HBWnovel Chapter 69: Synchronisation (2)
Chapter 69: Synchronisation (2)
Chapter 69: Synchronisation (2)
A week passed since Amon's confinement commenced.
Throughout the past week, Amon worked hard cleaning latrines and running other chores. He helped the gardeners tend to their flowers, assisted administrators with their deskwork, and cleaned the massive halls of Twilight Keep. The list of completed chores was just as impressive as his mission history.
And by his side was his trusted squire. Leon Bright.
In the beginning, Amon was reluctant to let Leon join him in his punishment. However, as time passed, it quickly became apparent that this punishment was a blessing in disguise.
Because neither of them was allowed to train, Amon and Leon shared multiple conversations, yet none of them was about their summoned swords or the Solaris Mystic Arts. They mainly talked about their lives up to that point, their likes and dislikes, their ambitions... even the kind of women they liked.
Naturally, Leon went on about his lover Ellahan, who was still receiving training as the Saintess. However, when Amon discussed that topic, Yue was the only person he could think of. Not because he had feelings for her but because she was the only girl he constantly hung around.
Leon even started to tease Amon for his lack of originality when it came to girls... not that he was one to brag.
The daily cleaning was meant to be a punishment, but it didn't seem so laborious for the duo, who began to talk about anything under the Sun. Of course, neither of them divulged too much of their secrets. Amon didn't speak about his past life or knowledge of the future. At the same time, Leon didn't discuss his dual nature affinity or his parents.
Nonetheless, the pair began forming a friendship beyond that of a Knight and Squire.
It was an unexpected harvest for Amon, who had always yearned to learn what it was like to be a hero from Leon. After speaking to Leon for a week, he slowly understood the mindset behind the boy called Leon Bright.
A cheerful boy who found joy in the most mundane activities—a passionate upstart wishing to impact the world positively. And most importantly, a noble soul with a humble heart.
Leon didn't do good deeds for fortune or fame; he simply did them because he believed it was right.
That innocence and naivety didn't waver, even as he was exposed to the darker sides of humanity. A person who firmly stuck to his morals, even if it meant sacrificing himself.
All of his qualities were things that Amon wished he had. Formerly raised as a machine for war, Amon never once had such a positive outlook on life. In many ways, he envied Leon and strived to learn as much as he could from the young man.
Alas, all good things must come to an end.
"Kid... Your cleaning duties have been suspended. Go to Aldrich's Fields. The Commander wishes to see you."
As Amon was preparing to scrub the toilets for the third time this week, he was stopped by the Vice-Commander of the Black Order, Oswin Solaris. Brushing on his leathery chin, the wizened gentleman approached Amon with what many would call good news.
But for Amon, it was just an annoyance.
"... what does she want?"
Hardly able to contain his irritation, the young Knight unknowingly dropped all pretences and spewed an informal tone. Oswin was visibly stunned by Amon's reaction but quickly recovered into a warm smile.
"Don't worry, it'll only benefit you. Also, you're welcome to come if you'd like, young Leon Bright."
Oswin gestured to Leon, too, who was still recovering from the shock that the Vice-Commander of the Order had personally come to deliver the news.
"Me too?"
"Yes, the Commander would like to invite you too."
Oswin's unreadable smile made Leon a little uncomfortable. However, Amon was aware of what that smile entailed.
'That old hag... She's gone crazy again.'
❖❖❖
Aldrich's Fields.
One of the innumerable training facilities offered in Twilight Keep. Knights of the Black Order would often visit this sprawling facility that was nestled far away from civilisation. Located high in a remote mountain range, hardly anyone knew these training grounds existed.
Amon remained silent, but his neck tightened fast. Since Oswin appeared before him and pardoned his cleaning duties, he had guessed what would come. Every once in a while, Carmen would 'invite' Amon to join her in training sessions. Being personally trained by the Grand Commander was the desire of anyone in a Knight Order, and initially, Amon's sessions with Carmen brought envy from the rest of the Knights.
However, as they witnessed the aftermath of their closed-door sessions...
None of them felt envious anymore. Instead, they felt sorry and pity for the young man constantly punished by the Grand Commander.
Cracking her knuckles, Carmen barked: "Take out your sword, brat."
"..."
Knowing there was no point in running, Amon begrudgingly called out Nyx from his soul. At this point, there was no need to exchange words. They've done this dance many times before, and will continue to do so many times after. So all that matters now is...
"I'll begin."
❖❖❖
[Leon's POV]
What am I watching?
At first, I was overwhelmed by the Grand Commander's presence. That fearsome lady is undoubtedly the most dangerous among all the Knights I've met so far in the Solaris House. Her feral eyes alone made my mind spiral, and her intense mana could make me spill my guts. It was as if she weren't human, but a higher being sent to dominate over us.
I somehow managed to stand defiant against her pressure, but it took everything I had. My Two Suns and satellite Suns worked together to churn out mana, and that was barely enough to keep my mind functioning.
It was terrifying.
But Amon took it all as if it were nothing. Against that monster that surpassed all human standards, Amon was utterly unaffected. He stood within the dense mana as if it were nothing more than a soft breeze and moved around without restrictions.
And while I was trying to recuperate from the aftereffects, Amon held his sword firm and charged straight at the Grand Commander.
What followed was... something I couldn't understand.
While only using her fists, the Grand Commander slammed into Amon like a roadside bully. Each punch she threw created whirlwinds that could send the average Knight flying. I knew that because the collateral winds that were not directed at me were enough to throw my stance off balance.
I would be a goner if just one of her fists flew at me. And yet, Amon was tanking the hits with ease.
The flow of his sword was so effortless and fluid, as if he were evoking a dance. Each movement was executed with perfect balance and minimal effort, showing force when needed and softness for rest. Amon's swordplay was hypnotising, and I dare say that no one else I've met could replicate such masterful work.
On the contrary, the Grand Commander's fists were forceful and intense, like a fiery brute that never knew defeat. The punches she threw weren't calculated or precise... and they didn't have to be.
Just by extending her fists, the mountains would crumble, and the seas would divide. Such power wasn't meant for regular humans, yet... the Grand Commander completely mastered her strength.
Both of them were impressive, whether it was Amon with his graceful swordplay or the Grand Commander, who met Amon's sharp blade with her bare fists. They orchestrated a spellbinding display of the peak of physical powers I could watch endlessly.
And the more I observed, the more shocked I became.
They weren't purely competing on their physical abilities! The Grand Commander had coated her entire body in a thin golden Aura so unnoticeable that I couldn't see even if I squinted hard. The same went for Amon; Aura empowered his black sword in a thin membrane that one could have easily mistaken for air.
It was absurd!
The Aura I used was far wilder and unrestrained. It would create an explosion of light around me and utilise all the mana I had stored within my body. However, the Aura the Grand Commander and Amon used showed no signs of mana leakage. It was calculated and restrained, making it far deadlier than the Aura I would use.
For the Grand Commander, who had an incomprehensible amount of mana and such a dominating presence, it was shocking to see how much she could keep it all under control—as for Amon, seeing his simplistic swordplay flow so elegantly was outstanding.
The two of them were using the same abilities that I had. Yet, our mastery was on different dimensions.
Once again, I was blown away by the otherworldly duel before my eyes.
But little did I know... That the absurdity was only just beginning.