Category: BJ Swordmaster

“I know that you feel sorry for me.”

That was all Henry knew about Russo. The chief instructor was a man of few words and precise actions, always saying only what needed to be said and doing only what needed to be done. Among everyone in the academy, Russo was the one who embodied chivalry the most.

If he’s really trying to teach me, that should be a good thing… No, no. That would be a problem.

A sudden realization struck him. He recalled his current situation and what mattered most. Right now, Henry was in no position to receive instruction from Chief Instructor Russo.

If I do, I won’t be able to keep broadcasting properly. That’s a problem.

Who had brought Henry to this point in the first place? Was it Chief Instructor Russo, the only person at the academy who had watched over him? Or perhaps his family, who fervently wished for his success from afar? No, neither of those. It was the unknown mages—the ones who were watching his every move and chatting excitedly.

They were the reason he had gained the ability to wield mana. Right now, Henry had to continue broadcasting and use the money he received from donations to purchase talent orbs. Taking lessons from Russo wouldn’t make for an appealing broadcast to secure more support.

Of course, the real foundation of this broadcast was laid by the Grand Mage who set it all up.

Henry had already considered that. Not all mages were the same. The one managing the broadcast was undoubtedly a being on a completely different level from these “viewers.”

“Mages.”

Henry made his decision. This was not something he could resolve on his own.

“I cannot become the instructor’s disciple. If I do, I won’t be able to continue broadcasting as I am now.”

[That’s true.]

[Wait, is this thing actually picking up on every random comment? Isn’t that kinda weird?]

[This AI is way too advanced, lol.]

“I wouldn’t dare to evaluate the mechanism you’ve placed on me, but I’m sure you can perceive my words. Instructor Pike did as well.”

Pike had proven it back in the mana training room. If the mages’ mechanism—or the Grand Mage’s personal intervention—was truly absolute, they could have simply made it so Henry never caught anyone’s attention in the first place. But from what he had deduced, the only thing these mages could do was prevent the instructors from understanding the concept of a “broadcast.” In the end, Henry had no choice but to reject the offer he knew was coming from Russo.

“What should I say to decline without offending him…?”

He had never imagined this scenario. Henry had always been good at crafting an image, but in this case, he wasn’t sure how to handle it.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have much time to ponder.

“Oh no, he’s here.”

The sound of a visitor announcement echoed through the training hall. Fortunately, the room was structured in a way that prevented internal sounds from leaking outside, allowing Henry to broadcast freely.

Russo, however, interpreted Henry’s flustered expression differently.

So, it was uncomfortable for him after all.

This was a private training hall belonging to an instructor. For someone like Henry, who had always been disregarded, it would be overwhelming to use.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.”

Russo sincerely apologized. As a knight, he understood better than anyone how valuable a moment of enlightenment was. Even if Henry had not reached such a stage yet, considering his recent rapid improvement, it was a valid concern.

“Not at all.”

“That’s a relief. First of all, congratulations. Your decision to stand by your choice was the right one. If you had followed my clumsy advice, you wouldn’t have been able to savour this moment.”

“I’m always grateful.”

“I don’t intend to take up much of your time, so let’s get straight to the point.”

Gulp. Henry swallowed nervously.

“From today onward, you may use this training hall anytime. As an instructor, it’s embarrassing to admit, but I haven’t done any personal training for the past few years. So, in essence, this space is just sitting empty.”

It was an incredible offer—free access to an instructor’s private training hall!

But before Henry could even process the shock, Russo continued.

“Additionally, the headmaster has always said that every talented trainee must be given an opportunity, even if it comes a little late.”

Henry tensed up. He had a feeling he knew where this was going.

“Instructor, I’m truly sorry, but I—”

“Do not interrupt, Henry Hamilton.”

Russo’s voice was firm.

“Unfortunately, you missed the final test of the year. But as you know, there is still one opportunity left.”

“…Yes.”

“And as an instructor, leaking the details of the test would be unacceptable, wouldn’t it?”

“That’s right.”

“However, this is a difficult matter. As I just mentioned, the headmaster insists that all talented trainees must be given a fair chance.”

[Wait, hold on, LOL.]

[I don’t think he’s trying to take you as a disciple, haha.]

[What is this even—lol.]

The chat was exploding with laughter. The viewers had already caught on to what Russo was implying.

And so had Henry.

“When two fundamental principles conflict, it’s my duty as the chief instructor to exercise discretion.”

“…….”

“Of course, I won’t tell you outright. I’m simply saying… If I were in your position, I would train in a certain way.”

Chief Instructor Russo.

The man who had always embodied the true spirit of a knight was now, completely unexpectedly, giving Henry a major hint about the next test.

“Is this really okay?”

Russo murmured as he gazed into the empty air. It was undoubtedly a welcome development that Henry had awakened his talent. Hard work rarely paid off, and seeing Henry as proof of that made Russo consider picking up the sword once more.

“But leaking the exam content, hmm.”

His thoughts were complicated for no reason. There was no use in regretting it now. This was merely a process of reflection—an examination of whether his actions had been right.

“As a knight, it was the right thing to do. As an academy instructor, not something to be proud of.”

Yet, Russo didn’t feel bad. He recalled the faces of those who had belittled Henry Hamilton’s efforts and the academy director, who had grumbled that it would be better if Henry left on his own. The so-called master of this academy was a man who cared only about results.

I wonder what he’ll say when he sees Henry now.

Perhaps he would cling to his pride. Results were important, but if they were imperfect, he would rather uphold his dignity. However, Russo had confirmed it with his own eyes just moments ago—Henry’s talent was anything but ordinary.

And yet, they let such a gem sink into the mud.

Russo scoffed. The thought was directed at himself as well. He felt regret, anger toward those who had mocked Henry, but that was as far as Russo had gone.

I didn’t do anything either.

He had merely watched—watched Henry struggle alone to survive. Shamefully enough, Henry even seemed to be grateful for that.

And yet, I dare to think about teaching him?

Just earlier, when Russo had started to speak to Henry, Henry had cut him off, seemingly about to ask for permission for something. Russo had known what it was. He had deliberately silenced him out of fear of hearing it. I cannot accept your teachings. The emotion had been clear in Henry’s eyes.

“This is as far as I can go.”

Offering a small bit of help, though it was late. And doing so without making a show of it. That was what Russo had once told Alex a true instructor should do. Perhaps… if Henry asked for help first, things might be different.

---

The academy after dark was shrouded in darkness. Though there were occasional lights, most of the illumination here was from magical sources. If no one used them, the lights simply wouldn’t turn on. However, the chief instructor Russo’s training hall remained as bright as daylight.

Inside, Henry Hamilton was speaking to his viewers, explaining what had just happened.

“He didn’t directly tell me anything. If this gets out… well, I doubt it’ll be received well.”

Russo had given Henry guidance on his training—where to focus his efforts and which areas could be postponed. In effect, it had been a personal, tailored lesson.

[So he did tell you, lol.]

[So you just have to train according to that?]

[Isn’t that kinda unfair? Lmao.]

Henry’s face turned red. Earlier, when Russo had been giving him this training direction, he had looked just like this. Both of them had stared at the ceiling or the floor, avoiding each other’s eyes. But for different reasons. Russo was embarrassed by his own actions, while Henry was worried about what would happen if this got out.

Pride? I gave up on that long ago.

Henry had only one motivation left. No matter what it took, he had to become a knight. He had to inherit his family’s title.

“If another trainee followed this method, they would probably see results. But I’m a bit different.”

Henry had no talent for mana. Russo’s training regimen wasn’t something he could simply execute just because he knew the method. Fortunately, thanks to his subscription, he could at least accumulate mana, but everything else relied on the [Orb of Talent]. That was Henry’s current reality.

[So knowing the method isn’t enough, lol.]

[He’s got the meal but can’t eat it??]

[Such a waste, lmao.]

[Did the instructor know about this before helping you?]

“Instructor Russo isn’t like that. He’s the only person I truly trusted and followed in this academy. Only two instructors seriously advised me to consider paths outside knighthood.”

[Who was the other one?]

“Instructor Alex. If I hadn’t met you mages, I might have reconsidered my choices.”

In Russo’s training hall, Henry Hamilton continued his conversation with the viewers. This was an enormous event for him. More than sensing mana, the fact that he was using the chief instructor’s private training hall without restriction was a shocking privilege for an ordinary trainee.

[So he really was your supporter, lol.]

[Are you going to keep training there now?]

“Yes, I can’t refuse the instructor’s kindness. And training here should allow me to improve even more.”

It was an instructor’s domain, after all. The facilities here were leagues ahead of the training halls meant for regular trainees, especially those in C-Class or lower. The mana density was comparable to a dedicated mana training chamber, and every piece of equipment was top-tier. There were even several real swords and practical combat weapons stocked here.

[So knights don’t just use swords, huh, lol.]

[Honestly, a lance suits knights better.]

[Then why do they all learn swordsmanship?]

[Isn’t this world’s setting a bit different?]

Mages sure know more about this than I expected.

Henry had learned about this early on. A knight’s weapon wasn’t limited to swords. Some preferred spears, and there were even those who wielded axes. Choosing a weapon suited to one’s own hands was the first step in mastering combat.

“But the most commonly used weapon is the sword. Here, let me show you…”

Casually, Henry picked up a longsword of appropriate length. He focused. Mana surged fiercely through his body. It flowed into his arm, then into the blade. The unstable energy extended outward from the sword’s tip in a shimmering arc.

“This is why most knights use swords.”

With only about two days left before the start of the semester, Chief Instructor Alex stepped out of his private training hall with his prized student. Even at the Royal Academy, every instructor had students they favoured, and outstanding talents had a way of keeping educators on their toes.

If I teach him just a little more, he’ll definitely blossom soon.

Alex was, before anything else, an educator. He might not have thought this way when he first came here, but now, his perspective had completely changed. At this moment, his student’s future mattered to him far more than his own honour.

“Remember, as long as you don’t make mistakes, your skills are more than enough.”

“Yes, Instructor. I’ll do my best.”

Hearing his student’s confident response, Alex smiled in satisfaction. Until yesterday, he had been training the boy in his private training hall, but today, he deliberately brought him to the common training ground used by all students. The reason was simple—to ease his nerves before the exam at the start of the semester. A secluded space was best for pure skill improvement, but it also increased pressure. In a public space, the psychological burden would naturally lighten, whether others were present or not.

Just changing the location alone should help… huh?

Alex narrowed his eyes. Someone seemed to be inside the training hall.

Training at this hour?

He didn’t know who it was, but their dedication was admirable. He was about to step closer when he suddenly hesitated.

Wait… could it be?

The memory of a few days ago flashed through his mind—Henry, exhausted and collapsed in the training hall, and Russo watching over him with concern.

There’s no harm in being cautious.

Alex quickened his pace on purpose, stepping ahead of his student as they entered the training ground. As soon as he saw inside, he became shocked.

I was right to suspect Henry… but what is this?

What shocked him was the sight of Henry Hamilton skillfully swinging a wooden sword.

He can control mana now?

“Instructor?”

“Stop. Wait there.”

“Huh? Oh, yes, sir.”

His puzzled student obediently stepped back.

I only came here to help him refine his techniques, but now I see something completely unexpected.

Alex put on a deliberately serious expression.

“Training is postponed. Go bring Russo here. If he refuses, tell him I urgently need him.”

“Yes, sir!”

The student rushed off without hesitation. Any other instructor might have reacted differently, but Alex, like Russo, held no ill will toward Henry.

It’s best if rumors don’t spread.

Though, even if they did, Russo deserved to know first. After all, the fact that Henry was training in plain sight meant it wasn’t exactly a secret.

I never thought this kid would awaken to mana… but what is he saying?

Alex considered focusing his mana to enhance his hearing but stopped himself. He had a playful nature, but eavesdropping on someone’s secret went against his character. Instead, he stood firmly by the entrance, like a gatekeeper. Before long, he saw a figure sprinting toward him.

For all his grumbling, he really is a good friend when it matters.

Not many would drop everything and rush over just because a colleague said it was urgent.

“Alex.”

Russo came to a stop in front of him, not a hint of disarray despite his sprint. Alex, appreciative of his dedication, gave him the answer he sought.

“The student you care about is inside.”

“You mean Henry? Don’t tell me he’s being bullied—no, if that were the case, you would’ve stepped in before calling me.”

“See for yourself.”

Alex stepped aside. Russo, his brow furrowed, peered inside—and then stiffened. Slowly, he turned his head toward Alex, his expression exactly what Alex had expected.

“See? Told you it was urgent.”

An innate increase in mana sensitivity—it wasn’t impossible, but it was certainly rare. Sensitivity to mana was generally considered a matter of talent. So much so that the academic consensus was simple: those who could awaken would awaken, and those who couldn’t, wouldn’t. But every now and then, someone defied that belief, and right now, Russo was certain Henry was one of them.

“When did you first sense mana?”

“Two days ago.”

“And when did you open your pathways?”

“Yesterday.”

“You reached this level in just a day?”

It was nothing short of astonishing. Henry Hamilton’s sensitivity to mana had not only increased, but in just a single day of training, he was demonstrating an unbelievable level of control.

“May I see your wrist?”

“…Of course.”

Russo placed his index and middle fingers on Henry’s wrist, tracing the mana pathways that had formed like veins. As he assessed the flow, he became certain.

This kid is a genius.

His innate sensitivity might have been nonexistent before. But once he gained even the bare minimum ability to perceive mana, he had instantly become a prodigy.

He’s opened his entire body’s pathways. This is incredible—this happened in just one day?

Normally, when a beginner first unlocked their mana pathways, they were unstable and weak. This meant they could only channel a small amount of mana at a time, and the flow could easily be disrupted.

But this…

Henry’s pathways were already as developed as those of students who had been training for months. Mana pathways were like muscles—they grew thicker and stronger with training.

“Did you reference any special method during your training?”

“Yes, I was reviewing the content Instructor Pike taught in class.”

“That’s all?”

It was almost absurd. Henry clearly had no proper grasp of his own level.

I would have been the same.

Henry had spent three years as a powerless trainee—without reliable comrades, without a mentor to rely on. With no one to compare himself to, it was natural that he had no real standard to measure himself against.

“Let’s finish training for now. I’ll be back in a little while… No, it’d be better to move to another location.”

Russo had a complicated expression, while Henry looked bewildered by the sudden suggestion. The two of them left the training hall.

The instructors of the Royal Academy were treated fairly well. Though they were men who had, in some way, fallen short of a knight’s life, the king still recognized that new knights were born through their hands.

Especially the chief instructors. The Academy spared no resources for them.

“Stay here until I return.”

“Understood.”

“Continue training.”

“…Thank you.”

Henry’s eyes widened in surprise. This was Russo’s personal training hall. While not as crucial as a knight’s weapons—his very lifeline—it was still a space rarely shared with others. The reason was simple. Any knight above a certain level could ‘steal’ something just by watching another train.

“I’ll be back soon.”

Leaving Henry behind, Russo stepped outside. Alex, who had been waiting, approached him.

“I wasn’t seeing things, was I?”

“No, you weren’t. By the way, has your student…?”

“Come on, I know how you feel about that kid. Don’t worry. I’m probably the only one who’s seen it so far.”

His confidence came from a simple fact—there were no rumors in the Academy yet.

Henry Hamilton, the eternal failure, had changed? That would be a gossip-worthy topic for anyone.

“So, what happened? Did he suddenly awaken as if struck by lightning?”

Half a joke, half serious.

But to Alex’s disbelief, Russo nodded.

“Hah, you’re serious?”

“It’ll be known soon enough, but keep it under wraps until the first exam. He sensed mana for the first time three days ago and opened his first pathway yesterday.”

“You’re saying he’s a genius?”

“Seems that way.”

“He just lacked sensitivity, so he couldn’t use his talent before?”

“That’s how it looks now.”

“There are going to be plenty of people rolling on the ground clutching their stomachs once this gets out.”

A former laughingstock suddenly showing overwhelming talent? Most wouldn’t take it well. If he remained weak, they wouldn’t care, but now that he was a ‘competitor,’ he would likely face direct opposition.

“Be cautious. So, what’s your plan? Though I can already guess.”

“I have to do what I should have done from the start.”

“The fact that Russo himself is teaching a student… The number of envious fools is about to double.”

“If he were the type to be held back by that, he wouldn’t have survived until now.”

“Hmm.”

Alex unconsciously nodded. That was something no one could refute.

The ridicule Henry must have endured… Alex couldn’t even begin to imagine it.

“Well, I guess congratulations are in order. Honestly, I never paid much attention to him, but a comrade’s joy is my joy, right?”

“Thanks to you, it wasn’t too late. I sincerely appreciate it.”

Alex grinned. Just as he considered Russo a true comrade, he could see that Russo felt the same.

“I’ll get out of your way now. Anyway, I’ll keep my mouth shut until the exam, so enjoy your time. I doubt I’ll see you at the drinking table anytime soon.”

“Probably not. Thanks for understanding.”

“Just thank me once and be done with it. Take care.”

With a lazy wave of his hand, Alex left.

Henry Hamilton sensed mana… And he was a genius?

Alex’s feelings on the matter were simple curiosity. But for others?

Things were about to get interesting.

Plenty of stories to discuss over drinks—something Alex would welcome. After all, from a spectator’s perspective, change always brought about fascinating events.

“Yes, that’s Instructor Russo. And while I did follow the mages’ advice, Instructor Russo is truly someone trustworthy.”

[No lol, he won’t understand anyway??]

[How could an NPC even know about a broadcast!!!!]

[Sir Knight, please just trust us. There’s no point in explaining this lol.]

Henry stared at the chat window, utterly baffled.

A moment ago, when he met Russo in the training hall, the viewers had all united in a single plea: ‘Don’t mention the broadcast to Russo.’

Henry had assumed it was due to some peculiar circumstances of the mages and had complied without question.

However…

“What exactly is an NPC?”

This term, which kept being mentioned, was impossible for him to grasp.

[Everyone except you!!]

[Lmao, I can’t believe he’s being serious about this hahaha~!]

[Everyone except you is an NPC. No matter how much you talk about the broadcast or the mages, they won’t understand!!]

“Oh.”

Only then did Henry realize why the mages had been so insistent.

It was a distinctly magical reason.

Some kind of mechanism must be in place that prevented anyone but Henry from recognizing the existence of this ‘broadcast.’

A distortion of perception… or some kind of mental block?

Whatever the case, if what they said was true, then their advice made perfect sense.

“Thank you. I finally understand.”

[Phew~~~~]

[We can finally breathe lol.]

[So, is Russo a knight too? Chief instructor means he’s not just any knight, right?]

“The chief instructors are either the most skilled knights among the faculty or those who have been recognized for their achievements before joining the Academy. Instructor Russo is both.”

[So he’s basically the mentor NPC lol.]

[Now it finally feels like the tutorial is starting hahaha.]

[So is he going to teach you sword techniques and skills? Maybe even something about mana?]

“Instructor Russo generally avoids providing instruction beyond official lessons. As for why he called me today… To be honest, I have no idea.”

That was the truth.

Henry couldn’t even begin to guess Russo’s intentions.

[Additional rewards have been granted.]

• The “purchasable items” in the donation shop have been expanded by one tier.
• A promotional banner (1 hour) has been awarded!

“A promotional banner?”

Henry tilted his head. When he reached 10 subscribers, the “donation shop” had opened as a “Stage 1 goal reward.”

“I expected the variety of products to increase, but what’s this promotional banner?”

It was undoubtedly a gift imbued with the Grand Mage’s intent. But just from the name, he couldn’t quite figure out what it was. When he tapped the message, a detailed explanation appeared:

[It’s a type of signboard that can be displayed for an hour.]

“A signboard!”

This time, Henry understood immediately. It seemed that many mages were still unaware of this “broadcast.” The signboard was an item designed to help more mages notice and watch him.

“This will definitely be a big help.”

The amount of sponsorship money and the number of subscribers were similar to the number of mages watching. He wasn’t sure how effective it would be, but if used well, it could yield significant results.

“In that case…”

Henry turned his attention back to the donation shop.

[You can now purchase Stage 2 items!]

[Level 2 Talent Orb (Circulation): 378,000 won]

• Requires proficiency in Level 1 [Circulation] to use.

“As expected.”

Henry inwardly cheered. A Level 2 Talent Orb—this meant he could take today’s newly acquired talent to the next level.

“The issue is the price and efficiency. 378,000 won… that’s four times the cost of a Level 1 talent.”

If its efficiency was high he’d buy it without hesitation.

“But there’s no way to know for sure.”

It was clear that Henry himself had no natural talents related to mana. That meant he needed to purchase all available talents “without exception.”

[Level 1 Talent Orb (Emission): 99,000 won]

[Level 1 Talent Orb (Sustainment): 148,000 won]

[Level 1 Talent Orb (Binding): 48,000 won]

He scrolled through the list. Including the [Circulation] he had already bought, there were six types of Level 1 talent orbs related to mana utilization. The total cost was around 500,000 won.

However—

[Level 1 Talent Orb Bundle]

[499,000 won → 439,000 won]

[You already own some of these orbs.]

[A discount has been applied.]

Fortunately, the shop offered bundled discounts.

---

The Kingdom of Knights, Ballaran

Henry’s homeland had been founded by its first king, one of the most brave knights.

“He used to say it often—that the noblest thing was to stand at the forefront of everyone. Back then, nobles were always asked where they had stood on the battlefield.”

Honor stemmed from courage. That belief was what the founding king cherished the most. As a result, knights of that era were closer to “warriors” than traditional “knights.”

However, after the founding king’s death, when his son ascended the throne, the times changed. War was no longer about survival, and while the people still faced instability, they had begun to enjoy a facade of peace.

“That was when the concept of knighthood was first formalized.”

The second king didn’t prioritize sheer bravery among his subordinates. A stable nation required more than just armed warriors.

As time passed and numerous trials and errors unfolded, the chivalry Henry studied and practiced today differed greatly from what existed three hundred years ago.

[Wow… this medieval setting is hitting hard…]

[When was the academy established?]

“The academy has been around for nearly a hundred years.”

[LOL, a school with history and tradition]

[So, basically, all knights today are from this academy?]

[No room for nepotism, then? Hahaha]

“Yes, that’s correct. More than half of Ballaran’s knights have studied at the academy.”

[Are there exceptions?]

“According to the kingdom’s laws, nobles of count rank and above can appoint knights at their choice.”

Even among nobles, counts held a different level of authority. From the size of the castles they could build to the extent of their territories, the number of soldiers they could train, and even their right to appoint knights—these privileges were granted because they were considered ‘knights of the king.’

“The founding king personally granted noble titles to the knights he led, starting from the rank of count, and that tradition continues today.”

Of course, times had changed. Wars were rare now, and it was even rarer for common nobles to personally join the battlefield.

However, the significance of those traditions remained untouchable—even for the king.

[Damn, ‘knights of the king’ sounds badass]

[So can common knights still become nobles these days?]

[Looks like they can only reach baron rank? Is that right?]

This was precisely the point Henry wanted to make.

“That’s correct. Only knights can be granted noble titles in Ballaran. No matter how great one’s achievements, if they are not a knight, they cannot become nobility.”

That was why Henry had fought so desperately to stay in the academy—enduring all kinds of ridicule and contempt, driven solely by his determination to restore the House of Viscount Hamilton.

[Wait, wasn’t your family a viscount house? Can’t viscounts appoint knights?]

[Yeah, and what about private soldiers? Are those restricted too?]

“It’s impossible for a viscount to knight a commoner. However, they can still take in existing knights under their service. Viscounts are nobles, after all.”

[But if only knights can become nobles, wouldn’t mages object to this?]

“Ah, well…”

For a moment, Henry was at a loss for words. His audience consisted of mages. Their question likely came from ignorance of political matters, but it was a sensitive issue that could easily offend them.

“In practice, while mages cannot be granted titles, Ballaran does not neglect them in any way. Additionally, to my knowledge, Court Mage Heinrich…”

Henry explained. While only knights could be formally labelled as nobles, mages received treatment no different from nobility. Every king in history had generously supported the Mage Tower, and most mages cared more about magical accomplishments than noble titles.

“Furthermore, in times of war, if mages are endangered on the battlefield, knights will willingly lay down their lives to protect them—”

[LOL]

[Ahhh, someone hit a nerve with our knight here!!!]

[His panic is hilarious LOL]

[This isn’t even a character act anymore, is it?]

The mages teased Henry, calming him down. After taking a moment to regain his composure, he returned to the conversation.

“That is why I have insisted on becoming a knight. Additionally, academy trainees with outstanding grades are given priority opportunities to earn merit later on.”

[Didn’t you say there’s no war?]

“Merits aren’t limited to battle. Any contribution to the kingdom can be recognized.”

For example, subduing monsters that threatened specific territories—or even going a step further and wiping out entire monster nests.

Even in peacetime, there were plenty of opportunities for knights to prove their worth.

[Then what’s the exam like? Swordsmanship?]

[Magic swordsmanship, maybe?]

“The exams vary widely. At the end of each term, a comprehensive evaluation takes place, but that’s not the most important test. Every scheduled or surprise test holds significant weight.”

[So you can escape that barn soon?]

[Man, just getting out of there would be a huge achievement LOL]

[He’s using mana now, so it’s not that bad anymore, right?]

[When’s the first test? Do you get to attend some classes first?]

Once the semester begins, the first test is scheduled right away.

Trainees at the academy had to take exams twice per semester—once at the start and once at the end. The reason for holding two tests in such a short interval was to account for cases where the initial results were either a fluke or influenced by poor condition.

[Lol, this was really just a tutorial]

[True lol, without that test, F-Class wouldn’t even be an option]

[Now that I think about it, even the dorms were specially made lol]

[So that means the test happens right after the break?]

“Yes, the test is conducted as soon as the semester begins. That means including today, there are two days left.”

For most trainees, it was just another test. But for Henry, who was at rock bottom, it was an opportunity he absolutely couldn’t miss. The entire semester would be determined by the starting point he established here.

I’ll definitely move up.

Even just proving that he could wield mana would improve his situation significantly. So the real question was—

Not just moving up, but how far up.

The extent of change was crucial. The better his test results, the better his future. And right now, the best choice available to Henry was clear.

[Level 1 Talent Orb (Mana)]
[499,000 won → 439,000 won]
[You already own a similar orb.]
[A discount is applied.]

I have to buy that before the test.

To do that, he needed to maximize his streaming revenue. Fortunately, Henry had a special gift from the Archmage as a secondary bonus reward.

[Applying promotional banner.]
[Applied instantly! Effect lasts for one hour!]

This is really effective.

Less than thirty minutes after applying the banner, Henry could already feel its impact. And the promotional banner wasn’t the only thing working in his favour.

<‘Eohwadungdung’ has donated 1,000 won!>

<“If you do ten more laps, I’ll donate 10,000 won!!!”>

“I’ll begin right away.”

Henry had been steadily maintaining his physical training for a while. His systematic approach—executing an exact number of exercises each session—ignited something in certain viewers.

<‘Eohwadungdung’ has donated 10,000 won!>
<“You still have stamina left, right??????”>

“Yes, I still have some left.”

<‘Eohwadungdung’ has donated 1,000 won!>
<“100 push-ups for 10,000 won, let’s go~!”>

It was a mission—viewers set specific conditions, and if Henry met them, they rewarded him accordingly. Naturally, Henry had no reason to refuse.

“I’ll begin.”

As the donations steadily piled up, Henry carried out the missions while suppressing his satisfaction. Normally, he would have done these workouts daily with no conditions attached. But now, he had allies who could give him guidance.

[Sir Knight!!! If you look a little more exhausted, they’ll donate more!!!]

“I’m not tired at all—”

[Don’t say anything!!! This is manager chat!! Only you can see this!!!]

[I also…… agree……]

[Poporijang is right…… If you look more tired, they’ll donate more……]

Thanks to his two managers, Henry even started to understand the mindset of the mages throwing money at him.

They want to see me exhausted? I don’t know why, but—

“Hahh… I think I’m reaching my limit.”

<‘Eohwadungdung’ has donated 1,000 won!>
<“But??? If it’s 10,000 won per 100 reps???”>

“I’ll do it.”

Once again, the managers were right! Henry controlled his breathing to appear just a bit more fatigued, the mages were satisfied, and their satisfaction translated into more donations.

[Lololololol]

[Is he an Energizer??????]

[This streaming concept is genius lol]

[!!!Official Announcement!!! Henry Hamilton, a first-year trainee at the Ballaran Royal Academy, is strictly maintaining his character concept. According to his setting, he has no talent for using mana……]

[Wait, he’s actually doing it himself??? It’s not a character model moving???]

[How is he still going lol]

[Please support our knight!!!]

The chat exploded with reactions. Some called him a “natural-born monster,” but Henry simply focused on completing his missions.

And then—

[Promotional effect has ended.]

By the time the hour-long promotional banner expired—

[Subscribers: 102]

[100 subscribers achieved!]

[‘Subscription’ third milestone reached! You can receive an additional reward.]

[Total donations: 121,000 won]

Henry had successfully secured these results.

[This knight’s stamina is insane!]

[The value of money earned through sweat lol]

[This is basically warehouse loading work lol]

As the promotional effect ended, so did the missions. Henry wiped the sweat dripping down his face—it was no exaggeration to say he was practically bathing in it.

And yet, surprisingly, he didn’t feel the least bit exhausted. In fact, he felt refreshed. If anything, he hadn’t even reached the level of training intensity he was used to.

However—

I should stop here.

His managers had advised him—only do the set amount of training, and increase it only when a mission comes in.

They also said I can expect similar results with sword training.

Just imagining it made him feel good.

“I’ll now move to the training grounds.”

[!!!Official Notice!!! Sword training content will begin at 4 PM!]

Checking the perfectly timed announcement from manager ‘Poporijang,’ Henry climbed the stairs to the training grounds.

“Thank you for subscribing and liking.”

Henry’s short remark was effective. Of course, it wasn’t just his words. His expression carried a hint of doubt, as if wondering whether he was being deceived, creating an air of uncertainty. Thanks to that, the mages burst into laughter, and in that moment, Henry gained significant attention.

Looking clumsy works. Not understanding the mages’ conversation from time to time, occasionally showing completely awkward reactions… That kind of thing.

He was beginning to get the idea. While there was certainly a foundation of goodwill, the mages seemed to enjoy the absurdity of a serious knight’s nonsense. And it wasn’t just that—this “spell” had tangible benefits.

[Wow, your subscriber count really is going up, lol.]

[If you gained nearly 30 in two days, that’s insanely fast!!]

[This guy is definitely going to make it soon, lol.]

“It’s all thanks to the mages for guiding me. I sincerely appreciate it.”

A faint smile formed on his lips—serious, but with genuine gratitude in his eyes.

Now, what should I do next?

He needed more subscribers. He needed more support. He had long realized that this was far more efficient than locking himself in a training hall for endless practice.

And then, there’s this.

[Current Subscribers: 28]
[Stage 2 Goal: 30]
Rewards will be granted upon reaching the goal.

When Henry first reached ten subscribers, he had gained access to the “Support Shop.” Now, with just two more subscribers, he would receive the next reward. After some thought, Henry made a decision.

“Mages.”

When in doubt, the best course of action was to ask.

“Is there anything you would like to see?”

---

Henry adapted quickly. Though the concept of broadcasting was unfamiliar, fortunately, he wasn’t just a rigid knight. He absorbed new information without bias and acknowledged its effectiveness. The realization that catering to the mages yielded better results than years of effort was something others might have found disheartening—but not Henry.

This is the best possible outcome. If effort alone could solve everything, I wouldn’t have ended up in this situation in the first place.

Rather than withering in failure, it was better to seize even the smallest stroke of luck. That was Henry Hamilton’s philosophy.

“Today’s schedule remains the same as yesterday. While the details may vary, we’ll begin with physical training…”

By now, Henry had the ability to craft a show that satisfied the mages. And of course, he didn’t neglect appearances—he had to maintain the image of a steadfast knight and a diligent trainee who never stopped striving.

Then, an interesting comment appeared.

[Wouldn’t it be better to appoint a manager? There are quite a few people watching now.]

A viewer who had been following Henry’s broadcast with interest introduced a new concept.

“My apologies. I don’t fully understand what a manager is.”

[Uh… How should I explain this?]

[Do we really need one? A simple chat bot should work.]

[No bots, lol.]

[You can’t just say, ‘This is my theme~’ yourself, lol.]

[Yeah, true, lol.]

Manager? bot? Henry watched the “chat window” quietly. He had only recently learned that the mages’ conversations were called “chat.”

“What exactly does a manager do…?”

Just as he was about to ask again—

[A manager can be assigned to manage the chat.]

“……”

Henry read the explanation without saying anything further. A manager would oversee the chat, introduce new viewers to Henry Hamilton, and answer various questions on his behalf.

So after training, when I say, ‘Next is sword practice’… they’d handle that for me?

Would he really need something like that? He thought for a moment, but the conclusion was obvious.

Yes, I do.

Then, the real question was—

Who should I ask?

The viewers were mages. While they enjoyed watching him, working as a manager was another matter.

“Well then, as suggested, I will try to recruit a manager…”

[Me!!!!! I’ll do it!!!!!]

[I’m available in the mornings, lol.]

[I’m a freelancer! Lots of free time! I sleep at 12 and wake up at 8, a model citizen!!]

[I’d love to, but I have work, sigh.]

What’s going on?

Henry was just a fledgling knight trainee who had barely gotten his footing. Without the mages’ help, he might have even lost that title soon. Yet, this overwhelming response… what was happening?

“Uh, then… I’ll choose two people…”

[Yes!!! Me!!! I’m an illustrator!!! I can do captions!!! Thumbnails!! I can even edit videos if you want!!]

[Whoa, we got a skilled person here, lol.]

[Then they can be the main manager, and we just need a sub-manager, lol.]

<‘Poporijang’ has donated 1,000 won!>
<“I can do a great job!!! I don’t have money, but… sob sob TT_TT”>

Poporijang. Henry definitely remembered that name.

They’ve always been particularly kind to me.

The decision didn’t take long.

“Then, I’ll entrust this role to Mage Poporijang. Thank you.”

[Thank you!! I’ll do my best!!! Really!!!]

“I should be the one thanking you. I look forward to working with you, Mage Poporijang.”

[Yep!!!!! And since I mostly work freelance, I can set my own schedule!!]

[Just need to cover one time slot, whether it’s morning, afternoon, or late at night!! Even if I’m busy!!]

[I’m single… and a full-time worker, so I’m free in the evenings… I can help with video editing… really well…]

[Wow, what a solid lineup, lol.]

The decision was practically made.

“Then, I will also ask Mage FireSolo for their help. Thank you.”

[Yes… I will… do my best…]

Henry reached out to the chat window, selected the mages’ names, and assigned them as managers. The effect was immediate—both names now had the title “Manager” displayed beside them.

“That should do it.”

[I’ll start setting up chat bots!!!]

[I’ll prepare background music for the opening later… copyright-free, of course…]

I don’t understand a word of this.

But what he did understand was that these two were preparing something for him.

[This is getting serious right from the start, lol.]

[The unique theme is helping with engagement, lol.]

[So, are we starting with exercise again today?]

The Archmage had provided timely support, and the other mages were overwhelmingly positive. Everything was set.

[Current Subscribers: 29]

Only one more to reach the second goal.

“I’ve rested too long.”

Henry circulated mana through his body and nodded.

“I will begin immediately.”

---

The new schedule was manageable without issue. Physical training went without saying, and swordsmanship practice followed naturally. The main focus was on how to make his mana-infused movements look as impressive as possible.

Meanwhile, his two newly appointed managers performed beyond his expectations.

[Henry Hamilton. A first-year trainee at the Ballaran Royal Academy, strictly maintaining his character concept. According to his setting, he has no talent for handling mana…]

That was Poporijang’s automated chat, appearing at regular intervals. It was so detailed that any new viewer could instantly understand who Henry Hamilton was. Thanks to this, newcomers integrated smoothly into the existing community, leading to concrete results.

[‘Twin-Headed Ogre’ has subscribed.]

[‘NoryangjinExpert’ has subscribed.]

[‘BaristaChoi’ has…]

The rise in subscriber count was clearly visible.

“Thank you for subscribing and liking the stream.”

Henry didn’t forget what he had learned and put it to good use. It was now the fifth day since he started streaming. As the day was drawing to a close—

[Subscribers: 42]
[Current Viewers: 33]

The results were right before Henry’s eyes.

[Wow, the numbers are going up so fast ㄷㄷㄷ]

[I swear, once you start watching, you just have to subscribe lol]

[This concept is insanely fresh lmao. Even when he asks for donations, it doesn’t feel bad here lolol]

[Sir, will you be streaming until 9 PM again today?]

“Thank you. Fortunately, I think I’ll be able to keep the stream running even after I return to my lodgings today.”

If possible, he was willing to stay up all night. In that moment, he even wondered if all the stamina training he had done up until now had been for this very purpose. Henry, at the very least, could go two days without sleep. However—

[The stream will end at 9 PM.]

The archmage’s decree left Henry with an awkward expression.

“…Sorry, but it seems I’ve been told to shut it down at nine. There are 20 minutes left.”

[Lol, the archmage??]

[What kind of cheat code is this?]

[And once again, it all comes back to magic lmao]

“He’s the one who gave me this opportunity. I’m just grateful, that’s all.”

[Is the archmage actually your parent or something?]

[Turn off the game and eat your dinner at nine!!!]

[Incoming backhand slap lol]

[I’m telling you, it’s possible lol, this is hilarious]

Parent, huh.

Perhaps that’s how it seemed to them. There weren’t many people in the world who would go to such lengths without expecting anything in return. Unlike mages who simply chased after their own interests, the archmage never interfered with Henry, no matter the situation. Even when he endured tedious training, he wasn’t disturbed—only receiving something when it was deemed necessary.

I have no idea why they’re doing this for me.

A wave of gratitude suddenly filled his chest. It was only the second day. Until now, he hadn’t had the time to really think about it, but the more he dwelled on it, the more the level of generosity seemed incomprehensible.

There must be a reason beyond my understanding.

Surely, there was some grand justification behind it. Pushing those thoughts aside, Henry began wrapping up the stream.

“Thank you for stopping by again today, mages. I’ll see you tomorrow at six.”

[Gi-bye!]

[I’ll be here first thing tomorrow, sir!!!!!]

[Re… rest… well…]

[See you tomorrow lol]

One by one, the mages logged out. And as the clock struck nine—

[The stream has ended.]

As expected, the archmage shut it down without fail.

“Haa…”

Now that it was over, his tension drained away. This sudden stroke of luck—at first, it had been overwhelming, but even after just two days, he felt like he was getting used to it.

“So this is streaming, huh.”

He stared at the blackened screen in silence. Even though the mages were gone, the chat they left behind remained. Watching for a moment, Henry then turned away.

Before long, his eyes fell on his lodgings, the very place where the mages had once joked, calling it a barn. He closed the door and sat down on the worn-out floor.

Well, there goes my sleep.

A Level 1 Talent Orb. Just by consuming it, Henry had acquired the talent of [Circulation].

So easily. So easily, in fact, that all my past efforts felt ridiculous.

That was what talent was. He simply could do it now.

And even using the path came naturally.

Not only had he formed the path, but his mana moved through it smoothly. Instructor Pike had once said during class:

[So you made a path? Congratulations. But this is just the beginning. Now, move the mana from your heart to your fingertips. Getting used to a path you’ve opened is several times harder than making it in the first place.]

But for me, it didn’t feel difficult at all. I wonder what it’s like for those naturally gifted with talent.

Perhaps they would never understand the struggles of the untalented. But Henry could understand—because he had experienced that pain firsthand. That’s why he knew better than anyone just how valuable this opportunity was.

I was too overwhelmed on the first day to think much about it, but I can’t afford that anymore.

He had to get a full grasp of the situation he was in. Step one was to thoroughly review the items in the donation shop. But before that—

[Subscriber count: 30 reached!]
[You have achieved your second goal. You can now claim an additional reward.]

Claiming the reward came first.

Orb of Talent. The taste was beyond simply being sweet. A thrilling sensation coursed through his entire body. The taste of talent was truly sweet.

“This… this can’t be. A taste like this actually exists…”

[ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

[What is he even saying? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

“It’s sweet. Incredibly sweet… Ah, but the taste isn’t the important part.”

His mind snapped back to focus. It was the talent of [Circulation]. Only then did Henry check for any changes in his body.

“My god.”

One astonishment after another.

A path has formed.

Since it was called circulation, he had a vague guess. But for it to actually be real! A delicate pathway had spread throughout Henry’s entire body. From his heart, reaching up to his head, down his arms, through his torso and legs, all the way to his toes!

“P-please, give me a moment!”

He steadied his trembling hands, forcibly gathering his focus. He tried directing the mana in his heart along the pathways.

Like this, in this way.

Mana reached the tip of his fingers. A faint glow flickered before vanishing, only to return along the pathway. The mana circulated through his entire body. When it reached his index finger again, Henry tried stopping the flow.

And—

“Ah.”

The glow at his fingertip did not disappear.

This was the absolute foundation of mana control. To infuse mana into a sword meant, ultimately, stopping its flow at the blade. He raised his index finger before his eyes. A faint, feeble glow—something any trainee here could easily produce. But for Henry, it meant something completely different.

So this is how it works.

He bit his lower lip. Now was not the time to celebrate his accomplishment. After all, this wasn’t something he had achieved on his own.

“A skill! I can actually use a real skill now!”

[Suddenly talking about skills??]

[What’s with the sudden shift?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

[Did he just eat a skill orb or something?]

“It seems so. And it’s all thanks to you mages. A mana pathway has formed within my body. This glow is the proof.”

[Oh wow, that actually looks legit.]

[Congratulations, Sir Knight!!!ㅋㅋㅋ]

“The moment I can fully imbue this power into my sword, it will be called an Aura Blade. And at this very moment, I have finally taken my first step toward that goal.”

At last, he stood on the same starting line as the other trainees. That alone filled Henry with overwhelming joy. Now, he could block their swords with his shield, parry their strikes with his blade, and even if a blow landed, his armor wouldn’t suffer so much as a scratch.

And if I work hard enough, I can catch up to them. The foundation is set. The situation has changed.

The path forward may have shifted, but if he pushed himself a little more, catching up to those already ahead wasn’t just a dream. And that first step—

“I will now demonstrate my skill. We must head to the training grounds. It would be best if no one else is there, but even if there are, it doesn’t matter! Let’s go!”

His first priority was meeting the expectations of these mages.

---

When Henry was still young, despite having little to spare, Viscount Hamilton took him to a certain place without fail, once a month.

It wasn’t anywhere grand. Just the largest inn in the nearest town.

“People only know what they have experienced, Henry. And through those experiences, they grow wise. But not everything has to be learned firsthand.”

It was something the Viscount would say from time to time. Going to an inn for that reason seemed odd, but at some point, Henry understood.

It was a big city and the biggest inn. A place where all kinds of people gathered. It was always lively. The alcohol, the food, and the relaxed atmosphere helped ease tension.

Sitting beside the Viscount as he sipped his beer, Henry eavesdropped on countless stories. He observed people’s appearances, behaviours, and speech. The tales they shared—some boastful, some gloomy—became part of his memory.

Indirect experience also built wisdom.

In truth, there were countless things in the world one could never experience firsthand.

And sometimes—

“Dream big, Henry. Some may scoff and call it nonsense, but for someone out there, those stories are real.”

Even the usually reserved Viscount would light up on certain occasions—whenever a skilled storyteller spun a tale.

“The hero declared! O wicked Dragon Kargonir, at this very moment, in this very place, your reign of terror ends!”

As the storyteller cried out like a hero himself, the Viscount’s fists clenched. And when the tale reached its thrilling climax, he would grin as if shivering from excitement.

“Those who have lost their dreams will not laugh here, Henry. Rather than enjoying the tale, they’ll be too busy scoffing at its impossibility.”

The Viscount spoke of storytellers as people who gifted dreams.

At the time, Henry neither fully agreed nor disagreed.

So that’s how Father sees it, he had thought.

But at this very moment, Henry finally understood him.

---

Flash!

Every time his sword sliced through the air, light followed its arc.

Brighter than yesterday.

Naturally so.

Because he was no longer merely releasing mana into the air—he was now imbuing it into his blade.

Henry knew.

Such a small amount of mana was virtually useless in real combat.

It was, frankly, nothing more than a flashy display.

Which meant that right now—

“Hah!”

—he was putting on a show for the mages beyond the screen.

[His swordsmanship is seriously insaneㅋㅋ]

[What did he say this skill was again??]

[Something like an enchantment! It increases damage based on mana amount and also boosts attack speed!]

[Oh wow, thanks for the explanation;;]

Henry glanced at the chat.

The reactions were good.

Swish!

With a final burst of mana, he delivered the finishing blow.

“Phew. What you just witnessed was the finishing strike. It can only be used after first creating an opening in the opponent’s defense. However, if it lands, the destructive power is undeniable.”

[What’s the skill’s name?]

“The name of this skill is…”

There was no such thing as a “skill name.” What he had just performed was nothing more than basic swordsmanship. However—

“U-uh, it’s called Moonlight Slash. The final strike resembles a crescent moon, hence the name…”

His face turned bright red. Moonlight Slash! If anyone else heard it, they would probably laugh their heads off. But—

It worked.

[Wow! Moonlight!]

[Can you level up skills too?]

[Apart from the slow startup, it seems pretty solid. Looks like a finisher-type skill.]

[Do you have any other skills?]

“O-Of course. The next skill I’ll show you is…”

A name. He needed another name. But Henry had no talent for naming things.

“I’ll show you.”

Better to act first and think later. Shaking off his embarrassment, Henry raised his sword with a serious expression.

---

The “skills” were flashy. Henry understood the meaning behind every sword movement better than anyone else in the academy. He knew exactly where to focus his strength, and now he also grasped the ideal way to present a show.

“Storming Thunder!”

A series of rapid thrusts pierced the air. The mana traces left behind were clear and sharp, creating the illusion that dozens of strikes were landing simultaneously.

[Okay, this actually looks kinda cool??]

[It’s pretty flashy, not gonna lie.]

The perfect balance of flair and precision. The mages were clearly pleased. This was the right approach—

They didn’t just want to see Henry’s slow and steady growth. What truly excited them were the interesting, dynamic moments centered around him.

As long as it’s interesting—that’s all that matters, whether it’s training or the results of it.

That was the beginning and the end of what made a good broadcast. It wasn’t just about being funny—if that were the case, he would be nothing more than a clown. Whether it was impressive, moving, humorous, or thrilling—it simply had to be engaging.

And right now, what Henry was showing the mages was something far different from their everyday lives.

“Moonlight Cleave!”

Slash!

Henry swung his sword in a wide horizontal arc. At first glance, it seemed similar to Moonlight Slash, but the light it emitted was sharper and more refined.

[Moonlight Cleave, lol.]

[Is that like a counter to Moonlight Slash?]

[Another move out of nowhere, haha.]

Phew.

Henry lowered his sword. The skill he had just called Moonlight Cleave was, in fact, one of the most advanced techniques he had learned.

“Thank you. Ah, when you mentioned a counter earlier—did you mean a way to break through it?”

[Yeah, that’s what I meant!]

“No, Moonlight Cleave is superior to Moonlight Slash. If anything, Moonlight Slash is only useful in very specific situations.”

Not a single lie was spoken.

Advanced swordsmanship naturally surpassed basic techniques, and the latter was only used when first learning to handle a sword.

[So, like, they’re part of the same skill branch?]

[Why is the skill system so complicated, lol? Did you memorize all of this?]

“I’m no genius. Anyone would know this after training here for three years.”

Henry meant it sincerely.

Three years. It might not seem like much to some, but spending that time endlessly repeating the same drills felt like an eternity. To avoid losing his mind, he had to go over what he had learned again and again.

[His commitment to the bit is insane, lol.]

[By the way, you said donations make you stronger, right?]

“To be precise, I can purchase items with the donations. Using those items helps me grow, and each subscription also increases my mana sensitivity.”

[LOL.]

[I want to call him a ‘natural-born villain,’ but he’s too sincere about it, lol.]

[His earnestness is killing me.]

Henry blinked, confused. What were ‘natural-born villain’ and ‘sincerity overload’ supposed to mean? He understood the words but couldn’t grasp the context.

Just then, another question popped up.

[How much donation money do you have left?]

“Exactly 3,000 won.”

[Wow, that was fast. Can anyone confirm?]

[I’ve been watching since yesterday—sounds about right.]

[His commitment is so extreme it doesn’t even feel like an act anymore, lol.]

[So, what can you buy with 3,000 won?]

“3,000 won… I’ll check now.”

Henry opened the donation shop, scrolling through the list to find the cheapest items available.

“Most of the items are things like herb roots. There are a few low-quality ores and some dried provisions that are easy to eat during combat.”

[Lol, so basically junk items?]

[Classic trash-tier loot, haha.]

[Wow, the shop is kinda stingy, isn’t it?]

[Wait, how much did the skill orb cost again?]

“It was 99,000 won.”

[That’s ridiculous, lol.]

[Wait, isn’t swordsmanship supposed to be basic?]

[Honestly, mana seems like the real game-changer.]

“That’s correct. Unless there’s an overwhelming difference in swordsmanship skill, the outcome of a battle depends entirely on the quality and quantity of mana. The same slash will hit much harder if it’s infused with more mana.”

That reality was the reason Henry remained stuck where he was.

His swordsmanship was solid—but that was all he had.

[And you said subscriptions raise your mana sensitivity, right?]

“Yes. Each time a mage subscribes, my mana sensitivity increases. Right now, my sensitivity is 26.”

[Wait, you have 26 subscribers too.]

[Lol, so it’s literally one point per subscription.]

[Sir Knight, I’ll teach you a magic spell.]

Henry flinched.

A spell? Were they seriously offering to teach him magic?

[Repeat after me: ‘Please like and subscribe.’]

Henry furrowed his brow.

That… doesn’t sound like magic.

It didn’t resemble any incantation he had ever heard. It was simply a plea for subscriptions.

“That’s…”

It’s not a spell.

He wanted to say it—but stopped himself.

When did they laugh the most?

Right now, Henry had 26 subscribers. His mana sensitivity was also at 26. And thanks to the donated funds, he had already unlocked a mana pathway—an achievement that had eluded him for years.

Given the situation, what he needed to do was obvious.

It’s better to play along.

Something appeared.

Henry hastily checked the details.

[Blind]

• A feature that allows you to stop the broadcast feed without ending the stream.
• The screen has not been set. If left unconfigured, a black screen will be displayed. Configuration is recommended.
• Subtitles have not been set. Configuration is recommended.

I can stop it…?

Fortunately, Henry had a sharp mind.

I’m sure of it. He’s given me the authority.

Blind. Start Broadcast. End Broadcast.

Henry had received these three “functions” at the precise moments he needed them.

Can he read my thoughts?

No, even without reading minds, it would be easy to infer. But if it was the Grand Mage, either possibility wouldn’t be strange.

This one is the end function.

On the broadcast screen, a triangular pattern was in the top-left corner, while a red X was marked in the top-right. Pressing that would completely terminate the broadcast.

If it were just the Blind function, he might have simply been generous. But granting me the authority to start and end broadcasts? There has to be a reason.

There was intent behind this. Most likely, the Grand Mage wanted Henry to use it effectively at the right moment.

…It must be a message to focus on the broadcast. He’s setting the stage for me, so I shouldn’t waste this opportunity.

That was the only conclusion Henry could reach.

This goes against the Academy’s educational philosophy.

A chuckle slipped out at the thought. The Academy always provided tangible “rewards” as one’s skills improved, in one way or another. But the Grand Mage had outright gifted talent to an inadequate Henry and even pointed him in the right direction.

I need to change my approach. As a mage… I have to engage my audience. But how?

The whole concept of broadcasting was utterly unfamiliar. In the past, he wouldn’t have even spared it a thought. However, desperation had a way of making anything possible.

Alright. Let’s start with a trial run.

---

Immediately after completing his scheduled training, Henry presented his viewers with a new “course.”

“I feel like I’ve only shown you narrow spaces, so today, I’d like to introduce you to our Academy.”

[An introduction? All of a sudden??]

[Not bad lol I was curious about the layout]

[But aren’t you going to get into an argument with everyone you meet?]

“It’s not that bad. Only when it’s one-on-one, like yesterday, do people outright challenge me. Most think even associating with me would tarnish their honor.”

[Wow, you’re really starting from the bottom lol]

“There’s another reason as well. I’ve been thinking about how I should develop moving forward, but keeping that to myself wouldn’t be polite.”

That was Henry’s first step—moving away from acting like he was trapped in a confined space and instead showcasing a broader environment.

“And I won’t just stop at showing you the layout…”

[What’s next?]

[When are you leveling up?? I want to see you get stronger.]

“I thought you’d say that, so I came prepared.”

It was time to unveil his second card.

“Today, I’ll demonstrate a skill.”

[?????????]

[You have skills????]

[Wait, don’t you need mana for that???]

[Holy crap, are you dropping your concept??]

“I would never abandon my concept. As I mentioned before, I managed to accumulate a little mana last night and earlier in the training room. I intend to show you the results of that.”

[Oh damn, you really were sitting there for hours.]

[Lol so that’s why you looked like you were about to pass out? You sat for too long??]

It worked. Henry was sure of it.

He still didn’t fully understand what the mages meant by “skills,” but he could make an educated guess.

Now, where should he begin?

At that moment—

<User ‘trysky0323’ has donated 1,000 won!>

<“Will you take on challenges if we set them?”>

The sudden voice made Henry furrow his brows.

“Challenges…?”

<User ‘trysky0323’ has donated 1,000 won!>

<“If you finish introducing the Academy within 30 minutes, I’ll donate 20,000 won!”>

“I’ll take it!”

He had no idea what this was about!

But he understood what they wanted. And the reward.

20,000 won!

That was an incredible sum. With that kind of money, he could buy so many things—

[LOLLLLLL]

[Your whole “stoic knight” persona crumbles before capitalism, huh?]

[This is hilarious lmao]

“Thank you for the generous offer. 30 minutes. I’m starting now.”

Henry’s brain kicked into high gear.

The time limit was tight, but he had spent three whole years in this place.

I can do it. I have to.

A complete route formed in his mind—a path that would cover all the facilities in the shortest time possible.

Finally, he checked his surroundings. No one was there.

It was still early. Those who could leave had already done so, and the lower-rank trainees were likely still enjoying their late-morning rest.

Perfect.

Henry took his first step.

He stretched out his hand, pointing to the right, then to the left simultaneously.

“Let’s start over here. This is the training ground you saw yesterday. And over there is the drill yard. Behind us—”

He spun around.

“The facility you’re looking at now is the mana cultivation room, where I was just moments ago. It’s significantly larger than the previous space because a magic circle beneath it gathers mana.”

[Lol look at him getting all serious.]

[Did his character change a bit?? Lmao]

[Sir Knight hahaha]

There was no time to reply. Henry kept moving, adding more details as he went.

“Even within the same class, training locations differ based on the content. For example, for leadership or formation drills, we use the drill yard, whereas for small-scale combat training, we use the training ground…”

On and on, knowledge stored in the back of his mind flowed seamlessly.

It had paid off, diligently learning everything without neglecting a single detail.

There were hardly any places in the Academy that Henry didn’t know about.

[Are you reading from an in-game minimap or something??? LOL]

[How do you even remember all this? Is that even possible???]

[He’s gotta be a dev, right? It’s only been a few days since he started lmao]

[Given that this is basically the tutorial phase, it’s been what, three days max??]

“This over here is our—no, the dormitory for lower-rank trainees. It houses students ranked C-class and below…”

[Are you different from them, Sir Knight?]

“That’s my accommodation over there. As I mentioned, I wasn’t even placed in Class F, so the headmaster personally arranged it for me.”

[Wasn’t that a storage room?]

[Wow, that’s really harsh, haha.]

[What kind of academy is this?]

[Then where’s the accommodation for the higher-ranked students?]

“Well, it’s over there.”

Henry pointed. In the distance, a grand building that seemed overly lavish for student accommodation could be seen. It looked like it was over ten stories tall. Just the exposed design was so glamorous that comparing it to Henry’s “barn” would be embarrassing.

[The contrast is too extreme, haha.]

[Barn << Motel << Hotel, haha.]

[But how do they even attend classes if it’s that far away? It must be a hassle to come every morning.]

“Since it was a building directly commissioned by the royal family, it’s equipped with a warp gate. You can even select the coordinates dynamically, so travel time is virtually nonexistent.”

[LOL]

[The disparity is real, haha.]

There was lively laughter from the viewers.

‘This will work.’

Henry had succeeded in grabbing the mages’ attention. With only 20 minutes left, he had already shown more than half of the academy.

‘If I can earn 20,000 won more, I can buy it.’

[Shopping Cart] The item at the very top of the cart was 99,000 won.

---

“…And that concludes the introduction to our academy. If you have any special questions, feel free to ask.”

The Ballaran Royal Knight Academy. The introduction ended with the majestic library.

‘Did they find this satisfying?’

Henry watched the mages’ reactions, his eyes tense.

[He really stopped the intro in 30 minutes, haha.]

[People change when money is involved, haha.]

[Did he memorize all of this?]

“I didn’t memorize anything. Anyone who’s been here for three years would know it inside and out.”

[He memorized all that for the concept?]

[Amazing, really.]

Henry couldn’t understand why they thought he had memorized everything. The academy had become more familiar to him than his own hometown, so explaining it was no trouble. But…

<‘trysky0323’ has donated 20,000 won!>

<“You’re amazing!”>

All doubts vanished in an instant. What did it matter? It was a minor misunderstanding. A “positive” misunderstanding, at that. The mood was even one of satisfaction with the display he had just shown.

“Incredible. Thank you so much. I don’t even know what to say… you so generously donated 20,000 won…”

Most mages’ donations were usually around 1,000 or 2,000 won. But 20,000 won was an enormous sum, something that ordinary people couldn’t even imagine.

[It was for the mission^^]

But to be this cool about it… Henry felt deeply moved.

“You’re truly a magician among magicians. I sincerely thank you. I’ll invest this generously in the things I truly need.”

[(He’s probably going to order chicken for dinner, haha.)]

[Yeah, I agree, haha.]

[To be honest, chicken is the right choice, haha.]

‘Is he talking about actual chicken? Or was there a chicken item in the donation shop?’

Henry made a note of it. If that reaction was any indication, it must be a useful item. But more importantly…

“Thanks to your generosity, I’ve gathered enough donations. If it’s not too much trouble, may I use the items I’ve had my eye on?”

[Donations?]

[What is he talking about all of a sudden?]

“I carefully examined the donation shop last night. I thought long and hard about what I truly need, and because of that, I was able to choose a few items.”

[???]

[What’s a donation shop?]

[Haha, just try it out!]

‘Do these viewers not know about it?’

It could be something the great wizard set up for him. But in any case…

[Donation Shop]

[Here’s the list of items available at your current level.]

[The shopping cart is open.]

‘It’s better to show them first.’

When communication was unclear, it was often better to show the results first.

[Level 1 Talent Orb (Circulation): 99,000 won]

[Item purchased!]

The donation money disappeared, and a bead appeared on Henry’s hand.

‘Magic is truly amazing.’

To manipulate space like this so freely…

“Thanks to the mages’ generosity, I was able to acquire a Level 1 Talent Orb. I sincerely thank you.”

[Level 1 Talent? What’s that? Haha.]

[What? What’s going on here?]

[What a random surprise!]

“Yes, it seems this shop was set up by the great mage who opened this broadcast. It’s called the Donation Shop, and this item cost 99,000 won.”

[This is crazy, haha.]

[So this is how the concept is going to unfold??]

[Donate to become stronger? Wow, this turned into a pay-to-win game, haha.]

“Thank you for your kind words.”

[No way, haha.]

[Is this for real?]

[Just try it out, haha. What happens when you use it? Do you get a skill?]

“Well, I’ll have to try it to find out. It’s a Talent Orb, but I’m not sure exactly what it does.”

He wasn’t sure how to use it right away, but the great wizard had once again been kind.

[Level 1 Talent Orb (Circulation)]

• Upon use, you gain the talent of [Circulation].
• It has a sweet taste.

‘Sweet taste?’

Does that mean I should eat it?

Henry awkwardly brought the orb to his mouth. The mages burst into laughter, and the next moment…

“Ah?”

A blissful sweetness filled his mouth.

Mana—an infinite resource that forms the foundation of this world and serves as a power source for nearly every conceivable aspect of human imagination. Among all beings, mages were, naturally, the most familiar with mana.

On the battlefield, they conjured flames and summoned lightning, while in times of peace, they brought great convenience to the daily lives of the kingdom’s people. In fact, many mages prioritized research for practical applications rather than engaging in warfare. However, unlike such mages—

「We are the sword and shield of the kingdom. Always remember, overwhelming force is the simplest way to grant peace to His Majesty and our people.」

Knights had only one purpose: to fight on the battlefield. Their duty was to lead soldiers at the vanguard, protect mages from enemy shock troops attacking the rear, and ensure the safety of their allies. They could fulfil these roles, of course, because they too could wield mana. And then—

Until just a day ago, Henry Hamilton had shown no trace of talent.

“……?”

His mind was still foggy. The sound of birds chirping reached his ears. Where was he? What time was it? What had he been doing? He remained dazed for a moment longer before realization struck.

“It’s morning.”

The memories returned. He had returned to his worn-down quarters from the training ground. After that, he had struggled to accumulate mana.

“So that’s what I was doing… clutching a broomstick.”

A faint chuckle escaped his lips.

Had he ever been this deeply immersed in something before?

He thought about it, but no—never. Not even when swinging a sword had he ever lost himself so completely for hours on end.

So, what came of that immersion… huh?

Like a bolt of lightning, Henry froze.

“This is…?”

His right hand groped at his chest. But that wasn’t the right way to confirm it.

“Mana!”

He had only moved reflexively—purely out of shock.

“Did I really…? I actually accumulated mana?”

When he focused, he could sense it even more clearly—faint but undeniable, mana had ‘taken root’ around his beating heart.

“…It wasn’t a dream!”

He blurted out something ridiculous, but anyone would have reacted the same way. The moment he fully regained his senses, everything that had happened had felt like a dream. Mages? Broadcasts? He had wondered if it had all been a fleeting illusion conjured by his own desires. A habit formed over three years of failure. But today was different.

“It really happened. I really accumulated mana. This is… ha. How in the world… was it this simple?”

A whirlwind of emotions surged through him—awe, elation, confusion, and—

“No, this isn’t the time for that.”

Henry quickly straightened up and sat properly. He forcefully calmed his boiling emotions. It wasn’t easy, but controlling his emotions had always been one of his strengths.

「Now that you’ve accumulated mana, what comes next? You must learn to use it. You’ve seen it countless times—knights stepping onto the battlefield, cloaking their weapons and armor in mana.」

The voice of Instructor Pike echoed in his mind. A voice he had memorized from repetition. Back then, those words had meant nothing to him. Now, Henry recited them again.

「Of course, the techniques they use are beyond your reach for now. You wouldn’t even be able to imitate them. But even if you possess less mana than they do, you can still achieve comparable output.」

「The key lies in the quality of your pathways. It might sound vague, but it’s not complicated—think of it like your blood vessels. Start by moving the mana in your heart.」

Just a few hours of focus had led to mana accumulating in his heart. That meant the breathing techniques he had learned in class, combined with the ‘sensitivity’ granted to him by the mages, had worked. If that was the case—

He needed to open a path.

To properly utilize mana, he had to carve out a path for it to flow through his body.

「It will be difficult. Right now, you have no pathways. Your heart is merely acting as a vessel for mana—nothing more.」

「Visualize the path. This step, too, hinges entirely on your concentration. Your goal is to make a path from your heart to the hand that wields your sword.」

Visualize the path. That was Pike’s instruction. The only hint given was to use razor-sharp focus to create a mental image. But—

It wasn’t working.

It was no easy task. When he had attended Pike’s lessons, the first trainee to succeed had done so on the third session. By the seventh session, half the class had succeeded. By the twelfth session, everyone had.

Except Henry Hamilton.

He had no expectations this time, either.

It didn’t matter if it took days or months. As long as he achieved it within the year, he wouldn’t mind.

He had no talent. That was a fact he couldn’t afford to forget.

The excitement from his sudden stroke of luck completely faded. He crushed even the slightest trace of hope. He etched the same thought into his mind once more—he would persist until it worked, no matter how long it took. That was the only reason he had endured until now.

The mages had gifted him sensitivity to mana, but he couldn’t expect them to do any more for him. He had to prove his worth before they would have any reason to invest further.

That left him with only one option. Effort. Just as always, relentless effort.

Let’s do this.

He closed his eyes. He focused all his senses on his heart. Sounds grew faint, and even the light beyond his closed eyelids blurred.

Move the mana.

That single thought filled his entire mind.

Time passed.

Thirty minutes. An hour.

And then, at some point—

Ding!

A sudden sound jolted Henry, making him flinch.

“…?”

His deep concentration shattered. Whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, he felt no regret—he hadn’t made any progress anyway.

[The broadcast is resuming!]

“…Ah.”

So that was the source of the sound.

The Grand Mage was still interested in him today.

“Good evening.”

There were zero viewers, but the grand mage overseeing the broadcast would surely be watching. Henry greeted politely and waited for a moment. However, no mages entered.

It’s still morning. The daily routine of a mage and a knight must be different.

Henry left without hesitation. It was 6 AM—the time he was allowed to leave his dormitory, which also meant he could use the mana training room.

Let’s try again.

It was a place he had stopped visiting at some point. But today felt a little different.

---

The instructors at Ballaran Royal Academy fell into two categories. There were “instructors” responsible for martial disciplines such as weapon techniques and horseback riding, and there were “professors” who handled everything else. The professors also managed key facilities within the academy.

One such facility was the mana training room, and its overseer, Professor Minerva, tilted her head at the sight of an unexpected visitor.

“Henry? What brings you here?”

Henry Hamilton. Even though Minerva had little connection to swordsmanship, there was no way she hadn’t heard about him—the trainee entirely devoid of mana talent, facing his final chance this year.

“I came to use the training room.”

“Ah, of course. You may enter.”

That was why she had asked a question that wouldn’t have been necessary for any other trainee.

Honestly… His reason for coming was obvious.

If he was visiting the training room, it could only be to train his mana. Minerva thought Henry’s posture looked somewhat disheartened.

He works so hard… Sometimes the gods can be too cruel.

Just as she had heard the rumours about his lack of talent, she had also heard about his relentless efforts. But her concern didn’t go beyond that. It wasn’t within her ability to help, and she saw it as nothing more than gossip. Her disinterested gaze returned to the cheap magazine she had been reading.

Meanwhile, Henry—

Good, it’s quiet.

Regardless of anything else, he was satisfied with the silence in the training room. During the academic term, the place was usually so packed that there wasn’t even room to step inside. Everyone flocked here, desperate to increase their mana reserves, even by a little. More mana meant better results in the next exam.

Students from Class C and below, who had no private training rooms, gathered here daily to accumulate mana.

The mages still haven’t arrived. Good. Let’s get started.

Henry settled into position and sat down. The space was entirely white, completely cut off from the outside world—silent, isolated, the perfect place to focus.

It’s definitely different.

He could tell the moment he stepped inside. The mana in this room was on an entirely different level compared to his dormitory. The density, the quality—it was overwhelming. At least ten, no, maybe twenty times greater.

It should be more efficient than gathering mana overnight. I’ll spend the entire day here.

His schedule for the day was set. But just then—

[‘King Garosh’ has entered.]
[lol you really started right at 6 AM]

A mage had entered. Henry recognized the name—it belonged to someone who frequently bickered with mages from other schools.

“Good morning, Mage King Garosh. You’re up early.”

[lol gotta head to work~]
[but you’re streaming alone? lol are you recording?]

“Recording…? Apologies, I’m not sure.”

[Maintaining the character, I see~~]
[Let me get ready for work first, haha]

Work? That was an odd term. He was probably referring to heading to his research lab at the Mage Tower.

And soon after—

[‘Dregi’ has entered.]
[‘tlsql1234’ has entered.]

More mages flooded in as if they had planned it.

[Gia~ (short for ‘greetings, knight’ lol)]

[Didn’t expect you to actually go live right at 6 AM!]

“Good morning.”

[A 6 AM stream is rare, haha. Will you be streaming until the evening again today?]

“Yes, I believe so. But I can’t say for certain, as it’s not entirely up to me.”

[That’s fair lol if your body gives out, nothing you can do about it]

[Gonna wash up, brb!]

[Same, gotta get ready for work. I’m exhausted.]

The chat went silent again.

They seem to have a more structured routine than I expected.

Of course, it likely varied from person to person, but it was still surprising.

But what do I do now?

Henry hesitated. Based on yesterday’s experience, once he started focusing on mana, he would lose all awareness of his surroundings. But now, three mages were watching him.

Thankfully, they seemed to enjoy watching my swordsmanship training, but I don’t know if they’ll find mana training interesting. They do it every day themselves.

Henry was well aware—something he had spent years struggling with had been solved in an instant with the help of these mages. Of course, accumulating mana was important. But keeping these mages entertained was even more critical.

What should I do?

The mages had gifted him with sensitivity to mana. To make the most of it, training here was the right choice. But if he could receive another gift…

I should focus on increasing my mana sensitivity. It’s tied to subscriptions. Each subscription raised my sensitivity by one.

His mind was a tangled mess. Prioritizing what he had already experienced was simple. But streaming? That was completely foreign to him. So was the “opportunity” these mages had given him.

But do I even have a way to entertain them? I don’t even know what they want yet.

Then again, how many people could effortlessly handle an unfamiliar situation like this? Henry was certain of one thing: this moment of hesitation was not an interesting spectacle.

Would physical training be better? The mages might prefer something new over something familiar. I should ask first.

These mages were still an unknown factor to Henry, so checking their preferences first would be the safest move.

“Uh…”

Just as Henry was about to speak—

Bang!

The training room door swung open.

“Huh? Well, look who it is.”

“…Good morning.”

An unwelcome guest had arrived. Instructor Pike—the man who taught Mana Training and Application—was looking down at Henry with a mocking gaze.

“There’s all sorts of things here.”

The items sold in the sponsorship shop ranged from things Henry had occasionally imagined to things he couldn’t even begin to comprehend. There were familiar materials like the root of Seiat, as well as mysterious items such as the “Summoning Pill.” However, judging by the kindly provided descriptions, all of them were clearly meant to directly or indirectly aid in Henry’s growth.

“I can think of sponsorships as a form of currency these mages are gifting me.”

Sponsorships had an even greater impact than subscriptions.

“But if it’s currency, I can’t blatantly ask for it. I don’t know exactly what these mages want from me, but it would be best to maintain my dignity as a knight.”

This had to be something given out of goodwill. If he were to openly beg for it, he would no longer be upholding the knightly image.

[Yeah, even in most RPGs, you can just cut down everything in sight, lol.]

[For real, PVP is insanely intense.]

[Just thinking about raid mechanics alone, lol.]

The mages were still deeply engaged in their heated discussion. Henry quietly observed their conversation.

[Just based on his looks, he’d be perfect as a paladin.]

[Lol, warrior wouldn’t be bad either.]

[With how well he plays into the role, he’s gotta be an orc warrior, no doubt.]

[Orc warrior? Horde?]

Paladin. Orc. Warrior. Some terms were familiar, but that didn’t mean he could grasp their meaning.

Then suddenly—

<“FilthyHorde” has donated 1,000 won!>

<“Sir Knight!! Please say ‘Filthy Horde scum’ for us!! Really get into it!!”>

A lively yet bizarre voice rang out.

Filthy Horde scum.

He had no idea what it meant, but his deliberation was brief.

“…Filthy Horde scum.”

He did his best to fulfill the request—his gaze lowered in contempt, his voice deep and heavy. A perfect embodiment of a human knight.

The mages erupted into a frenzy.

[LMAO, the way he delivered that was insane.]

[For real, knights doing this just fits so well, lol.]

[Oh??? A filthy Alliance rat was hiding here??]

[Lol, we’ve got a Horde traitor here!!]

The mages were suddenly going wild.

“Could it be the name of a mage faction?”

Horde and Alliance. If they were names of mage factions, then Henry might have just walked into a troublesome situation.

However, his concern was short-lived.

<“KingGarrosh” has donated 1,000 won!>

<“Hahaha, so you’re discriminating against the Horde, huh? Say ‘Cowardly Alliance scum’ next!!!”>

A second request came in.

“…Are Horde and Alliance the names of mage factions you belong to? If that’s the case…”

<“KingGarrosh” has donated 2,000 won!>

<“Ahahaha, dude’s clearly biased against the Horde, lol.”>

This was a problem.

Henry panicked and shouted, “Cowardly Alliance scum!”

[LMAOOOO]

[The knight of capitalism, lol.]

[Selective racism, lol.]

The chat erupted into laughter. Fortunately, it seemed he hadn’t done anything offensive.

“So it’s not a faction name, or if it is, it’s not something that would cause an issue.”

It was only natural that knights and mages perceived situations differently.

And before he could even fully grasp what was happening—

<“CrispyInside” has donated 1,000 won!>

<“KingGarrosh” has donated 1,000 won!>

The situation had become clear even to Henry.

“They’re competing with each other?”

The mages had split into two factions and started competing. Even without understanding the content, the situation was obvious. And what was the price of this competition?

Donation money.

“This is a good situation.”

Henry instinctively thought so. Of course, his outward reaction was entirely different—he put on a troubled expression, as if he didn’t know what to do.

After all, wasn’t it a knight’s duty to prevent conflict and division?

But.

“Being too honest in life only leads to losses. Besides, it doesn’t seem like a sensitive issue.”

Henry was someone whose inner thoughts often differed from his outward actions.

---

The competition continued for a while. Henry played into the atmosphere multiple times, representing both factions in turn.

The result—

[Sponsorship: 71,000 won] *49 USD

A considerable sum of sponsorship money.

And on top of that, the broadcast had seen some solid growth.

[Viewers: 27]
[Subscribers: 20]

A whopping 27 viewers and 20 subscribers!

“Excellent.”

These mages genuinely liked him. Despite being an unremarkable knight trainee, no better than his peers.

“That might be exactly why. Because I’m not remarkable.”

Through broadcasting, Henry had realized something.

These mages were deeply invested in his growth. More than anything, they were fascinated by his personal journey.

“They want to see me grow… to watch someone with such terrifying talent develop.”

Then he had to deliver the results they were expecting.

That was the key to maintaining a steady, positive relationship with these mages.

“To do that, I need to start building up mana first.”

For now, all he could visibly show was his crude swordsmanship—a style that only looked impressive on the surface thanks to the tiny amount of mana infused in it.

But he had already obtained something invaluable.

A sensitivity of 32.

Whatever that number meant in terms of efficiency, it at least meant he had the foundation to work with.

And in addition to that—

[Shopping Cart]

• You can add items to your cart for future purchases when you have enough donation funds.

He had already set aside items he would buy once his donation stacked up.

[So when does the semester start??]

“After a week of rest, it will begin immediately.”

[Lmao, your break is only a week??]

[That’s way too harsh, lol.]

[Wait, is it really a week? Does time pass the same way here?]

“Yes, it does. The semester begins in exactly one week.”

[That’s way too long?? For a tutorial, it’s dragging on forever;;]

[Maybe they wanted it to be super realistic? Considering the game quality.]

[It’s fine, Sir Knight!! If you keep this up, I’ll tune in every day!!!]

[Me too!!]

“Thank you.”

[Uh, but… when are you actually going to progress the tutorial??]

[Are you just going to keep training your swordplay??]

“No. From now on, I plan to focus on building up my mana. I can’t waste the opportunity the mages have given me.”

[How do you build up mana?]

“There’s a mana cultivation chamber available. I intend to devote myself to training there for a while. But for now…”

Henry glanced outside.

Night had already fallen.

“I should return to my quarters.”

Like with his sword, the same rules applied here. If he belonged to a B-rank or higher group, he could train freely at night.

But for those below that?

They had a curfew.

Greater autonomy was granted based on skill. That was the academy’s educational philosophy.

[So you’re ending the stream?]

[Ah… That’s a shame.]

[You’re not saying you won’t stream for a whole week, right??]

“No, I can’t start and stop broadcasts at will. It’s up to the mages’ discretion…”

Henry stopped in his tracks just as he was about to leave the training hall.

[Stream ending in 15 minutes.]

[Resumes at 6 AM.]

“My apologies. I’ll see you all at 6 AM.”

That was as far as the Grand Mage had allowed.

---

Henry’s lodgings were old and shabby. And yet, this was the Royal Academy. If the institution had wished, it could have provided an environment more luxurious than anywhere else. However, the state of his quarters was essentially a form of discipline—both a punishment and an incentive. The purpose was clear: motivation. If he wanted to escape his shabby surroundings, he would have to push himself relentlessly.

Effort, huh.

Henry sat down in the middle of the room. Even in this run-down space, mana was present.

This is what I excel at more than anyone else.

He had walked when others rested. He had run when others walked. And yet, for three years, Henry had constantly lagged behind. If he wanted to close the ever-growing gap, he couldn’t afford to settle for small victories.

Let’s do this.

His wake-up time was 6 a.m. The academy’s morning announcement would come at the same time. The Grand Mage might have intended to ensure Henry got his rest, but he was already focused.

[Focus on your breathing. The process of exhaling is more important than inhaling. The mana that enters your body must settle in your heart.]

He recalled Instructor Pike’s lessons. The instructor had never been particularly fond of him, but his ability to wield mana was genuine. Having repeated his first year three times, Henry had memorized these lessons by heart.

[It won’t be easy, but more than ninety percent of mana growth speed depends on this process. The loss of mana during exhalation has a crucial impact, so—]

Only air leaves my body. I must think of it that way—mana must stay inside.

He repeated long, steady breaths. As he inhaled, he felt mana flow into him. It was still as mysterious and wondrous as ever, and just as difficult to get used to. A strange unfamiliarity tickled his throat—not unpleasant, but rather a cool sensation.

It’s not easy, but…

The sensation remained as he exhaled. Nearly all of the mana was slipping away.

If it were easy, that would be the real mystery.

This was merely the first step. He cast aside impatience and revisited the lessons in his mind.

[Focus solely on your breathing. Empty your thoughts. If it’s difficult, hold a sword, close your eyes—do whatever helps. The posture doesn’t matter.]

A sword, huh.

It seemed like a good method, but Henry had no wooden sword. He glanced around and picked up a broomstick from the corner of the room. The handle was thick and blunt. He gripped it in his right hand and closed his eyes. He imagined it was a sword. Surprisingly, it helped.

“Huuh…”

His breathing gradually slowed. He inhaled through his mouth and exhaled through his nose—an improvised method to exhale as slowly as possible. His mind emptied. He focused solely on the breath pulling through his throat and deep into his chest. And then, as he exhaled—

“Huuh…”

The mana halted. It lingered, as if caught on the verge of his heart. A tiny amount. Something any other student would have achieved in their very first lesson, but for Henry, it was his first real success.

Finally…! Damn.

But the moment he lost focus, the gathered mana scattered.

This is hard.

He was disappointed, but not discouraged. If anything, he was so overwhelmed with joy that he nearly teared up.

Until morning came.

Let’s try again.

There was still plenty of time.

---

3 a.m. The moon was high in the sky, but Chief Instructor Russo trudged along, his face flushed red.

“Bastards… acting like they know everything.”

Harsh words, uncharacteristic for him, slipped out. He had been drinking with Alex earlier when he happened to run into other instructors and ended up joining them for drinks. It was only natural that Henry Hamilton’s name came up.

“‘An idiot will always be an idiot’? A so-called knight dares to belittle another’s efforts?”

Russo had felt the urge to grab him by the collar. That was a line no one should cross. So what if someone lacked talent? So what if they couldn’t wield mana?

That student has endured more fiercely than anyone. How dare they judge him solely for his inability to control mana?

Russo couldn’t understand it. Or perhaps, precisely because it was him, he understood all too well.

I had no talent either. The only reason I made it this far was relentless effort.

He, too, had once been an academy trainee. His dreams had been crushed in an instant. He had fought fiercely to overcome his poor mana affinity and, in the end, barely managed to earn the title of knight. The only difference between him and Henry Hamilton? Russo’s talent had been just slightly better.

Yet despite being failures all the same…!

Every instructor at the academy was a former knight. The chief instructor was considered among the most skilled. But beyond the academy walls? They were merely knights who had been outclassed, cast aside to train students.

“Haaah…”

A deep sigh escaped him. At some point, he had arrived in front of a ramshackle shed—Henry Hamilton’s quarters. A result of the headmaster’s firm belief that treatment should be based on ability alone.

He’s probably asleep by now.

Russo slowly approached the hut. He wasn’t sure why, but he felt the need to see him. And when he reached the window—

“……”

Henry Hamilton was there, gripping a broom handle, deep in meditation.

A wave of sorrow crashed over Russo. This won’t change anything. If he couldn’t even do it in the mana training chamber, how could he possibly succeed here?

Talent is truly cruel…!

Without a sound, Russo turned away. If Henry saw him, it would only make things harder for the boy.

And so, Russo missed it.

In that fleeting moment—

A faint glow flickered at the corner of Henry’s lips.

The day before one of the only two vacations of the year. The trainees had finished their daily routines and regained their freedom, but for the instructors, there was still work left to do.

To the trainees, it seemed as though the instructors enjoyed overwhelming freedom, but that was only because much of their work happened out of sight. It was only after frantically exchanging paperwork, summarizing the year’s progress, and completing the final official task—the instructors’ meeting—that they could finally claim their own freedom.

“Ah, it’s finally over. This year felt especially long.”

As he stepped out of the conference room, Head Instructor Alex stretched his arms wide. Beside him was another instructor—Russo, who held the same title as Alex. With a weary expression, Russo responded.

“It was long.”

“Why the gloomy face?”

“It’s always like this.”

“I know your expression always looks downcast. Like this—”

Alex exaggeratedly mimicked Russo’s usual expression before reverting to his usual self.

“But today, you seem different.”

“Different how…?”

“You look even more down than usual. If your lips normally droop this much, today they’re hanging down this much more.”

He traced his finger down his cheek to his chin to illustrate. Though Alex always carried a playful attitude, there was no one who knew Russo better. In the end, Russo admitted it.

“I’m not in a good mood.”

“And why’s that? You’re probably the only instructor in the academy feeling this way today. Vacation isn’t just for the trainees, you know?”

“It’s nothing. Just forget it.”

“When people say ‘forget it,’ they usually mean ‘pay attention.’ My friend, how about a drink tonight? I happen to have some good liquor on hand.”

Click—clack.

Alex made a sound imitating the pop of a bottle opening. It was surprisingly accurate, but Russo remained unmoved.

“I’m not in the mood.”

“You’re being unusually standoffish today. I understand, it’s not the first time I’ve seen you like this, but even I—hmm?”

“What is it?”

“Over there.”

Alex pointed. At the end of his finger was the training hall, its lights still on.

“There’s still someone using the training hall?”

The lights were enchanted to turn on automatically when someone entered. That meant someone was still inside.

“Whoever it is, that’s quite the diligent trainee. Well, it makes sense. Officially, the break starts tomorrow. Very diligent indeed… Shall we go take a look?”

“For what reason?”

“A little extra credit for next semester. Even if it’s become somewhat meaningless, dedication is still part of the evaluation criteria. It’s one of the virtues of a knight, after all.”

“There’s no real need for that… But do as you wish.”

“You’re acting very strange today.”

“You really intend to give them extra credit?”

“You and I both have the authority, don’t we? There’s a reason the word ‘head’ is attached to our titles.”

Without hesitation, Alex strode ahead. Peering through the slightly open door, he suddenly stopped.

“……”

Silently, he turned away. His eyes met Russo’s, who looked as if he had expected this reaction.

“It’s Henry, isn’t it?”

“You knew all along, didn’t you?”

“It was obvious. On a day like this, at this hour, who else would still be using the training hall?”

“You must have had a reason to come out here at this time… Now I get it. Now I finally understand.”

Alex looked at Russo with an expression of realization, as if to ask whether Henry was the reason for his earlier mood. Russo sighed.

“Even if you understand, don’t say it out loud. What was Henry doing?”

“He had collapsed from exhaustion. Just looking at him, I could still feel the heat radiating from him. If only he weren’t aiming to become a knight, he’d be truly remarkable. Every time I see him, it feels like such a waste.”

Tap, tap.

Alex patted Russo’s shoulder, a bittersweet smile on his face.

“Don’t dwell on it too much. It’s unfortunate, but we can’t create talent where it doesn’t exist.”

“Hmm.”

“If it’s bothering you that much, why not go and comfort him? He doesn’t listen to me, but he might listen to you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Convincing him to give up on knighthood. If he had chosen another path, he would have already achieved greatness.”

Russo’s gaze shifted toward the training hall. Beyond the closed doors, he could almost see Henry, sweating alone. That was precisely why he couldn’t tell him to give up.

“As an instructor, it’s not my duty to extinguish a trainee’s passion. Didn’t you say you had some good liquor?”

Cheap sympathy would only wound his determination.

“Haha, my friend, you’ve made the right choice! Let’s go! You won’t be disappointed!”

---

Contrary to Chief Instructor Russo’s expectations, Henry was actually just taking a break.

[That was insane, lol]

[That was freaking amazing]

[So what I saw earlier was really just basic swordsmanship, lol]

“Huff… I-I’m relieved that the esteemed mages seem to be enjoying this.”

His vision was so blurred that the white ceiling appeared yellow. From basic sword techniques to advanced ones—every form of swordsmanship available to a knight trainee had just poured out from Henry’s blade. Thanks to his enhanced sensory abilities, he was now able to channel mana into his sword. A minuscule amount, but the visual effect was impressive.

[Wait, so this isn’t a skill? You’re actually swinging the sword yourself?]

“Yes, I have no skills. Every technique I display is purely my own execution.”

To Henry, the term “skill” meant something like this—being able to activate a sword technique automatically with just the flick of a finger.

That’s such a mage-like way of thinking.

For them, it was a given. After all, mages could resolve everything without lifting a single finger.

[Wait, hold on, something feels off??]

[What do you mean?]

[You’re telling me he’s actually swinging the sword himself?]

[Yeah, he really is.]

[Huh?? What????]

[Wait a sec, lol]

Henry furrowed his brow. The mages’ reactions were strange. Had something gone wrong? Just as a chilling sense of tension dried his throat—

[So you’re saying he’s actually wielding the sword ‘himself’?]

[This is literally VR-level realism, lol]

[So he’s pulling this off in real life???]

[That’s insane, lol]

An uproar erupted. And at the same time—

[‘trysky0323’ has subscribed!]

[‘Poporijan’ has subscribed!]

[‘Bigston’ has subscribed!]

…Subscriptions started flooding in!

Henry was so taken aback by the sudden response that he was at a loss for words.

…What exactly are they so impressed by?

That was the first thought that came to mind. The preferences of mages. But after a brief contemplation—

No, it’s not because of something particularly impressive.

Henry was certain. The awe in their expressions, their amazement that he was physically performing the techniques—they weren’t reacting to his skills themselves, but to the very act of moving his body.

That’s all it is. These mages may wield incredible magic, but they’ve likely neglected physical movement.

<‘PurpleSquirrel’ has donated 1,000 won!>

<“That was freaking amazing”>

He had learned this expression. “Freaking amazing” meant something was impressive. The word “freaking” was simply for emphasis.

“I will take that as high praise. Thank you, Mage PurpleSquirrel.”

<‘Poporijan’ has donated 2,000 won!>

<“So your body is the same as in real life??”>

“My physique? I’m not sure what you mean by real life….”

This was a tricky one. Henry understood what a physique was, but these people had been repeatedly using the word “real life.”

<‘Poporijan’ has donated 1,000 won!>

<“The real world! Reality! Your body!”>

The real world!

After a moment of contemplation, Henry made a judgment.

They must be referring to the world outside the Tower.

Unlike mages, who were practically confined within the Tower, knights roamed freely through the vast lands.

“Yes, it is the same.”

[Do you have abs????]

[Of course he does, lol]

[That’s gotta be pure battle-hardened muscle.]

[Show us!!!]

“…Very well.”

It wasn’t as if he hadn’t taken off his shirt countless times during morning runs anyway.

Thud. Thud.

He removed his weighted sandbags and took a quick glance at the chat. Then—whoosh!

Henry casually stripped off his top.

And at that moment—

[Wait, I didn’t sign up for this existential crisis??]

There stood a statue.

[Holy crap]
[I instinctively clapped, my guy;;;]

<‘Poporijan’ has donated 10,000 won!>

<“Kyaaaahhhhhh!!!!!”>

<‘trysky0323’ has donated 5,000 won!>

<“You’re amazing”>

Subscriptions and donations poured in.

Three years of rigorous training had sculpted his physique to perfection. It was nothing special to Henry—at the knight academy, such bodies weren’t uncommon.

But to the mages, it was a different story. This was… a form of reverence, wasn’t it? An admiration for something fundamentally different from themselves.

The mages were utterly transfixed by his overwhelming physical prowess.

[Sir Knight, I guarantee that if you keep your shirt off, your subscribers will skyrocket;;]

[Agreed!!!]

[His sheer presence made me put down my fried chicken.]

[Ah… self-loathing… why am I…]

“I believe we simply have different perspectives. I have lived as a knight trainee, while you have walked the path of magic.”

[Wait, is he subtly flexing on us??]

[Haha, a knight always strikes twice!]

[But seriously, with that physique, he’d dominate in any game??]

[Sir Knight, do you play other games?]

“Games….”

[Okay, I get the act now.]

[What about, um… have you ever considered another career besides being a knight?]

“No. Absolutely not. I must become a knight.”

In that instant, an unyielding determination flickered in Henry’s eyes.

A will. A desperate, unshakable desire.

[What about later, then?]

[Like, once you’ve saved your family and made a name for yourself as a knight—what then?]

“That….”

Henry hesitated.

The mage was asking about something Henry had always dreamed of—yet paradoxically, had never dared to truly imagine.

“If that time ever comes, if such a moment ever truly arrives… I don’t know. Maybe… I could lay down my sword.”

[Haha, he’s talking like he’s aiming for 100% completion.]

[Love the ‘finish everything first’ mindset~~]

[With that physique, he’ll clear it in no time, lol]

Henry wasn’t sure, but it seemed to be a compliment.

A knight… I have to become a knight. I’ll think about everything else later. This is my only choice for now.

He tightened his grip around his wooden sword.

His once feeble hands now held confidence.

This was only the change of a single day. In a month, his progress would be undeniable.

But.

Henry narrowed his eyes.

What’s that?

At the bottom of the stream’s display—

[Stage 1 goal achieved!]
[An additional reward has been granted!]

Below the message that had appeared earlier, a new notification had popped up.

[Donation Shop]

It must be related to sponsorships.

Henry had yet to fully grasp what “Donations” meant, but from the context, it was clearly another form of the mages’ generosity.

[So, what’s the next game? Definitely has to be an AOS, right?]

[RPG sounds fun too. Imagine him wrecking people in PvP, lol]

Glancing at the chat, Henry saw the mages passionately debating among themselves.

Leaving them to their discussion, he reached out and tapped—

[Donation Shop]

[Current Funds: 27,000 won]

[You can purchase items with donation funds!]
[Subscribers: 17]
[The following items are available at your current rank:]

It seemed that the number of subscribers directly influenced his rank. Scanning the item list, Henry read:

[Seiat Root (1) – 12,000 won]

• A root used as an ingredient for mana potions.

[Decent Ore Pouch – 880,000 won]

• A pouch containing random ores suitable for forging weapons.

[Limited Sale!]
[Shaolin Summoning Pill – 23,000,000 won]

• Grants a significant amount of internal energy. Requires sufficient inner cultivation to absorb.

At last, Henry understood how “donations” were meant to be used.