Chapter 22 - I see

Gitt had never been a believer in the existence of prodigies in this world. He was even more skeptical about the idea that someone could pick up a sword for the first time and master his years of refined swordsmanship in a single afternoon. However, on this day, as he gazed upon Chen Chi, whose face was filled with sincerity and wore an ever-present bright smile, he was compelled to accept this astonishing reality. The Chen Chi before him was an authentic genius. In a remarkably short span of time, merely an afternoon, he had achieved a remarkable transformation. Standing there, Gitt observed it with crystal clarity. Initially, Chen Chi's movements were somewhat clumsy and stiff, but as time progressed, they became increasingly astounding. When that particular brand of swordsmanship was unfurled, even Gitt, a battle-hardened veteran of many years, couldn't help but experience a tinge of trepidation. Even those elite warriors who had spent their entire lives on the battlefield, engaged in combat for numerous years, might not have exhibited such prowess. There was no question that he was a genuine talent. "Thank you for your earnest instruction." Before he knew it, the teaching session had drawn to a close. Chen Chi sheathed his longsword and looked at Gitt, expressing his gratitude with genuine sincerity. "There's no need for such formality." Facing Chen Chi, Gitt seemed a trifle reserved. He simply waved his hand in response. "Sir, your aptitude is the finest I've ever encountered," he said, looking at Chen Chi and bestowing upon him a highly complimentary appraisal. "If you were to take to the battlefield, you would undoubtedly be an elite warrior of the highest caliber." "Thank you for your kind words." Chen Chi merely smiled in response, taking the praise in stride without a hint of conceit. "The hour is growing late," he remarked, glancing at the sky and smiling. "Allow me to escort you home." After an entire afternoon of training, the sky had darkened considerably outside. The surrounding atmosphere was tinged with a sense of gloom. As an outsider, Gitt's residence was not located within the manor. He had a considerable distance to travel. The roads in this world were far from safe. If he returned too late, there was a distinct possibility of encountering ferocious beasts. Given Gitt's current condition, it could prove perilous. "Please don't trouble yourself..." Gitt instinctively attempted to decline, hesitant to impose upon Chen Chi. However, before he could complete his sentence, Chen Chi grasped his hand. "Don't stand on ceremony with me," Chen Chi said with a smile. "I happen to have an errand to run. This is merely a convenient detour." With those words, he left Gitt no opportunity to refuse. Subsequently, they exited and proceeded along the main road. Coincidentally, a group of people had assembled and were engaged in training in that area. Ormando's imposing and burly figure stood at the center of the scene. At that moment, his countenance was stern as he continued his lecture. Gitt couldn't resist looking back. There were numerous acquaintances among the group, all former comrades from his days in the guard team, and some were even erstwhile subordinates. As he beheld those individuals, a mixture of nostalgia and sadness flickered in his eyes. Chen Chi patted him gently on the shoulder, offering silent comfort. This scene was witnessed by the guards in training. At that moment, many of them were visibly impressed. Regardless of time or place, those who show kindness and concern for the less fortunate invariably elicit a favorable impression. Especially considering Gitt's unique circumstances. As a former captain of the guard team, his present situation could well be the fate that awaited many of those present. Thus, their reaction was more pronounced. Consequently, seeing Gitt treated with such respect, they couldn't help but be favorably disposed towards Chen Chi. Seemingly aware of their reactions, Chen Chi maintained a constant smile, comporting himself with effortless grace and poise. Paired with his refined appearance and handsome features, he effortlessly endeared himself to others. As Chen Chi drew nearer, Ormando also caught sight of them. Initially, he was rather solemn, but upon noticing Gitt and his empty left sleeve, his expression relaxed slightly, revealing a trace of disdain. He refrained from speaking further. It appeared that he had no intention of approaching to offer greetings. Observing Ormando's demeanor, Chen Chi smiled, paused briefly in thought, and then summoned an individual, continuing, "Training in such sweltering weather is rather arduous. "Send someone to prepare some hot soup to help these hard-training fighters alleviate their fatigue." Chen Chi smiled as he issued the instructions. The attendant promptly departed, and Chen Chi then assisted Gitt into the carriage. Thereafter ensued a relatively long journey. The road was extremely bumpy throughout. Although the overall distance was not overly short, the current stretch of the road was particularly treacherous. The carriage's shock absorption was far from satisfactory, and the surrounding roads were narrow and difficult to navigate. It could scarcely be called more than a rudimentary path. Seated in the carriage, Chen Chi could distinctly feel the vibrations and the accompanying discomfort. Gitt, on the other hand, fared relatively better. After all, regardless of the circumstances, sitting was undeniably more comfortable than walking. Particularly at this time, traversing the roads on foot was a highly hazardous endeavor. Moreover, he was not left bored. Inside the carriage, Chen Chi continuously posed questions to him, inquiring about various related matters. Gitt was a veteran with a long tenure of service under Baron Kesen. This not only signified that he possessed extensive experience and a wide network of connections but also that he had a comprehensive understanding of many affairs. It was of great benefit to Chen Chi in his quest to familiarize himself with the surrounding circumstances. Under Gitt's patient elucidation, gradually, Chen Chi acquired a certain degree of knowledge about the situation. Baron Kesen's territory was not overly expansive, yet the population within was not insignificant. Roughly estimated, it numbered around ten thousand individuals. Naturally, these ten thousand people were dispersed across several settlements and were often widely scattered rather than concentrated in a single location. Under Baron Kesen's command, there was a guard force of approximately two hundred men. These guards were assembled and funded by Baron Kesen himself and were fundamentally different from the militiamen recruited on a temporary basis. In the event of a battle, with these two hundred guards serving as the core and supplemented by the summoned militiamen, a force of over a thousand could be mustered. Upon hearing this, Chen Chi fell into a contemplative state and then proceeded to ask, "I once heard that genuine knights often possess formidable strength and can single-handedly rival an entire army. "Is this truly the case?" "Well..." Gitt was momentarily taken aback. It seemed he had not anticipated Chen Chi's query. Nevertheless, he promptly furnished a response. "There is indeed such a legend," he nodded and said. "I have also heard of such a claim. "However, thus far, I have yet to encounter such an individual." His answer divulged certain information. Namely, in this particular region, the presence of knights was likely not overly common, or perhaps, relatively scarce. This situation was not entirely unexpected. During his first simulation, as a mercenary, Chen Chi had roamed far and wide, engaging in battles across numerous locations. In the course of his travels, he had discovered that some remote areas lacked genuine knights and nobles with legitimate knightly lineages. And at present, the area in which he found himself this time was evidently one such relatively backward region.