===============Sword Saint Wilto's Perspective===============

Hello, I'm Wilto, commonly known as the Sword Saint. Today's duty was, as usual, guarding His Majesty during the council meeting. But an emergency struck. Demons surged from nowhere, attacking deep into the palace. Outside this room, it's probably already a battlefield flowing with rivers of blood.

[Your Majesty, stay seated and don't move. We'll handle this!]

In this situation, His Majesty taking no action is best. We have no clue what's happening out there.

BOOM!!!!

The window shattered open. The creature bursting in was a demon.

[Heh heh~~ What a rare chance, isn't it?]

Facing demons as opponents isn't everyday business.

Just then, several lower-level demons crawled in from outside.

[You protect the King! I'll take care of everything here!]

I ordered my subordinates, drew my longsword, and slashed at the charging demons.

One slash. Two slashes. Three slashes.

The demons rushing at me crumbled like paper under my blade. Such a letdown after all that anticipation.

But as I thought this, larger demons flew in through the window. They had bizarre forms—some even seemed to wield magic.

[Heh heh!! Mid-level demons teaming up now???]

The Empire truly pulled out all the stops this time!

[Bring it on!! I won't let you harm the King an inch!!!]

A demon casually hurled an ice spell. A black-aura-wreathed ice spear slammed toward me. I swung my sword sideways, splitting it in two. Then I charged beneath the demon and unleashed the martial skill [Cross Slash].

Horizontal and vertical cuts struck almost simultaneously. The demon split into four pieces before my eyes.

[Heh, mid-level demons are nothing special~]

[Captain! We can't hold here!]

Just as I felt smug, the King's guards cried for help.

[Coming right away!!]

I dashed toward the King. But a massive demon blocked my path.

[Move aside!!!!]

I slashed it down. It collapsed with a thud. Then another demon beside it cast a freezing spell, pinning my feet to the floor.

[Damn!!! You think this cheap trick can stop me!?]

All mid-level demons in the room surrounded me. At the King's position, only lower-level demons remained—but they were about to break through.

Trouble. I won't make it in time. I must activate my Battle Aura now to finish them.

As I gathered my Battle Aura, a crimson figure caught my eye. She wore red armor, moved like the wind, golden ponytail flowing as she danced through demons, still smiling. The moment I saw her—

I stiffened.

Like a crimson rose blooming in darkness. Every strike of hers hit the enemy's 'weak points'!! Every motion captivated me. Her spear-wielding figure standing tall among demons made my own blade stand firmer with vigor!!!

I want to!! I want to spar with her!!!! Not just martial arts!! All forty-six moves—I want to exchange every single one with her.

[You pests, all get out of my way!!!!]

I unleashed my charged Battle Aura. Bathed in its glow, one slash turned all mid-level demons before me into corpses.

I sheathed my Battle Aura and rushed straight to Miss Aerin.

[M-Miss Aerin!!! After the battle, could we find a quiet spot to discuss spear techniques!?]

[Huh????]

Aerin cut down a demon, then gave me a puzzled look. Had I startled her?

[Don't misunderstand! Just a simple meal out or something??]

[Are you asking me out???]

Aerin swung her spear at a demon, then stared at me confusedly.

[Yes!!]

[B-but…… I'm honored the legendary Sword Saint asked…… but……]

[??????]

I ignored the demons completely. I only wanted Miss Aerin's answer.

[But I already like someone.]

A faint blush colored Aerin's cheeks as she spoke.

[……………………………………]

My surge of vigor faded.

[I'm terribly sorry.]

[I-it's fine…… May I ask who it is??]

[Pupil……]

Aerin's voice was soft, but I heard it.

Why!! Why can't I match a Bronze Adventurer? What does he have that won my Aerin's heart?

[Um…… you've defeated all demons…… could you continue this talk later, privately??]

His Majesty stood before me, wearing a helpless expression.

[T-ten thousand apologies, Your Majesty!!! I lost myself for a moment!!!]

[It's fine~~ it's fine~~]

The King smiled and waved dismissively.

Just then—I saw it! Outside the window behind him, a black shadow shot skyward. Not a demon!! Absolutely not. I sensed its aura—that of a true powerhouse.

I rushed to the window. High in the air hung a knight in black armor edged with red, four dark wings spread behind him.

Unmistakable. The legendary dragon slayer—the Black Knight.