All-Master Player Of The Academy [EN]: Chapter 37

19. What You Can Do – 1

Ise was momentarily embarrassed, then spoke in a cold tone.

“So, should I see this as a challenge to the Karza Marquisate [a territory ruled by a Marquis]?”

“I just needed a good sword. I’m a poor student who doesn’t receive support from his family.”

Knights had already positioned themselves around them.

Feeling the tense atmosphere, Wildy gripped her staff tightly.

She was prepared to use magic and escape with Ian if necessary.

‘Even for Ian, it would be too much.’

Ise was a renowned powerhouse on the continent, as Wildy knew.

He had even fought the leader of the Sword Flower Troop to a draw.

Even Ian would struggle against him, who led knights to climb the tower in the center of the Forgotten City.

Especially in this surrounded state.

So, while she nervously prepared her magic, Ise remained composed.

“You want good equipment? Then it would be better to join a proper knight order.”

“I suppose so.”

“The Karza Knights provide considerable support to their members.”

“What can you offer me?”

Ise smiled.

Pleased that Ian was showing interest, he lightly raised his hand.

A knight behind him respectfully presented some documents.

“This document details the benefits of joining. Take your time to read it.”

“Hmm… quite a lot.”

“If you wish, you can leave the academy right away. The Karza Knights don’t require an academy diploma for admission.”

Furthermore, the Karza Marquisate could provide education equivalent to the academy.

They could even provide support when you establish your own family later if you achieve great merit.

“I heard about you from my foolish nephew.”

He had sought out Acewyn after hearing the news and listened to the details.

About meeting a strongman named Ian and being thoroughly taught a lesson.

Nevertheless, Ise wanted to recruit Ian.

Whether it’s a black cat or a white cat, even one that scratches the owner’s family, it’s fine as long as it catches mice.

“Just scratching a foolish fellow who abandoned Karza’s teachings for the fantasy of another’s sword. If we were in the same group, I could laugh it off.”

“Are you saying you wouldn’t let it go otherwise?”

“Did you think so? A misunderstanding. I’m just telling you the easy way.”

Ian examined the documents.

Looking at them again, the conditions were definitely good.

“If you come to my side, I’ll make you a Master within three years.”

Not ‘might make,’ but ‘will make.’

Seeing his immense confidence, Ian took the documents.

“I’ll read them carefully.”

“Are you planning to make me wait?”

“The Heroic Festival has only just begun, hasn’t it? And… I think I’ll continue to receive offers like this.”

“How arrogant.”

“Aren’t strong people supposed to be arrogant?”

At Ian’s words, Ise let out a hollow laugh.

He never imagined a student would dare to say such a thing in front of him.

“Shall we test if that arrogance suits you?”

“Let’s.”

There was no reason not to accept the challenge.

As Ian reached for his sword hilt, a middle-aged man walked through the crowd.

“Oh, you were here? What’s everyone doing?”

The grinning middle-aged man looked around.

The knights of the Karza Knights, who knew who he was, were at a loss.

And Ise frowned as well.

“Killord. Don’t interfere.”

“I’m just here to meet my son’s friend.”

Then, a familiar face appeared behind him.

“Hey! Ian!”

It was Blench and Park Bare.

Blench, who had come forward ahead of Park Bare, pointed to the middle-aged man who had just intervened.

“This is my father. Say hello.”

“Hahaha. Killord Auden, nice to meet you all.”

Ian, looking back and forth between Blench and Killord, slightly bowed his head.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Ian Brandon. And please, speak comfortably.”

“Haha. Is that okay? Alright. Then I’ll gratefully accept your kindness.”

After greeting him, Killord glanced at Ise.

“It seems like you’ve given him the application and said everything you wanted to say, so why don’t you leave now? How long are you going to keep up the act?”

“……Hmph.”

He snorted and turned away.

As the Karza Knights all left, Killord twisted his lips and sneered.

“What an unlucky bastard.”

“Thank you for your help!”

Wildy was relieved.

If Killord hadn’t intervened, a big commotion would have occurred.

At her greeting, Killord smiled brightly.

“Oh, such a beautiful young lady. Blench, do you know her?”

“That’s Wildy.”

“Ah, I see. Nice to meet you, Lady Fredician.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Count Killord. I didn’t expect to meet you. Ah. And please, speak comfortably.”

Wildy smiled brightly and greeted him politely.

Killord grinned at her.

“Shall I? Haha. We’re using the Fredician County’s rock salt very well.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. It’s perfect for torture.”

Wildy was taken aback by what he said.

Who uses the finest rock salt for torture?

Killord smiled at her, who was feeling awkward, and turned his gaze to Ian.

“Since we’ve met like this, why don’t we have a meal together?”

“Is that okay, Ian?”

Blench was the first friend he had made since coming to Class B.

Even setting aside the issue of going to the Auden County after graduation, ignoring such a friendly invitation was not his style.

Therefore, after reporting his patrol, Ian went out to the village with Blench.

Killord, who had been waiting, nudged Blench when they came out.

“What about the others?”

“They said they’re studying for the written exam tomorrow.”

“Is that so? That’s too bad. I’ll be here throughout the Heroic Festival, so bring them anytime. More importantly, where’s the most expensive and delicious place in this village? I need to treat my son’s friend well.”

“Anything is fine with me.”

“Don’t hesitate. Just eat when an adult offers to pay. I have a lot of money.”

‘Kirke. Where’s the most expensive place?’

He was insistent on paying, so what could he say?

Ian shrugged and opened his mouth.

“Let’s go to Ruben’s Table.”

Even just looking at the interior, it seemed like a very expensive place.

As they entered the best seat in the restaurant, Killord sat down and said,

“I heard you’re very skilled.”

“You flatter me.”

“Flatter you? Your name is often mentioned in the letters Blench sends, and it seems like you two are close. Like real brothers.”

“It’s not that much.”

“Just say it is. Anyway, feel free to eat whatever you want.”

“I heard the turkey dishes are the best here.”

“Is that so? Waiter! Can we get some orders!”

He ordered turkey and other dishes as well.

Soon, delicious and expensive dishes piled up on the table.

Killord, who was slicing a thick steak, glanced at Ian.

Each cut, the way he used his fork, was quite refined.

Moreover, his entire movement was disciplined yet sharp, like a well-honed sword.

Perhaps even if he were to attack him suddenly, Ian would be able to block it.

‘He’s been properly trained.’

His body itself didn’t seem that great.

But the sense guiding it was extraordinary.

‘Did he really learn from the Sword Saint or the Forest Keeper? It can’t be the Emperor…….’

The Sword Saint and the Forest Keeper were famous for not taking disciples.

As such, if Ian was truly a disciple of one of them, this was no ordinary matter.

‘Is that why the Sword Flower Troop Leader is after him…….’

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Haha. Seeing a kid like you eat makes me feel good.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. And if it’s okay with you, why don’t we have a simple sparring match after the meal? I can teach you some good techniques.”

This was guidance from a Master.

He thought Ian wouldn’t refuse, so he spoke with familiarity, but Ian shook his head.

“I’m afraid I might offend you with my inadequate skills.”

At his answer, Killord looked at Blench.

“Hey. Isn’t he much more polite than you said?”

Blench was also taken aback by Ian’s attitude.

Ian was always reckless, blunt, and had a strong tendency to act out.

That’s why he had written in his letter to Killord to please understand that part.

But to see him so polite like this.

Ian smiled at him, who was flustered.

“What did you write about me to the Count?”

“N-nothing, just that you’re magnanimous? Hahaha. Friend, would I ever write bad things about you?”

“Let’s have a heart-to-heart talk later.”

As Ian flicked his fork, Blench whistled and pretended not to hear.

“Anyway, that was almost a disaster earlier. I didn’t expect Ise to move so quickly.”

“Is that so?”

“I’ll tell you one more thing. The Sword Flower Troop Leader is after you.”

Blench tightly closed his eyes.

He had a feeling this would happen after meeting the Sword Flower Troop swordsman last time, and now a scary burden had been placed on him.

“No, not just him. Keith Icewein, Keilo, Widron. Isaac, Edirne Villode…….”

The names of powerhouses known throughout the continent were being mentioned.

After mentioning them for a while, Killord smiled bitterly.

“All of them want you.”

“Doesn’t that include you, Count?”

“I just want to protect my son. If you’re my son’s friend, aren’t you like a son to me?”

“So, you’re the same as them.”

“Haha. Is that so? Anyway, I don’t know about the others, but I don’t know how the Troop Leader will come out. He’s also quite interested in you. Be careful for now.”

“I understand.”

“Not all the attention from many people is friendly. So, I’ll make a proposal.”

He erased his smile for the first time and spoke seriously.

“If you take the Auden name, no one will be able to touch you.”

Ian chewed and swallowed the turkey meat, then shook his head.

“I think it’s too early to decide on a place to settle.”

“Because of the academy classes? You can continue to attend if you want. I’ll pay for your tuition and living expenses.”

Blench had to attend more anyway.

He could just be close with his son, graduate, and come together.

“That guy said your family treats you like an outcast, right?”

Ian looked at Blench.

He whistled again and pretended not to hear.

“Thank you for your concern.”

He politely declined for now.

Killord, hearing his answer, felt bitter.

“Alright. I understand. If that’s what you want, I won’t push you any further. But remember that the doors of the Auden County are always open to you.”

And as promised, he didn’t make a single recruitment offer during the meal.

“Thank you for the meal.”

“Yes. Yes. Today was fun. Let’s meet again next time. And next time, you can call me Father instead of Count.”

Killord, with a playful smile, called Blench.

It seemed like the father and son, who hadn’t seen each other in a while, wanted to talk.

Ian, watching them leave, headed out to the street to return to the academy.

As he walked down the street and entered a deserted alley leading to the academy.

“Shaaaaa…….”

Kirke and Myane noticed the enemy and warned him.

Ian nodded, feeling the hostility in the alley, and continued walking.

As soon as all traces of people disappeared, those in the alley came out.

Looking at him with expressionless faces, they reached for their sword hilts.

“Ian Brandon. You’ll have to come with us.”

“What if I refuse?”

“Then we’ll enforce it!!”

As aura formed on the three swords, Ian drew his sword.

It was then.

A person wearing black light armor jumped down from the rooftop of the building.

He instantly killed the three men with a slash and slowly turned his head.

“Ian Brandon.”

The suddenly appearing man looked at the wary Myane and the indifferent Ian before turning away.

“I’ll be watching.”

With just those words, he jumped over the wall and disappeared.

Ian, glancing at it, ordered Kirke.

“He says he’ll be watching, so I should watch him too. Designate him as a tracking target.”