For some reason, Porter was inside the Knight’s base and accompanying Mr. Goodsell. And now Elaine and the two Vapronel girls were saluting him like he was some big shot and not just the owner of the General Store.

  Looks like his victory was false, and he had been knocked unconscious. Might as well ride out the dream and see where the strangeness took him.

  “No, Colby. You are not dreaming,” Porter said.

  “Wait, how do you know that’s what I was thinking? Unless…”

  “No, Colby, I am not a mind reader. You’ve just done this enough that I know that’s what you’re thinking.”

  “Okay, then what am I thinking now?” Colby asked, staring deep into Porter’s brown eyes.

  “Nothing—I think.”

  “Damn, you’re good.”

  “No, I’m Porter,” he giggled.

  “Hey, that joke is copyrighted. Or is it trademarked? I don’t really know the difference.”

  “Sorry, Colby.” Porter blushed. “But do you need anything? Some water? Snacks? Are you hurt anywhere? Do you need me to run out and buy you a Healing Potion?”

  “Preferably some answers.”

  “What’s—”

  “General Goodsell, Sir!” the three Knights-in-training shouted.

  “At ease,” the old man said, finally standing right in front of them.

  Wait. Mr. Goodsell was a General? Yup, definitely a dream.

  “No, Colby,” Porter whispered. “This isn’t a dream.”

  “Then explain why Mr. Goodsell, the General Store owner, is also a General of the Knights of Paralos,” Colby whispered back.

  “He’s a General because of his accomplishments as a Knight. And as part of the Goodsell family tradition, whoever holds that rank runs the General Store.”

  “Wait, really?”

  “Yeah. It’s common knowledge in Brinebook. But it’s no biggie, Colby. Your brain has more important things to remember, like all of the cheese recipes you’re cooking up.”

  “That’s… thanks, Port.”

  It was just like finding out that Ms. M, their store regular who loved his chèvre, was also an Arcanist—the hero who saved Brinebrook from a magically charged tsunami.

  In his defence, Colby didn’t need to know that the man running the General Store was also a General of the Knights. He just had to know what ingredients they stocked, how much they cost, and their opening hours.

  “That still doesn’t explain why you’re here, Port. Don’t tell me you’re secretly a Knight-in-training too?”

  “Nope.” Porter shook his head. “I was on a Supply Run for the Knights and just so happened to bump into Mr.Goodsell. He invited me in for some tea, and I just couldn’t say no. I don’t want to upset him, especially since he hires me regularly to do Supply Runs for his store.”

  “I guess that makes sense. But why’s a General here and about to scold some Knights-in-training instead of fighting in the war against Endruma?”

  “That’s… A good question. I don’t really know.”

  The question would be put on pause as Mr. Goodsell began to speak to the three girls.

  “Knight-in-training Elaine, why did you abandon your post?”

  “I—uh—I…” Elaine swallowed, eyes flicking away for just a second. “I wanted to make sure my friend was safe.”

  Mr. Goodsell’s gaze drifted over to Colby.

  He didn’t know what to do, so he just flashed his teeth and waved.

  Mr. Goodsell shifted his scrutiny over to Helena. The red-haired girl could barely keep her eyes open. They were swollen shut and raw, matching her color scheme: red.

  “And why, Knight-in-training Helena, did you challenge a civilian to a duel?”

  “He insulted me, my family and every noble in Paralos. It was my duty to defend my family’s honor and the dignity of the kingdom itself.”

  “An understandable motive. But pray tell, how did you, Knight-in-training of the Vapronel house, fail to defeat a civilian with zero combat training?

  “I…” Helena remained silent, bringing her head down.

  “You have brought even more shame upon the house of Vapronel!”

  “That’s not fair,” Noelle blurted out. “That peasant cheated!”

  Mr. Goodsell snapped his head toward the blue-haired girl, glaring at her. “And who gave you permission to speak, Noelle Vapronel?”

  Words quickly tumbled out in a panicked rush. “I’m sorry, Sir. It just slipped out. It won’t happen again.”

  “Very well, Knight-in-training Noelle Vapronel. Since you’re so eager to speak, enlighten me. How did that civilian cheat? In what way was the duel unfair?”

  “That peasant kept using cheap tricks and taunts instead of an honorable fight.”

  “And that is exactly why you lost. Do you think the Endruma’s forces fight you one at a time? Do you think they won’t resort to using traps to gain the advantage? You may excel in a formal duel, but in a real fight, you would be slaughtered.”

  “But…Yes, sir,” Noelle hung her head low.

  Mr. Goodsell glanced his way once more. “You, cheese boy. Are you harmed?”

  “Physically, no. Emotionally, yes. I, a lowly civilian, came to give my friend a congratulatory gift for becoming a Knight-in-Training, only to be forced into a duel. That was even after I issued multiple apologies. Not only did I have to fight for my life, but I also wasted my afternoon. And worse than that, my precious ingredients.”

  The General glanced at the cheese-littered ground and grunted. “You will be compensated for the resources expended. Is there anything else?”

  “Just a small thing. How come you’re here instead of out there fighting in the war against Endruma?”

  The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

  “Brinebrook cannot be left unguarded. With most of our strength currently away, the responsibility of defending this region falls to me. And I, especially, will not permit anyone else to run the General Store but me.”

  “Oh. I get it.”

  Yup, Colby got it alright. Mr. Goodsell just wanted to play shopkeeper instead of Knight General. If he were in the same position, he’d do the same.

  “If there is nothing further, you are dismissed. Please leave the area.”

  His gaze moved over to Porter, voice softening as he said, “I’m sorry, Porter, but I’m afraid I’ll have to withdraw my earlier invitation.”

  “It’s no-biggie, Mr. Goodsell,” Porter said. “Just let me know when and where you need your next delivery.”

  “Thank you, Porter.”

  His voice turned gruff once more as he addressed the three Knights-in-training. “Knight-in-training Elaine, return to your post and report to me immediately after your duty has ended.”

  “Yes, Sir!” Elaine shouted.

  “As for you two.” He glared at Helena and Noelle. “Clean up this mess!”

  “Yes, Sir!” They shouted.

  Noelle hurried towards the mess of cheese that Colby had left behind, holding Helena’s hand as she blinked and squinted, still struggling to see straight.

  Mr. Goodsell remained there, observing the noble two girls as they scraped melted cheese off the ground.

  Meanwhile, Elaine escorted him and Porter out of the base.

  “Sorry,” Colby said.

  “It happens,” Elaine replied.

  “So… how’s training going?”

  “Good. I’m learning a lot of new techniques. Stuff that I would never have figured out on my own.”

  “That’s good. And what about your…”

  Colby trailed off. Should he or should he not press the topic?

  Elaine did it for him.

  “Still haven’t spoken to them since,” Elaine sighed. “Maybe I’ll pop back in once I’m a full-fledged Knight.”

  “And how long will that take?”

  “A year? Maybe sooner, depending on whether they need to ship me off to fight against Endruma, too”

  “Oh… I’m here if you need me.”

  “Thanks, Colbs. But enough about me, how did you manage to cast something other than cheese?”

  “What do you mean, cast something other than cheese?” Porter asked.

  “You should've seen it, Port. Colby managed to cast a Fire spell.”

  “You did?” Porter exclaimed. “That’s incredible, Colby!”

  “Exactly!” Elaine echoed. “How’d you do it?”

  “I didn’t,” Colby said.

  “I clearly saw you launch a couple of [Fireballs] at Helena. They were a bit small and weak, but c’mon, Colbs. This is you we’re talking about!”

  “Am I supposed to take that as a compliment or an insult?”

  “Whichever. Just tell us, Colbs, how’d you do it?”

  “Like I said, I didn’t. It’s technically still cheese. Just cheese on fire. It’s based on a cheese dish where you light it on fire before serving and squirt a bit of lemon juice to put it out—I just left out that last part.”

  “Cheese or not, there was Fire involved. Colbs, that’s amazing!” Elaine exclaimed. She picked him up, pressing him against her armor and hugging him tight.

  “Yeah, Colby!” Porter echoed. “That’s amazing.”

  He spread his arms, leaning in to join the hug.

  Thornelius, who had been happily walking by their side, barked. He got up on his hind legs and jumped, struggling to reach his master.

  “Don’t worry, I got you,” Elaine said.

  She bent down and picked the Thornwolf up with one hand, dropping him into the middle of the hug. Thornelius barked, giving Elaine a happy lick before slobbering Colby’s face even more.

  “Thanks, guys,” Colby said.

  “C’mon, why’re you acting so nonchalant? This has been your dream since forever ago.”

  “Because I’m trying to look cool in front of you guys.”

  “You’re always cool to me, Colby,” Porter said.

  “Thanks, Port.”

  Elaine finally lowered him down, Thornelius dropping into his hands as the bear hug ended, and they continued their walk out of the Knight’s Base.

  “The next time I’m allowed out of here, we’re celebrating.”

  “With cheese?”

  “Yes, Colby,” Elaine sighed. “With cheese.”

  “Yes!” he said, pumping a fist into the air before quickly bringing it down to carry Thornelius.

  “Any other surprises you’ve been hiding from us, Colbs?”

  “Well, I did expand my Core to Tier 1. Totally slipped my mind because I was so focused on going to war.

  “That’s amazing, Colbs. Congratulations.”

  “Yeah, Colby,” Porter said, hugging him again. “You’re amazing.”

  “Thanks, guys, but I’m not that great.” He glanced down at the ground, Thornelius licking his face to cheer him up. “I was a bad friend, making both of you worry that day. And it took me such a long time to properly apologize to you. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s no biggie, Colby. I forgive you.”

  “And I’ll only forgive you on one condition, Colbs.”

  “What is it?” he asked, looking up at Elaine.

  “I want another one of that cheese you gave me.”

  “That’s it?”

  “No, Colbs. I’ll only accept it once you’ve perfected that recipe. Then, I’ll forgive you.”

  “Deal!”

  “And one for Port too.”

  “Double deal!”

  “It’s okay, Colby. I don’t need it. It’s no biggie, really.”

  “I’m going to ignore that statement,” Colby said. “So, Port. How’s Supply Running lately? Going smooth like cream cheese?”

  “Well…It’s no biggie.”

  “C’mon, Port, fess up.”

  “It’s nothing, really. The routes have gotten dangerous. There are more bandits you need to avoid, and the monsters are behaving weirdly, like they’re being stirred up by something.”

  “That’s a really big biggie, Port,” Colby said.

  “Not really. I just need to [Dash] away before they catch me. Sometimes [Air Dash].”

  “Still, that’s pretty dangerous. Well, if you need any help, you know who to call,” Elaine said.

  “Thanks, Elaine.”

  The trio finally made it back to the entrance of the base. Maisie stood there, holding her halberd, and quaking in her armor.

  “E-Elaine. G-g-general Goodsell,” she stuttered.

  “I know. Helena and Noelle are getting reamed right now, and after my shift is over, it’s my turn. Yay.”

  “S-sorry, Elaine.”

  She shrugged. “That’s just life. Plus, I did ask for it.”

  “Sorry, Laine,” Colby said, still feeling guilty over getting her in trouble.

  “Apology not accepted. Not until you-know-what.”

  “Got it, Laine.”

  Anyway, see you boys.” She waved. “Looking forward to the celebrations.”

  “Bye, Laine.”

  “Bye, Elaine.”

  As they walked away from the compound, Colby looked at Porter. “So, Port. What are you going to do now?”

  “I’m scheduled to pick up see-salt for a delivery in an hour’s time. I figure I’d go and see if Farmer Hound’s okay with an early pick up.”

  “Farmer Hound? The guy who can turn into that weird beast, houndy thingy? So, what’s his story that I apparently don’t know, but everyone else does.”

  “Are you sure you didn’t hit your head, Colby? Farmer Hound’s just a farmer. He can’t turn into a beast or a hound or a thingy.”

  What?

  So Ms. M being a hero and Mr. Goodsell being a General was common knowledge, yet Farmer Hound’s magical abilities weren’t. That explained the hush money—see-salt and milk—that he offered.

  Better keep it under wraps, just like he promised.

  “It’s nothing, Port. I think I did hit my head. I’m just going to go home and rest.”

  “Do you need me to carry you back?”

  “It’s okay.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “No, I’m Colby,” he laughed. “But seriously, I’m good.”

  “Okay, Colby. I’m glad to see you’re better. If there’s anything you need, just let me know.”

  The two parted ways, and soon Colby arrived home. Exhausted, he slumped onto his bed, while Brie took the opportunity to kidnap Thornelius. She patted his head and sang songs to the Thornwolf for the rest of the day.

  Meanwhile, Colby was reflecting on the day's events.

  He had somehow managed to beat a Knight-in-training in a fight. Oh, what a story to tell. A small part of him was concerned that she would take revenge, but that was immediately engulfed by more important things. Winning that fight was a bonus; he had accomplished his true goal of giving Elaine her gift, and she loved it.

  Now he just had to keep improving his abilities.

  And for that, he needed to acquire Skate Goat Milk.