Felix was lost deep in thought, carefully analyzing to ensure that he'll make the best decision. Little did he know, the person standing before him was cunningly deceiving him.
Lux of course had his own valid reasons for this course of action, driven primarily by an uncomfortable sense of belonging among them. This might appear self-centered and foolish, but the underlying causes compelled him.
From the beginning, Lux found himself abruptly reincarnated into an unfamiliar world, occupying a body with a strikingly similar name to his own. The surroundings, the people, and their affection towards him—all felt foreign and unsettling, especially the concept of family. Being someone from another realm inhabiting the body of one of their family members burdened Lux with constant distress.
"How am I going to explain that I am not truly one of their family members, but rather a soul from a different world?" he thought in despair after knowing the fundamental disparity. 'I'm doomed once they find out that I am not their beloved nephew or grandson'
The weight of his mere existence created a barrier of self-doubt, urging him to distance himself from the family of the original Lux and causing immense mental strain. In an attempt to alleviate this burden, Lux resolved to seek solace in solitary places, where he could at least find temporary respite and be alone with his thoughts.
It just so happens that according to the memories of the previous Lux, the time for the opening of the academy will be around next month. Lux sees this as a golden opportunity to become a student, allowing him to gain independence. He firmly believes that attending the Academy will provide him with ample time for training without worrying while additionally gaining knowledge that will bring answers to his questions.
After thinking for a while, Felix came to a conclusion. But instead of giving answers, he deliberately questioned him. "so what are your thoughts"
"huh?" Lux looked at him with a surprised look. "what do you mean by tha-"
"I'm asking how you're planning to go there. At this time, none of us can accompany you due to some important matters." Felix cut his words.
"ah is that what you mean..." said Lux, feeling embarrassed before he started to calculate using the former Lux knowledge and summarize some various situations that were about to happen once he went on his journey.
Seeing his silence and thoughtful expression, Felix had expected this to happen.
'I guess he's still quite a kid. He must've felt the danger of going on a month-long journey alone, especially during this crucial time when the aggression of demons tends to heighten with the opening of the Academy. Such aggressiveness primarily stems from their hatred towards the Academy, as it is a place where individuals nurture the talents of future generations that will eventually pose a threat to the demons and their disgusting so-called king. Thus, I initially thought it would be best to utilize my connections to delay his enrollment and provide a valid reason for it. However, witnessing the day he effortlessly blew Azu to the wall, a Sword grandmaster and a former member of the hero's alliance, caused me to reconsider the decision I had initially proposed. To my surprise, he requested that I return him to his mother. Thus, I decided to listen to his opinion, viewing it as an opportunity to gauge his decision-making abilities. While I could easily assign capable knights to accompany and protect him on his journey, his bewildered expression reminded me that this child lacked proficiency in making choices.' Thought Felix with full of expectation but reality struck him like a thunderbolt, bringing him back to reality.
However, before he could suggest traveling with knights, Lux gave another yet simple but unexpected answer.
"...Isn't it obvious? The easiest way to get there is by carriage. However, due to the danger posed by demons, teaming up with mercenaries might be a wise move. Perhaps, I could inquire with a merchant guild seeking escorts to accompany them on their journey at the neighboring village, particularly if they are entrusted with transporting crucial goods to the empire." Lux explained.
Hearing those words, Felix nodded agreeing with his grandson, feeling satisfied that his expectation was answered.
Felix then explained some major details to prepare him for his travel. "Alright, there is a small village nearby called Oaktown. Oaktown is one of many villages that our family has been managing. it's a trading post or a market town popular for its trade routes. This town was purposefully established to accommodate merchants who traveled from distant lands to trade their imported goods. One such place is the prosperous Kingdom of Hirt, and tomorrow, a notable trade caravan is expected to depart. Given the prevalence of demonic threats along the trade routes, it is likely that the number of escorts will be larger than usual. Moreover, you may come across with other children during the expedition of the caravan due to the opening of the Academy. It would be wise to extend kindness towards them, as they have the potential to become your classmates and trusted comrades in the future."
Lux nodded in agreement at the plausible explanation with a satisfied look. "I see, then that means...?"
"Yes, you will depart tomorrow along with the merchants. Make sure to prepare immediately before I send you later to the village," said Felix nonchalantly.
"Thank you, Grandfather," Lux exclaimed with enthusiasm. He was so eager to depart from this place that he instinctively bowed to the person before him. The Supreme Ruler, hailed as the strongest man in the world, bowing to another person?
'SHUT UP!!! I was also the smartest man alive back then,' he thought, forcefully resisting the intrusive thoughts.
"But before that..." Felix fixed his gaze upon Lux, devoid of any emotion.
"...?"
A moment of silence engulfed the whole room.
This was when he realized the gravity behind those words.
***
Standing at the center of the training ground, Lux firmly grasped his sword, assuming his battle stance.
'How did it come to this?' he pondered.
-Get a sword and meet me at the training ground. I want to witness how you've honed your fighting skills using that energy you've discovered.
Felix had said.
Lux acknowledged that he could demonstrate his techniques, but this was one of the situations he had hoped to avoid the most. Regardless, he recognized that it was inevitable and decided to make a lasting impression. After all, he couldn't dodge such situations in the future anyway. With determination, Lux thought, 'Might as well display my skills and leave a strong impression before departing this place.'
On the other side, Felix gripped his sword with a tinge of nostalgia. 'How long has it been since we sparred? The last time was when he was merely eight. Recalling those days, I remember mercilessly defeating this kid and his siblings. The echoes of their resounding screams still haunt my ears. Well, they were the ones who asked for it. He's still just a boy, but something feels different this time. There's an indescribable sensation, like something unknown is about to occur. I wonder how long he will endure against me. Will he meet my expectations or disappoint me? I suppose I'll find out during our battle.'
Felix tightened his grip on his sword, his countenance now serious, instilling tension in the surrounding area.
The knights who were watching the scene nearby knew that this wasn't just any normal sparring that would occur throughout their everyday lives.
'This match between the grandson and the grandfather definitely has a meaningful meaning to it.' The importance of this match between the grandson and the grandfather weighed heavily on their minds. They recognized the meaningful importance it held, as the weighty atmosphere left a profound impact on them.
Carl, who stood near the training ground, observed the preparedness of both combatants. He didn't expect this would happen. Nonetheless, it was a sight to behold, he could finally witness the unique techniques Lux had in his arsenal along with his curiosity about his fighting style.
'I wonder how this battle will unfold.' thought Carl. He hadn't seen Lux fight for many years now. The last time he had seen him was a one-sided fight heck it wasn't even a fight it was straightforward a beating. At least now that the circumstances had changed, he was eager to see how much he had improved after so many years.
"The rules are still the same. The winner will be decided once the opponent has defeated or has given up." Said Felix, then he added. "I hope you won't surrender easily just because I said that you can give up. You'd be a disgrace to our family. Don't be tense, I'll go easy on you..."
Swish...
As the words escaped his lips, Felix found himself instantly face to face with Lux, with his sword appearing before his eyes in the blink of an eye.
Alarmed by the unexpected assault, Felix's instinctual response was to defend against the incoming attack. However, his attempt to block the strike was quickly thwarted by the impending events.
Lux's sword glowed with a soft, golden light, growing sharper as he focused his internal energy. With a swift motion, the edge of his sword released a beautiful crescent slash of energy directly at his opponent that only lasted for a few meters.
『Sword Art Deployment, Divine Supreme Sword 1st Offensive Technique: Crescent Moon』
Suddenly faced with such a dangerous sneak attack, Felix realized that it was too late to block the sword and swiftly evaded the oncoming sword. In an instant, he reappeared just a short distance behind Lux, his gaze filled with seriousness, casting a heavy atmosphere over the surroundings. Shortly after, a trickle of blood emerged from his shoulder, trickling down to his stomach. though the wound was small and superficial, it still left a meaningful mood on the onlookers.
Felix calmly observed his wound before redirecting his gaze towards his grandson.
Carl who was seeing this unbelievable moment in front of him had his mouth covered with his hands in astonishment and shock.
"No way, he inflicted a wound on Father that easily?" Carl murmured in a state of disbelief as if he were trapped in a surreal dream.
After employing his initial technique, Lux's body became enveloped in a shimmering aura, gracefully dissipating into the surrounding atmosphere, imparting him a strikingly stylish appearance to the crowds.
The air crackled with tension as Lux taunted Felix, a faint undercurrent of aggression lacing his words. "Seems like you've forgotten what you've seen that day," he sneered, a glint of menace flashing in his eyes. "Good thing you're not as cocky as before, or this match would have ended before it began."
-I'll worships you kids if you land a single hit on me you weaklings.
That was what Felix said before.
Having heard that, Felix's quiet temperament instantly subsided down.
"Seems like I need to take this fight seriously," he said as he blanketed his sword with mana.
Instantly, the whole surrounding area was filled with light. The fierce wind started circling the training ground and all the dust swiftly drifted along with the wind as if coercing with his mana.
Everyone on the training ground was quickly taken aback by the fierce wind and they had to cover their eyes because of the dust coming along with the wind. They didn't expect that Felix would become this serious.
After a while, the whole world momentarily became frozen as if the fierce wind just a second ago was just an illusion. They turned and looked at his sword which glowed a brilliant ethereal white aura. Everyone was in awe at such a spectacle.
But Lux who was his opponent couldn't admire such a thing. He looked at his sword coated with a white aura and nodded to himself.
"Yes, this is what a man with such a title should be capable of pulling off," Lux murmured to himself.
He planted his feet firmly on the ground, extending his sword forward, channeling his internal energy into it.
'I cannot confront him head-on with my current strength. I have to use that technique.' Lux tried to recall a certain technique in his arsenal.
And before everyone knew it, Slowly, Lux's sword began to emit a soft glow. However, unlike the energy he had unleashed before, resembling that of his grandfather, this energy took on a misty white hue.
『Sword Art Deployment, Divine Supreme Sword Style: All Sword Unity』
Immediately everyone trembled at the sight.
Carl who had been watching up until now had his jaw drop. "that is..."
Looking at the misty white aura radiating from his sword, Felix smirked in astonishment. "To think you had achieved sword aura at such a young age."
Thus, began the moment of the well-known 'divine supreme art sword technique' stepped in to the world.