Caden slowly approached Zion and handed over the letter. Zion, guessing the sender, took it cautiously. Hanette watched the scene unfold with a mix of tension and curiosity.
“It sounds like you’re suggesting I choose the Purple Divine Archer.”
“You really don’t trust me, do you… Have you at least learned the secret technique?”
“I learned it, but it’s not particularly useful.”
It wasn't entirely useless; being able to move faster had its advantages. However, Zion wasn’t yet accustomed to the footwork and wasn't sure if he could incorporate it into his swordsmanship.
“The Purple Divine Archer uses a bow. It won’t help you much.”
“Even if they use a bow, they would have prepared for close combat. The Purple Divine Archer seems more beneficial to me.”
“Are you only interested in combat-related skills?”
“What else could I learn? I can't become your disciple.”
Hanette, listening quietly, was momentarily taken aback. Becoming a disciple of Setinos Quasar was not an easy feat. She had become a disciple as a member of the Libdad Society, but others would have to go through a rigorous process.
“It’s a shame, but I suppose I should give up.”
“I don’t intend to underestimate you. I respect the title of Setinos Quasar, but I have my own goals.”
Zion answered calmly, glancing at Hanette beside him. He had no desire to learn from any of the Setinos Quasar, except perhaps the Golden Sword Saint, and only if the conditions were right. His priorities were Hanette’s growth and forming an alliance with the protagonist.
“Goals, huh…”
Caden instinctively sensed Zion’s resolve and smiled. Zion Laird was indeed worthy of being his disciple, possessing noble and genuine emotions. Anyone who comes to the remote region with their beloved must have firm determination.
“It’s a bit disappointing, but I suppose I should respect your decision.”
Caden faded into the shadows, his form disappearing completely. Though he couldn’t make Zion his disciple, his interest had not waned. Perhaps they would meet again in the future, and he could make the offer once more.
“I’ll wait until dawn. If you have a reply by then, I’ll take it. Otherwise, you’ll have to send it yourself.”
With those final words, Caden vanished. Zion, sensing that he was gone, finally sheathed Exceed Rain.
“What was that about? A disciple?”
“It’s nothing. I just turned him down.”
“Why would you turn it down? Setinos Quasar would teach you great skills…”
“Just because a skill is great doesn’t mean it’s useful to me. For example, what if you learned holy magic?”
“Well…”
Hanette pondered for a moment, realizing Zion had a point. The Silver Phantom couldn’t teach him swordsmanship. If they could increase his magical capacity or teach him efficient ways to use magic, Zion might consider it.
“The same goes for the Purple Divine Archer. They might be better than the Silver Phantom, but it might not be helpful to me. I’ll understand more once I read this letter.”
Zion looked at the letter, trying to guess its contents. It was unlikely to be a warning or punishment. However, if it contained an invitation to join their knights or seek their guidance, it could become troublesome.
“You attract a lot of attention, huh?”
“If I were alone, it would be less.”
“…Am I included in that?”
“You’re not exactly ordinary either.”
“Hmm…”
Hanette thought for a moment, then nodded. She was the daughter of Duke Adelaira, a disciple of Setinos Quasar, a mage with the title of Ma-Dosa, and Zion Laird’s fiancée. No matter how one approached her, other aspects would come into focus.
“So, what are you going to do?”
“In this case, I’ll politely decline.”
“Are you sure? This is Setinos Quasar we’re talking about.”
“We are the children of a Duke and a Marquis. They won’t act recklessly.”
“…”
Hanette understood this from experience. Nobles didn’t dare call her Crazy Young Lady to her face, and the Blue Sage showed her respect because of her father’s title. If her father wasn’t a Duke, would the lords of the border regions have greeted her and Zion with such courtesy?
‘He must have his reasons, but is this the right decision?’
Theroden Castle, Sylase Knights' Barracks.
Enrite stepped out of the barracks, gazing up at the night sky. The deep blue darkness was dotted with countless twinkling stars, creating a serene and comforting view.
‘Things are going smoothly.’
He had already discussed forming an alliance with Zion Laird, and Hanette Adelaira had expressed positive opinions. Seran Sylase and the knights had concluded that maintaining a friendly relationship with the Rihines Knights would be beneficial. By tomorrow or the day after, a definite outcome would be reached.
‘Merging the knight orders…’
Enrite had considered this, but it felt premature. An alliance was a temporary bond, but a merger was irreversible. Rushing into a merger could end up causing more harm than good.
‘Zion Laird handles Exceed Rain well. We’ll soon see the potential of the Flame Magic Sword too.’
Initially, Enrite had been concerned, but Zion Laird had exceeded expectations. If Zion could use full armor without losing his composure, he was indeed the true master of Exceed Rain. Hanette Adelaira had just begun using the Flame Magic Sword, and in time, she would likely demonstrate its full potential.
“…Silver, how long are you going to hide?”
Enrite murmured as he reached a secluded spot. Soft footsteps and faint magical energy emerged.
“I was waiting for a quieter moment.”
Caden leaned against a wall, replying leisurely. Enrite turned to face him.
“What brings you here this time?”
“Oh, I didn’t come to see you. I just thought I’d say hello since I ran into you.”
Enrite quickly discerned Caden’s true purpose. It was likely related to someone of greater importance than himself.
“You’re here for Zion Laird?”
“Oh, you knew?”
“How could I not? You said you were interested.”
“I just delivered a letter from the Purple Divine Archer. Any idea why?”
Enrite was slightly surprised, pondering. Caden had already expressed interest in making Zion Laird his disciple. If the Purple Divine Archer had sent a personal letter, it likely had a similar intent.
“Do they want to train Zion Laird?”
“Sort of. They mentioned taking him under their wing for a while.”
“…Isn’t that the same thing?”
“I thought so too, but apparently, it’s a bit different. If they say it’s different, it must be.”
Enrite considered this briefly before dismissing it. He couldn’t interfere with the Purple Divine Archer, who was both a Setinos Quasar member and his colleague. However, if this caused issues with Zion Laird’s alliance, he might have to step in.
“Weren’t you here to see Zion Laird?”
“I had a reason to, thanks to the Purple Divine Archer.”
“Didn’t you already offer to make him your disciple?”
“Well, that’s tough. He already declined.”
Enrite felt a sense of relief but kept his emotions in check. Zion Laird, as a swordsman, would likely be interested in swordsmanship and magic. However, the Silver Phantom’s expertise in stealth and speed was less valuable to him.
“Now, let’s hear your story.”
“…Are you asking why I’m with Zion Laird?”
“You seem quite close with him since I’ve been gone…”
“I’m preparing to form an alliance with Zion Laird.”
“What do you hope to achieve with this alliance?”
“Since I can’t fight myself, I need strong allies.”
Enrite candidly revealed his goal. As long as he didn’t mention the existence of the Magic Swords, sharing his broader plans wasn’t an issue. As a human, he could only use holy magic, so he needed reliable allies.
“If you’re looking for strong allies, why not approach the other Setinos Quasar or knights?”
“…You’re powerful but bound. Other knights move based on their circumstances. They’re not useful to me.”
“Haha! You’re quite direct.”
Caden laughed, accepting the truth. Enrite spoke logically, and other Setinos Quasar members couldn’t deny it. Setinos Quasar were the King’s direct knights, only active for Alain Kingdom. Other knights pursued their own interests, unlikely to act according to Enrite’s needs.
“I don’t expect the King to support me. Nor you.”
“I haven’t been asked for help yet.”
“If the King assigned me a mission, I could request support. But this is unrelated, so I must handle it alone.”
“You lead a boring life. You could at least ask.”
“We’re bound as Setinos Quasar. I can’t ask for more.”
“Hmm… The Blue Sage or the Purple Divine Archer might help you.”
“They might help temporarily. But what I need isn’t temporary.”
Enrite’s response was cold and left no room for doubt. The Setinos Quasar were powerful but detached from their destiny. They could collectively annihilate the Three Demon Kings and Four Calamities, but they couldn’t destroy the immortality those beings harbored. Even if he revealed the secrets of the Magic Swords, could they resist their desires?
‘Humans are inherently swayed by desire.’
Becoming a Magic Sword master didn’t guarantee righteous choices. Some threatened the world, some sought to dominate humanity, some were consumed by madness, and others arrogantly trusted only in their Magic Sword’s power. Therefore, while aiming to gather all the Magic Swords, he sought alternative strategies.
‘Zion Laird might be the human I’ve been looking for. He’s suppressing Exceed Rain.’