A year was indeed a long time.
It was long enough for Alon to officially undergo the succession ceremony and become the Count of Palatio. It was enough for him to slowly grow accustomed to the responsibilities that came with the title.
But it wasn't nearly enough time…for an ordinary person with no prior knowledge of swordsmanshipto 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 felt underwhelming. But unlike other cliché settings where simply wielding an aura blade earned someone the title, the Swordmasters of Psychedelia were on an entirely different level.
Information from the original world surfaced in his memory.
A Swordmaster wasn't just someone who could wield aura. They could unlock a unique ability called a Derivative, and they possessed physical capabilities strong enough to leap over castle walls in a single bound.
They were not just swordsmen.They were superhuman.
"So… are you telling me Deus has become one of those Swordmasters?"
"…Technically, he's only on the verge of becoming one. He has been recognized as a Master Knight, but according to guild reports… he hasn't created his Derivative yet."
"…? Then he's not really a Master Knight, is he?"
"That might be because of the northern barbarians."
"Ah."
Alon understood immediately.
"War?"
"Yes."
Caliburn had been waging war with the northern barbarians for over a decade. And just last year, one of their five Master Knights had died on the battlefield. Remembering this, Alon nodded.
"They're trying to suppress public anxiety… and prove they still have strength."
"There may be other reasons too… but that's likely the main one."
"So, Deus isn't truly a Master Knight yet?"
"No. It's just the Derivative he's missing. But according to the Information Guild, he's already at that level. Even Fiola—the Fourth Sword—was defeated by Deus in a duel."
Alon let out a soft laugh.
"…How old was the youngest Master Knight again?"
"Thirty-two. Reinhardt, the First Sword of Caliburn."
"Thirty-two?"
"Yes. Isn't he quite famous?"
Alon nodded. Reinhardt—the overpowered NPC from the original story.He remembered the typical narration:
An unparalleled genius who began sword training at the age of five.
Even with monstrous talent, it had taken Reinhardt over twenty years to reach the rank of Master Knight.
"…Becoming a Master Knight in just one year… does that even make sense?"
"It's unbelievable. Even those with talent take five years just to awaken mana. Ten years to coat their swords with it. And decades to create a Derivative. But Deus cleared the first two steps in one year."
As Evan clicked his tongue in envy, Alon unconsciously rubbed his chin.
I knew he had talent… but that much?
Still, it was a good thing.
From Alon's perspective, Deus's success wasn't misfortune—it was opportunity. The stronger Deus became, the more Alon could benefit.
Opportunities… I'll be able to seize them… right?
His gaze drifted toward the letters piled neatly on his desk. Letters from Yutia, sent from the Holy Kingdom of Rosario.
…Or maybe not.
They communicated, yes—but only by letter. The five of them still exchanged words among themselves—but never with him.
I prepared personal gifts for each of them… but not even a word of thanks? Isn't that… a bit much?
Though his expression remained calm, slight frustration flickered beneath his eyes.
In truth, considering his original goal… he should have been grateful that the Five Sins hadn't destroyed any countries.
With a faint sigh, Alon muttered:
…As long as they're living well, that's enough for me.
Caliburn — Capital City of Kirdam
Southern Noble District
The southernmost part of the noble district housed mansions reserved only for the highest-ranking nobles of Caliburn.
One such mansion belonged to Deus Macallian, commander of the knight order Eclipse—and the youngest man ever to earn the title Master Knight.
"Whew—"
Inside an office more luxurious than he preferred, Deus exhaled while gazing out the window.
"Brother!"
A young girl waved from the garden with bright eyes—the same deep purple eyes as his.
Deus smiled.
As she resumed her walk, Deus found himself recalling the day everything changed—the day he received the gift from the Great Moon.
A year ago, Deus had already joined the Blue Moon. But unlike Yutia, he didn't offer blind devotion. Gratitude? Yes. Loyalty? No.
He stayed for two reasons:
To receive sword training from Yutia.
Because the Blue Moon promised vengeance against the Black Sheep.
His nights had been sleepless, his heart consumed by rage.
So when his mission suddenly changed—when he was told to go to Caliburn to receive a gift—he felt only confusion.
But at a small inn in the southern district…
He saw her.
His sister—who he believed long dead—alive and well.
"Ahem."
Even alone, Deus felt embarrassed recalling how he had burst into tears, embracing her on the spot.
She told him everything: how she'd been captured by the Black Sheep, nearly sold to a slaver—only to be saved by a swordsman named Evan, and sheltered by Count Palatio.
Deus asked just one thing:
How did the Great Moon know all this?
He had never told anyone—not even Yutia. His past was buried. But then her words echoed in his mind:
"He knows everything.""Soon, you'll understand why I follow Him."
Back then, he thought she was merely fanatic.
Now… it sounded like truth.
The Great Moon had saved his sister.And sheltered her—in his name.
Some debts could never be repaid.
No matter what happens… I will repay this.
And so, Deus became a knight of Caliburn.And ironically…
It came naturally to him.As if the sword was always meant to be in his hand.
"Commander, it's time."
"Right."
Deus stood and headed toward the training grounds.
The knights of Eclipse—clad in black iron armor—were assembled, ready to march to war against the northern barbarians.
He surveyed them. He knew… not all would return.
But he didn't flinch.
Eclipse must become stronger.Far stronger.
Because this was not merely a knight order.It was the foundation of the royal guard of the Great Moon.
Deus unsheathed his sword.And unlike other commanders—who would give speeches of courage and honor—
He simply spoke the motto of Eclipse.
"Prove yourselves—under the moon."
With that, the expedition began.Their blades raised high toward the sky.
The first step…toward becoming the greatest knight order in history.