The Unfettered Knight, Holy Sword Chalk

The youth returned to the side of the Holy Lake.

Without guidance or prophecy, he relied on his own two feet to reach the clear, tranquil shore once more. He removed his Treasure Armor, closed his eyes, and stepped into the lake water.

The bloodstains and filth upon his body were washed away by the water, and even the stubble on his face fell off.

He seemed to have reverted to the self that had first arrived in this world, only now his eyes held a sense of contemplation, and his body was more robust.

He stepped out of the Holy Lake, tied back his hair—which had grown long enough to be a nuisance—with a piece of grass rope, and donned his Treasure Armor again—that was when he saw them.

The Lady of the Lake and that peculiar magician had appeared beside him at some unknown moment, watching him with expressions that were half-smile and half-amusement.

"You seem to have obtained something extraordinary in the Fairy Realm; at the very least, your eyes don't look so terrifying anymore."

The Lady of the Lake spoke before the magician, her gaze toward Anno finally carrying a hint of appreciation.

This was a very important step for a human.

"Well, well, it seems you have already understood what I intended for you to do when I sent you into the Fairy Realm. You did well."

The magician, sitting by the lakeside, also spoke with a smile.

Anno looked at the magician for a long time without saying a word.

Did he... actually say anything specific back then?

Thinking about it now, wasn't his behavior at the time equivalent to throwing him into the Fairy Realm and then ignoring him entirely?

But never mind; if he had been guided the whole time, he would never have gained the capacity for reflection he possessed now.

"Merlin, I want to leave the Fairy Realm and go see the true world of humans."

Sitting opposite Merlin, Anno said in a calm tone.

"I expected you to say that."

Merlin nodded with a smile and produced a parcel, placing it in front of Anno.

"Inside are several sets of undergarments for changing, and some things called coins, used in the human world to trade for food and water, or for a room to sleep in peacefully. It should be enough to last you for a while."

"You understand human language and etiquette, and you have learned how to survive in the Fairy Realm. Now, go and see the human world with your own eyes."

"However, before you set off, the Lady of the Lake has one more gift to bestow upon you."

As he spoke, Merlin looked toward the Lady of the Lake.

"...But, the Lady of the Lake has already bestowed upon me the Treasure Armor; I should not have any further greedy requests."

Anno looked at the snow-white armor on his body and shook his head, seemingly not intending to accept the Lady's gift.

"You need not decline. While it is called a gift, in reality, it is merely the materialization of certain protections that were already entwined around you."

"That dazzling white light is a power that belongs to you by nature. Besides, that iron sword broke in the Fairy Realm; you happen to be lacking a new weapon, are you not?"

The Lady of the Lake smiled, then reached into the water and pulled out...

A sword?

This sword looked like a world of difference from the previous iron sword. Indigo gems were embedded in the hilt, and the pure white blade made it impossible to tell what material it was made of.

But... regardless of what it was, it was absolutely [Sturdy].

This thought occurred to Anno subconsciously.

"The flawless one has received the favor of the first ray of light he beheld. Whether it be fairies or anything else, they can now be used by you. This is the [Mystery] you possess by birth."

Merlin took the white sword from the Lady of the Lake and handed it toward Anno.

"A replica of the Holy Sword of the Stars, fused with the traits you possess. The result is this—you may call it [Chalkiness of Sighs]."

"Holy Sword, Chalkiness."

Anno glanced at the Lady of the Lake, and after receiving her nod of permission, he met Merlin's gaze for a moment before reaching out to grasp the hilt.

Hum—

A majestic aura suddenly erupted from Anno as the center, causing ripples to spread across the surface of the lake.

Anno's eyes lit up uncontrollably, and a pale, dazzling light flared upon the blade. The oppressive magic power roared like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

But the next second—

Click.

A scabbard locked onto the Holy Sword.

It was Merlin.

"The first lesson of entering the human world: do not use your power recklessly just because you possess strength far beyond that of ordinary people. Life is a very beautiful and fragile thing; you must learn to cherish it."

Anno nodded blankly and fastened the Holy Sword, along with its scabbard, to his waist. The heavy white plate armor he wore also shifted, at some unknown moment, into a more form-fitting and agile suit of chainmail.

The Lady of the Lake wiped the sweat from her brow and let out a sigh of relief.

If the power of the Holy Sword were fully unleashed, it could easily wipe a city off the map. The situation just now was truly...

Next time she bestowed a Holy Sword, she would have to give a more thorough warning about this.

"And the second lesson: do not reveal the wealth you possess easily unless necessary. From the perspective of greed, some humans are no different from fairies. Incidentally, if you encounter those who harbor ill intent toward you, you may briefly be unsparing with your power, just remember not to cause trouble for others."

Merlin looked at the unremarkable armor on Anno and nodded in satisfaction.

This guy really had a strong ability to learn; in many aspects, he had a sense of being self-taught. Not bad, not bad at all!

"I see, I understand now."

Anno nodded.

Some humans and Fairy were actually quite similar. He had already come to realize this point.

If he hadn't been stopped by Kelpie, he probably would have committed even more mistakes, right?

Considering this from that perspective—

Anno raised his hand and clenched his fist, his sturdy biceps bulging high on his arm.

"Eh?"

The smile on Merlin's face vanished instantly.

"What, what are you planning to do? I am—"

BOOM!!!

"Ah—"

However, before he could finish, Anno's fist slammed solidly into his head.

Merlin's head was hammered straight into the ground, his body twitching slightly; he was clearly unconscious.

"This is what you just taught me: if there is someone harboring ill intentions toward me, there is no need to be stingy with my strength."

After saying this, Anno looked toward the Fairy.

"Your Excellency Fairy, this hasn't caused you any trouble, has it?"

The Fairy was stunned for a long moment before suddenly bursting into loud laughter.

"Hahahaha—you are truly too interesting! That's right, that's right, you did exactly the right thing!"

"When dealing with someone like Merlin, one really shouldn't be stingy with their strength!"

Merlin, still stuck in the ground in a head-first position: