The Angel shining with Holy Light slowly vanished behind Fang Zheng. Only then did the old bishop and Stone let out a sigh of relief. Both were devout believers of the Holy Temple, so they naturally understood just how exalted an Angel's status was within it. Although this Angel's strength might not have matched Stone's, her mere presence was enough to make people feel pressured. Not to mention that while this Grand Knight seemed carefree by nature, he was still a devout believer. Even if he could defeat her, would he dare raise a hand against her?
Of course not.
At the same time, the way they looked at Fang Zheng had changed considerably.
"Holy Spirit Protection..."
The old bishop clenched his hands tightly and stared fixedly at Fang Zheng. He had guessed that this young man had an extraordinary background, but he had never expected him to possess Holy Spirit Protection!
"This kid's got some skill."
Stone crossed his arms and nodded at Fang Zheng with a satisfied expression. There were not many people who could make him suffer a loss. Although Fang Zheng appeared to have won through a trick, this was not a duel or a tournament match. Real battlefield combat did not care about fair competition. Rather than being dissatisfied with Fang Zheng's counterattack, Stone found the kid genuinely interesting.
"Phew..."
Fang Zheng sheathed his sword, sweat covering his forehead. That final counterattack had truly been a stroke of luck. If he had not managed to use Holy Storm at that moment, he probably would not have been able to force Stone back.
But the greatest gain from this battle was that Fang Zheng had finally recognized the gap between himself and the powerful figures of the Main World. He had originally thought that with A-rank proficiency in Royal Cross Swordsmanship, he could at least trade blows with Stone. Yet in just one exchange, he had been pushed into danger. If Stone had been more familiar with his swordsmanship, whether Fang Zheng could have won by luck would have been questionable. And that was only because Stone had voluntarily admitted defeat after his weapon was destroyed. Otherwise, Fang Zheng had no idea what might have happened if they had continued fighting.
Sure enough, the gap was still far too great.
Shaking his head and casting aside that trace of melancholy, Fang Zheng looked at Stone and asked.
"Sir Stone, does this mean I passed the test?"
"Hahaha, of course, interesting little fellow."
Hearing Fang Zheng's question, Stone laughed heartily, speaking as though he was not the least bit upset about losing.
"You've passed the test. It's been a long time since I've seen someone as interesting as you... Oh, right. What's your name?"
"My name is Fang Zheng."
"Fang Zheng? I never expected you to be interesting, and your name to be just as interesting. Such a strange name is truly rare."
Hearing Fang Zheng's answer, Stone smiled. Then, after thinking for a moment, he looked at Fang Zheng again.
"So, Fang Zheng, how about letting me be your guide?"
"...Guide?"
Fang Zheng was clearly surprised by this unexpected invitation, while Stone nodded with a very serious expression.
"That's right. Hmm... To be honest, from our battle just now, I noticed that while you have some combat experience, your fundamentals are not solid. And although the swordsmanship you wield is very powerful, you simply cannot use it flexibly or freely. In my view, that is far too wasteful. Such pure Sacred Power would be a terrible waste if it were not properly used. What do you think? I think this is a pretty good proposal. After all, I'm not one of those old fossils who will nag you about rules every day. As long as you follow me, all you need to do is learn how to fight. How about it? Simple, right?"
He really was impressive.
Hearing Stone's words, Fang Zheng's expression shifted. He knew his own situation well. Although he had learned some fighting techniques, it had basically only been for self-defense and meant little. After coming to this world, Fang Zheng had practically been shoved into battle like a duck forced onto a perch, gritting his teeth and charging in. He had entirely started from scratch, teaching himself through unorthodox means.
Fang Zheng had read plenty of scenes in Wuxia novels where powerful swordsmen could judge an opponent's strength the moment they crossed blades, but experiencing it firsthand was different after all.
On this continent, a guide was a figure similar to a mentor. Having a guide was considered a great honor.
So, should he accept this proposal?
The answer was almost certainly yes.
"Then I'll be in your care, Sir Stone."
Being able to receive guidance from a powerful knight of this world was something Fang Zheng could only wish for.
"Hmm?"
Hearing Fang Zheng's reply, Stone widened his eyes and looked at him with a hint of displeasure. Fang Zheng was no fool and immediately changed his words.
"...Master."
"Good! Hahaha, not bad, not bad! I finally have a student! Let's see what that bastard Wala has to say now!"
Hearing Fang Zheng's answer, Stone burst into smug laughter. The old bishop beside him rolled his eyes and seemed to want to say something, but ultimately said nothing. He merely gave Fang Zheng a sympathetic look.
...Wait, why are you looking at me like that? What did I do wrong?
While Fang Zheng was bewildered by the old bishop's gaze, Stone had already strode toward the door.
"All right, kid! Get ready. Starting tomorrow, I'll put you through special training!"
"Special training?"
Fang Zheng was stunned by Stone's baffling words, completely unable to understand what he meant.
"That's right. Wash your neck and wait. You're in for a rough time!"
"I understand."
To be frank, it was rather unexpected that he would undergo special training immediately after joining the Holy Temple. However, Fang Zheng had long grown accustomed to the military's swift and decisive ways in his own world, so he was only briefly surprised before quickly agreeing. Hearing Fang Zheng's answer, Stone said nothing more. He merely waved at Fang Zheng before turning and leaving.
The old bishop's expression changed several times. Then he sighed helplessly, turned around, and hurried after Stone.
"Stone! Stone!"
"Hmm? What is it, old man?"
Hearing the old bishop call out, Stone turned around and looked at the old man behind him.
"Are you really going to take that young man with you?"
"Of course. Didn't I say so? Since he's already my student, he'll naturally have to act with me. Besides, you saw it too, didn't you? That kid isn't one of those pretty-faced noble boys who are all show and no substance. His swordsmanship is quite good. In my opinion, he can probably be considered an Intermediate Knight. He's just lacking in actual combat experience. If I give him proper special training, he'll definitely do even better."
"But even so..."
The old bishop clearly did not approve of Stone's fanciful idea.
"Do you really intend to do this? You should know that young man displayed Holy Spirit Protection..."
"That's exactly why I need to train him, old man."
At this, Stone turned around. The somewhat frivolous smile on his face suddenly vanished, replaced by seriousness.
"Fortunately, there were only the two of us in the training ground. Tell me, if those Cultists learned that we had an Acolyte Knight with Holy Spirit Protection, what do you think they would do?"
"This..."
Hearing Stone's question, the old bishop's expression changed.
"You haven't forgotten the disaster during the Dark Fallen Moon, have you? Back then, the Holy Spirit Knight Order was almost completely wiped out. After that, we entirely lost that organization. Although those chaotic Cultists also died off soon afterward, that blow was almost fatal to the Holy Church."
"..."
This time, the old man did not answer immediately. He fell silent for a moment before letting out a long sigh.
"Of course I haven't forgotten... That was a terrible time..."
"That's why Holy Spirit Knights are already difficult to find on the continent now. Even their inheritance has faded away..."
At this point, Stone fell silent for a moment.
"I think he might be able to regain the Holy Spirit's inheritance."
"After saying all that, do you think I would still agree to let him become your student?"
The old bishop raised his brows and glared at Stone, while Stone merely shrugged indifferently.
"Of course. I admit that my methods can be a little rough sometimes, but you have to admit, they work, don't they? He's still too weak. If he cannot even protect himself, how can he grow?"
Hearing Stone's answer, the old bishop hesitated for a moment before letting out a long sigh.
"Fine... I agree. I won't report this matter to the Central Bishop Council for now, and I'll make sure only the two of us know about it. Is that enough?"
"I'm counting on you, old man."
This time, a smile appeared on Stone's face once more.
"Trust me, this is the right decision."
Before you continue