Audience with the king

Valdel who had entered the room didn't know what to expect, and the first thing he saw was the man sitting on the throne made of stone in the end of the room. It was a man with an overwhelming presence, this was the same feeling Valdel gets when Ren starts getting serious. It was an unknown pressure that was neither mana nor killing intent, it was something else entirely.

The man sitting on the throne was a large man wearing full plated armor that covered his body, which was made of bulging muscles. On his head he wore a beautiful crown made of silver and gold. On his right side was a heavy looking sword that was twice the size of Valdel's Zweihander, and on the left was a staff that radiated holy brilliance. There was also a towering shield by his side.

Behind the throne was a coat of arms, that had a picture of a phoenix embracing a castle. Valdel who was looking around also noticed that there were people hiding on the roof and behind the walls. It was obvious that these were the other people Zwei was talking about.

Matthew who was walking in front knelt, seeing this Valdel did the same.

"I have brought him my King, as you have requested."

"Well done Matthew. We are pleased by your performance."

"I am honored to receive your praise my king."

"Young knight raise your head and tell this king who you are." Valdel who was kneeling with his head looking downward, raised his head. Valdel who was now in close proximity of the king, noticed that the king looked quite similar to Iselv. He was surprised by the similarity, but he couldn't dwell on his surprise and needed to respond immediately to not look rude.

"Your majesty I am Valdel a simple student in the knight academy of Grenton."

"Do not be so humble, it makes you look even more arrogant. We know that you are the youngest to ever receive the rank of master in swordsmanship. This achievement of yours greatly pleases us, for you and all the young ones are the future of the kingdom."

"Thank you for the compliment your majesty."

"Now that we are better acquainted, we wish to see the skill of the newly appointed master swordsman." The king stood up and Valdel who was kneeling saw how huge the king truly was. In his point of view it was like a mountain just stood up.

Matthew who was kneeling stood up as well, and made way for the king to walk in front of Valdel.

"Stand young knight and let this King take a good look at you." Following what the King said, Valdel stood up in an upright manner and looked at the king. Valdel was already pretty tall but the king was even taller, making Valdel need look up.

The king started to inspect Valdel and found the young knight to be better than expected. The muscles on Valdel's body said everything, they told the king that Valdlel didn't just get strong overnight. He was unlike all the other geniuses that he knew, who relied on their God-given talents to get by. They think that they're already the best and it was a matter of time before they became stronger than most. They with their talent never worked hard. Yet here in front of him was a true genius, not only was he talented but he worked harder than most.

The Warrior King of Reschbeauch Kingdom was happy to see such a fine young knight.

"Young Knight this King has a test for you. Are you willing to take this test?" Valdel didn't know what the King wanted, he wanted to refuse but he was unsure what would happen if he did so. KNowing this Valdel had no other choice but to do it.

"I am willing your majesty." Hearing Valdel's firm answer, greatly pleased the king. The resolve that the young knight shown in his eyes was exemplary.

"Do not fear young knight the test isn't anything difficult, and if you succeed I will reward you with something nice." The Warrior King smiled at Valdel and gestured Matthew to come to his side. Once Matthew was near enough the King ordered Matthew to bring two swords of identical size and make. They must be the heaviest swords that he could find. Hearing the King's order Matthew saluted and left the room.

"While we wait for Matthew to return, tell us young knight who taught you swordsmanship." Hearing the King's question made Valdel ponder a bit. Was it alright to tell the king about Ren? Well Ren never did say that he was against people knowing that he was Valdel's teacher, and the way he acted in academy in front of dozens of students indicated he didn't really care what anyone thought of him.

"The one who taught me was my childhood friend Ren."

"Childhood friend? Does that mean the one who taught you swordsmanship is the same age as you?"

"He is a year younger than me."

The King hearing Valdlel's response was surprised. He had imagined that the one who taught Valdlel was some sort of old master that was hiding away in his village, but it turns out it was a kid who taught Valdel swordsmanship and it was even a kid one younger than him.

"Is that friend of yours stronger than you?"

"He and I aren't even in the same level. He would always hold back when facing me." The King got a bit excited as he heard this. What kind of child could be so much stronger than Valdlel that he was even able to teach his friend that was older than him.

"We wish to see this friend of yours, where is he now?"

"I do not know, but he said that he would go Dungeon hunting."

"Dungeon Hunting, is your friend an adventurer?"

"Yes, he is your majesty."

"Oh, what rank is he at?"

"He just started and he is currently B ranked." When the king heard this answer he felt a bit disappointed. Though it was indeed impressive for someone as young as Ren to immediately jump to B rank, but that wasn't anything special. There were many geniuses that had done the same thing. This might be because Ren was only good in swordsmanship and had nothing else going for him. It was possible that Valdel had just exaggerated the skill of his friend.

It was entirely possible that Valdel had long surpassed Ren in strength, and Ren wasn't actually holding back, that's just what Valdel thought and he simply hasn't noticed that yet. Since a master ranked swordsman could easily reach A rank as an adventurer.

While the King was thinking, Matthew finally returned with the swords requested by the King. The two swords were quite heavy that Matthew was practically dragging them.

The king took one sword and asked Matthew to hand the other sword to Valdel. The King who held the heavy sword with only one hand, and swung it around as if it was light as a feather. Valdel on the other hand needed to use two hands to lift the weapon. That is if he didn't use [boost] and only used his bodily strength.

As Valdel was checking out the sword given to him, the king whispered something to Matthew who once again saluted and left the room.

"Now that the swords are here, are you ready to take the test?"

"I am ready, your majesty."

"Very well, the test is quite simple. You just need to survive three strikes from this king. Do not worry young knight I will not kill you. At most you would be knocked out." Even though the King said this with a smile on his face, Valdel felt the pressure emanating from the king doubled.