“Hey, Arios!”

Ray’s sweet voice reached me, but I completely ignored it.

“Are you listening? Hey, hey.”

“…”

She poked me on the back persistently, but turning around would mean my loss.

After all, the two of us were currently on the bed.
Originally, I intended to sleep separately, but Ray wouldn’t hear of it. I eventually gave up and we ended up sleeping in the same bed.

…Though, that wasn’t the problem.

“You… you’re only wearing a towel right now, aren’t you?”

“Yep. So what?”

“That’s the problem!”

We had both just gotten out of the bath. Ray, for whatever reason, had only a towel wrapped around her.

I’m a man, after all.
I don’t want to see her like this.

“Listen, Ray.”
I crossed my arms and started speaking slowly, lying on my side.

“I’m a banished member of the Macba family. You, on the other hand, are royalty. If anything happens between us, it could tarnish your future.”

That’s right.
She’s the Second Princess of the Arceus Kingdom and is favored by the king. There must be many who wish to propose marriage to her.

There must be someone better for Ray than me.

And yet, I can’t allow a mistake to happen between me—a former Silver Sword Saint—and her.

“It’s for your sake, Ray. It’s not because I dislike you.”

“For my sake… I see.”
Ray nodded quietly behind me.

“…But, I don’t mind it at all. If it means we can go back to how things were before…”

“Ray…”

Her words made me happy, truly.

But… it’s impossible.
Our social standings are too different now.

“…Well, good night then. I won’t give up.”

“…”

This princess…
Once she says something, she never changes her mind.
She hasn’t changed at all since back then.

“Yeah… Good night.”

With those words, I closed my eyes.

But…

I couldn’t sleep.
Was it because Ray was so close? Or was it because I wasn’t used to this new environment?

I was tired, yet sleep wouldn’t come.

“…”

I quietly slipped out of bed and left the house.

A warm breeze and the gentle sound of insects surrounded me as I aimlessly walked through the Rastal Village night. It was utterly silent, unlike the bustling royal capital.

Eventually, I reached an open area.

There were no trees or buildings—just a patch of weeds. It must be the village outskirts.

This should be fine.
I slowly closed my eyes and activated a skill.
 ――――――

Cheat Code List Available

• 《Attack Power Up (Small)》
• Complete usage of Fire Attribute Magic
• Visibility of target’s health
• &％％％＄

 ――――――

After my battle with the Giant Orc, I gained a new ability.

It was unlike anything I had ever seen before.

&％％％＄

I didn’t even know how to read it. I wasn’t sure what would happen, so I decided to test it in a deserted place.

Now seemed like the right time.

—Activating Cheat Code.
—&％％％＄

“Ugh…”

What is this?
My vision… it’s turning white.
I can’t see anything…

★

When I came to, I found myself in a completely different place.

Where am I?
It looks like a building…
It resembles the royal castle, but I don’t recognize this room.

“Hah… Hah…!”

In the room, a man was repeatedly swinging his sword with precision.

Huh?
I feel like I’ve seen him before…

“Um, excuse me…”

I timidly called out, but he didn’t respond.
It seemed like he hadn’t noticed me at all.

What is going on?
What am I seeing?

“Heh. Every day, you train diligently.”

Suddenly, another figure appeared, making me flinch.

No way…
It can’t be…!

Organt Dia Arceus.
The founder and first king of the Arceus Kingdom.

“Your Majesty… Have you snuck out of your duties again?”

The man swinging his sword sighed in exasperation.

“Hmph. It’s fine to slack off a little. I’ve never been fond of stiff routines.”

“And yet, you still manage to rule as king…”

“Haha, you’re quite bold.”
Organt chuckled and made a drinking gesture.

“Come now, Farlus. Care for a drink?”

“No, no. It’s still daytime.”

Farlus…?

Wait a second.
No way!

The man practicing his swordsmanship was none other than Farlus Macba—my ancestor and the founder of the Macba sword style.

He was a legend, known as the strongest swordsman of his era. His skill was so monstrous that he could take down entire battalions single-handedly. Even my father would pale in comparison.

Organt Dia Arceus.
And Farlus Macba.

What the heck is this?
What am I witnessing…?