Chapter 6: Comrades (Requesting Continuation)

Robin's eyes hardened, his steps swift, he employed the swordsmanship he had painstakingly practiced daily; his body moved as light as willow catkins in the wind, the axe brushed his clothing, stirring a sharp gust.

Seizing the moment when the opponent's move was old and exposed a flaw, Robin spun sharply, his long sword like a venomous snake spitting its fang, precisely stabbing at the thief's throat.

The thief's eyes widened, his face full of terror and disbelief, a gurgling sound came from his throat, his hands instinctively covered his neck, he slowly fell backward, blood gushed from between his fingers.

Having dealt with that enemy, Robin hadn't even caught his breath when a corner of his eye caught two more thieves on the right, brandishing long knives, charging in with fierce momentum.

The two coordinated seamlessly, one attacking from above, the other from below, trying to force Robin to lose focus.

Robin drew a deep breath, activated the Breathing Method within his body, feeling power surge like tide.

He first used his sword to block the descending long knife, metal clanged, sparks flew, his arm trembled numb.

At the same time, he thrust his leg upward, kicking the thief's wrist below.

The thief winced, and the long knife clanged to the ground.

Seizing the chance, Robin stepped forward, his long sword whirring swiftly, the blade flash leaving several bloodstains on the two thieves.

The two thieves screamed miserably, clutching their wounds, stumbling backward; after only a few steps they collapsed heavily to the ground, silent.

At this moment, the clamor of battle gradually subsided, yet Robin's gaze was drawn to a figure nearby engaged in fierce combat with a companion.

That person moved agilely, and between his moves faintly echoed the rhythm of the Knight Breathing Method; Robin concluded this must be a Thief Knight Apprentice.

His eyes narrowed, he raised his sword and charged at that person.

The Thief Knight Apprentice sensed the threat behind, spun quickly, swinging his long sword horizontally to block Robin's assault.

Their weapons collided with a crisp sound. Robin clearly sensed the opponent's use of the Breathing Method was still raw, its strength and speed lagging behind his.

Confidence surged within him, a slight smile curled his lips, his steps light, circling the opponent continuously, his long sword striking like a spirit snake, the techniques alternating between feint and strike.

The Thief Knight Apprentice was forced into a frantic scramble, able only to defend passively.

After several exchanges, Robin spotted a flaw in the opponent's defense, leaned forward, channeling the Breathing Method to marshal his whole body's force into his right arm, and thrust his long sword like lightning, piercing straight through the opponent's chest.

The Thief Knight Apprentice's pupils contracted sharply, his face showing pain and unwillingness, he fell back slowly.

In this battle, they swept two hidden outposts, beheading more than twenty enemies in total.

Robin alone slashed five foes, including a Knight Apprentice.

His heroic display on the battlefield drew admiring glances from his comrades.

Robin felt a private pride; everything unfolded as he had planned, deliberately crafting himself into a hot‑blooded, impulsive youth persona.

At the moment the fight erupted, he understood it was a perfect chance to gain combat experience and showcase himself before everyone.

So he never hesitated, repeatedly charging to the front, masking his probing of the system's secrets with seemingly reckless actions.

The Malizi Knight stood silently at the edge of the battlefield, watching the fierce melee the whole time, never intending to intervene.

For him, this was a rare real‑combat drill, an excellent opportunity to train the knight apprentices under his command.

His gaze closely followed Robin's movements, missing no detail.

After the battle ended, the Malizi Knight strode briskly to Robin's side.

Robin was drenched in sweat, his hair clinging to his cheeks, the sword in his hand still stained with enemy blood, his chest heaving violently, yet his eyes shone with unmistakable excitement and pride.

The Malizi Knight looked at the youth before him, his heart full of satisfaction.

Though Robin's actions were indeed a bit rash, his daily rigorous training made his swordsmanship outstanding, surpassing the other knight apprentices under his command.

Every swing of his sword carried full force and precision; those thieves could hardly withstand his blade.

The Malizi Knight extended his hand, gently patted Robin's shoulder, and said earnestly, "Well done, but don't be so reckless next time; if the enemy has a High-level Knight Apprentice inside, you'll be in danger."

His voice was low and gentle, carrying a hint of an elder's care for the junior.

Robin promptly stood straight, clenched his right fist, hammered it heavily on his chest, and loudly replied, "Yes, Knight Captain!" His voice rang powerfully across the open battlefield.

In truth, Robin knew his "recklessness" wasn't without measure; with the system's aid, he had a solid grasp of his own strength.

Yet he also understood the Malizi Knight's admonition came from sincere concern, so he put on a humble demeanor.

As soon as the Malizi Knight stepped away, Eric rushed over with a smiling face, raised his hand and gave Robin's shoulder a heavy pat, the friendly vigor making it seem they were long‑time old friends.

"Buddy, great job! The Malizi Knight Captain is very pleased with your performance," Eric's voice brimmed with excitement and admiration.

Eric had just turned twenty this year, already at a Mid-stage level among the knight apprentices.

Robin thought to himself that, according to the system's experience calculation, Eric's experience should already have exceeded 400.

Eric's strength was also quite outstanding among the knight apprentices; during training his every move exuded a steady vigor that commanded respect.

"Can't help it, the last attack doesn't count; this formal battle is my first, a bit hot‑blooded," Robin said while laughing, scratching his head, his face showing a slightly shy expression, perfectly embodying his "hot‑blooded impulsive youth" persona.

His eyes flickered with simplicity and innocence, as if he truly were just a raw, emotionally charged youngster after his first great war.

At that moment, Lily jogged over, her ponytail neat, a admiring smile on her face: "Robin, you were so cool just now! I watched you charge ahead from behind; those thieves were no match for you."

Lily was also a knight apprentice under the Malizi Knight, lively and cheerful; though a girl, she was no less capable than the boys in training and combat.

Hearing this, Eric laughed heartily, "Haha, it's the first time on the battlefield like this; you'll get used to it after more experience. But your first time really impressed everyone!" He bent down, picked up the Thief Knight Apprentice's long sword from the ground, and tossed it to Robin.

"Now, this is your loot!"

(End of chapter)