A New Path to Knighthood is the first episode of the first Chronicles of the Heroic Knight manga and first episode of 38 episodes on the Chronicles of the Heroic Knight storyline.
The episode introduces a new main character to reader; Spark, a young man from Flaim who hopes to one day become a knight.
Synopsis[]
Spark rushes to Akroyd castle where the newly selected knights are being announced, but is disappointed to learn he hasn't been selected. Ruzenan takes Spark to meet King Kashue. Ruzenan believes that Spark will one day succeed Kashue as the king of Flaim. There is no heir apparent for Kashue, therefor a successor must be chosen from the Wind tribe or the Fire tribe. Spark is the last surviving male of the latter.
In the castle Kashue introduces Spark to Parn and Deedlit. Spark is startled to meet his hero. He asks Kashue why he wasn't selected to be a knight. Kashue is angered that his judgement is questioned and he dismisses Spark. Kashue, Parn, Deedlit and Slayn discuss the current situation of Lodoss; Duke Raster of Alania has formed an alliance with Marmo and the final battle is approaching. That night during the banquet Parn and Kashue talk about Spark - they see a lot of promise in him. Outside, Spark spots a dark elf trying to enter the treasure room. Instead of sounding the alarm Spark tries to defeat the dark elf, hoping the feat will raise his chances of becoming a knight. When the dark elf turns out to have four comrades, Spark flees and shouts for help, but he's too late.
An angered Kashue sends Spark to retrieve the stolen treasure. Slayn believes a new calamity is about to befall Lodoss.