Aldrich stepped carefully over the bodies of countless monsters that littered the ground. This was the biggest monster attack that he'd seen happen so close to the city. His father had come to deal with it himself, leaving behind the rest of the Order. Usually this amount of monsters warranted a whole garrison of knights but it seems just he had been enough to all but wipe them out.
Aldrich put his hand to the hilt of his sword at his side. "But Captain-Commander or not, everyone needs back up."
This was the perfect opportunity to show his father that he was more than capable of becoming a knight, despite his... setbacks. He'd have to acknowledge him.
Aldrich spotted the man, Sir Alastair, in the distance surrounded by encroaching monsters. His father slashed away effortlessly at the lunging monsters, any monsters outside his line of sight were struck down by vines emerging from the ground. His father's Virtue.
Virtues were abilities certain people were able to obtain. A physical manifestation of one's soul it had been called. Not everyone could access such powers, but even the unvirtued had the ability to draw out a little of the latent energy of their souls. It still gave certain advantages such as above average strength and resilience. This way even those born without virtue could become knights, albeit just regular rank-and-file ones. His father was far from one of those, he was the captain-commander of the Order of the Rose. One of the nine holy orders of Yves.
His father's plant centered Virtue was cool and all, but if Aldrich had one of his own he would want it to be something cool... like controlling fire or something.
Aldrich was different even from the average citizen. Not only did he have no observable Virtue, but he was also completely unable to access any energy from his soul. This was almost completely unprecedented in the society. But it hadn't stopped him from trying his hardest to become a knight, even though his father did not approve.
In a few minutes Sir Alastair had cut down all of the monsters. Except one. Aldrich saw it, but his father hadn't. Sir Alastair's back was turned as he caught his breath.
Aldrich yelled as he ran, trying to warn his father. His father turned in surprise just as he slid to a stop right between him and the monster, his sword out of its sheath and in his hands. The monster resembled an overgrown dog, with misshapen features and an almost comically large jaw. A large, wide open jaw that was running right at him. Getting closer with every passing second.
He steeled his shaky hands and readied himself for the attack. The monster leapt faster than he had been expecting, its large mouth filled with teeth getting so close Aldrich could feel its hot breath. But then a strong hand pushed him backwards, causing him to stumble and fall. His sword fell to the ground beside him. He found himself staring at his father's back. Sir Alastair had stopped the monster, holding it back with his bare hands.
He glared at Aldrich over his shoulder. And then a few seconds later, countless thorns jutted out from the ground below skewering the beast midair. Alastair dropped its head and turned to face Aldrich, the glare still on his face.
"What are you doing here?!" Alastair demanded. "How did you even know about this."
Aldrich got off the ground quickly, dusting himself off and picking up his sword. "I was on my way into the city when I saw you leaving it. I thought you might need some help so I... followed you."
Alastair pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head in an exasperated manner. "How many times have I told you, the battlefield is no place for you."
"But-..." Aldrich began to protest.
"No buts." Alastair interrupted, his tone getting angrier by the second. "Go back home. Now."
Aldrich wanted to argue, but from the look on his father's face that probably would not be the best idea. So instead, he sheathed his sword and began to make his trek back to the de la Rossa estate.
"And put that armor and sword back where you found them!" Alastair yelled from behind him.
x
Aldrich never gave up on knighthood though, much to his father's exasperation. He had managed to persuade Sir Alastair into not only agreeing to make him his squire, but teaching him swordplay as well. His father had been putting it off, using Order business as an excuse. But sooner or later, he would have to give in. And in terms of squire work, so far he'd been more of an assistant than anything else.
Aldrich sat down on the edge of his bed, in his room in his family's home. Located a few miles outside the walls of the capital of Yves, the greatest kingdom in the known world. It was said anything was possible in Yves, no matter where you came from or what race you were. And what Aldrich wanted was to become a knight, even if his father didn't understand why.
He sighed as he reached under his pillow, bringing out a small leatherbound book. He gripped it tightly, lying down on his back. Soul energy or not, he could become a knight. He was sure of it.
It was a Royal Knight of Yves' sworn duty to eradicate the monsters that plagued the land and keep the citizens safe. That was what he wanted to do with his life.
He flipped open the book and began to read.