Reporting Upward (Part 1)

March 25th, morning, overcast.

The sky was gloomy, and the air carried an intensely damp, clammy feeling.

It was probably going to rain. The rain had been bottled up for several days without falling; the clouds had long hung so heavy they seemed as though one could squeeze a handful of water from them, ready to burst forth at any moment.

The arrival of spring rain should have brought a refreshing feeling, yet the air was now filled with an irritating restlessness.

Even the rolling clouds seemed to carry something strange, making it difficult for people walking down the road to feel cheerful.

"I've lived here for so long, and this is the first time I've seen weather like this. Damn it, it's all because of those demons bringing this rotten weather. Even the climate has been affected." The speaker wore silver armor, a longsword with an ornate scabbard at his waist, and two large crossed blades on his back. He strode across the rural ruins, not delayed in the slightest; instead, he walked faster and faster. The only time he paused was to inspect the scene, his gaze sharp as an eagle's.

Behind him followed a handsome white horse, with a small bulging package hanging from each side of its saddle, their contents unknown.

Footsteps crunched over dirt and gravel. Behind the man and horse, another figure appeared, likewise clad in silver armor, though he held his warhorse's reins in his hand.

"Still, you cannot deny that it was the appearance of those damned fellows that gave us our current standing. On this day two years ago, you and I were Fifth-Level Warriors, yet we could not even obtain the title of Knight. Now, we are formal Knights with lands of our own." The man behind him spoke with