As I stepped into the training facility beyond the grand door, I was met with a stark change in atmosphere. The bustling noise of the guild hall faded into the background, replaced by the sound of clashing weapons and the grunts of those engaged in rigorous training. It was a place where sweat, determination, and the pursuit of excellence hung thick in the air.
Atnas guided me through the facility, introducing me to some of the trainers and knights-in-training. Most of them offered friendly nods and welcoming smiles, eager to see a new face among their ranks. However, not everyone shared that sentiment.
In the midst of a sparring ring, I caught the attention of a young man who exuded an air of arrogance and entitlement. He was of a similar age to me, with a chiseled physique and a sneer that seemed permanently etched onto his face. His eyes narrowed as he appraised me, his lip curling in a contemptuous manner.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" he said in a mocking tone. "A newcomer, huh? You must be one of Atnas's pet projects, or else you wouldn't be here."
I felt a surge of irritation at his condescending attitude towards sir Atnas but chose to remain composed. sir Atnas had brought me here for a reason, and I wasn't about to let this young man's arrogance deter me.
Atnas stepped forward, his presence commanding respect. "This is Eidos," he said firmly. "He's here to train, just like the rest of you. Show him the same courtesy you'd expect in return."
The rude young man scoffed dismissively. "Fine, fine. But don't expect any special treatment from me. You'll have to prove yourself here, just like everyone else."
I nodded in acknowledgment, determined to rise above his hostility and earn my place within the training facility.
Atnas then looked at one of the guards, saying, "Call Raiza to my office."
The guard bows as he says, "Right away, master," and walks away.
**
Atnas led me through the bustling training facility, past rows of dedicated trainees honing their skills, and into a quieter, more secluded area of the guild hall. We ascended a flight of stairs and arrived at a wooden door adorned with a brass plaque that read "Atnas's Office." He pushed the door open, revealing a cozy yet well-organized room filled with bookshelves, scrolls, and various artifacts.
"Please, have a seat," Atnas gestured towards a pair of plush chairs in front of his desk. I complied, taking in the comfortable atmosphere of the room. It was a stark contrast to the intensity of the training facility below.
As Atnas settled into his own chair behind the desk, he began sifting through some paperwork. "Now, Eidos, why don't you tell me all your experience coming into this town as we wait?"
I nodded, eager to make progress on this new chapter of my journey. I feel like since he already knows my real identity and is really powerful, it would be stupid to make up a story and lie to his face. That's why I told him everything, aside from one thing. the goddess of death, Bladrayne
While I tell my story, I couldn't help but notice the wall behind Atnas's desk. It was adorned with a series of framed pictures, and my curiosity got the best of me.
"What are these pictures?" I asked, my gaze fixed on the images of gallant individuals.
Atnas followed my line of sight and smiled fondly. "Ah, those are the 'Jolly Knights,' as they were known back in the day. They were a group of formidable knights who served this city with honor and distinction. Each one of them had a unique and remarkable skill that made them legends in their own right."
I couldn't tear my eyes away from the pictures. The Jolly Knights looked like a group of true heroes, and their camaraderie and bravery were palpable even in the still images.
"None of them were players," Atnas continued, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "They were ordinary humans who rose to extraordinary heights through sheer dedication and unwavering spirit. They set the standard for what it means to be a knight in this city."
I felt a surge of admiration for these individuals who had achieved such greatness without the advantages of being players. It was a reminder that strength came in many forms.
As I completed the paperwork and handed it back to Atnas, I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. My journey had taken an unexpected turn, but I was ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead, just like the Jolly Knights before me.
As I continued to gaze at the pictures lining Atnas's office, my heart swelled with a mixture of nostalgia, pride, and sorrow. The images of the Jolly Knights, the protectors of this massive city on the Euquator, told stories of valor and selflessness. And among them, there was one face I knew all too well – that of Sir Edgar.
The memories flooded back, transporting me to the days when I was just a child, sitting wide-eyed and eager as Sir Edgar regaled me with tales of the outside world. His stories had been my window to a realm beyond our small town, a world teeming with wonders and dangers alike.
Atnas noticed my gaze and the solemnity that had settled over me. "Ah, you recognize him, do you?" he asked, his voice soft and understanding.
Atnas's voice brought me back to the present, his words carrying the weight of respect and admiration for Hplodur, the name Sir Edgar had taken upon joining the Jolly Knights. It was a name synonymous with strength, honor, and unwavering dedication.
I nodded, a mix of emotions welling up inside me. "He was the strongest guard in my town, the one who always told me stories about the world beyond. To see him among the Jolly Knights… it's both surprising and comforting."
Atnas offered a reassuring smile. "Hplodur was an exceptional knight, even among the Jolly Knights. He embodied their spirit of selflessness and dedication to protecting this city and its people. It's no wonder that his legacy lives on."
"Edgar, the youngest among the elder generation of Jolly knights, stood as our strongest pillar. In the face of our town's resource constraints, he wholeheartedly dedicated himself to defending the remote eastern reaches, a responsibility he shared with three other steadfast companions."
I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride that someone from my humble beginnings had achieved such recognition and honor. It served as a reminder that greatness could emerge from even the most unlikely of places.
At the same time my heart heavy with a sense of loss and longing. "Hplodur… Sir Edgar was like a beacon of hope for our town, the one who always believed in protecting even the farthest reaches, despite our limited resources."
"Eidos, my boy, would you mind sharing with this old man how Edgar met his end?"
Atnas's visage was heavy with sorrow.
"He died with honor, sir."
"I see," he replied, a bittersweet smile gracing his lips.
.....I lied