Alfredo stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression darkening. "You know exactly why I've let you keep your miserable life until now. The Sword Pool in the back mountains was left in disarray. The Godslayer, buried deep within, was stolen. You're the thieving rat who took it, aren't you?"

Andrew tilted his head. "A thief? Do you really think someone could just steal a divine blade like Godslayer? If I were a thief, then why didn't you keep such a priceless weapon with you at all times?"

Alfredo's jaw muscles twitched, a clear sign of his fury and his desire to tear Andrew apart.

Andrew, however, was past caring and pressed his advantage. "You want the Godslayer. You're dreaming of it, aren't you? With that sword empowering Swordhaven Keep, you wouldn't be just the leader of Swordhaven Keep anymore. You'd make a bid to become the overlord of the entire northern and southern martial world.

"You'd even challenge the Military Department, aiming to become a giant l