"Acheval-san!"
Shido heard a voice calling him so he turned around and saw that it was Climb jogging towards him with a happy expression. It's been a while since they saw each other so he felt excited seeing Shido again. Because of Princess Renner's plan to eradicate the Eight fingers, Climb also decided to participate and Princess Renner also agreed with his decision.
"Oh, Climb? You're also here." Shido said with a smile.
He held a favorable opinion of the young man. Climb possessed the traits and personality befitting a great knight, loyal, determined, and courageous. Unfortunately, his limited talent had hindered his growth, keeping him from reaching his full potential. Still, that never stopped him. His unwavering resolve to press forward and protect the one he cherished most earned Shido's respect.
The two stood at the site where adventurers, mercenaries, and others had gathered in preparation for the upcoming raid.
"Yes. Princess Renner agreed to let me participate," Climb said, straightening his back with a determined nod. He clenched his fists, silently vowing to prove his worth to the princess.
"Really?" Shido raised an eyebrow, a hint of suspicion flickering in his eyes. Knowing how peculiar Princess Renner's personality could be, he couldn't help but wonder if there was more to this. Most of her actions carried hidden meanings, and Climb's unexpected involvement might be another piece in her larger plan.
"Un! I won't let those evil people carry out their wicked plans," Climb said firmly after taking a deep breath. He understood just how dangerous the Eight Fingers were, and he knew he had to remain vigilant.
He glanced at Shido, who stood calmly without a trace of worry on his face. Climb let out a small sigh, a twinge of envy surfacing in his heart. Unlike him, Shido was strong, and a very strong individual at that. There was a quiet confidence about him that Climb admired.
"Well, alright then. Just be careful," Shido warned. "There are many members of that organization who are far stronger than you." Searᴄh the NovelZone.fun website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
Though he trusted that Climb wouldn't act recklessly, he still felt the need to caution him. His concern made Climb's chest feel a little lighter.
"Yes, I know," Climb replied with a serious nod, though he couldn't help but feel a warmth growing inside. Shido's words meant more to him than he let on. He had never really had someone he could call a friend, yet Shido treated him like one. And for Climb, that meant everything.
"Here."
After a moment of thought, Shido reached into his pocket and handed something to Climb.
"This is...?" Climb stared at the item in his hand, confused. He turned it over, trying to understand what it was and why Shido had given it to him.
"It's a protective amulet," Shido explained. "It can shield you from a lethal attack, once."
"What?!" Climb's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't expected Shido to entrust him with something so valuable. He believed Shido's words without question, but still, he couldn't understand why someone like him would be given such an important item.
"Take it," Shido said firmly, his tone serious. "If you want to increase your chances of returning to Princess Renner, you'll need it. You know how dangerous this mission is, right?"
Although Climb seemed to overestimate the value of the amulet, its actual effect was limited, it could protect him from a single lethal attack, but only from enemies of adamantite rank or below. After activating, the amulet would disintegrate, having fulfilled its purpose.
Shido, who had purchased it from the system shop for just 5,000 SP, didn't see it as a major loss. To him, its value wasn't in the cost, it was in giving someone like Climb a better chance at survival.
"..."
"Thank you, Acheval-san."
Climb took a deep breath and accepted the amulet with heartfelt gratitude. Bowing his head respectfully, he couldn't hide how touched he was, he hadn't expected Shido to treat him so kindly, let alone gift him something so precious.
"We're friends. You don't need to think much." Shido replied with a wave of his hand, a faint smile on his face. He found Climb's innocence both admirable and a little naïve.
Hearing Shido call him a friend, Climb smiled brightly and nodded. For the first time, he felt like he truly had someone he could call a friend.
"Hoh? So this is the one Princess Renner spoke of."
As Shido and Climb conversed, a tall and muscular man approached them with an amiable smile. Shido had sensed his presence long before he arrived but chose not to react. Instead, he waited patiently, letting the man come closer and speak first.
"Lord Stronoff!"Climb was startled by Gazef Stronoff's sudden appearance and immediately bowed his head in respect.
"Don't be so formal, Climb," Gazef said, placing a firm but friendly hand on his shoulder to stop him.
"Y-Yes," Climb replied, a bit flustered by the unexpected gesture, but he quickly straightened up. He shared a close bond with Gazef, having trained under him in the past. Their relationship resembled that of a mentor and his student, built on mutual respect.
Once Climb stopped bowing, Gazef gave a satisfied nod, then turned his attention to Shido who's expression didn't even change when he saw him and it made him curious since Shido was not affect by his presence as the Head Knight of this Kingdom.
It didn't displease him but it piqued his interest.
His sharp gaze assessed Shido from head to toe, and in an instant, he could tell, this wasn't just an ordinary adventurer. The young man was powerful. So powerful, in fact, that a small urge ran through Gazef's chest. If it weren't for the mission ahead, he might have challenged Shido to a duel on the spot.
"Who are you?" Shido said plainly.
"..."
Gazef and Climb were both taken aback by the blunt question. For a moment, neither of them spoke, then Gazef burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha! My bad. It was rude of me not to introduce myself," he said, clearly unbothered by Shido's directness. In fact, he found it refreshing. "I'm Gazef Stronoff, Head Warrior of the Re-Estize Kingdom. I believe this is our first time meeting, Acheval Dreissen."
"I see. Acheval Dreissen," Shido replied calmly. "...But, I didn't expect the Head Warrior to know my name."
Though Shido already knew who Gazef was, he chose to feign ignorance, playing his part. It was always better to let others reveal their intentions first.
"Well, Princess Renner tends to bring you up in our conversations," Gazef said with a casual smile. "So over time, I got to know your name."
"I see." Shido nodded, unsurprised. If Princess Renner was involved, it made sense.
"Lord Stronoff, are you also participating in this mission?" Climb interjected, curiosity in his voice.
"Yes," Gazef replied with a nod. "Princess Renner personally requested my involvement."
He then glanced toward the crowd gathering in the distance. "Anyway, we should head over. Looks like the mission is about to begin."
"Yeah." 2x
Both Shido and Climb nodded in agreement and followed Gazef as he made his way toward the growing group of adventurers and soldiers. Meanwhile while they are walking Shido's gaze was looking at the stats of Gazef Stronoff.
Name: Gazef Stronoff
Level: 29
Age: 36
Height: 170 cm
Class: Warrior
STR: C
VIT: D+++
AGI: D+
INT: E++
CHA: D
LUK: D++
Threat Level: D+++
Affiliation: Re-Estize Kingdom