In the corridor, Princess Renner led Naohara and the others toward the training grounds.
"So, what do you think? If you like it, you're welcome to come anytime. There's no need to be so reserved."
As they walked, Renner introduced the palace, turning to smile at the three of them from time to time.
"Ahem, Princess Renner, this is still the royal palace."
Lakyus coughed lightly, sounding a bit helpless.
"Lakyus' friends are my friends. And if we're friends, what's the problem?"
Renner covered her mouth as she laughed, waving her hand dismissively. She looked utterly harmless.
"Princess Renner, that may be true, but you're too kind. What if someone takes advantage of you one day?"
Lakyus sighed. Her dear friend was so gentle that she might get deceived someday without even realizing it.
"Don't worry. I can tell who's good and who's bad."
The conversation continued amid light laughter. Most of the time, Renner was the one speaking while everyone else listened. As they walked, Naohara's impression of her gradually took shape.
Her character, appearance, temperament, and intelligence were all outstanding. She treated even passing soldiers with warmth and had her own unique insights on every topic.
She could truly be called perfect.
But she overlooked one thing. When a person is perfect to that extent, the perfection itself starts to feel unnatural.
Naohara shook his head. If he hadn't known the original story, even he would have done little more than wonder if someone like her could really exist.
It was no wonder she was the human who had earned even Demiurge's praise in the original work.
(In the original story, Renner should have already met Demiurge by this point. But in this version, Demiurge has been focused on the Dragon Creation Project. In his eyes, creating a True Dragon Lord holds far greater value than Renner.)
After several more minutes, they finally arrived at their destination under Renner's guidance.
It was a training ground enclosed by tall walls, normally used by soldiers for drills. Today, it would serve as the arena for their match.
As they stepped inside, a fully armored young knight was training in the field. Hearing their footsteps, he turned toward them, surprise and delight flashing across his face.
"Climb, come here. Let me introduce you to some new friends."
Seeing the familiar figure, Princess Renner waved happily at the young knight.
"Princess Renner!"
Climb jogged over and bowed respectfully to her. Then he turned to the Blue Roses and greeted them one by one. They were clearly well acquainted.
As Princess Renner's personal bodyguard, Climb was no stranger to the Blue Roses. They returned his greetings in kind.
"Hey, virgin, long time no see. Let me introduce you. These three are the heroes who saved E-Rantel, the adventurer team called 'Ainz Ooal Gown.'"
Gagaran enthusiastically patted Climb on the shoulder and pointed toward Naohara and the others as she spoke.
Climb gave an awkward smile. Being called a virgin in front of so many people was embarrassing. He quickly shifted his attention to Naohara and the others.
"Hello, my name is Climb. I've heard that you subdued the Wise King of the Forest and saved E-Rantel from danger. I truly admire you."
He bowed deeply. Though the words were polite formalities, there was unmistakable sincerity behind them.
That kind of attitude easily left a good impression. At the very least, Naohara's first impression of the young knight was favorable.
"It's not that impressive. I'm just a little stronger than most."
Naohara replied modestly. He really was only a little stronger.
The two Doppelgängers beside him nodded solemnly. In their view, Naohara's strength was indeed just a "tiny" bit stronger than everyone else in the world.
"Hmph, don't listen to his nonsense. His strength is at least on the same level as mine."
Evileye spoke from the side. Though she hated to admit it, the head-patting maniac in front of her was undeniably powerful.
After the Undead Siege of E-Rantel, Evileye had looked into the details herself. She knew just how dangerous that battle had been.
Even a Hero-tier powerhouse would have struggled to cope, let alone carve a path through the tide of corpses, push straight into their ranks, and eliminate the mastermind behind it all with ease.
"That… that strong?"
"Doesn't that make him even stronger than the Warrior Captain?!"
Climb was stunned. He had known the man was strong, but he never imagined this level of strength. He had heard of Evileye's power—rumor had it she had already surpassed the Hero realm.
If someone like her acknowledged him, then his strength was beyond question. At that thought, Climb's gaze toward Naohara and the other two grew even more fervent.
"It's nothing special, really. You're exaggerating."
Naohara waved it off, but the grin spreading across his face made it obvious he was thoroughly enjoying the praise.
"If I say you've got that level of strength, then you do."
Evileye frowned. I already vouched for you. Why are you still pretending to be humble? What about my dignity?
With that, she couldn't resist lifting her small foot and giving Naohara a light kick.
"Alright, alright. Naohara, don't overdo the modesty."
The others burst into laughter at the sight, and the mood turned lively.
...
"Princess Renner, may I ask what brings you here?"
After the pleasant exchange ended, Climb asked curiously.
"Climb, you'd better watch carefully. Battles between Adamantite Adventurers aren't something you see every day."
Renner smiled gently as she spoke to Climb, her eyes filled with indulgent affection, as if she were gazing at an adorable pet.
"Are you going to fight, sirs?!"
Climb froze, staring at Gagaran in disbelief, hoping for confirmation.
"That's right, rookie. Watch closely."
Her voice came with a hint of laughter. With that confirmation, excitement lit up Climb's face.
"Yes!"
Seeing the young knight brimming with anticipation, the others chuckled. Then their expressions gradually grew serious.
"Alright, let's begin."
Gagaran rolled her shoulders, picked up her weapon, and stepped onto the training field, her gaze sweeping over the three behind Naohara.
"Who's coming first?"
The Doppelgängers exchanged glances, clearly tempted. Their eyes drifted toward Naohara. This was a rare chance to perform in front of the Supreme Ruler.
"I'll go. A one-on-one is too dull. How about we make things more interesting?"
Naohara stepped forward and clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.
"And how do you want to do that? A team battle?" Gagaran asked.
"No, no. What I mean is… all of you, come at me together."
The moment he finished speaking, the entire venue fell silent. Climb wondered if he had misheard.
"Are you serious?"
Lakyus stepped forward, her tone heavy. The twin Rogues behind her looked just as serious. There was no way they could ignore that challenge.
"I never joke about things like this. Today, I'm taking on all five of you."
Naohara chuckled lightly, his voice calm and steady. Lakyus and the others could tell he wasn't joking.
"If he's asking for a beating, why should we hesitate?"
Evileye said as she strode straight onto the field. Today, she would settle the score for all those head pats and teach him a proper lesson.
Evileye: Fighting Spirit Soaring!
After a brief exchange of looks, Lakyus and the others drew their weapons as well.
"Then excuse us, Naohara. If you can't keep up, surrender immediately."
Outside the field, watching the entire Blue Rose step forward together, Climb swallowed nervously. Naohara-san is really bold.
Beside him, Renner quietly activated her recording crystal, preparing to capture the intense battle ahead and submit it to the Adventurer's Guild afterward.
A light breeze passed through the training ground.
The battle was about to begin.