The Beginning of Knife King's

"Thank you so much for saving us," the maid expressed her gratitude.

"It's nothing, we were just passing through," I replied.

The blue-haired girl seemed to want to say something, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"Th-thank you..." she stammered in a shy yet melodious voice.

Uncle Gonzo and I introduced ourselves.

"My name is Gonzo, a Rank B adventurer with healing expertise."

"I'm Ren, a Rank E adventurer," I added.

"I am Charlotte, a servant from the Livia family," the maid said.

Thud!

Uncle Gonzo dropped to one knee in reverence as soon as Charlotte introduced herself, signaling for me to bow as well. Just as I was about to, the blue-haired girl raised her hand to stop me.

"No formalities, please. You are my saviors," she said firmly.

We straightened up, and the blue-haired girl introduced herself.

"I am Lena Livia, the second daughter of the King of Livia."

"But, Ren," she continued, her voice tinged with curiosity, "you must have exceptional swordsmanship to defeat the bandit leader who could wield aura. That's not ordinary talent."

"Thank you for the compliment, but honestly, I have no natural talent," I admitted.

At that, Charlotte, Lena, and the knights accompanying her looked utterly shocked.

"When I was five, I practiced swordsmanship every day. My father, who was often drunk and angry, would throw bottles at me, so I also trained myself to dodge," I explained.

"Unbelievable... but no matter your lack of talent, the fact remains that you saved us," Lena said warmly.

"But may I ask, why is the second daughter of the King of Livia in the southern forest?" I asked.

"I came to practice magic against slimes," she admitted shyly. "And... you can call me Lena. I... I..."

"Miss Lena wants to be your friend," Charlotte interjected as Lena blushed deeply.

"If you don't mind, sure," I said with a smile.

"Are you heading to the southern forest too?" Charlotte asked, noticing the weapons Uncle Gonzo and I carried.

"Yes, I have a quest to hunt slimes," I replied.

Hearing that, Lena grabbed my hand excitedly.

"Then, why don't you ride with us in our carriage?" she asked, her voice full of enthusiasm.

I agreed, and Uncle Gonzo and I climbed into their carriage. During the journey, I noticed Lena reading a book.

"What are you reading?" I asked.

"It's a beginner's magic textbook. I'm preparing for school in five years," she explained.

"Wow, just like Ren here. He's also preparing to enroll in that school," Uncle Gonzo chimed in.

"Really? I'm sure Ren will get in, though nobles might give him a hard time," Lena said with concern.

Creak! Thud!

"We've arrived, Your Highness," the coachman announced.

We disembarked at the forest entrance, scanning our surroundings. Everything seemed normal until we heard rustling in the bushes.

Rustle-rustle!

A slime emerged, and I quickly drew my knife, ready to strike. However, the slime's behavior was unusual. Its jelly-like body began forming globules.

Splurt! Splurt! Splurt!

It hurled four or five globules at once, fast enough to injure but still slower than the bandit leader's attacks. I dodged the projectiles and countered by throwing my knife.

Whoosh! Thud!

The blade pierced the slime's core, but I heard more rustling.

Splurt! Splurt! Splurt!

Ten slimes emerged. Preparing for battle, I heard a soft incantation behind me.

"Ice Rain!"

Lena cast her spell, freezing and shattering all ten slimes in an instant.

"That was incredible!" I exclaimed. "You defeated ten slimes at once!"

"It's just a basic spell, though it takes time to cast," Lena said modestly.

As we talked, a deep rumble echoed.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

A massive blue slime, as tall as a house, emerged. Its center held a giant magical core, glowing ominously. More rustling followed.

Splurt! Splurt! Splurt!

Thirty more slimes appeared. I felt overwhelmed by the sheer number. But then I heard the sound of a blade being drawn.

Uncle Gonzo stepped forward, his large sword poised for battle.

"Is that a katana stance?" I asked, astonished.

"Yes, and there's more. Watch carefully," he said.

Concentrating, his sword began to glow green, radiating a powerful aura.

"Perfect Attack," Charlotte chanted, enhancing Gonzo's aura.

Whoosh! Boom!

Uncle Gonzo's single slash obliterated all thirty slimes, shaking the ground. Yet, the massive slime regenerated as if nothing had happened.

"I leave the rest to you and Lena," Uncle Gonzo said, stepping back.

"But how do I use aura?" I asked.

"Calm your mind and imagine channeling water into your weapon," he instructed.

I closed my eyes, focusing until my knife emitted a faint blue mist, brimming with power.

"Now, Lena! Prepare your spell!" I shouted.

"Got it!" she replied.

I distracted the giant slime, dodging its attacks while Lena chanted.

Splurt! Thud! Whack!

Finally, Lena's spell was ready.

"Ice Rain!" she shouted.

Shards of ice rained down, exposing the slime's magical core. I seized the chance, dashing forward.

Thud-thud-thud! Stab!

The core shattered, and the massive slime diss

olved.

"We did it!" Lena cheered, hugging me in excitement.

"Ah, youth," Uncle Gonzo teased, making Lena blush furiously.

End of Chapter 3