The 9th Class Swordmaster: Blade of Truth

Chapter 6: The Desired Answer

It had taken him six years to hear those words. Now, it was time to accelerate that timeline. Karyl scanned his brothers. What they could never achieve wasn’t a matter of ability, but mindset. None of them had ever confronted Kuwell MacGovern as a warrior; to them, their father was an absolute figure.

"I want to surpass," Karyl declared, not as a son, but as a warrior.

"What exactly?" Kuwell asked, his curiosity evident.

"Everything," Karyl replied, his voice calm yet resolute.

The onlookers were visibly shocked by Karyl's response.

"Ha, does that everything include me as well?" Kuwell chuckled, amused by his boldness.

Karyl didn't respond verbally, but his determined gaze spoke volumes.

"You insolent barbarian!" Elliot shouted, unable to hold back. This time, even Martte and Tiren didn't stop him.

However, Kuwell, the subject of the remark, remained composed. He leaned back into his chair and said, "I see your reason for wanting to study magic. But what about the sword? As a knight, you know that magic ultimately serves the sword. To truly surpass me, you know the answer lies with the sword."

Karyl remained silent, his gaze fixed on Martte, who blushed in embarrassment, understanding what that look implied.

"You're confident then," Kuwell observed, his tone reflecting a mix of intrigue and approval. "To study magic in order to counter it and to hone your swordsmanship with the intention of defeating me. Your confidence is befitting of Karliak's son."

Kuwell nodded, acknowledging the ambition in Karyl's eyes. "And that boldness suits the MacGovern family."

"Dear," Isabelle interjected, her tone stiff. Her husband's words could also be interpreted as a critique of their other five sons.

Understanding her concern, Kuwell raised his hand in reassurance and continued, "Karyl, I understand your thoughts. However, I cannot decide your fate based solely on last night's events. For now, you are banned from the training grounds."

A silence fell over the room, drawing everyone's attention.

"If you wish," Kuwell relented, "you may access Einheri. There are some magical texts there you might find useful."

At that moment, Karyl's eyes glistened. Einheri, the old library of the mansion, created 250 years ago, was where he had been the night before. Although most were surprised by Kuwell's permission, they didn't consider the library significant; it had remained untouched for years, with no one showing interest in it.

There are a few magic books there, but studying first or second-class magic is a waste of time.

They all shared the same sentiment.

The sons of the MacGovern family, trained in swordsmanship due to their warrior lineage, naturally had little interest in magic. Karyl, however, had a different perspective.

"Thank you."

It went as planned. I didn’t lie. I truly can't learn magic with this body. And the excuse of finding a way to counter magic isn't false either.

Karyl’s lips slowly curled up into a meaningful smile.

Instead, I will turn this body into one capable of learning...

*

"Phew..."

It was early dawn, just as the day was breaking. Karyl, who seemed to have stayed awake all night, sat upright with a mist-like aura surrounding him. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he exhaled deeply.

It's not easy. It's completely different from when I was inside the tower... But then again, the environment here is different too.

Rising from his seat, Karyl moved slowly, his arms swaying like a gentle stream. Blurry afterimages appeared before his eyes—moving from up and down.

Karyl retreated, dodging the sharp attacks of his phantom adversary.

Too slow.

The phantom swiftly thrust its sword into Karyl's chest one beat ahead. Simultaneously, the illusion vanished like smoke.

"Phew...," Karyl moved again, his actions appearing both fast and slow. It was a sword form that had never been seen, in the empire, one filled with intricate patterns and variations.

I wonder how long it will take to perfect it again.

The tower he had climbed to reverse time had been a living hell. He had honed his swordsmanship, making it deadlier and more precise with each ascent of the stairs. Through countless swings of his blade, he had felt his swordplay grow, even when he thought he couldn't climb any higher.

His movements grew agile, almost piercing through time and space. Just before breaking through, he glimpsed another realm—a realm beyond that of a Swordmaster, the ultimate essence of swordsmanship, embodied in just five stances. Simple, yet infinitely versatile.

I need to regain that feeling.

Though ignorance might have been bliss, having reached the pinnacle, Karyl felt an insatiable thirst, a longing for it.

But don't be hasty.

He continued moving, so as to not forget that sensation; he kept fighting imaginary foes as if he was climbing the tower once again. With each imaginary battle, he continuously grew stronger. The enemies in his memory were formidable, unmatched by any on the continent.

Perhaps that's enough for now, Karyl thought, a soft cough escaping his lips.

At that moment, a gentle knock was heard, followed by the creak of the door opening.

"Did you sleep well, young master?" a voice greeted from the doorway.

"Yes. But it seems you haven't," Karyl replied, noticing Ruben's weary state.

"No, not at all..." Ruben replied, his voice dejection. "Let me help you with your clothes."

Karyl chuckled. "You don't have to help me dress. I can manage by myself. Attend to your other duties."

"I'll wait here then," Ruben insisted, bowing before stood by the door, his arms clasped respectfully.

Karyl nonchalantly donned his clothes which were hanging on the wall. As the son of a count, he was expected to be dressed by servants each morning, but Ruben was the only one who came to him.

"If you're going to just stand there and stare, you might as well leave," Karyl suggested, as he fastened the buttons, noticing Ruben's anxious glances.

"I'll stay here."

"You standing there doing nothing is more distracting, you know?" Karyl commented.

Ruben nodded, acknowledging the truth in Karyl's words. He then quietly opened the door.

"Is it?" he asked before leaving the room. "Call me if you need anything. I'll come right away."

Karyl smiled to himself, appreciating Ruben’s efforts. It must have taken courage for him to come every morning, especially after Karyl had turned all of the brothers into enemies so quickly. It was a considerate gesture.

I know what you're thinking, but don't worry, Ruben. What you're concerned about won't happen. This mansion in the borderlands is far more impressive than it seems. While most people believe this house belongs to my father, the count, the truth is quite different.

Looking around, he saw the small library behind the lush trees and Isabelle's curtained room.

The Aesir family.

Only a few cared about her minor family. Even Kuwell's children remained solely devoted to the MacGovern family, showing little curiosity in their maternal family, the Aesirs. Compared to the brilliance of Kuwell, a Swordmaster, her family had no notable figures.

However, there was an exception, around 250 years ago—the Grand Sorcerer Kaye Aesir, who laid the foundations of the empire.

This was the mansion they were awarded, and the so-called library, Einheri, is a treasure trove of Kaye Aesir's knowledge, Karyl thought. It was a shame, but even Isabelle, the sole member of the Aesir family, was unaware of this secret, as was everyone else on the continent.

Yet, there was one exception to this—someone who had met Kaye Aesir 250 years ago.

Karyl chuckled to himself.

Had it not been for my encounter with him, I would also have remained in the dark.

And that someone was the dragon, Narh Di Maug.