Chapter 66
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 66
Chapter Title: Seventeen (3)
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5.
Once Karron received his mission, the preparations began immediately.
Since he would be operating alone until he rendezvoused with the team on-site, there wasn't much to prepare.
Guillotine, at most.
-It's been ages since we've been out. I was seriously going crazy, you bastard master. Huh? If you were just going to lock me up in the training hall, you should have at least put me somewhere with a nice view.
Can a demonic sword even go crazy?
-Of course, it can! I have a personality, you know. A personality. Hmph.
This was Karrons room in Azure Sea Castle.
Karron was conducting a final check before his departure.
-An adventure to find your comrades from a past life How incredibly romantic. You think those bastards are even still alive?
If any of them surpassed the 8-Star level, they'll be alive.
-What are you going to do if you find them? Reveal that your master is Kain's reincarnation?
Nah, that would be no fun. I don't have any special goal, I just want to see if they're alive or dead.
That would be enough.
He just wanted to confirm their fate, and if they were alive, maybe see their faces one more time.
There was no way they were living well, having fled the Empire like fugitives and spent their lives under the Leston family's surveillance.
They might even be hostile toward him, the grandson of Halo.
-If they're alive, are you going to take them back under your wing or something?
Of course not.
-Then what?
I'll figure it out when I get there, I guess.
It wasn't even certain he would be able to find them.
There was no need to get worked up over it now.
With a simple nod, Karron opened the box that Heinrich had brought him.
A gift from the family head. He may not have shown it, but he seems pleased with your great accomplishment, Young Master.
It was a sizable box.
A gift from Halo was bound to be something extraordinary.
Karron opened the box with a sense of excitement.
Inside was a necklace with a blue jewel, and Guillotine reacted the moment he saw it.
-He really dotes on his grandson. Giving this to you?
Explain.
-Put on the necklace and infuse it with your mana.
For Guillotine, who found everything besides killing a bother, to react like this, the item had to be special.
Karron obediently followed Guillotines instructions, putting the necklace on and slowly channeling his mana into it.
Vwooom.
Mana spread from the jewel at the center of the necklace, instantly enveloping Karrons entire body.
In a flash, the mana took the form of armor.
A dark blue suit of armor, the same color as Guillotine's blade, materialized.
Oh.
Karron let out a small gasp of admiration as he checked his reflection in the mirror.
The armor looked somewhat like a coat.
It was quite thick, but being made of mana, it felt completely weightless.
-This is Kavana, Rael's armor. It might not look like much, but it's infused with the essence of ancient magic. You could call it a masterpiece that combines dwarven technology and dragon magic.
So this was the armor of the Leston family's founder, Rael.
Karron didn't know of any such armor among the Leston family's heirlooms. Like Guillotine, it must have been one of the treasures lost to the familys history.
-Its defensive power increases according to the user's mana reserves, and the user can also decide its form. Normally, you just wear it as a necklace. I was wondering where this thing was stashed away, but of course, the family head had it hidden.
This is some insane armor. Can it talk like you?
-I was the only piece of Rael's equipment with a consciousness, you foolish master.
That's a relief, at least.
-What?
Karron casually ignored Guillotines voice and moved his body.
The armor was so comfortable it felt as if he weren't wearing any at all.
And its defense increased with his mana reserves?
If true, this was a ridiculously overpowered piece of equipment. Even better, it was perfectly portable, wearable as a simple necklace.
It was a priceless artifact.
-Guess he's giving it to you so you don't get stabbed and die while you're out there.
Should I test its defense? How much can this thing take? Maybe I should go ask Sir Jeras to stab me?
-Are you insane? Oh, right, you are.
In any case, there was no denying it was an incredible piece of armor.
He especially loved that he could freely alter its shape.
The founders armor.
Could it be that Halo was worried about him going on a solo mission?
It seemed like this might be an heirloom passed down only to the family heads.
Just as only the family head and the elders had known about Guillotine.
Karron smiled as he fiddled with the necklace.
I should make good use of what I'm given. It's a sin to let something like this go to waste.
Blocking an enemy's attack was paramount, but that didn't mean armor wasn't important.
A master doesn't blame his tools?
That was an absolute lie.
The better you are, the more you care about your equipment.
-Well said, Master. The better you are, the more you use good equipment to maximize efficiency.
He would have to test its defensive capabilities himself, but what if this armor was incredibly durable?
That alone could create countless new strategies.
For instance, he could deliberately lure an attack to exploit an openinga risky gambit that would now always be an option.
Karron carefully clutched the necklace and spoke to Guillotine.
How do I change its form?
-Just think of the form you want and infuse it with mana. That's it.
Simple enough.
He immediately gave it a try.
He pictured a suit of plate armor that covered him from helmet to boots.
And then.
Vwooom.
In an instant, a suit of dark blue, full-body plate armor materialized.
Yet, it still felt completely weightless.
While this wasn't a style of armor Karron particularly favored, it seemed like it could be useful depending on the situation.
For example.
It's perfect for hiding my identity, too.
It seemed it would be handy for times when he needed to operate without revealing who he was.
At his words, Guillotine spoke in a sullen tone.
-But can't you just cover your face for that?
But this is cooler, right?
-Is that important?
Of course, it is.
Karron Leston, seventeen years old.
He was still at an age where looking cool mattered.
And so, another heirloom was bestowed upon Karron.
6.
The next morning.
At the train station in Azure Sea Castle.
I'll be careful, Father, Mother.
Karron smiled and bowed to his parents.
His mother, Sara, hugged him with a worried expression.
If it seems dangerous, you must come back right away, understand?
You have to make sure you eat well while I'm gone, too, Mother.
Since Peil had begun performing his important duties in Azure Sea Castle, Sara had moved in to live with him.
Sara caressed Karrons face with a wistful look.
I'm always worried about you.
I'll contact you often.
Okay.
Sara's words were warm and filled with concern.
Karron smiled and hugged her back.
After saying his goodbyes to Sara, Karron glanced at Peil and said.
Father. The thing I asked you for
I've prepared it.
Peil took a small card from his coat.
It was a black card, just small enough to fit in his palm.
A very faint trace of magic emanated from it.
I had it issued in your name.
Wow, they actually issued it.
Considering the deposits you have in the Imperial Bank, it's only natural they'd issue it.
Karron took the black card from Peil.
This palm-sized card was nothing short of a miracle.
Its official name was the Imperial Bank Payment Authorization Certificate.
It could be used anywhere in the Empire, serving as a substitute for all forms of payment.
One could even take this card to any branch of the Imperial Bank and withdraw money.
Whether in gold coins or the banknotes used in the Empire.
It was truly an artifact that allowed one to work magic with money.
While it might be difficult to use in underdeveloped regions where many wouldn't recognize it, it was universally accepted in any city with an Imperial Bank branch.
Of course, the conditions for its issuance were extremely strict.
Commoners couldn't get one no matter how wealthy they were, and even among nobles, it was reserved for only the highest echelons.
The mere existence of this small card was proof of one's lofty status.
Of course, it won't work once you cross the Empire's borders, so make sure to withdraw gold coins before you leave. Understand?
Yes, Father.
Good.
Karron quietly tucked the card into his coat.
Peil, who had been watching him silently, said with a bittersweet smile.
I hope you'll try to use it sparingly.
It'll be hard to even put a dent in my balance, you know.
That's true.
In terms of personal wealth, Karron was among the top three in Azure Sea Castle.
In any case, his financial concerns were now resolved.
Karron.
Yulih, who had been quietly observing the family's farewell, strode over.
Have you familiarized yourself with the mission details?
Yes.
After getting your mercenary ID in Tebe, head straight for the southern border city of Leben. Once you cross the border, you are to proceed based on your own judgment.
That's my specialty.
Try to move quietly.
Thank you for your concern, Third Elder.
Since it was a solo mission, not many people had come to see Karron off.
Yulih leaned close to Karrons ear and whispered.
I was the one who strongly petitioned for you to be given Kavana. I hope you'll remember that.
Do I have to return it when I get back?
Of course not. You are the only one in this family fit to inherit the founder's will. If your life is ever in danger, flee without hesitation.
Eh, but running away is a bit
Always remember that your life is the most important thing! Nothing is more precious than your life! If you're anxious, perhaps I could accompany you
I'll keep that in mind!
He sounded like he might actually follow.
Karron quickly bowed and boarded the train.
Vwoooom.
As Karron boarded, the train's engine began to run.
I'll be in touch!
Karron leaned his head out the train window and shouted. His parents smiled and waved back.
Just come back safely.
Have a safe trip.
The train departed amidst his parents' farewells.
Peil and Sara watched the receding train in silence.
Peil gently took Sara's trembling hand.
Don't worry, my dear. Nothing will happen.
I know. But I can't help worrying.
The two stood on the platform until the train had vanished from sight.
Yulih watched the couple with a bittersweet smile. He spoke in a gentle voice.
As Peil said, do not worry too much. Karron is much stronger than you think. Even a master of considerable skill would not dare to bare their fangs at him.
Karron had achieved miraculous growth over the past four years.
His Sea-Conquering Art had reached the peak of the 6-Star level, and his swordsmanship was nothing short of dazzling.
And that wasn't all.
The Decapitator Sword, Guillotine. And Kavana.
Two of the founder's heirlooms had been given to Karron.
It was an unprecedented event in the family's history.
Trust in your son. Karron will soon become the pride of our family.
Yulih hoped that this mission would give Karron the enlightenment he needed to reach the 7-Star level.
The insight required for the 7-Star level couldn't be found in a training ground or a practice hall.
Life-or-death combat.
Only there could one find their own path.
I'm looking forward to it.
An uncontrollable mad dog.
That was the phrase that always came up whenever the council of elders evaluated Karron.
Indeed, how much trouble had Karron caused in Azure Sea Castle over the past four years?
He had clashed head-on with his uncles, Teils and Raphael, more times than one could count on one hand.
Karron had always been a cunning child. Given four more years, that boy had grown into an even more terrifying monster.
A cunning mind with the power to back it up.
The ones to worry about aren't Karron, but the poor souls who get in his way.
Now, that monster had been unleashed from Azure Sea Castle.
Karron would surely return having caused trouble on a scale incomparable to four years ago.
Go on a rampage to your heart's content.
Yulih smiled and turned away.
Azure Sea Castle had once again unleashed its mad dog upon the world.
A mad dog that could not even be compared to the one from four years ago.
A Mad Dog Lives in the Ducal House.