15 - The Beginning of Training
The maid actually came to fetch him after the next bell rang. Nearly two hours had passed. During that time, Ray hadn't really been taking a nap. That was just an excuse to be alone. This time, he focused solely on presence detection, scouting the surroundings.
Places where people were, places where they walked. He thought that by searching for those, he might get a sense of the building's layout, but that wasn't easy either. With almost no results, it was time to go greet Bacchus.
Going to Bacchus's place was the same as when he first entered the room. He proceeded through the intricate corridors, asking the sentry knights for directions.
He had hoped that Cecil, the maid, might actually know the way, but that was only half correct.
At a certain point in the residential area, he had to part ways with Cecil. When he casually asked why she couldn't come along, it seemed that the maids working in the castle were, in a sense, under house arrest within the residential area.
Once one entered castle service, leaving was not permitted unless there were extraordinary circumstances, until one was relieved of duty. Hearing this, Ray recalled his knowledge of the Ooku from the Edo period.
I guess people think the same way everywhere.
Not only the layout of the castle, but also ensuring that things learned within the castle were not leaked outside. It was a precaution.
However, once he stepped out of the residential area, the rest was relatively easy. The guiding soldier didn't change along the way, and he was led straight to the room where Bacchus was.
Could it be that royalty also lives in the same sector?
He didn't think that level of strictness was solely for Ray and the Hero. It was likely a system established over many years. If so, it would be for the purpose of protecting the royal family.
Ray pondered the meaning of letting someone as mysterious as himself live in the same sector as the royalty.
I should heighten my vigilance.
Right. It's better to assume there's some mechanism we don't know about yet.
What could it be... a barrier? I shouldn't expand my magic detection too far.
Yeah, that's the way to think. Moving around recklessly is a bad idea.
What a pain.
It would be no joke if, while scouting the castle, he tripped a barrier meant to protect the royal family. Though it was mere speculation, Ray felt his reasoning was likely correct.
"Here it is. Excuse me!"
While he was thinking about such things, it seemed they had arrived at the destination room.
"Enter!"
I see.
The knight didn't knock. It seemed permission to enter the room was requested verbally. If this was the custom of this world, he would have to be careful not to knock when he entered his own room.
He could only confirm the differences in customs from his original world bit by bit like this.
"Oh, you've come."
One of the people waiting inside was a face Ray recognized. The knight from the interrogation, Bacchus.
"Ah, it was you."
"My apologies. I couldn't introduce myself during the interrogation. I am Bacchus, Myriad General of the Kingdom Knights."
"A Myriad General?"
Even being told he was a Myriad General, Ray didn't know how high that position was. He assumed that being a general of ten thousand made him important.
"I'll explain the military system in due course. First, let's talk about your future."
"Yes."
"You will receive training with the Royal Knights. You've heard about this, yes?"
"Yes. Specifically, what kind? I'm a complete amateur. Even if you call it knight training..."
In his original world, Ray had never done anything to train his body. He had absolutely no confidence in his athletic ability. Even so, for the sake of the day to come, he had to become stronger, even if only a little.
"Don't worry too much about that. No one is a full-fledged knight from the start."
"Will I be participating in the training for recruits?"
"Eventually."
"Eventually... which means there's something before that?"
"You said yourself you're an amateur, right? First, we start with the absolute basics. I will provide individual instruction for this."
"That's a help."
He was grateful for the thorough guidance. Ray didn't have much time.
"I'll introduce your instructor. Hey."
Prompted by Myriad General Bacchus, the knight standing next to him took a step forward.
"Yes. I am Thor, Captain of a Hundred of the Kingdom Knights. I look forward to working with you."
"Likewise. I believe I should go by Kamui, correct?"
"Huh?"
Thor looked bewildered that Ray was asking about his own name. Seeing this reaction, Ray thought that Thor might not have been told the details.
"Ah, sorry. My own name isn't clear. Everyone here calls me Kamui, so I thought Kamui would be fine?"
"Ah, I see. You have no memories. Right. I'll call you Kamui."
Thor knew he had no memories. In that case, it became unclear how much he actually knew.
"When does the training start?"
"Tomorrow."
"And the time?"
"Hmm? Do you have some plans?"
"I plan to be granted entry to the library. Since I have no memories, I don't know common sense. I intend to learn from scratch, so I wondered if I could set aside time for that."
"I see. However..."
That wasn't something Thor could decide. Moreover, Thor's role was to train Ray. To fulfill that order, he didn't want his time taken up by other things.
"Of course, I will prioritize the training. However, if I have no time for research, I hope you'll forgive me for asking various strange questions."
This was a preemptive excuse in case he made a slip of the tongue. Ray didn't know how much meaning this would actually have, but he figured he should do what he could.
"That's fine. Then, I'll have you devote as much time as possible to training. Training will be twice a day, morning and noon. In the morning, for one hour starting from the fourth bell. In the afternoon, for one hour starting from the seventh bell."
That was no problem at all for Ray. With that schedule, he could still spend plenty of time holed up in the library.
"Then there's no problem. I can still make time for the library."
"You're enthusiastic."
"Am I? Well, I don't have much time."
"What's that about?"
"Ahem."
Bacchus coughed ostentatiously. His intention to stop the conversation between the two was clear. This meant that Thor did not know the contents of the mission Ray had been given.
"So, where will my training be?"
Sensing this, Ray changed the subject.
"Ah, at the knights' training grounds. Though you wouldn't know where that is. First, I'll guide you there."
"Yes. Please."
They left the room with Thor in the lead. Bacchus came along as well.
"...It would be helpful if you told me in advance?"
Ray spoke to Bacchus in a low voice, so that Thor walking in front couldn't hear.
"Sorry. It seems I messed up the sequence a bit."
"Bacchus-sama, I can assume only Julius-sama knows, right?"
"No, those higher up know as well."
"I'll act as if only those two know. Even if I hear a name, I won't know who is who."
"True."
Since he was a Myriad General, his martial skills were likely decent, but his head was a bit lacking. That was the impression Ray formed of Bacchus.
◇◇◇
They went outside through an exit near Bacchus's office.
The training grounds were far closer than Ray had expected. He wondered if the office was located there because it was near the grounds. Thinking this, he passed through the great gate at the entrance of the training grounds.
"Whoa."
The training grounds possessed a vast area, enough to make Ray let out an involuntary exclamation.
"What is it?"
"No, I just thought it was wide."
"Of course it is. It's the knights' training grounds."
That wasn't an explanation at all. Ray wanted to know why such a vast area was necessary, but it seemed Bacchus didn't catch on.
However, that question was answered in an instant.
The training being conducted at the grounds was varied. People running the perimeter, people sparring. People practicing archery. And in the center, something like a mock battle was being carried out by a unit of about a hundred people.
"Is this the only training ground for the knights?"
"Aside from this, there's an outdoor training ground outside the royal capital."
"Outdoor?"
There was no ceiling here either. He wondered if this wasn't considered outdoors, but that also failed to get through. He supposed that was inevitable.
"Even though I call it a training ground, it's just a plain. We can't exactly do red-versus-white battles for the entire knight order here."
"How many knights are there in total?"
"Including the lower knights, roughly five thousand."
"...Um, Bacchus-sama, you're a Myriad General even though there aren't ten thousand?"
"In the army, there are general soldiers in addition to knights. The army is composed of knights who lead and soldiers who are led. I am in a position to lead an army of ten thousand. It doesn't mean exactly ten thousand."
Knights weren't the only ones who fought. On the contrary, on the battlefield, knights had a strong role as commanders, and most of the combat with the enemy was carried out by the soldiers.
Though, since the knights as commanders would be targeted by the enemy, it wasn't as if they could just stand there and command.
"And the general soldiers?"
"They are gathered from the citizens of the kingdom."
"In rotations?"
Conscription. This was within Ray's knowledge, even if it was only superficial.
"Yeah, that's right. Military service is two years at minimum. Five years at most."
Bacchus explained the detailed system.
"Why does the period change?"
"While serving in the military, taxes are waived to a certain extent. If you prioritize your life, it's two years. If you prioritize money, it's five years. Something like that."
Rather than priority, Ray understood that people who couldn't pay their taxes were forced into military service. He decided against confirming this out loud.
There was no need to voice anything that sounded like criticism. He was already being watched.
"Sorry to interrupt your conversation."
"Oh, sorry."
Thor interrupted the conversation between Ray and Bacchus. He wanted to start the training quickly. Bacchus had no intention of hindering that and immediately yielded to Thor.
"Needless to say, the training will be here. See those people running?"
"Yes."
"Those are the new knights. You will be training along with them."
"And the people sparring?"
"Ah, half of them are new knights. Right. Let me give you a brief explanation. After the absolute basics are finished, the training consists mainly of running. You can't even start if you don't have basic physical strength."
"Yes."
Ray thought it was surprisingly plain, but the training the knights were doing was for the purpose of killing each other. He reconsidered, thinking that such things were necessary for survival.
"Along with that, swordsmanship practice. Senior knights teach one-on-one. In your case, I will be in charge."
"Is that alright? For Thor-sama, a Captain of a Hundred, to do this for someone like me. In short, that means you have a hundred subordinates, right?"
"No, ten. I'll explain the rest of the military system while I'm at it. An Ordinary Knight leads ten general soldiers. That's the smallest unit. A Captain of a Hundred leads a unit composed of ten of those. Then a Commander of a Thousand leads a unit composed of ten of those. That's how it works."
"That's easy to understand. But still, someone with ten subordinates is taking me on?"
"Those are the instructions."
He couldn't be left to an Ordinary Knight. On the other hand, assigning a Commander of a Thousand would be too generous and might make the Hero suspicious. Thor didn't know that such considerations had been made by those above.
"I understand. Please continue talking about the training."
"No, there's nothing left to say."
"What about magic?"
"Ah, right... can you use it?"
"I've never used it. I was taught a little, though."
After thinking it over, Ray decided to mention magic. This was to serve as an excuse if it was discovered he was using it in his room. It was better than hiding it and being found out later. That was his judgment.
"You were taught?"
"Um, in the place I lived before coming here. Rather than magic, it was more about how to use magical power."
"What!? I didn't hear anything about that!"
Bacchus, hearing this, was surprised and pressed him for answers.
"You didn't ask."
"Why were you taught magic?"
"The forest was a dangerous place just to walk through. Just staying inside a cave wouldn't be useful, right? Well, in reality, it wasn't useful. I never got to the point of activating magic."
"...So you can use magical power?"
Ray had said he couldn't activate it. Bacchus understood the exact meaning of that.
"Only a little."
"Hmm. Well, that's for the better. Acquiring Physical Enhancement Magic. Add that to the training as well."
It was an important part of training for knights. Depending on one's aptitude for this, their actual strength could change significantly. If he could acquire it, he should be made to do so.
"Understood. Now, that's all for the explanation. Do you have any questions?"
"I've never even held a sword."
"Yes, I've heard."
"So, I have two requests."
"Go ahead."
"First, could you teach me how to grip a sword and how to swing it, right now?"
"That's fine. And the other?"
"To practice on my own, if there's a training sword for practice swings, could I borrow it? Also, permission to bring it into my room."
"That... is not my decision. Myriad General Bacchus, what do you think?"
Even if it was for practice swings, if one hit someone with all their might, the other person would be injured. Permission to bring in something that could be a weapon wasn't something Thor could decide.
"Hmm... I can't give an immediate answer. I need to seek the judgment of those above."
And it was the same for Bacchus. If it were for bringing it into a military facility, he might have been able to give permission, but it was different when it came to the castle.
"Then, can you confirm that right now? If I learn the basics from Thor-sama in the meantime, I can save wasted time."
"You really are... quite the taskmaster."
"Sorry. As I've said many times, I don't have much time."
"Fine. I'll inquire immediately. Thor, I leave the rest to you."
"Yes, understood."
Despite complaining, Bacchus immediately left the area to confirm whether the sword could be brought in.
"Now then, let's start with how to grip the sword."
"That's how it goes."
"Then, follow me. First, we'll choose a sword."
"Yes."
Led by Thor, Ray chose a sword at the weapon rack in the corner of the training grounds. Though called weapons, they were all training swords for training. The edges were all blunted.
What Ray chose was a slender longsword. It would be more accurate to say that was the only one he could choose.
Even though his physical strength had recovered considerably since coming to the royal capital, Ray's muscle strength was still inferior compared to an average person. Even just swinging a heavy sword was a struggle.
"Now, first the grip. Look at my grip and try to imitate it."
"Yes."
He imitated Thor's grip exactly and gripped his own sword.
"Try swinging it lightly from top to bottom."
"Yes."
He raised the sword and swung it straight down.
"Any discomfort?"
"...None."
"I see. Then, remember that form well. Next is the strength of the grip. You mustn't keep it gripped tightly the whole time. Relax when you relax, and put strength into it just before it hits the enemy... well, you won't understand just by me saying it. First, practice swings."
"Right away?"
"What do you mean 'right away'? There's nothing before practice swings."
"I see. Anything I should be careful about?"
"First, just do the numbers. If you're putting in unnecessary strength, you can't do the numbers. Even if you are, if you keep doing the numbers, you'll be forced to relax. Anyway, just keep swinging."
"I see."
In this world, a definitive teaching method that could be called swordsmanship, as Ray knew it, had not been established. Getting used to the sword and gaining experience. In the beginning stages, there was actually nothing that could be taught.
He would only feel like he was actually receiving instruction once the sparring training began. Even then, it was nothing more than the instructor conveying their own experience.
"For now, just keep swinging until you can't swing anymore. In your case, it'll also serve as physical training, so it's just right."
"Understood."
In the end, that was all of Thor's instruction. After that, Ray just swung his sword relentlessly in the corner of the training grounds. However, what Thor said was correct. For the current Ray, simply swinging a sword became an incredibly grueling training.
This is... I thought I'd gotten a bit better, but I've still got a long way to go.
Ray felt a bit pathetic that his arms felt heavy after just a few dozen swings.
How many now?
You. Count the numbers yourself. It's only fifty-two.
Usually, if you do a thousand of these, you get that 'whoa' feeling, right?
Who knows? I don't know the strength of the people in this world.
He didn't know the standard of strength in this world. He didn't know because he had never learned the sword in his original world either.
Should I watch other people's training too? I might get a sense of their actual strength.
Yeah, I'll take care of that.
I'm counting on you.
This could no longer be called multiple personalities. While one Ray focused on the practice swings, another Ray checked the training of the other knights in view. Separate thoughts were moving in his head simultaneously. He could almost be called something other than human.
How does it look?
Over there?
My arms won't go up anymore.
That was fast. I'm pathetic, even by my own standards.
Agreed. So?
I'm an amateur too. But in terms of movement alone, I feel like more than half aren't that different from Kai. The rest feel like they're completely on another level.
Is that so.
Because they were new knights, they were only at that level. Regular knights, and especially the skilled ones among them, possessed strength beyond Ray's imagination. Since they could fight the Demon Race, it was only natural, and Ray should have known that.
But the guys at the top look amazing. They've even surpassed Rui.
Rui, huh. That makes sense. That's why he was caught. Even Kamiira-san was covered in wounds like that.
Through the explanation of his other personality, Ray realized his own misunderstanding. He understood that the knights currently before him were close to the bottom in terms of actual strength.
That was the Hero's doing, right?
Yeah. But is the Hero already the strongest in this country?
I wonder. Why don't you ask him yourself?
Huh? Whoa, here he comes.
Someone was approaching Ray. Looking closely, it was the Hero, Fumiya. Why was Fumiya approaching? Ray's vigilance swelled.
"Hey, you!"
"............"
"Hey, you over there! You can hear me, right!?"
"Huh? Me?"
"Yes. You're the kid who was in the forest, right?"
Hearing those words, Ray felt a bit relieved. It seemed Fumiya hadn't noticed yet that Ray was an acquaintance.
"I am. And you are?"
"Eh? You don't remember? I'm Fumiya Takeuchi. I'm the Hero in this country."
Yeah, I remember. I remember you from the original world before you became the Hero, too.
Thoughts Ray couldn't voice.
"Ah, from that time. Um, I should say, thank you for your help, I guess?"
Contrary to the thoughts in his heart, Ray answered Fumiya with a smile.
"I didn't really do anything. You look healthy."
"Thanks to you, I guess?"
"Eh? Do you happen to hate me?"
"Not particularly. I have no reason to hate you."
Actually, I have a mountain of them.
For a moment, he thought that if he said he hated him, Fumiya would leave, but he reconsidered, thinking that he'd instead be persistently asked for the reason, so he decided to deny it.
"I see. Right. Can I ask? Why are you here?"
"You've already been told, haven't you?"
"Eh?"
"It's nothing. I've come to be in the care of this country for a while. Out of the kindness of their hearts, they felt it would be cruel to cast out someone who has no relatives, let alone memories."
"I see. That makes sense. Then, as a knight?"
The setting he had prepared in advance. Fumiya believed it simply. Fumiya had no reason to doubt.
"No, someone of unknown origin like me can't become a knight. I've just come to learn the sword."
"Why?"
This guy hasn't changed. Always prying into others.
Hey, shut up. I don't want to make a mistake in the conversation.
Ah, right.
There was a time when he had taken this prying as a sign that Fumiya was interested in him, unlike anyone else. Now, it felt like a distant memory.
"What's wrong? Did I ask something strange?"
"No. I plan to go on a journey once I've recovered. A journey to find my origins. But I was told that traveling alone is dangerous, and that I must become capable of protecting myself."
This was also a lie he had thought up in advance for when he faced Fumiya and the others.
"I see. But do you have a destination?"
"I don't. It will likely be a long journey. That's why I'm preparing."
"I see. Good luck."
"Yes. Then... then... is there something else?"
The conversation was flowing toward an end. But Fumiya didn't intend to leave.
"Listen... do you know?"
"Know what?"
"I wonder if that girl is doing well?"
"...Are you perhaps talking about the Demon Race?"
"Yes."
This was the reason Fumiya had approached Ray. He wanted to know Rui's situation.
"I don't know. I haven't met her either. I only know for sure that she's in the dungeon."
"I see. Still in the dungeon..."
"Yes. Why don't you ask Julius-sama for the details?"
"He won't tell me. Even though I've asked him many times to let me see her."
Why was he so persistent? Ray even wondered if he was truly under the influence of Charm.
"What do you intend to do if you meet her?"
"I thought I'd like to talk."
"The opponent is a demon. You are the Hero, aren't you?"
"I know that. But I believe that even with demons, if you talk properly, you can understand each other."
These words of Fumiya's were correct. Ray didn't think he could understand every single demon. But there were certainly people he could understand.
"...I see. Then, good luck. Well then."
The 'good luck' was half-sincere and half-sarcastic. Fumiya also bore some responsibility for driving the people he could have understood into a corner and killing them. Ray felt a greater sense of loathing than ever toward Fumiya, who didn't realize this.
"Hey."
"Is there STILL something!?"
"Don't get so angry. Are you on good terms with her?"
"On good terms? Do you realize what you're asking?"
"Um?"
Ray could no longer suppress his inner anger. Fumiya was bewildered by the irritation manifesting in his tone.
"Me, a member of the Human Race, on good terms with a demon? Even if that were the case, there's no way I could answer, right?"
"Ah, that's true. But the fact that you answer that way means..."
"I would appreciate it if you would refrain from remarks that put me in a bad position?"
"Sorry. Then, setting aside whether you're on good terms or not, are you familiar with her?"
Even knowing Ray's irritation, Fumiya didn't back down. At this, Ray felt a bit appalled rather than angry. He wondered if this kind of thick-skinnedness was necessary to become close with a bullied child without worrying about the eyes of those around.
"...I'm not familiar."
"But you lived together."
"I only know her within that scope. That's what I mean."
"I see. Alright, I get it."
"What exactly do you get?"
"Well, see you later."
Without answering Ray's question, Fumiya left.
He really hasn't changed.
...Yeah, this is the worst. But... was he always like that?
Huh? You just said he hasn't changed, right?
His words and actions are. But... the impression I get is different.
The color of the emotions coming from Fumiya. He couldn't tell exactly what they were, but he felt it wasn't the Fumiya he knew.
That's because you've come to hate him... isn't it? Or was he playing innocent back then too?
Maybe.
There might be calculation in Fumiya's words and actions. Ray noticed a dissonance he hadn't noticed in the original world.
Why did he hint that we were on good terms?
If that were the case, it was all the more reason not to approach Fumiya easily. However, Ray was talking about things that Fumiya would likely bite on.
Don't ask yourself.
Will it work?
Who knows. But there's a good chance he'll try to use me to get a point of contact. If that happens...
I can also get a point of contact with Rui. The problem is Julius and the people around him.
Just because Fumiya requested it didn't mean it would all be realized. In fact, all requests regarding Rui had been rejected.
If it works, it's just lucky. I don't really care.
True, but...
'See you later,' huh... I hope that's just a misunderstanding.
If it were the Fumiya Ray knew, those words would certainly be realized. Ray prayed that it wasn't the case. He wanted to use Fumiya, but because of that, he didn't want to meet him more than necessary.