’The Thunder Steed’s level is 30. Unfortunately for it, I’m 40.’

An absolute level difference. But that concept isn’t absolute.

It didn’t matter. As a commemoration of becoming an official Hero, I’ll cut you down!

I swung my sword towards the charging horse. Then, something surprising happened.

Clip-clop-clip-clop! Crackle-crackle! Whoosh!

It transformed into lightning as if by magic and rerouted its direction. Like flowing water.

’That’s the Thunder Steed’s specialty, a drift that seems to defy the laws of physics! I want it even more!’

With this one, I wouldn’t envy Initial T. Since it’s a Thunder Steed, maybe I can call it T?

I activated my aura.

I’m going all out too!

I grinned and closed the distance. The horse reared up and swung its hooves.

Its attack speed was supersonic.

But I could perceive it. I spun around and landed a roundhouse kick into its chest.

Whoosh, thwack! Thud!

"Hiieeheeheehing!"

The horse fell backward. Its desperate cries as it collapsed were magnificent.

Then, as it got up, it showed an unexpected sight.

[Lightning Strike]

Suddenly, the density of the atmosphere changed. A pure white flash struck the top of my head, and the world was momentarily dyed white.

"Ugh...!"

From head to toe, it felt like I was coldly boiling, then senselessly burning away. I staggered and barely held on.

’I barely held on thanks to the shield effect! But how can a Thunder Steed use 2nd Circle magic??!’

Originally, Thunder Steeds absolutely cannot use magic. But this one used 2nd Circle lightning magic. Crazy.

I calmly closed the distance. Don’t you want it more?

When I swung my sword, it dodged. I moved off-beat and instantly got within attack range.

"Lightning strikes twice!"

[Leonhardt Severing Sword Style - White Lightning Strike]

Swoosh-thwack!

The Thunder Steed, which was about to kick me with its hind legs, was precisely split in half and died.

[Enemy Defeated!]

[Acquired 15000 Collector Points (CP)!]

[Side Quest ’Exclusive Mount’ Cleared!]

[Deceased ’Thunder Steed’ Restored!]

[’Thunder Steed’ has been confirmed as an Exclusive Mount!]

Zzzzt, zzzzt! Crackle!

The Thunder Steed reappeared, spectacularly bursting with pure white sparks.

Seeing the horse standing before me, snorting, I couldn’t help but admire it. It was large and beautiful.

’Is this one a female, by the way? Well, it doesn’t matter. Can it really do that too?’

Just in case, I tried to put the Thunder Steed into my ring. Then.

Whoosh..

As I expected, I could put the Thunder Steed inside the ring. Wow, amazing.

I summoned it again and admired it.

"Wow, my very own exclusive mount! It’s real, truly real. Please take care of me from now on! From now on, you’re Lyn."

"Purrrhh."

"It means ’thunder’ or ’thunderbolt’ in some language! Now run, Lyn!"

I mounted Lyn. Lyn began to run. Even without stirrups, my crotch didn’t hurt and my balls are safe for procreation.

Crack-crack! Clip-clop-clip-clop! Whoosh!

Lyn ran, kicking up white sparks. The sight of sparks spreading around every time it ran was magnificent.

’A black horse enveloped in white sparks, this is truly rare.’

Even though I am no expert in horse riding, I suffered no harm. It felt as if Lyn was considerate of me, skillfully adjusting its run.

I arrived at Weaverpool in an instant. As soon as I dismounted Lyn, a title appeared.

[Conditions Met!]

[You have acquired the title ’Rider’!]

[Rider (Rare)]

Type: Title

Effect: Skillfully handles everything that can be ridden.

Kyaah, there’s even something like this. I’ll upgrade it a bit later.

I entered Weaverpool Territory and looked around. It was cleaner and noisier than our territory.

’They say this place has so many craftsmen that it’s called the City of Artisans. That’s why there are so many factory sites too.’

Even just within my current sight, the left side was an ordinary territory, while the right side’s factory sites asserted their presence.

I was once again impressed.

’To think that the guy who rules such a good place would be that kind of person.’

I really wanted to see his face. Just how great that bastard was.

I headed towards the mansion. Perhaps word had already spread, as the guards didn’t stop me after hearing my introduction.

When I arrived at the mansion’s door, it slid open like an automatic door, and instead of a butler, a maid appeared.

Seeing that she wore something like an armband, she seemed to be the head maid.

’Hoo, is the head maid powerful here? Her visuals are quite good too, especially her breasts....’

I pretended not to and scanned her.

A dark brown long hair, undercut style with the back hair braided into a ponytail.

Her subtly shining yellowish-green eyes stimulated my curiosity about her.

Compared to the women I’d ’tasted’ so far, she was petite, but her C-cup glamorous figure, precariously wrapped in a maid outfit, clearly asserted its presence.

’Plus stockings and a garter belt, I can’t resist that. I want to taste her.’

As I subtly licked my lips, the head maid introduced herself.

"I am Head Maid Peary."

"Pleased to meet you. I am Lucian Vane, the Hero of Ravenscoft."

"I received word. Please come in."

As I went inside, I looked around. It was larger than our Lord’s mansion.

Red carpets laid here and there, and chandeliers sculpted from pure gold.

And even expensive-looking portraits. What should I say? It seemed like a person determined to appear wealthy.

"Where is the Lord?"

"He is not here."

"...Huh?"

What the hell is this nonsense? Not here?

"Well, recently, a cult called ’Those Who Recite Sins’ has been rampant in our territory. He’s not often at the mansion because he’s busy subjugating them."

"But I can still meet him, right?"

"Perhaps. Please wait in the guest room."

This feels unsettling. He must have heard from Fiora that I was coming.

But what if he doesn’t show up? Nah, he wouldn’t be that rude, would he?

I was guided to the guest room and left alone. I just drank some tea.

And so I waited.

***

It became early evening. The Lord didn’t show his face at all.

’Ha, I’m so pissed off. This fucking bastard....’

Should I just reveal the ledger I have right now? I left the guest room.

There wasn’t even a servant, let alone anyone else. This territory is unbelievable.

Not only it’s lord arrogant conceited fuck hole but even his servants are asshole.

I left Weaverpool and rode Lyn towards our territory. Fuck, just you wait. Lord, I’ll take everything you have!

.

.

.

As I was passing the ridge via the hill road, I happened to meet Alpa’s mom, ’Anya’.

Anya, who was picking mushrooms, spotted me and her expression twisted.

"Hey, you pretty bastard! Come over here."

Fuck, you’re in for it now. You bitch.