Kays Translations

Chapter 4- I have never doubted him.

The leaves of the trees lining the Imperial Capital Boulevard gradually fell, losing their autumn attire. After their experiences in summer, Ren and Licia were even more determined to dedicate themselves to training.

In Elendil, at the academy, and in the Lion Holy Santuary, day after day passed, giving rise to a certain change. In the training grounds deep within the Lion’s sanctuary, during a break, Ren wiped away his sweat and muttered,

"...It wasn't just a dream, after all."

It was an event that felt like a dream. However, it wasn't in a positive sense; it was a complex emotion. Yet, what happened inside the cage of time was real.

---

Ren Ashton

[Job] Ashton Family, Eldest Son

[Skills]

- Sword Summoning (Level 1: 0/0)

- Sword Summoning Magic (Level 6: 586/6500)

- Level 1: Able to summon [one] sword.

- Level 2: While the ring is summoned, gains the effect of [Small Increase in Physical Abilities].

- Level 3: Able to summon [two] swords.

- Level 4: While the ring is summoned, gains the effect of [Medium Increase in Physical Abilities].

- Level 5: Unlocks the evolution of the swords.

- Level 6: While the ring is summoned, gains the effect of [Large Increase in Physical Abilities].

- Level 7: Able to summon [three] swords.

- Level 8: ***********.

[Learned Swords]

- Sword of the Great Tree (Level 4: 1726/3500)

- Enables attacks of a nature magic (medium) level.

- The attack range expands with level increases.

- Mithril Sword (Level 4: 2151/6500)

- Sharpness increases with level increases.

- Thief's Sword (Level 1: 0/3)

- Randomly steals items from the target with a certain probability.

- Shield Sword (Level 2: 0/5)

- Erects a magical barrier. The effectiveness and range of the barrier increase with level increases.

- Flame Sword (Level 1: 1/1)

- Its inferno is the wrath of a dragon, an embodiment of power.

---

The battle against the Sword Demon is real. It's neither a lie nor an illusion.

The physical strength obtained at Level 6 boasted an unprecedented level of power compared to before, thanks to battles and training. Ren believes that this will be especially useful if he has another opportunity to fight.

Once he reaches Level 7, he will be able to summon three swords. He contemplated that since he only has two arms, he could summon the third sword and keep it sheathed. However, there is still a long way to go.

...There was also one more piece of information that couldn't be gleaned from the crystal of the bracelet.

He became aware of its existence after the battle in Rosas Caitas. It was the power gained from piercing through the Sword Demon's magic stone. For the first time, he obtained something separate from the magic swords—likely a combat technique... a new, powerful presence that Ren acquired as a concept.

I became aware of it after that battle.

As Ren was reflecting on those things...

"Taking a break?"

Suddenly, the Chief of the Lion Sanctuary, Estelle Osloes Drake, arrived at the training ground.

Ren averted his gaze from his wristband and looked at her.

"Welcome, Estelle-sama."

"Umu, you seem to be working hard in your training today. But..."

As she watched everyone's training, she suddenly muttered, "Hmm."

"Ren, I have something to discuss with you."

"Yes... huh!?"

Without any preamble, Ren was abruptly pulled and forcibly linked arms with Estelle, surprising him.

"Why are you doing this all of a sudden!?"

"Just be quiet and listen."

"O-Okay... but seriously, what's happening all of a sudden!?"

"Now, now, I'll explain properly, so calm down."

"...If you want me to calm down, then please use a more calm manner of addressing me."

"Oh, right, you're correct."

To the sighing Ren, Estelle, who was much taller than him, said...

"What’s with Licia?"

Today, Licia was also at the Lion Sanctuary, swinging her sword with Ren.

As Ren was caught off guard by Estelle, Licia, while swinging her sword, occasionally glanced at them out of the corner of her eye.

"What's wrong? What do you mean?"

"Licia hasn't been using Sacred Magic at all lately. Even though I allow the use of magic during training, why is she not using it?"

Ren knew the reason, but he couldn't answer truthfully, so he spoke evasively.

"She said she relies too much on Sacred Magic, neglecting her swordsmanship."

"Oh, I see! Well, that's good! Diligence is admirable!"

Ren felt relieved as his shoulder was released, and he sighed.

Licia finished her training with her sparring partner and approached them.

"Good day, Estelle-sama. So, um..."

"Don't worry, I'm not here to devour Ren."

"Oh, ahaha... Estelle-sama, what are you saying..."

"Is that not the case? You were concerned about him while swinging your sword. Although you won unilaterally, it would be dangerous to get injured. Be more careful next time."

"...You understand everything, don't you? I'm sorry. I'll be more careful from now on."

Licia made an embarrassed face and nodded.

Ren looked at his watch and said,

"Estelle-sama, we should go soon."

It was already getting late.

They had come for training after finishing their classes at the academy, so a considerable amount of time had passed.

Ren and Licia took a quick bath and left the Lion Sanctuary.

The warmth from the bath gradually eased away as they walked, carried by the seasonal breeze approaching winter.

Usually, they would just head to the station and return to Elendil.

They had to hurry home since it was already past 9 o'clock at night.

"Shall we take a little detour?"

However, Licia smiled weakly, her usual demeanor, but with a hint of fragility.

Ren glanced at Licia's expression and nodded without hesitation.

"Sure. Where do you want to go?"

"Just a short distance. I want to walk one station farther than usual."

This area was the government district, bustling even at night.

Not only civilians but also many knights on night duty could be seen, and there were many restaurants that catered to them.

Here, the sight of the two teenagers seemed a bit out of place.

"By the way, what were you talking to Estelle-sama about?"

It wasn't an inquiry driven by jealousy.

There was probably an expectation on her part that it would come to this.

"She asked about the matter of you not using Sacred Magic."

As expected, Licia chuckled wryly.

"So, she found out..."

"It's Estelle-sama, after all. I knew this would happen someday."

"...Yeah, I understand."

"I told her that you focused too much on Sacred Magic and neglected your swordsmanship. Just to be clear, it's not what I truly think."

"Hehe, I know. Thanks for considering me."

The scenery created by the stars floating in the autumn night sky seemed both different and the same as in summer.

A faint white breath escaped Licia's lips.

"I guess I'm still a little scared after all."

It was the fragile yet resolute smile that she showed only to Ren.

"Since then... every time I think about it, I don't want to use Sacred Magic if the same thing happens again."

The events during their battle with the Sword Demon, a demon who served as a general in the Demon King's army at Roses Caitas, always flashed through her mind.

Without Ren's voice to save her, she couldn't even imagine what would have happened since then.

That's why Licia hadn't used Sacred Magic once since that incident.

"I don't want to go through something like that again."

Ren, who listened to her fears, looked up at the night sky and exhaled a faint white breath, just like Licia.

"You'll be fine."

"—Ren?"

"I don't know the reason for the change in your body... but even if I can't understand why it happened, even if it might be seen as baseless confidence, I'll make it a firm belief."

The same gentle smile that had remained unchanged since long ago. Even if there might be moments where it is taken as unfounded confidence.

Ren turned it into unwavering confidence.

"I will definitely stop it. No matter how many times, absolutely."

"...Idiot."

There was both joy and worry.

"What if there's a second time, and I end up attacking you, Ren?"

When Licia regained consciousness from that mysterious state, it was as if the Magic Stone had listened to Ren’s command and obeyed— that's how she expressed it.

The same thing might never happen again, or it might happen.

Because there was no guarantee that there wouldn't be a second time, Licia was anxious.

"My power at that time was probably enough to easily defeat the Sword Demon, right?"

"That's true, but... even so, it's okay. I'm definitely stronger than you, Licia, so I will absolutely, absolutely find a way to handle it."

Licia blinked repeatedly, caught off guard.

Forgetting the previous anxiety just a little bit, she acted somewhat spoiled.

"Oh, is this another challenge for the newly grown me? I don't know, maybe I'll surpass you soon."

"Please rest assured. I'm doing my best not to let that happen."

"Hey, you said it!"

"I did. I want you to know that I'm serious."

With words that tried to be close to her, Ren seemed to have no other way.

The young swordsman, the wielder of the Magic Sword, enveloped the Pure White Saint.

"I will always stand before you, Licia. I'll be there, thinking that there's nothing to be afraid of, standing ahead of you."

"..."

"Can you believe what I say?"

Licia grasped the hem of Ren's coat and looked up at him.

"...Don't make me say it. It's quite embarrassing, you know...?"

From the night sky, snow began to fall.

Unlike the previous winters, the snowfall had started a little earlier than usual.

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