A Knight Who Eternally Regresses

"You're staying at Border Guard, right?"

At Kraiss's question, Enkrid nodded.

"I figured as much and made some preparations, but if you need anything else, just let me know. My utmost loyalty!"

Ever since seeing both the general and the treasure, Kraiss's eyes had gleamed like gold coins, and he had started spitting out the word loyalty in every other sentence.

Enkrid didn't hold it against him. No matter what anyone said, the man got his job done properly.

His lodgings had changed. They were larger now, with more rooms, and a new training ground had been built in front.

The Mad Platoon had always had a designated training area, but this time, the difference was fundamental.

Smooth, evenly laid stone covered the vast grounds.

To one side, neatly planted trees bore green leaves heavy with morning dew.

The sun was starting to rise.

It was summer, the season when dawn came early.

Trees, flowers, the rising sun.

Enkrid watched the leaves sway in the wind and drew his sword.

Then, as usual, he repeated his daily training.

There were no sparring sessions planned for today.

"Let's have a go when my axes are finished," Rem muttered through clenched teeth.

"My greatsword isn't ready yet," Ragna added, furrowing his brows.

"Are you seriously going to stab and cut with that thing, General Brother?"

Even Audin subtly declined.

"I'm not doing it," Dunbakel said flatly.

"I just got a new shield," Teresa chimed in, shaking her head.

"My ankle grew back, sure, but even if I had three, it wouldn't be enough to fight you now."

Lua Gharne, another potential opponent, dismissed the idea.

Sinar was nowhere to be seen.

"I'm not ready yet."

Even Bell, when called upon, shook his head, adding that he still couldn't win.

He didn't seem eager to fight.

Enkrid felt a pang of disappointment.

After all, the only thing he had done was test Acker, the legendary sword he had newly acquired.

During that test, he had split Rem’s axe head and cut Ragna’s borrowed blade in half, but that couldn't be helped.

A new sword demanded testing.

"Don't you think that's a bit unfair?" Rem grumbled.

Enkrid calmly replied, "Properly equipping oneself is also a skill."

"The king just handed it to you— Never mind."

Rem gave up on arguing. He figured using sorcery one more time would be less exhausting than trying to out-talk Enkrid.

"Come at me, western savage barbarian," Enkrid teased.

He mocked Rem a few more times, but Rem, having learned his lesson, simply closed his ears and ignored him.

Enkrid soon cleared his mind and focused on his training.

Slash, thrust, cut.

The sword moved, raising gusts of wind, rustling the leaves.

"Everything visible holds something to learn."