Mastermind
Copyright© 2026 by FantasyTranslater
Chapter 12
A year is indeed a long time. It was enough time for Alon to officially undergo the succession ceremony and become the Count of Palatio, and it also allowed him to steadily become accustomed to the duties that a Count must manage. However, one year is by no means enough time for an ordinary person with no prior knowledge of swordsmanship to become a “Master Knight.”
“Evan.”
“Yes?”
“Master Knight ... that means Swordmaster, right?”
“Yes ... that’s correct.”
Swordmaster.
To Alon, who had read countless fantasy novels, the title seemed rather unimpressive. However, unlike other mass-produced fantasy settings where simply wielding an aura blade was enough to be considered a Swordmaster, Alon knew that the Swordmasters of this world operated on a completely different scale.
Information about the Swordmasters of Psychedelia flashed through Alon’s mind.
In this world, a Swordmaster wasn’t just someone who could wield an “aura blade.” A Swordmaster was a being who, beyond that, could unlock a unique ability called a “Derivative” and could leap over castle walls with a single bound. In other words, a Swordmaster in this world was more accurately described as a superhuman rather than just a swordsman who wielded an aura-clad blade.
“So, are you telling me that Deus has become one of those Swordmasters?”
“ ... Well, technically, he’s just on the verge of becoming one. While it’s true that he’s been recognized as a Master Knight, according to information from the guild, he hasn’t yet created a Derivative.”
“...? Then he’s not really a Master Knight, is he?”
“That might be due to the northern barbarians.”
“Ah.”
At Evan’s words, Alon immediately understood why Deus was recognized as a Master Knight.
“War?”
“Yes.”
Caliburn had been waging war against the northern barbarians for over ten years, and last year, they had lost one of their five Master Knights in the northern conflict. Remembering this, Alon nodded.
“They’re trying to quell anxiety while also proclaiming that they’re still strong.”
“There are probably a few other reasons as well, but that seems to be the main one.”
“So, Deus isn’t quite at the level of a Master Knight yet?”
“No, it’s just that he hasn’t unlocked his Derivative yet. But according to the Information Guild, he’s already considered to be at the level of a Master Knight. They say that even Fiola, the Fourth Sword and a Master Knight herself, was defeated by Deus in a duel.”
Hearing Evan’s words, Alon let out a small laugh and muttered to himself.
“ ... How old is the youngest Master Knight?”
“As far as I know, the youngest was 32 years old. Reinhardt, the First Sword of Caliburn, held the record. Or at least, he used to.”
“Was he the youngest?”
“Yes. Isn’t he quite famous?”
Alon nodded at Evan’s words. While he wasn’t particularly interested in fame, he knew that Reinhardt was an extraordinarily powerful individual. He remembered how Reinhardt always appeared during the third main episode of the game to temporarily assist the protagonist as an ally.
‘Didn’t he start wielding a sword at the age of five with incredible talent?’
Recalling the typical narration that would accompany Reinhardt’s entrance as a companion, Alon let out a laugh. It had taken Reinhardt over twenty years to reach the level of a Master Knight, despite his unbelievable talent and strength.
“ ... Becoming a Master Knight in just one year ... does that even make sense?”
“It’s absolutely unbelievable. Even those with talent take five years just to awaken mana, ten years to envelop their swords in it, and decades to create a Derivative. Yet Deus cleared the first two stages in just one year.”
As Evan spoke, clicking his tongue with a hint of envy, Alon found himself unconsciously rubbing his chin.
‘I knew he had talent, but I never imagined it would be to this extent ... Well, it’s a good thing.’
From Alon’s perspective, Deus’s success wasn’t something to mourn but to celebrate. The more successful Deus became, the more opportunities Alon would have to benefit from it in the future.
‘Opportunities ... I should be able to seize them, right?’
Alon glanced at the letters sitting on a desk in the corner of his office. The letters were from Yutia, who was in the Holy Kingdom of Rosario.
‘ ... Or maybe I won’t... ‘
The reason Alon had such a conflicted expression was that over the past year, he had only received letters from Yutia. It seemed that the five of them were still communicating with each other.
‘Well, I guess it can’t be helped since I’ve never met them in person. But still, I prepared personal gifts for each of them, so not getting even a word of thanks feels a bit too much, doesn’t it...?’
Though Alon’s expression remained neutral, there was a hint of frustration as he shook his head slightly. In truth, considering his original goal, Alon should have been grateful that the Five Sins hadn’t destroyed any kingdoms.
And so, with a slightly bitter expression, Alon thought to himself:
‘As long as they’re living well, that’s enough for me.’
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