Sir Hero, It’s Time to Train!

Christian sat at the table, sipping fruit juice from a cup, and briefly explained to Liber what had happened at the Viscount Miles Household.

As Christian’s explanation progressed, Liber’s expression changed dramatically, and when the story concluded, he was left in shock.

“You defeated Riley?! Made him foam at the mouth and faint?!”

“It wasn’t me; it was Aira. But why is that surprising?”

“…….”

Why indeed…?

To Liber, Riley had been someone with the talent and family connections that made him untouchable during their academy days. Riley was someone Liber aspired to surpass.

The notion that someone had thoroughly bested Riley surprised Liber and left him feeling somewhat bitter.

“Well, I suppose if it’s Aira, it makes sense.”

Liber knew of Aira’s abilities, so he accepted the fact. Yet, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of frustration.

This frustration stemmed from his own inadequacies and, perhaps in a fleeting moment, a pang of envy toward Aira.

Picking up on Liber’s reaction, Christian chuckled and spoke reassuringly.

“No need to put yourself down. From what I saw of Riley’s skills, elder brother Liber would overtake him in no time.”

“I’m fine without the consolation. I haven’t even fully grasped the wave yet. I’m not catching up anytime soon.”

“I’m not consoling you; it’s the truth.”

“…….”

Christian’s earnest gaze struck Liber, causing him a moment of surprise.

“I’ll make sure you do, so don’t worry.”

“Yes, well… I’ll try my best.”

Christian’s offer was appreciated, though it sent a shiver down Liber’s spine, reminiscent of his intense training with Christian and Aira on their journey to the capital.

“By the way, I heard elder brother attended an academy or something?”

“Yes, I did. But why do you ask?”

“That Riley guy, what level was he at during the academy?”

“Let me think… Even among seniors, he was top-tier. Among peers, definitely in the top five.”

“Hmm, I see…”

“But why does that matter?”

Given that Count Worden Household never sent their children to the academy in the capital, Christian’s interest seemed peculiar to Liber.

Yet Christian’s curiosity wasn’t about ‘enjoying academy life’ as Liber presumed.

“It seems today’s youth aren’t up to par. I mean, if that guy was top five among peers? Tsk. Do they not put in effort these days?”

With a sigh, Christian’s comment elicited an awkward smile from Liber, yet Christian had his reasons.

‘The skill gap between kids these days and those I knew is severe.’

In his past life, at Riley’s age, there were individuals who had unlocked Ether Weapons, and many who engaged in direct duels with demon beasts.

Of course, the special circumstances of war, the will to survive, and the united mission of slaying dragons had shaped that era.

‘Yet now they’re only at the level of applying wave techniques…’

Knowing the threats looming in the future, Christian couldn’t help but sigh.

Whether knowing Christian’s concerns or simply stung by being labeled part of a pathetic generation, Liber attempted to justify things.

“Well, there were many even greater than Riley, you know. He was top-tier even among the seniors.”

“Sounds like child’s play. Today I could see other students were likely no different.”

“N-no, perhaps you don’t realize, but there were seniors in their second year who had already practiced with Ether Weapons.”

“Really? Ether Weapons?”

“Yes, the grandson of our Rondel Kingdom’s pride, duke Euclid, was our senior. He’s quite famous as Postinger Euclid…”

“Postinger Euclid?”

Christian, initially dismissive, suddenly seemed to recall something, his eyes sparkling as he inquired of Liber.

“Are you talking about the Euclid family with the Chains of Nyight?”

“Yes, impressive, isn’t it? An Ether Weapon passed down through the family…”

“It was pretty useless. Why make such a fuss over it?”

“…….”

Liber’s face turned pale at Christian’s words. He channeled all his mana to broaden his senses and check his surroundings.

Thankfully, there seemed to be no human presence nearby.

Christian’s comment, if relayed to the Euclid family, could spell execution alongside them.

“Christian, such talk… could spell trouble not just for you but for Count Worden as well.”

“Really? Why?”

“You’re talking about the Euclid Duke family’s Ether Weapon. Saying it’s nothing significant could cause issues. The royal family might raise serious concerns because it’s a symbol of Rondel.”

“Hmm…”

However, to Christian, the Chains of Nyight was just another Ether Weapon. Moreover…

‘Postinger Euclid… must be that incompetent one.’

As the countries of the northern continent fell, other nations, sensing the danger, gathered to fend off the demi-humans, dragonkin, monsters, and demons descending from the north.

Initially, the united front showed promise. Spirits weren’t bad either, as the northern Granier Empire was the first to collapse, leaving northern lands devastated.

They never considered they might lose to mere monsters or demons.

Nevertheless, even within the alliance, each military unit often acted based on each country’s leadership’s arbitrary decisions.

One such example was the Rondel Kingdom. Particularly, the forces centered around the Euclid family were vast, both in quality and quantity, making them unmatched in the western continent.

‘But that foolish guy ruined the start, leading to Rondel Kingdom’s collapse.’

Though Christian operated mainly in the eastern continent, he was well aware of the situation’s dire conclusion.

Postinger Euclid, ultimately slain by dragonkin infused with Magnus’s blood.

‘Though there might be excuses, underestimating the enemy without proper scrutiny is disqualifying as a commander.’

Even with self-confidence in his abilities, a leader must exercise caution. Hence, neither Christian nor his master ever assumed leadership roles.

Both understood leading many wasn’t their forte. Christian recalled the face of the most outstanding field commander he’d known.

‘Hopefully, that old man is leading a healthy life…’

Stadion Kiros, supreme commander from the Aspel Principality.

Not only did Stadion manage the chaos left by Postinger Euclid’s bungling in Routel Kingdom, but he also expertly reassembled the verge-of-collapse western alliance.

The Aspel Principality, where Stadion hailed from, was a Rondel Kingdom’s vassal state; within it, he belonged to a lesser-known family.

Rising to fame through battlefield victories, he eventually became the supreme commander of the western alliance.

‘I hope he’s not overexerting himself like before…’

Christian worried particularly about Stadion’s health, knowing it had always been delicate.

‘If the chance arises, I should pay him a visit with some good medicine.’

Though Stadion might differ in this timeline, his chronic youthful affliction was concern enough.

“Christian?”

“Ah, yes. I’ll heed your advice moving forward.”

“Please do. It’s not just about you; Count Worden and our Rangar region could be affected…”

“I understand. I’m not concerned with that family, so don’t worry.”

“That remark alone is problematic!”

“You’re overly worried. Excessive worry is a problem, really. Chill.”

“Please, tone it down yourself…”

Liber’s earnest plea was met with a nod from Christian.

“By the way, I plan to train Aira tonight. Would you like to join us, elder brother Liber?”

“You’re not taking a day off?”

“I had unplanned sparring, so I plan to review and correct any mistakes.”

“Training, huh…”

“I’ll replicate Riley’s movements and techniques exactly, so elder brother can focus sincerely.”

“What?”

“I thought that’s what you wanted. No?”

Before leaving for their accommodation, Liber’s attitude toward Riley seemed uncharacteristic.

This once included his academy days—a feeling of inferiority solely Liber’s own. Christian’s insight jarred Liber, catching him off guard by seemingly reading his inner thoughts.

“Please help me.”

But now wasn’t the time to let pride get in the way. Liber nodded toward Christian.

The gap between him and Riley. Above all, Liber wanted to understand this reality.

What were his deficiencies, and why had he continuously fallen to Riley?

He was confident that Christian would provide the answers.