In the dead of winter in Polka, where snowflakes dance through the air.
Besides those who come to take medicinal baths for their ailments, many swordsmen now use this place as a training ground.
Most are from the Diane Special Forces and their associates, but inspired by them, elves with warrior tendencies can also be seen conducting their own special training along the forest’s edge.

Even so, on days when heavy snow falls, there is no one out in the open. While it may not be a time for farming or reading books like during rain, staying indoors and indulging in literature at an inn's dining room could have its merits.

"Captain Aurora, what are you reading?"

"Tetheus-san, can you read too?"

Aurora showed them a book with the title "Celesta’s East-West Heroes’ Chronicles – Issue 22."

“Heroes’ Chronicles...?”

“It’s a catalog of famous warriors centered around Celesta’s military, claiming to be the latest definitive edition,” she said.

"I see, so the term 'comprehensive' means..."

"It's still just a private book after all. It has its inaccuracies and omissions... Well, since even Ace Knights like myself have trouble keeping up with achievements, I suppose it can be praised for being well-researched without touching on military secrets. If you're looking at the general evaluations of active warriors in Master Knight or equivalent classes, this book pretty much covers everything."

"Oh yeah? So Aurora Ten Captain is aiming to get listed there too?"

"Hehe. That's not entirely untrue," Aurora said with a smile as she opened up another pile of books on the table.

The titles ranged from "Sword Saint Legend: King Yulius III Edition 39" and "Continental Knights Complete Guide, Volume 7."

"Huh. You've got quite a collection there."

"I've been reading these since I was a child, so whenever I visit big cities and see bookstores, I can't help but buy them... There are articles about my brother and Anzeross too," Aurora said.

"Oh, I'd like to take a look. I mean, I do have access to the Royal Information Bureau of Renfangas, so I know some personal information, but not detailed evaluations."

Aurora flipped through one of her books as Tettes opened it up eagerly.

──The noble of the forest domain, Vacuum Blade! There is nothing he cannot sever!

General Lucas (32)
Master Knight / Celesta Southern Army Division
• Power
★★★★★
• Speed
★★★★★★★
• Technique
★★★★★★★★
• Overall Evaluation

☆☆☆☆☆☆★

The eldest son of the colony leader in South-Eastern Forest Territory, hailed as a genius and master swordsman. His true strength remains unknown, and there are those who claim that this article underestimates him. It is said that when he swings his sword, even massive trees twenty steps away fall with a loud crash. The originality of his technique means that some aspects of his skill cannot be measured by conventional ratings.

What’s more, his strength is matched only by his looks and graceful demeanor, making him the epitome of what one would expect from an aristocrat. However, it should also be noted that he has recently faced some minor troubles after being audited by a spy unit under unclear pretenses and was ordered to observe probation.

──Here stands the orthodox Trot-trained “Wind-Slicing Sword”!──

“Wind-Slicing Sword” Anzerros (age unknown)
Ten-man leader / Ace Knight, Celesta Special Forces
・Power

☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed
☆☆☆
・Technique
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Overall Evaluation
☆☆☆☆☆

Until recently, he was famous as the bodyguard of Basson’s elite unit that guards the Trot border, “The Crossbow Squad.”
A half-elf boy swordsman with a physique that belies his massive armor and a short sword capable of felling an ogre in one blow.
Despite his beautiful appearance, his skills and strength are formidable, making him a prime example of someone who would suffer for underestimating him based on looks.

Recent investigations have also hinted at a female candidate, but details remain unclear due to her transfer into the Special Forces.

"Hey, isn't Captain Anzeross pretty fast? She's only ☆three in Celesta?"

"That's not entirely accurate. We haven't updated our information since last year when she lost her armor and switched sides. If we did, I'd say she's at least ☆six... no, make that seven."

"Right? Good thing. Otherwise, even Al-chan would be around ☆five."

"The article on the 'Dance Spear' should be in your 'Compendium of Continental Knights.' The information is outdated, but the evaluation criteria are pretty much the same."

──One of the candidates for the fastest knight in Afflime Empire──

"Dance Spear" Almeida
Elf Paladin.
Currently a member of the Folklore Adventurers Guild.
Once one of the most renowned Paladins in the Afflime Empire, she is now somehow disconnected from it. She's currently staying in the second largest city of Trot Kingdom, Folklore.

She possesses balanced combat skills at a high level, but above all else, her speed surpasses even that of the fastest beasts, and despite the spear not being inherently superior in terms of attack numbers, she overwhelms defenses with an incredible display of movement. Her fighting style is almost like a well-rehearsed dance.

・Attack Power
☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Special Skills
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Overall Strength
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆★

「...This one's a bit stiff, isn't it?」

"That's probably because 'Celesta East-West Heroes' has a lot of gossip elements. It does feel rather lowbrow at times."

"True, but still, Al is highly regarded in that book."

According to the book, Almeida’s evaluation rivals even that of Master Knights. Though it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison, he’s rated higher than Lucas.

Tetes nods in satisfaction, but there stands Almeida himself.

"That book... They’re overrating me."

"Al..."

"I’m certainly confident I can outrun anyone, but the evaluators are a bit too impressed with that. Look, if they used their criteria as a standard, it would make me the strongest knight of Affilm."

"Oh yeah... There’s no one in Affilm rated higher than Al."

"In reality, when I fought against the lords, I lost more often than not. Speed alone isn’t enough to win against everyone."

「I see...”

“Actually, I’m surprised that you’ve won nearly half of your matches.”

“I have received the Lord’s recommendation several times before.”

Almeida sounded a bit disgruntled.

“In our country, it is not battles or exams but a selection committee composed of generals from each principality that decides on the appointments of Paladins and Lords. Depending on the political climate within the Empire, one might be recommended multiple times without ever being appointed, or someone with insufficient strength could still receive an appointment.”

“So you’re saying Almeida-san could have been a Lord?”

“I don’t know if I’ll become a Master Knight or Black Arm, but at least in Affilm, I was on that level. Besides, the fact that I managed to defeat this Lord doesn’t necessarily mean he was strong.”

“Still, there’s also a slight possibility that Red Arms aren’t particularly strong either.”

Red Arms, who are regular knights of Renfangas, receive their appointments based on the number of battle honors they have earned.

Most of them are seasoned veterans worthy of their accolades, but there are some honors with equivalent value and it isn’t impossible to get appointed without ever having come into contact with monsters.

However, it takes a terrifyingly long time until the official appointment.

"Well, after all, this is an article written by someone who heard about it from another country. Besides, I'm already a knight of Renfangas..."

"Al-chan, the publication date of this book was two years ago."

"...I-I guess there's nothing to be done about that then?"

Since Almeida had only come to Renfangas last year, it made sense for the information in the book to be outdated.

"In any case, 'The East-West Heroes' Annals of Celesta' is the only one published annually among these books. Especially 'The Complete Guide to Continental Knights,' which follows famous knights across the continent; there are often gaps of four or five years between publications. Even if information travels faster nowadays, it's still difficult to gather high-quality data on such a wide scale."

"Wow wow. But I'd like to become a knight who gets featured in the next edition too!"

Tetes said matter-of-factly.

However... If even just the fact that she was Alex Buster’s sister became known, she would be included without much trouble. After all, it wasn’t as if they only covered particularly strong knights; there were plenty of famous ones as well.

...But Aurora decided to keep this information to herself.

"However, the detail of 'The Sword Saint Chronicles' is amazing... They really let me do such thorough research."

Almeida sighed as she looked at "The Sword Saint Chronicles".

"That's probably because the editor belongs to the Royal Capital University’s Military History Club,"

"University club? You mean they made a book like this from there?"

She closed the book and examined its binding carefully. The leather cover was of such high quality that it didn’t look amateurish at all.

"It seems it started as scrolls. Later, due to Lord Crawford's intention to boost morale by widely publishing them, it took on its current form, and now the Crawford family continues to fund its publication,"

"Well, if college students are doing the research, even a legendary sword saint can’t just ignore them, so naturally the book would be well-made. But I’m surprised they’ve been able to continue after the Celesta War."

"Celesta didn't intend to destroy or dismantle the Sword Saint either. They still find it useful as a deterrent against the Affirm Empire,"

Celesta was strict about conflicting interests but also understood that valuable things were fragile and hard to obtain.

The immense trust and admiration for the existence of a "Sword Saint" nurtured in Trot Kingdom, as well as its influence over neighboring countries, once shattered, would be impossible to easily rebuild. There was an understanding that it had value worth exploiting even with some strain.

"There are still many children who aspire to become swordsmen due to their admiration for the Sword Saint myth," he said. "It seems they allow such books unless there's a clear opposition to Celesta."

"The more I hear, the more tolerant Celesta sounds. It’s hard to imagine that from the blood-soaked war of Afilum Peninsula. Indeed, there was a plan at the time to take over one-third of Trot and use it as a foothold against Celesta by taking advantage of the Sword Saint Corps' collapse, but Celesta left more of Trot's military power intact than expected, so they had to abandon their plans."

"Celesta is a nation of merchants. They’re smart about what has value," he said.

"Afilum... or even Verdant Green would have been better off if they were like that..."

Almeida flipped through the book again.

"By the way, this book also has many bookmarks."

"Yes. Since there are many articles on familiar faces, it’s fun to check them out."

"Familiar faces...?"

"As a matter of course, Sword Saint Arthur Bonaparte is one of them, but I’m also acquainted with Captain Gilbert Granth and Lieutenant Hector Landor. I’ve put in bookmarks for the Sword Saints I saw at Renest as well."

「Hmm... I only got a glimpse of him at the Gibli Fortress, but...”

Almeida flips through the pages with Shiori’s help.

──The Sword Saint Corps’ strongest leader in history. A living legend known as the Supreme Sword Saint──

Arthur Bonaparte,
Former Commander of the Sword Saint Corps
Former Head of the Royal Guard
He was largely responsible for making the Sword Saint Corps the strongest force on the Northwest Plains.
Standing at a towering 189 centimeters, he exudes an overwhelming presence that is truly awe-inspiring. And yet, his demeanor is that of a gentleman, with a boyish freshness that belies his age.
While his appearance certainly contributes to his charisma, his true strength lies in something even more absolute. His extraordinary physical prowess rivals that of the Ogre race, and his swordsmanship is said to have reached divine levels.

Aikens is wielded by Vicks Valle, the top among the ten swordsmiths of the capital city. Though it’s not suited for a fencing match due to its sheer size, Aikens has never lost in any competition against other Sword Saints. He particularly excels at handling the “Blast Attack,” which symbolizes Trot Swordsmen; when he unleashes his full power with this move, it can even create a whirlwind that conventional houses cannot withstand.

However, despite all of this, the wounds he sustained during the previous war were not shallow and he is currently in recovery. Although returning to active duty might be difficult given his age, I would love to see him once again brandishing his sword on the grand arena as a great hero.

Attack Power: 7
Agility: 6
Combat Skill: 10
Overall Ability

──The Ghost Instructor of the Grand Arena──

“Teacher” Gilbert Grants
Today, too, many young swordsmen are sweating in the grand arena.
Most of them are “Ace Knights,” who were appointed after the Celesta War. However, the man teaching these techniques is a true Sword Saint. Even though he’s approaching his fifties, he still instills fear into the hearts of young swordsmen.
People joke that he must have long-lived blood running through him, and while it’s partly due to his unwavering dedication to training every week, his strength also comes from his perfected techniques and incomprehensible mental fortitude.
His name is Gilbert Grants. He’s not only an impressive Sword Saint but also a professor at the Royal Capital University. His lectures are well-known for their clarity and lack of tolerance towards absentees—no one should take them unless they’re confident in being present every day, to put it simply.
Originally a scholar, this unconventional Sword Saint refused to join the Sword Saint Brigade during the previous war because he disliked leaving his university. He’s also said to be skilled at commanding troops. There are rumors that he turned down an offer from the Celesta Army for general rank status, but who knows if they’re true or not.
He is a genuine native of the royal capital and in his free time, he takes his students on tours of hidden local restaurants, showing how approachable he can be.

I had intended to introduce him as the Sword Saint, but it seems that my intentions have been misunderstood. He is a Sword Saint who cannot be fully understood by just looking at his sword skills alone. Please forgive me for any confusion.

Attack Power: 4
Agility: 5
Combat Skill: 10
Overall Ability: B

──The last Sword Saint was one of both beauty and strength.

Ector Landor
A genius swordsman who became the Sword Saint at age fifteen. Due to Trot's defeat shortly after his appointment and the loss of military command as well as the right to appoint Sword Saints, he is known as "the Last Sword Saint."
The eldest son of the prestigious noble family, the Landors, and an excellent student; one can often see him surrounded by women within the Royal Capital University. It seems that male friends are scarce among his peers.
Though his sword has only been drawn once in battle (during the collapse of the Sword Saint Brigade), he is highly regarded for his skill. There's also hearsay that he has already surpassed ordinary senior Sword Saints and is aiming to take the Master Knight exam.
His style is completely orthodox, and he is proficient with "Blast Attack," possessing considerable speed as well.
Once, when a right-wing group caused trouble within the university, he worked alongside Assistant Professor Gilbert Granitz to quell it. His brilliant feat of rescuing female students held hostage by sweeping up their desks with a single blast attack from his short sword has become legendary.
His image was painted in oil by an art club on campus and is currently being displayed. There's talk that he wants to buy the painting back and take it home.
The fact that such a swordsman can still be produced within the country gives great hope to those in the Royal Capital who support Trot.

6
Agility
7
Combat Skills
6
Overall Power
B

──That movement, like flying. That single strike, like a predator’s claws──

“Shrants’ Eagle” Joseph Bay
Former captain of the Sword Saint Brigade’s 7th Company.

He was a Great Sword Saint, and it is said that his strength ranked in the single digits among the Sword Saint Brigade.
Abel Dingir’s mentor, he was renowned for his high-speed swordsmanship. A master of two-sword style, wielding swords in both hands, he was known as “Eagle Knight” due to a magnificent strike that broke an opponent's collarbone and robbed them of their fighting spirit, along with tactics that allowed him to disengage instantly. Later, after adding his hometown Schranz to the name, he became known simply as "Schranz’s Eagle."
While his combat prowess was top-notch, he also had a reputation as a general.
The military command at the time struggled greatly over whether Joseph Bay in his role as Sword Saint Brigade's lead attacker or as a commander was more valuable.

Attack Power
8
Agility
8
Combat Skill

──Its color is the azure sky, a hue of salvation.

The “Blue Knight,” Balt Dean III.
Former captain of the Holy Sword Legion’s 11th Company. A Great Sword Saint.
He wears his family treasure, the blue mantle, at all times and is thus known as the Blue Knight. On battlefields, he fights while wearing it, and it remains unsoiled and undamaged, a testament to his prowess.

A master of halberds and an adept user of blast attacks, his tactics are flawless, and he’s renowned for knowing when to retreat. He excels at rescuing allied forces, and many Trot soldiers remember the vividness of that blue mantle.

There is even a saying that only wicked women or sudden storms can soil his mantle.

By the way, he's also a henpecked husband, and after his wife heard him say this, he lost quite a bit of weight.

Attack Power: 5
Agility: 7
Combat Skill: 8
Overall Ability: A

─The wild-cutting squad leader of the Sword Saint Brigade─

“Penetrator” Kane Gold
Former member of the Sword Saint Brigade’s 2nd Squad. Grand Sword Saint.
Even within the Sword Saint Brigade, which valued coordinated action as its greatest strength, there were times when a bold offensive was necessary.
Kane Gold would be the first to charge in such situations, his tenacity making him a reliable figure. His breakthrough capabilities are unparalleled, and he possesses an uncanny ability to sense opportunities for victory that cannot be contained by ordinary vanguard units or cavalry.
His charges have often led the Sword Saint Brigade to victory; official records show seven victories attributed solely to his actions, with rumors suggesting there were even more in skirmishes.
In terms of individual combat achievements, he is considered among the best within the brigade.
However, his injuries are not few and far between. Even an invincible Sword Saint Brigade relied on the constant efforts of brave warriors like him who fought bleeding to maintain their undefeated record.

Attack Power

8
Agility
7
Combat Skills
4
Overall Strength
A

"Ah, I see... I would also like to test my skills against Arthur Bonaparte once." Almeida grumbled.

"That's right. If it’s between Arche and Lord Arthur Bonaparte, I’d love to have a look too."

Tetheus said something irresponsible.

Even though it was training, Aurora smiled awkwardly when she realized that she couldn’t stand a chance against Angeleos alone.

Then, Sieg Becker passed by them as he returned from the hot spring with steam rising from his body.

“Ooh. Interesting members and an interesting monster you’ve got there.”

“Special Captain.”

“Huh? So Bonaparte has some kind of evaluation system? Well, it’s surprisingly low for him.”

“It is?”

Almeida looked interested, so Sieg grinned.

“If I were to write one… well, let’s say attack power 10 and agility 8. That old man can’t be weaker than the eagle from Schranz in terms of attack power.”

“Attack power 10 would mean he’d fall into a special category like General Scott Vincent…”

Aurora thrusts forward.

Vincent, an overnight sensation and the general of Celesta, has a high attack power in Almeida’s “Sword Saint Chronicle,” but he doesn’t actually use it.

But,

“While Vincent does have a high attack power, I feel like that old man could hit hard enough to hold his own. That kind of attack power isn’t just about skill or technique; it’s something more fundamental.”

“…Fundamental?”

Aurora and Tethys look confused, while Almeida seems to understand somewhat.

It was an understanding only those who had been fighting for a long time could share.

“But anyway, there should be articles on Vincent and the others in “The East-West Heroes of Celesta,” right? …Oh, it’s from last December. You keep these things well.”

“I bought this at Talc recently.”

“Oh, I see, that time. Let me take a look.”

──Celesta’s “sword”! Known as the continent’s strongest, the king of lightning——

“Overnight Thunderbolt,” Scott Vincent (41), Special Envoy General
Belongs to the Celesta Special Lightning Brigade
• Power
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
• Speed
☆☆☆☆★
• Technique
☆☆☆☆☆☆
• Overall Evaluation

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The absolute power of attack that symbolizes Celesta, the strongest Org warrior. While his tremendous strength is impressive, what truly stands out are his abilities named after lightning attacks. The rare condition called "Elecone," which some Orgs possess and allows them to handle electricity, usually only numbs whoever they touch at best. However, his ability far surpasses this, allowing him to freely unleash lightning from his horns, and depending on the weather, he can even strike down those around him from the sky. No enemy can defend against such power; if they could, his prideful double axes would cleave them in two. The fear of him appearing anywhere aboard a flying dragon is not only a deterrent to maintaining domestic security but also makes neighboring countries hesitate.

By the way, he's still single. He says that for a wife, either a cat or fox beast person would be nice, but apparently it’s quite difficult to find someone willing to deal with his fur standing on end.

──Celesta’s Shield! The terror of an invincible man being there──

“Steel Overnight” Ryo Amatsushima Special Envoy General (38)
Overnight/Celesta Special Lightning Brigade Member
• Power
★★★★
• Speed
★★★
• Technique
★★★
• Overall Evaluation
★★★★★★★★★☆

To be honest, he's not much of a combatant.
However, the reason his overall evaluation is abnormally high lies in his extraordinary vitality.
There’s an anecdote where a military doctor lost it and said “Either you’re undead or a holy beast,” but despite having experienced at least 137 incidents that would normally be fatal, he stands up as if nothing happened.
He's been crushed between battering rams and rocks. He's been stabbed repeatedly by spear units. His fortress was burned down. He’s been buried alive. He fought General Vincent and got smashed with a double axe. He nearly drowned in the Quica Sea. And so on.
But in almost all cases, he survives while covered in blood, shouting something like “Damn that hurts!”
To his enemies, he must be nothing but terror.
Even at the minimum level of an Ace Knight, he has some offensive power, and once he's thrown into battle, enemy forces are bound to fall into chaos.
In a different sense from General Vincent, he’s considered a trump card, truly a secret weapon of command headquarters. He is well-known.

──Here comes the monster bird! What does the blue bird bring—

General Clay Kingfisher ("Blue Gale") (42)

Master Knight/Celesta Western Army Division
• Power
☆☆☆☆☆☆
• Speed
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
• Technique
☆☆☆☆☆☆
• Overall Evaluation
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The Birdman race is rare even in Celesta.

However, despite that, there are many Birdman Ace Knights in the Celesta army. He is one of the most famous and strongest among them.

Though he's a Birdman, his weapon is his powerful legs, and he only uses his wings for turning and jumping maneuvers. However, this tactic allows him to move quickly and unpredictably, which is quite reasonable for a Birdman.

His movements are like a storm, making it difficult even for Ace Knights to catch up with him. There's an anecdote about the Master Knight exam where three Ace Knights didn't even get a chance to strike at him.

However, he’s said to be rather showy and somewhat careless.
Is that because he's a bird?

“Hahaha! That's awesome! The guy who wrote this must be scary as hell! I'll take it to King Fisher next time.”

“Aren’t you going to stop? It might get torn apart.”

“Oh, yeah. That’s totally possible.”

Sieg laughs loudly while flapping his legs around. Aurora makes a face of annoyance.

“By the way, Captain Becker is getting teased too.”

「Really?」

──There’s only one person who can be called the world’s most famous spy!──

“Daydream” Sieg Becker, Special Agent Captain (40)
Ace Knight / Celesta Special Intelligence Corps
・Power
☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Technique
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

・Overall Evaluation
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

A genius who passed the Ace Knight exam at age 12 is now forty. Time is merciless.
He has numerous feats of arms to his name, having conquered legendary monsters and ruins alike. His speed is said to be unmatched on the continent, even surpassing Affilm's "Dance Lance" Almeida and Trot's "Whirlwind" Abel Dingir.
However, he fights like an assassin, using knives and traps extensively, which raises questions about his true combat prowess in a real fight.
Recently, it seems he was caught by an Ogre woman. His infidelity was immediately exposed.
He’s quite the flashy man even in private.

“Hey, who wrote this? I can’t think of anyone else but someone with a grudge against me!”

“I’m sorry to hear that, but if you break it, please be sure to get another one.”

「...uggghhh」

Sieg reluctantly put down the book he had been gripping so tightly that it was about to tear. Tetheus, who had been chuckling, suddenly turned his attention towards Almeida.

“By the way, is Abel Dingil in there too? I’ve been wondering about him since earlier.”

“This one has a section on him.”

Almeida quickly flipped through “The Sword Saint’s Tale” he was holding.

“I had noticed that people were comparing me to him rather oddly for the past decade or so.”

──Knight of the Trotting Speed Record──

“Wind” Abel Dingil
Former member of the 7th unit of the Sword Saint Brigade, half-wolf beastman.

The Sword Saint Brigade tends to favor overall teamwork and coordination over individuals with exceptional abilities.
But he possesses both of these qualities while also having some of the highest individual capabilities on the continent.
His mother being a wolf beastman likely contributed to his bloodline, but even so, few can match his agility, not even among beasts.
While half-humanoids are rare in the Sword Saint Brigade, he is one of the few exceptions and stands out in various ways.
His swordsmanship resembles that of his master, "The Eagle of Schranz," Joseph Bay's hit-and-run tactics. Some say his physical prowess has already surpassed his teacher’s combat abilities, making him an outstanding knight.
In the previous war, Celesta effectively utilized many half-humanoids. Perhaps with this man leading the way, Trot will soon recognize and use their strength as well.

Attack Power
7

Agility
10

Combat Skills
7
Overall Ability
A

「…………」

“Hey, Lance Dancer. I’m kind of curious… isn’t he younger than us?”

“If he is younger than you, then it’s impossible for him to be older than me, Sieg Becker.”

“What the hell? He seems way too cocky compared to veterans like us, doesn’t he?”

“I do think so as well. In fact, I believe we speed types deserve a more reasonable evaluation.”

“Right? Right?”

Almeida and Sieg were both giving off black auras. Aurora sighed, while Tettesh was bold—or something like that—launching into a new topic.

“By the way, what kind of scores did Captain Dianne and Miss Aurora get from Becker?”

“Hmm… That’s right. Well then.”

Sieg picked up a black board used for writing menus from the corner of the cafeteria and started scribbling with chalk.

・Captain Dianne
Attack Power: 9
Speed: 10

Combat Skills
10
Overall Performance
Strongest

• Anzerlos
Attack Power
6
Speed
8
Combat Skills

Overall Performance: A-

• Aurora
Attack Power: 7
Agility: 4
Combat Skill: 7

Overall Performance: B+

Tetes

Attack Power: 5
Agility: 5
Combat Skill: 8

Overall Performance

?

• Naris
Attack Power: 4
Speed: 5
Combat Skill: 7
Overall Performance: ?

「...that’s about it, I guess.”

“Anzeross’ numbers are quite a bit off, and the overall performance of you guys from Tethys is rather lackluster, isn’t it?”

“To be honest, Anzeross Ten Commander still has plenty of potential left. Depending on how he uses his magic and Wind Slash Sword, he could become pretty formidable. I can’t tell since he hasn’t been in a tight spot recently, but you guys from Tethys haven’t shown your full strength to anyone yet.”

“Eh...”

“I can see through your safe driving style. Your trump card isn’t necessarily bad, but if you don’t use it in training, chances are you won’t be able to pull it out during a real fight. Don’t die from overconfidence. And as for Naris… well, she smells like Smisson.”

“What?”

“Hold on there, Sieg Becker! Naris hasn’t even started with Andy...”

“Calm down, Aurora Ten Commander, Lance Dancer. I’m not sniffing out her scent or anything like that.”

Sieg shrugged his shoulders.

“I get the feeling that if you push Naris to the limit, she’ll start dripping sweat little by little. She’s a different kind of bottomless pit compared to Tethys Knight Captain. …Same goes for Smisson. He isn’t really all that great in terms of ability or brains. But when it comes to what he’s actually done, I can see why the elves treated him so well. In certain cases, Naris might end up doing something interesting too.”

“Mm...”

“I see...”

Tetes looked a little dissatisfied, and Aurora was deep in thought.

...

“I’m not that good.”

Angelos appeared out of nowhere and covered himself with a towel.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“For one thing, I hate weird books like this. Please don’t give me any nicknames! Andy laughed at me!”

“Whatever...”

“That’s why I’m telling you! I don’t want to become famous for some weird reason!”

The swordsmen are chattering loudly.

"Well, it's fine if Andy loves me a lot even if I'm not strong," she says with a cheerful tone.

"Hmm. Well, as a female slave that would be the correct way to think."

"I wonder when he'll come back..."

Selen, Aelina, and Maya all sip their tea together.

Polka in the depths of midwinter, with snow flickering through the air.
Apart from the bathers seeking healing from ailments, the area has recently begun to resemble a training ground where many swordsmen come to hone their skills.
While most of these were voluntary training sessions by the Diane Special Forces and their affiliates, inspired by them, one could also see elves with strong warrior inclinations imposing special training upon themselves at the forest's edge.

Even so, on days when the heavy snow accumulates in earnest, even Aurora's presence is absent from the outdoors.
It is not exactly "plowing in the sun and reading in the rain," but immersing oneself in books in the inn's dining hall, much like Aurora does today, could certainly be considered a meaningful way to spend the time.

"Decurion Aurora, what are you reading?"

"Tetes. I wonder if you are capable of reading this."

The book Aurora closed bore the title: Chronicles of the East and West Heroes of Celesta, Vol. 22.

"Hero Chronicles...?"

"It is a book advertised as the latest definitive catalog, comprehensively covering information on famous warriors, primarily focusing on the Celesta military... officially, at least."

"So, 'officially' means..."

"Even if it claims to be comprehensive, it is after all a civilian publication. There is much inaccurate information and many omissions... well, since there are those like myself, an Ace Knight, whom it is difficult to track achievements for, one could instead praise it for investigating quite well without touching upon military secrets. However, for the standard evaluations of Master Knights and equivalent classes, this provides most of what one needs to know."

"I see. Is it your goal, Decurion Aurora, to be listed in there?"

"Fufu. I cannot say that is not a part of it."

Aurora smiled and opened other books she had piled on the table.

Each bore titles such as Legend of the Sword Saint: The 39th Year of King Ulysses III and Great Encyclopedia of Continental Knights, Vol. 7.

"Whoa. You have a lot of these."

"I have loved reading them since I was a child, so whenever I visit a large city and see a bookstore, I find myself unable to resist buying them. ...There are even articles about my brother and Anzeros."

"Oh, I might want to see that. I know some personal information, as it does make its way into the Royal Intelligence Agency of Renfangus, but I don't know their detailed evaluations."

As Tetes flipped through the pages, Aurora pulled out a bookmark.

---

—The Noble of the Forest Territory: The Blade of the Vacuum cuts nothing!—

General Lucas (32)
Master Knight / Celesta Southern Army Corps
・Power: ☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Technique: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆★

The legitimate heir to the Colony Leader of the Southeastern Forest Territory, a beautiful swordsman hailed as a genius.
His true strength remains immeasurable, and some voices claim the information in this article is an undervaluation.
When his blade is swung, a giant tree twenty paces away is severed and falls with a crash; it is certain that due to his sheer originality, there are aspects that cannot be measured by star ratings alone.

Most unfairly, he possesses looks and elegant mannerisms to match his prowess. He is considered the very model of what a noble should be.
However, it should be noted that he has recently been involved in some trouble, having been placed under house arrest following an audit by the Intelligence Brigade, the reasons for which remain unknown.

---

—The orthodox style trained by Trot: The "Wind-Severing Sword" is here!—

"Wind-Severing Sword" Decurion Anzeros (Age unknown)
Ace Knight / Celesta Special Forces
・Power:

☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed
☆☆☆
・Technique
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Overall Rating
☆☆☆☆☆

Until recently, he was famous as an escort for the "Crossbow Corps," a renowned detachment guarding the borders of the Trot Kingdom.
A half-elf boy swordsman who boasts massive armor disproportionate to his physique and a heavy blade that, despite being a shortsword, can take down even an ogre in a single strike.
Contrary to his beautiful boy appearance, both his technique and raw strength are the real deal—a prime example of why judging someone by appearances can lead to a painful mistake.
Recent investigations have whispered rumors of a female identity, but due to a transfer to a special task force, the details remain unknown.

---

"Wait, I thought Centros, the Decurion, was incredibly fast... Is he really only three stars in Celesta?"

"As I said, it is not entirely accurate. It fails to account for the fact that Centros transitioned to a speed-based style after losing his armor to his brother the year before last. They likely haven't updated the old information. At present, I'd say six... no, seven stars is a safe bet."

"Right? Thank goodness. If he were only three stars, even Al-chan would be around five, wouldn't she?"

"I believe there was an article on the 'Dancing Spear' in that 'Great Encyclopedia of Continental Knights.' The information is dated, but the evaluation criteria are nearly the same."

──One of the candidates for the Fastest Knight of the Afilm Empire──

“Dancing Spear” Almeida
An Elf Paladin.
An adventurer currently affiliated with the Folklore Adventurers' Guild.
Once one of the most renowned Paladins in the Afilm Empire, she has, for some reason, become estranged from the Afilm military. She is currently believed to be staying in Folklore, the second-largest city of the Trot Kingdom.
While possessing combat techniques balanced at a high level, her speed is nothing short of incredible, leaving even beastmen with superior leg strength in the dust. Furthermore, her attacks using a spear—a weapon that should inherently lack volume—exhibit terrifying movements that easily saturate even the best defenses. Her fighting style is much like a well-rehearsed dance.

・Attack Power
☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Special Skills
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Total Combat Power
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆★

---

"...The writing is a bit stiff over here."

"That is likely because 'The Chronicles of Heroes of East and West Celesta' contains much more gossip. That one can feel a bit... tawdry in parts."

"True. Still, Al-chan's rating is really high, isn't it?"

According to that book, Almeida's rating is comparable to that of a Master Knight.

Comparing different books is one thing, but her rating is higher than Lucas's.

Tetes nodded, looking satisfied with the conclusion, when the actual Almeida appeared.

"That book, is it? ...I am being overrated."

"Al-chan!"

"It is true that I have confidence that I won't lose to anyone in terms of speed, but the critic's delusions have crept into the evaluation. Look, if we follow these criteria, it implies I am the strongest of all the knights in Afilm."

"Oh, you're right... There isn't anyone rated higher than Al-chan, even among the Lords of Afilm."

"In reality, if I were to spar with a Lord, I would lose more than half the time. Being fast alone is not enough to defeat many opponents."

"I see..."

"No, rather, I find it surprising that I am winning nearly half of them..."

"Well, I have received numerous recommendations for lordship, after all."

Almeida looked slightly displeased.

"Over there, it is not matches or examinations, but rather the Knight Selection Committee—composed of general-class officers selected from each principality—that decides on the investiture of Paladins and Lords. ...Depending on the political winds within the Empire, you may never be invested regardless of how many recommendations you receive, or you may be invested even without sufficient strength."

"So, you're saying it wouldn't be strange for you to be a Lord, Almeida...?"

"I do not know whether one can become a Master Knight or a Black Arm, but at the very least, that was the caliber I occupied in Afilm. ...Furthermore, it is a fact that shows the Lords I was able to defeat were not necessarily strong."

"Well, there is a small possibility that even a Red Arm isn't particularly strong."

The Red Arms, the True Knights of Renfangus, are invested based on the number of frontline decorations they have earned. While most are veterans truly worthy of the title, there are several interchangeable decorations, and there is even a 'trick' where one could be invested without ever having encountered a monster. However, that takes an incredibly long time to achieve.

"Well, at the end of the day, it is merely an article written by a foreigner based on hearsay. Besides, I am already a knight of Renfangus..."

"Al-chan, the publication date of this book is the year before last."

"...W-well, I suppose that can't be helped, then."

Since Almeida had only moved to Renfangus last year, it was natural for the information to be outdated.

"In the first place, the only thing published annually in this collection is the 'Biographies of Heroes of East and West Celesta.' The 'Great Encyclopedia of Continental Knights,' which tracks famous knights across the continent, often has gaps of four or five years between editions. No matter how fast information travels these days, gathering high-quality information on such a wide scale seems to be quite a struggle."

"Oh dear. But I hope to become a knight worthy of being featured by the next publication!" Tetes said brightly.

However... if word ever got out that she was the sister of Alex Buster, she would be featured effortlessly. After all, being a "famous" knight doesn't necessarily mean being a particularly strong one.

...Aurora decided to keep that particular detail to herself.

"Still, the level of detail in the 'Chronicle of the Sword Saint' is incredible... I'm impressed they allowed such thorough reporting."

Almeida sighed as she gazed at the "Chronicle of the Sword Saint."

"That is likely because the editor is the War History Club of the Royal Capital University."

"A university club? They produced such a magnificent book in a place like that?"

Almeida closed the book with a snap and inspected the binding closely. The fine leather cover did not look like the work of amateurs at all.

"I heard it started as scrolls. It took its current form due to Viscount Crawford's desire to publish it widely to boost morale, and apparently, the Crawford family still provides the publishing funds even now."

"...Well, even a heroic Sword Saint couldn't easily dismiss an interview with university students, and the book would certainly turn out well-made. Still, it is impressive they managed to keep it going even after the Celesta War."

"Celesta has no intention of destroying or abolishing the Sword Saints themselves. In fact, they still make full use of them as a deterrent against the Afilm Empire."

The nation of Celesta was strict regarding conflicting interests, yet it understood well that valuable things are fragile and hard to replace. They recognized that the immense trust and admiration for the "Sword Saint" nurtured by the Kingdom of Trot, as well as the power they held over neighboring nations, would be impossible to rebuild once scattered; thus, it was worth utilizing, even if it required some strained effort.

"They say many children still aspire to be swordsmen, longing for the myth of the Sword Saint. It seems the policy is to permit such publications, provided they do not show overt hostility toward Celesta."

"The more I hear, the more tolerant Celesta seems to be. It is hard to imagine such a mindset coming from the blood-soaked chaos of the Afilm Peninsula. ...Though, there is a story that there was once a plan to seize one-third of Trot during the collapse of the Sword Saint Brigade to use as a bridgehead against Celesta, but it was aborted because Celesta left more of Trot's military strength intact than expected."

"Celesta is a nation of merchants, after all. They are shrewd when it comes to things of utility."

"If only Afilm... no, if only the Deep Green were like that..."

Almeida flipped through the book again.

"By the way, there are a lot of bookmarks in this book."

"Yes. Since there are many articles about people I know, I find checking them quite enjoyable."

"People you know...?"

"Not only the Great Sword Saint Arthur Bonaparte, but I am also acquainted with Centurion Gilbert Grant and Decurion Hector Randall. I have even placed bookmarks for the Sword Saints I saw in Renest the other day."

"Ho... though I only caught a glimpse of him at Ghibli Fortress."
Using the bookmark as a guide, Almeida flipped the page.

──The strongest in the history of the Sword Saint Brigade. The Living Legend, the Divine Blade──

Arthur Bonaparte
Former Captain of the Sword Saint Brigade
Former Captain of the Royal Guard
His power and charisma were largely responsible for the era when the Sword Saint Brigade was hailed as the strongest in the Northwest Plains.
Standing at 189 cm, he is quite large for a human. If you approach him, you can feel a truly overwhelming aura. Yet, the impression given by his smile is that of a true gentleman, possessing a refreshing quality reminiscent of a mischievous young boy.
While it is certain that his appearance contributes significantly to his charisma, his true strength was even more absolute.
In addition to superhuman muscular strength that would never yield even in a contest of power against an Ogre, his swordsmanship is said to have reached the divine realm.
His cherished blade is a greatsword forged by the hands of Vicks Valley, the top of the Royal Capital's Ten Swordmasters. While it is by no means suited for duels, he remains undefeated in matches against numerous other Sword Saints. He is particularly masterful in the use of "Blast Attack," the signature technique of the Trot Swordsman; a full-power Blast Attack from him can trigger a whirlwind capable of destroying ordinary houses.
However, the wounds he sustained in the previous war were not shallow, and he is currently recuperating.
Given his age, returning to active duty may be difficult, but as an author, I, too, hope to see the figure of this great hero raising his sword in the Grand Colosseum once more.

Attack Power: 7
Agility: 6
Combat Skill: 10
Overall Rank: S
(Stats reflect his time in active service)

──The Demon Instructor of the Grand Colosseum──

"Sensei" Gilbert Grants
In the Grand Colosseum, many young swordsmen are working up a sweat again today.
Most of them are "Ace Knights" knighted after the Celesta War, but the man who drills techniques into them is a genuine, pure Sword Saint. Even as he approaches his fifties, he still commands fear among the young swordsmen.
While it is a running joke that he might possess the blood of a long-lived race, the secret to his strength lies not only in his diligent training, which he never fails to perform every week, but also in his perfected technique and bottomless willpower.
His name is Gilbert Grants. Despite being such an illustrious Sword Saint, he is also an assistant professor teaching at the Royal Capital University. His lectures are famous within the university for being easy to understand, yet his lack of mercy toward absentees is equally notorious—so, for those who lack confidence in their perfect attendance, my advice is... but I digress.
By nature, he is a scholar at heart; he is an unconventional Sword Saint who even declined membership in the Sword Saint Brigade during the recent war because he hated being away from the university. That said, his unit command capabilities are said to be top-tier. There are also rumors that he turned down a commission with the rank of General from the Celesta Army for the same reason, though whether that is true or false remains to be seen.
He is also a true native of the Royal Capital, possessing a friendly side that sees him leading his students on tours of the city's hidden gems during his time off.
I feel as though my attempt at an introduction as a Sword Saint has gone somewhat astray, but that is simply the kind of man he is. Please forgive my wandering pen, as there are aspects of him that cannot be seen through the lens of his title as a Sword Saint alone.

Attack Power: 4
Agility: 5
Combat Skill: 10
Overall Rank: B

──The Last Sword Saint is the Full Package──

Hector Randall
A genius swordsman who attained the title of Sword Saint at the young age of fifteen. He is known as the "Last Sword Saint" because shortly after his investiture, Trot suffered a defeat, resulting in the loss of supreme military command and the authority to bestow the title of "Sword Saint."
The eldest son of the prestigious Randall noble family and an outstanding student, he is a constant fixture in the Royal Capital University, always surrounded by women. He appears to have few male friends on campus.
While his blade has been used in actual combat only once (during the collapse of the Sword Saint Brigade), his true ability is highly regarded. There are even rumors that he has already begun to distinguish himself, surpassing ordinary senior Sword Saints, and that the Master Knight exam is well within his sights.
His style is purely orthodox; he is proficient in "Burst Attack" and possesses remarkable speed.
On one occasion, when a right-wing group within the Royal Capital University caused an uproar, he worked alongside Assistant Professor Gilbert Grant to suppress the disturbance.
His brilliant skill—using nothing but a single dagger and a single Burst Attack to upend a desk and instantly rescue a female student who had been taken hostage—has become legendary.
The Fine Arts Club at the university even painted his likeness in oils, which is currently on display. Rumor has it that he personally purchased the painting just so he could hide it away.
The fact that swordsmen like him can still emerge from within the country provides great hope to the people of Trot in the capital.

Attack Power: 6
Agility: 7
Combat Technique: 6
Overall Rank: B

──His movements, like flight. His strike, like fangs and claws──

Joseph Bay, "The Eagle of Schlantz"
Former Captain of the 7th Unit of the Sword Saint Brigade.
A Great Sword Saint, it is said his true strength was ranked in the single digits even within the Sword Saint Brigade.
He served as a mentor to Abel Dingil, the "Gale," and is renowned for his high-speed swordsmanship.
A master of dual-wielding, he is known as the "Eagle Knight" for his magnificent strikes that sever an opponent's clavicle to break their will, followed by instantaneous disengagement. He later came to be known as "The Eagle of Schlantz," taking the name of his homeland.
While his combat prowess is top-tier, he is also highly regarded as a general.
It is a famous story that the military command of the time struggled deeply with whether Joseph Bay was more useful as a lead attacker for the Sword Saint Brigade or as a general.

Attack Power: 8
Agility: 8
Combat Technique: 8
Overall Rank: S

──His color is the azure sky, the blue of salvation──

Bart Dean III, "The Azure Knight"
Former Captain of the 11th Unit of the Sword Saint Brigade. A Great Sword Saint.
A dandy known as the "Azure Knight" because he always wears his family heirloom, a blue cloak.
He fights while wearing it on the battlefield, and the terrifying fact that the cloak shows no signs of bloodstains or tears even now is a testament to his skill.
A master of the halberd, he also makes skillful use of Burst Attacks. His tactics are flawless, and he is famous for his ability to retreat at the perfect moment. He particularly excels at rescuing allied units, and many Trot soldiers can never forget the brilliance of that blue.
There is even a saying that the only things capable of staining his cloak are a wicked woman or a sudden storm.

Incidentally, he is also a henpecked husband; they say he lost a significant amount of weight once these words reached his wife.

Attack Power: 5
Agility: 7
Combat Skill: 8
Overall Rating: A

──The Fierce Vanguard of the Sword Saint Brigade──

"The Penetrator," Kane Gold
Former member of the 2nd Unit of the Sword Saint Brigade. Great Sword Saint.
Even within the Sword Saint Brigade, where coordinated action is their greatest weapon, there are moments when operational breakthroughs are required.
When such times arise, the reliable man who charges in first is none other than Kane Gold.
His breakthrough capability is near absolute; he possesses an uncanny knack for finding that exquisite window of opportunity—one that ordinary vanguard units can never hope to hold back, and cavalry units cannot possibly react to in time for pursuit.
His breakthroughs have often led the Sword Saint Brigade to victory; in formal battles alone, he has provided the turning point for victory seven times, and there are rumors that the number is even higher in skirmishes.
Some even call him the brigade's finest when it comes to achieving results through solo maneuvers.
However, his injuries are by no means few.
Even for the invincible Sword Saint Brigade, it was the unceasing efforts of brave warriors like him, who fight amidst bloodshed, that sustained their undefeatable streak.

Attack Power: 8
Agility: 7
Combat Skill: 4
Overall Rating: A

"I see... I, too, would like to test my mettle against Arthur Bonaparte once."

Almeida grunted.

"Al-chan and Sir Arthur Bonaparte, huh? Now that is something I'd like to see," Tetes said irresponsibly.

Though it was only training, Aurora gave a troubled smile, remembering how she was no match for the two of them alongside Anzeros.

Just then, Sieg Becker happened to pass by, trailing puffs of steam as he returned from the hot springs.

"Oh. You've got an interesting group here spreading out some interesting stuff."

"Special Centurion."

"Heh. So there are evaluations for Lord Bonaparte, huh? Wait—this is pretty low."

"Is it low?"

Since Almeida looked interested, Sieg grinned.

"If I were writing it... let's see, I'd say Attack Power 10, Agility 8. There's no way that old man's Attack Power is lower than the Eagle of Schlantz."

"An Attack Power of 10 is reserved for special cases, like General Scott Vincent..."

Aurora interjects small.

As an "Overnight," Vincent is a General of Celesta. It is a stat that is essentially unused in the "Legend of the Sword Saints" that Almeida publishes.

However.

"That bastard Vincent certainly has high attack power, but I feel like I could charge up a strike against that old man's serious blow. That level of attack power isn't just a matter of technique or anything like that; it's something more fundamental."

"...Fundamental."

Aurora and Tetes look confused, while Almeida seems to grasp the meaning, in a way.

It was a realization that only those who had fought as warriors for a long time could share.

"Speaking of which, there must be articles about Vincent and the others in that 'Chronicles of the Heroes of East and West Celesta,' right? ...Oh, issue 22 is from the end of last year. You've been keeping this, huh?"

"I purchased it in Talc the other day."

"Ah, I see, that was then. Let's see..."

──The "Sword" of Celesta! The Lightning King, rumored to be the strongest on the continent──

Special General Scott Vincent (41), "The Lightning Overnight"
Overnight / Member of the Celesta Special Lightning Brigade
・Power
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed
☆☆☆☆★
・Technique
☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Overall Rating
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The strongest Ogre warrior, symbolizing Celesta with absolute attack power.
While his immense physical strength is breathtaking, what is truly noteworthy is the lightning ability that gave him his moniker.
The "Elecorn" constitution, which rarely manifests in Ogres, allows one to manipulate electricity, but normally, at best, one can only manage to numb an opponent upon contact.
However, his ability far exceeds that limit; he can freely discharge lightning from his horns and, depending on the weather, can strike the surroundings from the heavens with incredible power.
There is no enemy capable of defending against this power. Even if they could, his prized double axes would cleave them in two.
It is said that the fear of him appearing anywhere atop a wyvern serves as a deterrent, not only for domestic public order but also for neighboring nations.
Incidentally, he is still single.
He apparently says a cat or fox beastkin would make a good bride. He seems to be having quite a bit of trouble finding a partner, as his fur tends to stand on end.

──The "Shield" of Celesta! The terror of an invincible man being there──

Special General Ryo Amatsushima (38), "The Steel Overnight"
Overnight / Member of the Celesta Special Lightning Brigade
・Power
☆☆☆☆
・Speed
☆☆☆
・Technique
☆☆☆
・Overall Rating
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆★

To put it bluntly, he isn't much to speak of in terms of raw combat power.
However, the reason his overall evaluation is abnormally high lies in his uncanny vitality.
There is even an anecdote where a military doctor lost his temper, snapping, "Decide once and for all: are you a walking corpse or a holy beast?" Despite having survived situations that should have killed him at least 137 times by now, he simply stands back up as if nothing happened.
Caught between a battering ram and a boulder. Stabbed repeatedly by a spear unit. Burned alive along with a fort. Buried alive. Crushed by a double-axe during a quarrel with General Vincent. Drowning in the Sea of Quica. And so on.
Yet, in almost every instance, he returns alive, drenched in blood, shouting things like, "Dammit, that hurt!"
To an enemy, he must be nothing less than a nightmare.
While his attack power is only at a minimum level for an Ace Knight, his deployment inevitably plunges the enemy army into utter chaos.
In a sense different from General Vincent, he is considered a trump card—a true secret weapon of the High Command. Though, he is quite famous.

──The Monstrous Bird Arrives! What shall the Blue Bird carry?──

General Clay Kingfisher, "The Blue Storm" (42)
Master Knight / Member of the Celesta Western Legion
・Power: ☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Technique: ☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Overall Evaluation: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The Birdman race is rare even within Celesta.
However, despite their rarity, the Celesta Army boasts several Birdman Ace Knights. Among them, he is the most famous and the strongest warrior.
Though he is a Birdman, he uses immense leg strength as his primary weapon, using his wings merely for directional control and aerial maneuvering. This is, however, a rational tactic designed to allow Birdmen to move with the greatest possible speed and unpredictability.
His movements, sweeping through the battlefield like a storm, are difficult even for an Ace Knight to track. There is a famous anecdote from the Master Knight exam where three Ace Knights were unable to even land a single strike against him.
That said, there are also rumors that he is a show-off and quite clumsy.
Perhaps it's a bird thing.

"Bwahahahaha! This is great! The person writing this must have no fear, man! I've gotta take this to Kingfisher next time."

"Could you please stop? It feels like you're going to tear it."

"Ah—yeah, that's a possibility."

Sieg laughed loudly, kicking his legs about. Aurora wore a look of annoyance.

"Besides, Special Centurion Becker is being poked fun at as well."

"Seriously?"

──When it comes to the world's most famous intelligence agent, there is only him!──

Special Centurion Sieg Becker, "The Daydream" (40)
Ace Knight / Member of the Celesta Special Intelligence Brigade
・Power: ☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Technique: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

・Overall Rating
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The genius who reportedly passed the Ace Knight exam at the age of twelve is now forty. Time is truly merciless.
　With numerous military exploits brought to light, he is a highly skilled individual who has conquered many legendary-class monsters and ruins.
　His speed, in particular, is said to be the fastest on the continent, allegedly even surpassing Almeda of Afilm, the "Dancing Spear," and Abel Dingil of Trot, the "Gale."
　However, his fighting style is that of a pure assassin, making heavy use of knives and traps, and it is true that some argue whether he could truly hold his own in a direct confrontation.
　Rumor has it that he was recently caught by an ogre woman. And that his infidelity was discovered instantly.
　He is a man who lives a flamboyant life, even in his private affairs.

"Hey, who wrote this?! I can only assume you have a personal grudge against me!"

"Don't look at me; I can't help you. Also, if you tear that, you're responsible for finding a replacement."

"...Gugigigi..."

Sieg, who had been gripping the book so hard it looked ready to rip, reluctantly set it down.

Tetes, who had been chuckling, suddenly turned her attention to Almeda.

"Come to think of it, is Abel Dingil in here too? I've been wondering for a while."

"He is included in this."

Almeda quickly flipped through the "Chronicles of the Sword Saints" in his hands.

"I've been curious about it for some time, as we've been strangely compared to him for about ten years now."

──The Fastest Knight of Trot──

Abel Dingil, the "Gale"
Former member of the 7th Squad, Sword Saint Brigade. Half-Wolf Beastman.
The Sword Saint Brigade tends to prioritize overall competence and cooperation over individuals with exceptionally specialized abilities.
However, while possessing those traits, he also possesses a top-tier, standout ability on the continent.
It is likely due to the influence of his blood, as his mother is a wolf beastman. Even so, someone with his level of agility is a rarity even among beastmen.
While demi-humans are seldom found in the Sword Saint Brigade, he is one of the few, making him a rare man in many respects.
His swordsmanship utilizes a hit-and-run tactic very similar to that of his master from the Great Colosseum, Joseph Bay, the "Eagle of Schrantz." Due to his high physical capabilities, some voices claim that his combat prowess already surpasses that of his master, marking him as an elite knight.
In the previous war, he was somewhat overwhelmed by Celesta's tactics, which made effective use of many demi-human forces. Starting with his presence, the era of Trot recognizing and utilizing the power of demi-humans may be just around the corner.

Attack Power: 7
Agility: 10
Combat Technique: 7
Overall Ability: A

"............"

"Hey, Dancing Spear. I'm a little curious... this guy is younger than us, right?"

"If he is younger than you, Sieg Becker, then it is impossible for him to be older than me."

"Don't you think his favorability rating is strangely high compared to us veterans? It's kind of cheeky, isn't it?"

"I feel similarly. In fact, those of us who specialize in speed deserve a more honest evaluation."

"Right? Don't you agree?"

Almeida and Sieg radiated a dark aura.

Aurora let out a sigh. Tetes, whether she was being bold or just something else, decided to pivot to a new topic.

"More importantly, how would you rate people who don't appear in these kinds of things—like Centurion Diane or Aurora-san—from Becker's perspective?"

"Hmm... that, huh? Well, I guess..."

Sieg picked up a black chalkboard used for writing the menu from a corner of the dining hall and began scribbling away with chalk.

・Captain Diane
Attack: 9
Speed: 10
Combat Skill: 10
Overall Performance: The Strongest

・Anzeros
Attack: 6
Speed: 8
Combat Skill: 8
Overall Performance: A-

・Aurora
Attack: 7
Agility: 4
Combat Skill: 7
Overall Performance: B+

・Tetes
Attack: 5
Agility: 5
Combat Skill: 8
Overall Performance: [Incomplete]

?

・Naris
Attack Power: 4
Speed: 5
Combat Skill: 7
Overall Performance: ?

"...Something like that, I guess."

"Anzeros-san's numbers are quite... Also, Tetes-san and the others, your overall performance is listed as 'random'?"

"To be honest, I think Captain Anzeros still has plenty of hidden strength left. Depending on how they combine magic and the Gale Sword, they could become something quite formidable. It’s hard to say for sure since they haven't been in a cornered fight recently, though. And as for Knight Tetes, you haven't even shown anyone your full power yet."

"Eh..."

"It's obvious you're playing it safe. Keeping an ace up your sleeve isn't a bad thing, but strength you don't use in training doesn't always show up in actual combat. Don't die from overconfidence. Also, as for little Naris... how should I put this... she has a certain 'Smyson' vibe about her."

"Wh—!"

"Wait, Sieg Becker! Naris is still—and Andy is—"

"Calm down, Captain Aurora, Dancing Spear. It's not like I have some beastman-like sense of smell and can pick up her body odor."

Sieg shrugged.

"It’s just... I feel like if you cornered Naris-chan, she’d start squeezing out more and more strength, little by little. She has a depth to her that’s unfathomable, though in a different way than Knight Tetes. ...Same with Smyson. That guy isn't much, neither in terms of ability nor intellect. But looking at what he's accomplished, I can see why the Elves treat him so well. Depending on the situation, Naris-chan might turn out to be quite interesting."

"Hmm..."

"I wonder..."

Tetes looked slightly dissatisfied, while Aurora fell into thought.

...Then.

"My abilities aren't that high."

Anzeros appeared out of nowhere, erasing his presence with a piece of cotton cloth.

"What are you doing?"

"For one thing, I hate those weird books! I wish people would stop giving me nicknames! Andy laughed at me!"

"Come on, it's not so bad."

"I'm saying it because it is bad! I don't want to become famous in some weird way!"

The swordsmen began to bicker loudly.

"Well, it doesn't matter if I'm not strong, as long as Andy-san loves me plenty♪"

"Hmm. Well, as a female slave, I suppose that is the correct way to be."

"I wonder when they'll be back..."

Selen, Irina, and Maia sipped their tea in unison.

A Polka in the dead of winter, with snowflakes drifting down.
The place, once solely a retreat for those seeking healing in its hot springs, had lately taken on the air of a training ground where many swordsmen came to hone their skills.
Most were self-disciplined exercises by members of the Diane Special Forces and their associates, but inspired by them, warriors with strong elven tendencies could now also be seen imposing rigorous training upon themselves in the forest's edge.

Even so, on days when a proper blizzard raged, there wasn’t a soul to be found recklessly training outdoors.
Not exactly sakugen yodoku—farming in sunshine and reading in rain—but indulging in books at the inn’s dining hall like today was arguably just as worthwhile.

"Commander Aurora, what are you reading?"

"Tetes. Can you even read it?"

The book Aurora closed had the title Celesta East-West Hero Chronicle – Issue 22.

"A hero chronicle…?"

"It’s supposed to be the latest definitive catalog, covering information on famous warriors, primarily Celesta military personnel… at least, that’s the official line."

"Official line, you say…"

"Even if it claims to be comprehensive, it’s still just a civilian publication. Full of inaccuracies and omissions… Well, even among Ace Knights, there are those like myself who struggle to keep up with their achievements, so perhaps it’s fairer to praise it for being well-researched without compromising military secrets. For active Master Knights or those of similar rank, this gives you a pretty good grasp of their standard evaluations."

"Huh. Is Commander Aurora aiming to be featured in it?"

"Fufu. I wouldn’t say that’s entirely untrue."

Aurora smiled and spread out the other books piled on the table.
Their titles included Sword Saint Chronicle – Yulis III King 39th Year Edition and Continental Knight Compendium – Volume 7.

"Wow. You’ve got so many."

"I’ve been an avid reader since childhood, so whenever I see a bookstore in a big city, I can’t help but buy them… There are even articles on my brother and Anzeros."

"Oh, I might want to take a look. I know their personal information well enough to be admitted to the Royal Information Bureau of Renfangas, but I don’t have their detailed evaluations."

As Tetes flipped through the books, Aurora marked her place with a bookmark.

──In the Forest Territory, the Prince of Nobles, the Void Blade, is unconquerable!──

Lucas General (32)
Master Knight / Celesta Southern Army Division
・Power: ★★★★★
・Speed: ★★★★★★
・Technique: ★★★★★★★
・Overall Rating: ★★★★★★

The eldest son of the Southeastern Forest Territory’s colony leader, and a swordswoman hailed as a genius.
Her true capabilities remain immeasurable, and some voices claim this article underestimates her.
It is said that when her blade is swung, even a giant tree twenty paces away is severed with a resounding crash—a testament to the originality of her technique that defies simple star ratings.

But above all, it is her combination of skill and her looks, coupled with her elegant demeanor, that makes her truly despicable. She is the very embodiment of how a noble prince should be.

However, it should be noted that he has a slight tendency toward trouble, having recently been subjected to an audit by the Intelligence Brigade (under dubious pretenses) and ordered to refrain from duty.

──Trotta-style orthodox "Wind-Slicing Blade" – Behold!──

"Wind-Slicing Blade" Anzeros, Captain of Ten (Age unknown)
Ace Knight / Celesta Special Forces
・Power: ☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed: ☆☆☆
・Technique: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Until recently, he was famous as the escort for Basson’s famed "Crossbow Corps," guardians of the Trotta border.
A half-elf swordsman boy whose massive armor belies his physique and whose mighty blade can fell even an Ogre in a single strike.
Despite his handsome appearance, his technique and strength are undeniably solid—a prime example of why judging by looks alone is a mistake.
Recent rumors suggest he may be female, but his transfer to Special Forces has left the matter unresolved.

"Huh? Captain Anzeros seems really fast… Does Celesta really only give him three stars?"

"That’s because it’s not very accurate. It hasn’t been updated since Anzeros lost his armor to his brother two years ago and switched to a speed-focused fighting style. The information is outdated, I suppose. Now he’d easily get six… no, seven stars, definitely."

"Right? Good, because if he only got three stars, even Al would be around five."

"The article on Maido Yari should be in that Continental Knights Compendium of yours. The information is old, but the evaluation criteria are almost the same."

──One of the top candidates for the fastest knight in the Affilum Empire──

"Maido Yari" Almeida
An Elven Paladin.
Currently affiliated with the Folklore Adventurers' Guild.
Once one of the most renowned Paladins in the Affilum Empire, he is now estranged from the Affilum military for some reason and is said to be residing in Folklore, the second-largest city of the Trotta Kingdom.
He possesses highly balanced combat skills, but his speed surpasses even beastmen known for their agility, and his spear attacks—despite not being particularly numerous—exhibit a terrifying fluidity that easily overwhelms defenses. His fighting style is akin to a well-rehearsed dance.

・Attack Power: ☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Special Skills: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Overall Strength: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆★

"…This one’s a bit too stiff in the writing, isn’t it?"

"I think it’s probably because Celesta's East-West Heroic Tales has a lot more gossip in it. It feels a bit…tasteless, in places."

"True. Still, Al’s evaluation is pretty high in there."

According to that book, Almeida’s evaluation rivals even the Master Knight.

It’s comparing different books, but still higher than Lucas’s.

Figures, Tetes nods, looking satisfied, when Almeida herself appears.

"That book… I suppose I’m being overrated."

"Al…"

"I certainly have no doubt about my speed, but the reviewers are letting their fantasies get in the way. Look—if their criteria were applied, I’d be the strongest knight in Affilm."

"Ah, that’s true… There isn’t anyone rated higher than Al even among Affilm’s Lords."

"In reality, if I fought a Lord, I’d lose more than half the time. Speed alone isn’t enough to beat everyone."

"I see…"

"No, rather, it surprises me that I win nearly half the time…"

"I’ve received several recommendations for Lord status, at least."

Almeida looks slightly displeased.

"In Affilm, it’s not just trials or exams—knight selection committees composed of high-ranking officers from each principality decide who becomes a Paladin or Lord… Depending on the political winds within the Empire, you can be recommended a dozen times and still not get appointed, or get appointed without being particularly strong."

"So, Almeida-san could have easily been a Lord…?"

"I don’t know if I’d make Master Knight or Black Arm, but at least in Affilm, I was in that league… And it also shows that the Lords I beat weren’t necessarily the strongest."

"Well, there’s a slight chance even Red Arm isn’t that strong."

Red Arm, the official knight of Renfangas, is appointed based on the number of Frontline Medals they’ve earned.
Most are seasoned veterans worthy of the name, but there are several interchangeable medals of value, and it’s not unheard of for someone to be appointed without ever actually encountering a monster—a backdoor method, so to speak.
Though it takes an excruciatingly long time to get appointed that way.

"Well, it’s just an article written by foreigners based on hearsay. Besides, I’m already a knight of Renfangas…"

"Al, the publication date of this book is two years ago."

"...I suppose there’s no helping that."

Almeida only joined Renfangas last year, so the information was naturally outdated.

"Besides, Celesta's East-West Heroic Tales is the only one published annually. The Compendium of Continental Knights, which follows famous knights across the continent, often has gaps of four or five years between editions. Even with faster information flow these days, gathering such widespread and high-quality info is a monumental task."

"Oh dear. But I want to be a knight worthy of being in the next edition!"

Tetes says cheerfully.
But… if even a little more about her being Alex Buster’s sister gets out, she’ll likely be featured easily enough. It’s not like they only include information on particularly strong "famous" knights.
…Aurora decided to keep quiet about that.

"But the detail in Sword Saint Chronicles is amazing… How do they get access to so much?"

Almeida sighs, looking at Sword Saint Chronicles.

"That’s probably because the editors are from the War History Club at Royal Capital University."

"A university club? They made such a magnificent book?"

Almeida snaps the book shut and examines the binding closely.

The leather-bound cover looks far too professional for a book put out by amateurs.

"Apparently, it was originally a scroll. Lord Crawford insisted it be widely published to boost morale during the war, which is why it took its current form. The Crawford family still funds its publication, even now."

"…Well, even a Sword Saint can’t outright reject an interview request from a university student, I suppose. And the book itself would be well-made, too. Still, it’s remarkable they kept it going after the Celesta War."

"As for Celesta, we have no intention of destroying or dismantling the Sword Saints themselves. We still find them quite useful as a threat against the Affilm Empire."

The nation of Celesta understands that while conflicting interests are strictly enforced, valuable things are fragile and hard to come by.

The immense trust and admiration for the "Sword Saint" cultivated by the Trollot Kingdom, along with its influence over neighboring countries, is something that, once shattered, could never be easily rebuilt. Even if it meant bending the rules a little, it was worth exploiting… or so they believed.

"Even now, many children aspire to become swordsmen, still drawn to the Sword Saint mythos. As long as there’s no outright opposition to Celesta, it seems they’ll tolerate these kinds of publications."

"The more I hear about Celesta, the more tolerant they seem. Hard to imagine coming from the blood-soaked Affilm Peninsula… Though, I do recall a plan to seize a third of Trollot while the Sword Saint Brigade was collapsing, using it as a foothold into Celesta—but it was scrapped thanks to Celesta’s unexpectedly strong remaining forces."

"Celesta is a nation of merchants, after all. They’re sharp when it comes to things of value."

"Affilm… or rather, Deep Green should have been too…"

Almeida flips through the book again.

"By the way, there are quite a few bookmarks in here."

"Yes. Since there are so many familiar faces mentioned, I enjoy checking them out."

"Familiar faces…?"

"Of course, His Excellency Arthur Bonaparte, the Supreme Sword Saint, but also Gilbert Granz, the Centurion, and Hector Randall, the Decurion, are acquaintances of mine. I’ve even marked the pages for the Sword Saints I saw in Rennest the other day."

"Huh… I only caught a glimpse of them at Gibli Fortress."

Almeida opens the book to a page marked with a bookmark.

──The Supreme Sword Saint, the strongest in the history of the Sword Saint Brigade, a living legend──

Arthur Bonaparte
Former Commander of the Sword Saint Brigade
Former Captain of the Royal Palace Guard
His power and charisma were largely responsible for making the Sword Saint Brigade the strongest force in the Northwest Plains.

His physique is imposing even among humans at 189 centimeters tall. Up close, he exudes a presence that truly overwhelms. Yet, his smile gives off an air of pure gentlemanliness, coupled with the refreshing innocence of a mischievous boy.

While his appearance certainly contributes to his charisma, his skill was absolute.

His strength is superhuman—he could wrestle with ogres without losing—and his swordsmanship is said to reach divine levels.

His beloved greatsword was forged by Vicx Valley, the top swordsmith of the Royal Capital, and though it’s not suited for sword duels, he remains undefeated in all his matches against other Sword Saints. He excels at wielding the "Blast Attack," the symbol of Trollot’s swordsmen, and when unleashed at full power, it creates a tornado that ordinary houses cannot withstand.

However, the wounds he suffered in the last war were not minor, and he is currently recuperating.

Given his age, a return to active duty seems unlikely, but I, too, would like to see the great hero raise his sword in the Grand Arena once more—if only once.

Attack Power: 7
Agility: 6
Combat Skill: 10
Overall Power:

S (Active Duty Version)

──The Arena's Demon Instructor──

"Sensei" Gilbert Granz
Even today, countless young swordsmen sweat within the Great Arena.
Most are "Ace Knights" appointed after the Celesta War, but the man who teaches them technique is a true, pure-blooded Sword Saint—a man nearing his fifties who still strikes fear into the hearts of these young warriors.

The secret to his strength, often joked about as being due to long-lived blood, lies not only in his unwavering diligence—he trains without fail every week—but also in his perfected technique and bottomless mental fortitude.

His name is Gilbert Granz. A magnificent Sword Saint who also serves as an associate professor at Royal Capital University. His lectures are renowned for their clarity, while his mercilessness toward absentees is equally famous—so much so that anyone lacking confidence in perfect attendance should simply stay home… but I digress.

Originally a scholar at heart, he was the oddball Sword Saint who refused to join the Sword Saint Brigade during the last war, preferring to remain at the university. Yet, his command abilities are said to be top-tier. Rumors suggest he also declined an offer to serve as a general in the Celesta Army for the same reason—whether true or false remains unknown.

A true Royal Capital native, he’s also affable, often leading his students on outings to the city’s hidden gem restaurants during his free time.

I may have strayed from the intended Sword Saint introduction, but that is simply who he is. There are aspects of him not visible through the lens of just "Sword Saint," so I ask for your indulgence in this digression.

Attack Power: 4
Agility: 5
Combat Technique: 10
Overall Rating: B

──The Last Sword Saint is a Flower and Fruit All in One──

Ector Randall
A genius swordsman who earned the title of Sword Saint at the tender age of fifteen, he came to be known as "the Last Sword Saint" after Trott's defeat shortly after his appointment—Trott having lost both military command and the right to bestow the "Sword Saint" title.

The eldest son of the prestigious Randall noble family and an outstanding student, he is constantly surrounded by women at Royal Capital University. He seems to have few male friends within the school.

Though his sword has only been wielded in battle once (during the collapse of the Sword Saint Brigade), his skill is highly regarded. Rumor has it that he has already surpassed many senior Sword Saints and is even eyeing the Master Knight exam.

His style is a pure orthodox, and he is proficient in "Blast Attack," with considerable speed as well.

Once, when a right-wing group caused an uproar within Royal Capital University, he worked alongside Associate Professor Gilbert Granz to quell the disturbance.

His brilliant feat of wielding a single dagger, using a single Blast Attack to sweep a desk away and swiftly rescue a female student held hostage, is still spoken of in awe.

A painting of him hangs in the university’s art department, though he supposedly wants to buy it and keep it private.

The fact that such a swordsman can still be born within the nation gives the Trott people of Royal Capital great hope.

Attack Power: 6
Agility: 7
Combat Technique: 6

Overall Power
B

──That movement, like a soaring flight. That strike, like fangs and claws──

"The Vulture of Shulantz" Joseph Bay
Former commander of the 7th Squad of the Sword Saint Brigade.
A Great Sword Saint, said to have ranked in the single digits even within the Sword Saint Brigade itself.
Considered a master to "Gale" Abel Dingle, renowned for his mastery of high-speed swordsmanship.
A skilled dual-wielder who wields swords in both hands, he is known for his elegant strike that severs an opponent's collarbone and shatters their will to fight, as well as his ability to instantly disengage. For this reason, he was called "The Vulture Knight." Later, taking the name of his homeland, he became known as "The Vulture of Shulantz."
His combat prowess is top-notch, but he is also highly regarded as a general.
Joseph Bay as the Sword Saint Brigade's lead attacker, and Joseph Bay as a commander—how much more useful one was over the other was a well-known dilemma for the military command at the time.

Attack Power
8
Agility
8
Combat Technique
8
Overall Power
S

──His color is the azure sky, a blue of salvation──

"The Blue Knight" Bartholomew Dean III
Former commander of the 11th Squad of the Sword Saint Brigade. A Great Sword Saint.
A dashing figure known as the Blue Knight because he always wears his family heirloom: a blue cloak.
Even on the battlefield, he fights while wrapped in it, and terrifyingly, there are no bloodstains or tears to be found on that cloak—testament to his skill.
A master of the halberd and adept at using Blast Attacks. His tactics are flawless, and his sense of when to retreat is legendary. He excels at rescuing friendly units, leaving many Trot Troops unable to forget the vividness of his blue.
There’s even a saying that only bad women and sudden storms can stain his cloak.
Incidentally, he’s also a henpecked husband, and after this saying reached his wife, he lost quite a bit of weight.

Attack Power
5
Agility
7
Combat Technique
8
Overall Power
A

──The Sword Saint Brigade's fierce vanguard commander──

"Penetrator" Cain Gold
Former member of the Sword Saint Brigade, 2nd Squad. Grand Sword Saint.

Even within the Sword Saint Brigade, where coordinated action is its greatest weapon, there are times when a tactical breakthrough is necessary.

And the reliable man who charges into those situations first is him—Cain Gold.

His breaking power is almost absolute, impossible for an average vanguard unit to contain, and he possesses a knack for sensing the perfect moment to strike that even cavalry cannot respond to in pursuit.

There have been many times his breakthroughs have led the Sword Saint Brigade to victory. Official records alone show he initiated seven decisive victories, and there are tales of even more in skirmishes.

In terms of battlefield achievements achieved through solo action, he is considered the best within the Sword Saint Brigade.

However, his injuries are far from few.

Even the invincible Sword Saint Brigade owed its constant victories to the tireless efforts of warriors like him who fought and bled.

Attack Power: 8
Agility: 7
Combat Technique: 4
Overall Power: A

"I see… I’d also like to spar with Arthur Bonaparte once."
Almeida grumbled.

"Al and Arthur Bonaparte, huh? Yeah, that'd be kinda interesting to watch," Tete said, nonchalantly.

Aurora, who had been unable to even scratch Anzalos even with two people during training, smiled wryly.

Just then, Sieg Becker, steaming from the hot springs, passed by.

"Whoa. You guys got a pretty interesting group going on here."

"Special Forces Centurion."

"Huh. So there is some kind of evaluation for Bonaparte? And… wow, that’s pretty low."

"Low?"

Seeing Almeida's intrigued expression, Sieg grinned.

"If I were to write it… hmm, Attack Power 10, Agility 8, maybe? There’s no way that old guy’s attack power is lower than Schrantz’s eagle!"

"Attack Power 10 is like, a special case for someone like General Scott Vincent…" Aurora interjected quietly.

Vincent, an Overnighter, is a general of Celesta. The numbers in the Tales of Sword Saints Almeida has open are practically unused.

But…

"Vincent’s attack power is high, sure, but I bet he could hold his own against one of that old guy’s serious hits. That attack power isn’t about technique or anything like that—it’s something more fundamental."

"…Fundamental."

Aurora and Tetes looked bewildered, while Almeida seemed to have some vague understanding.

It was a recognition only those who had fought as warriors for a long time could share.

"Right, the articles about Vincent and the others should be in that 'Celesta East-West Heroes Chronicle,' huh? …Oh, issue 22 from the end of last year. How’d you get your hands on that?"

"I purchased it at Taruk the other day."

"Ah, I see, that time. Let’s take a look."

──Celesta’s "Sword"! The Lightning King, renowned as the strongest in the continent──

“Overnight of Thunder” Scott Vincent, Special General (41)
Affiliation: Overnite / Celesta Special Lightning Brigade
・Power: ★★★★★★★★★★
・Speed: ★★★★☆
・Technique: ★★★★★☆
・Overall Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★

The ultimate warrior of the Ogre race, symbolizing Celesta with his absolute offensive power.
His immense strength is impressive, but what truly stands out is his lightning ability, which earned him his nickname.
The "Electrode" trait, rarely manifested in Ogres, grants the ability to wield electricity—though usually only enough to numb those they touch.
But his power far exceeds that, allowing him to freely unleash lightning from his horns and, depending on the weather, strike the surroundings at will from the heavens.
No enemy can defend against this force. Even if they could, his prized double axes would cleave them in two.
The terror of him appearing anywhere on a flying dragon serves as a deterrent not only for domestic security but also for surrounding nations.
By the way, he’s still single.
He supposedly wants a wife who’s either a cat or a foxkin—apparently, his fur stands on end so much that finding a suitable partner is proving difficult.

──Celesta’s "Shield"! The terror of an invincible man standing before you──

“Overnight of Steel” Ryo Amatsushima, Special General (38)
Affiliation: Overnite / Celesta Special Lightning Brigade
・Power: ★★★★
・Speed: ★★★
・Technique: ★★★
・Overall Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

To be blunt, he’s not much of a fighting force.

But the reason his overall rating is absurdly high is due to his bizarre vitality.

There’s an episode where a military doctor snapped, "Make up your mind—are you a walking corpse or a holy beast?" Yet he’s been through at least 137 situations where he should have died and come back as if nothing happened.

Bombed by siege hammers. Pinned between rocks. Riddled with spears. His fortress burned to the ground. Buried alive. Beaten to a pulp by Vincent General in a brawl, then crushed by a double axe. Drowned in a Quieca Sea. The list goes on.

And yet, in nearly every case, he’s survived—covered in blood, screaming something like "What the hell!"—as if nothing happened.

From the enemy’s perspective, there’s nothing more terrifying.

Even at his minimum level as an Ace Knight, he has some attack power, so when he’s deployed, the opposing army is left in utter chaos.

He’s a trump card in a way different from Vincent General—a true secret weapon of the command. And he’s famous for it.

──Behold, the Monstrous Bird! What does the blue bird carry──

“Blue Storm” General Clay Kingfisher (42)
Master Knight / Celesta Western Army
・Power: ☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Technique: ☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Birdmen are rare even in Celesta.

Yet, despite that, the Celesta Army has several Ace Knights who are Birdmen. He’s the most famous and strongest of them all.

A Birdman who wields immense leg strength as his weapon, using his wings primarily for directional control and aerial maneuvers. But that’s a perfectly rational tactic—allowing them to move faster and more erratically than any other warrior.

His movements, like a raging storm, are nearly impossible for even an Ace Knight to track. There’s a famous tale from the Master Knight exam where three Ace Knights couldn’t land a single blow before he was gone.

However, he’s also said to be quite attention-seeking and rather clumsy.

Maybe it’s because he’s a bird.

“Hahaha! Nice! The guy writing this must be fearless! I’m taking this to Kingfisher next time.”

“I don’t know if I should. It’ll probably get torn up.”

“Oh, yeah, that’s possible.”

Zieg laughs uproariously, flapping his arms. Aurora looks annoyed.

“And Becker’s already getting flak for it too.”

“Seriously?”

☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Technique
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Overall Rating
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Even a genius who passed the Ace Knight exam at the age of twelve is now 40 this year. Time is merciless.
His numerous martial achievements have been revealed, and he has conquered many legendary-level monsters and ruins. A truly skilled warrior.
In particular, his speed is said to be the fastest on the continent, surpassing even Almeida's "Dancing Spear" from Affilm and Abel Dingle's "Swift Wind" from Trott.
However, it's also true that some argue how he'd fare in an actual fight, given his assassin-like reliance on knives and traps.
Apparently, he was recently captured by an Orc woman. And immediately caught cheating.
A flamboyant man even in his private life.

"Hey, who wrote this? It's like they're out to get me!"

"I'm afraid I can't help you with that. And if you break it, please replace it."

"…Gugigigi…"

Zieg reluctantly put down the book he was clutching so tightly he looked ready to tear it in half.

Tetes, who had been chuckling, suddenly turned to Almeida.

"By the way, is Abel Dingle mentioned here? I've been wondering about him since earlier."

"He's listed here," Almeida said, quickly flipping through the Sword Saint Chronicle he was holding.

"I'd been oddly compared to him for the past decade or so, so it's been on my mind."

──Trott's Fastest Knight──

"Swift Wind" Abel Dingle
Former member of the 7th Squad of the Sword Saint Brigade. A half-wolfkin.
The Sword Saint Brigade tends to favor overall strength and teamwork over exceptionally outstanding abilities.
But he possesses both, along with some of the highest-level exceptional abilities on the continent.
Perhaps it's due to his mother being a wolfkin, but even so, few beastmen possess agility like his.
Subhuman races are rare in the Sword Saint Brigade, but he is one of the few, making him an unusual man in many ways.
His swordsmanship resembles the hit-and-run tactics of his master, Joseph Bay, "The Eagle of Schrantz," from the Great Arena. Some say that due to his superior physical abilities, his combat prowess already surpasses that of his master.
In the last war, he was somewhat overshadowed by Celesta's tactics, which effectively utilized many subhuman races. With him as a starting point, the era where Trott acknowledges and utilizes the power of subhumans may be just around the corner.

Attack Power: 7
Agility: 10

"Combat Skills"
7
Overall Power
A

"……"

"Hey, Dance Spear. Something's been bugging me… Isn’t this guy younger than us?"

"If he’s younger than you, it’s impossible for him to be older than me, Sieg Becker."

"He’s got this weirdly high approval rating compared to us old hands, and he’s not even that humble, is he?"

"I think so too. I mean, shouldn’t we Speed-types get a fairer evaluation?"

"Right? Right?"

Almeida and Sieg, radiating dark auras.

Aurora sighs. Tete, ever the bold one, tries to steer the conversation in a new direction.

"More importantly, what kind of score would you give someone like Diane, the Centurion who doesn’t appear on these lists? Or Aurora-san?"

"Hmm… that, huh? Well, let’s see."

Sieg picks up a black slate from the corner of the cafeteria and starts scribbling with chalk.

・Diane, Team Leader
Attack Power
9
Speed
10
Combat Skills
10
Overall Performance
The Strongest

・Anzalos
Attack Power
6
Speed
8
Combat Skills
8
Overall Performance
A-

・Aurora
Attack Power

7
Agility
4
Combat Skill
7
Overall Rating
B+

・Tetes
Attack Power
5
Agility
5
Combat Skill
8
Overall Rating
?

・Naris
Attack Power
4
Speed
5
Combat Skill
7
Overall Rating
?

"…That’s about right."

"Anzerous-san’s numbers are pretty… And the overall ratings for Tetes-san and the others seem kinda arbitrary, don’t you think?"

"Anzerous, the Ten-Commander, honestly, I think he still has a lot of untapped potential. Depending on how he combines magic and his Wind-Cutting Sword, he could be a real force to be reckoned with. He hasn’t been in a tight spot lately, so who knows? And Tetes, the Knight, you haven’t even shown anyone your full strength yet."

"Huh…"

"I can see right through your cautious driving. It’s not like I’m saying you don’t have any tricks up your sleeve, but the power you don’t bring out in training might not come out in actual combat either. Don’t get overconfident and die. And as for Naris… well, she reeks of Smisson."

"What?"

"Hold on, Sieg Becker! Naris is still just like Andy…"

"Chill out, Aurora Ten-Commander, Dance Spear. I’m not saying I’m sniffing her body odor with some beastman-level sense of smell or anything."

Sieg shrugged.
"It’s just… when Naris gets pushed into a corner, she seems like she’ll slowly, little by little, squeeze out all her juice, you know? A bottomless well in a different way than Tetes, the Knight. …Same with Smisson. He’s not that great, ability-wise or head-wise. But if you just look at what he’s done, you can see why those elf guys treat him so well. Depending on how things go, Naris could be interesting too."

"Muuu…"

"Is that so..."

Tetes looked slightly dissatisfied, while Aurora pondered.
...And then—
"I'm not that powerful."

Anzeros had appeared seemingly out of nowhere and was wiping himself off with a cotton cloth.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Well, I hate weird nicknames like that. And Andy laughed at me!"

"It's fine, isn't it?"

"That's why I'm saying it! I don't want to become famous in such a strange way!"

The swordsmen were making a fuss.

"Well, as long as Andy loves me plenty even if I'm not strong, that's all that matters♪"

"Hmm. As a female slave, that would be the correct path, wouldn't it?"

"I wonder when he'll come back..."

Selen, Irina, and Myia sipped their tea together.

A Polka in the dead of winter, with snowflakes dancing through the air.
That place, apart from being a resort for those seeking healing through hot springs, has recently taken on the appearance of a training ground where many swordsmen come to hone their own skills.

Most of these trainees are members of the Dianne Special Operations Unit and their associates engaging in self-directed practice. Inspired by them, elves with a strong warrior inclination can now be seen undertaking rigorous personal training along the forest's edge.

Even amidst such activity, on days when heavy snow blankets the ground, no one is foolish enough to frolic outdoors. Though it may not be "ploughing in fair weather and reading in foul," immersing oneself in books at the inn's dining hall under an aurora sky like today can still be considered meaningful.

"Aurora Ten-Headed Leader, what are you reading?"

"Mr. Tetes, can you read too?"

The book Aurora had closed was titled Celesta Eastern and Western Heroes Chronicle, Issue No. 22.

"Heroes Chronicle…?"

"It's a newly updated catalog claiming to comprehensively cover information on famous warriors, centered around Celesta's military personnel—officially speaking."

"Officially speaking means…"

"To be frank, it's still just a civilian publication. There are inaccuracies and omissions galore... Well, even an Ace Knight like me struggles to track down certain records, so one could say it's actually quite well-researched without compromising military secrets. For a Master Knight or someone of equivalent rank currently active in service, this book captures almost everything."

"Wow. Are you aiming to be included in that list too, Leader Aurora?"

"Hehe. Well, I can't deny there's some truth to that."

Aurora smiled and spread out other books stacked on the table. Titles like Sword Saint Chronicle: Year 39 of King Yurisius and Comprehensive Guide to Continental Knights, Volume 7 were printed on their covers.

"Wow. You've got so many!"

"I've loved reading these since childhood, so whenever I visit a major city and spot a bookstore, I can't help but buy them... There are even articles about my brother and Mr. Anzeros."

"Oh, I'd like to see those. I know the basic personal details since they reach the Royal Intelligence Bureau of Renfanggas, but I don't have access to detailed evaluations."

As Tetes flipped through the pages, Aurora inserted a bookmark for him.

──The Noble Son of the Forest Territory: No Blade Can Sever the Vacuum Edge!──

General Lucas (32)
Master Knight / Southern Army Corps, Celesta Military
・Power: ★★★★★
・Speed: ★★★★★★★
・Technique: ★★★★★★★★★
・Overall Rating: ★★★★★★★★

The legitimate heir and prodigy of the Colony Leader in the Southeastern Forest Territory, hailed as a beautiful swordsman of genius.
His true strength remains immeasurable, with some voices suggesting this article underestimates him.
When his sword swings, it cleaves through massive trees twenty paces away, felling them with a thunderous crash. Due to its originality, there are aspects that cannot be quantified by the ★ rating system.

Above all, what makes him truly cunning is the combination of his formidable power with his striking appearance and graceful demeanor. He stands as the very model of how a nobleman ought to conduct himself.

However, it should be noted that recently, though the specific circumstances remain unclear, he underwent an audit by the Intelligence Legion and was subsequently placed under house arrest, indicating a history of various troubles.

──Here is the orthodox "Wind-Slicing Blade" trained in Trot!──

"Wind-Slicing Blade" Anzoros (Ten-Headed Leader, Age Unknown)
Ace Knight / Special Operations Unit of the Celesta Army
・Power: ☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed: ☆☆☆
・Technique: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Until recently, he was famous as the guardian escort for Basson's renowned border unit, the "Crossbow Squad," which protected Trot's borders. He is a half-elf boy swordsman whose pride lies in his massive armor, disproportionate to his frame, and his short sword capable of felling even ogres with a single strike. Despite his appearance as a beautiful youth, he possesses undeniable skill and strength; judging him by looks alone would be a painful mistake. Recent investigations have whispered that he may be female, but details remain unknown due to his transfer to the Special Operations Unit.

"Oh, Anzoros Ten-Headed Leader seems quite fast... Is it really only three stars in Celesta?"

"That's because my information isn't entirely accurate. I haven't been able to keep up with Anzoros's shift toward a speed-based fighting style since he lost his armor two years ago due to an incident involving his brother. My data is simply outdated. If I were to update it now, I'd say six stars... or perhaps seven would be more solid."

"You're right? Good, because if he were only three stars, wouldn't Al-chan be around five?"

"The article on the Dancing Spear should be in your 'Comprehensive Guide to Continent Knights.' The information is old, but the evaluation criteria are almost the same."

──One of the fastest knight candidates in the Afilum Empire──

"Dancing Spear" Almeida
An elf Paladin.
Currently an adventurer affiliated with the Folklore Adventurers' Guild.
Once one of the most renowned Paladins in the Afilum Empire, she has since severed ties with the Afilum Army for some reason and is said to be residing in Folclore, the second-largest city of the Kingdom of Trot.

She possesses combat skills that are perfectly balanced at a high level. Above all, her speed is so extraordinary that it leaves behind even beastkin who excel in leg strength. Her attacks, delivered with a spear—a weapon that should never rely on sheer volume of strikes—display terrifying movements that effortlessly saturate any defense. Her fighting style resembles a meticulously choreographed dance.

・Attack Power: ☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Special Skills: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Overall Combat Power: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆★

"...This one is a bit more formal in its wording."

"That's because the 'Celesta East-West Heroes Chronicle' tends to include a fair share of gossip, I think. It has some rather earthy parts as well."

"Indeed. Still, Al-chan's reputation is quite high, isn't it?"

According to that book, Almeida's evaluation rivals even that of a Master Knight.
Though comparing two different works, her rating surpasses Lucas's.
Tete nodded with satisfaction, thinking, "Of course," but then the actual Almeida appeared before them.

"That book... It seems I'm being overrated."

"Al-chan."

"While I'm confident no one can beat me in speed, there's a bit of the reviewer's fantasy mixed into that assessment. Look—if judged by those standards, I'd be considered the strongest knight even among the Afilum order."

"Oh, really... There's no one rated higher than Al-chan, not even among the Lords of Afilum."

"In reality, I lost more than half my matches against the Lord. Speed alone isn't enough to defeat many opponents."

"I see..."

"No, actually, it surprises me that I won nearly half of them... Though officially, I've received multiple recommendations from the Lord."

Almeida looked slightly displeased.

"In their region, promotions aren't decided through battles or exams. Instead, a Knight Selection Committee composed of selected officers from each duchy determines who becomes a Paladin or Lord. Depending on political trends within the Empire, one might never be promoted despite numerous recommendations, or conversely, be promoted without possessing adequate strength."

"So, it's not entirely surprising that Almeida could become a Lord...?"

"I don't know if I'd qualify as a Master Knight or Black Arm, but at least in Afilum, I was on that level. Moreover, the fact that some Lords I defeated weren't necessarily strong serves as proof of this."

"Well, there's still a slight possibility that even Red Arm isn't particularly strong."

Red Arm, a full knight of Renfangsa, is promoted based on the number of Frontline Medals he holds.
Most are indeed formidable warriors worthy of such accolades after countless battles, but there are several interchangeable medals in value, and some have managed to be promoted without ever encountering monsters—a kind of shortcut, though it takes an extraordinarily long time to accumulate enough medals for promotion.

"After all, this is just an article written by foreigners based on hearsay. Besides, I'm already a knight of Renfangsa..."

"Al-chan, the publication date of this book was two years ago."

"...Well, in that case, there's nothing to be done about it."

Since Almeida had joined Renfangsa last year, it was natural for the information to be outdated.

"In any case, among these publications, only the 'Celesta East-West Heroes Chronicle' is issued annually. The 'Comprehensive Guide to Continental Knights,' which follows famous knights across the continent, often has gaps of four or five years between editions. Even though information spreads quickly these days, gathering such extensive and high-quality data is quite laborious."

"Oh dear. But I'd like to become a knight worthy of being featured in the next edition too!"

Tete said cheerfully.

However... if even a hint that she's Alex Buster's sister became known, she'd surely be included without hesitation. After all, "famous" knights aren't necessarily those who are particularly strong.
...Given these circumstances, Aurora decided to keep silent.

"But the detail in 'The Legend of the Sword Saint' is astonishing... They let me give such thorough interviews."

Almeida sighed while gazing at "The Legend of the Sword Saint."

"That's probably because the editor belongs to the War History Club at the Capital University."

"A university club? Can they really produce such a magnificent book?"

Closing the book with a snap, Almeida examined the binding closely.

The magnificent leather binding certainly doesn't look like something produced by an amateur.

"It seems the original was a scroll. Midway through, it was reshaped into its current form at the behest of Lord Crawford, who believed it should be widely published to boost morale. To this day, the Crawford family continues to fund its publication."

"…Well, if a university student is conducting an interview, even a Heroic Sword Saint can't simply ignore them, and the resulting book will naturally be substantial. Still, I'm surprised it's continued even after the Celesta War."

"As for Celesta, they have no intention of destroying or abolishing the Sword Saint themselves. They continue to utilize him effectively as a deterrent against the Afilum Empire."

Celesta is a nation that is strict regarding conflicting interests, yet fully understands that valuable things are fragile and difficult to replace.

The immense trust and admiration surrounding the "Sword Saint" cultivated by the Trot Kingdom, along with its formidable influence over neighboring states, is something that, once shattered, cannot be easily rebuilt. It is recognized as an asset worth leveraging even at some cost.

"There are still many children who aspire to become swordsmen inspired by the legend of the Sword Saint. Such publications appear to be tolerated as long as they do not openly oppose Celesta."

"The more I hear, the more tolerant Celesta seems. It's hard to imagine such a mindset coming from the blood-soaked conflicts of the Afilum Peninsula. …Indeed, there were plans at the time to seize one-third of Trot by capitalizing on the collapse of the Sword Saint Legion and use it as a bridgehead for Celesta, but those plans were abandoned thanks to Celesta leaving more of Trot's military strength intact than anticipated."

"Celesta is a nation of merchants. They are shrewd when it comes to things with value."

"Afilum… no, if Deep Green had been like that, it would have been better…"

Almeida flips through the book again.

"By the way, this book has quite a few bookmarks."

"Yes. Since many of the articles feature acquaintances, checking them is enjoyable."

"Acquaintances…?"

"Naturally, His Excellency the Supreme Sword Saint Arthur Bonaparte, but also Captain Gilbert Granz and Lieutenant Hector Randall are all familiar faces. I even added bookmarks to the entries about the Sword Saints I saw in Rennesot recently."

"Hmm… I only caught a glimpse of them at Gibraltar Fortress."

Almeida opens the page using the bookmark as a guide.

── The Strongest of All Generations of the Sword Saint Legion: The Living Legend, the Supreme Sword Saint ──

Arthur Bonaparte
Former Commander of the Sword Saint Legion
Former Captain of the Royal Guard

Much of his ability to make the Sword Saint Legion known as the strongest in the Northwest Plains lies in his strength and charisma.
Standing at 189 cm, he is tall even for a human; approaching him evokes an overwhelming sense of dominance. Yet, his smile conveys that of a true gentleman, accompanied by a refreshing vitality reminiscent of a mischievous youth.
While his appearance undoubtedly contributes to his charisma, his actual prowess is even more absolute.
Not only does he possess superhuman strength that never loses in a contest of power against ogres, but his swordsmanship is said to have reached the divine realm.
His favored weapon is a greatsword crafted by Vicks Vale himself, the top-ranked swordsmith of the Capital's Ten Swordsmiths. Though unsuitable for formal duels, he remains undefeated against every other Sword Saint he has faced. He is particularly exceptional in wielding the "Blast Attack," the symbol of Trotian swordsmen; when unleashed at full power, it creates a tornado capable of destroying ordinary buildings.
However, the wounds he sustained in the previous war were not superficial, and he is currently recovering.
Given his age, a return to active duty is unlikely, but I would like to see him once again raise his sword in the Great Arena as a great hero—even just once.

Attack Power: 7
Agility: 6
Combat Technique: 10
Overall Strength

S
(The portrait depicts him during his active service.)

──The Ghost Instructor of the Grand Arena──

Gilbert Granz, "Master"
Even today, countless young swordsmen sweat within the Grand Arena.
Most are "Ace Knights" commissioned after the Celesta War, yet the man who imparts their techniques is a true and unadulterated Sword Saint. Approaching fifty, he still instills fear in these youthful warriors.

Jokes circulate that his longevity stems from his bloodline, but the secret to his strength lies not only in his relentless weekly discipline but also in his perfected technique and boundless mental fortitude.

His name is Gilbert Granz. How fitting that a man of such stature serves as an associate professor at the Capital University. His lectures are renowned for their clarity and his merciless attitude toward absentees; those lacking even a shred of confidence in perfect attendance are advised not to enroll... but let us leave that aside.

Originally of scholarly disposition, he refused enlistment in the Sword Saint Legion during the previous war, fearing it would disrupt his university duties—a rare anomaly among Sword Saints. Yet, his command capabilities are said to be first-rate. Rumors persist that he also declined a general's commission from the Celesta Army for similar reasons; whether true or false remains uncertain.

A native of the Capital, he possesses a friendly demeanor, often guiding lecture students to hidden culinary gems in the city during his off-duty hours.

Though intended as an introduction to his role as a Sword Saint, this portrayal seems somewhat off-key. There are facets of him that remain invisible when viewed solely through that lens; please forgive my hesitation in putting pen to paper.

Attack Power: 4
Agility: 5
Combat Technique: 10
Overall Strength: B

──The Last Sword Saint Bears Both Flower and Fruit──

Ector Randall
A genius swordsman who earned the title of Sword Saint at just fifteen, he is known as "the Last Sword Saint" after Trot's defeat shortly following his commission, which stripped the military command authority and the power to appoint Sword Saints.

As the legitimate heir of the prestigious noble House Randall and an outstanding student, he is constantly surrounded by women within the Capital University, though male friends remain scarce on campus.

Though his sword has been wielded in actual combat only once—during the collapse of the Sword Saint Legion—his prowess is highly regarded. Reports suggest he has already surpassed ordinary senior Sword Saints, emerging prominently and even entering the range for the Master Knight examination.

His style is purely orthodox; he is proficient in "Blast Attack" and possesses considerable speed.

When a right-wing group within the Capital University caused a disturbance, he worked alongside Associate Professor Gilbert Granz to suppress it. His brilliant feat—using a single dagger and one Blast Attack to flip a desk and rescue a female student held hostage in an instant—has become legendary on campus.

The university's art club painted his likeness in oil, which is now on display. Rumors say he wishes to purchase the painting and have it removed.

The fact that swordsmen like him can still emerge from within the nation offers great hope to the people of Trot in the Capital.

Attack Power: 6
Agility: 7
Combat Technique: 6

Overall Combat Power
B

──That movement, swift as flight. That single strike, sharp as a claw and fang──

"Raven of Shrantz" Joseph Bay
Former captain of the 7th Squad, Order of the Sword Saints.
A Great Sword Saint, reputed to rank among the top ten in terms of raw power within the Order.
Mentor figure to "Zephyr" Abel Dingil; renowned for his high-speed swordsmanship.
A master of dual-wielding, he delivers a dazzling blow that severs an opponent's collarbone to shatter their will to fight, then vanishes instantly—tactics that earned him the title "Knight of the Raven." Later, after adopting his homeland Shrantz as his epithet, he became known as the "Raven of Shrantz."
Though his combat prowess is first-class, he also commands great respect as a general.
The Order's legendary readout attacker, Joseph Bay—the man who could lead from the front or command from afar. It is said that even the military headquarters of that era struggled greatly to decide which role would prove more valuable.

Attack Power: 8
Agility: 8
Combat Technique: 8
Overall Combat Power: S

──That hue, the azure sky, the blue of salvation──

"Blue Knight" Bartholomew Dean III
Former captain of the 11th Squad, Order of the Sword Saints. A Great Sword Saint.
Known as a flashy noble for always wearing his family heirloom, the Azure Mantle—hence the moniker "Blue Knight."
Even while donning it in battle, the mantle remains untouched by bloodstains or tears—a testament to his formidable skill.
A master of the halberd and adept at executing burst attacks; his tactics leave no openings, and his timing for disengaging is equally renowned. He excels particularly in rescuing allied units, earning him many loyal Trot soldiers who will never forget the brilliance of that azure cloak.
There's even a saying: "Only a wicked woman or a sudden storm can soil his mantle."
Incidentally, he was also notorious as a henpecked husband; once this reputation reached his wife, he reportedly lost considerable weight.

Attack Power: 5
Agility: 7
Combat Technique: 8
Overall Combat Power: A

──The Order of the Sword Saints' ferocious spearhead commander──

"Penetrator" Cain Gold
Former member of the 2nd Squad, Sword Saint Legion. Great Sword Saint.

Even within the Sword Saint Legion, where coordinated action is their greatest strength, there are moments when a breakthrough is tactically essential.

In such situations, it is always this reliable man who charges in first: Cain Gold.

His ability to break through lines possesses an almost absolute power; no ordinary vanguard unit can hold him back, and even the cavalry cannot effectively pursue him. He combines this with an uncanny instinct for spotting those fleeting opportunities that lead to victory.

Cain's breakthroughs have frequently guided the Sword Saint Legion to triumph. Official records of formal battles show he created winning conditions seven times alone, while accounts suggest his impact in ambushes was even greater.

In terms of achievements achieved through solo maneuvers, he is widely regarded as one of the top performers within the entire Sword Saint Legion.

However, he is far from unscathed; injuries are not uncommon.

Even the invincible Sword Saint Legion owes its string of victories to the relentless efforts of warriors like him, who fight while bleeding.

Attack Power
8
Agility
7
Combat Skill
4
Overall Rating
A

"Indeed... I'd very much like to test my skills against Arthur Bonaparte someday."
Almeida grumbled thoughtfully.

"Arthur and Lord Bonaparte? Hmm, I suppose I should take a look at them too," Tetes said carelessly.

Even though this was just training, Aurora smiled helplessly; she had been unable to stand a chance against Anzeros and the other two.

Just then, Sieg Becker returned from the hot springs, steam rising from his body as he passed by.

"Hey! What an interesting group putting together some fascinating matchups!"

"Special Duty Captain."

"Huh? So there's actually an evaluation for Lord Bonaparte? Man, that rating seems pretty low."

"Low?"
Seeing Almeida's intrigued expression, Sieg grinned.

"If I were to rate him... well, let's say Attack Power 10, Agility 8. There's no way that old man could have lower attack power than the Eagle of Schrantz!"

"When you say Attack Power 10, that's basically a special category like General Scott Vincent..."
Aurora pointed out gently.

Vincent, being an Overnight, is Celesta's general; in Almeida's "Chronicles of the Sword Saint," his stats are effectively unused.

But...

"Sure, Vincent's attack power is high, but I get the feeling that old man's serious strike could make even him pause. That kind of attack power isn't just about technique or skill—it's something more fundamental."

"...Fundamental?"

The Aurora, looking utterly bewildered; Tetes, who seemed to have grasped the situation after all; and Almeida, appearing somewhat satisfied with his understanding.
This was a realization shared only by those who had long fought as warriors.

"Of course Vincent's article is there too, in that 'Chronicles of Celesta's Eastern and Western Heroes' issue... Oh, number 22—that's the December issue from last year. You've got great taste!"

"I bought it at Tark just recently."

"Oh, I see, back then. Let me take a look."

──Celesta's "Sword"! The Lightning King, renowned as the strongest warrior on the continent──

"Overnight of Thunderclap" Special General Scott Vincent (41)
Overnight / Member of Celesta Special Lightning Brigade
・Power: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
・Speed: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆
・Technique: ★★★★☆☆☆☆
・Overall Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

The ultimate Ogre warrior who embodies Celesta with his absolute offensive power.
While his immense physical strength is awe-inspiring, what truly stands out is the lightning ability that gave rise to his nickname.
Though some Ogres possess a rare condition called "Elercon," allowing them to manipulate electricity, it usually only serves to numb those they touch.
But Vincent's abilities far surpass this; he can unleash lightning freely from his horns and, depending on the weather, strike the surroundings from the sky itself with terrifying precision.
No enemy can withstand such power. Even if one could, his prideful double axes would cleave them in two.
His mere presence, appearing anywhere at will atop a Flying Dragon, has become a deterrent not only for domestic security but also for neighboring nations.
By the way, he's still single.
He claims to prefer wives who are cats or fox-beasts, though finding a match is proving difficult due to their bristly fur.

──Celesta's "Shield"! The terror of an invincible man standing there──

"Overnight of Steel" Special General Ryo Amatsushima (38)
Overnight / Member of Celesta Special Lightning Brigade
・Power: ★★★★☆☆☆☆
・Speed: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆
・Technique: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆
・Overall Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

To put it plainly, he's not particularly strong in terms of combat power.
Yet his overall evaluation is abnormally high due to his extraordinary vitality.

There's an anecdote where a military doctor snapped, "Either make him a Moving Corpse or a Holy Beast!" Despite having survived at least 137 near-death experiences without actually dying—having risen unscathed each time—he continues to act as if nothing happened.

He's been crushed between siege engines and boulders, riddled with spears by infantry units, burned alive along with fortresses, buried alive, beaten to a pulp with double axes after a fight with General Vincent, drowned in Queenica's sea, and countless other horrors.

Yet in almost every case, he emerges alive, blood-soaked but shouting things like "I'm not done yet, you bastard!"

To the enemy, he must be nothing short of terrifying.

Even though his attack power is merely the minimum required for an Ace Knight, once he's deployed, the enemy forces are left in complete chaos.

Regarded as a trump card in a different sense from General Vincent, he is truly the command's secret weapon. Well-known, yes.

──The Strange Bird arrives! What does the blue bird carry?──

"Blue Gale" General Clay Kingfisher (42)
Master Knight / Celesta Western Army Corps
・Power: ★★★★☆
・Speed: ★★★★★★★★
・Technique: ★★★★☆
・Overall Evaluation: ★★★★★★★★

The Birdman race is rare even in Celesta.
Yet, surprisingly, there are several Ace Knights who are Birdmen within the Celesta forces. He is by far the most famous and strongest among them.

Despite being a Birdman, he wields immense leg strength as his primary weapon, using his wings only for directional control and jump maneuvers. This is a rational tactic suited to their nature, allowing them to move faster and more unpredictably than any other race.

His movements, sweeping through the battlefield like a storm, are difficult even for Ace Knights to track. It's well-known that during Master Knight trials, three Ace Knights couldn't even draw a single strike against him.

However, there are also rumors that he's attention-seeking and rather scatterbrained.
Perhaps because he's a bird?

"Boo-ha-ha-ha! Great! Anyone writing this has nothing to fear! Next time I'll drag Kingfisher over here!"

"Please stop. You might break him."

"Aww, that's possible."

Zieg laughs heartily, kicking his legs back and forth. Aurora looks visibly annoyed.

"And Becker Special Lieutenant Colonel got picked on too."

"Seriously?"

──The world's most famous spy is none other than him!──

"Dreamer at Daybreak" Special Lieutenant Colonel Zieg Becker (40)
Ace Knight / Celesta Special Intelligence Brigade
・Power

☆☆☆☆☆
・Speed
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Technique
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
・Overall Rating
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

This genius, who passed the Ace Knight exam at just twelve years old, is now forty. Time is merciless.
His numerous feats have long been revealed; he has conquered countless legendary monsters and ruins, proving himself a true powerhouse.
In particular, his speed is said to be the fastest on the entire continent, surpassing even Almida's "Dance Spear" and Trot's "Zephyr" Abel Dingil.
However, his fighting style relies heavily on knives and traps—he is nothing less than an assassin in battle. There are indeed counterarguments questioning how he would perform in actual combat.
Even so, rumors have recently surfaced that he was captured by an Ogre woman, allegedly caught in the act of cheating immediately afterward.
He is undeniably a flashy man even in his private life.

"Hey, who wrote this? I can only think you must hold some grudge against me!"

"I'm afraid I can't say anything to you. And if you break it, please bring us a replacement."

"...Guh-guh-guh..."

Zieg, clutching the book as if ready to tear it apart, reluctantly sets it down.

Tetesu, chuckling softly, suddenly turned his gaze toward Almida.

"By the way, is Abel Dingil mentioned here? I've been curious about him since earlier."

"He's included in this."

Almida quickly flipped through the "Legend of the Sword Saint" she held.

"I've been oddly compared to him for about ten years now; it has bothered me quite a bit."

──The Fastest Knight of Trot──

"Zephyr" Abel Dingil
Former member of the 7th Squad, Order of the Sword Saints. Half-wolf beastkin.
The Order of the Sword Saints tends to prioritize overall capability and teamwork over individuals with exceptionally突出的 abilities.
Yet he possesses both those qualities while also holding one of the most outstanding talents on the entire continent.
Given his mother's wolf-beastkin heritage, bloodline influence may play a role. Still, few—even among beastkin—possess such agility as he does.
Though rare to find demi-humans within the Order, he is one of the few exceptions, making him an uncommon man in many ways.
His swordsmanship employs a hit-and-run tactic reminiscent of his master, "Eagle of Shrantz" Joseph Bay, who trained him at the Grand Arena. Due to his exceptional physical prowess, some even claim his combat ability already surpasses that of his master.
During the recent war, Celesta's strategy of effectively utilizing demi-humans proved decisive in certain aspects. With Abel as a catalyst, Trot may soon enter an era where the power of demi-humans is fully recognized and embraced.

Attack Power: 7
Agility: 10

Combat Skill
7
Overall Performance
A

"…………"

"Hold on, Dance Spear. I'm a bit curious... this guy seems younger than us, right?"

"If he's younger than you, then it's impossible for him to be older than me, Sieg Becker."

"Doesn't he seem oddly likable and cocky compared to our seasoned veterans?"

"I think so too. Honestly, we Speedsters should be getting a fairer evaluation."

"Yeah? Yeah?"

Almeida and Sieg, radiating black auras.

Aurora sighs. Tetes boldly—how else to put it—brings up a new topic.

"Speaking of which, what do you think of people like Captain Diane or Ms. Aurora who aren't listed here? How would Mr. Becker rate them?"

"Hmm... that's a good question. Well, let's see."

Sieg picks up a blackened board from the corner of the mess hall used for writing menus and begins scribbling with chalk.

・Captain Diane
Attack Power: 9
Speed: 10
Combat Skill: 10
Overall Performance: S-Tier (Strongest)

・Anzeros
Attack Power: 6
Speed: 8
Combat Skill: 8
Overall Performance: A-

・Aurora
Attack Power

7
Agility
4
Combat Technique
7
Overall Performance
B+

• Tetes
Attack Power
5
Agility
5
Combat Technique
8
Overall Performance
?

• Naris
Attack Power
4
Speed
5
Combat Technique
7
Overall Performance
?

"……I guess that's about it."

"Anzeros-san's stats are quite... and Tetes-san and the others' overall performance ratings seem rather arbitrary, don't they?"

"Honestly, Captain Anzeros still has a lot of reserve power lying dormant. Depending on how he combines magic with his Wind-Slicing Sword, he could become quite formidable. He hasn't been in any desperate battles lately, so it's hard to tell, but... Also, Knight Tetes, you haven't shown even a fraction of your true strength to anyone else yet, have you?"

"Eh..."

"It's obvious you're driving cautiously. While I wouldn't say using your trump card is bad, there are cases where power not demonstrated in training simply doesn't show up in actual combat. Don't die from overconfidence. And as for Naris-chan... well, she smells like Smayson."

"Wha—?"

"Hold it right there, Captain Aurora! Naris hasn't even..."

"Calm down, Captain Aurora, Dance Spear. I'm not saying I've sniffed out her body odor with some beast-like sense of smell or anything."

Zieg shrugged.

"Naris-chan just seems like the more you corner her, the more she'll slowly, gradually squeeze out a little bit of juice each time. In a different sense from Knight Tetes, there's something about her that remains utterly unknown... Smayson is the same way. He's not much of anything—neither in ability nor intellect. But just by what he's done, you can't help but acknowledge the elves' generous treatment of him. Depending on the situation, things could get quite interesting with Naris-chan too."

"Muu..."

"Is that so..."

Tetete looked slightly dissatisfied, while Aurora was deep in thought.

...Then, there he was.

"I'm not that powerful," Anzeru said, suddenly appearing and wiping himself off with a cotton cloth.

"What are you doing?"

"Honestly, I hate weird books like that! I don't want to get a nickname! Andy laughed at me!"

"Who cares?"

"That's why I'm saying it! I don't want to become famous in such a strange way!"

The swordsmen began shouting and making a commotion.

"Well, even if you're not strong, as long as you receive plenty of love from Lady Andy, that would be fine, wouldn't it? ♪"

"Hmm. Well, for a female slave, that must be the correct path."

"Shouldn't we head back soon..."

Selen, Eirina, and Maia all sipped their tea together.