Chapter 16
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 16
Eisen’s explanation didn't end there.
“It’s not just your potential that’s extraordinary. Even at the same level of mastery, the purity of your physical vessel is different from other knights. Consequently, the effects of mana reinforcement will be far greater for you. You’ll be able to utilize a larger quantity of mana at a much higher density.”
“Does that mean I could hold the upper hand even against a knight at the same level as me?”
“At first, it might only be a slight advantage, but eventually, you will develop enough to face two opponents of the same rank simultaneously. In time, you might even be able to compete on equal footing with those at a higher stage than yourself.”
Lucian swallowed hard at the unexpected revelation.
When he first began learning the Lion Heart Sword, he hadn't dared to hope for this much. He would have been satisfied simply stepping into the realm of the truly strong—a realm he had failed to reach in his past life. Even that would have earned him more than enough recognition from the world.
There was also the practical reality that he couldn't focus solely on swordsmanship if he wanted to prepare for the future. But to think he could aim beyond the level of a Sword Saint...
I want to see it.
Beyond mere ambition, his heart as a swordsman pounded with excitement. It would be a lie to say otherwise. At the same time, however, Eisen’s earlier words weighed on his mind.
“But what did you mean when you told me to give up the position of successor? Is it impossible to balance my swordsmanship with my lessons as an heir?”
“Well, that is...”
Eisen trailed off, hesitating for a long moment. Lucian waited in silence until, finally, a deep sigh escaped the old knight’s lips.
“Third Young Master, look at me.”
“Pardon?”
“Look at this face. What do you see?”
The old knight spoke as he ran a hand over his own face. Taken aback by the sudden question, Lucian scanned the man’s features with a look of bewilderment. What did he see? Nothing but wrinkles.
“Ah.”
“I see you understand now.”
Eisen gave a bitter smile as he saw the realization dawn on Lucian.
“I am old, Third Young Master. Thanks to a body purified through mana circulation, I am quite healthy for my age... but lately, I feel that my time is running short.”
He’s right.
In his past life, Sword Saint Eisen had died eight years from now. Considering he had lived three years past a century and passed away without suffering from illness, it was a peaceful passing if ever there was one.
But eight years is too short a time to raise a successor to a Sword Saint.
The higher the stairs, the longer it took to climb. For someone of the Sword Saint's caliber, the knowledge to be passed down to a disciple would be mountainous. Even if he spent every waking hour for the next eight years teaching his techniques, it was uncertain if Lucian could absorb it all. Factoring in the time a disciple would inevitably spend stuck or lost during their growth, the window felt even narrower.
“If I am to pass everything on while I am still alive, the remaining time is insufficient. It goes without saying that you wouldn't have time to compete with the other young masters as well.”
“I understand what you’re saying.”
Lucian closed his eyes and fell into thought.
The successor to the Sword Saint. It was certainly an alluring prospect. If the world were destined for eternal peace, he would have thrown away the position of heir immediately to devote himself to the sword. It was far better to be the sole successor of a Sword Saint than to bicker with his brothers for decades.
The problem is that an age of chaos is approaching.
Lucian had seen the world turn upside down with his own eyes. The Emperor’s power became nominal, and powerful men everywhere declared themselves kings. There were many factions, like Hugo’s, that rose up relying solely on strength without any legitimate authority.
However, most of them were branded as pretenders and suffered from constant challenges. The reason was simple: their authority lacked legitimacy.
There was a world of difference between killing to avenge one’s parents and killing for no reason at all. The pretenders, ignorant of this fact, enjoyed their brief moments of glory only to pay the price soon after. Power gained without legitimacy meant that others could take it away without justification, and no one would see it as a flaw.
Insurrections and assassinations became daily occurrences. The balance of power shifted constantly.
Only a few monarchs with proper justification and legitimacy managed to rule their territories with stability. Back then, Lucian realized just how important legitimacy was. He learned that even if one could conquer the world, it wouldn't last without a rightful cause.
Securing various forms of legitimacy was an essential step in preparing for the coming turmoil. And yet, he was being asked to officially renounce his claim as the successor of House Valdek—a family carrying the blood of the imperial family—all for the sake of the sword? To give up a "legitimacy generator" that could leverage both the Valdek name and the Imperial name?
Absolutely not.
While the title of Sword Saint was tempting, the cost of giving up his claim was far too high. Regrettably, he had no choice but to refuse Eisen’s proposal.
“I am sorry. I wish to remain a Valdek, first and foremost.”
“Ah...”
A groan escaped the old knight at the indirect rejection. Lucian could feel the man’s profound regret at having missed his final chance.
“If that is your wish, then it cannot be helped. This old man’s greed must have been excessive.”
“I am ashamed to decline such a generous offer.”
“No, do not be. In truth, with your talent, you could likely aim for the title of Sword Saint in a few decades even without me. I only forced the choice upon you because of my own selfish desire to leave something behind with my own hands.”
“....”
“How unsightly of me. I wonder what I was doing in my youth to be making such a fuss in my old age. A sprout is destined to grow into a great tree even without my interference. Hahaha.”
The weak laughter stung Lucian’s ears. Despite his words, the shock of having his newfound hope crushed was clearly significant. After a moment of deliberation, Lucian looked at Eisen.
“I have one thing to ask. Even if it isn't me, what would you do if there were another candidate with the potential to become a great disciple?”
“...?”
The Sword Saint blinked at the unexpected suggestion.
Lucian’s proposal was simple. Within the next two years, he would find and bring someone with talent far exceeding his own.
—It will take some time, but I will bring someone so brilliant that they will more than make up for those two years. A disciple worthy of carrying on Sword Saint Eisen’s legacy for centuries to come.
—I am grateful for the sentiment alone.
—I mean every word. I will find them.
—If you say so, I shall wait. But I feel apologetic for causing you such worry.
Eisen had laughed it off, not taking Lucian’s words too seriously. How could such a talent be found so easily? Lucian himself possessed a talent seen once in centuries; to find someone even greater was unthinkable. He merely dismissed it as a kind gesture meant to comfort him.
However, unlike Eisen’s assumption, Lucian was dead serious.
The Sword Demon should be somewhere near Kelheim around now.
Felix the Sword Demon. He was the same age as Lucian, and they had briefly crossed paths as mercenaries. He was a handsome man with delicate features who was often teased for his looks. But that teasing usually stopped very quickly.
On the battlefield, Felix’s skill with a blade was nothing short of monstrous.
Even renowned knights couldn't last more than a few exchanges against Felix’s sword.
The shocking part was that Felix’s sword techniques were low-tier, similar to Lucian’s. Even though his opponents were several times more efficient at mana reinforcement, Felix overwhelmed them with pure technique. He had even been known to copy parts of techniques he had only seen once on the spot.
Even those who were initially jealous eventually lost their words in awe. If Lucian was the one blessed with a divine body, Felix was the one with a divine sense for combat. For the reincarnated Lucian, Felix was the number one talent to recruit before he became famous.
The problem was that Felix’s whereabouts before becoming a mercenary were unclear. All Lucian knew was that Felix would begin his mercenary career the following winter in the small town of Vindeln. Since he didn't know his current location, there was no way to bring him in yet.
I feel bad for making Sir Eisen wait for over a year, but it can't be helped.
“Still, thank you. It doesn't feel bad to know the Third Young Master cares for me so much.”
Fortunately, Eisen seemed to be in better spirits, a smile returning to his face. Even if he thought it was just a consolation, he seemed touched by Lucian’s sincerity.
“Now, let us end this old man’s grumbling here. Regardless of the choice you’ve made, my job is to teach you the sword.”
As Eisen’s gaze turned serious, Lucian nodded and corrected his posture. The real training was about to begin.
“My third brother has been selected as a new candidate for the succession?”
“Yes, Young Master.”
Joshua frowned at the servant’s report. Joshua was already at a disadvantage in the competition due to his age. To think his third brother, who had been quiet until now, would join the fray.
“This is maddening. What on earth changed his mind after all this time?”
His other two brothers probably wouldn't take it seriously. They had already built up their factions and were likely certain that Lucian’s abilities wouldn't match theirs. But for Joshua, who had yet to fully solidify his foundation, this was a critical blow. It meant another option had been added for the knights who hadn't yet become confidants of the two eldest brothers.
It was obvious that everyone would now be busy weighing Lucian against Joshua.
“Dammit. He really is no help at all. Would it kill him to just stay tucked away and lend his younger brother a hand?”
“Is there really a need to worry? Even if the Third Young Master jumps into the race now after putting in zero effort all this time...”
“Who said I was afraid of that fool of a brother? The problem is that the people I’ve gathered are starting to waver!”
“I-I’m sorry!”
Joshua’s words grew harsh at his subordinate’s failure to grasp the point. After calming his boiling temper, Joshua looked at the situation objectively.
It wouldn't matter if he had only shown his pathetic side, but the fact that he recently got the better of Jordi is the problem.
In Joshua’s eyes, it was nothing more than a fluke—a random action that happened to work out. Lucian, who had never known how to get angry, had simply snapped, and Jordi had made a fool of himself because he didn't know how to react.
The headache, however, was that to everyone else, it looked like Lucian had planned the whole thing meticulously. In the worst-case scenario, decent talents might fall for the rumors and line up behind Lucian instead of Joshua.
I need to strip away Lucian’s gilding as soon as possible.
Once Lucian’s shallow true nature was exposed, everyone would come to their senses. The nonsense about him hiding his claws would disappear. The only question was how to strip away that facade. Since Lucian was now an official participant in the succession race, causing him direct physical harm was strictly forbidden.
“Wait, what did you say my third brother is doing right now?”
“H-he is at the training grounds learning the Lion Heart Sword from Sir Eisen. Just as you did before, Young Master.”
A thought flashed through Joshua’s mind like lightning. He stood up and shouted.
“I need to head to the training grounds. Fetch two well-sharpened swords.”
“Pardon? Do you mean real swords?”
“Yes. Not wooden training swords, but real swords used for actual combat.”
Joshua smirked as he looked toward the training grounds.
“As the younger brother who learned the technique first, I should help my brother with his training.”