party's attention shifted over to her. She quickly walked over to the party's table and set their dishes down in front of them.
Aubrey: "Food's ready! I cooked yours with love, Klaus-chan!"
Klaus: "-tch!"
Siegfried: "Whoa! These look really good! You outdid yourself, Aubrey!"
Azure: "I have to admit, these do look delicious."
Aubrey: "Aw, thanks! I always make sure to try my best to ensure the satisfaction of my customers!"
-The dishes were cooked perfectly. They both looked and smelled amazing, and were sure to taste just as wonderful. Aubrey walked over to Klaus, leaned over, and rested her elbows on the table, gazing at him. Then, she spoke~
Aubrey: "So, Klaus-chan! I see you've returned to Oakheart! Visiting your father, I'd assume?"
Klaus: "Well, that's a part of it Aubs. You see, I'm accompanying these two back to Formai. I can't give you the details now, as an explanation would take far too long. However, next time I see you, I'll explain everything."
Aubrey: "Well, Klaus-chan. After tonight, I'm off for a few days. If you want, I can come with you guys to Formai and you can explain it then."
-Aubrey was both interested in learning who Siegfried and Azure were, but was more interested in just catching up with Klaus. She seemed to be attached to him~
Klaus: "Hmm. Well, Siegfried here is interested in joining the league, so if you come with us, you could give him some pointers on how to be a proper knight. So, if you wanna come with us, feel free!"
-Aubrey gazed at Siegfried, and analyzed his aura. Her eyes were beaming with positive energy. Siegfried on the other hand was slightly frightened by Aubrey's personality~
Aubrey: "Oh! So you wanna join the league? That's exciting! I've been in the league for 13 years now. I remember when Klaus and I were brand new knights. Time really flies, doesn't it Klaus-chan!"
Klaus: "Hah, you're right Aubrey, time does fly when you're slaying monsters and having the time of your life."
-Being a knight in the league not only meant that you'd receive special training in order to become stronger, but it also meant that you'd be sent out on numerous expeditions and quests that usually involve slaying monsters or helping towns~
-Some of these quests could be dangerous though, so it's recommended to have a clear conscience before attempting to take on an advanced quest~
Aubrey: "So, Siegfried is it? Why do you want to be a knight?"
Siegfried: "Well, I feel that if I become an official knight, I can receive the proper training on how to slay monsters and become stronger, and ultimately reach my goal of defeating Hasher."
Aubrey: "-- --"
-Aubrey went silent. Similar to Jenny back in Formai, her aura changed, and she assumed an expression of discouragement. She looked at Siegfried, and then to Azure, and then to Klaus, and spoke~
Aubrey: "I'm going to put it to you bluntly, Siegfried. Hasher is damn near impossible to access at the moment. If your goal is to defeat Hasher, then I'm sorry to say that you're out of luck... he's been in hiding for the last 180 years behind a barrier that completely restricts the Province of Eldra from the rest of Provincia."
Siegfried: "Did you say a barrier? What's the deal with that?"
Aubrey: "Well, the province of Eldra was taken over by Hasher some 190 years ago at the start of the war. When the province was under his control he and the rest of his mages cast a great spell together that summoned a barrier around the entire Province..."
Aubrey: "Only those native to the land or those who are part of Hasher's cult can break through it. However, most of the natives have fled the province in fear of being killed by Hasher's Cult, so those who do live there, are mainly cultists..."
Klaus: "Well, hang on now Aubrey-san. You see, I believe Siegfried could get through that barrier... you remember Hiroshi right?"
Aubrey: "Yeah, it's incredibly unfortunate that he was killed while fighting Hasher... he seemed so promising too..."
Klaus: "Well, Aubrey, I believe that Siegfried, like Hiroshi, is another one of "those people" who are able to enter Eldra. He's shown all of the signs that the rest have shown."
-Aubrey looked at Siegfried one more time, analyzing his physical features. She put on a puzzled expression but quickly turned it into a look of realization. She raised her finger into the air and pointed at Siegfried~
Aubrey: "WAIT! You're not from here! You look nothing like the rest of us! I don't mean to sound rude, but I think I know what Klaus-chan is getting at. You remind me of Hiroshi!"
Klaus: "Indeed... if our suspicions are true, and Siegfried is indeed another one of "those people", then that means he should be able to enter the barrier, as he is not from here, so the barrier would have no effect on him..."
Siegfried: "I've also heard that there are others in this world like me who were summoned, and are still alive. Part of my mission is to find those people..."
-Aubrey returned to her normal cheerful self. She was excited to hear that another one of "those people" had arrived in Provincia~
Aubrey: "Dang, if I knew you were one of "those people" I would have totally cheered you on in your attempt to fight Hasher! Well, you're a one of a million, Siegfried-sama..."
Aubrey: "I highly recommend that you join the League of Knights. If you want, I can help you when we get back to Formai."
Siegfried: "I'd appreciate that, Aubrey. By the way, Klaus mentioned how there was a process to becoming a knight. I'd like to know more about that process."
Aubrey: "Well, I'm sure Klaus-chan here can explain everything to you better than I could. He's taken his job as a knight a bit more serious than I have in recent years, so he'd be a better resource than me."
Siegfried: "Well, Klaus did mention how you were ranked 8th in Provincia, so I'd assume you would be serious about your job."
Aubrey: "-tch! Klaus-chan!"
Klaus: "Siegfried, despite her giving little effort into her duties as a knight, she's still incredibly skilled, and barely needs to try to reach her goals. Don't underestimate her, I feel that one day she could surpass even me. She was ranked 2nd at one point."
Siegfried: "Understood. Anyway, Aubrey-sama, I'd love your and Klaus's help in making me a knight."
Aubrey: "Sounds good, Siegfried! I gotta get back to work now, I'm off in an hour, so after that, we can talk all you want about what it takes to be a knight! Enjoy your food guys!"
Klaus: "Thank you for the food Aubrey-san! It looks as delicious as always!"
Aubrey: "No problem, Klaus-chan!"
-Aubrey blew a kiss to Klaus before dancing her way back to the kitchen. The restaurant was filled with customers at this point, and Aubrey wasn't falling behind schedule. She was quickly and accurately taking orders, and serving food to everybody. She was a master at work~
Azure: "Well, you three sound like you have a solid plan in place. I overheard your conversation. Seigi-kun, I think becoming a knight sounds like a wonderful idea. Now then, let's dig in!"
-Azure, who had been silent up until this point, took a bite of her food. When she took that first bite, her entire face lit up. She dropped her fork, and stared at her plate, her eyes beaming. She blushed, and spoke~
Azure: "This is quite possibly one of the greatest things I've ever eaten in my entire life. Aubrey is a genius..."
Klaus: "Well, she's a lot of things. She's a skilled knight and a skilled chef! I don't doubt that her food is amazing, Azure-sama."
-Siegfried took a bite of his food, and had a similar reaction. He had never before eaten such a beautifully prepared entree before. He kept eating, and eating, and eating.
-Klaus took a bite of his food. "The Usual" for Klaus appeared to be Yakitori, except with Grook meat on skewers instead of chicken like how Siegfried knew it back on Earth. On the side, was a bowl of Udon. Klaus looked like he was thoroughly enjoying his food~
Azure: "And now, the best part..."
-Azure took a sip of Skime and winked at Siegfried. Siegfried sighed and chuckled. He sipped from his water, and winked back at Azure, who began to laugh, almost choking on her Skime~
Azure: "-Ack* Haha! Seigi-kun, don't mock me!"
Siegfried: "Well, if you promise not to get drunk, I won't make fun of you!"
Azure: "Hmm, I can't make any promises Siegfried!"
-The three of them were now comfortably enjoying their meals. Klaus remembered that he was in mid-thought before they began to eat. He decided to continue his thoughts~
Klaus: "Ah yes, that's right. There are a few steps to becoming a knight, Siegfried. Allow me to explain them to you."
Siegfried: "Oh yeah, go ahead!"
Klaus: "When you apply to become a knight, there are three parts to the test. A physical exam, a written exam, and an initiation process."
Klaus: "The physical exam will require you to run through an obstacle course, as well as demonstrate your skills with the sword through a set of duels, increasing in difficulty until you lose."
Klaus: "The written exam will gauge your decision-making skills, as well as mental fortitude. The questions aren't challenging, but they are important to gauge your abilities."
Klaus: "If you pass both exams, you will be admitted as an official knight, and be asked to go through the initiation process, which I cannot tell you about. You must figure it out on your own."
Siegfried: "Interesting... assuming I become a knight, how does the whole ranking system work? Do I just complete quests to level up like usual?"
Klaus: "Well, when you become a knight, you're given an initial Class, as well as Number Rank. The higher the class and number, the more skilled you are. Each class has its range of knights. When you reach the top 10 of any class, you can challenge yourself to be admitted into the next class by completing a quest of that specific level."
Klaus: "For example, if you're number 8 in class B, you can opt to take on a Class-A level quest, and if you succeed, you can be admitted into Class A, and so on. There are 4 classes. C, B, A, and S."
Siegfried: "I see. That's actually really cool. It gives people incentive to try hard, I'm getting pumped up already just hearing about it. Klaus, if you don't mind me asking, when you took the exam, where were you and Aubrey placed?"
Klaus: "Well, we both took the test at 14 years of age, so we were both quite young. When I took it, I was admitted to Class B, rank 27. Aubrey was Class B, rank 45."
-Despite being young, both Klaus and Aubrey placed highly following their initial exams. Considering where they ended up 13 years later, it was safe to assume that they knew what they were some of the strongest people in Provincia~
Siegfried: "How many knights are in each class as of now? I'm assuming there are a lot more knights than I think there are, I want to know who I'll be going up against when it comes to ranking up..."
Klaus: "Well, there are knights stationed all over Provincia. But, if you're talking about class ranges, Class C has around 1200, Class B has about 700, Class A has around 390, and Class S has only 30. There are around 2,300 knights in the league as of today. Class S is kept as 30 members only, as it is reserved for only the strongest of knights. Aubrey is 8th, and I am 1st."
Siegfried: "Wow. I feel honored to be recommended to the league by such high-ranking members. It humbles me, Klaus-sama..."
Klaus: "Well, I see great potential in you, Siegfried. That's why I'm willing to help you join this league. When I tapped into your conscious back in the Inn, I sensed no limit to your power... if you can fully realize your abilities, you could be unstoppable..."
Siegfried: "Well, that could also just be because of Camriel."
Klaus: "That's a very real possibility too, Siegfried. Regardless, the League would offer much knowledge to you. Perhaps Azure could also join! I'm sure she'd gain much knowledge from it too!"
-Azure, who had been stuffing her face full of food, jumped into the conversation. She had been drowning out Klaus and Siegfried, but listened in when she heard her name.
Azure: "Huh? Me, a knight? I mean, I don't think I have what it takes... I was just going to learn magic with Siegfried when we find Ivy."
Klaus: "That's understandable. Just realize that if you ever want to become a knight yourself, I'll help you out. Anyone has what it takes. Even the bottom of Class C are still knights!"
Azure: "I suppose..."
Klaus: "Anyway, let's finish our food, and head back to Formai. If we leave when we finish, we should arrive in Formai by 11:00 PM. You two can get some rest when we return, and then we can go to the Guild House whenever you feel like it, Siegfried-sama."
Siegfried: "Sounds good, Klaus. Thank you."
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