Wizard: Starting With the Knights Breathing Method Chapter 5: [Swordsman Dawn] and [Wild Boar Rider]

Levi Snyder

Black Snake Breathing Method: Level 2 (1/5000)

Shield: Level 1 (Max)

Perhaps it was due to the solid foundations Levi had built, or the constant guidance provided by Knight Fred.

Regardless, advancing to the second level had proven much easier than he had originally anticipated.

As for his proficiency with the shield, he had simply practiced until he reached his natural limit; the task was significantly less demanding than mastering archery or the fundamentals of swordsmanship.

As of today, he had officially stepped into the second stage of a Knight's progression—the Sword Squire.

His next objective would be to ascend to the rank of a Quasi-Knight.

With a daunting 5,000 proficiency points required for the upgrade, he calculated that achieving this rank would take at least six months of dedicated effort.

Since he had been pushing himself through the breathing method almost every single day, his mind and body required a period of recovery. To continue without rest would be to risk falling into madness.

Now that he was a Sword Squire, his physical power was surely double that of an average man. In a brawl, he could likely overpower five grown men with nothing but his bare hands.

Even so, he was still lacking in terms of real-world combat experience.

Mastering the blade and other armaments is another vital requirement for any Sword Squire.

Knights rarely resort to brawling with their fists; when weapons are available, fighting with hands and feet is nothing short of foolish.

To refine his swordsmanship, he would need to seek instruction from Knight Fred. Even Levi’s father had once confessed that Knight Fred’s skill with a blade far surpassed his own.

In his younger years, while wandering across the Kingdom, Knight Fred was famously known as "Swordsman Dawn."

What a magnificent title!

There was no immediate hurry, however. Since today marked the New Year, Levi decided to grant himself a brief reprieve to experience the luxuries of a noble life.

At the celebratory feast, Levi occupied the Lord’s seat while Knight Fred took his place at his side.

No other noble guests attended; the winter was harsh, and heavy snowfalls had blocked most of the mountain passes. Furthermore, this valley was situated in a quite isolated region. Although territories like the Land of Rocks, the Land of Frosted Winds, and the Land of the Silver Moon were neighboring areas, the distances remained vast.

Trade and social visits only truly flourished during the summer months.

To put it simply, the barons of Blackwater Valley led rather pitiful lives. This only added to the legend of Levi’s father—a man who rose from obscurity to rule over three prosperous territories.

Levi had little interest in navigating the politics of other lords. He preferred a peaceful co-existence where everyone simply minded their own business.

The serfs sat at the far end of the banquet, appearing timid and small. Though they were served the same meal as their master, they kept their heads down, terrified of accidentally offending the lord.

At the same time, these peasants were shocked to see that their generous and powerful ruler was so young. He hardly looked like a boy of thirteen.

After three rounds of drinks, Levi focused on his meal while his maids worked to soothe his aching muscles. As they massaged Levi’s remarkably firm and sturdy physique, the young women couldn't help but blush intensely.

These maids were merely young girls from the village who usually loved to chatter, but they remained hushed and respectful in Levi’s presence.

Suddenly, a stout, short boy approached Levi and dropped to his knees with a heavy thud. He placed a cloth bundle on the floor. Levi recognized him as Milan, the son of the veteran blacksmith, Toby.

“Little Blacksmith, Milan. What is it that you seek?” Levi questioned.

Milan unwrapped the cloth to reveal a sword that shimmered with a chilling luster.

“My Lord, this is the finest blade I forged this past year. I wish to present it to you,” he said, bowing his head as he offered the gift.

“Oh!” Levi remarked, grasping the weapon. The steel was pure with very few flaws; it was a blade of respectable craftsmanship.

“This is a fine sword indeed,” Levi complimented, gesturing for the boy to stand. “Is your father doing well?”

Milan lowered his head and knelt once more, his voice breaking into sobs. “My Lord, while my father and I were transporting ore on the mountain, we were ambushed by the Wild Boar Gang. I managed to escape, but they took my father... I have no one else to turn to but you.”

Levi’s expression instantly turned frigid. “The Wild Boar Gang? The very thing I feared has come to pass. Do not fret; I shall handle this. Return home and wait for my news.”

The encounter immediately soured Levi’s festive mood.

Once the dinner concluded, Knight Fred sought out Levi, only to find the young man’s eyes burning with murderous intent.

“The Wild Boar Gang kidnapped Toby the blacksmith. To target my own craftsman? They have incredible nerve!” Levi hissed. “Their leader is Pig, the Hog Rider. With my breathing method, those thugs should be no match for me.”