Status Window Chapter 21 : Vocational Experience at the Knight Order (2)

21. Vocational Experience at the Knight Order (2)

"Wow, it's so huge!"

"Massive!"

"There are so many knights!"

Entering the special district, the boys looked around with sparkling eyes.

This was the central district of the royal capital, a place called the Special District where knights directly subordinate to the kingdom gathered.

Just one step away from the bustle of the city, the atmosphere changed. The dignified, tense air, the overlapping sounds of metal, and even the way people passing by straightened their backs was different.

"Amazing... all the buildings are so orderly..."

I unconsciously held my breath. Stone buildings stood in orderly rows, each gate carved with the royal crest. The windows were polished, the flower beds along the street were well-maintained, and not a single weed could be found.

However, almost everyone coming and going amidst this pristine scenery was clad in armor.

Steel breastplates reflected the sunlight, dazzling like a field of mirrors.

Blue-silver armor, jet-black armor, navy blue light armor for formal wear trimmed with gold. Every time we passed someone, the smell of well-polished metal tickled my nose.

"Hey, look over there! There's a knight riding a horse!"

"It's true! Isn't that the Royal Guard!?"

"The flag has the royal crest... awesome!"

The boys were completely in a festival mood, moving their gazes left and right as they advanced. Then, we came out into a wide courtyard.

There, dozens of knights were training.

Those swinging swords while wearing heavy armor, those grappling with wooden swords, those holding spears and thrusting in time with commands. Shouts echoed, and the high-pitched sounds of sword clashing against sword rang out.

"Oooh... real knight training...!"

"Such intensity...!"

"So cool!"

The boys held their breath, watching with their mouths open. It's no wonder. Every movement was efficient, their posture beautiful. You could feel the pride and discipline even in their training.

Then, Gray-san approached a mature knight.

"Captain, I've brought them."

"Hmm, good work. Everyone, stop training! Fall in!"

A command was given. Hearing that voice, the knights immediately stopped their hands and hurriedly lined up. In a matter of tens of seconds, perfectly aligned knights appeared before us.

While we were moved by that movement, the person called Captain came before us.

"Welcome, everyone."

The person called Captain stood before us with a commanding presence.

Ash-silver hair, sharp eyes, and a cloak engraved with the crest of the Royal Capital Knight Order on his shoulder. Every piece of armor was well-maintained, and a blue emblem indicating the Second Division shone on his chest.

"I am the Captain of the Royal Capital Knight Order, Second Division. Today, I will be in charge of your vocational experience. Pleased to meet you."

A heavy, low voice resonated. Despite the intimidating air, there was a strange mixture of kindness. When we instinctively straightened our backs, the Captain nodded slowly.

"Let me say this first. This is where the swords of the kingdom gather. It is also a place where we sweat daily to protect the people and forge ourselves."

Saying that, he turned his gaze toward the training grounds. The aligned knights stood in perfect order, flags flapping in the wind.

"I will have you all experience our daily life. First—"

He sent a light signal to the adjutant behind him. The adjutant stepped forward holding a bundle of wooden swords.

"Using these wooden swords, you will experience basic stance and sparring training. Of course, we will guide you with full effort. We have no intention of injuring you, but be prepared."

"O-oooh...!"

"I've never held a sword properly before!"

"Isn't it fine! We get to be taught by real knights!?"

The boys buzzed, expressions showing a mix of nervousness and excitement. Seeing us like that, the Captain relaxed his mouth slightly.

"To grip a sword. That is to possess the resolve to protect oneself. Even if only for today, I want you to know that weight."

The adjutant handed out wooden swords one by one. They were heavier than expected, and the boys held them up with trembling arms.

"H-heavy...!"

"W-we're fighting with this..."

"Can I swing it?"

"Hmm. Even so, that is on the lighter side. Actual swords are heavier and sharper. Just learning the stance is difficult at first. But when you are in a position to protect something in the future, recall this sensation."

At those words, the boys nodded with shining eyes. The Captain nodded with satisfaction and clapped his hands lightly.

"Alright! Then, training start! Instructor knights, choose the children you will guide!"

With that command, the lined-up knights moved all at once. A disciplined movement like a running wave. Just watching it was breathtakingly beautiful.

Knights called out to various children and headed to the training grounds. Who would call out to me, I wondered?

As I waited absentmindedly, I felt a strong gaze. Turning to look, my eyes met with a single knight. She was standing quietly, gazing at me intently.

Her long silver hair was tied up high, her ponytail swaying behind her, glittering in the light. Sharp eyes, translucent white skin, and well-defined contours. She was like a knight stepped out of a painting.

Her armor was constructed slightly lighter than the standard equipment of the Royal Capital Knight Order, showing an emphasis on agile movement. The crest engraved on her chest indicated the blue Second Division. Yet, her way of wearing it had not only dignity but also a certain dignified beauty.

Looking at her face, a smile suddenly bloomed.

"—You."

She called out to me. A soft, yet firm voice. She was looking straight at me. The woman came straight to me, kneeled down, and lowered herself to my level.

"Is it alright if I am your partner?"

"Y-yes!"

When I answered, she smiled happily.

"I am Celis Ardia, of the Second Division. I will be in charge of your guidance in this training."