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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Pot]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
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Chapter 123: Why Didn’t You Stop Me?
“Hmm, Your Highness.”
Venion, having heard the declaration to utterly destroy Nepherus’s lair, asked a question.
“So, how do you plan to get to that cliff over there without a boat?”
“A very practical question, indeed.”
Between this place and the coastal cliff lay the sea—a formidable obstacle. The distance was far too great to swim across easily.
And even if I tried, those fucking sea turtle would drag me down to a watery grave in an instant.
“You don’t exactly possess divine powers that would allow you to run across the sea, do you?”
“Not at the moment, no. Though I do dream of one day crossing the sea without a boat.”
“You dream of the strangest things.”
“Isn’t dreaming what young people are supposed to do?”
After tossing out that nonsense, I drew my sword.
“I never needed a boat in the first place. I didn’t want to fight those disgusting creatures on flat ground anyway.”
“Hmm. Is that so?”
“Why ask when you already know?”
I activated the Eternal Ocean Chain Technique and drew upon the vast reserves of mana sleeping within my body.
Whoooooosh!
After consuming numerous high-quality spirit medicines and refining them through the purest mana cultivation techniques, I had stored their energy within my five organs.
Now, I unleashed all that accumulated power without reserve. A soft yet intense light enveloped me, and I felt it being drawn into my sword.
“Your sword energy is as impressive as ever. Such stable yet fierce sword energy is something only a natural talent could achieve.”
I agreed.
But this sword energy was also the culmination of Karzan’s life, a life spent living by the blade. To dismiss it as mere talent would be an injustice to me.
“Heh.”
I smiled with satisfaction as I gazed at the sharp, solid, and azure sword energy.
The Voyager of the Night now coated by the sword energy.
“Venion, the Azure Sea Moon Shadow Swordsmanship you taught me doesn’t have any moves that release slashing energy.”
I turned to Venion.
“Do you know why?”
“Because, if you wish, you can release sword energy with any move, right?”
Venion grinned.
“As expected, you don’t need lengthy explanations.”
In my past life as Karzan, living in the underworld, my weaknesses were my lack of mana and inferior techniques.
So, I relied on closing the distance, using my genius swordsmanship and combat intelligence to create variables and defeat stronger enemies.
But with sufficient mana and proper techniques, I no longer needed to bother with all that tedious slashing, stabbing, and retreating.
“Here I go.”
Swoooooosh!
I slashed fiercely through the air, and a massive wave of sword energy tore across the sky.
It looked like a blue-feathered bird skimming low over the water, trying to snatch a blue-backed fish.
Kwaaaaaaaah!
The turtle monsters gathered below the cliff were swept up in the slash, cleaved in two.
Their shattered shells mixed with fragments of the cliff, creating a massive cloud of dust.
“Wow…”
I clapped as I surveyed the carnage.
“So this is my power. It’s awe-inspiring.”
The aftermath of the explosion was so intense that fragments of the broken shells flew all the way to where I stood, landing with a thud.
I nudged one with my foot—it was surprisingly hard. If it had hit a swordsman’s blade without sword energy, the edge would’ve been chipped for sure.
“This sword might actually be worth something.”
I muttered as I held up the treasured sword.
“A fine sword can enhance your sword energy as well.”
“Hmm, I’ve heard that, but…”
…I didn’t expect it to be of such high quality.
Having spent most of my life wielding cheap, low-quality swords, I’m not exactly an expert at identifying legendary blades.
“The cuts are clean, by the way.”
Venion examined the shattered turtle shells.
“A powerful sword, but one that’s equally difficult to wield, and a deeper, more refined internal mana. It seems you’ve gained full control over all of it now.”
“That’s what I’ve been saying. I’ve grown significantly stronger in just a few days.”
In terms of mastery, the Azure Sea Moon Shadow Swordsmanship had already reached the 9th level, and the Eternal Ocean Chain Technique was nearing perfection at the 10th stage.
“Well, it’s a good thing, anyway.”
I glanced at the panicked turtle monsters scurrying about and the barnacle monsters flailing their disgusting tentacles.
‘Even now, they look absolutely vile.’
Getting hit by those tentacles would probably lead to something unpleasant.
“This way, I won’t have to bother getting up close and personal with those disgusting creatures.”
I could just stand still and unleash sword energy.
***
“Head Butler, welcome.”
“It’s been a while.”
“Yes, it has been quite some time.”
“Quite some time, indeed.”
Head Butler Count Aiden surveyed the log cabin nestled on the outskirts of the Grunewald territory.
“I happened to finish my busy schedule today.”
The Head Butler sat gracefully on a finely crafted wooden chair.
“I came to enjoy the breeze and have a good cup of tea.”
“You’ve come at the perfect time. I was feeling a bit lonely myself.”
Wilfred, the Fox Hunter, smiled warmly.
“And perhaps you’re also here to talk about ‘that person’?”
“You’re quite perceptive.”
Coincidentally, the two of them were long-time vassals of the Duke and close colleagues…
They had also each sent their nephew and son to serve under Allenvert.
“How is Ludan doing?”
“Same as ever. Though he recently complained about his eyesight and got himself a larger pair of glasses.”
Jeffrey adjusted his monocle and chuckled.
“Well, I’ve also started experiencing presbyopia as I’ve aged.”
“You? Don’t exaggerate.”
“It’s true. I’m not as sharp as I used to be.”
Wilfred joked lightly. He was naturally lively and had a knack for putting people at ease.
“Anyway, it would be nice to see Ludan next time.”
“Did you two get along well?”
“Not exactly, but…”
“But?”
“Our life experiences are so different that it’s interesting to hear his stories.”
“That makes sense.”
The Head Butler nodded.
“We also share a common interest, after all.”
Of course, that common interest referred to a certain young master who had gone to subdue Nepherus.
“Haha. We have plenty of time, so let’s enjoy some tea first.”
Wilfred brought out a block of cheese he had stored in a cool place, along with some wild berries.
“Ah, your tea snacks are always exceptional.”
“I only serve them to esteemed guests.”
“That’s flattering.”
The Head Butler elegantly placed a berry on the cheese and tasted it.
“The sharp acidity blends perfectly with the rich flavor, creating a harmonious balance. If this could be produced in large quantities, it would be perfect for entertaining the Duke’s distinguished guests.”
“Oh, really? If you say so, I’ll prepare some.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
This was actually a subtle gesture of consideration from the Head Butler. By asking for a favor first, he made it easier for Wilfred to ask anything in return.
Of course, it was also a small signal that only long-time friends could pick up on.
“So, Head Butler, how has Jeffrey been lately?”
“No need to worry. He seems to be getting along quite well with the young master.”
“Is that so?”
Wilfred’s face lit up.
“That’s a relief.”
“Like father, like son, isn’t it?”
“Hehe. That boy has been reluctant to talk about his work since joining the royal guard.”
“He probably doesn’t want to hear that he’s benefiting from his father’s influence.”
“That sounds like him.”
Wilfred knew his son’s pride and stubbornness well.
“But it’s only when you reach the level of a Count that you can truly benefit from such connections. What does a man like me have to offer that’s worth boasting about?”
“Don’t say that. Jeffrey takes great pride in you.”
“Ahem.”
Wilfred always felt embarrassed by such compliments and would awkwardly clear his throat.
“I often call Jeffrey to check on him, so don’t worry too much.”
“I’m truly grateful that you care so much for my son, Head Butler.”
“Don’t mention it. I’ve known him since he was a child, so he’s like another nephew to me.”
The Head Butler raised his teacup.
“Thanks to you, I get to enjoy such exquisite tea for free.”
“Exquisite? Hardly.”
Wilfred smiled sheepishly.
“I’ve just developed a hobby of foraging for nameless spirit medicines and herbs in the mountains, brewing and tasting them. This tea leaf happened to have a unique flavor.”
“That unique flavor is something you can’t find anywhere else, and that’s what makes it special.”
Aside from the mountain peoples, Wilfred was one of the top two herbalists in the vicinity of the ducal estate.
“But now that I think about it, blood truly doesn’t lie, does it? Both father and son share a love for uncovering hidden gems.”
“Hahaha! You’ve got a way with words.”
Wilfred knew the name of the gem his son had found. Its name was Allenvert.
“Jeffrey is fortunate to have found such a good master.”
Jeffrey had originally been someone Somerset had eyed to join his personal guard.
However, after tactfully declining Somerset’s offer, he had instead recognized Allenvert’s potential early on, despite the latter having no established foundation at the time. This had become a minor topic of discussion among the vassals.
“But I’m curious. How could you so readily approve of your son’s seemingly reckless decision?”
The Head Butler leaned forward, his curiosity piqued.
“Well, I raised him myself, so I wasn’t worried about his judgment. If he believed that person was worthy of serving, then there must have been a good reason.”
Wilfred answered with confidence.
“Besides, weren’t you the one who first noticed something special about the young master, Head Butler? You were the one who gave him that push, weren’t you?”
Count Aiden smiled faintly.
“That’s true.”
“Your ability to judge people is unmatched in this duchy, so I had no reason to worry.”
Wilfred chuckled, deftly steering the conversation.
“But, Head Butler, may I ask you something?”
“Feel free to ask.”
For the first time, the usually cheerful and straightforward Wilfred hesitated, his expression turning serious.
“What kind of man is Venion, exactly?”
At that question, the Head Butler’s expression shifted.
“Why do you ask?”
“Just simple curiosity.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you that.”
It was an answer that left room for many interpretations.
“…I see.”
Wilfred nodded, as if he had already formed his own suspicions.
“This might be overstepping, but…”
“It’s fine.”
“I often feel an odd sense of unease around that man.”
The Head Butler crossed his arms without offering further explanation.
“If you feel that way, it’s likely because he intended it.”
“…I see. So he’s that kind of person.”
“That’s why it’s best not to pry too much.”
“Hmm, I suppose so.”
The Head Butler, lost in thought about Venion, suddenly asked.
“Do you know about the monster called Nepherus?”
“I know a bit about it.”
Wilfred replied.
“It’s an extremely vicious and dangerous creature. It’s also an invasive species, so it’s very rare in this region.”
“Is that so?”
Noticing the Head Butler’s expression, Wilfred asked again.
“Why do you ask?”
“Actually, the mission the young master has taken on this time is to subjugate that monster.”
“What? No…”
Wilfred looked bewildered and asked.
“How many people is he taking with him?”
“He went alone.”
“Huh.”
Wilfred’s expression turned grave.
“This is on a completely different level from retrieving items from the underworld. Why didn’t you stop him?”
“That wasn’t my call.”
The Head Butler lowered his voice.
“In your opinion, how dangerous is Nepherus?”
Wilfred pondered for a moment before answering,
“Even if I sent Jeffrey, he wouldn’t stand a chance alone.”
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Pot]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
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