The courtyard buzzed with activity.
Knights moved in formation.
Servants rushed back and forth.
Weapons clinked.
Orders echoed.
Adrian stood at the edge, watching silently.
Yeah… this is definitely not office work anymore.
"First time seeing a proper deployment?"
A voice came from beside him.
Adrian turned.
Sir Kael Darius stood there, arms crossed.
"First time being part of one," Adrian replied.
Kael studied him for a moment.
"…You don't look nervous."
I am.
Adrian kept his expression calm.
"I don't see the point in showing it."
A pause.
[+2 Reputation: Composed Presence]
"…Good answer," Kael said.
Nearby—
Leonhardt Voss scoffed.
"Or maybe he just doesn't understand the situation."
Adrian didn't react.
Seraphina stood a short distance away, observing everything.
Her gaze briefly lingered on Adrian.
He's too calm…
Briefing Hall
Knights gathered around a large table.
A map was spread across it.
Count Rosenberg stood at the front.
"Bandits have occupied this forest route," he said.
"They've been intercepting trade caravans."
He pointed to a narrow pass.
"They use this terrain to ambush."
Leonhardt stepped forward confidently.
"Then we simply charge through and crush them."
Some knights nodded.
Adrian frowned slightly.
That sounds… dumb.
[Warning: Remaining silent may reduce Reputation]
"…Seriously?"
Kael glanced at him.
"…If you have something to say, speak."
All eyes turned.
Adrian sighed internally.
This system is going to get me killed.
He stepped forward.
"…Charging blindly is risky," he said calmly.
Leonhardt smirked.
"Oh? The expert speaks."
Adrian ignored him.
"They chose that location for a reason," he continued.
"Narrow terrain, limited visibility."
He pointed at the map.
"If we enter directly, we become the target."
Silence.
"So instead," Adrian said,
"send a smaller unit to draw them out."
Kael's eyes sharpened.
"Meanwhile, the main force circles around and blocks their escape."
A pause.
"Then they lose both advantage… and retreat."
The room fell quiet.
Seraphina watched him closely.
Clear. Simple. Effective.
"…Not bad," Kael muttered.
Leonhardt frowned.
"…Anyone could think of that."
"Yet you didn't," Kael replied flatly.
[+6 Reputation]
The Count looked at Adrian for a long moment.
"…You will join the forward unit."
"…Of course I will."
Wait, what?
[Quest Updated]
→ Participate in operation
→ Maintain composure
→ Survive
Survive is optional, apparently.
Forest Edge – Evening
The air grew heavy.
The trees thickened.
Shadows stretched long.
Adrian stood among a small group of knights.
Kael beside him.
"Stay close," Kael said.
"And don't do anything reckless."
"I was planning to hide behind you."
"…Not an option."
Of course it isn't.
The group moved quietly.
Step by step.
Then—
Rustle.
Kael's hand shot up.
"Stop."
Silence.
Then—
Arrows flew.
"Ambush!" a knight shouted.
Chaos erupted.
Adrian's heart raced.
Okay. This is bad. This is very bad.
A bandit rushed toward him.
Sword raised.
I'm not ready for this.
[Reputation Opportunity Detected]
→ Stand your ground
→ Reward: High
"…You've got to be kidding me."
Adrian grabbed his sword.
Clumsy.
Unfamiliar.
The bandit swung.
Adrian stepped back—
Barely dodging.
Think. Don't panic.
The bandit attacked again.
Fast.
Adrian's grip tightened.
Watch him…
Swing.
Step.
Pause.
There.
Adrian moved slightly to the side—
The blade missed him.
For a split second—
The bandit was open.
Adrian reacted.
Clang!
Their swords collided.
Awkward.
But enough.
Kael stepped in instantly—
Finishing the bandit.
"Stay focused!" Kael shouted.
Adrian exhaled sharply.
That was way too close.
[+5 Reputation: Did Not Panic]
[Skill Unlocked: Basic Footwork Lv.1]
Adrian blinked.
"…Oh."
A strange sense of balance filled his body.
His stance stabilized.
His breathing steadied.
This… actually helps.
"Behind you!" Kael shouted.
Another bandit lunged.
This time—
Adrian moved faster.
Cleaner.
Step.
Turn.
Avoid.
The attack missed.
Okay… this is different.
Adrian raised his sword again.
Not confident.
But not helpless either.
In the distance—
Seraphina watched from a higher position.
He's adapting… already?
The battle continued.
But Adrian no longer froze.
Step by step—
He adjusted.
Learned.
Survived.
As the last bandits retreated—
Adrian lowered his sword.
Breathing heavy.
"…I hate this system."