A Fist-Using Genius Mage - Episode 17 (14/201) Episode 17: The Black Knights (2)
The blue lion emblem on the armor.
Even the lowest-ranking guards exuded the aura of beasts, marking this as the Bahl family's domain.
The Bahl family was a household that all knights aspired to, alongside the Arahan family, forming the two pillars of the empire.
"Summon Torres."
"Yes!"
Fernando Bahl, the head of the family, frowned as he read a report. His son, Torres, entered, and Fernando's expression softened.
"You have a mission, Torres."
"Please tell me. I will risk my life to fulfill it."
Torres's bold demeanor pleased Fernando, who smiled warmly.
All noble families shared a common concern: the qualifications and abilities of their successors.
Since Torres, now 17, was growing faster than other knights, Fernando felt relieved.
"As the future head of the Bahl family, you must take on the family's responsibilities. A knight needs not only exceptional swordsmanship but also leadership to command a knightly order."
"I am always ready. Just give the order."
Fernando handed him a report. Torres knelt on one knee and received it with both hands.
His expression changed as he read the contents.
"Arahan is in the south? A member of a western noble family, a mage, evading Bahl's surveillance in the south? This is impossible."
"He has been in the Kerion Prison for years. He escaped."
"Kerion Prison...?"
"The report says Arahan killed the warden and several people in Mota City."
Torres couldn't believe it: Arahan was in the south, escaped from the notorious prison, and killed a 5-circle knight.
What was more astonishing was what made him dare to cause such chaos.
Even if he was Arahan, this was the south, Bahl's territory. Such actions were akin to declaring war.
"What is my mission? Should I find and kill Arahan?"
Fernando chuckled at the anger in Torres's voice, recognizing his son's willingness to go to war.
"This is a good opportunity for you. As the future head of the Bahl family, decide for yourself and protect the family's honor. I will take responsibility for any consequences."
"I will fulfill your orders, Father."
"I will support you with 50 knights. Go immediately."
Torres saluted, placing his right hand on his chest.
Fernando's eyes were filled with affection as he watched his son.
As Torres exited, the knights waiting outside saluted him.
Torres was now a 6-circle knight, but even at this level, he couldn't fully command the Bahl knightly order.
However, the knights treated him with respect not just because of his position but also because he was a highly respected knight.
Knights valued honor, and Torres had trained diligently, always being the first to arrive and the last to leave.
He treated his comrades like close friends and learned from them with humility.
His attitude toward his sword and his comrades, combined with his rapid growth, earned him the admiration of the Bahl knights.
"Torres, would you like to see the map?"
"Yes, thank you."
A knight unfolded a luxurious silk map, detailing the southern region.
Torres confirmed their destination and set his jaw.
"We will take the transfer gate to Tamaya."
"Preparing immediately!"
The knights moved without questioning his decision.
Their armor, reflecting the sunlight, shone blue as they marched in perfect formation.
"What are we doing? This is crazy!"
"Stop complaining and let's move. The sun will set soon."
"This is suicidal."
Liu grumbled as they walked, but he understood the situation.
Their destination was Tamaya, a small village on the southern front line.
The empire had a defensive line against monsters, and each family was responsible for a section.
The west was managed by the Arahan family, and the south by the Bahl family.
"Only I've walked the front lines on foot in imperial history... and now you too."
"This is the best option we have."
Tamaya was a small village but served as a forward base for troops on the southern front.
It was close to the front lines, and the smell of blood was always present due to occasional monster incursions.
The reason they were heading to Tamaya was because of the transfer gate, which was expensive even for nobles.
"You'll get eaten by monsters and realize how crazy this is."
"This isn't reckless; it's smart."
"If this is smart, I'd rather live stupidly."
"Let's camp here."
I set up camp in a suitable spot.
Liu complained but efficiently started a fire and handed me dried meat and water.
I knew his grumbling was a way to overcome fear.
"Let's eat a lot. We don't know when we'll die."
"You too."
It had been a week since we left Mota. We had three more days to reach Tamaya.
The road to the front lines was safe from bandits, which was another reason I chose Tamaya.
"Let's sleep. We have to wake up early tomorrow."
"My whole body aches."
I ignored Liu's complaints and lay down.
A week of camping had exhausted him. As a street kid, he wasn't used to sleeping outdoors.
"It's nothing compared to military life."
The fatigue was compounded by the constant fear of monster attacks, like being on active duty.
We couldn't even post guards since there were only two of us.
-Dudududu!
"Ah!"
Just as I was about to fall asleep, I felt a slight vibration in the ground.
At first, I thought it was nothing, but it grew stronger.
I quickly sat up.
"Liu! Someone's approaching!"
Liu reacted swiftly, extinguishing the fire and hiding our belongings.
We watched from behind a tree, looking in the direction of the noise.
"Could it be monsters?"
"Shh! Be quiet."
The sound was coming from the direction of Tamaya. While it could be monsters, it was unlikely since it would take dozens to cause such vibrations.
'What could it be?'
As we watched, horsemen appeared. The white horses shone in the dark.
If these were from the southern front, it could be Bahl's knights.
'Really? Bahl's knights?'
If they were indeed Bahl's knights, the situation was not good. Why would they be here instead of using the transfer gate?
The only logical reason was that they were returning from Tamaya.
'Let's hope they just pass by.'
There were about 50 of them, which was too many to be just passing through.
Bahl's knightly order granted qualifications starting from the 5-circle level, so this group was significant.
Avoiding detection was our only option.
"Everyone, halt!"
Damn it...
The knights wouldn't just pass by; the smell of smoke still lingered.
'Can't stay here. Liu, let's escape.'
'Umm...'
The white horses stopped, and the knights began searching.
"Campfire remains have been found! Let's search this area!"
Sshing! Sshing!
The sound of swords being drawn sent shivers down my spine.
Clearly, they were looking for us.
We tried to move quietly, but it was futile.
'If I use Electrification, we might escape.'
The power of thunder might work.
'But if I do...'
Liu whispered, his voice trembling.
"You can escape. Why don't you?"
"What about you?"
Liu's voice was shaking as he spoke.
"Don't worry about me. They're knights. They won't let you go, but maybe they'll spare me."
"I'm not going to betray my ally."
"But..."
"This isn't your fault or mine. It's because of the Black Knights."
The Black Knights were likely watching us, but I couldn't be sure.
If they were, they would be nearby, especially since they were tasked with observing me.
'Umm...'
On one hand, it was plausible that the Black Knights were nearby. However, intervening would mean war, especially since I was once a discarded member of the family.
'Let's confirm.'
'How?'
The knights were closing in, and our speed was significantly slower.
It was only a matter of time before we were caught.
If we were going to be caught anyway, it was better to take a more proactive approach.
"I'll try to communicate with them."
I stood up and shouted loudly.
"We're looking for you! I'm Zed Arahan. I want to speak with your leader!"
-Tat!
In that moment, the knights rushed toward me faster than I expected.
They didn't even listen; they drew their swords and charged.
"Damn it!"
I barely dodged, but one knight was incredibly fast.
"Ugh!"
Before I could react, his face was right in front of me.
"?! Ah!"
A magical circle formed between us, but I couldn't understand what it was.
-Whoosh!
The situation was beyond my control.