Chapter 1: A Holy Knight? No, I'm a Sexual Knight!

——How did it come to this?!?!

In a spacious room adorned with luxurious decorations, a silver-haired girl gazed out the window, and a young man knelt before her.

"Nice to meet you, Saint-sama. My name is Ars, and starting today, I shall serve as your guardian knight."

"Is that so?"

"I look forward to working with you."

"…………"

Bad News Yours Truly has been mistaken for a Holy Knight and appointed as the Saint's guard.

Furthermore, it appears that if I were to confess right now that I am not, in fact, a Holy Knight, my head would be sent flying without delay.

What the hell am I supposed to do?

◇◆◇

"Man~ I wanna get laid~"

I, Ars, was just a somewhat good-looking guy born in a mediocre village.

The village was populated entirely by elderly geezers and biddies; every day was the exact same routine, devoid of any stimulation whatsoever. The villagers, who desired stagnation, never really got along with me and my thirst for adventure.

Occasionally, a bard would visit the village.

That was my only joy—my everything.

Tales of adventure where Heroes, Holy Knights, Saints, and Sages defeated the Demon Lord. Stories of instantly felling powerful demons and thrashing hordes of monsters.

A true Hero who triumphs over the Demon Lord without a single sacrifice.

I longed to be an existence like that.

Even if I couldn't be a Hero, I thought I’d leave the village one day and live as an adventurer.

And yeah, maybe I harbored some crappy desire to make a decent living and build a harem of beauties. Actually, scratch that—I definitely harbored that desire. Massive amounts of it.

I trained for the coming day, even taking weird lessons from a braggart old man who called himself a Sword Saint... I did anything and everything to get stronger.

All for the sake of—

——The Class Granting.

For this very day.

The Class Granting is a ritual where one receives a Class from God upon turning fifteen. The benefits are immeasurable; depending on the Class, one can gain heightened physical abilities and special powers known as Skills.

It is said that the human who defeated the Demon Lord that once plunged the world into chaos was granted the Hero Class by God.

I wasn't asking for the moon.

I just wanted a class useful for combat. But reality is harsh.

——It was Sexual Knight. That was my Class.

"What the hell is a Sexual Knight!! Change it! Change my Class right now, you Shitty God!!"

I howled. Of course I howled.

What do you mean, Sexual Knight? I'll beat you to a pulp, seriously.

It's one character different! It’s supposed to be Sei (Holy), not Sei (Sex)!

(T/N: Seikishi(聖騎士/性騎士), the difference is the first kanji’s structure Sei(性) for sexual, and Sei(聖) for Holy but spelled and read in a same way)

Because I screamed this in a large, crowded church in the big city where I’d gone for the ceremony—

"——What?! A Holy Knight, you say?! This is a grave matter! We must notify Church Headquarters immediately! A Holy Knight for the first time in two hundred years!! WOAAHH!!!"

"Wait a sec!! You've got it wrong!! WRONG!!! It’s not Holy, it’s the filthy kind!!"

I mean, in a way, it might be sacred...

I was in such a state of panic that my thoughts descended into that kind of garbage logic.

Maybe my filthy desires manifested as a Class.

But still, a Sexual Knight? Really?!

Is this a pun? That’s not funny at all.

——And that bastard didn't listen to a word I said and reported me to Church Headquarters as a Holy Knight.

Now that it’s come to this, there’s no turning back.

Regardless of the truth, I would be executed for falsifying my Class.

Falsifying a Class is a meaningless act to begin with, and a serious crime considered a betrayal of God.

...Wait, I screamed "Shitty God" at the top of my lungs, but they ignored that part? Lucky they didn't hear it, I guess.

But seriously, it's already a felony, but if it gets out that I lied about being a Holy Knight—a historically super-important Class—I am utterly screwed.

"Actually... won't I get busted the moment they say 'Show us your skills'? What the hell is a Sexual Knight's skill anyway? Shit."

Hiding in the corner of the ecstatic venue, I opened my status.

A list of abilities that only the individual can see once a Class is granted—that is the Status.

"Status."

――――――

Sexual Knight

Lv. 1

Class Skills

〈Sexual Shield (Holy Shield) I〉

Normal Skills

〈Swordsmanship VII〉〈Shield Arts III〉〈Mana Control VIII〉〈Physical Enhancement V〉

――――――

Class Skills are abilities usable because of the granted Class.

Normal Skills are skills anyone can acquire regardless of Class, the crystallization of my eight years of effort.

"Swordsmanship is Level 7? Surprisingly, that braggart old geezer's training actually meant something..."

Now, the problem is the Class Skill...

――――――

〈Sexual Shield (Holy Shield)〉 ...Manifests a shield that blocks all damage by consuming sexual desire.

*Durability of the shield varies based on skill level, amount of sexual desire consumed, and quality of sexual desire.

――――――

"Why is it kinda like a Holy Knight's skill?!!!"

I screamed with all my might, but naturally, there was no one there to play the straight man to my retort.

◇◆◇

The following two days were peaceful.

The entire village was overjoyed that a Holy Knight (Misunderstanding) had emerged from their poor hamlet, and a celebratory banquet was held by the whole village.

Since they held a party... I couldn't say it!!

When they celebrated me with such happy faces, even tearing up, there was no way I could say, "Um, my actual Class is... Sexual Knight." Think about the morality of it!

"W-Well, there hasn't been any news since then, so maybe I can just live normally...?"

The very next day after I had that thought.

"——Holy Knight Ars-sama. My name is Mei, and I have been granted the Class of Black Knight. I have come to request that your power be put to use for the Royal Capital."

A female knight named Mei, clad in jet-black armor and carrying a pitch-black greatsword, raided the front of my house.

——Black Knight.

If I recall, it's a superior Knight Class specialized in offense. It is said that the truly strong ones can split mountains.

Simply put, it’s the attack-specialized version of a Holy Knight.

...However, as evident from her tone, the status of the Holy Knight—a Class that belonged to the Hero's party that saved the world—is higher, ranking above the Black Knight.

Honestly, having someone far stronger than me kneeling... feels kinda good...! Even though my Class is Sexual Knight! Even though it sounds like a Class that would defile people rather than protect them!

"Sigh. Um, is there a 'I refuse' option or something?"

"You cannot. This is a Royal Decree."

"Is that so... Then I'll go..."

Refusing is basically like being threatened with Death!

Royal Decree = Order from the King. As a citizen of this country, I can't go against it. I'm weak to authority, okay?

As I nodded reluctantly, I felt the woman behind the helmet react slightly.

...Did I just buy some ill will?

I can tell from the voice it's a woman, but the full-body black armor hides her expression, which is scary.

If she's a stupidly hot beauty inside, I'll forgive everything, though.

"...Then, let us depart immediately. The carriage is already prepared."

"Eh, time to pack my bags...?"

"All daily necessities have been prepared."

"What about mementos and stuff?"

"Do you have any?"

"As if to say I've walked a shallow life with absolutely no memories worth keeping!!"

"I did not say that."

Damn, I can't get a read on her.

Even when I tried to joke around to probe her true intentions, she was too much of an iron mask. Literally.

"Ah, then let me just bring my sword."

"We have weapons prepared as well."

"I can handle something I'm used to better, plus it was a present from my Master. I can't just leave it behind."

"...Understood."

Oh, finally got an opinion through.

Well, honestly, I didn't need anything other than the sword, and I didn't want to haul a bunch of luggage to the capital anyway.

Having gained approval, I slid the rugged longsword leaning nearby into my belt.

Apparently, it's a sword my self-proclaimed Sword Saint Master used long ago.

He was always screaming about having no money, so I doubt it's a masterpiece or anything, but it never breaks and handles well, so I love using it.

"That sword is..."

"Hmm?"

"...No, let us go."

The woman showed a momentary reaction upon seeing my sword, but she immediately averted her gaze and began walking.

...Despite that heavy equipment, her body movements are efficient, and her movement is smooth and silent.

She wouldn't have reached that level without undergoing training so grueling she must have sweat blood.

She isn't a Black Knight just for show, huh.

Master did say that guys who neglect effort just because of their Class are the weakest.

Effort might not always pay off, but it will never betray you.

"Uhh... Mei-san? Are there no other people?"

"Honorifics are unnecessary. There is no one other than the coachman. There is no merit in allocating personnel for a mission that is simply transporting you to the Capital."

"True."

Ehhh~~!! Being alone in a carriage with this iron mask is super awkward~~!!

I can already see us traveling without a single spark of conversation.

It takes about two days to the Capital by carriage, meaning we have to camp out, and doing that in silence is practically lethal.

"This way, please."

"Ah, yes."

I was guided into the carriage.

It looked quite luxurious on the outside, but the inside wasn't all that special—just a normal carriage feel.

...The seats are hard, too. If your core isn't trained, your body will be wrecked by this.

I glanced at Mei, but her expression remained hidden by the helmet.

If I talk to her, she replies, but everything is business-like and incredibly cold.

The carriage began to move.

A profound silence filled the air.

"...By the way, what am I supposed to do in the Capital?"

"I will speak of it after we arrive at the Capital and you have an audience with His Majesty."

"Umm, I don't know anything about etiquette or manners."

"If you respond with a minimum level of polite language, there will be no problem."

I'm grateful for the words, but everything is cold as absolute zero...

Desperate to peel off Mei's iron mask somehow, I decided to switch to personal questions.

"How old are you, Mei?"

"21 years old."

"Do you have a fiancé?"

"I do not."

"Hobbies?"

"Nothing in particular."

"Weight?"

"56 kg."

She answers everything.

She hides nothing. You should hide that part. I'm starting to feel guilty over here.

No... but the theory that the person inside is a relatively stylish beautiful girl is emerging, and I'm getting a little hyped...

I was granted Sexual Knight, so I have more worldly desires than the average person. Obviously.

Hmm... something... some question.

Ah, right.

"You're left-handed, right? And Ancient God Style?"

"...! May I ask... how did you know?"

Finally, I saw some agitation.

Fuffuffu... not that it's anything to brag about.

"Body movement. It's perfect, but your center of gravity is slightly shifted. And if I consider the conditions that Ancient God Style uses greatswords and can be used by those of small stature weighing under 65kg. No matter how much physical ability a Class gives you, there are schools you can and can't use based on physique."

"...Is that so?"

After a short silence, Mei nodded.

Then, abruptly, she told the coachman to stop the carriage.

We were in a grassland area far from the village.

"Umm...?"

"Please get out."

I didn't know what she was thinking, but I followed instructions and got out of the carriage.

Mei got out too—and immediately drew the greatsword from her back and assumed a stance.

"It seems you are no ordinary person."

"Ohh... why are you pointing a weapon at me? Am I getting murdered?"

Let's wait a second, let's calm down.

Haven't we humans solved things with words, not fists...? Or maybe not.

As I exposed my doubt and panic, Mei spoke with utter calm.

"I have been assigned two tasks. One, to bring the Holy Knight. Two, to ascertain if the person granted the Class is truly a Holy Knight. Please rest assured. I will go easy on you."

"No, there's no merit in faking a Class, right?! If caught, it's prison at best, execution at worst!!"

"They exist. In this world, there are those who desire the honor of a Holy Knight, mere Knights who claim to be Holy Knights."

"So you're suspecting me."

I aloofly sensed what Mei wanted to say.

——You're right! You're right! Because I'm totally lying right now! Bad bad bad, she's too spot on. I can't even argue.

...Seriously, if I'm exposed, I'll be executed.

I was keeping up appearances on the surface, but my back was drenched in sweat.

I am currently standing at the crossroads of life.

"My mission is to bring the Holy Knight. Prove right here and now that you are a Holy Knight."

An aura cold enough to freeze emanated from Mei as she held her greatsword.

She is an undeniable powerhouse. She said she'd go easy, but if I don't prove I'm a Holy Knight quickly, I'm definitely getting sliced in half.

——But I'm a Sexual Knight.

☆☆☆

『...Say, Ars. Why do you make fatal mistakes at the most crucial moments despite having so much talent...? Distractions. Your distractions are terrible, you know. You're the type who talks in his brain constantly. That's annoying.』

『What do you want me to do?!! And how do you know!!』

The old man swinging a sword with arms as thin as withered trees.

My self-proclaimed Sword Saint Master said that to me with a troubled face. Why does he know what's in my heart?

Yeah, I talk a lot in my brain. Even during a fight, I'm spewing relatively useless thoughts.

『Indeed, distractions can sometimes be hints for battle. However, that is truly rare, and mostly it is garbage. I won't tell you to eliminate thought, but recite thoughts that aren't distracted.』

『That's some vague advice, hey!』

☆☆☆

...Hah!

Close one, I somehow regained consciousness.

"Your sword skill seems to be superior to mine, but—your technique regarding combat, your way of fighting itself, is noticeably rough."

"Could you stop analyzing me calmly? I'm getting beat up over here."

"If you claim to be a Holy Knight, please use your Class Skill. You should naturally understand how to use it the moment you are granted the Class."

...I told you, I'm a Sexual Knight.

Dammit, I knew it, but she's incredibly strong.

Her way of fighting is so skillful that sword proficiency doesn't even matter.

The difference in experience between us is glaring, considering I've only ever fought my Master.

The proof is that I can't remove Mei's iron mask or scratch her armor, while I'm becoming like a tattered, shriveled, stinking rag.

I made a face like I'd chewed a bitter bug.

I sort of understand how to use the Sexual Knight skill. But the crucial part—

――――――

〈Sexual Shield (Holy Shield)〉 ...Manifests a shield that blocks all damage by consuming sexual desire.

*Durability of the shield varies based on skill level, amount of sexual desire consumed, and quality of sexual desire.

――――――

——What does "consuming sexual desire" mean?!

I don't understand the true nature of this thing, so I hesitate to use it.

What happens if I consume my sexual desire?

Does sexual desire recover, or is it consumed permanently?

That's a problem!!

Sexual desire is my very identity, you know?!

If it disappears, I won't be me anymore.

"Guh...!"

I blocked Mei's greatsword attack by a hair's breadth.

A strike far too heavy. Even holding back, this weight is insane. Even if levels are different, to think it's this much...!

Forcibly parrying the attack, I took some distance.

Then, Mei declared with a grim expression.

"...Then, I will use a high-power skill. Evading is impossible. If you do not use your Class Skill——you will die."

"——Tch!"

In an instant, tremendous bloodlust and intimidation burst forth.

Mei raised her greatsword.

Swirling mana and black light gradually gathered in the blade.

Even an amateur could tell.

If I take that, I die. I will die.

Moreover, the effective range must be extremely wide. It's certain that no matter where I dodge, it will hit.

What am I supposed to do?

"Ah, geez! I'll do it then!!"

I'm counting on you, unseen Sexual Knight. I trust you... and my sexual desire!!

A half-hearted shield will undoubtedly be blown away in a second.

Mei, running out of patience with me for not showing my skill, was trying to kill me for real.

——What I pour in is every last drop of my lust.

"Take it, you thief! Dammit!"

"——!"

Mei flinched slightly seeing me hold up a hand in front of my eyes. Ignoring her, I screamed the skill name.

"Holy Shield!!!"

Ah, uh... eh?

The sensation of something inside my body being forcibly drawn out and released externally.

Hot—feeling that sensation for the last time, my consciousness cut out.

《Extra Skill Lustful Sword Demon has activated.》

◇◆◇

Side Mei

——The atmosphere changed.

The boy named Ars.

His sword technique is eye-opening, but he uses absolutely no skills as a Holy Knight.

He has talent. He has absurd talent, which makes killing him terribly regrettable.

There is no need to hesitate to use a skill when faced with a crisis of life. Even more so if he is a Holy Knight.

Being this reluctant is proof that the boy is not a Holy Knight.

...What a pity.

If he underwent proper training in the Capital, he could easily surpass me. If he learned how to fight, promotion would be no dream.

Including the observational power to see through my school and dominant hand, killing him here yields no profit.

However, the law is absolute.

Especially the crime of impersonating a Holy Knight is heavy. The Hero's party's Classes are deified to the point that immediate execution is permitted.

"I do not wish to kill you, but... it cannot be helped."

I muttered beneath my mask.

Normally, this is not a technique that requires such charging time. Proof that I am hesitating to kill the boy.

——However, I must do it... Just as I looked forward.

With an expression half-desperate, the boy shouted.

"〈Holy Shield〉!!!"

——! Could that be...!!!

A shining wall appeared before the boy's eyes.

——That technique is...!!

Discarding my hesitation, I unleashed the technique.

"〈Chaos Blade〉."

——ZUGAGAGA!!!

The destruction carrying the dark magic gathered in the greatsword gouged out the earth as it headed toward the boy——and vanished upon being blocked by the shining wall.

"This is the power of a Holy Knight..."

Although I didn't use my full mana, this was a blow imbued with the power of a Black Knight Lv. 78.

A skill of a mediocre Class would shatter into dust without even stopping it. That is how terrifying this skill is.

And he——stopped it. That boy did.

Just as I felt a faint relief and moved to lower my greatsword——at that instant.

——Kakin!

"——! Y-Your power is already clear to me. Any more is unnecessary."

"——You fire a technique one-sidedly, and say that? I don't think so."

...His demeanor is completely different from moments ago!

A twisted grin. The boy swinging his sword lightly as if testing something was——simply enjoying the battle.

"Fufufu, fufufu... Here I go."

"——Fast?!"

Sword strikes rained down.

Technique——specifically his way of fighting, had become several tiers... no, far more skillful than before.

The nastiness of accurately striking openings. Aiming for the intervals when I adjusted my breathing or stance, intentionally disrupting the tempo of the attack.

"Kuh..."

My salvation is that the boy is Lv. 1.

Thanks to that, each individual attack is not that heavy. Even so, there is an abnormality that one cannot think comes from a normal Lv. 1.

"Ah... the world is beautiful! Why don't we stop fighting and talk about world peace?"

"——! You were the one who attacked...! ...Do not underestimate me...! 〈Black Waltz〉!"

"Originally, the one who suspected and tried to kill me was you, though?"

A Class Skill that raises physical abilities.

A skill earned by making a name as a Black Knight.

Even if technique cannot catch up, he should be helpless if I perform an area attack with immense destructive power.

A black aura wrapped around my body.

Seeing this, the boy smirked and muttered something—

"Tch, guah——!!"