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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: What Not to Forget (3)
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5.
The mana cultivation was a great success.
This was the Imperial Guards training hall.
While not as good as the ducal familys private hall in Cheonghae, Halo had cleared it out beforehand, allowing Karron to focus on his training in comfort.
Wooooong.
Karron smiled as he confirmed the fifth sea forming near his heart.
Ive absorbed about seventy percent.
Forcing his way to the 5-star level had been the right call.
Ironically, the lack of mana in his fifth ocean had allowed him to absorb the World Trees Dew to its fullest potential.
Of course, the dew was mana in its natural state, so it would take ample time to convert it into Azure Mana.
But there was no immediate rush.
He could slowly assimilate it once he returned to Cheonghae.
The urgent fire is out.
It seemed the World Trees Dew was worth its steep price.
The fact that it settled inside his body despite being a different type of energy proved it was truly mana in its purest form.
Haaaaah.
Karron stepped out of the training hall and took a deep breath.
Was it because he was brimming with mana?
He felt absolutely wonderful.
Ah, youre done?
What were you doing out here?
Me? Oh just seeing who might come by.
Leo stood in front of the training hall, holding his sword, Sylphid.
Seeing him, Karron grinned.
It seemed he had been standing guard in case anything happened.
Youve been so admirable lately, brother.
What are you talking about?
Carrying me when you thought I was dying, standing guard while I was training. Im a little touched, you know?
Im just doing as Lady Sabina asked.
Lady Sabina did?
She told me to take good care of my little brother. Im your older brother, of course. Who else is going to look after you?
He was genuinely admirable.
Back in Cheonghae, Karron had always thought of him as a kid who needed protection, but recalling the look in his eyes last night, that wasn't entirely true anymore.
A playful urge rose in Karron, and he smiled as he looked at Leo.
I remember what you said last night.
Why are you bringing that up all of a sudden?
What was it? Ah, right! Why are you Im sorry you son of a bitch, thats what you said while bawling your eyes out, right?
Hey, that was!
It had been so funny.
Remembering Leos tears, Karron slapped him on the back. He continued in a cheerful voice.
You were disappointed earlier when Grandfather only asked me, werent you?
About what?
He only asked me if Id learned anything this time.
Ah.
Honestly, he had been disappointed.
His grandfathers attention had been focused solely on Karron.
But he wasn't foolish enough to be jealous. Even in his eyes, Karrons performance had been nothing short of dazzling.
Leo gave a bittersweet smile and nodded.
Itd be a lie to say I wasnt. But I dont think it was unfair. If I were Grandfather, I wouldve done the same.
Then Ill ask you. Did you learn anything this time, brother?
Leo pondered the question for a moment. Then, looking into Karrons blue eyes, he answered.
I did.
Im curious.
Im not telling you.
What Leo had gained from this trip to the capital was a single conviction.
I can never be like you, Karron.
Karron had shown so much during this journey.
Even when they trained together in Cheonghae, Leo knew he could never catch up to Karrons talent.
But what Leo witnessed on this trip wasn't just talent with a sword.
Adaptability.
The judgment to make the best choice in any situation.
Even though Karron was three years younger, Leo couldnt immediately grasp the reasoning behind his decisions. Only later would he understand the true meaning behind Karrons choices.
That, too, was something akin to an innate giftsomething he could never emulate, no matter how hard he tried.
But Leo wasn't discouraged.
Even Karron can collapse, like he did last night.
He wouldn't try to win.
How could he? The guy was a monster on a completely different level.
So, the choice Leo made was
Ill at least block a knife flying at your back.
to walk behind Karron.
Karron, that monstrous bastard, always strode forward with huge steps.
To keep up with his pace, Leo himself would have to train without rest.
He couldn't afford to stop. Only then could he hope to follow close behind.
So dont look down on me too much for being weak. Ill catch up enough to land a real punch someday. Got it?
Leos heartfelt words.
Karron chuckled and slapped him on the back once more.
Damn, youve really grown up. Is this the same Leo Leston who used to curse my parents?
Hey, that was
But you know what, brother? Other than that one time, Ive never once looked down on you. Youve treated me well ever since, havent you?
Who knew the kid with a penchant for troublemaking would grow up so well?
Karron continued, a look of satisfaction on his face.
Youll become a fine young master of the Leston Ducal Family.
It sounds weird coming from you.
Just keep growing like this, brother. Im not asking for much. Alright?
You crazy bastard.
This journey seemed to have been a great help to Leo as well.
He could tell just by looking at his eyes.
They weren't the eyes of someone discouraged, but of someone with a purpose.
Was it because theyd trained together for three years?
He truly felt like a real brother now.
Karron nodded, then started walking forward slowly and asked.
Where is Sir Jeras?
Hes nearby. The training ground up ahead. He said he had something to discuss with the Imperial Guard there. He told me to bring you over when you were done.
Then lets go.
He had asked Jeras for a favor before coming here.
At first, Jeras had said no to everything, but after hearing Karron out, he had readily agreed.
A promise is a promise.
And so, the two cousins headed for the training ground where Jeras was waiting.
6.
The short corridor from the cultivation hall to the training ground.
Even as they walked, quite a few conversations reached Karrons ears.
I heard he stopped the succubus invasion all by himself.
Just like Grand Duke Halos grandson.
I thought Hugo Leston was a monster, but is there really something in the Leston blood?
Dont make eye contact. Rumor has it hes very
Their conversations were all about himabout Karron.
Hed heard the rumors were spreading, but he hadnt expected it to be this fast.
Word travels fast.
The children of the noble families who were at the banquet are running around talking about nothing but you.
But why does everyone seem scared of me? Is it just my imagination?
Its not your imagination. Theyre scared of you.
Oh, good.
It was a natural outcome.
The children of the nobility spread rumors based on what they remembered.
A tenacious figure, bleeding from head to toe, still driving his sword home.
To the delicately raised children of high society, that image was akin to a demon.
Added to that was the rumor from the day before that he had beaten Degol of the Kian County to within an inch of his life, and the story that the youngest of the Leston family is a complete madman was rapidly making the rounds.
Halfway to success, then?
He had instilled fear in his peers in the capital, so he considered it a satisfactory result.
Drawing the eyes of the Imperial Guards, the two arrived at the training ground.
Unlike the corridor, which had been fairly crowded, the training ground was quiet.
This place is the same, too.
There were signs of repairs, but it seemed the old traces were well-preserved.
Youve arrived.
Yes.
Jeras, who was already waiting, greeted Karron with a slight bow.
Was it fruitful?
More than enough. It was worth taking the time to come.
Im very glad to hear that.
As for my request
I have already spoken with the Imperial Guard. You may proceed as you wish.
At Jerass words, Karron beamed. He then spoke to Eimi, who was standing behind Jeras with a nervous expression.
Have you warmed up already?
Eimi answered in a small voice.
Are you really going to duel me? Your wounds havent even healed yet.
Hey, Im fine. None of the wounds were deep, so dont worry. As for the internal injuries this much is fine. But you seem to have the luxury to worry about me, huh?
He had expressed his desire to spar with Eimi to Jeras.
He thought Jeras would refuse at first, but surprisingly, he had readily agreed.
Karron unbuckled Guillotine from his waist and handed it to Jeras.
Id love to use real swords if I could, but Sir Jeras said that was out of the question. A duel is at its best with live blades, though.
Eimi quietly looked at Karrons face.
He called it a duel, but she knew it was essentially a spar. And she was keenly aware that she was no match for him.
Thats why she was puzzled.
She couldn't understand why Karron would insist on sparring with her while still injured.
Why are you going this far?
The injuries Karron had sustained clearly required ample rest.
In fact, the priest and doctor who had come to treat him had both advised him to rest.
There was absolutely no reason to push himself to spar.
But Karron just smiled at Eimi.
A reason? Do you need a reason to spar? In Cheonghae, we dont. If someone challenges you to a duel, you accept. Thats the rule in Cheonghae.
I
Just as Eimi was about to say something, Karron tossed a wooden sword to her.
Thwack.
Eimi caught the wooden sword without difficulty.
But if you must have a reason its Sir Kain. I have yet to confirm if your skills are worthy of someone who claims to respect Sir Kain.
Karron deliberately provoked her competitive spirit.
His reason for wanting to face her?
It was to show this admirable junior, who still respected him after fifty years, the path she must walk.
Her will to remain in the Imperial Guard.
Her bold goal of changing this place.
Karron intended to cheer on her stubbornness.
Step.
Karron stepped onto the training ground where, long ago, he had trained relentlessly. A moment later, he stopped in the center and pointed his wooden sword at Eimi.
Draw your sword and come forward, Eimi Altura. I challenge you to a duel.
At Karrons low voice, Eimi seemed to make a decision and nodded. She walked silently to stand before him.
My skills are lacking.
I know.
Still, if youll have me, I accept your duel, Lord Karron Leston.
Eimi said as she faced Karron.
His body was much smaller than hers.
But in her eyes, she saw the blood-soaked young boy from the night before.
The image of those blazing eyes, burning brightly even as his body was covered in wounds, was still vivid in her mind.
Could she have swung a sword in such a situation?
She didnt know why the boy had fought so desperately.
But one thing was certain.
He is a master, incomparable to me.
This was an opportunity that wouldn't come easily.
It had been too long since she had even sparred.
After she had declared she would walk her own path, no one in the Imperial Guard had guided her.
Because of that, she had always been lonely.
She couldnt help but doubt if she was on the right path, and she felt a thirst every single day.
Ah.
In her vision, she saw her seniors gathering at the edge of the training ground.
They watched in silence, their eyes cold.
Was that why?
A spark of defiance began to smolder in a corner of her heart.
Those are good eyes. Ill grant you the first move.
I wont refuse!
Eimi immediately gripped her sword lightly and charged at Karron.
Karron smiled as he watched Eimis wooden sword fly toward him.
This brings back memories.
It was time to give a lesson to this very grateful junior, who had reminded him of one of his few fond memories.
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