Ch-11: Liam

Amidst the sprawling plain field which is outside the wilderness training site, a sense of purpose and vitality permeates the air. Just beyond the boundaries of the training site where the knight division students of the royal academy gather, a multitude of figures can be observed traversing the border with resolute strides wearing clothes that signify they are staff members of the academy

Transforming the once plain landscape, dozens of tents made out of white canvas were erected using a wooden pole as support. The camps stand as beacons of temporary refuge and preparation, their canvas walls billowing gently in the breeze

The rhythmic sound footsteps of men clad in knightly armor patrolling the area resonated across the plain field and a couple of them could be seen stationed near each tent

Some medics wearing white robes could be seen waiting for injured participants to arrive while some of them were already tending to the wounds of participants that had already returned from the wilderness

Wooden benches and tables were placed all around the field and some knights and participants could be seen laughing and drinking amongst themselves. The clinking of cups and mugs echoed as the weary souls quenched their thirst, sharing moments of mirth and revelry, momentarily setting aside the rigors of their knightly pursuits

At one of the tables, a group of young men gathered around, their attention fixed on a young man with a haughty expression.

"My Lord, your brilliance knows no bounds! What clever scheme you have concocted!" remarked one of the men, his long black hair falling over his shoulders.

"Hehe, naturally. I couldn't possibly allow that incompetent loser to inherit the county," chuckled a man with short black hair, a well-built physique, and striking features. His voice was low, carrying an air of confidence.

"Lord Liam, are you certain the bandits can be trusted? What if they betray us and expose your plan to kill your cousin Adam?" inquired another man with a tanned complexion, his concern evident.

"You do not have to worry about that, I have already made arrangements for it. As soon as the hired bandits return to their hideout, my father's personal knights will eliminate them without mercy who have been stationed there by my father," Liam replied, a sly smile dancing upon his lips. The revelation sent a shiver down his subordinates' spines.

"And what if your cousin manages to escape their clutches?" added another subordinate, voicing his doubts.

"Hmph, escape? Do you truly believe he stands a chance against a horde of bandits? He is weak and feeble," Liam scoffed with disdain, his contempt for Adam palpable.

"I hope they torment him before his demise. Just because he's the son of the count, why should he be granted the county? I am far superior to him in swordsmanship," Liam's voice dripped with bitterness as he recollected past grievances.

"Regardless, now that I have fulfilled my assignment, I can finally unite with my beloved fiancée," Liam mused, his voice tinged with desire and lust. Images of his fiancée's alluring figure and radiant beauty filled his mind, evoking envy from his companions.

Amongst the crowd, a group of senior knights huddled together, their expressions serious as they scanned through various papers.

"Has everyone returned?" inquired a middle-aged man donned in red knight armor, his gaze sweeping across the men dressed in standard metallic armor, engrossed in their readings.

"Sir Louis, everyone has returned except for the young student named Adam," reported one of the knights, his face etched with concern.

"Hmm, Adam... Isn't he Count Alvin's son?" queried the middle-aged knight.

"Indeed, Senior Knight Louis. He is the sole heir to the county," reminded one of the knights perusing the student records.

"It's a shame that his physical prowess doesn't match his exceptional swordsmanship. I remember witnessing his unparalleled skills firsthand. If only his body were stronger, he could have become the most formidable and renowned knight on the entire continent of Luxuria. The king might have even considered promoting him to a duke," Louis sighed, reminiscing about the young man brimming with talent. He held a favorable opinion of Adam, who possessed kindness and lacked the arrogance often associated with nobility.

"Hmph, what good is exceptional swordsmanship if one cannot fully unleash their potential?" sneered a knight, deriding Louis' praise. The remark drew frowns from the others present.

"Let's not forget, he will be your lord and the future ruler of the county," interjected a knight with short black hair.

"Hmph, we'll see about that. In my opinion, Young Master Liam is more deserving than Adam. Someone like Alex, who can't even defend himself properly, is hardly worthy," jeered Ben, a staunch supporter of Liam. His comment elicited a flush of anger in Alex, Adam's loyal knight and bodyguard.

"Heh, but legally, Liam won't be able to inherit the county," smirked Alex, regaining composure. Ben clenched his fists, seething with anger.

'Hmph, we'll see if he even manages to return alive,' thought Ben, an evil smile playing upon his lips.

"Sir Louis, perhaps it's time for us to depart. I'm sure he has been devoured by some wild beast due to his lack of strength," Ben provoked, his gaze fixed on Alex.

"You... you bas-" Alex was about to unleash a torrent of curses when both he and Ben fell silent, quelled by the authoritative voice of Louis.

"Enough... Are you disregarding my presence? We shall wait until sundown, and if he has not returned by then, we will depart and dispatch knights to investigate his whereabouts," Louis declared, his words commanding obedience. Both Ben and Alex could only remain silent.

'Did that bastard Liam and his father have something to do with this?' Alex's expression darkened as he noticed Ben's smirk

As the final rays of sunlight disappeared beyond the horizon, casting the world into twilight, the group of knights exchanged glances, preparing themselves to act upon their decision. The fading light left them with a sense of purpose, urging them to uncover the truth and bring resolution to their concerns

Alex's anxiety grew palpable, his mind filled with worry for Alex. Meanwhile, Ben wore a smug expression, his confidence seemingly fueled by the absence of Adam.

"Sir Louis, perhaps it's time we departed. Young Master Adam may have met an unfortunate fate," Ben snickered, relishing in the uncertainty. Alex's hands curled into fists, his frustration mounting.

"Ben, show some respect. Though he may not be present at the moment, my cousin Adam is still the future ruler of the county," Liam interjected, standing near and feigning support for Adam. His words caused Ben to bow apologetically, which fooled the others except for Louis

"Sir Louis, I understand the urgency to search for my dear cousin, and I share in the concern. However, we must also consider the well-being of the other students who yearn to be reunited with their families after enduring isolation for so long," Liam spoke, directing Louis' attention towards the restless students who had a look of impatience plastered on their face

With a heavy sigh, Louis was about to instruct everyone to prepare for departure when his words caught in his throat. A figure emerged from the distance, steadily approaching their location, and hope flickered within Louis' eyes.