On the stage, two individuals faced each other.
One was a young boy with blond hair. Despite his youth, a controlled atmosphere enveloped him, hinting at his accomplishments.
However, he didn't quite fit the image of someone participating in such a tournament, especially in Basor.
Yet, his movements were chillingly swift. As soon as the match began, he aggressively launched his sword at his opponent.
The opponent, not without merit for having advanced this far, managed to defend against the attack. A few exchanges occurred in quick succession.
While observing the clash on stage, Kevin spoke up.
"Is it true that the boy belongs to you, Lord Mihail?"
Mihail didn't deny it.
"What if he does?"
"I came to deliver a sword to a Palma Knight today, which got delayed. By chance, I ended up close to the stage and saw him. His skills were impressive indeed. But beyond his abilities, something else caught my eye."
Mihail, curious, let Kevin continue.
"...His sword looked familiar."
Kevin squinted, scrutinizing the stage. From a blacksmith's perspective, tracking the movement of a sword from this distance was impossible.
"There are only 37 officially recognized weapons made by my master, Layton, each bearing his personal engraving. As you know, my master considers any weapon without his engraving, even if it passed through his hands, a failure."
"I've heard about Layton's stubbornness."
"Master Layton doesn't make swords for just anyone. Only those he deems worthy of wielding his engraved weapons receive them or have them made. Some criticize him for arrogance, but that's the pride of a craftsman. Unlike me, who'd make weapons for anyone with money."
Kevin laughed heartily. Mihail responded gently.
"That's interesting. Layton's reputation is indeed widespread."
"Among those 37 recognized weapons, three are almost identical swords. One day, inspired, my master secluded himself in the forge, devoting days to their creation. The first sword was born from this obsession, but dissatisfied, he crafted two more. I witnessed it all, being there. As a blacksmith, I don't easily forget about weapons. The freshly forged gleam of those masterpieces will stay with me forever."
"..."
"The moment I saw that boy's sword, I doubted my eyes. It bore the same gleam as those swords!"
Interest piqued, Mihail interjected.
"And then?"
"There's one odd thing. Among those three swords, only one disappeared with its owner, its whereabouts unknown."
Kevin's expression turned serious.
"The sword of the Sword Saint, Darian Defir."
Mihail's face briefly twitched, but he quickly laughed it off.
"Could it be a misunderstanding? He's not from Basor. It's unlikely he'd have a connection with the Sword Saint. I heard that in the Empire, it's trendy to intricately mimic Layton's swords, even to the point of infuriating Layton himself."
Layton's officially recognized weapons are among the finest. While there might be qualitative differences, mimicking their appearance is possible.
Yet, Kevin's keen eye was exceptional. Without even verifying the engraving, he recognized the sword by its shape and inherent gleam.
Hence, Kevin was skeptical, finding the explanation unsatisfactory.
"Might I examine his sword? I wish to verify it myself."
"Of course. But not today. He's quite sensitive, especially after a battle. Please visit the Golden Leaf Inn tomorrow."
"Ah, understood. Thank you for your time."
Kevin bowed and left, seemingly not in a rush for answers.
As soon as he was gone, Mihail's smile vanished. His face turned cold as he spoke.
"Sinus."
"Yes, Lord Mihail."
A man approached, standing beside him. Robert visibly tensed.
Sinus was a man with a chill demeanor, not quite knightly. He seemed to walk a different path.
Mihail smiled again.
"It seems Sinus must take care of something."
Meeting Mihail's gaze, Sinus received a chilling command.
"Kevin is a talented blacksmith, but unfortunately, we must silence him. Find an opportunity and take care of it."
"Yes."
Sinus accepted the command without protest.
The blacksmith community is busy, and Kevin has no family. Known for missing deadlines due to laziness, his sudden disappearance wouldn't be strange.
After his departure, Robert urgently spoke up.
"Lord Mihail, he makes swords for the Palma Knights. A famous blacksmith in the kingdom of Basor. If there's an issue..."
"With the tournament ongoing, no one has the leisure to worry about a blacksmith known for his escapades. Moreover, please ensure everyone here remains silent about today's conversation."
"Yes."
As everyone complied, Mihail's gaze returned to the stage.
'So he has the Sword Saint's sword.'
Intriguing yet unsettling. Using common sword techniques, was hiding his true capabilities his only intent? Mihail narrowed his eyes.
Meanwhile, the match concluded.
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"Victory for Hyde!"
Amidst the roaring cheers, the match ended. A tournament official handed Hyde a cloth.
Helmut cleaned his blood-stained sword and sheathed it. His limbs felt stiff.
It was a challenging fight, lasting only about twenty minutes, but...
'This man was better than the Palma Knight.'
An experienced and cunning mercenary. Even with superior reflexes and Vis, Helmut couldn't easily defeat him. A troublesome type.
Helmut felt like a rock smashing against his shield. The opponent, still bleeding from the shoulder, chuckled lowly.
"A straightforward sword. Loyal to strength, honed through training."
Clutching his bleeding shoulder, he didn't whimper, only grimacing from pain.
Enduring and uncomplaining, his demeanor during the fight mirrored this. Not an easy opponent to quickly defeat.
"A straightforward sword will eventually break. The world requires a softer approach."
"Then become strong enough not to break."
"It's not that simple. Swords reflect their wielder's nature. You're not one to betray, but such people eventually face betrayal."
"Are you cursing me because you lost?"
"Not at all. Betrayal, big or small, happens. It seemed you've never been broken. Just advice from a victor."
Helmut noticed many offered advice, assuming his youth meant ignorance. But advice from this man couldn't be dismissed lightly.
'Was his name Herton?'
Accumulating vast experiences to become a first-class mercenary involves more than combat. His words carried weight.
"A once-broken tree grows back stronger."
Herton offered a hand with a grin.
"Shake on it. You seem destined for heights I can't reach."
A surprisingly down-to-earth character for a first-class mercenary. Even second-class mercenaries become arrogant.
Helmut lightly shook his hand, eliciting another wave of cheers from the audience.
Hyde! Hyde! Hyde!
The scene of victor and vanquished shaking hands was a fitting conclusion to the intense match.
'If only it was my real name.'
Helmut wondered how it would feel if the arena echoed with his true name, Helmut.
The experience would have been even more vivid.
Abandoned in the Demonic Beast Forest, now standing at the center of the tournament, his presence overwhelming.
And once again, realizing he had conquered a lifetime challenge.
'This is fine too.'
Flowers rained down onto the stage.
"You can't throw those here!"
Tournament staff hurried to prevent debris from interfering with the next match.
"Women seem to like you. Since you don't wander outside much, your fans are getting anxious."
Herton chuckled, then added,
"If ever you need, find me through the Mercenary Guild. As Hyde."
He seemed to realize Helmut wasn't using his real name.
Helmut tilted his head.
"Are you suggesting I might have a job for you?"
Was he here for networking? Helmut was skeptical.
The tournament seats were expensive, filled with nobles from Basor and other countries who could afford a first-class mercenary.
Herton laughed heartily.
"What? Ha! Sure, tournament winnings could hire me. I meant for anything. You seem to attract trouble. Among those troubles, some might require a first-class mercenary."
An enigmatic statement. Helmut replied noncommittally.
"Sure."
"I'll be off then."
Still bleeding, Herton needed treatment.
Helmut left the stage for the waiting area.
There he was again. Luke Yeager. Arms crossed, watching.
Helmut realized something.
'I forgot to wave.'
Luke had mentioned waving to the audience. But it was too late now.
Approaching Luke, he spoke up.
"Only one step left."
Until we meet. Helmut understood the implied continuation.
Luke's match was next. Not having seen all, but considering the remaining competitors, none seemed a match for Luke, except Helmut.
Luke, aware of this, seemed relaxed.
"You seem to have nothing better to do, always here."
"Observing a rival is meaningful. It allows me to identify strengths and weaknesses in advance."
"Are you asking to be observed?"
"Wish me luck? Nah. I only take cheers from women. If I think all those in the audience are beautiful women, I get energized."
Helmut glanced at the audience. While there were some women, mostly older men dominated the stands.
Typical for Basor's tournaments, primarily exciting for men.
"...I see."
Imagining as Luke did required some creativity.
Though not intending to cheer, Helmut decided to watch Luke's match, hoping to spot weaknesses for their potential encounter.
Using common sword techniques against Luke would be challenging. But revealing Darian's techniques in the tournament was not an option.
Until arriving in Basor, Helmut considered revealing his techniques under disguise to gauge the traitors' reactions, but plans changed.
With Palma Knight Commander Lutus Kikero likely targeting Luke, Helmut needed to conceal his presence. To remain an unpredictable factor.
'The shadow sprout issue and Darian's techniques...'
Multiple restrictions limited him. The perfect situation to fully showcase his skills hadn't yet come, lacking a worthy opponent as well.
Helmut, maintaining the routine, left Luke with a farewell.
"Good luck in your match."
"Do you think you can beat me with common sword techniques?"
A sharp question. Helmut turned back. Luke's face was uncharacteristically serious.
"You might have your reasons to hide, but you can't do that forever. You'll need to show your true skills. I'll make sure of it."
"..."
Helmut turned away. Facing Luke Yeager's full power, could he end it with common techniques alone?
Even Helmut didn't have the answer.