The Swordmaster of the Frontier is Strong

Ancient Demon.

It referred to the 7 demons, the Sin of Seven, that ruled the ancient era.

The long war that began with the invasion of demons ended in a victory for humans, but still, the blood of the demons flows.

An innate instinct for destruction within the blood.

The horns that thicken as they use their power.

Those with the bloodline of demons that live and breathe parasitically in human society were referred to as the demon tribe.

They consistently caused chaos, turned against each other, and instigated various issues that could trigger wars.

Naturally, the empire and various kingdoms had strained to locate the demon tribe.

“Ah… This analysis chart’s magical pattern is… really… really, this young man is… the ancient demon…?”

Taikan trembled his chubby cheeks as he touched the analysis chart that Anna handed him.

He looked at me, looked away, and then looked again.

Seeing his confused look, I could realize that what Anna said was true.

Come to think of it, his horns were pretty big.

“You seem not to know. How do you feel? Aren’t you excited? If this fact is revealed, you will be a hero of the empire…”

“Just so-so.”

I wasn’t as excited as Anna was making a fuss about.

“It doesn’t matter if he’s a demon or a regular member of the demon tribe.”

I lost everything to his hands.

Even if I won, only the bitter memory of failure remained.

Rather, thinking of it, it stings inside.

I sipped tea that was brewed in a pot.

Anna scratched her nose and finally opened her mouth.

“Anyway, I’ve explained enough, so you’ll sign the contract, right?”

“Yes. But can I ask one more thing before that?”

“Of course. Feel free.”

Anna nodded her head.

I glanced at the soldiers lined up outside the window and opened my mouth.

“I heard rumors that Commander Anna doesn’t have much power, so how were you able to appoint me?”

“Are you mocking me? Is my rank worthless?”

“I have no intention of mocking. Just pure curiosity. I find it suspicious that you were promoted to commander without any evidence, solely based on Commander Anna’s opinion.”

Taikan was not friendly to me.

Every soldier I met on the way looked the same.

I clearly hadn’t gained recognition within the Order.

‘But Anna’s recommendation alone decided my entry.’

In other words, ‘Who are you?’

It’s necessary to understand the people who will be my colleagues, after all.

“Last year, there was a large-scale terrorist incident in Gehed territory. At that time, Anna’s 3rd Knight Brigade made a great contribution. As a reward, she pleaded earnestly to appoint you.”

The answer came from Taikan’s mouth.

He leaned back on the sofa, still holding the magic analysis chart.

‘Gehed?’

An incident where the local knight’s order in charge of security conspired with the demon tribe to assassinate their own lord.

If she had resolved such a large-scale incident, it was natural for Anna to have a say.

“Some nobles, including the Legion Commander, opposed it to the end… but Anna forcibly overcame them with force. She defeated a recommended adventurer named Gründel.”

“Hmph. Why did they oppose it even though the imperial family approved it?” Anna pouted.

“Didn’t that Gründel suddenly hit me from behind, and then the court acknowledged it as a duel and dismissed it without charge? I can’t understand these people.”

“Even so, you blew off an arm of an A-rank adventurer? You really have a nasty temper.”

“Taikan. It was a clear ambush. He swung his ax at the back of my head, though they brushed it off as a duel.”

Anna swallowed her anger, biting her lower lip.

Was it fun to see Anna’s face turn red? Taikan kept giggling.

“You got your way anyway. You managed to appoint Liorne here as the 7th Brigade Knight Commander. The Legion Commander conceded quite a lot.”

“What concession? That stingy old man. If he had permitted it sooner, I wouldn’t have been attacked.”

Listening to their conversation is already tiring.

Did I choose the wrong workplace?

I seem to have landed in an unpopular position.

I considered refusing for a moment but then…

‘How many zeros are there?’

Looking at the salary written on the contract, I couldn’t do that.

Let’s not forget the goal.

What I need now is money. If the title of former knight commander comes along, it’s all the better.

Besides, the knight order can kill the demon tribe without any restrictions, so it’s all good.

“Then I look forward to working with you, 7th Brigade Knight Commander.”

I scribbled my signature in the signature field and stamped it.

***

“The official work will start next week. First, we need to select the elite troops to be incorporated into the 7th Knight Brigade.”

Anna left her seat, saying she had urgent business.

Taikan and I were walking alone inside the Knight Brigade headquarters.

It felt a little awkward.

The only good thing was that the glaring eyes had softened somewhat.

I glanced over at him.

Almost 2 meters tall.

A well-built figure with well-defined muscles, and a long scar near his eye that made an impression.

“It’s from fighting the demons. My most trusted aide turned out to be a demon. I was completely caught off guard.”

Taikan said, tapping the scar with his forefinger.

I quickly looked away from the wound.

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

“What for? It’s more annoying to pretend not to see something that’s plainly on my face.”

“But with a scar like that, couldn’t it be healed? A healer in the Knight Brigade should be sufficient.”

Taikan shook his head.

“I left it on purpose. I thought I might get complacent if I forgot the memories of that day.”

Wouldn’t it be better to remove it?

It makes him look scary because of the scar.

“Why? Are you dissatisfied?”

“…No, of course not.”

“A scar is said to be a badge of honor. A body without one lacks style.”

As we exchanged such trivial chatter, we arrived at the training ground.

Huff! Huff!

Knights in chainmail armor clashed swords.

The heated atmosphere and powerful sword strikes were exchanged.

After constantly watching young trainees spar, seeing knights battle gave a different feeling.

Just watching made my heart race.

Unknowingly, I tightly gripped the handle of my sword.

“In the center of the Knight Brigade’s ground is a massive training field. Any regular soldier of the empire can freely use it.”

Taikan pointed around.

From the largest Knight Brigade building to the barracks of each brigade.

At last, the newly completed 7th Knight Brigade barracks were positioned.

“Do you know the ranks within the Knight Brigade?”

“…Ranks?”

“Didn’t you receive something like a textbook? A guideline that a brigade commander should know, or an educational book about the history of the royal family?”

“I never received one. I only received a single proposal and then came to the capital.”

Taikan sighed. “Yeah. That’s how Anna handles things. It’s not your fault.”

Though grumbling, he explained the Knight Brigade’s system.

I listened intently.

In summary, the Knights were divided into trainees and regulars, with an 8th-grade knight position after training, then their ranking life began.

High-ranking knights, 2nd grade and above, are often appointed to escort the royal family or nobility. Others defend the capital.

“The Legion Commander effectively commands the entire Knight Brigade. Though brigade commanders have authority, they cannot command at the legion level. Each commander leads a small elite force, except in special situations.”

While paying close attention to Taikan’s words, I quickly scanned through the textbook in my hand.

“Among the regular troops, soldiers of any rank can be selected for the elite troops….”

“From 1st to 7th Knight Brigade, each has its elite troops. All are appointed as 1st-grade knights and receive the treatment of senior officers.”

The demons don’t form a group; they move individually. Therefore, it was more reasonable to face them with an elite force rather than moving a large army.

“The demons are selfish creatures. They don’t follow anyone easily and don’t form groups. It’s important to deal with them quickly with an elite force as soon as they are found. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Yes. I understand. It’s a way of selecting people I want from the regular army.”

“Well, that’s true, but….”

Taikan pursed his lips, as if there was some problem.

He nodded his head.

“There is one condition, though.”

Condition?

I turned my head to where his gaze was directed, and many knights who had finished practicing were all looking at me.

It’s enough to cause agoraphobia, not even frog spawn.

“The members can refuse the offer of their commander. There must be a mutual agreement for official entry into the 7th Knight Brigade.”

* * *

I followed Taikan and climbed onto the platform prepared in one corner of the training ground.

By eye count, there were nearly 100 knights.

These were the ones chosen over several days for my unit.

“Hmm…”

Everyone avoided my gaze.

They either feigned ignorance or bowed their heads.

“I’m sorry to say this, but there were less than 5 applicants. So we decided to choose the final 10 through a martial arts competition.”

Taikan whispered so only I could hear.

Then I understood why the knights were avoiding my eyes.

‘Who would want to join under me?’

A newly established Knight Brigade, with their commander coming from some remote country village.

The knights do have discernment.

Even I could clearly see that the 7th commander’s position is a political game of the higher-ups.

I bear the enormous task of safely establishing the 7th Knight Brigade in the empire as its first commander.

Until the transition period is over, I must endure many external gazes, and at worst, the leader’s position could be torn away due to various circumstances.

It’s a situation where doing well just means breaking even.

Naturally, it was a position where there would be a lot of noise.

“What are you doing? Say some words of encouragement for the martial arts competition that will be held in a few days. You’re now the leader who must command the knights.”

Taikan slapped my shoulder.

I nearly fell over, pushed suddenly.

I faced the platform.

There were whispers and laughter here and there.

Oh no, they must have noticed that I nearly fell.

“Silence, all of you! Have you forgotten your duty as knights? Show respect to your leader!”

Taikan shouted angrily.

Only then did silence descend upon the crowd.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve stood in front of so many people. I don’t know what to say.’

I pondered, resting my chin on my hand, then took a long breath.

“I understand, everyone. Who would want to work under me? I must look like a parachute that will crash soon.”

“Hey, 7th commander. Why do you talk like that…”

“So, Taikan-nim, do I really have to choose members from this group?”

Taikan blinked his eyes.

Did he not understand because I spoke abruptly?

I explained it in more detail so he could understand.

“If I don’t need to choose members from these people, I’d like to use the kids from the training center as my members.”

“So you’re saying that since you don’t want to pick anyone from here, you want to welcome the students you were teaching as members?”

“Yes. I can also pay them and teach them nearby. I’ve had the training center closed for the past few months, so they’ll all be waiting for me….”

Whoosh!

The sound of the wind swept over the platform.

A fiercely shot arrow embedded itself in my footstep.

Taikan tried to shout something, but he swallowed his words upon seeing a blond-haired young man approaching the platform.

“Sir Fenil…”

The blond young man ascended to the platform.

The knights, who were more at attention than when I made my appearance, stood straight.

Fenil, having surveyed the knights, pulled out the sword that was embedded in the platform.

“7th Division Commander, apologize at once for your rude words!”

He immediately thrust the sword at my throat.

His face, as pale as if fueled by rage, had eyes gleaming like embedded rubies.

Being on the receiving end of his intense gaze, a sigh escaped me involuntarily.

Fenil Von der Geiger.

A scion of the Geiger Duke family, and a talent evaluated as the pillar to lead the empire in the future.

“Your greeting is quite aggressive after such a long time, Sir Fenil.”

“Did you not speak out of turn first, Master! If you intend to mock the knights of the empire, prove it with your skills!”

He was my former disciple.