The Empire’s Strongest Genius Knight, Aspiring to Be an Adventurer

After discussing together in the treehouse, we descended to the ground and headed toward the square, led by Eggreet. Neus and the other beastmen who had been present during the discussion scattered in different directions to inform the rest of the settlement about the chief’s duel.

“Franz, won’t doing something like this reveal your identity?”

Maria tugged on Franz’s sleeve and asked in a low voice.

“Yeah, I’m prepared to accept that. In order to foster future interactions, it’s not good to keep secrets, so I plan to reveal my position after the duel. Rather than hiding my identity just to enjoy an adventurer’s life, making the most of this opportunity is more important.”

“Is that so… If you say it’s fine, then I guess it’s okay. But why do you want to interact with the beastmen so much?”

Maria’s expression as she asked was serious. Seeing that, Franz turned his full gaze toward her and responded.

“I told Eggreet earlier—non-interference is not a good policy. Even a small trigger could lead to resentment and create deep grudges. Situations that could be avoided by understanding each other are often left unchecked due to ignorance. Especially since the beastmen live close enough for us to visit easily. The risk of leaving non-interference unaddressed is high, so I’ve been wanting to establish contact sooner.”

After hearing Franz’s words, Maria stared intently into his eyes for a moment before speaking softly.

“Do you feel no aversion toward other races?”

“Not at all. If we can communicate without issues, aren’t they practically the same as our own race?”

“Indeed… Now that you mention it, maybe you’re right.”

As Maria blinked and murmured, Franz glanced around and spoke.

“This is my first real opportunity to interact with beastmen, and it has only strengthened my resolve. Even looking at them now, they’re no different from humans.”

“You’re right… Those who look like Haniruka, with just animal ears, might even make some hairy humans seem more beast-like.”

Maria’s expression relaxed into a happy smile as she said this.

“That does make sense.”

“Hehe, yeah. Racial distinctions might be more ambiguous than we think.”

While the two were having this conversation, the group arrived at the central square of the settlement. It seemed duels were held here frequently, as the area resembled a small arena. Stair-like seating surrounded the square.

Already, other beastmen had begun gathering.

“Is it true that the chief is fighting a human?!”

“It’s true! Look over there!”

“Wow, there really is a human. They don’t seem that different from us.”

“Who among them will fight?”

“The one with the sword at their waist, obviously. That guy looks strong.”

“Isn’t the woman strong too?”

Amidst the whispers of the beastmen, Eggreet turned back to Franz with an amused grin.

“Is it okay to fight here?”

“I don’t mind. What are the rules?”

“Basically, anything goes except killing. We avoid inflicting injuries that can’t heal. That’s our rule.”

“I’m fine with that. So it means both swords and magic are allowed. From what I see, Eggreet isn’t carrying a weapon, and I assume beastmen don’t use magic. Are you sure?”

Eggreet didn’t lose his aggressive stance despite Franz’s consideration.

“Of course, it’s fine. Instead of weapons or magic, we’ve got sharp claws, fangs, and physical prowess. We won’t lose to weapons or magic.”

“I see. My apologies for asking such an inelegant question.”

“Don’t worry about it. Everyone else, take your seats around the arena! —Hey, you lot! I’m about to fight Franz here! Since we’ll be interacting with humans from now on, watch carefully how a human fights!”

When Eggreet shouted this, the gathered beastmen let out a collective cheer.

“Chief, don’t lose!”

“With Eggreet, there’s no way he’d lose!”

“True. Chief, remember, if you kill him, you’re disqualified!”

Hearing these calls, Eggreet gave a wry smile and looked toward Franz.

“Sorry about that. They’re still young and don’t know your strength yet.”

“No, it’s fine. It shows you’re respected and admired as a leader. A group with strong leadership is powerful.”

“Haha, thanks.”

After the crowd had gathered for more than ten minutes, Eggreet, who had been stretching, locked eyes with Franz.

“Well, shall we begin?”

With those words, the noisy square fell into an intense silence. The beastmen watching directed their serious gazes toward Eggreet and Franz.

Adel, Mira, and Maria also sat frozen, staring at the two with tension.

“Indeed. Let’s test each other.”

“Likewise. …Here I come!”

As soon as Eggreet shouted, he kicked off the hard, flat ground with such force that it sank slightly under his feet. With his sharp claws glinting, he charged straight at Franz.

Though his speed was nearly imperceptible to most, Franz effortlessly blocked the attack with his drawn sword.

A high-pitched *clang* echoed across the square.

“Hmm, you blocked it perfectly.”

“Of course. But it was heavier than I expected.”

“To think you’d underestimate me like that, how disappointing.”

Eggreet deflected Franz’s sword and aimed a roundhouse kick at Franz’s foot, which had shifted back slightly. The attack prioritized destabilizing Franz’s stance, but Franz evaded it with minimal movement and, like a dancer, smoothly swung his blade toward Eggreet.

As he closed in, Franz didn’t forget to fire an ice bullet from a blind spot.

“Wha—”

Eggreet parried Franz’s sword with his claws and barely dodged the ice bullet from the blind spot.

“Attacks can even come from places like that?”

Eggreet muttered, his expression breaking into his biggest smile yet.

“To dodge that was impressive.”

“Thanks. Is that kind of magic common?”

“Not at all. Casting spells far away and hitting a target is apparently very difficult. Not many could pull it off.”

As Franz explained, Maria called out from the viewing area.

“Not just difficult—it’s nearly impossible for anyone but Franz! To cast such advanced magic mid-fight is unbelievable!”

She stood up to shout loud enough for everyone to hear, then sat back down and mumbled the second half under her breath.

“Did you hear that?”

Eggreet glanced briefly at Maria and asked, while Franz also glanced at her before quickly returning his focus to Eggreet.

“It seems only I can do it.”

“Haha, Franz, it’s an honor to fight you!”

With those words, Eggreet leapt at Franz once again.

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How to Invest in Index Funds for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide

Investing can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. With so many options available, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. But there’s one investment strategy that stands out for its simplicity, low cost, and proven track record: index fund investing. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly way to grow your wealth over time, index funds are a great place to start.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about index funds—what they are, why they’re ideal for beginners, and how to get started. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to begin your investment journey.

What Are Index Funds?

An index fund is a type of mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Instead of trying to pick individual stocks, index funds aim to replicate the performance of the entire market or a specific sector.

For example, if you invest in an S&P 500 index fund, your money is spread across the 500 largest companies in the U.S. This means you’re not betting on a single stock but on the overall growth of the market.

Why Index Funds Are Perfect for Beginners

Index funds are often recommended for beginners because they offer several key advantages:

• Diversification: With one investment, you gain exposure to hundreds of companies, reducing the risk of losing money if one stock performs poorly.
• Low Costs: Index funds typically have lower fees than actively managed funds because they don’t require a team of analysts to pick stocks.
• Simplicity: You don’t need to be a stock market expert to invest in index funds. They’re a “set it and forget it” strategy that works well for long-term investors.
• Proven Performance: Over time, index funds have consistently outperformed many actively managed funds, making them a reliable choice for building wealth.

How to Start Investing in Index Funds: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps to begin investing in index funds.

Step 1: Choose a Brokerage Account

To invest in index funds, you’ll need a brokerage account. A brokerage is a platform that allows you to buy and sell investments. Some popular options for beginners include:

• Vanguard: Known for its low-cost index funds and user-friendly platform.
• Fidelity: Offers a wide range of index funds with no minimum investment requirements.
• Charles Schwab: Provides excellent customer service and a variety of investment options.

When choosing a brokerage, look for one with low fees, a good selection of index funds, and an easy-to-use interface.

Step 2: Select the Right Index Fund

Once you have a brokerage account, it’s time to choose an index fund. Here are a few popular options:

• S&P 500 Index Funds: Tracks the 500 largest U.S. companies. Great for broad market exposure.
• Total Stock Market Index Funds: Includes small, mid, and large-cap stocks for even more diversification.
• International Index Funds: Invests in companies outside the U.S., helping you diversify globally.

For beginners, an S&P 500 or total stock market index fund is often the best starting point.

Step 3: Make Your First Investment

After selecting your index fund, it’s time to invest. Decide how much you want to start with—many brokerages allow you to begin with as little as $100. You can also set up automatic contributions to invest a fixed amount each month, which is a great way to build wealth over time.

Benefits of Index Fund Investing

Index funds offer several benefits that make them an attractive option for both new and experienced investors:

• Lower Risk: By diversifying across many companies, you reduce the risk of losing money on a single stock.
• Tax Efficiency: Index funds tend to have lower turnover, meaning fewer taxable events compared to actively managed funds.
• Long-Term Growth: Historically, the stock market has returned about 7-10% annually over the long term, making index funds a solid choice for retirement or other long-term goals.

Risks to Consider

While index funds are generally considered low-risk compared to individual stocks, they’re not without their downsides:

• Market Volatility: Index funds follow the market, so if the market drops, so does your investment. However, history shows that markets recover over time.
• No Chance to Beat the Market: Since index funds track the market, you won’t outperform it. But for most investors, matching the market is a solid strategy.

Tips for Long-Term Success with Index Funds

To make the most of your index fund investments, keep these tips in mind:

• Stay Consistent: Invest regularly, even if it’s a small amount. This strategy, known as dollar-cost averaging, helps smooth out market fluctuations.
• Diversify: Consider adding international or bond index funds to your portfolio as you grow your investments.
• Avoid Panic Selling: Market dips are normal. Stay the course and avoid selling during downturns.

Real-Life Success Story: The Power of Index Funds

Take the story of Sarah, a 30-year-old teacher who started investing $200 a month in an S&P 500 index fund. Over 30 years, with an average annual return of 7%, her investment grew to over $240,000. This simple, consistent approach allowed her to build a substantial nest egg without needing to pick individual stocks or time the market.

Conclusion: Start Your Investment Journey Today

Index funds offer a simple, low-cost way to start investing and build long-term wealth. By following the steps outlined in this guide—choosing a brokerage, selecting the right fund, and investing consistently—you can take control of your financial future.

Ready to take the next step? Open a brokerage account today and make your first investment in an index fund. Your future self will thank you!