A Knight Who Eternally Regresses

After Encrid left, Rem, along with everyone else, was more diligent than they had been in a long time.

Instead of bothering passing soldiers, Rem spent more time swinging his axe alone. He was putting in some effort, continuously sweating.

Ragna was the same, as was Audin. Everyone except Jaxon was similar, Jaxon spent much more time outside the barracks, joining in only occasionally.

Thus, the duel, with lives hanging by a thread, continued. It was truly brutal.

“Damn.”

All the soldiers watching clicked their tongues. Seeing Rem, Ragna, Audin, and even the Fairy Company Commander fighting, the soldiers felt a sense of despair and hopelessness weighing on their shoulders.

Could anyone watching them bite down and resolve to catch up to that level?

“Are they crazy?”

Even Torres from the Border Guard frowned deeply.

“This isn’t just demoralizing.”

His complaint reflected the sentiment of the entire barracks. Could they really believe that they could achieve such skill by swinging their swords every day?

Even the Fairy Company Commander wasn’t falling behind.

“You’ve got some skill?”

Rem even remarked on it, but it was more than just some skill. If not for Will, one could believe he was at a semi-Knight level.

How could someone with such skills serve as a Company Commander?

There were even those who, with such skills, served as regular platoon members. So for the Fairy Company Commander, this was actually considered decent.

This chaos was the reason why the Battalion Commander had given them a separate training ground.

The Fairy Company Commander had actively suggested it.

“The atmosphere in the barracks seems to have deteriorated.”

After a simple report like that, the training ground was established almost immediately.

It was justified. The training fever that Encrid had sparked had since cooled.

It wasn’t easy to create such an environment, even if one tried, but a few intense duels had done it.

Such monsters existed in the world.

Thanks to these monsters, a sudden wave of depression swept through the barracks.

The one who used to laze around in his bed was now clearly different.

Ragna was a genius among geniuses.

How could he swing a sword so sharply from such a broken stance?

Torres even tried to secretly mimic the moves and ended up falling over.

It was truly an act that couldn’t be replicated just by watching.

And what about Rem?

Not only was his personality unpleasant, but his axe skills were equally formidable.

He swung his axes with force, alternating hands, and even the first blow seemed difficult to block.

And then there was the lump who blocked all of it.

“Brother, may you go to heaven!”

His words were gentle, but he constantly talked about killing. And it didn’t end there.

He wasn’t even falling behind when fighting barehanded. Sometimes he would wield a club, but his basic fighting style was with his bare hands.

Audin was a master of martial arts.

He had a record of snapping enemy soldiers’ necks like corn stalks and breaking them like twigs in previous battles.

“May you go to the Lord’s side!”

He was a terrifyingly skilled individual.

Following him was the silent, wide-eyed Jaxon, who was always swinging his sword.

Finally, the Fairy Company Commander rounded off the group.

Watching them drained the motivation from all the soldiers.

These were individuals who hadn’t been properly training, yet their talent was blinding. It was truly dazzling talent.

It was in this situation that Encrid returned.

During this time, Rem had honed his skills with life-and-death duels. For the first time in a long while, he swung his axe for a better tomorrow, to prepare for the next level.

Even before these life-risking duels, he was confident that he could take on a Semi-Knight like Asia, perhaps even kill them.

The technique known as Will, used by Semi-Knights, was ultimately a physical skill. At the very least, he wouldn’t be easily knocked out.

Even if a rare, highly skilled Semi-Knight were to come, while he might not win easily, he wouldn’t be sent to the grave with a single strike.

Rem had sharpened his senses. He had worked hard to improve his skills.

Ragna was the same. He had reached a level where the term ‘lazy’ no longer applied.

He would hold and swing his sword morning and evening, lost in thought—not sleeping, but truly meditating.

Yet, despite all this,

‘The synergy isn’t breaking?’

Rem was half-serious. If they went further, one of them would have to die. If it was just a spar, it should end here.

Yet,

‘A little more.’

Encrid’s sword fell from above, aiming for the crown of Rem’s head. As Rem swung his axe to block, the sword bent and came down.

This time it seemed like a predatory bird, diving down like a hawk targeting its prey.

The sword, swinging with sudden acceleration, threatened to slip out of Rem’s sight.

Barely catching the trace, he defended again.

Clang!

‘Damn it.’

Rem unknowingly smiled. When had he ever had such an experience while sparring with his Platoon leader?

Before, sure, it was enjoyable. But only just enjoyable, like dancing a pleasant dance.

And now?

Excitement and euphoria welled up together.

He wanted to feel it more.

‘Just a little more.’

The axe he swung to test his strength was gradually narrowing the gap.

From the warm-up sparring without risking lives, it moved to sparring with lives on the line.

A scratch.

In the gap between the crossed axes, a stab pierced through a small opening, grazing his cheek.

Just a scratch, barely a scratch.

But it wasn’t blocked. Rem’s lips twisted into a grotesque grin. He felt like he was going crazy with joy.

The excitement overpowered his mind, feeling as if something new was flowing out from every part of his body.

The Heart of Great Strength activated, heating his entire body.

His heart pounded, and he swung the axe fiercely.

It was a moment from a life-risking duel to a duel with everything on the line.

At that moment, Encrid’s eyes went blank, and his sword dropped to the ground like a cut string.

Rem was shocked.

‘Damn it!’

He had no time to retrieve his axe. He was on the verge of splitting his Platoon leader’s skull open.

A moment of desperation.

Bang!

A sword blocked the path of his axe, followed by two hands grabbing his muscular arm.

Finally, a thick hand grabbed his left wrist, which was about to move reflexively.

It was Ragna, Jaxon, and Audin in succession.

“Are you trying to kill him on sight?”

“Damn it, who was trying to kill anyone? I was going to stop cleanly and precisely. Why the hell did you interfere?”

It was a bluff, and they all knew it. Ragna, Audin, and Jaxon had all seen it.

Their Platoon leader had changed.

He had returned at a level they hadn’t anticipated or expected.

His sword strikes were confident and calculated, his strategic thinking sharp, and his physical coordination had improved. The changes in his reaction speed and athletic ability were also remarkable.

Jaxon immediately recognized what enabled these improvements.

‘The Sense of Evasion.’

He was quite pleased, especially with the fact that Encrid had mastered it so well.

Jaxon nodded in approval.

Ragna saw something different.

‘A refined sword technique.’

It wasn’t just his swordsmanship, the quality of his technique had changed. The way he wielded the sword and thought about it had evolved.

‘He combined his strengths with swordsmanship.’

He wasn’t just following instructions, he had learned swordsmanship with a deep understanding.

In just two months?

Even if the Frog had given it his all during their travels, could such progress be made?

Ragna knew better than anyone that their Platoon leader had changed and would continue to do so.

What Encrid needed was the talent to control his body, and now he had accumulated such skills.

Ragna’s observational skills were not bad.

But this time, only Audin had perfectly grasped the changes in Encrid’s body.

‘It brings a smile to my face, Brother Platoon leader.’

It was indeed a satisfying state of physical condition, the degree of training and the improved athletic abilities.

What lay at the foundation of all this?

The foundation that enabled him to learn the Sense of Evasion, the technique of that stray cat brother.

‘The Isolation Technique.’

Among monks who primarily focus on physical training, this was known as the Isolation Technique, derived from the monks’ physical training methods.

Encrid’s body had been shaped in such a manner.

‘It must have included regenerative abilities.’

The dramatic recovery ability was one of the reasons his body had been remade.

It was another gratifying moment.

Finally, Rem was utterly surprised.

‘When did he get to this level?’

It was surprising to realize just how far Encrid had come.

The madman who had initially requested a duel upon their first meeting had now become a skilled madman.

He had evolved into a truly exceptional madman.

Rem found this immensely enjoyable.

Did it matter how Encrid’s skills had improved?

‘No.’

It didn’t.

It seemed like it would be fun from now on.

The separate training ground they had been given wasn’t entirely enclosed.

The fence was full of gaps and barely reached an adult’s chest. It was just a boundary.

Beyond that boundary, some had been watching the duel.

Soldiers who had lost their motivation and spirit.

Among them was Vengeance.

‘Monstrous bastards.’

Rem and the rest of the Madmen Platoon were truly a group of monsters.

Seeing Encrid at the forefront of such a group, Vengeance couldn’t understand how he had come to be in that position.

Encrid had returned, and Vengeance saw him standing his ground against Rem.

He knew Encrid’s beginnings well, perhaps better because he had disliked him.

Encrid had been an unremarkable soldier, a lowest-tier soldier, as he was often called.

‘Old and talentless.’

But what about now?

He didn’t know what had changed in the duels, but he felt that the atmosphere was different, something he felt with his entire being.

Rem and Encrid, the Madmen Platoon around them, and Vengeance’s own feelings—everything was different.

Including the fact that Vengeance had once felt discouraged, but now realized that his extinguished spirit was like a campfire that had only temporarily gone out.

‘I can do this too.’

It was strange. When he looked at Rem, Ragna, or Audin, they felt like monsters, but when he looked at Encrid, he wanted to emulate his efforts.

He wanted to stand on the same level, to stand beside him.

Was it because he had seen Encrid’s efforts all this time? Or was it just a matter of feeling more familiar with him?

He didn’t know. Vengeance wasn’t burdened by such questions.

All that was left was a desire.

“Today is special training.”

“Yes!”

Vengeance’s platoon, who had been watching, responded in unison.

It wasn’t just Vengeance. All the soldiers felt the same way. The soldiers who had watched Encrid fight were filled with a renewed sense of determination.

The training fever that swept through the barracks the next day was perhaps inevitable.

Encrid had dueled with Rem on the day he returned.

“I think I pushed myself too hard. I’m still not completely used to it.”

The dazed eyes and weakened state were the result of overusing the Heart of Great Strength.

Well, Rem had gone all out, after all.

“Using it more will probably make you more accustomed to it, don’t you think?”

Despite his words, Rem was only half-convinced. Has anyone other than himself mastered it to this extent?

It seemed not, and beyond mere imitation, Encrid was the first to digest it to this degree.

The next day, he sparred with Ragna.

“Where did you learn your sword technique?”

“From a passing ghost.”

It wasn’t entirely untrue.

Afterwards, Jaxon rarely joined in the sparring.

Audin taught him a new joint lock.

Encrid was delighted to be surrounded by these companions as soon as he returned.

How enjoyable it was to wield a sword and train without rest.

How fortunate it was to be able to move forward for a new self.

Even if ‘today’ was not repeated, there was always something to be gained.

“Fiancée?”

The Fairy Company Commander had come as well, and naturally, a duel followed.

Only then did Encrid realize that the Company Commander was as skilled with a sword as Rem.

“Now that we hold the same rank, when will you set the date?”

He wondered when the Fairy would stop with her jokes.

Not that he intended to say anything, there was no reason to.

It had become part of everyday life now.

Esther, who had been sleeping for two days straight, now only came around once every two days.

Krais had managed to sell some ancient coins he had recently acquired for a good price. Additionally, he sold some weapons at a high price in a pioneer village. Because of these transactions, the group was quite well-off.

During a break in the dueling, Encrid visited the blacksmith.

“Broken? And the armor?”

The armor was torn and dented on the outside, with many broken chain links inside. In short, it was seriously damaged.

His sword was broken. It was damaged beyond repair. He still brought it, hoping it could be melted down and reused.

“Two of them?”

“It just happened.”

He had killed hundreds of gnolls, and it was fortunate it had ended with just this.

“Do you have any chainmail left?”

Encrid asked. The blacksmith sighed and nodded.

“Not right now, but I can make one. We recently received some good iron.”

Encrid nodded and handed over the sword.

It was a so-called demon sword.

“Could you sharpen this?”

The blacksmith examined the sword and spoke.

“This doesn’t seem like an ordinary item. Just the blade?”

“No. Also, replace the pommel and the handle, and the balance seems slightly off.”

The blacksmith nodded. The blade itself was excellent, but the fittings were a mess.

“We got some good deer leather in. I’ll wrap the handle with it.”

He agreed to do the work. Encrid nodded, paid an appropriate amount, and left. He stopped by a jerky shop, ate a few pieces, and soon it was evening.

“Aren’t you going to eat more?”

“It’s time to go.”

Encrid couldn’t ask the blacksmith for a new sword, so he planned to buy one from a passing merchant.

It felt odd to be unarmed.

Encrid felt a void at his waist. Despite having a shortsword, a guard sword, and a knife, he felt empty.

‘The weather is nice.’

However, the city’s atmosphere was not. After asking a few passing merchants, he quickly got an answer.

“There’s a rumor that a band of thieves is targeting the city, and there’s talk of monsters gathering from the south. Plus, they say a messenger came from an eastern city, making some threats.”

Border Guard is a military city, specifically bordering the Kingdom of Aspen.

A band of thieves targeting such a place? It would be impossible unless they were well-organized.

Still, there were always crazy bandits. They had caused problems even during conflicts with Aspen.

The monster issue was always present.

The east? The city of swords was in the east. It wasn’t uncommon for them to cause trouble.

However, rumors like this could be problematic.

There’s a saying that when ominous rumors spread, crime increases and supplies decrease.

Citizens stay indoors, and merchants from outside are less likely to visit.

The Border Guard had previously sent out troops when monsters increased too much.

Encrid had been involved in one of those missions.

It was when he had slain a harpy. It had been quite a satisfying experience.

Even though there were grim rumors, there were no official orders from above.

‘They’ll handle it.’

Commanders have their responsibilities.

He had been appointed as a Company Commander, but it was still unofficial.

It was said to be a unilateral decision by the Battalion Commander.

And the nobles behind it.

It seemed like this city was full of those snake-like individuals who acted as if blue blood flowed through their veins.

Though he didn’t like it, he couldn’t just go around stabbing them all.

‘I’m not Rem, after all.’

Of course, it was an impossible thing to do.

When Encrid returned to the barracks, he saw Rem.

‘Yeah, I can’t live like him.’

“Your eyes look strange.”

Rem said.

Rem was as perceptive as Krais, especially when it came to sensing when someone was talking about him behind his back.

“Have you been badmouthing me? Walking around the market? Or were you cursing me silently?”

Sometimes, Rem’s sharp perception made Encrid think he wasn’t ordinary.

Encrid acted according to his principles. If a lie could make someone feel better, it could be considered a white lie.

“No.”

He said, shaking his head.

“Then why do I feel bad?”

‘That’s because your personality is twisted.’ he thought.

“Are you cursing me again?”

“No.”

This place, filled with sharp perception and white lies, felt like home to Encrid now.

The Battalion Commander had said it would be nice if he loved the city. Though it might not be an ardent love, he genuinely didn’t dislike it.

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