Chapter 92

Chapter 93 (92/324)

93

"…Can you really modify sword techniques?"

"The first form of Storm Sword has already been modified."

"…Hm… Can you tell me how powerful it is?"

"It's stronger. In terms of the consumption of aura, it's more efficient. Currently, I've only taught it to Leonhardt and Seline."

My words made Abel's eyes widen with urgency.

"So? What did Leonhardt say?"

"He concluded that it's much more efficient. Of course, this is compared to the original first form."

"…Hm. It's hard to believe. I know you're a talented magician, but… I didn't think it would be related to sword techniques."

Well, of course he wouldn't believe it easily.

The Storm Sword, which had been developed over centuries by thousands of knights.

I was saying that I had modified it.

It would be better to show him once than to explain a hundred times.

"Leonhardt is outside. Why don't you check it out?"

"Um… Alright."

Abel, who had left the meeting room with me, approached Leonhardt.

The two began a quiet conversation.

The conversation was not long.

"Kai."

"Yes, brother."

"Can you spar with Sir Leonhardt?"

"Of course."

It seemed that Abel wanted to experience the modified Storm Sword firsthand.

After moving to the training ground within the manor.

Leonhardt and Abel drew their swords.

"First Prince. I'm ready."

Seeing Abel nod, he took the stance I had taught him.

It was the stance of the first form.

Next.

*Bang!*

He rushed to Abel in an instant and extended his sword strike.

Five fluid movements followed.

Each strike aimed at a vital point, and Abel hurriedly blocked them.

The shock in his eyes was an added bonus.

A moment later.

Abel, who had finished the sparring, stared blankly at Leonhardt.

"…Really. It's sharper, faster, and even more powerful than the original. What's the aura consumption like?"

"About 1.5 times the original."

"…Just 1.5 times? That's hard to believe."

"Everything I said is true. I was also surprised when I saw the modified sword technique you created."

"…."

Abel's gaze naturally turned to me.

It was like a die-hard fan looking at a superstar.

It felt a bit strange to be looked at like that by a man.

Then, with a look of awe, he approached me.

"…Kai! You really created an amazing sword technique!"

"It wouldn't have been possible without the original Storm Sword. I just added some changes to the wisdom of our ancestors."

"If it were easy, the Storm Sword would have developed much more by now."

"Is it okay?"

"…It's not just okay. It felt about twice as strong. Even just the first form was hard to handle."

"That's good to hear."

"Given this… As you said, we can implement tiered training. No, it might even be possible to pass on this technique to the knights. The power of this sword technique is truly remarkable."

I immediately understood what he was saying.

He was thinking of selecting loyal and trustworthy knights to teach the modified Storm Sword.

Abel then looked at me with a mix of anticipation.

"By the way… Did you modify the second form in the same way?"

Shaking my head in response to Abel's question.

It wasn't impossible to modify, but I didn't plan to reveal everything right away.

I intended to give what could be received.

The best way to do that was to take it slowly.

For now, it was better to only reveal the first form.

"Not yet."

"…I see. The higher the level of the sword technique, the more complex it becomes, so it won't be easy. Let's start with this. Is it possible to modify the second form in the same way?"

"It's difficult to give a definite answer, but I think it's possible. However, I need to improve my level to do so."

I continued to explain that it was impossible to modify magic beyond my circle, and that the same applied to sword techniques.

Seeming to understand my explanation, he nodded.

"Alright. Then, is it possible to modify the other six basic sword techniques?"

"Yes. I've checked. I think I can modify all six to the first form."

"…."

Abel whistled at my answer.

"…Then, I have a favor to ask. Can you modify them for me?"

"Yes. I will do that. And I have a request as well…"

"Go ahead and ask."

"I want to obtain the original versions of the magic books from the 1st to 3rd circles."

"…The originals?"

"Yes. I heard that the originals sometimes contain subtleties that are missing in the copies. That's why I'm curious."

"Alright. I'll do my best to find them."

"Thank you."

"No, the modified Storm Sword you showed us this time is worth more than dozens of originals. I'm the one who should be grateful, Kai."

Indeed.

He was a man who understood the concept of give and take very well.

I thought for a moment.

Originally, I planned to only reveal the existence of the sword technique and not the technique itself.

This was something I intended to reveal when we went to Phrenus.

However, the damage from this rebellion was much greater than I expected.

If time passed, those who would show their fangs against the family would start to appear.

They would try to openly check the family.

Given the current situation, the family needed strength and hope.

'The modified Storm Sword…'

Even just the first form was incredibly useful. It would be a great asset to the family.

'I should fully reveal the first form now.'

While the family was in a dire state, I couldn't offer much in return.

But as time passed and the viscount's power recovered, they would naturally compensate me.

From what I knew of Abel, he was the type of person who would do that.

Helping someone in their time of need leaves a deep impression.

I rummaged through my magic bag and took out a book. It was the one I had given to Leonhardt earlier, which contained the aura circulation methods for each movement.

"Here you go."

"…What is this?"

"It's the sword technique manual for the Storm Sword, detailing the aura circulation methods for each movement."

Abel took the manual carefully and nodded quietly.

"…Thank you, Kai."

"No, I'll try to modify the other sword techniques as quickly as possible before we recruit more knights."

"Alright. Oh, Kai."

"Yes?"

"Father seems quite distressed."

"…That's understandable. He trusted the second brother a lot. He never imagined something like this would happen."

"Indeed. And he had to personally cut down his own child…"

"Still, Father will overcome it. After all, he's one of the three Sword Masters in the empire."

Sword Master.

That was not a rank one could achieve simply by being skilled in swordsmanship. It required a strong mind, flexible thinking, consistent effort, and, finally, talent that reached the heavens.

So, even if he was shocked, he would recover quickly.

Seeming to agree with me, Abel nodded.

"Of course, but Father is human. If someone comforts him, he might find peace of mind more quickly. Why don't you visit him when you have time?"

"Yes, I was planning to visit him today."

"Good. Thank you."

After parting ways with Abel.

I immediately headed to the office in the manor.

*Knock knock.*

After knocking lightly on the door.

As I entered, I saw Remton sorting through documents. Despite having personally cut down his son, he had immediately resumed his duties.

Whether it was due to his sense of responsibility as the head of the family or his strong mental fortitude, I couldn't tell.

In any case, the viscount was silently handling his tasks.

He then looked at me.

"…Kai?"

"Yes, Father. It's me. Are you busy?"

"…No, sit down."

After two cups of fragrant tea were placed.

"…What brings you here?"

"I came to check on you. I was worried."

Remton smiled bitterly at my words.

"Recently, I've really felt that you've grown up."

"I'll be an adult in three years."

"Already? I'm fine."

In his eyes, I saw a steel-like resolve.

After taking a sip of tea, the viscount looked at me quietly. He seemed to be thinking, fiddling with his teacup.

Then he asked a question.

"…By the way, Kai."

"Yes?"

"Did you… know that Adolph would do something like this?"

Why did he suddenly ask this?

It wasn't hard to deduce.

The conversation we had before the succession ceremony.

And the magic I cast when Adolph attacked.

He must have thought about these things.

And realized that the magic was.

'I had prepared it in advance.'

So, it was better to reveal some of the truth. It would be better than giving a clumsy lie.

Our eyes met.

"At first, it was a feeling."

"…A feeling?"

"Yes. Whenever I saw the second brother, I had a bad feeling. And… the spirit of Ersel told me something."

I began to explain the situation simply.

From the evil aura to the fact that Adolph was controlling the troops.

The viscount, who had been listening quietly, asked me.

"…Did you have a reason for not telling me this?"

"I thought that if I told you, you would take serious action. If that had happened, the rebellion wouldn't have occurred during the succession ceremony."

Continuing to Remton, who was silent.

"Your reaction, the situation of the troops around us. After considering many factors, I thought they believed they had a good chance of success. The hidden forces. I thought that the best time to eliminate them was right then. That's why I didn't tell you."

"…."

Remton, who had been silent, nodded quietly.

He must have understood what I was saying.

"I have one more question."

"Yes, go ahead."

"…When you realized it. Was Adolph… already… too far gone?"

The evil aura that made my body shiver.

A person carrying such a heavy evil aura was, of course, too far gone.

Remton.

He couldn't have been unaware of this fact.

"…I believe it started ten years ago. If he had carried such a heavy aura for so long, there was no way to turn it back."

"…."

"…So, I want to say that your decision was right. It was a judgment for the family. If I were in your position, I would have cut down the second brother too."

Remton didn't give any answer.

Silence filled the office for a while.

A moment later.

He put down his teacup and looked at me.

"…Thank you, Kai."

I hope my comfort helps.

He's a strong person, both in appearance and in spirit, so he will likely recover well.

We silently drank our tea.

After a brief tea time.

I left the office and started heading to the annex. Without the traitor who sharpened his sword, my heart felt so much lighter and happier!

It felt like scratching an itchy spot on the back of my head.

'What I need to do first…'

Is to restore the family's strength.

With almost half of the knights and soldiers, who are the backbone of the family, gone, I need to boost the family's power as much as possible before moving to Phrenus.

The modified sword technique.

A new way to select knights.

And finally, the investment opportunities that are about to skyrocket.

I planned to share the knowledge I had with Abel and maintain a close relationship.

Of course, it wouldn't be free.

I intended to use my influence after establishing the magic tower to my advantage.

Houdini, the Viscount of the Eastern Magic Tower.

Unlike Adolph, who was just a high-ranking knight, this guy was a real monster, worthy of the title "Heavenly Demon."

If he starts to draw power like Adolph did, it will be a headache.

I might need to send an SOS to the viscount and Abel if things get out of hand.

It was a kind of investment for that time.

While thinking about this, I returned to the annex.

'What is this?'

I saw five people standing in front of the annex.

Who are they?

Activating one of the 1st circle spells, Eagle Eye, their faces gradually became clear.

They were the five gladiators who had immediately tried to escape as soon as the rebellion broke out.