The food Kevin cooked wasn't extraordinary, but in an era where meals relied on the natural flavors of ingredients rather than elaborate recipes, his dishes were considered delectable. Even King Conchieber, ruler of Ulster, would occasionally drop by to savor Kevin's cooking.
For Cu Chulainn and Connor, Kevin's meals were nothing short of a treat. All three shared hearty appetites, their strength demanding copious amounts of sustenance. Despite Kevin's smaller build, he kept up with his companions. His remarkable stamina and strength were thanks to Ruger's divine fruit, which Kevin faithfully consumed every night for three years.
Though Kevin's physical capabilities improved significantly, they still paled compared to Cu Chulainn, whose demigod bloodline gave him an undeniable edge. Yet there was an unusual side effect: the divine fruit enhanced Kevin's youthful features, making him appear almost cherubic, much to his own chagrin.
The divine fruit, as Kevin had come to understand, wasn't a miracle cure for all ailments or a shortcut to godhood. Instead, it served as a slow, steady source of vitality, designed to replenish qi and blood. Once the body reached its natural peak, the fruit's effects diminished, rendering it little more than a pleasant snack.
That evening, they devoured the wild boar's trotters in a single sitting. Connor and Cu Chulainn, without prompting, cleared the table and disposed of the leftovers—a habit Kevin had instilled in them over time. Connor left shortly afterward, leaving Kevin and Cu Chulainn alone.
"Kevin, what are we doing this afternoon?" Cu Chulainn asked as he strolled back into the room. Kevin was busy packing pastries for a bird that often visited them.
When Kevin first declared himself Cu Chulainn's brother, the demigod warrior had been surprised. However, over time, Cu Chulainn accepted and even cherished their relationship. It was rare for Cu Chulainn to respect someone who avoided killing, but Kevin was an exception.
To Cu Chulainn, Kevin wasn't just a warrior—he was the strongest warrior who chose not to kill unless necessary. That contradiction fascinated Cu Chulainn, who had always associated strength with brutality.
"Go take a bath first," Kevin said without looking up. "The smell of blood is too strong."
"Really? I washed off earlier," Cu Chulainn replied, sniffing his arms.
"Cold water doesn't count," Kevin said. He walked over to the window and whistled. Moments later, a beautiful bird descended, carrying a radiant fruit in its claws.
"Huh? Why is there still a divine fruit?" Cu Chulainn asked, puzzled. "Didn't Father say the three-year agreement had ended?"
Kevin shared Cu Chulainn's confusion but accepted the fruit nonetheless. Before he could question it further, the bird began to speak in a melodic, human-like voice.
"Lord Ruger says this is a gift for Sir Kevin," the bird announced. "He is pleased with Sir Kevin's dedication over the past three years. From now on, Sir Kevin will receive one divine fruit every week."
Kevin blinked in astonishment, unsure of how to respond. The bird continued, "Lord Ruger has instructed you not to refuse. While the fruit may no longer enhance your physical strength, it retains its ability to replenish energy and heal injuries during critical moments."
"Just take it," Cu Chulainn said with a grin. "It's Father's gift, after all."
Though hesitant, Kevin nodded. He handed a small cake to the bird in return, stroking its feathers gently. "Thank you for your help. Please pass my gratitude on to Father," he said.
The bird gave a graceful nod and flew off. Kevin stared at the fruit in his hand for a moment before tossing it to Cu Chulainn.
"Here. You've always wanted to try it."
Cu Chulainn caught the fruit mid-air, bewildered. "But this is yours!"
Kevin waved him off dismissively. "It's mine to give away. Besides, it doesn't enhance my strength anymore. It's better if you have it."
After a moment of hesitation, Cu Chulainn took a bite. He frowned almost immediately. "It's not even that tasty. No wonder Father trades these for cakes."
Kevin smirked but said nothing. Instead, he picked up his sword and motioned for Cu Chulainn to follow him. "Come on, if you're done eating, let's train."
Cu Chulainn's eyes lit up. He stood and followed Kevin to the training grounds without hesitation.
The clash of steel filled the training yard as Kevin and Cu Chulainn sparred with intensity. Neither held back, their blades gleaming as they cut through the air with each swing.
Kevin moved with precision and speed, his strikes aimed carefully at Cu Chulainn's defenses. Cu Chulainn, however, overwhelmed him with sheer strength and ferocity.
Ten minutes later, Kevin's stamina began to wane. Cu Chulainn seized the opportunity, disarming Kevin with a powerful strike and pointing his blade at Kevin's throat.
"Admit it—you can't beat me!" Cu Chulainn teased, laughing.
Kevin sighed and shook his head. "Fine, you win."
The two collapsed under the shade of a nearby tree, catching their breath.
"Are you going to join the Knights of the Red Branch?" Kevin asked, breaking the silence.
Cu Chulainn nodded, though uncertainty clouded his expression. "Eventually. But I'm not ready yet. I've seen their battles, Kevin. They're on another level entirely."
Kevin chuckled softly. "Even with my magic sword, I wouldn't stand a chance, huh?"
"They'd take you out before you could even draw it," Cu Chulainn replied bluntly.
Kevin smiled faintly. "Fair enough. But you'll make it. I have no doubt."
"And you?" Cu Chulainn asked, looking at Kevin intently.
"Of course I'll join," Kevin said. His tone was casual, but there was a glimmer of determination in his eyes.
"You don't care about Ulster," Cu Chulainn said after a moment. "I know you don't."
Kevin didn't deny it. Instead, he leaned back against the tree, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I care about you," he said simply. "And you care about Ulster. That's enough."
Later that afternoon, Kevin ventured into the woods outside the city. Though King Conchieber provided him with more than enough funds, Kevin chose hunting as a means of training.
Actual combat, he believed, was the fastest way to grow stronger. Over three years, Kevin had absorbed everything Connor had taught him, but he knew it wasn't enough. Not if he wanted to stand by Cu Chulainn's side.
He needed to become more than just a good fighter—he needed to become extraordinary.
Meanwhile, Cu Chulainn found Connor and pulled him aside.
"Connor..."
"Hmm?" Connor looked at him curiously.
"Do you know where I can get, um..." Cu Chulainn trailed off, fidgeting awkwardly.
"Spit it out," Connor said impatiently.
"A sex-changing potion," Cu Chulainn blurted out, his face turning bright red.
Connor stared at him, wide-eyed. After a long pause, he sighed. "The druid near King Conchieber might have something like that."
As the two schemed, neither realized that Kevin's hunting trip was about to take an unexpected turn.
In the forest, Kevin came face-to-face with a figure he had only ever read about in legends. It was an encounter that would change the course of his life forever.
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