Next Level

Over the next month, everyone was reinvigorated in their efforts to grow stronger. Everyone would split their time between training, monster hunting, and sleeping. The rate at which the students would master new Weapon Arts and Spells increased drastically.

The students were no longer just focusing upon Basic Arts and Spells, but were even trying to tap into the might of the Intermediate level. Only once they achieve this would they be deemed to have moved onto the next level.

However, the Intermediate level was not something that could just be learned. Two requirements had to be met. A certain level of Mana Control and a body, or mind for a Wizard, that could withstand the might of such power.

At this level, Knights not only use Weapon Arts but also Body Strengthening Arts. This is the biggest difference between a Knight and a Knight Captain.

As for the monster-hunting aspect of training, the class had never once returned to the forest. While the students had never mentioned anything about either the desire or lack of desire to return, those in charge seemed to believe it would do them no good mentally.

The students had gone off to other forests, caves, and even wide open plains. Not only was the training difficulty increased, but so had the security. Each party was now followed by a squadron of knights led by a Knight Captain and accompanied by a Wizard.

There had even been times that they encountered monsters at the level of a Knight Captain or Demon Lieutenant. At first the Knight Captain that accompanied them would dispatch said monster. But further into their training they fought against these monsters themselves under the watchful eyes of their chaperone.

The first party to slay such a Monster was Gerard’s party. From the gossip going around it was clear for all to see that he had already reached the next level. Apparently, Paladins who reach this level are named OathKeepers.

As time went on, more and more of the parties had defeated the Elite Monsters until every party could claim this achievement. The second party to do so was Mateo’s. This was due to the combined might of both Mateo and Alicia. It was only after slaying this beast that both of them had achieved a body that could withstand the Body Strengthening Art.

Finally, after a month, all of the party leaders reached the intermediate level. Even those who had yet to reach the level of Knight Captain, or their specialization's equivalent, stood at the peak. They were capable enough to take on several others of the same level who were seasoned veterans.

It was once the parties had reached this level that they were once again called together for the first time since the meeting after the demon ambush. Everyone couldn’t help but look around at those they hadn’t seen for quite a while.

Everyone’s schedule had been quite hectic. While Mateo had seen some of the other Knight path students during this month, most of the time at least a party or two would be out hunting during his return from his own hunts.

After a few minutes of chatting the head instructors entered the room. Saint Ezra, Knight Captain Corrin, and Archwizard Arwyn stood side-by-side in front of the heroes. Their eyes lingered upon the Party Leaders and couldn’t help but nod in satisfaction.

This level of growth over the past month had far outpaced their wildest expectations. It wasn’t a moment too soon either. The efforts of the demons had amped up and the damage they’ve caused across the country had been devastating. There had even been several clashes between the Demon Generals and their forces.

Several Knight Captains and ArchWizards had already lost their lives. The High Priests were usually stationed in relatively safe locations which helped mitigate their losses. As for the OathKeepers, they were spread across the churches and could not leave their posts even if the front lines became dire.

Even if the Palace were to be lost, the country could continue on. If the churches were to be lost though, Humans would lose their connection to the Gods. Both the Humans and Gods would be in a dire situation should the two become disconnected.

“Congratulations upon the growth you all have achieved. The future becomes ever brighter whenever I look upon you.”

As always the one who took over the talking was Saint Ezra. Did this have to do with the fact that he was always giving sermons so his communications skills were the highest amongst the three?

“Although it is a little late, I am here to reward certain individuals here with the rank they deserve. Would Gerard, Mateo, Blair, Jessica, Frederick, and Alicia please step forward.”

The six of them separated from the group and stepped out in front of all of their classmates. While the eyes that were focused upon them did contain some envy, they carried more determination and respect than jealousy.

“Gerard, I am proud to declare that you achieved the rank of Oathkeeper. You are the sole Oathkeeper in all of Felance who has made an oath to all three of the Gods. May your Oath hold strong and you continue forward under the protection of the Gods.”

“Mateo, Frederick, and Alicia. The three of you are the youngest individuals who have ever achieved the rank of Knight Captain. I have heard much praise about you from Corrin of how he had never seen such talented Knights before. I hear much about your bravery and conviction along with your steadfastness to follow the Knight’s Dogma. I hope for all of you to march forward with the Heart and Glory of a Knight Captain and to protect the people of this country from the demonic threat.”

“Jessica, Phina has told me a lot about you. You carry with you a kindness and love that the Goddess of Abundance holds dearly. Even with your kindness you stand brave against the demons and care more about the safety of others than anyone else. The achievement of becoming a High Priestess is not a rank for you but something that you embody through your faith and actions. May your love and kindness shine brightly under the care of Abundance.”

“Blair, that old Arwyn has never talked so excitedly about anything as he has when he would mention you. You are both his pride and treasure. Your thirst for knowledge will only carry you higher and it is your creativity which will give birth to a magic yet unseen that belongs solely to you. The rank of Archwizard might mean nothing to you and your single-minded pursuit of magic, but others will look up to you as what a true wizard should be like. May your mind be boundless and your future research bountiful.”

“Now that you all have stepped onto the next level, it is time to task you with your first duty as someone who holds the fate of this country–no this world in your hands. Demons have wrought havoc upon Felance recently, and while the front lines have been able to hold the land some Demons have been able to sneak their way into the kingdom. Those who suffer are those who live near the border.”

Once Saint Ezra started to talk about their first task, the students couldn’t help but feel both excited and anxious. Those who were more empathetic worried for those who suffered, while those who still couldn’t let go of the events that happened in the forest sought both closure and retribution against the demons.

“Multiple villages have been destroyed around the city of Defy. These demons raid villages but flee before the Knights can subdue them. Due to the war the amount of Knights each city can dispatch is facing a shortage. So, we will instead assign all parties to investigate the whereabouts of these demons. Your journey will start tomorrow, so for the rest of the day you will all be going over information about the region around Defy.”

The students quietly listened as information was being relayed to them by a scholar that had been called over. All of them were attentive and looked over the written material that was presented to them. All of them had gone over a strict education about the importance of intel and how to fully absorb it.

Even after he was dismissed Mateo continued to study the material. This was not something that was unique to him as everyone quietly sat in their beds with the only sound being the turning of pages.