Not far outside the city of Ulster, the camp of the Knights of the Red Branch stretched across the rugged terrain.
The Order of the Red Branch derived its name from the vibrant red branches that adorned the trees near their encampment. For Kevin and Cu Chulainn, this area was far from unfamiliar.
Their childhood memories were intertwined with the junior group that once gathered near these woods—a space where underage trainees were honed into future warriors.
Kevin stood at the gate of the camp, dressed in light armor. The morning sun shone brightly, casting a soft glow over the land. He gazed at the clear, blue sky, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"It looks like today's a good day," he murmured.
"Just right for fighting, huh?" Cu Chulainn quipped beside him, his long blue hair swaying slightly in the breeze. His laughter was hearty, full of uncontained excitement.
Kevin had successfully completed the ten trials of a warrior, a feat that took him thirteen days. Despite the difficulty of these trials, they were, for him, more like leisurely strolls. Years of grueling training under Scathach had transformed him into a warrior who found such tasks mundane.
The real reason it took thirteen days? Kevin wanted to savor the journey. He was acutely aware that his reprieve was short-lived. The specter of Scathach loomed over him; she awaited his return to the Shadow Kingdom.
By comparison, Cu Chulainn, the mighty Son of Light, had needed fifteen days to complete the same trials. Kevin couldn't help but feel a quiet sense of pride at besting him.
Now, only one step remained for Kevin to officially become a member of the Red Branch Knights.
…..
At a table near the gate, a burly man sat, his boisterous laughter carrying across the camp.
"Look at that little guy beside Cu Chulainn. That must be Kevin," the man said, gesturing at the gate. His voice was loud, drawing the attention of others around him.
Connor, sitting nearby, turned his head slightly but didn't respond.
"What? I thought we were dealing with some kind of supernatural being!" the burly man, Bruel, continued, slamming his hand on the table. "But look at him—he's just a child!"
Before Connor could reply, someone nearby chimed in, "Bruel, shut up! You said the same thing about Cu Chulainn last time, and look what happened. You were the first to be knocked out!"
"Yeah," another knight added with a chuckle, "I heard that Kevin's the one who beat Cu Chulainn in the Colosseum!"
"What?" Bruel exclaimed, his indignation apparent. "I'm just calling it like I see it! Look at him—he's nothing like Cu Chulainn. That fierce dog looks like a real warrior, but Kevin? He's all skin and bones!"
There was an awkward silence as everyone exchanged glances. Even Connor struggled to find the right words.
Indeed, Kevin's appearance often misled people. Unlike Cu Chulainn, who exuded a warrior's aura with his well-defined muscles and bronzed skin, Kevin seemed delicate in comparison.
Though no longer the cherubic boy of his younger years, Kevin's lean frame and fair complexion were remnants of the divine fruit he had consumed for years. To outsiders, he didn't look like someone capable of defeating a seasoned warrior, let alone a hero like Cu Chulainn.
Bruel, oblivious to the growing tension, laughed louder. "If I hadn't been to the Colosseum myself, I'd think you were all exaggerating! This 'Son of Light' nonsense... ha! You might as well call him the Cute Warrior!"
….
"Cute Warrior?"
At that moment, Cu Chulainn strolled into the camp, casually wiping his hands on a cloth. Hearing Bruel's words, he smirked and called out, "Hey everyone, gather around! My brother Kevin's here. Don't hold back—give him the warmest welcome!"
Kevin shot him a sharp glare, but Cu Chulainn just shrugged, his grin widening.
The camp came alive as knights began to gather around. The so-called "welcome ceremony" for new members of the Red Branch Knights was less a formality and more an unspoken rule: fight to prove your worth.
Bruel, still laughing, grabbed a massive axe from beside his seat and marched up to Kevin.
"Alright, make way, make way. I'm first!" he declared, pointing the weapon at Kevin.
Cu Chulainn, already seated with Connor, leaned back and bit into a roasted pig trotter. "Are you going to fight him later?" Connor asked, watching the scene unfold.
Cu Chulainn shook his head. "Nah, I'll sit this one out. What about you?"
Connor smiled. "I think I'll pass too. Kevin's already proven himself. This is just for show."
…..
In the center of the camp, Kevin stood calmly, a long sword in hand. Bruel scowled at him. "Where's your spear?"
"It broke," Kevin replied, his tone indifferent. He glanced at the giant man and added, "Don't underestimate my swordsmanship. You should know my father gave me a magic sword."
Bruel hesitated, his expression darkening at the mention of Lugh, the Sun God.
Kevin smirked inwardly. You want me to use a spear? Dream on.
He wasn't about to make this easy for Bruel. If Kevin had brought out a spear, things might have escalated dangerously.
Bruel let out a growl and lunged forward with his axe. Kevin sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise.
The fight was over almost as quickly as it began. With a series of deft strikes, Kevin disarmed Bruel and sent him sprawling to the ground.
As Bruel lay groaning, Cu Chulainn burst into laughter. "I warned you, didn't I?"
Connor nodded in agreement. "He's earned his place, that's for sure."
Kevin, meanwhile, glanced down at Bruel and muttered under his breath, "Cute Warrior, huh? Let's see how cute you feel after this."
Though he said nothing aloud, Kevin couldn't help but feel frustrated. No matter how hard he trained or how many battles he won, his physique still drew skepticism.
It was the aftereffect of the divine fruit—a blessing and a curse. While it had bolstered his endurance and resilience, it had also kept his body lean and seemingly unimposing.
But Kevin didn't care. He was here, standing among the Red Branch Knights, not because of his appearance, but because of his strength.
And that was more than enough.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Go to my Patreon Account to read up to 30 Advance Chapters
patreon.com/Izanami_no_Mikoto