Chapter 95 – Game (1)

A hundred creatures were combined to become one.

As their size grew, their power became stronger and their speed became faster. However, it seemed that combining two creatures did not make them twice as strong.

The monsters waiting in the cave totaled six.

Every single one was a giant that could easily be six times the size of a human.

[Did they really just combine to become like this??]

[If they were going to do this, why did they divide it instead of just combining all six? lol]

[That’s true lol If they become stronger as much as they combine, that’s better lol]

The viewers spoke as if they were doubtful, but Henry could guess the reason.

This place was narrow.

Although it was much wider than the passage from a moment ago, if they had not divided into six, there would have certainly been restrictions on their movements.

‘A few slightly weaker ones are better than one strong one.’

It was ultimately a matter of efficiency.

No matter how strong an attack was, it was meaningless if it did not hit the enemy, and a giant body was rather like an excellent target.

This was a conclusion the monsters reached by ‘using their brains’ in their own way.

‘The ones they sent before must have been for a kind of scouting.’

It was clear that it was to grasp Henry and Austin’s strength and learn their combat styles with their bodies.

Although it was suspicious that they showed such behavior even while risking death, looking at what had happened now, it was fully understandable.

‘Unique creatures.’

Why had such monsters not been known until now?

Although it was questionable, Henry decided to focus on the battle in front of him for now.

Naturally, their opponents were divided.

Three monsters attached themselves to Henry and Austin respectively. Melissa began to watch the battle of the two with serious eyes.

‘They have completely different inclinations. They are close to opposite poles.’

In any case, monsters at the level of Ant Goblins were no match for the two. Defeating them all was merely a matter of time.

Rather, it was like an opportunity for Melissa to grasp the two’s skills slightly more accurately.

‘Is that why they could stay close? I can also see the reason why Austin could run around.’

Austin was evading all attacks with nimble and precise movements.

His movements were not large for it to be said that he predicted and evaded in advance.

‘He is seeing and evading everything.’

It was truly a marvelous reflex. Although it was true that the Ant Goblins were weak compared to the two, even so, evading the attacks of three creatures consecutively was by no means an easy task.

The moment the premise of seeing with one’s eyes and evading was established, it was impossible even for Melissa.

‘In addition, his sense of sharply catching openings is also excellent. The academy’s curriculum would have been of no significance. Perhaps he might have entered the academy in a completed state.’

She did not mean that he was not suited to be a knight.

For the weapon he used or his combat style was not of great importance.

However, it was true that his direction was very different from the academy’s educational policy.

It meant that he had entered the academy merely to spend time or to obtain the status of a trainee.

‘I can understand. On the other hand, Henry…’

Confirming that Austin defeated one guy, Melissa shifted her interest to Henry.

‘Honest.’

He blocked incoming attacks and aimed for openings. Although there were cases where he evaded attacks, generally, he tended to take on attacks that could be blocked.

The image of an ideal knight desired by the academy.

Henry was translating the things he learned at the academy into actions step by step.

‘It is just that his overall skill is outstanding. He is faithful to the basics, and this side also has a good sense.’

Austin’s movements were more flashy, but the substance lay with Henry.

‘It’s over.’

She had confirmed everything she wanted to see. The two steadily defeated the Ant Goblins one by one, and it was only a matter of time before the dungeon was cleared.

She now began to think about other things.

Henry and Austin. How she could surely recruit the two.

***

“They are called Ant Goblins. Since I became a Royal Knight, they are creatures I have only been able to see twice.”

Right after subduing the Ant Goblins.

From the moment the ‘mission’ ended, Royal Knight Melissa, in her capacity as a senior, was explaining details to Henry and Austin.

“They were creatures I saw for the first time.”

“Naturally.”

“And we did not learn about them at the academy either.”

“They are not taught. It is a species that only a very few within the kingdom know of.”

“I am curious about the reason.”

In the eyes of the questioning Henry, only simple curiosity was hung. An expression that had no other reason, but was really just curious.

“Because there is a risk of abuse. As you two have seen, those creatures utilize mana. Also, they acquire experience extremely quickly, and deal with things accordingly.”

“…It seemed so.”

“If they were a surface species, they would have been a great threat. But fortunately, they do not easily leave their territory.”

Underground.

Even deep underground, to the extent that humans could not easily access, was the Ant Goblins’ territory.

In ordinary situations, there was not even a reason to face each other.

“If so, why…”

“Underground species are extremely sensitive in sensing things like vibrations. Since their vision has degenerated, their other body parts are often developed.”

This was a fact Henry also knew. For it was content he had learned and read.

“Therefore, if someone intentionally delivers stimulation, it is also possible to draw them to the surface.”

“…Ah.”

“Also, unlike other underground species, Ant Goblins evolve according to the changes of every single moment. It must be possible because they are a species that uses mana. Until they came up here, they wouldn’t have been able to see ahead.”

The two previous experiences of facing the Ant Goblins had made even Melissa feel a sense of crisis.

If they did not pull out their roots at once, they waited for humans in a much stronger state.

Fortunately, because it was in the initial state now, cleaning it up was not difficult.

“The reason for not educating is as above. You must have understood?”

“I understood.”

It was ultimately for the purpose of preventing abuse.

And it was also for the purpose of preventing the worst-case scenario.

The moment details stating ‘monsters have changed’ went into the report entering the royal palace, the issue in question fell under the jurisdiction of the Royal Knights.

“What would have happened if we did not perform this mission?”

“The Ant Goblins would have undergone a level of change, and the Royal Knights, having received the report, would have stepped forward. According to what Viscount Ryugo had arranged… each of their individuals would have been almost at the level of a human soldier.”

Henry nodded.

He recalled the eyes with which those guys observed Henry himself, which led to the thought that originally, the target was the soldiers of the Ryugo Viscounty.

“Thank you. I fully understood. But is it fine to tell me such things?”

“It is content that can be delivered to a knight who participated in the battle. Although you two are in the status of trainees… eventually it will be a matter of time. As a Royal Knight, I can exercise this degree of flexibility.”

In the first place, the fact itself of calling these two trainees was a funny fact.

Even Viscount Ryugo seemed to have accepted the fact that the two were superior to himself.

Also, because he did not ‘participate in the battle,’ she did not share the details related to the Ant Goblins with Viscount Ryugo.

Melissa picked her words for a moment. Although she wanted to bring up the main topic right away, she felt that she shouldn’t do so for some reason.

“I would like to ask one thing.”

“Please speak.”

“Why are you delaying graduation?”

“If we go through the normal process…”

“You would be able to graduate immediately. Since the procedures are arranged that way. Graduation is already merely one of the choices you can freely pick.”

“It was because of Austin.”

“Then, what about now?”

“I do not think the problem has been completely resolved yet. Since the opponent is the Ducal House of Roderick.”

“The name Roderick is powerful, but it does not reach the Royal Knights.”

“I am sorry. I have not made a decision on that part yet.”

As expected.

Melissa ended up closing her mouth at the expected answer.

Henry had declined the offer to join, and the reason was not to act humble.

‘Because there is an unavoidable reason… It must not be related to Roderick alone.’

Melissa picked her words again. Although it was unfamiliar to take this attitude toward trainees, Melissa was not a person who cared much about authority.

“Is the reason holding you back the kind where you can receive someone’s help?”

“No, it is not.”

“I see. What about Austin?”

“I am similar!”

“…I cannot force you.”

A sigh flowed out from her, unlike her usual self. However, she had no intention of giving up like this. Although she would not force them, she had to at least let them know what kind of choice she was presenting.

“This is a personal request, but I would be grateful if you could visit the Royal Knights anytime. Preferably before you graduate.”

Perhaps their thoughts might change if they actually came and saw.

That was precisely Melissa’s expectation.

Fortunately, Henry was willing to accept this much.

“I will surely do so.”

“Where do you plan to go now?”

“Ah, we…”

“I will return to the academy!”

Austin cut in. Henry paused, then nodded. Because, thinking about it, there was no reason to accompany Austin on this matter.

“I plan to visit the Redwood Viscounty first.”

“That is the place where Viscount Camilton is. I see. Then Austin can return with me.”

“It is an honor for me!”

Answering vigorously, Austin winked at Henry.

It was a look that conveyed messages like “Have a safe trip,” and various other meanings.

Henry looked at Melissa.

“Thank you for your help. I will see you again.”

***

Melissa and Austin returned, and Henry boarded the carriage heading to Redwood Viscounty.

Naturally, he was broadcasting, but this time, it was a ‘private’ broadcast. Since he had put out the urgent fire, he had to resolve the postponed issues.

[M: I think something good will come out if we refine it well. But you’re joking about the algorithm’s guidance, right? Is that for real?]

“Do you not know?”

[M: I know what the algorithm is. It is true that video exposure follows the algorithm, but… thinking about it, it can be understood that way too. If we match it to the concept. I always feel it, but you are truly amazing.]

Although he still could not know what the admiration was about, Henry knew that there was an impassable wall between Fire Solo and himself.

And also the fact that there was no reason to probe.

“It seems I have guessed incorrectly.”

[M: In a way, it’s not that incorrect. Since a channel can suddenly blow up at some point, or it can hit rock bottom for several years. In the end, you do have to benefit from the algorithm. It’s just hard to grasp it accurately, well…]

Fire Solo spoke as if he himself was doubtful. But that was only for a moment.

[M: So, it seems you found something, Knight?]

“The Archmage has decided to help me.”

[M: You seem to be planning to run an ad. The timing isn’t bad… Indeed, for the video, it would be best to process the assassin incident. Even without knowing the front and back context, people will be able to watch it quite interestingly.]

A structure where Austin fled and Henry fought against them.

Until the ending where Melissa finally popped out and swept away the enemies.

Fire Solo said there was no better content than that to pull out a highlight video.

“Would it not feel too cruel by any chance?”

[M: If that’s cruel, other game broadcasts would all have to be rated 19+. Also, mosaics were applied without exception to scenes that felt a bit excessive. It is perfect. Do not worry.]

“Ah…”

Henry nodded as if he had expected it.

Fire Solo was no different from other viewers.

For what the viewers felt from Henry’s combat scenes was only interest and admiration.

[M: Anyway, I’ll be going now. My work is piled up, so it’ll take some time to put some effort into this video. About a week?]

“Thank you. I will count on you.”

[M: I’m doing it because I like it. See you later!]

Fire Solo left. Henry ended the broadcast.

Sitting in the rattling carriage, he brought up the content the Archmage had paid as a ‘reward’ not long ago.

[The Algorithm Led Me Here.]

* One designated video receives slightly more exposure effect.

* It cannot be changed after designation, and lasts for a week.

“First of all, the algorithm is not a god.”

There was plenty of time before arriving at the Viscounty, and only then did Henry begin to organize the thoughts that had filled his head in a complicated way.

BJ Swordmaster