Clomp. Clomp.

A lone traveler walked across the plains, following a carriage road. He wore light leather armor and carried a single bundle slung over his shoulder. From a distance, he looked like a typical adventurer.

But up close, the impression shifted. His face was unscarred, his hands soft and clean—not someone used to rough labor. Not exactly handsome either. Just… average in every sense.

Most passersby would assume the same thing: some village headman’s son, driven by wanderlust, finally decided to step out into the big bad world.

But the remaining one-in-ten—those with a trained eye for martial skill—would notice something different.

His stride was too steady. Each step applied the same even force, maintaining perfect balance through his whole upper body. Beneath the baggy clothes, one could catch glimpses of a body honed by constant training. And most telling of all…

The longsword at his waist.