clop! clop! clop!
The rhythmic sound of horse hooves echoed gently against the dry, grassy road. Inside one of the wagons sat a small party: Erica, Pyra, Haluti, and Clay.
They were part of the Eastern Duke's expedition, heading toward the ancient ruins in the southeastern region.
"Hehehe~"
A soft giggle escaped from one corner of the wagon.
Haluti sat cross-legged, eyes sparkling as she read a novel. The cover featured a handsome knight lifting a noble lady from a puddle, petals swirling around a majestic castle.
"Hey, what are you laughing at…?" asked Clay from the opposite bench, brows furrowed in curiosity.
"Oh, nothing~ It's just a really popular novel from the northeast. It's called Warrior and a Little Bird," Haluti replied, eyes still locked on the page.
Pyra, leaning gracefully with her arms folded, glanced at the book. Her eyes narrowed as she recognized the illustration and the tiny title at the bottom.
Wait… Isn't that…?!
She turned to the window, feigning disinterest—though her heart pounded with panic.
It was a semi-adult romance-fantasy illustrated novel she had secretly bought.
She had only read the first few chapters—and hadn't gotten to the juicy parts yet.
"If it's good, lend it to me later," Clay said suddenly.
"Hehehe~ Of course, once I'm done~" Haluti replied cheerfully.
Pyra gave her a nervous side glance.
Please don't spoiler the plot… I haven't reached that part yet!
"Haluti... isn't that book kinda adult?" asked Erica, now intrigued.
Haluti scoffed lightly.
"Pft! It's not just some cheap smut, okay? It's about a loyal warrior who swears to protect a noblewoman—his master. They love each other, but she's forced to marry a cruel nobleman for political reasons."
Clay and Erica began listening more intently.
"The warrior tries to save her—he sneaks into noble parties, fights off guards, and trains in secret to challenge the evil fiancé to a formal duel!"
She lifted her finger like she was giving a lecture.
"The illustrations just… get misunderstood. There's one where the noble lady is bathing with only a towel, and another with the warrior shirtless, sweating and training… y'know. Detailed."
"…"
Pyra turned back to the window, lips twitching.
Oh gods… I haven't reached that part either…
"Heh. Sounds deeper than I expected," Clay admitted, nodding slowly.
"Of course! I wouldn't read it if it was just about fan service!" Haluti puffed out her chest, proud.
Erica smiled faintly. Pyra stared at the wagon ceiling, sighing internally.
I need to finish that book before they give spoiler any more of it…
As their conversation continued, Erica turned toward the window, sighing softly.
『System.』
She called it silently.
A transparent blue panel shimmered into view, black text floating as if projected from the air.
[System]
Name: Erica
Age: 17
Gender: Female
Lv: 35
Tier: 3
Job: Mage – Summoner
Skills:
Basic: Ignite, Fireball, Firebolt
Expert: Flame Burst, ???
Master: ???
Summoner Contract:
Mythical Beast: Ignis Aether (Phoenix)
Status: Normal
'So, I've finally reached Tier 3…'
Erica scanned her status panel carefully.
If this really followed the game's logic, she would need to hit level 46 to reach Tier 4—a long journey ahead. But at least now, she wasn't alone.
She glanced at her companions one by one, then whispered a command in her mind.
[System]
Name: Pyra Heliosta
Age: 23
Lv: 50
Tier: 4
Job: Mage – Elemental Sorcerer
Condition: Normal
[System]
Name: Haluti
Age: 17
Lv: 17
Tier: 2
Job: Mage
Condition: Normal
[System]
Name: Clay
Age: 17
Lv: 31
Tier: 3
Job: Mage – Enchanter
Condition: Normal
"Not bad…" Erica murmured.
Their strength balance was solid. With this team, they stood a good chance inside the ruins.
'To unlock a second job, you need to be at least level 31 and visit a Magic Tower. But… that costs a fortune.'
Not all Tier 3 Mages took a second job—some continued as generalists. But those who did often became significantly stronger, with specialized spells and techniques.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Suddenly, Erica felt a light headache.
She groaned softly, touching her temple. Overusing the system could strain her mind.
"Ow…" she winced.
"Erichin? Are you okay? Travel sickness?" Haluti asked worriedly.
"I'm fine… just sleepy," Erica lied.
"If you need a potion, I've got something for motion sickness," Clay offered.
"No, thanks," she waved him off gently.
After a deep breath, she turned to Pyra.
"Oh right, Pyra. You said we're working with the Eastern Duke's family, right? Which family exactly?"
Pyra looked at her.
"Not the main family—just a branch noble house under the Eastern Duke's authority. One of their loyal supporters."
Erica nodded slowly.
Then Pyra added, arms crossed,
"If I recall, the name was Vance. They're a major merchant family from the East. Their trade routes span the entire kingdom."
"…What?"
Erica froze.
'Vance…? Wait—Elara Vance?!'
In the original game story, Elara was one of the main female antagonists. She was Ragnar's childhood friend.
Their bond was strong—merchants and mercenaries often formed close ties. Elara frequently traveled with her father, which led to many encounters with Ragnar in their youth.
Though their relationship was like cat and dog, it was still… meaningful.
But everything changed once they enrolled in the Academy.
Ragnar fell for the protagonist.
Elara, consumed by jealousy, became a bitter rival—and a dangerous obstacle.
She was cunning, proud, and utterly relentless.
'Seriously…? We haven't even reached the Academy arc and she's already here…?'
Erica clutched her head as the ache returned.
"Erichin…? You okay? Are you gonna faint?" Haluti leaned in.
"I'm fine… just gonna nap here…" Erica muttered, lying her head on Haluti's lap.
"Hang in there, Eri. If we find some rare artifacts in the ruins, you won't have to worry about tuition anymore," Pyra said with a calm, confident smile.
'No, the problem just got way worse…' Erica thought as she closed her eyes.
____
Boom. Boom. Boom.
Thundering footsteps shook the dusty training ground.
A hulking orc—nearly two meters tall—roared and charged, wielding a giant club.
Facing him, Ragnar stood firm. Twin blades glinted in his hands.
"Don't rush," Sir Alvarez's calm voice echoed from behind.
"A true Knight fights with honor—and clarity."
Wham!
The orc's club slammed the ground. Ragnar dodged, striking low.
First, a slash to the wrist. Then a crosscut to the shoulder.
The orc roared, swinging back.
Ragnar ducked, leapt, and cut diagonally across the beast's gut—
A deep wound, but not fatal.
"Good," Alvarez said. "But your strike was shallow. Pain prolongs suffering. Finish cleanly."
Ragnar nodded.
He twisted, dodged one final strike, and drove both blades into the orc's chest.
The beast groaned—then fell still.
Alvarez approached, red cloak billowing.
"Not bad. But… if it were me, that orc would've been cleaved in half with a single blow."
"Stop comparing us," Ragnar muttered, frowning.
Still… he knew Alvarez was right. The gap between them was vast.
That's why he had begged for guidance.
And Alvarez—honoring the Knight's Code—had accepted.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Applause echoed from the treeline.
Click. Click. Click.
Heeled boots tapped against stone.
From behind tall bushes emerged a stunning woman.
Long, flowing chestnut-red hair.
Sharp crimson eyes, like a curious cat studying prey.
Her posture oozed confidence and elegance.
She wore a noble's maroon gown embroidered with gold.
A long slit ran up her leg, revealing sleek black stockings hugging her flawless white thigh.
She stopped, one hand on her hip.
Ragnar turned—his expression unreadable.
"…Elara Vance."