Chapter 42: Orders for Talyn

Harsen and the Knight Order entrance exam officials were engaged in conversation in the office.

They had been urgently summoned upon hearing the news that Evan had collapsed after taking the exam.

The officials were busy trying to piece together what had happened.

However, all the records from the magical devices had been wiped, making it impossible to know what had occurred in the field.

As a result, they were gathering testimonies from the instructors who had been on site, but these accounts were proving difficult to understand.

Harsen asked the head instructor.

“What do you think about this incident, Head Instructor?”

“I-I think there may have been someone among the participants who was hiding their true abilities.”

Glancing at Harsen nervously, he answered, sweat trickling down his face.

“Is there a reason you think that?”

“The magic field devices have continued to run tests since then, and no such abnormalities have been found so far.”

“I suppose that makes sense… But are you saying the Knight Order entrance examination was that poorly managed?”

Before taking the knight exam, all candidates must undergo a physical assessment.

From mana to overall abilities, everything is measured with precision.

If the results exceed the standard threshold, a background check is conducted, and if there are no issues, the candidate is given special treatment and allowed to take the exam.

It was a system meant to ensure both security and the acquisition of talent.

Harsen prided himself on the thoroughness of the security here.

But now, an unprecedented breach had occurred.

His pride was wounded.

“I-I’m sorry. I have no excuse.”

“Of course, there will be accountability for this incident. And improve security. How can the Knight Order be safe if it’s breached like this?”

“I will keep that in mind.”

“Thoroughly investigate all 100 successful candidates.”

“Understood.”

The head instructor, still wary of Harsen, hesitated and then cautiously asked, “But… what should we do about Young Master Evan?”

Among the 100 successful candidates, Evan was included.

Not only that, but he had taken first place, making his result the most unexpected of all.

After a brief moment of thought, Harsen replied, “The Count will handle that matter himself. Just focus on investigating the other successful candidates.”

The head instructor bowed and left immediately.

***

Evan had been bedridden for two days.

It was due to the aftereffects of the Mythic Power.

Even the slightest movement brought pain that felt like his whole body was being torn apart.

Evan slowly raised his upper body from the bed.

Though his body was still stiff, he had recovered enough to move.

‘I used the full strength of my previous world’s technique just once, and my body is in shambles.’

Evan got up completely and moved to change his clothes.

Knock knock.

At that moment, someone knocked on the door.

He didn’t even bother to ask who it was, knowing full well who it would be.

“Come in.”

Clack!

Alan and Reynold opened the door and came in.

“Young Master! Are you feeling better now?”

“Yeah, it’s nothing serious. More importantly, what about the results? I’ve just been lying here this whole time.”

“Ah! Just a moment….”

Alan finally pulled a scroll from inside his coat.

“Yesterday, Jelande the steward came by and delivered this. There will be a Knight Order induction ceremony at the First Training Hall today, and you are to attend.”

“Alright. Let’s go right away. Lead the way, Alan. And Reynold, you…”

Evan turned to Reynold.

“You’ve been training diligently, right?”

“Eh? Training, sir?”

Reynold looked confused at Evan’s sudden question.

“If you mean training, I’ve been practicing with Alan every day.”

“Good. Next time, you’ll be coming with me for the 9th Rank Promotion Exam. We’ll be training together from now on.”

Evan had passed the Knight Order entrance exam.

Once he received his 10th Rank Knight appointment, he would be the same rank as Reynold.

“From now on, we’ll be working together. Just keep that in mind. By the way, what usually happens after you pass?”

At that, Alan chimed in.

“That depends on the program. Usually, you apply for placement in the city where the Knight Order you want is located, but I think you’ll receive special instructions from above, Young Master. I saw Delian do the same.”

“Is that so? So, basically, my father will decide. Then, after becoming a 10th Rank Knight, can I take the next promotion exam right away?”

This was the most important part for Evan.

To earn Clyd’s recognition, he had to become a capable knight.

Ultimately, his goal was to reach 1st Rank as quickly as possible.

He would center all his plans around promotions.

Alan shook his head.

“Unfortunately, you can’t take the promotion exam immediately. You have to complete a certain number of missions at each rank first.”

In other words, you have to gain experience by carrying out missions as a knight.

‘So it might take a little more time.’

***

First Training Hall.

Here, the 100 successful candidates had gathered.

Each stood in neat rows, all eyes on the platform.

“Welcome, everyone. I’m Appels, the head instructor.”

Appels, who had the air of a friendly uncle, smiled brightly as he spoke.

In addition to him, five others who looked like instructors stood on either side, and further in, where it was hard to see, Harsen sat quietly.

He wasn’t officially observing.

He had come quietly because of Evan.

After Appels’ formal speech, he began calling names.

“As representatives of the successful candidates, the top three will receive appointment certificates and a brief commendation. Kalin, Badle, and…”

A strange silence hung in the air for a moment.

His expression changed briefly.

It was as if he couldn’t believe he was about to say Evan’s name out loud.

Appels cleared his throat and continued.

“Evan. To the platform.”

As Evan stepped onto the platform, Harsen watched him in silence.

He looked deeply troubled.

Of course, Evan knew exactly why.

‘It’s probably because I took first place.’

It was hard enough to believe that the notorious Young Master had passed, but to take first place was even more unbelievable.

‘It’s because they don’t know I defeated the Basilisk.’

While he was lying in bed, priests and Harsen had come directly to ask him all sorts of questions.

Evan had also asked a few questions himself.

And he had learned some things.

Shortly after the Basilisk appeared, the magic device malfunctioned.

The Basilisk’s level was far beyond what the device could handle.

Because of that, all recording stopped and they couldn’t see what happened from outside.

In any case, since the records of the successful candidates remained unchanged, there was nothing to worry about.

“Those of you who passed the exam with outstanding results will, from now on, lead the Knight Order to a bright future with your excellent skills…”

Appels recited at length, handing out appointment certificates and scrolls to each in turn.

When it was finally Evan’s turn, Appels’ face showed a complicated emotion.

Evan approached him calmly.

He accepted the appointment certificate and scroll, giving a short bow.

“Thank you.”

Appels stared blankly at Evan.

Evan looked back at him for a moment, then turned and stepped down from the platform.

With that, Appels and the high-ranking officials exited, and it seemed the ceremony was over.

But then an instructor remaining to tidy up the hall made an announcement that left everyone surprised.

“All successful candidates will undergo another physical examination and a renewed background check. After that, proceed according to the program you applied for.”

As the crowd began to murmur, the instructor continued.

“Cadets, please understand that there were some issues with this round.”

Evan could see right through their intentions.

‘Are they trying to find the culprit?’

It seemed they were trying to find the cause of the incident among the 100 candidates.

Of course, Evan had no interest in such bothersome matters.

“Alan, Reynold, let’s move quickly.”

There was no need for him to be examined again.

His records had already been transferred when he was at the Count’s family.

If there was any problem, Clyd would contact him.

***

After the re-examination, the successful candidates began following their respective programs.

Those taking the next exam continued their preparations.

Only Evan was now waiting at Central Command.

Unless Clyd issued instructions, Evan couldn’t make a move.

In the meantime, Evan examined the scroll he had received along with his appointment certificate.

“Iron Forge Pass?”

Evan muttered to himself, and Alan looked at him with envy.

“Why? Do you know what this is?”

“You don’t know about Iron Forge, Young Master?”

“How would I know?”

Alan, looking incredulous, turned to Reynold.

“Do you not know Iron Forge either?”

Reynold nodded as if it were obvious.

“No, I don’t know. What is it?”

Alan wore an expression of disbelief.

“…I never thought I’d have to explain Iron Forge.”

Muttering to himself, Alan shook his head.

“It’s the most renowned blacksmith in the kingdom. No, a master craftsman. Even the dwarves recognize Iron Forge’s equipment.”

Alan explained just how extraordinary the Iron Forge Pass Evan had received was.

“They mostly supply equipment to the royal family or distinguished guests, so it’s incredibly rare and nearly impossible to obtain.”

“Really? So that means I can get some good equipment.”

Evan’s eyes sparkled at Alan’s words.

Equipment from a top blacksmith in this world.

He was curious how it would compare to his previous world.

Alan continued, “Once you receive your placement, you should visit the forge before heading out. Fortunately, it’s in Banher Village, which is nearby.”

“Banher Village… that’s the blacksmith village, isn’t it?”

“Yes. It’s in the center of that village.”

Evan nodded.

“Banher Village…”

He had been planning to visit Banher Village anyway.

There were several things he needed to investigate for a quest.

He intended to stay there for a bit before departing, and now, the opportunity had presented itself.

Clack!

While waiting in the lounge, the door suddenly opened and Jelande entered.

“Young Master.”

Jelande’s expression was grim.

He looked uncomfortable, as if he found it hard to speak.

The scroll in his hand was sealed with the emblem of the Count’s family.

“An order has arrived from the Count. With your formal appointment as a 10th Rank Knight…”

He trailed off, then struggled to continue.

“You are to be assigned to the Knight Order in Talyn for the time being, and will carry out your duties there.”

“Talyn?”

A strange silence fell over the room.

Evan looked around at the unusually quiet atmosphere.

Alan’s face had hardened.

Even Reynold, who was always cheerful, looked serious this time.

“What’s wrong? Why are you all so serious?”

At Evan’s question, Alan answered in a daze.

“Talyn is on the border. It’s a dangerous region, with frequent spies from neighboring kingdoms and monster appearances. I heard it’s hard to control because there are dungeons forming all over the area.”

Reynold added to Alan’s explanation.

“I-I heard that too! When adventurers visit, they’re told to avoid that place at all costs.”

Jelande, listening to this, let out a deep sigh.

Delivering such news was never easy.

Anyone would have objections, and the one in front of him was none other than the Count’s own son.

‘I’m sure I’ll get a barrage of complaints.’

Jelande would have to bear all those complaints himself.

He hesitated, wondering how to persuade Evan.

Of course, despite the rough environment, the Knight Order there was highly skilled.

Since they fought almost every day, being from Talyn meant your abilities were well-respected.

The problem was that, because of those characteristics, the Knight Order there had a rough culture.

He worried whether this notorious Young Master could adapt to such a place.

While everyone was lost in concern, a smile spread across Evan’s lips.

“Is there anything else I need to know?”

Evan showed no particular reaction.

In fact, he looked a bit brighter than usual.

Jelande, surprised by this unexpected response, looked uncomfortable.

“No, well… Just bring this order to the Knight Captain there.”

Evan nodded, then immediately gave orders to Alan and Reynold.

“Alan, Reynold, let’s get ready to depart.”

Evan hurried to prepare for departure.

There were many things he needed to do in Banher Village, so he would be busy for a while.