The Knight’s Body

The sound of metal striking metal echoed through the vast hall, resonating against the cold stone walls. The air smelled of dust, iron, and a faint trace of magical energy that lingered in the room after every session. Dim morning light filtered through the narrow windows, just enough to illuminate the heavy steel figure standing at the center.

The mannequin, forged from a special magical alloy, was covered in deep dents and long gashes—scars from countless attacks. At first glance, it was clear: this training dummy had long ceased to be just a lifeless chunk of metal. It was a witness to brutal training, merciless to its owner.

Reinhardt breathed deeply, standing in front of it. Sweat-drenched hair clung to his temples, and his bare torso gleamed from the strain of his muscles. Just days ago, he had looked like a pale and emaciated mage, his body resembling a fragile skeleton wrapped in skin. But now, his shoulders had broadened, his arms had grown stronger, and his muscles were beginning to take shape. He was far from his peak, but he could already feel the results of his grueling training.

In his right hand, he gripped a sword tightly, while his left held the scabbard. His eyes were closed, his breathing slowed. The world around him faded away—only he, his body, and his goal remained.

A breath out.

Then—a lightning-fast movement.

The clash of metal and a sharp surge of magical energy shattered the silence. In an instant, Reinhardt unsheathed his sword, and in the next second, the mannequin split in two. A crack ran along the entire figure before its two massive halves collapsed onto the stone floor with a dull thud.

But Reinhardt didn't even glance at his work—a greenish system window flashed before his eyes.

[System of Evil]

[New Skill Learned:]

[Instant Blade Draw – Skill Mastery F]

[Skill comprehension has reached its limit... Mastery level increasing...]

[Mastery F → B+]

[Reward: +0.2 AP]

[Additional Information: Unlocking the first system function requires 2 AP]

Reinhardt tightened his grip on the sword hilt.

"0.2 AP... Still, that's more than I got for defeating Berthold."

"I have no idea if that's a lot or not."

He allowed himself a slow exhale.

It had been four days since his reincarnation into this world. And for these four days, he had trained tirelessly, pushing his body beyond the pitiful state of a noble-born mage. Ordinary people trained for years to reach the Eighth Knight Rank, but he had done it in mere days. Of course, elixirs and his past knowledge played a role—but the fact remained.

There was still much to be done. But his body, his strength—these were merely tools on the path to his goal.

"Well then... I should..."

But then, his thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

The sound echoed through the hall, bouncing off the stone walls.

— "My lord, a letter has arrived for you from Duke Deira."

Reinhardt turned sharply. His gaze locked onto the massive oak doors of the training hall.

"The father of this body's former owner... Duke Deira... Hm... Interesting."

He sheathed his sword and took a few steps forward. As he neared the door, he carefully pulled it open.

Standing before him was a maid—a young woman with neatly braided blonde hair. She was dressed in a classic servant's uniform, and in her hands, she held an envelope sealed with the red wax crest of House Deira.

At the sight of her master's bare torso, she subtly flushed, but quickly suppressed her reaction. Her fingers trembled slightly, but she swiftly composed herself.

— "Here is your letter, my lord," she said, carefully handing him the envelope.

Reinhardt reached out, his gaze unwavering.

— "May I take my leave?" she asked, lowering her head.

— "Yes, go."

She immediately turned and, moving swiftly yet without haste, exited the room, closing the door behind her.

Reinhardt looked down at the letter in his hands, studying the crest carefully.

"Well then… Let's see what he wants."

He slowly broke the seal and unfolded the paper.