The day after I parted ways with Shuna.
As I prepared my gear as usual and headed towards the adventurer's guild, I was interrupted.
"Oh, out for another stroll with your sword today? You're quite diligent, aren't you?"
The familiar mocking voice made me sigh inwardly. Turning around, I saw the blonde boy—my older brother, Dion, standing with his arms crossed.
I tried to keep my composure and responded lightly.
"...Dion, what do you want?"
"What kind of greeting is that? Your brother is here to offer you some words of encouragement, and this is how you repay him? How rude."
I had a retort ready, pointing out how his words were anything but encouraging, but I swallowed it back. It wouldn't make any difference. Dion, seeing my reaction, continued with a smug look on his face.
"Not that it matters. No matter how hard you try, with only the 'Crest of Nothing' you will never match me, who bears the 'Crest of All'!"
"......"
