Chapter 2

Whew, I slept well.

The mock battles are continuous one-on-one matches. Multiple instructors act as referees, and the losers are eliminated. After that, it’s all about basic training.

If you want to become stronger, winning is the key.

Those who lose must reflect on their defeat and engage in fundamental practice. The instructors are limited, and their role is to nurture the strong. They don’t have the luxury to focus on those who were defeated early on.

So, I promptly withdrew and leaned against the wall, taking a nap.

It’s an easy class.

This academy aims to cultivate healthy students to protect the three kingdoms. They don’t force awareness upon the unaware. Thanks to that, I can sleep soundly.

Afternoon classes end, and the students head back from the academy.

Grasrain Academy is a massive institution situated atop a small hill. Originally a castle, it expanded to become an academy.

Descending the hill leads to a city named “Undertale.”

Initially, it was a small town, but when Grasrain Academy was established, numerous merchants flocked to Undertale. Now it’s one of the largest cities in the Grand Duchy.

After class, students split into two groups: those returning to the dormitories and those heading to Undertale. My sister, Rena, mentioned she’d be shopping there.

In other words, I have some free time.

Hurrying back to my room, I take out a small humanoid paper.

With magic infused into it, an identical clone of me materializes.

“Shikigami Art.”

An ancient Eastern magic.

It doesn’t perfectly replicate my abilities—more like a decoy—but it consumes a lot of magical energy.

Still, it’s an excellent spell for me.

Since it can act autonomously, I can effectively play three roles at once.

“Rest,” I command the shikigami.

Giving instructions to the shikigami, I immediately teleport.

I find myself in the Sword Kingdom of Albios.

■■■

The Kingdom of Albios reveres martial prowess and stands as a robust nation.

Known across the continent as the land of swordsmen, it’s said that anyone aspiring to be the best should aim to become the “Sword Saint” of this country.

The current Sword Saint of Albios is named Cloud. He appeared suddenly two years ago—a wandering swordsman with snow-white hair and crimson eyes.

Upon teleporting to Cloud’s hideout in Albios, I dispel the shikigami doppelganger disguised as Cloud.

As I do, the shikigami’s memories flow into my own consciousness.

When a call to action arrives, I’ll shift and rush to the battlefield. However, for everyday matters, I leave it to the shikigami. With skilled shikigami magic, the doppelgänger can function independently.

Upon reuniting, we share memories. This allows me to effectively play three roles at once.

Yet, the shared memories are mostly inconsequential.

Only a select few know about this hideout. And those few think that Sword Saint Cloud is just traveling at his leisure.

So hardly anyone comes to visit.

A swordsman who travels freely around the kingdom and only joins the battlefield when needed. A man as free as the flowing clouds in the sky. That’s Sword Saint Cloud.

I change my appearance with illusion magic, donning a white long coat.

I strap two beloved swords to my waist and wear slightly thick-soled boots.

While I can change my appearance, altering my physique entirely would be inconvenient for combat. Thus, my body shape remains similar to Roy Luvell’s.

However, if our physiques were identical, it might raise suspicions. Hence, I’ve subtly modified the boots.

With unwavering determination, I head toward the capital.

Given the large-scale invasion faced by the Lutetia Empire, the castle is likely in disarray.

By showing the face of the Sword Saint, the king hopes to bring some calm. That’s why he summoned me.

With a Sword Saint in Albios, they feel confident even in the face of a similar invasion.

Of course, the elite Seven celestial Swordsmen are present, but Sword Saint Cloud’s strength surpasses them all.

Like the Lutetia Empire’s Grand Sage, he’s a solitary defender of the realm. That’s what it means to be a Sword Saint.

And so, I arrive at the heart of Albios—the ivory-white royal castle in the capital city of Ars.

The bustling knights and ministers in the castle recognize my presence and stop.

“Sword Saint Cloud…”

“The Sword Saint has graced us with his presence!”

“Yes! We have the First Seat of the Seven celestial Swordsmen, the Sword Saint!”

The faces of the castle inhabitants, tinged with a hint of desperation, brighten up. The Sword Saint’s significance is immense.

Feeling this, I head toward the throne room.

Upon opening the door, I find the king and his ministers discussing strategies.

“The Imperial forces, having failed in their invasion of Lutetia, will now target our kingdom!”

“Given the historical pattern, that seems likely! We should reinforce our border defenses!”

“Exactly! Your Majesty, we must act immediately…”

Immediate action is necessary. The ministers fall silent as I enter the throne room.

King Albert Van Albios, who had been quietly listening to the ministers, speaks up.

“What do you think, White Sword Saint… Cloud?”

“I don’t concern myself with politics. However, I can assure you that if it’s a force of around a hundred thousand, we can repel them repeatedly, Your Majesty.”

Unlike Cloud’s snow-white hair, King Albert boasts glossy silver hair and purple eyes—distinctive features of the Albios royal family. Unusually for a descendant of the first Sword Saint, he isn’t a warrior renowned for valor. Instead, he’s one of the most moderate rulers in their lineage.

It’s precisely because of this king that the long-standing alliance with the neighboring Lutetia Empire was forged.

“Yes, that’s right. We won’t reinforce the border forces. That’s final. Dismissed.”

“But, Your Majesty!”

“I won’t entertain further debate.”

With a decisive tone, King Albert dismisses the ministers, leaving only the two of us.

“Relying solely on the Sword Saint’s power is dangerous. We should strengthen our military. It may sound reasonable, but I see through their intentions. A fortified army, supposedly for defense, would inevitably become an invading force once you repel the Imperial troops. They’re the ones who overestimate the Sword Saint’s abilities the most.”

“Merely repelling them won’t yield any benefits, after all.”

For a while, the Three Kingdoms Alliance was at a disadvantage.

Albios, in particular, suffered significant territorial losses.

However, two years ago, we turned the tide and pushed the Imperial forces back to their original borders.

In other words, the counteroffensive began when I became the Sword Saint.

But…

“Although your power helped us reclaim our territories, our national strength hasn’t fully recovered. Now is the time to build up our strength. We don’t have the luxury to launch an offensive against the Empire.”

“So, you’re saying unnecessary military reinforcement is out of the question?”

Albert nods in response to my words.

If all we need to do is defend, our current setup is fine.

If we were to bolster our military, it would be because we want to focus our efforts elsewhere.

However…

“Their argument likely centers around the idea that we should reclaim what we lost,” I continue. “While we might be able to take back some territory from the Empire, we lack the strength to hold it all. Excessive greed can lead to our downfall. Sometimes, losing more than we gain is the wiser path. Besides… I don’t desire war.”

“I agree, but as long as the Empire remains motivated, we won’t find peace. War isn’t over until they give up.”

“That’s true… It would be good if they gave up sooner.”

“It’s unlikely unless there’s a change in the Emperor.”

Albert sighs. The Emperor is not much older than him. He ascended to the throne at a young age and has devoted everything to the invasion.

He’s still energetic.

It’s hard to imagine him willingly passing the throne to someone else, and assassination seems like the only alternative.

However, the Emperor surrounds himself with powerful individuals who rarely leave his side. Even assassination would be difficult. Even for me.

“I’ve heard that discontent is growing within the Empire. Let’s hope those dissatisfied individuals can make a difference. Thank you for coming. Are you setting off on another journey?”

“That’s the plan.”

“Would it be futile to ask about your destination?”

“Keeping our allies in the dark means our enemies won’t know either. It makes it harder for them to attack.”

“An effective strategy for safeguarding the nation. Well then, pay a visit to Louise. She’s been eager to see you.”

“Understood.”

■■■

In a chamber within the royal castle:

Only accessible to royalty, I stepped into the room. There, a silver-haired girl swung her sword with unwavering focus. She appeared to be around ten years old, her shining silver hair pulled into a side ponytail. When her purple eyes caught sight of me, they brightened.

“Cloud!!”

“Hey, Louise.”

Putting down her sword, the girl—Louise, the second princess of the Albios Kingdom—rushed over. Although she would likely grow into a striking beauty in another five years, for now, she remained an innocent child. She clung to my waist, her face beaming.

“Welcome back!”

“I’m home, Louise.”

As I guided her to a nearby desk, we both sat on separate chairs. However, Louise seemed dissatisfied and promptly leaped onto my lap.

“Be careful!”

“No worries! The White Sword Saint, revered as Albios Kingdom’s guardian, won’t let me fall!”

“Really…”

I first met Louise when I had just become the Sword Saint. Her father, the king, was busy, and her mother had already passed away. Seeing her swinging her sword alone, I approached her. Initially, I didn’t realize she was a princess. Later, when I found out, I decided to maintain my casual tone rather than adjusting my speech. Louise preferred it that way, and as the Sword Saint, I could afford some impoliteness, even if nobles and knights disapproved.

Occasionally, I visited her, practicing swordsmanship or playing games together.

“Now, how long will you be here this time?”

“Unfortunately, not for long.”

“Aww… Won’t you play with me?”

“Sorry.”

Louise pouted when I apologized, but her expression softened when I ran my hand through her hair.

“Hey, Cloud.”

“Yes?”

“When will the war end? Father seems busy, and my sister is at the front lines…”

“Hmm, realistically, it’ll probably end when there’s a change in the Emperor.”

“So, if Cloud goes to the Empire and defeats the Emperor, it’ll end?”

A pure question.

To which I shook my head.

“It might end, but I can’t do that.”

“Why? Isn’t it easy for Cloud?”

“The Emperor has five ‘Guardians’ around him. Their power is tremendous. Each one is comparable to me, you could say.”

“Such strong people exist in the Empire too!?”

“The Empire has abundant talent. As long as they’re around the Emperor, assassination is impossible. It doesn’t matter who tries.”

That’s right.

That’s why endurance is our only option.

We must endure until the Emperor grows impatient and sends his Guardians to the front lines.

Doing so would thin out the Emperor’s inner circle.

There’s a limit to the number of Guardians. If we keep defeating them on the front lines, their ranks will diminish, and eventually, an opportunity may arise. The Empire’s rapid expansion has brought many nations under its control, and rebellions are likely.

But it feels like an endless struggle.

However, the Three Kingdoms Alliance has no other winning strategy as long as the current Emperor remains in power.

Well, I have no intention of playing along. I’ll continue as the Sword Saint and Grand Sage for a few more years, but once we find a successor, I’ll retire.

There’s something more important to me than protecting the three kingdoms.

Well, that’s assuming we find a successor, of course.