Overwhelming Firepower

A few days after the Lich incident, King Ragnor called for the team that defeated the Lich.

The ceremony was held inside the royal throne room, but unlike most royal celebrations, only a small number of nobles, officials, and members of the Royal Guard were present.

Each member of the group was given a medal commemorating their defeat of the Lich and the lives they had saved.

Several of the nobles who had their territories attacked and tried to defend them themselves were glaring at the group.

This was especially true for Count Oseric Draten, who had lost his strongest knight and most of his elite force. He had no children to speak of, and he treated Roderick like his own son. Learning of his death, he felt sadness and anger.

He knew that it wasn't Lucen's fault, but his own, that Roderick died, but still, he could not help but feel some anger towards Lucen's group.

Lucen noticed the Count's glare but said nothing. There was no pride in Oseric's expression, nor was there any intention to challenge him. It was simply the look of a man trying to find somewhere to place his grief.

The meeting with the King ended without much happening, and there was no celebration afterwards. Seeing as many nobles at the moment were preparing in case a war with Inevir happens.

The Lich's attack had created the perfect distraction for Inevir's spies to infiltrate the kingdom or make otherwise impossible moves.

So once the award was given, everyone promptly went back to doing what they were supposed to be doing.

***

Alexander, who was now lying on his bed, was staring at the medal he had just received. In just a few months after joining the Royal Academy, so many things have happened.

He had rescued kidnapped children and dealt with a hidden organization. He had helped bring down corrupt nobles and defeated monsters attacking remote villages. He even helped with taking down the powerful Lich.

During those times, he had seen those close to him nearly die. He had been training hard all the time, but it was not enough. The dangers they were facing were somehow increasing in difficulty.

Alexander tightened his grip around the medal. He understood that he had grown stronger. A few months ago, he could not have imagined fighting enemies like Dyr or Aleister. Yet every time he improved, the enemies ahead of him seemed to grow even faster.

'There must be some way to get stronger faster.'

The second he thought of that, a person came to mind. Lucen Thornehart, the instructor who trained them the most, even taught them how to use revolvers and other such firearms.

Among the people Alexander knew, Lucen was the one who grew stronger the fastest. When he was younger, Lucen Thornehart was said to be a talentless person, the shame of the Thornehart family.

Who didn't know the story? Lucen, back then, was weak and sickly. Everyone thought Lucen would die, but then, when he got better, it was like he became a different person.

Lucen defeated a dragon, created new weapons, defeated many monsters, and allied with dwarves and barbarians. He was the reason everything is so different now.

He had gained the moniker ever-victorious. Since the time he changed, he had never experienced defeat. Lucen had grown so much stronger and at such a fast pace.

'Maybe he knows of a way I can get the power I need.'

Alexander continued staring at the medal for a few more moments before finally making up his mind.

There was no point in sitting there and wondering. If Lucen knew of a way for him to become stronger, then Alexander would simply ask him. He placed the medal on the small table beside his bed and stood.

***

Lucen, who was training Catherine in the ways of gun kata, saw Alexander approaching him.

"Instructor Lucen, I have something to ask."

Seeing that it seems Alexander wants to talk in private, Lucen stopped the training.

"Catherine, practice the movements I showed you. Focus on keeping your steps quiet while changing directions."

Catherine nodded her head. "Understood."

Lucen walked toward the side of the training grounds, and Alexander followed him. Once they were far enough that Catherine could no longer hear them clearly, Lucen turned around.

"What do you need?"

Alexander looked at Lucen, his eyes filled with resolve. Lucen, without even hearing what Alexander wanted to ask, could already guess what the other party was going to say.

This guy was one of Lucen's favorite heroes in his childhood. He understood this person better than Alexander knew himself.

Lucen was sure that Alexander was shaken up by the disparity in power between him and the Lich. Knowing that the enemies he was facing were getting increasingly difficult, there would come a point when he would not be able to protect those he wished to protect.

Lucen remained silent for a moment, waiting for Alexander to speak first.

"Instructor Lucen..." Alexander tightened his fists. "Is there a way for me to become stronger, faster?"

It was as Lucen expected, still, hearing the question directly made him study the young man more carefully.

Lucen already understood why Alexander had come, but this was something the young man needed to say in his own words.

"You have already grown considerably. Stronger than most of your peers. Aren't you strong enough already?"

Alexander shook his head. "That's not enough! I've seen how weak I truly am."

After the incident with the Lich, something deep within Alexander was compelling him to get stronger faster.

The older version of Alexander from his dream had also possessed a desperate need for strength, as though he knew what awaited those who remained powerless.

"Please... Help me... I need strength, enough strength to protect what I hold dear. Strength to make sure no one within my reach will suffer. Strength enough that I no longer have to lie awake wondering who I'll fail to save next."

Lucen was already expecting Alexander to say the first two things, but the last thing was quite a surprise to hear.

This was the first time he heard Alexander openly admit his inner turmoil. The shining protagonist was expressing his fear to him.

Seeing him like this, Lucen did not know what to feel. This was the first time he had seen such an openly fearful side of him, who was always brave no matter the situation.

'It might be too early, but I guess, there's not much choice but to move the next plan forward faster.' Lucen thought to himself as he looked at his vulnerable childhood hero. Lucen remained silent as he considered his options.

There were many ways for Alexander to grow stronger. He could increase the intensity of his training, consume rare potions, search for powerful relics, or experience more life-and-death battles.

Unfortunately, none of those methods would give Alexander the rapid increase in strength he currently wanted.

There was only one method Lucen knew that could accomplish that. Becoming the chosen one of a deity.

In the game, those chosen by a deity received unique blessings, skills, and sometimes even access to powers that could not be learned through ordinary means.

The benefits varied depending on the deity, but every divine blessing greatly increased the potential of the chosen one.

However, there was a significant limitation. Once someone accepted a deity and became their chosen one, every other divine path would be permanently closed to them.

They could receive minor blessings from other gods, but they could never become another deity's true chosen one.

Lucen wasn't sure if this limitation existed in reality, but he could not risk it. Alexander had the potential to become the chosen of any deity, which meant the difficulty was to choose the one perfect for him.

Though now Lucen already had a deity in mind. The Martial God and Heavenly Demon had agreed to test two candidates. Alexander would be one of them. Cael would be the other.

Lucen finally let out a slow breath. "I wanted you to get more experience and a stronger body, but I guess things don't always go as planned."

"What do you mean?" Alexander asked, confused by the words Lucen was saying.

"I do have a way to make you stronger. It's not a guarantee, but a chance."

"Please, I'll do anything!" Seeing Alexander's determination and something else hidden deep in those eyes filled with resolve, Lucen sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

"Fine, I'll ask the Principal for permission. You just need to get ready for a little trip. Meet me here again tomorrow morning."

Alexander did not question where they were going and instead bowed his head. "Thank you, Sir Lucen!"

Alexander left the training ground with hurried steps, thinking about what he needed to prepare. Thinking that this would be something similar to a training trip to different regions.

Lucen watched him go and felt a little worried. 'Will he be able to pass their test?...'

The second, he thought that question Lucen found it silly and smiled. 'What am I even thinking. Alexander should be able to pass their requirements. Even if they reject him at first, he'll find some ridiculous way to make them reconsider.'

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