Chapter 23
Chapter 23
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: On the Road to the Capital (2)
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Alfred initially looked reluctant.
"Young Master. What do you mean? You want to sleep in a separate room alone? Especially when those thugs are gunning for you."
"There's a reason for it. Trust me just this once and let's take separate rooms."
"How could I? I'm here to protect you. I can't possibly leave you alone."
"What if it's for real combat experience?"
"Pardon?"
I couldn't tell him the kidnappers were villains from the Crimson Blood Cult.
So I came up with another reason.
And it wasn't baseless, either.
"We've sparred plenty, but you've never seen real action, right? Think of this as your chance. Besides, how strong can those small-time crooks be? Perfect practice dummies."
"Hmm... Your silver tongue is as sharp as ever, Young Master."
"Thanks. So, what's it gonna be?"
"Haa."
Alfred let out a heavy sigh and nodded.
"Very well. You're to become a swordsman in your own right. I won't stand in your way."
"Thanks."
"They say lions push their cubs off cliffs. Never thought the cub would leap off willingly."
"That's how lions roll these days."
With that, I sent Alfred and Cobson to another room.
Left alone, I pulled out the fountain pen my father had given me.
The kidnappers targeting me hadn't shown up yet.
Nothing to do until they arrived, so might as well chat with my sister.
[What're you up to?]
I scribble the sentence across the paper with the fountain pen.
A reply comes back almost immediately, like she was waiting.
[Playing the ocarina.]
[Again?]
[Why. Oppa's not here. But I can smell Oppa from it.]
[Not a puppy or anything... I'm starting to worry about my little sister's kinks.]
[Kinks?]
[Stuff that gets you excited. Anyway, anything fun happen today?]
[Fun?]
The writing pauses there for a moment.
Ariel seems to mull it over before replying.
[Dad talked to me.]
[O? What'd he say?]
[Did you eat well?]
[I'm so touched I'm tearing up. Our family finally has days like this.]
[Oppa cries all the time. You'll dehydrate.]
[I'll replenish with my sister's love. What'd you say back?]
[Yeah.]
[Good. Well done.]
I chuckle to myself at the silly back-and-forth.
I'd never admit it out loud, but I'd always hoped my father and sister could get closer.
If they could bridge the gap even a little now, it'd be great.
[Oppa.]
[Yeah?]
[No danger, right? No one bothering you?]
[Of course not. I'm fine—can't even sleep.]
[I don't need to come?]
[Nah. Our little lady can stretch out and snooze.]
[I always stretch out.]
[I see. Stretch harder then.]
She doesn't get idioms yet.
As we chat and laugh, I suddenly sense presences.
'They're here.'
Two flanking the door. Three in the hall.
They think they're hidden well, but it's sloppy. The moment I sensed them, they failed.
Besides, I have eyes.
The special eyes Yoru taught me.
My eyes that see the Flow of All Things pick up the unnatural flows outside.
[Gonna sleep now, Oppa.]
[Night.]
[Okay.]
I tuck away the pen and grip my sword.
Walk naturally to the door, like I haven't noticed a thing.
The flows in my vision warp further. They're drawing weapons.
I open the door.
Bang!
"Wha—"
The instant I'm out, I ready my sword.
The two by the door, caught off guard, fumble for their weapons too late.
Too slow.
My blade is already drawn.
Fierce Tiger Strike Sword
(First Form)
Tiger Chain Revolving Flash
I carve a wide arc, slashing one foe deep.
No telltale aura hum.
I held it back on purpose.
These guys didn't warrant it.
"Gaaah!"
The foe crumples without reacting.
Not a deep wound.
Not out of mercy.
No need to go all out here.
The other lunges late.
Futile.
Fierce Tiger Strike Sword is for offense.
If it stopped at one slash, why bother?
Slash!
My body traces another circle, felling him too.
Fierce Tiger Strike Sword, First Form: Tiger Chain Revolving Flash.
One arc for the first strike, then a full circle for the second.
This technique downed two in a row.
"What the—! That bastard!"
"He's strong! Don't let your guard down!"
Two kidnappers charge, howling.
They figured I couldn't move right after attacking.
Aiming from both sides. Block one, the other breaks through.
In their minds, the toughest defense for me right now.
Impressive tactic for street rats.
But far from impossible for me.
Azure Dragon Soaring Sword
(First Form)
Coiling Dragon Flow Wall
No dragon roar from aura this time either.
No matter.
This was plenty for trash like them.
"Damn—"
Their faces twist as they rush me.
They see it'll end with my blade. Future sense kicking in.
But too late.
They charged assuming I couldn't react.
That confidence seals their fate.
Slash!
"Gaaah!"
The kidnappers fly back screaming.
Shallow cuts.
Didn't go deep.
The last one waiting looks strongest.
Better save some strength.
Thud. Thud.
They slam into the inn wall and pass out.
'Whew.'
I catch my breath, steadying myself.
Wasn't shaking visibly, but a bit inside.
Lots of practice swings at people, but first life-or-death fight.
Worried my modern soul might freeze me up.
Not at all.
My body thrummed like a fish in water.
Crystal clear now.
'This guy's a monster.'
Kline Leonhart.
The tragic genius driven mad by jealousy and inferiority toward his sister in the original.
But his talent? Second-best in the world.
If only his mindset matched. What a waste.
"Impressive."
The last one.
The apparent leader grips his sword loosely.
He closes in half-steps, smirking.
The scar on his mouth twists.
"Looks under fifteen. And that swordplay's no joke. That's an aura technique, right?"
"Thanks. I don't mind flattery."
"But you're still green. No aura, and you held back on killing blows. Scared of blood, huh."
He grins wider.
His demonic sneer grows as he nears.
"Think that'll make you a famed swordsman? Huh? Little lordling."
"Not your concern."
"Why not? Swordsmen gotta get used to killing and dying. I know."
No aura to conserve strength.
No kills needed.
Not like I'm some saint.
"Brats like you."
His body tenses.
Here it comes.
The flow shows his lunge.
"Freeze up when it's time to really kill."
Bang!
He springs.
"Your body locks!"
His stance is wide open.
All-in attack, reckless.
He'll hurt himself too.
But his eyes burn with certainty.
Believes I won't cut him down.
Reason's in his words.
'Kill a person and you'll freak, huh.'
Kids my age aren't numb to taking lives.
That's his bet.
Maybe how he nabbed kids before.
No kid ever fought back?
Doubtful.
He exploited it.
Poked their weaknesses to kidnap them.
For his client.
Grip—
My hand tightens on the hilt, realizing it.
Not hatred, exactly.
But a twinge: unforgivable.
"Too slow! Idiot!"
He swings big at me.
Blue aura shimmers on his blade.
Aura.
Figured.
Most dangerous by sight.
Handles aura? Explains no past failures.
Thinks I can't.
Victory in his eyes.
How many kids fell to this?
Fuels my anger.
'Fine.'
That damned certainty.
I'll crush it with despair.
Azure Dragon Soaring Sword
(Second Form)
Dragon Tail Falling Flash
Vreeee—!
Aura flares on my blade.
"What?!"
His eyes bulge.
Never imagined I could use aura.
Thunderclap rings as my sword crashes toward his chest.
Clang!
Aura clashes, shockwave bursts.
"Tch... You think you can?!"
He's exposing his chest on purpose.
Aim there, and he'll take damage.
Hesitate from that fear, and he wins.
So he pours everything into offense.
That.
"What're you doing?"
I overpower and pierce through.
"How—"
He panics.
Dragon Tail Falling Flash is defensive by nature.
But transitioning to offense requires.
Skill, mastery, sense—all essential.
Above all.
Overwhelming talent.
"—Guh!"
My sword deflects his and slams his chest.
Splatter!
Blood sprays like a fountain.
Thud!
The leader hits the floor, rolls supine.
He groans in agony, clutching his chest, but I plant my foot there.
"Gaaah!"
"Shut up and listen."
"Y-You bastard, swinging a sword at people like—"
"Psycho. You saying that?"
I tsk and press harder.
"Gaaah!"
"Not every kid's the same. freaks like me exist."
"G-Guh..."
"Anyway. Question."
"What...?"
"Your client."
"Huh?"
"Who. That fucker."
My eyes harden unconsciously.
Rage at whoever orders kid-nappings.
Chance to grab their tail.
"Crazy bastard, like I'd tell y—Gaaak!"
"Won't talk? This happens."
I grind my foot into the wound.
It tears wider, blood flows.
But he screams defiance.
"Th-That all you got?! You can't kill me!"
"What?"
"Y-You can wound... but kill? Snuff out a life?!"
What the hell.
Who's got your life in their hands, acting this bold.
Worked this on kids before?
Utterly pointless.
"Hey. Know what?"
"What."
"My sister's eight. Cute enough to cherish like an eye pupil."
"...?"
"She's killed people."
I grip my sword.
Foot stays planted.
Pins him forever.
Aim: his face.
Drive it down, pierces to the floor.
"Honestly agonized over it. How to scold her. Teach killing's wrong?"
"Wh-What're you—"
"Pointless. This world, how many kills ahead? Can't sweat every one."
"What're you getting at?!"
"Simple."
I raise my sword high.
"Do the same as my sister. Ariel won't be lonely then. Right?"
"Cr-Crazy fuck...!"
"Three. Decide by then. Three."
Foot doesn't budge.
Pins firm.
No escape.
"Two."
"..."
His jaw quivers.
Death dawns now.
Still hesitating.
I'll make it easy.
"One—"
"I-I'll talk! Please, spare me!"
My descending sword halts.
Blade tip brushes his nose tip.
A drop of blood beads there.