In the end, they opted for a light wyvern skin breastplate and a pair of arm and shin guards.
Although Maxi found these heavy and uncomfortable too, they were more manageable than steel.
She was convinced that the knights were not ordinary people.
How the hell did they move so freely in armor several times heavier than the one she had worn?
His grueling training with Ursuline only solidified that conviction.
"Ma'am, I cannot emphasize this enough, do not close your eyes when moving forward!
You must watch your opponent's movements at all times!
And maintaining your balance is vital.
It is the lack of attention to your posture that makes you stumble whenever you need to move in a hurry.
No, no!
You must coordinate your arms and legs when running.
This is exactly why you keep losing your balance “ Break your fall with your hands!
Why do you fall on your head?!
It could only be a lack of natural reflexes."
Time after time, Maxi fell to the ground, enduring a barrage of criticism each time.
She was a terrible student, exactly as she feared.
Sir Ursuline turned out to be a more ruthless instructor than she expected.
Despite it being abundantly clear that she had no talent in the art of combat, he pushed her until she could execute each move perfectly.
His patience and tenacity were frightening.
After a few days of such torture, it got to the point where she was grateful for the knights who had given up on her so quickly during previous training.
Ulyseon accused Ursuline of being too harsh on her and was promptly banned from the sessions.
Only once had Ursuline entrusted her training to the young knight to attend to other matters, and her return unfortunately coincided with her break.
He found her idle in front of the dining room fireplace, after which he never handed over his training to anyone else.
His determination to teach the world's most desperate student must have moved the heavens.
In a feat that could only be described as a miracle, Maxi eventually learned to drive a dagger into a vital spot with ferocious precision.
For the first time, Ursuline must have felt a little satisfied with her progress.
He nodded approval, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"As you pointed out, my lady, there is no reason for a mage to wield a sword unless they are in trouble.
Even so, an unexpected battle can force mages into the fray.
Though I pray nothing of the sort happens… if you find yourself facing an enemy while you are depleted of mana, you will have a chance to attack while your opponent is off guard.
The techniques I taught you are for stealth and assassination; they will not help you win hand-to-hand combat."
Surprised by the knight's admission, Maxi stared at him with a stunned expression, gasping for air.
Didn't he say he was teaching her self-defense?
Could it be that the man was teaching a mage assassination techniques the entire time?
Although she wanted to express her disgust, Maxi held her tongue.
She nodded and said, “I-I’ll remember that.”
After looking up at the sky to determine the time, Ursuline picked up the cloak she had thrown away.
"We should return to the castle now.
Please ask a cleric to cast restorative magic on you and try to get enough rest.
Tomorrow, I will show you how to apply the techniques to“"
“Sir Ursuline!”
Frowning, Ursuline turned to see who was interrupting.
It was Ulyseon, running down the forest path towards them.
“The Temple Knights have arrived!”
Maxi was lying on the floor, exhausted.
She jumped up at the news.
Ulyseon approached her and added wistfully, "Calto Serbel is gathering the mages.
I'm sure you are needed too, my lady."
Ursuline's face hardened.
He looked at her with a dark expression and said sharply: “Then let's go back, my lady.”
They left the clearing and began heading towards the main castle.
The fact that she would have to leave Calypse Castle once again felt like a weight on her heart.
I have to go without seeing Riftan.
She looked up at the partly cloudy sky.
Although the hour was not late, the winter day meant short afternoons.
She silently hoped that she would be allowed to spend another night in the castle so that she could say goodbye to the servants.Those hopes were dashed the moment she stepped into the large room.
The wizards were descending the staircase with their things as if they were determined to leave immediately.
Maxi watched in utter dismay as he heard Sidina scream from the second floor.
"Max!
Master Calto wants everyone to be ready to go!"
“R-Right now?”
"I think he wants to leave immediately, and the Temple Knights are willing to do so.
He was talking hours ago about how we need to get to the Plateau before it gets any colder.
You should hurry!"
Maxi apologized and hurriedly went upstairs.
True to Sidina's words, Calto was becoming visibly anxious about the delays.
Even if the Temple Knights wanted to rest in Anatol for a day or two, they probably wouldn't refuse if the elder insisted on leaving immediately.
Back in her room, she quickly changed out of her dirty training clothes.
She then put on the protective gear the knights had chosen for her and left with the luggage she had packed in advance.
Most of the mages were gathered in the hall when she arrived.
Maxi looked around as he walked down the stairs.
“Where are the Temple Knights?”
“They're in the chapel,” Sidina said with a shrug.
“Apparently, it’s tradition to receive the parish clergyman’s blessing as soon as they arrive in a new town.”
Sweeping his gaze over the gathered mages, Maxi asked, “What about Master Calto?”
"He's also in the chapel.
He seemed to be in a rush to discuss the itinerary with them."
Maxi suppressed a sigh.
The man was clearly determined to leave within the day.
As predicted, Calto soon joined them and announced in a solemn voice, "The Temple Knights are waiting for us at the castle gates.
Grab your bags and follow me.
We must leave before sunset."
Grumbling, the wizards gathered their things.
Maxi could only afford a quick wave to the servants as he followed the others out of the great hall.
It seemed like the knights had gone somewhere, as she couldn't see any of them in the castle.
She looked anxiously for them as they crossed the garden.
Would none of them come and say goodbye to her?
She craned her neck to look over the shoulders of the expeditionary group for any sign of Ulyseon or Ursuline.
“Max, look,” Sidina said, nudging her with her elbow.
“They are the Temple Knights.”
Maxi turned in the direction Sidina pointed.
In a spacious area ahead, around thirty mounted knights were waiting in formation.
She unconsciously held her breath.
The Temple Knights gave off a much darker air than she remembered.
They all wore dark robes over dark gray armor, and their faces, shadowed beneath their hoods, were devoid of emotion.
Maxi shrugged.
Fear coursing through her, she wondered how many months she would have to spend in their company.
The idea was enough to make her stiffen.
The other mages seemed to share his sentiment, as several groans erupted from the group.
“Looks like we're in for a nice trip,” said Anette, heading down the stairs towards the training grounds with a sigh.
Following behind, Maxi silently agreed.
Several carts loaded with tents and provisions were lined up alongside the riders.
She was lifting her suitcase onto one of them when she heard a familiar voice.
"Lady Calypse.
How long, right?"
Maxi's face lit up.
“Sir Gabel!”
Looking embarrassed, Gabel Lachzion scratched his head.
"I apologize for arriving so late, my lady.
I should have returned as soon as I received news of your return."
"There's no need for an apology!
I know everyone was busy with Riftan away on campaign.
I was worried I'd leave without seeing you, so… I'm glad I had that chance before I left."
“I was informed that you are going to the Pamela Plateau.”
Gabel's smile faded slightly, and Maxi felt nervous.
She feared the knight would object just as Ursuline had.
His next words, however, caught her by surprise.
"Rest assured, my lady, the White Dragons will be there to protect you.
Sir Ursuline is negotiating a deal with the Knights of the Temple right now."After blinking vaguely at him, Maxi turned his head towards the city gates to see Sir Ursuline Ricaydo and Ulyseon Rovar talking to a man in a black robe.
His mouth opened in disbelief.
“W-What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” she shouted, running towards them.
Ursuline stopped talking and frowned.
"Ma'am, are you ready to leave?
I hope you haven't forgotten your protective gear and weapon."
“I haven’t forgotten!” Maxi screamed, horrified by the knight's drastic behavior.
"More importantly...
what are you doing, Sir Ursuline?
I am participating in this expedition as a mage from the Wizards' Tower.
I do not need...
the White Dragons' escort!
Has it not occurred to you that you are putting me in a difficult situation?!"
“I understand your position, my lady, that's why I'm not opposing your going,” the knight said cheekily as if he had completely forgotten about his heated dispute with Calto.
"However, you must also consider mine.
Sir Riftan left me in command in your place.
Therefore, I cannot let you travel to the Pamela Plateau without sending some of our knights.
Sir Riftan would have my head if something happened to you."
Ursuline's infuriatingly calm response left Maxi speechless, her mouth opening and closing like a fish.
Shortly after, she found herself shaking with rage at his betrayal.
“After undergoing this grueling training“” Outraged, Maxi’s voice rose.
“You clearly don’t think I can defend myself!”
"My lady," Ursuline replied with a low sigh, "our training over the past ten days has completely destroyed the hope I had.
I absolutely cannot let you go without personal guards to protect you."