24 Hearts

[We have stockpiled 40+ chapters (CH 160), 30 Premium chapters per week will begin shortly. (1/20/21)] [There’s actually a good amount of you guys reading this. However, the NU page is dead. The better a novel performs, the higher the budget, and in turn, I can increase the upload rate (for free chapters since we’ve already capped the Premium to almost 5 per day) and quality of future chapters.]

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The Tenth Fragment, Altemia

He was all ready to leave. Judah had put all that he would need in his -Bag-, so he had nothing else to carry except a belt to carry a small amount of money and a few daggers. He picked up the Requiem leather coat he had placed on the bed and shrugged it on. It felt heavy because of the weight of the fur. He exhaled as it settled on him. Then, his eyes studied the room. This was the house he had been living in for about eight years. However, it was now time to leave. According to the time, he promised Jeanne, Judah descended from the second floor.

“Do you have everything?”

On the first floor, Tia greeted him with a smile. Judah nodded in reply as he descended the stairs. Behind Tia, he could see so many side dishes that Judah had to wonder how long she had been preparing things for. She had been cooking since the morning, but why were there so many side dishes?

“I’ve prepared quite a bit for you to take on your way, so you have something to eat. You have your subspace, so I don’t think you’ll have a problem carrying it around?”

“Yes, thank you, Tia. You must be tired of preparing so much.”

“It’s for my beloved disciple. It wasn’t hard at all.”

However, contrary to her words, her face looked tired. To her, it was worth it. Yesterday, Judah had told her he would be leaving the next day, and although it took her by surprise, she listened to him intently. Time passed quickly as he told her of his plans. He hugged her Judah, and both of them made love to each other again. It was an intense and passionate night.

It wasn’t until dawn that Judah could sleep. He slept for merely an hour or two and then got up before the sun had risen to prepare their breakfast. When he returned to the kitchen again to spend breakfast together, he was surprised to see the side dishes that Tia had prepared. It was hearty and delicious. Judah carefully put all the side dishes into his -Bag-.

“I’ll eat them well.”

“Save it. You have to eat them alone without giving them to anyone else. Okay?”

Judah laughed, “Yes. I’ll eat them myself. Now, will you see me off?”

“Of course. Shall we go to the North Gate then?”

Tia watched him as he put on his shoes. And before Judah could open the door, Tia grabbed his wrist from behind and dragged him into her arms. He felt the warmth of her body and chest, and in her comfort, Judah closed his eyes and hugged her back.

“You have to go back safely. Don’t forget your promise to come back.”

“Don’t worry. Tia, I told you, this is the only place I will return to.”

“…Okay.”

Tia smiled bitterly before pushing Judah out the door. Their lips brushed, and soon Tia pressed a kiss on his forehead. They closed their eyes as they reveled at the moment they shared. Judah did not rush her. He appreciated her display of affection and waited until she was satisfied and ready to let go.

“Go.”

After a while, Tia retreated from him. Just in time, Jeanne emerged from the distance. When she saw them by the door, Jeanne ran up to them. Tia sighed at the sight of Jeanne wearing the same coat as Judah, making her hold his hand out of jealousy.

“I’m sorry. I guess I’m late.” Jeanne told them as she came close.

“No, it’s not time yet, so don’t worry. Are you ready?”

“Yes, I have bought my necessities and have packed them.”

Jeanne turned to show them her backpack, sitting heavily on her shoulders. Judah would propose to put it in his -Bag-, but he wouldn’t want to pry on whatever personal belongings she had in it, so he decided to sit on the decision. They proceeded on to the North Gate, where guards recorded the identities of those passing through the gate.

It looked completely different from the west gate and the east gate, with lesser security. He would prefer to venture through there, but the North Gate was the only way to other countries. Only through this place could he go to Urun, the country of entertainment, or Philoria, the Knight’s country.

People’s eyes naturally flocked to Judah. Their murmuring grew, recognizing the little hero of Serenia and the very figure of the new statue by the East Gate.

“Please take good care of Judah.”

“Don’t worry, Gentia, I’ll be sure to protect him,” Jeanne replied eagerly, dedicated to following her promise.

Putting trust in her, Tia couldn’t help but smile as they shook hands. She then turned to Judah and gave him a big hug.

“Then, venture well, Judah.”

They moved apart, and as he took his first steps away, Tia bid him farewell with a smile and a wave, but her tail and ears drooped in mellow. Judah knew of all the countless eyes watching them, but without hesitation, Judah ran back to Tia, held her in an embrace, and then kissed her on the lips. He could feel every eye and hear every gasp, but he didn’t care. Their kiss was short, but pulling apart, she saw the shock in Tia’s face for being kissed in public for the very first time.

“I’ll come back. I’ll do well, Tia.”

“…”

Tia was tongue-tied, at a loss for words. Instead, her drooping ears and tail had perked up. Judah waved his hand again before pushing through the entrance. He heard Tia screaming well wishes for him, and if he kept looking, he knew he might tear up, so he turned away before his eyes swelled. The queue was long, but soon his turn came.

“Oh, Judah, you’re leaving?”

The guard acted as he knew him. He looked up, realizing it was the soldier from the subjugation, the one he advised to stab his sword instead. The world was small. Judah laughed at what the guard said, but he didn’t reply. When Judah didn’t answer, he shrugged, then wrote down Judah’s name on the paper he had in his hand.

“Judah Arche…and this one?”

“This is Jeanne Art Loire.”

“Jeanne Art Loi…re. Okay, I’ve filled it in. Have a good trip.”

“Huh? That’s it? There must be more to write.”

He knew it wasn’t that simple. The guard just wrote down his name. But when he asked, he merely shrugged.

“Because the Lord told me to pass you through. It’s an instruction that was given a few days ago. It’s so that you don’t have much to think about.”

Judah nodded in understanding, “Oh, the Lord. Well, then, that’s good for me. Then, see you.”

“Yes. I don’t know where you’re going, but be well. Be healthy.” The guard waved his hand lightly, then announced Judah’s right to passing.

It went much easier than he thought. They went through the gate and found a carriage standing on the side of the wall. Serenia Castle’s distance to Philoria was quite long, and it was much easier to travel by carriage. The roads were made for trading and importing with various countries, and they were very suitable for wagons. It was also quite spacious so that several carriages could travel side by side. Two healthy horses thrashed as Judah approached. The coachman, who was sitting on the seat, opened his eyes from his little nap. Then he looked at Judah and hurried down to come down.

“Are you Judah Arche?”

“Yes, here is my ID.” Judah showed the bronze medal issued by the Adventurers Guild. The coachman, who confirmed the name engraved on the copper plate, smiled and opened the carriage door.

“Come on, I’ll take you to Philoria safely.”

Jeanne and Judah got into the wagon, and soon the wagon began to move with the sound of hooves meeting the ground. It was a little worn than the carriage that the Lord had lent in the past, but it was not so bad.

Jeanne turned to Judah, who was looking out the window of their swaying carriage, “You’re going to Philoria.”

“…?”

Judah remembered he had yet to fill in Jeanne about his plans. All he did was ask her to be a companion but never got her into the details of it. It seemed like he threw her into the fire without telling her why.

“Yes. There’s nothing different from what I told you last time… So far.”

Philoria was a neutral country in the northeast of Serenia Castle. The land was as good as Serenity; their officials were fair, the people were kind, and the land was abundant. It was indeed a paradise. However, as it was an excellent place to live, it was also a place foreign enemies took a liking to invade. And this was where it got its name, as many knights rallied to save it from invasion, thus the nickname of – Knight’s Country-.

“Well, if you’re going to Philoria at this time, are you going to participate in the -Green Flagstaff- contest?”

The Green Flagstaff was a martial arts competition, tradition, and event held in Philoria. Numerous beginners and mercenaries would participate, and only those who use close-range weapons such as swords and spears were eligible to compete. There were several competitions, but only beginners who have never participated in -Green Flagstaff- could join.

In the game, this competition level was not that difficult if the player raised their level well at the beginning. That’s why it was a must-go event, and the winning funds to gain from this tournament were pretty good. With this money, it was possible to fix a fellow character’s equipment, but it could be destroyed the moment it is used. Along with that, the winning money could be of good use in pursuit of the fragments. Therefore, Judah planned to participate in the -Green Flagstaff- to raise the funds necessary to obtain the fragments. But then, he already received a fair amount of money from Chapelin Peerchen’s quest called “The Lord’s Request.”

Even the incidental income he earned from hunting the black wolf was plentiful, so they weren’t scarce with money, and in fact, they were overflowing with it. Of course, if he participated in the competition and won, he could get more money and buy a full plate armor enchanted with green magic, but Judah didn’t need it right now. Jeanne had the Blue Lancer exclusive armor, so even he got her an armor instead, it will be just for decoration.

Judah shook his head to Jeanne’s question and answered, “No, I won’t join. The Green Flagstaff is a competition held every four months, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Since it’s July, there’s less than a month left for the competition to take place. There’s nothing to do in Philoria during that time. We’re not here for sightseeing. We’re just stopping by in the capital, Aslan. That’s why we’re here.”

“You mean to pass on it? What a shame, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity.”

He said he was going to Philoria, and he seemed to take an interest in -The Green Flagstaff- contest. Seeing her disappointed, Judah thought of rethinking his plans.

“It’s impossible right now, but in December, I’ll join the Green Flagstaff.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

“Yes, of course. But that’s for December. For now, I have something to do.”

Jeanne nodded her head. The leader was Judah, so she had to follow his schedule and plans. And he did say he would join, so she just had to wait for that day. Satisfied, Jeanne dropped the conversation. Judah didn’t say anything either, but he felt that Jeanne was interested in it after bringing it up.

The wagon continued moving quietly along the road.

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#Setting 2. 「 Knight’s Country-Philoria」

Philoria was a neutral country with knights who value humility, honor, and belief. Officials were fair, people were friendly, and the land was abundant, and they faced no shortage of food and other important resources. Since it was a land that everyone wants to live in, there were naturally many attempts to invade the land, but they repelled their enemies without much damage with their excellent force and wisdom.

Despite their abilities, the people of Philoria, including the knights, did not neglect training. They were vigilant for any attacks, and in preparation for this, they had to maintain the strength that always drew out their enemies. However, as peace continued, these efforts strained them, and their leaders realized they needed a solution to this problem.

After coming up with a multitude of plans, they decided to hold a martial arts contest that suited their skills in the capital of Aslan. This will soon become a tradition of Philoria, and it became an honorable match for all knights on the continent.

This martial arts competition, called the Green Flagstaff competition, is divided into five.

First, -Green Flagstaff-. This is a competition for those who are to join for the first time.

Next, -Blue Flagstaff-, for those who have joined the Green Flagstaff in the past.

Winners of the Green and Blue Flagstaff can participate in the Red Flagstaff, and those who have made an exceptional reputation can join in the Red Flagstaff without going through the Blue Flagstaff. However, it is possible only with a reputation that anyone deemed highly. The winners of the Red Flagstaff can participate in the -Black Flagstaff-. All contests were played in a tournament format. Green is held every four months, Blue is held every half year, the Red Flagstaff is held annually, and the Black Flagstaff is held every two years. The rewards given to each competition’s winners were all great, but there is one special reward for the Black Flagstaff. As most of the winners are the Wielders of the Sword, the prize was elite.

It was the -Glory Medal-. Those who held this medal will eventually be eligible to participate in the Golden Flagstaff. Held every eight years, this Golden Flagstaff ranked participants in order of the winners, which becomes a pride battle between nations. However, those who have participated in the contest do not care about this ranking at all.

The Wielders of the Spirit Swords were satisfied that they can fight purely with those of similar skills or superiors to test each other’s strength. Those who weren’t the Wielders were satisfied enough to meet with the Wielders of the Sword.

That was why those who held the Medal of Glory would not forget their soon visit to Aslan, on the day this Golden Flagstaff opens. A truce was implemented between all countries on the continent in the name of the competition.

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