kscans

Storm

1

—Where am I?

Jog awoke, momentarily unsure of where he was. Then he remembered. This was some noble’s mansion in the royal capital of Parzam Kingdom. Jog had come to Parzam to lend his strength to Bard Rowen. He had barged into this house where Bard lived, and finding the food to his liking, had ended up staying.

“Jog, are you awake?”

A voice called from outside the room. It was Colin Kruizer.

“Yeah.”

Kruizer entered carrying a water bucket and towel.

“Good morning, Jog.”

2

After finishing a late breakfast, Jog rode Dust out through the capital gates and galloped across the plains. If he didn’t let Dust exercise vigorously every few days, the horse would get irritable. Horses truly lived to run. Among them, Dust especially loved running, and was a fine steed blessed with both explosive power and endurance along with robust muscles.

Jog let Dust drink from a river and took a drink himself. But he didn’t just drink, he also immersed his upper body to wash off the sweat. Colin did the same.

After eating the dried meat and bread Colin offered, Jog leaned back against a large tree and gazed at the mountain range stretching into the distance. A cool breeze blew, caressing his long black hair. Time passed leisurely.

“Still, I’m surprised at how loyal you are, Jog.”

“Loyal?”

“Well, you lost a duel to Marshal Bard and agreed to serve under him, so you came all this way out of that obligation, right?”

“That’s already been settled, hasn’t it? When we fought those demonic beasts at that castle.”

“You mean Lordvan Castle. Those demonic beasts were truly terrifying. But you were amazing, Jog, beating and blasting away those beasts one after another. As expected of the ‘Demonic Beast Slayer’s’ son.”

“Hmph.”

Jog’s adoptive father, Parzel Ward, was a mighty warrior known as the ‘Demonic Beast Slayer.’ The nickname carried weight, as other than the House of Tercia, he was the only knight who could defeat a demonic beast in one on one combat.

“If it’s not loyalty, then why did you come all this way? And that’s not all. Even after leaving Lordvan Castle, you kept reporting enemy troop movements to Marshal Bard. What was that all about?”

Jog remained sullenly silent, refusing to answer his trusted subordinate’s question.

“If I don’t know where that old bastard is, it’ll be troublesome when I want to kill him,” he finally said.

“Ah, so you haven’t given up.”

Colin knew well about Jog’s obsession with defeating Bard. After all, Colin had been by Jog’s side since he was still a delinquent youth. He believed that finding an enemy in Bard had prevented Jog from becoming terribly twisted after his adoptive father’s death, giving an outlet for his fighting spirit and abundant energy.

“In that case, it makes even less sense. You’re planning to defeat Marshal Bard someday, right? So why come help him?”

“To get stronger.”

“Huh? But Jog, you haven’t been training at all since coming to this country. Back in Gaineria, you were constantly practicing with many knights and soldiers.”

“That kind of thing is useless. It doesn’t help at all.”

“Is there something here that does help?”

“Yeah.”

“What is it?”

“Shut up. I’m going to sleep for a while. Don’t talk to me anymore.”

3

Jog remembered exactly when he first became conscious of the name Bard Rowen.

When he was ten years old, Jog was adopted into the Ward family. During dinner conversation with his adoptive father Parzel, Parzel mentioned that the Knights of Pakula were all capable of defeating demonic beasts and were the most elite group even in the frontier.

“But there’s no knight who could beat you, right, Parzel?”

Jog admired Parzel, who was generous and as strong as a monster. He thought there couldn’t possibly be any knight stronger than Parzel.

“No, the Knights of Pakula are in a league of their own. Among them, a knight named Bard Rowen might be my equal, or perhaps even stronger.”

“That’s impossible!”

Even while denying it, Jog engraved Bard’s name in his heart.

After Parzel’s death, when Jog was sixteen, he encountered Bard on the battlefield but he was easily defeated. Bard didn’t even draw his sword against Jog. He simply kicked him off his horse, which severely wounded Jog’s pride.

“Next time we meet, I’ll kill you.”

From that moment on, Jog channeled his turbulent spirit into sword training. He even learned how to fight like a knight.

At twenty-two, the time came to face Bard again. Bard caught Jog’s mighty sword, which no one else could block, with a shield in his left hand, while his right-hand sword slashed across Jog’s chest. It was unbelievable. Not just the fact that he had lost, but the manner of his defeat was incomprehensible.

“Storm Wind” Jog Ward’s great sword, swung with all his might using both hands, was something that couldn’t be blocked even with a shield held with both hands. If someone tried to block it with a shield in one hand, the shield would be sent flying, and the arm holding the shield would surely break.

Yet Bard easily caught Jog’s great sword with one hand. He didn’t even lose his balance, and casually slashed Jog with the sword in his right hand. If Bard had followed up with another attack then, Jog would have surely died. In other words, once again, Bard Rowen had spared Jog Ward’s life.

Consumed by rage, Jog honed his strength, and finally, at twenty-eight, he confronted Bard with absolute confidence. However, Bard couldn’t use his right hand. Whether due to a muscle injury or some illness, his right hand was unusable.

There would be no meaning in defeating Bard who couldn’t use his right hand. Jog left the scene with his fury still burning inside him.

Shortly after, Bard Rowen stormed Gwendell Castle. Upon hearing this, Jog rushed to the castle and challenged Bard, who was about to leave.

Bard’s fighting spirit at that moment was terrifying. With just a small sword meant for self-defense, he caught Jog’s great sword head-on and pushed Jog back with incredible physical strength.

Overwhelmed by Bard’s intense fighting spirit and strength, Jog fell to his knees and looked up at Bard towering over him. These are the eyes of a true warrior, he thought. The eyes of someone who never doubts their own strength and crushes everything in their path to move forward.

As he gazed directly into Bard’s eyes, an indescribable joy ran up his spine. His body trembled with excitement. A laugh escaped his lips.

Parzel had been right. The strongest knight on earth was standing right before him. Jog believed that when he finally defeated this mighty foe, he would know supreme pleasure.

4

The third confrontation took place in the eastern desert of Gaineria. When Jog learned that Bard had set out on a journey, he abandoned his territory and rushed out. After interrogating Count Linz, he discovered Bard had taken a ship across the Ova and headed north. Jog followed suit, crossing the Ova and traveling north through the desert. By a strange twist of fate, he became acquainted with the crown prince of Gaineria, who tried to persuade him to stay in the kingdom.

At first, Jog intended to refuse, but when Colin suggested he could use Gaineria’s soldiers to search for Bard, Jog agreed under certain conditions. These were that Gaineria would assist in finding Bard and, when they found him, Jog would have priority in settling matters with him. Jog accepted the offer and was suddenly appointed as a general. While searching for Bard and fighting bandits and beasts, he somehow rose to the rank of grand general.

Eventually, Bard was found. When a green demi-human accompanying Bard charged at Jog, he executed a daring horseback maneuver, knocking the demi-human down. Jog smirked as he saw Bard’s dumbfounded expression. This was the same technique Bard had once used against the knights of House Gwendell, which Jog had practiced tirelessly to master. Bard then charged toward Jog on horseback. Although Jog was eager to fight, Bard did not draw his sword.

“Hey, you old bastard. Don’t tell me your right hand’s acting up again,” Jog called out.

As he hesitated, Bard closed the gap. Jog swung his greatsword at Bard, but Bard caught it with his left hand, unscathed. Stunned, Jog froze, and in the next instant, Bard’s right fist struck his jaw, knocking him unconscious. When Jog regained his consciousness, Bard was already gone. Jog vowed never again to underestimate Bard.

The fourth confrontation occurred at the castle at the edge of the world. Jog brought a black greatsword that had been sleeping in Gaineria royal palace treasure vault, only to find Bard had prepared an equally extraordinary weapon. Facing each other, Jog realized this was inevitable. A duel between the strongest knights demanded nothing less. It was a clash of raw power, massive swords swung with the intent to overpower the other.

Jog attacked Bard with all his might, only to be met with equal force. He was astonished by the strength of the elderly knight, whom he could only describe as monstrous. In the subsequent blade lock, Bard’s seasoned skill prevailed, and he slammed his greatsword against Jog, deciding the match.

It was a complete defeat. Bard’s strength surpassed Jog’s, at least for now. Acknowledging Bard’s victory, Jog declared his willingness to serve under his command.

5

During the battles against demonic beasts, Jog was not amazed by the beasts but by his allies. The flashy one, the curly-haired one, and Bard’s gloomy adopted son. They were all incredibly strong. Jog marveled at the existence of such powerful warriors and realized that he, too, could become even stronger. Each of them had a unique combat style, making their battles even more fascinating.

After surviving the desperate defensive battle, Jog returned to Gaineria, only to find it under invasion by Shinkai’s army. The Shinkai knights were formidable opponents, led by an extraordinarily skilled general. Jog doubted his chances of victory but achieved an overwhelming win.

“When did I become this strong?” he wondered.

Jog, uncharacteristically, reflected deeply on this question. He concluded that his transformation began at Lordvan Castle. His days spent alongside the flashy one, the curly-haired one, the gloomy one, and Bard Rowen were charged with electric tension. Jog, a man with beast-like instincts, could sense the strength of those around him. These knights were not mere warriors. They were the strongest of beasts. Each possessed fangs capable of instantly killing their foes. Living among such beings sharpened Jog’s instincts to a razor’s edge.

Jog believed that beasts are born strong, not made strong through training. However, a life of ease could dull their strength, while constant tension would hone their combat senses.

“A beast that breathes in the breath of a strong beast becomes strong,” Jog would say.

For him, Lordvan Castle was a crucible where his instincts and abilities were relentlessly sharpened. The demonic beasts provided perfect sparring partners, and the life-and-death battles he fought there transformed him into an even fiercer warrior.

In hindsight, Jog realized life in Gaineria had been too comfortable. Defeating weak knights and soldiers did nothing to improve his skills. Just as he began to feel frustrated, news arrived that the Kingdom of Parzam, with Allied Marshal Bard Rowen as commander, was requesting military aid to counter the Shinkai army.

“That damn old man. If he needed help, he should have asked me first,” Jog fumed.

In his anger, he left Gaineria and rushed to Bard’s side, appointing himself as reinforcement. Once there, he discovered the environment he had been yearning for. Strong warriors surrounded Bard Rowen, and many of the knights who frequented Bard’s mansion were powerful enough to make Jog’s instincts tingle with excitement.

“I can become stronger here,” Jog realized.

Bard’s enemies were equally formidable, and soon, a decisive battle loomed against the main Shinkai army led by the General of Greed. Jog was determined to defeat as many powerful foes as possible, including the General himself. Through these battles, Jog sought to grow stronger. Strong enough to one day kill Bard Rowen.

6

On his way back to the guest quarters after a ride and tending to his horse, Jog unexpectedly encountered the gloomy man. Both stopped in their tracks, staring at one another. Jog fixed his gaze on the gloomy man’s expressionless face. This dark-skinned swordsman had a fierce style. Fearless, almost reckless. He would position himself among the claws and fangs of demonic beasts, delivering precise and lethal strikes with unmatched sharpness and fluidity.

If Jog was a swordsman of raw power, the gloomy man was a master of technique. Jog couldn’t help but wonder,

“What would happen if we fought to the death?”

The thought alone sent a thrilling surge of joy through him. Facing opponents like this was what made Jog stronger. He observed everything. The breathing, footwork, the way a strong warrior scanned their surroundings. Every encounter with such strength fed his own growth.

The gloomy man hadn’t reached for his sword, yet an invisible tension connected his right hand to the hilt at his left waist. Jog knew that if combat began, the sword would already be in the man’s hand, slicing toward his vital points in the blink of an eye. The man’s mastery was undeniable. No, this man wasn’t just holding a sword. He was the sword itself.

Jog, on the other hand, carried a broad, thick knight’s sword. A masterpiece forged by a skilled craftsman. Though lighter and shorter than his ideal weapon, its speed compensated for any shortcomings. Jog’s strategy was clear. Dodge the gloomy man’s first strike, then counter with an unstoppable blow.

Jog inched his right foot forward slightly. The air around the gloomy man grew colder, and Jog felt a sharp, tingling sensation on his neck. He grinned.

—You’re aiming for my neck, eh? Interesting. Try it if you can.

At that moment, Colin called out from a distance.

“Jog~! I heard Marshal Bard is staying at the castle today. When should we have dinner~?”

Jog took a breath and exhaled. The gloomy man resumed walking as if nothing had happened, passing by Jog and leaving. Colin approached and asked Jog.

“That was Karz just now, wasn’t it? Were you talking about something?”

“Yeah, I was just asking him a question.”

“Oh? What about?”

“About who’s stronger between Bard Rowen’s adopted son and Parzel Ward’s adopted son.”

7

That night’s dinner at the Toad residence included only Jog, Karz, and Colin. Since Bard wasn’t there, there were no guests. Though a foreign affairs minister from Gaineria had come to Parzam Kingdom with Jog, the minister and his small entourage were staying at the royal palace, so they weren’t here from the start. Kamler had begun another of his peculiar preparations. He lit a green flame stone in a large stone pot, placed a thick iron griddle on top, and without adding any oil, sprinkled sugar onto it and began stirring it with a spatula.

“Huh? Is today’s main dish a sugar dish? You’re dry-roasting sugar, but is that good?”

“Of course, it’s good-tasting sugar. However, this is just the preparation.”

“Oh?”

Seeing the right moment, Kamler took out a large plate from under the wagon. When he lifted the lid, there lay meat of a vibrant color. Jog’s eyes gleamed brightly. It was beef, thinly sliced. He spread these thin beef slices over caramelized sugar. A satisfying sizzling sound filled the air along with the aroma of cooking meat. A smile appeared on Jog’s face. He took a gulp of the red wine that had been poured earlier.

Kamler quickly flipped the meat, gave it a quick sear, and then sprinkled a dark sauce over it. A loud sizzling sound erupted, and immediately the area was filled with a savory aroma.

“Wow. That looks delicious. What kind of sauce is that?”

“It’s a grain sauce made from fermenting several types of beans, sir. It has no harshness or heaviness, so it won’t overwhelm the delicate flavor of the meat.”

“It smells wonderful.”

“You’re too kind.”

The dish was completed in no time. The cooked meat was divided into three portions and served to Jog, Karz, and Colin. Next to each plate of meat was a small deep dish containing a brownish sauce with a syrupy consistency.

“Please briefly dip it in the sauce before eating.”

Jog did as instructed. He picked up the meat with a four-pronged fork, quickly coated it in the sauce, and brought it to his mouth. His mouth was filled with sweetness, richness, smoothness, the substantial texture of the meat, and an indescribable flavor. While there was definitely the texture of meat when it first entered his mouth, as he tried to savor it, it melted away softly, sliding down his throat with a pleasant sense of satisfaction, slowly settling in his stomach. Jog couldn’t even remember if he had actually chewed the meat with his teeth. It was a sensual dish unlike anything he had experienced before. It settled in his stomach without any resistance, yet maintained the unmistakable presence of meat. The lingering aroma left him in a daze.

Before the afterglow could fade, the next serving of meat arrived. This time, he wrapped the meat around his fork, dipped it in the sauce, and brought it to his mouth. There was the texture of meat when he bit into it, but it melted away as if by magic. And leaving behind the memory of that strong, firm texture that only meat can provide, it disappeared down his throat.

“Damn, this is good…”

The food is truly amazing. Since coming to this mansion, he haven’t had a single disappointing dinner. When Shinkai’s army arrives, there will be a battle. After the battle, Jog will leave this mansion. Which means he’ll never get to eat this food again.

“Hey, Kamler.”

“Yes?”
“This mansion will be closed once Bard leaves, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“I heard that while other servants have found their next positions except for those retiring, you haven’t secured a place yet. Is that true?”

Jog always remembers people who give him food. Especially those who provide delicious food.

“Yes. There are… certain rumors about me among noble households…”

“Come work for me.”

“Pardon?”

“I have a mansion in Gaineria. Come there. And cook delicious meals for me every day.”

“Are you saying you would hire someone like me, General Jog?”

“I’ll give you half.”

“What?”

“W-wait, Jog!”

“I’ll give you half of my salary from the royal palace. So please come.”

Even the composed Kamler’s eyes widened in surprise at this offer. Jog Ward is the Grand General of Gaineria. Though the exact amount of his salary is unknown, it must be sufficient to maintain a lifestyle befitting his status as Grand General, covering social obligations and supporting hundreds of servants and soldiers with their living expenses and equipment. Half of that salary would be an astronomical sum.

The assembled servants couldn’t hide their astonishment. Only Karz Rowen remained unfazed, calmly eating his meat and drinking his wine.

“You can give me your answer later. Please think it over.”
“Y-yes. I am deeply grateful for such a generous offer from someone like myself. General Jog Ward, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

8

“Though it was surprising at first, thinking about it, it’s not a bad idea.”

“Not bad? It’s fantastic!”

“Being able to eat Kamler’s cooking forever? This is heaven.”

“Yeah.”

“Gaineria is known for bad food. This will probably become famous.”

“Famous?”

“People will talk about how General Jog has an incredible cook.”

“Who cares about other people?”

“You’ll have visitors flocking to your door once they hear the rumors. You’ve never been very social, Jog, but this might expand your social circle. People will bring gifts or show their appreciation afterward, so you’ll profit from it too.”

“I won’t call anyone. Kamler’s cooking is mine alone.”

“That’s not how it should work.”

“Besides, haven’t you heard that Kamler is disliked by the nobles? I have no intention of making Kamler follow their old-fashioned serving customs.”

“But everyone’s already used to Jog doing outrageous things. So nobody’s going to complain about how the food is served. And only Kamler’s incredible cooking will be talked about. If you’re going to establish yourself in Gaineria, it’s important to broaden your connections.”

“I won’t do anything that troublesome.”

“You won’t have to do anything, Jog. I’ll handle it. Besides, Marshal Bard will probably return to his wandering once the war is over. If he knows he can get Kamler’s cooking here, he might visit from time to time.”

Jog glared at Colin.

—That old geezer visiting occasionally, huh? With that gloomy fellow of his.

Jog thought that might not be so bad.

“Still, you’re always so sudden, Jog. You’re really unconventional. But you’re getting to that age now. You need to settle down a bit in Gaineria.”

“Shut up.”

Jog is now the Grand General of Gaineria. However, he has no desire to cling to this position and status. If he finds something else he wants to do, he intends to leave.

Jog Ward is like the wind. No, he’s like a storm. He will never stagnate.