"The word 'genius' is just society's derogatory term for successful people. They attribute this success to talent, to the unfairness of the heavens, while ignoring the hard work these successful people put in, the hardships they endure!"
"So, don't believe in the so-called geniuses. Perhaps there are many exceptional individuals in this world, but if they cannot succeed, then they are just ordinary people!"
"Success is the only standard by which a person is defined."
"A successful person, even if they pick their nose and eat it in public, can be called refined!"
The language was crude, but Hilda couldn't help but laugh when she heard it. It was the first time she had heard someone interpret the word "genius" in such a negative way.
"Hilda, what you should pursue is not the title of genius bestowed by society," Field looked into Hilda's eyes and said.
In this life, he had relied on his giant physique, indeed, he was naturally gifted, but what about in his past life?
He was just a poor kid who grew up in the slums, missing a piece of his arm, a disabled child. What talent did he have?
Yet he still became a renowned mercenary on the wasteland?
He enjoyed the talents of this life, but he never forgot the hardships of his past life.
Genius?
A role he scoffed at!
"A genius can achieve anything, and society will accept it because they think talent is everything," his voice was low and firm.
"What you should aspire to be is a strong person!"
"A strong person can reach unimaginable heights."
"Legends are made by strong people!"
"You define me as a genius, but I don't accept it."
"I hope you define me as a strong person. With strong people naturally come weak ones."
"In front of me, you are weak, but in front of others, aren't you a strong person?"
"A strong person must constantly challenge themselves to reach higher peaks and become stronger."
"Only by stepping on those so-called geniuses can you truly be called a strong person!"
"So what if someone is a genius? Even if you have the world's top talent, in front of me, you are still weak, you still have to bow your head!"
"This is what you should pursue!"
"Hilda, you're lacking confidence again."
Field's words were like heavy hammers, shaking Hilda's heart incessantly.
She lowered her head and looked at her hands.
Her hands were beautiful, but not in a soft way. They were fair yet powerful, with calluses from sword training. But even with calluses, they were still beautiful hands.
Indeed, what had she been pursuing all these years?
Was it the title of genius?
Everyone said she was a genius, but the elders of the family denied it. Even her most respected grandfather said she was not a genius, just someone with slightly better talent than average, unsuitable for sword training.
She was unwilling to accept it, so she picked up the sword, wanting to prove she was a genius.
She had always thought she was about to succeed because she used her sword to defeat many peers who were geniuses, until she met Field.
She lost thoroughly.
At that moment, she doubted herself. Was she really not a genius?
Was she really not suitable?
She was unwilling to admit it, but that low mood had been surrounding her heart all along.
However, Field's words made her suddenly enlightened.
Yes, if she really wasn't a genius, then why was she pursuing all this?
She could completely accept the fact that she wasn't a genius.
If she wasn't a genius but could defeat those geniuses, what was she?
Just as Field said.
She was a strong person!
A strong person who dared to climb high peaks!
Not someone who relied on talent to stand up, the so-called genius!
At that moment, she understood.
And finally determined what she wanted to pursue.
Yes, what she wanted to prove was not that she was a genius, but that she could defeat geniuses!
She gradually clenched her fists, and her eyes burst with an unprecedented brilliance.
She smiled and looked at Field, the gleam in her eyes like the sun.
That proud Hilda was back.
"You're right, Field!"
"What I should become is a strong person, not a genius!"
"Thank you for helping me realize this!"
"Thank you!"
"You're welcome," Field smiled.
And in the distance, watching this scene through the window, Uncle Mel pursed his lips, nodded, and felt a sense of relief in his eyes.
"Miss, your growth is only just beginning now..."
"Um..."
"Let's spare this kid tonight. Next time, if he dares to flirt with Miss again, I'll make sure to teach him a lesson."
"I suddenly feel full of strength!" Hilda raised her small fist and waved it, then looked at Field with determined eyes. "Field, let's spar!"
"Now?" Field looked reluctant.
"Hmph, are you afraid I'll improve too quickly and catch up to you?" Hilda grinned mischievously.
"Ha, afraid of you, you silly girl? Not possible," Field shrugged. "But I just finished eating. Aren't you afraid it'll be too intense later and you'll end up vomiting?"
"Oh, right..." Hilda suddenly remembered that she had just eaten.
But then she puffed up her cheeks. "You're the silly one, big dumb pig!"
"Hey, you said I was smart yesterday."
"I don't care, you're still a big dumb pig!" Hilda teased.
"In that case, you're a super dumb Hilda," Field retorted.
"And you're a super dumb Field!" Hilda mimicked his tone.
"Fine," Field nodded, then pretended to hesitate. "I was actually planning to give you the sword I've already forged, but now..."
Hilda's face lit up. "The sword is forged?"
"Mhmm," Field nodded.
Hilda's eyes sparkled with excitement, but Field continued, "But I wonder who called me 'super dumb Field'? I don't feel like giving that unique weapon to her anymore..."
"Why are you like this..." Hilda pouted, then said, "Then, then you're not 'super dumb Field'."
"That's about right," Field smirked.
"But you're still a big dumb pig!" Hilda quickly added.
Field: "..."
Hilda couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Field watched her laugh, and a smile curved his lips.
Hilda was really cute, and seeing her so happy made Field's mood beautiful as well.
Then, without further ado, he took out a long wooden box. "Here, your exclusive weapon."
Hilda restrained her smile, her expression becoming serious. She stood up and carefully took the box, holding it with both hands as if it were precious.
"Open it, you'll like it," Field smiled.
Hilda nodded, calming her excited heart, and then slowly opened the wooden box.
Her eyes widened as she saw a sword tailored to her preferences.
The sword was sheathed, but even just the scabbard made Hilda unable to look away. The hilt resembled the wings of a swan in a protective posture, and the scabbard, like the wings' extension, seemed to be unfolding feathers. The silver glow and graceful lines enhanced the sanctity of the wings.
She carefully took out the long sword, grasping the hilt. It felt incredibly comfortable in her hand, causing her to grip it tighter but not too tight, as if afraid of damaging it.
Her heart fluttered as she unsheathed the sword. The guard and scabbard separated silently, with a magnetic-like tightness, but it lasted only a moment before disappearing, replaced by a smooth sense of drawing the sword.
When the first gleam of the blade reflected on Hilda's face, her eyes widened. Even just this part of the blade satisfied her immensely.
Her anticipation and excitement were uncontrollable as she suddenly drew the sword. With a clang, the slender blade emerged, emitting a brilliant silver light, then disappearing to reveal a slender swan sword.
The blade was thin and sharp, with feather-like blood grooves that almost seamlessly blended with the natural feather pattern, understated yet refined.
As magic infused into it, the silver blade blossomed with a golden glow, with vibrant rainbow hues flowing within the golden light, as if a nebula was concealed within the gaps of the wings.
Such beauty...
At that moment, Hilda's eyes glazed over, showing signs of intoxication, clear and visible.
This was no longer just a weapon...
It was a piece of art...
Field also watched Hilda and the slender sword, his eyes filled with satisfaction.
The craftsmanship of the sword was excellent, a result of his grandfather's skillful hands working to their fullest potential. While it might not be the most beautiful sword in the world, at that moment, it was the perfect sword for Hilda. Its perfect compatibility with her elevated it to another level of beauty.
Indeed, swords also choose their masters.
As his grandfather often said, these lumps of iron had a life of their own and would choose their true owners.
Just like how the angel chose Field.
Field still remembered his grandfather's tears when he picked up the angel for the first time. His grandfather said the angel didn't recognize him, for reasons he didn't know, even though he was the one who forged it.
Until one day, Field picked up the angel. It was the first time Field saw his grandfather shed tears of joy.
His grandfather said the angel didn't recognize him but recognized Field, fulfilling his final wish—to find a worthy master for the angel.
At that moment, Field finally understood why his grandfather had cried.
Perhaps there were deeper reasons behind it.
But seeing Hilda resonate with the sword he forged, as if they were one, made him feel like his child had found a good home, bringing tears to his eyes.
How wonderful...
After a while, Hilda gradually came back to her senses and sheathed the sword, cradling it in her arms.
"What's the name of this sword?" she asked.
"Sword of the Swan Maiden," Field smiled. "She's a proud sword, and only a proud swan maiden can match her."
"How do you like it?"
"I love it!" Hilda's face was flushed, and her eyes even seemed slightly teary.
When she received the sword, she felt like crying. It was as if she had finally found something she had searched for tirelessly.
"Thank you, Field, thank you..." Her voice trembled slightly, feeling a lump in her throat. She hugged the sword, as if she could feel its emotions.
The sword was happy.
And so was she.
Eventually, Hilda couldn't hold back her tears, and they rolled down her cheeks.
Field was taken aback.
Wow, I was just being sentimental, and you're actually crying?
But it also meant that Hilda really loved the sword.
"Thank you, Yeh... What can I do for you? What must I do for you?" Hilda wiped away her tears with her sleeve, speaking.
Field shook his head with a smile. "As I said, I don't want a single penny as long as I can make satisfactory works."
"Clearly, she suits you well, and I'm satisfied too."
"But if I don't do something, I can't accept her with a clear conscience. She's... too beautiful..." Hilda sniffled. "She's important to me, I can feel it..."
"This is the first time I've felt such resonance with a sword, all because of you!"
The swan maiden's emotions were so intense and sincere.
Field still smiled and shook his head. "No need."
But Hilda was incredibly stubborn. "Yes, I do!"
With that, she drew the slender sword, standing before him. Her eyes met Field's through the blade, filled with determination.
"Field, perhaps you don't know how important a sword truly suited to a swordsman is."
"A sword is a swordsman's second life, bearing their dreams and glory!"
"I swear by my true name!"
"I, Hilda Kael Skalotte!"
"Will use this sword to guard our friendship, even to the death!"
With a hum, the sword radiated light.
That day, the sword and the swan maiden made a solemn vow.
That day, Hilda and the sword both shone brightly.
That day, Field felt his heart stir once again.