"That's a good sword," the blacksmith commented as Enkrid chose his blade.
"I'll take this too," he added, picking out a plate armor piece, a riveted side guard for his torso. It was simple but effective—easy to wear without hindrance, though he'd need to find proper shoulder guards to complete the set.
Enkrid's eyes scanned the blacksmith's shop, noting the pile of scrap metal in the corner.
There were two more forges inside the Border Guard, but this one had the best craftsmanship. While there was no special blacksmith for the lord of the area, the forges in the guardhouse supplied the weapons for the barracks, where the soldiers trained. As the war wound down, it was time to stock up on weapons, and the scrap metal would soon be turned into spears, swords, and blunt weapons.
The blacksmith before him had been working hard, a little too hard perhaps. Enkrid didn't have time for such details, but his concern for the smith's efforts was clear.
"Here," Enkrid said, flicking a gold coin toward the blacksmith, followed by a few more.
"That's a lot," the blacksmith remarked, eyeing the pile.
"Buy some flowers for your wife, with the leftovers," Enkrid added, his voice casual.
The blacksmith stared at him with a vacant look in his eyes, his face drawn and tired, not particularly moved. Recently, Krona had been flowing freely in their hands , and Enkrid wasn't one to be stingy with it.
Krais had once pointed out that Enkrid's greatest flaw was his disregard for finances, though in truth, within their unit, only Krais seemed to be overly concerned with money. Even Finn wasn't one to hoard her wealth. Esther, being a leopard, didn't even have such concepts.
"But should I even consider Esther part of the unit?" Enkrid thought, though the leopard had certainly earned recognition for their contributions. He might not officially be in the ranks, but Ester was a valued ally.
Enkrid thought about the others: Rem, Ragna, Audin, and Jaxen. They too had no qualms about spending their Krona freely.
Among them, Enkrid was the most extravagant, spending without hesitation, whether from bounty money or looted treasures.
Even after leaving the blacksmith, his attitude remained the same.
Clink.
He tossed a gold coin into the air, where a rough hand swiftly snatched it from the air. It was John, the leatherworker.
John was good at his craft, so much so that some traveling merchants would come specifically to buy his wares. His leatherwork was no mere trade skill; it was artistry, surpassing the level of an average craftsman.
This time, Enkrid bought leather bracers, armguards that covered from wrist to elbow. They were crafted from rare materials, soft yet durable, and the craftsmanship was evident in the details—the smooth black leather, carefully pulled together with the same material's straps.
"They've been oiled three times," John added, nodding in pride. "Made from monster hide."
Enkrid gave a small chuckle at the price. One more coin, and the deal was done.
"Good," Enkrid agreed. John was known for charging a fair price, always receiving what was just for his work, never overcharging.
Afterward, he moved on through the marketplace. He was greeted by a cobbler, a familiar face from when Enkrid had first unlocked the Sixth Sense. The cobbler offered him a pair of boots, their soles thickened and reinforced with hardened shells for added durability.
"They're not perfect," the cobbler shrugged, "but I didn't want to sell them."
"Why's that?" Enkrid asked, curious.
"My father... he just wants to give them to you," the cobbler's daughter replied with a soft, radiant smile.
Enkrid flicked another gold coin toward the girl.
Clink!
"That's too much," she exclaimed, her eyes wide.
"Take what's left and use it as you need," Enkrid said nonchalantly as he continued on his way. He also received a generous portion of seasoned jerky and a couple of bottles of wine along the way. The wine wasn't bad, though he did wonder about the charcoal they had insisted on giving him.
"Good charcoal," they assured him.
With bags full and the mood lightened, Enkrid continued forward, his thoughts already turning to the next task at hand.
"Should I make some charcoal grilled food or something with this?" Enkrid muttered, chuckling to himself. "People sure are interesting."
It seemed like the power of their Guild was starting to show in the city. The darker, stained parts of the area had been erased to a degree, though not all stains could be removed.
For example...
"Peasant, get lost."
A noble—one of those types.
Enkrid had crossed paths with a nobleman flanked by guards. The noble looked Enkrid up and down, his lip curling into a deliberate sneer.
"Playing at being a company commander, huh? I don't know what kind of tricks you've pulled with Marcus, but it was a mistake," the noble said condescendingly.
If it were Rem, Enkrid thought, that guy would have his skull split in half with an axe the moment he spoke those words. No, at the very least, Rem would've thrown a punch as soon as he said "get lost."
Enkrid could only hope that Rem never encountered a guy like this.
The noble's face looked like he was born to be scummy—his slanted eyes and thin lips spoke of a life lived with petty, scheming motives. Though looks don't always reveal the truth, this noble seemed the sort who lived exactly how his appearance suggested. There were plenty of rumors to back it up.
"Even Luagarne might cringe at his face," Enkrid thought to himself. Luagarne, the particular species of the Frogs, was known for being picky about appearance—especially human appearances. It was amusing to think that one of them had once fallen for him.
"Pfft."
The noble sneered one last time, walking away with his guards. He must have had business in the market, heading toward the city gates.
This wasn't new for Enkrid; the noble had always had a disdainful attitude toward him. So, Enkrid didn't think much of it.
However, a fruit merchant standing nearby muttered something under his breath.
"Annoying bastard. He's got a stink to him, he'll end up dead soon."
That was a creative curse.
Enkrid didn't quite remember the noble's name, though he had heard it before. Not that it mattered. There was no need to know.
The important thing was avoiding Rem crossing paths with him.
"Wonder what that officer who beat someone up is doing now..." Enkrid mused as he walked back to the barracks.
At that moment, Rem spoke up with a sudden thought.
"Ever thought about getting someone like Andrew?"
"Hmm?"
"Lately, my 'hands' feel a little rusty."
It was a sign of Rem's usual frustration, an indicator that his urges were not fully satisfied.
"Want to spar?" Enkrid asked quickly, sensing the danger in the conversation. A spar with Rem was always intense, especially when he used his raw strength to its fullest.
"I see you've got some good bracers," Rem commented as he noticed the new gear Enkrid was wearing, his sharp eyes spotting the quality of the equipment.
"Not a bad sword either," Rem added, eyes narrowing.
"I just picked it up," Enkrid replied casually.
After their brief exchange, they finished the spar, though Enkrid felt the wear and tear of the battle in his body. It had been a rough session.
"I think I'll sleep well tonight," Rem remarked as he stretched, the tension in his body easing. He had been thinking about becoming a knight, but it seemed that now he had found peace with his situation.
"Good night," Enkrid said as he turned in for the night.
As evening set in, Audin approached, having finished his prayers.
"Commander, do you want to go on a night patrol?"
He smiled softly, his large frame still conveying a calm, gentle aura. Enkrid couldn't help but think that if Audin were to decide to charm some women, he'd probably do quite well at it.
It was no wonder that Krais wanted to bring him into his salon.
"What if you became a priest who roams the night?" Enkrid teased, thinking of Krais's subtle suggestions.
But Audin just laughed, not giving a serious response. Perhaps he wasn't interested in the idea, or maybe he was simply proposing a casual stroll in the night.
"Sure, why not," Enkrid replied with a grin, wondering what Audin really had in mind.
Enkrid had been exempted from regular duties ever since the company had become independent, making him feel somewhat out of place in the barracks. So, tonight's patrol had felt more like a leisurely walk than an actual mission.
Audin had something to say, and the night patrol served as the perfect excuse to spend some time together. Enkrid, on the other hand, had been thinking that it wouldn't hurt to take on some semblance of duty for once.
"There's a saying in the scriptures: 'A day spent accumulating steadily is more important than one spent pushing oneself too hard,'" Audin began, his usual sermon tone filling the air.
Enkrid knew Audin well enough by now. When it came to the scriptures and his faith, Audin could go on forever. Sometimes it felt like his words were never-ending, especially when discussing religion.
"Is Finn alright with this?" Enkrid asked, curious. "You said you were trying to convert her."
Audin, always earnest in his goals, responded casually, "I'm working on it. Trying to guide her."
Enkrid raised an eyebrow. Was he really trying to implant his religious views in someone he was trying to bring down? It seemed strange, but it fit Audin's personality. Still, it must be quite a hit to the pride of someone like Finn, no matter how bright and cheerful she appeared every day.
"The point is," Audin continued, "it's better to move at a steady pace than to overexert yourself, Commander."
He even remembered to address Enkrid by his new title. Enkrid nodded. It made sense. Lately, he had been pushing himself, feeling as though he were running just out of reach of something.
'It feels like I'm on the verge of being caught, but not quite,' he thought.
He had been swinging his sword, using the heart of the beast, and all the while thinking that if he just took one more step, it would all come together. The impatience had crept in, though he hadn't really overdone it on purpose. But when the heart grows restless, even the smallest things can make a difference. How he felt affected what he did, and that, in turn, shaped how he saw the world.
Audin's words were good advice.
"Is that so?" Enkrid replied.
"That's what it means," Audin confirmed, smiling.
Enkrid easily accepted the words and agreed with them, acknowledging their wisdom. His greatest strength was his ability to listen and take things in stride. However...
'Maybe I've lost my conscience,' Enkrid mused, remembering his own past approach—pushing through isolation to break limits every day. How hypocritical it seemed now that Audin was the one giving the advice.
"I'm watching you closely, and what you're doing isn't overdoing it. It's just right," Audin said, as if reading Enkrid's thoughts.
"I think I've gotten too good at reading your eyes," Enkrid replied with a smirk.
"Seems I make it too easy," Audin teased, returning the smile.
As they continued their patrol, a few soldiers nodded their greetings.
"It's just an unscheduled patrol. Don't mind it," Enkrid waved them off, his tone casual. The city was peaceful tonight, and everything was safe within the walls.
'Did they say I should love this city?' Enkrid thought as he gazed down from the gallery, overlooking the quiet streets below. The moonlight bathed the city in a gentle glow, and the sounds of summer insects filled the air.
'I'm not sure I love it, but...' Enkrid mused. He wasn't sure he could say he loved the city, but at the very least, he wouldn't let those who depended on him suffer in silence. Not while he was around.
"Protect the weak"—that was the first tenet of the knight's code.
Some might say it was an excuse to wield power, but Enkrid knew better.
'If you have strength and refuse to use it, you're just a fool,' he thought.
His dream was not to be a reckless fool. The moonlight seemed to fuel his resolve. He didn't believe he would suddenly become a knight overnight. There was still much to be done.
His path was long.
He still had things to learn, and time to digest what he already had. Even though he had recently taken up swordsmanship again, he couldn't afford to neglect his previous skills.
'There's still room for improvement,' he told himself.
Deep in thought, Enkrid's ears suddenly perked up.
"There's something ahead," he murmured, sensing a shift in the air.
Audin responded immediately. A sharp, acrid scent wafted through the air as something swiftly climbed up the wall, accompanied by a roar that sent shivers down one's spine.
"Grrrraaaahhh!"
It was the cry of a beast—no, a monster. The sheer force of it rattled the very core of anyone who heard it, shaking their resolve.
"Wh-what is that...?" A soldier in front of them froze in place, paralyzed by the terrifying sound.
Enkrid was about to move, but before he could even react, a figure darted across the moonlit sky. It was a bear—swift and nimble despite its size.
Audin.
"Grrr!" Audin growled, taking on the massive monster head-on. It was a manticore—an advanced beast, a hybrid of a scorpion's tail, a lion's head, and a body that screamed of deadly power. Its mere roar could paralyze its enemies, and the venom in its tail was enough to end lives in an instant.
Fighting such a monster was a task that no ordinary soldier would dare face. The manticore wasn't just any beast—it was the stuff of nightmares, a true terror on the battlefield.
But Audin? He stood before it, unshaken, as if the creature was no more threatening than a wild cat.
"Meow," Audin said in a soft, almost teasing tone, as if chiding a kitten. "Making such a racket at night will wake the people up."
To Enkrid's surprise, the manticore responded to Audin's words. It lowered its posture, almost submissively, as if the massive beast had been reduced to a frightened animal.
Audin raised his hands, palms open and facing the creature. His posture was calm, deliberate, and confident. His thumbs pointed inward, signaling a subtle but powerful stance of control.
Enkrid had no time to dwell on the scene for long. A soldier who had frozen in place earlier stood paralyzed, unable to break free from the manticore's oppressive influence. Enkrid quickly grabbed the soldier by the nape and pulled him away.
"Take a deep breath, exhale, and move slowly. Start from your fingertips and work your way up with controlled strength," Enkrid instructed in a low voice.
"Yes, sir!" The soldier nodded, and with Enkrid's guidance, he began to regain his composure.
Meanwhile, Audin continued to face the beast with the same calm demeanor. The manticore, though a terrifying force, seemed to hesitate in its aggression, almost like a creature unsure of how to deal with Audin's strange aura.
On the gallery above, another soldier had taken hold of a whistle, ready to sound the alarm. Enkrid, however, gave him a sharp, warning look, signaling him to wait.
"Hold on." Enkrid's eyes made the message clear. Drawing attention prematurely could turn the manticore's focus onto them.
The soldier, rigid with fear, obeyed Enkrid's unspoken command and remained still.
The manticore made its move.
With a sudden lunge, it tore through the air, its claws slashing toward Audin with a terrifying speed that only a top-tier monster could possess. Its movements were like a blur, as it landed with such force that the earth trembled beneath it. The creature's afterimage hung in the air for a moment.
Audin, with his remarkable agility, evaded the swipe, stepping aside just in time. Then, with a swift movement, he swung his left fist toward the manticore.
'Ah.' Enkrid marveled at the perfect evasion followed by a flawless counterattack.
It was the same principle Enkrid had recently learned in swordsmanship—a fluid transition from defense to offense.
"Step back and pull the opponent into your range. Twist your body to create space, then strike when the opening appears. It's possible if you've anticipated the attack," he recalled, remembering Luagarne's teachings. The moment Audin's fist connected with the manticore's skull, the sound of impact echoed like a drumbeat.
Bang!
The creature staggered back, its thick hide taking the brunt of the blow but still forcing it to reel. The manticore let out a pained roar, its fury and frustration clear.
"Now, behave," Audin said in a calm, almost reproachful tone, as if scolding a misbehaving child.
For all its fearsome appearance, the manticore was now a mere subject of Audin's discipline. In that moment, the battle had shifted from a life-or-death struggle to something that almost seemed trivial—like a simple lesson, with Audin teaching the beast its place.
The soldiers watched in awe as Audin calmly took charge of the situation. To them, the manticore was a nightmare incarnate, but to Audin, it was just another creature to be gently admonished.
In a way, this scene—Audin's control, his understanding of beasts, and the calm with which he handled such danger—was just another day in the life of someone who saw the world through a different lens.

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