Published: March 21, 2026
A few hours after the idiots decided they were going to save this world, we gathered at the training grounds — not just the field, but a facility big enough to be an entire school — each of us armed with weapons suited to our professions. I made my presence known at a natural moment and joined the rear.
In one training ground there was swordsmanship, archery, spear techniques, magic, and even some training I couldn't identify. What is that… a morning star?
"Nice to meet you, heroes. My name is Saran Misurei. I am the knight commander of this country, its 'last stronghold.' Saying that about myself feels a bit embarrassing."
The pretty-faced man who introduced himself as the knight commander said that and gave a small smile. Is someone like this really okay as a knight commander?
Also, drop dead, handsome.
"Commander, if you act like that you'll be taken lightly!"
A serious-looking man, probably the Vice Captain, muttered from behind, perhaps reading my mind, but commander saran just kept smiling. Thinking of the kings' smiles, the captain seemed warmer. Probably these people are okay. But it's still better to stay on guard.
"It's fine, it's fine. Now then, heroes, in one month you'll be delving into a nearby labyrinth. For that, starting today you'll train every day at this time. …That is the king's order."
Commander saran, who had been smiling a moment ago, suddenly turned serious. We had only just met, but this person is really hard to read.
The air around us rippled.
Training, huh. I like doing things at my own pace. Alright, I'll slack off.
I glanced to the side and saw the heroes' faces twisted in fear. They must be scared now that real combat training was about to start. Wait, weren't you all supposed to be saving the world?
The commanders looked at those heroes and gave them exasperated expressions.
"O-one month?"
"Do you have any complaints?"
"Can we really get stronger in a month?"
"If, under our instruction, you don't get stronger, then the cause will be on your side," the commander declared smoothly. The clumsy hero scowled. Now that I think about it, this guy really hates being ridiculed by others.
"To be blunt, we of the knights order take pride in being this nation's 'last stronghold.' We can't afford to lose to children who come from a world without magic."
The commander smiled again with that unreadable expression, and the heroes and others got veins popping on their foreheads. They're taking the bait too easily.
My eyes met the commander's. As a retort, I smiled back. Regardless of these people, it pisses me off to be looked down on.
When it comes down to it, I'm the most childish.
Commander saran, having properly received my reply, widened his eyes slightly and then smiled gently. Damn it, don't let the handsome guy smile. Just that made the girls' gazes glued to him.
That was all commander saran had to say. Following the knights, the heroes began to spread out by the weapons they would handle.
Alright, I'll slack off.
Good luck, heroes. I'm going to the library for a bit. What, it's forbidden? I don't know anything about that.
After hearing yesterday's conversation, I feel like rebelling against every order from the kings.
April 30th — major correction.