First of All, I’m Drinking - Chapter 16

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 16

Crash!

An unbelievable roar erupted that couldn’t possibly be the sound of wooden swords clashing.

The young man with disheveled long hair seemed to put up a decent fight.

But he couldn’t even withstand ten exchanges before being knocked down.

The young man rolled pathetically on the ground and looked up with a dejected face at the one who had done this to him.

“Next.”

I spoke coldly, paying no attention to his gaze.

The young man awkwardly got up and returned to the group watching the sparring match.

What emerged from among them next was a girl gripping her sword with a determined expression.

Of course, there was no going easy just because she was a woman.

Crash!

Once again, a thunderous sound erupted from the sword tips.

The girl collapsed flat on the ground with a thud.

‘Pathetic.’

That guy just now at least lasted ten exchanges.

This one couldn’t even endure five exchanges and dropped her wooden sword.

This was the result of just applying a little force, not even using my full strength.

“Oww…”

The girl clutched her wrist with tears welling up in her eyes.

It was truly a sight that would stir sympathy, but there was no room for that here.

I glanced back slightly.

Imperial Guard Captain Zeroph Gamilan and his Knight Subordinate were watching the sparring match and having a cold conversation.

“…They’re no match at all.”

“Indeed they aren’t.”

“Didn’t you say these were the little stars who would lead the Imperial Guard in the future?”

The Knight Subordinate scratched his cheek awkwardly.

That line was what he had proudly said to Zeroph before the sparring began.

Zeroph glanced at him and let out a low sigh.

“Good grief, I can’t tell if the cadets are weak or if His Highness is ridiculously outstanding.”

This was a training ground located about an hour’s carriage ride from the Imperial Capital.

It was a Training Grounds that educated cadets who would later belong to the Imperial Guard.

“You said they were all 3-star, right?”

“Yes. We composed the personnel entirely of cadets who had reached 3-star for the sparring match with Your Highness the Prince.”

The majority of the cadets were either past their coming of age or just short of it.

Reaching 3-star at that age was a remarkable achievement.

Indeed, they were outstanding talents worthy of being selected as Imperial Guard cadets from a young age.

They were all at least two heads taller than me, who was thirteen years old.

Nevertheless, the reason Zeroph had brought me all the way here to arrange this sparring match was to give me experience against opponents of similar level.

It didn’t seem to be going as planned though.

‘It was a waste of time.’

3-star.

The realm of Sword Runner where one could visibly manifest aura.

This was my current position, five years after reaching 1-star at age eight.

I could have achieved it earlier if I had wanted to.

But it was the result of moderately controlling my pace, taking the lessons of the past as a cautionary tale.

It was still an absurd achievement nonetheless.

Five years ago.

When Killian fought me, his skill level was mid-2-star at fifteen.

‘At thirteen with 3-star, I’d have no rivals among my peers.’

That wasn’t all.

Having controlled demonic energy for countless eons, I had already mastered governing and dominating the energy within my body.

Operating aura, which was much more docile than demonic energy, was as simple as breathing.

With the vast magical power absorbed from the Demon Spirit Corps backing me up as well.

Even though we were both 3-star, this was the gap between them and me.

“I think this should be enough.”

I put down my wooden sword and spoke to Zeroph.

“Let’s go back.”

“Is it alright to return already?”

“I learned a lot. I’d like to return to the Imperial Capital and review today’s sparring matches.”

Learning my ass.

Rather than wasting time here pointlessly, practicing demonic energy cultivation alone in my room would be a hundred times more beneficial.

“Understood. If that is Your Highness’s will.”

Zeroph bowed lightly and then instructed his Knight Subordinate.

“Prepare the carriage.”

* * *

Clatter- Clatter-

On the way back to the Imperial Capital by carriage.

Zeroph, who was sitting beside me as my escort, struck up a conversation.

“Were you satisfied with today’s sparring matches?”

I expressed my honest feelings directly.

“No, not really.”

I had put on a bit of an act earlier since it was in front of many people.

But there was no need to lie when it was just the two of us.

Zeroph smiled kindly with his eyes and sympathized with my words.

“It looked that way to me as well. You were overwhelming.”

“Their skills were mediocre. I still have a long way to go myself.”

“That’s a good attitude. You’ll develop even further.”

Several rounds of ceremonial conversation went back and forth like that.

When the atmosphere seemed to relax a bit, Zeroph brought up the main topic.

“Actually, the reason I forced this sparring schedule was because Your Highness’s practical training isn’t far off.”

“Ah, already?”

“It will probably be soon. I wanted to give you as much diverse experience as possible in preparation for the practical training.”

Practical training.

Like the baptism ceremony, it was one of the customs that Imperial House children routinely performed.

However, its scale couldn’t dare compare to the baptism ceremony.

It was just about carrying out one simple mission and giving the children a taste of real combat.

“So that’s how it was.”

I suddenly remembered and asked Zeroph.

“How are the other children’s achievements?”

“First, you must know that Princess Seria has reached 1-star.”

Among the three excluding me, Seria was the first to master aura.

The time it took was just 2 years and 7 months.

It was a record that surpassed her older brother, falling just short of Arthur’s 2 years and 6 months by a narrow margin.

“And recently, Prince Max and Prince Carno have also succeeded in reaching 1-star.”

Ilmbo Maek and that brat Kal had also mastered aura.

As befitting twins, the time it took them was very similar.

Both took about 3 years and 2 months. Since Killian’s record was 3 years, they were two months slower.

But it was among the fastest speeds in the collateral lines.

That happened just a few days ago.

“Now that all four of you have mastered aura, you’ll receive guidance about practical field training soon.”

“Yes, we’ll be waiting.”

There’s no reason to be nervous.

Unlike the baptism ceremony, I won’t have to face any Celestial Deities, just complete one simple mission.

Moreover, for the first practical training, knights from the Imperial House watch from a distance and provide escort.

They can’t risk anyone getting killed or injured.

All I need to do is handle a simple task in a safe place and return.

‘What could possibly go wrong?’

The structure made it impossible for accidents to occur.

I looked out at the scenery outside the swaying carriage with a light heart.

The carriage had left the training grounds buried deep in the remote forest and was now entering the downtown area of the Millennium Empire.

“Fresh fruit for sale! Fruit!”

“Necklaces! Rings! New items just arrived! Come take a look!”

The streets of Millennium bustled as always.

Merchants continuing their usual solicitation and citizens walking with hurried steps.

Loud voices and boisterous laughter filled the streets.

It was noisy but heartwarming scenery.

As the carriage advanced a bit further, a massive structure standing prominently in the heart of downtown came into view.

An old-style white temple with enormous columns arranged in tremendous scale.

It was the Temple of Gabriel.

“Count Gamillan.”

I called Zeroph and pointed to that place.

“Please take us there.”

“You mean the Temple of Gabriel?”

“Yes. I’d like to offer prayers to Gabriel before returning to the Imperial Capital.”

“Understood.”

Zeroph instructed the knight subordinate who was acting as coachman to change direction.

The carriage headed diligently toward the Temple of Gabriel.

The reason I was going out of my way to meet a Celestial Deity I found disgusting was simple.

It was because of the promise I had extracted from Gabriel several years ago.

-But separately from that, if there’s anything I can help with, I’ll do my best to cooperate with you.

Cooperation he had guaranteed himself, saying he needed to prevent me from rampaging like a fool in the Intermediate Realm.

It was closer to a kind of deal, but I had been continuously pondering how to best utilize this.

‘My goal remains unchanged.’

To bring down the hammer of revenge on the Demon Lords who conspired to kill me, including Vergil.

For that, I need to maximize my military power.

Isn’t the reason I’m training aura right now to strengthen my body and reduce the backlash from demonic energy?

‘But 3-star level isn’t enough.’

After reaching 3-star, the amount of demonic energy I can use has increased significantly compared to before.

My combat power has also improved dramatically since right after my birth.

But compared to my previous life, it’s nowhere near enough.

Fighting one of the Demon Lords in this state?

‘I’d be knocked out in less than a minute.’

In their eyes, I’m still just a bug they can crush at any time.

At minimum 9-star.

When I reach the realm of Grand Master, I should be able to handle all the demonic energy from my previous life.

If the destructive power of perfected aura is added on top of that.

‘I might not manage a full frontal assault, but guerrilla-style hit-and-run tactics would definitely be possible.’

Revenge against all the Demon Lords wouldn’t be just a dream.

However, for that to happen, one condition must be met first.

That is.

‘Finding a way to cross from the Intermediate Realm to the Demon Realm.’

But I don’t know that method.

‘So I have no choice but to catch someone who does know.’

Ordinary humans couldn’t possibly know such means.

The ones most likely to know were already determined.

The Demon Cult.

A top-priority elimination force composed of eight sects, secretly operating in the shadows of the world.

‘Since they’re the ones summoning beings from the Demon Realm.’

Having memories of nearly being assassinated by demons they summoned, betting on this possibility was my best option.

I’ll catch them.

Capture them and interrogate them, torture them if necessary, whatever it takes to find out the method.

If I had my way, I’d want to find that bastard who tried to kill me when I was young.

But he’s shown no movement for five years since his assassination attempt failed.

So I asked Gabriel.

If he ever catches wind of the Demon Cult, to inform me first.

Today I’m going to check whether there’s been any progress on that front.

Clatter- Rattle-

While lost in thought, the carriage arrived at the Temple of Gabriel.

I told Zeroph to wait in the carriage until I returned.

I got out of the carriage and entered the temple.

I could see servants diligently sweeping the marble floor.

‘I wanted to just ask for an oracle when they find something, instead of having to check in person every time.’

Apparently, delivering even one oracle places an enormous burden on the deity’s side.

I didn’t know since I’d never given one before.

In my previous life, I had no particular interest in managing religious orders.

So I have no choice but to periodically visit his temple like this to check on progress.

“Well, what an honored guest has arrived.”

I heard the chuckling voice of an old man.

“It’s been a while, Your Highness. Have you been well?”

White priestly robes with a blue sash around the waist.

The old man wearing vestments signifying a cardinal was Anghel, who had presided over the baptism ceremony.

It was our first meeting in nearly five years.

“It’s good to see you.”

I greeted him with proper courtesy. Anghel asked.

“Have you come to pray?”

“That’s right. Ever since receiving Gabriel’s grace at the baptism ceremony, I’ve been coming to offer prayers like this from time to time.”

“Oh my.”

Damn. Even saying it makes me want to vomit.

Anghel seemed quite pleased with my honeyed words.

“Then I’ll guide you to the sanctuary. However, mass is currently being held in the Grand Cathedral, so you’ll need to pray in the Small Chapel.”

“That’s fine. I’m only staying briefly anyway.”

A Small Chapel where I can be alone is better than the unnecessarily large Grand Cathedral.

Anghel guided me along the temple path.

There are quite a few Small Chapels.

He was taking me to one of the vacant ones.

“Here it is.”

Anghel stopped in front of a sliding door.

The door bore Gabriel’s crest along with what appeared to be a scene from doctrine carved into it.

“May Gabriel’s grace be with you.”

“Thank you for guiding me.”

Leaving the gently smiling Anghel behind, I opened the door and entered.

The interior was nothing special.

Gabriel’s crest was carved into the central wall, and long wooden chairs were lined up in rows.

I sat down anywhere and immediately summoned that bastard.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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