As Gerald looked curiously at Yule—who had just knelt before him—Yule then explained, “Not only are you both my sister and I’s benefactor, but you also have such remarkable capabilities! With that said, I’m begging you to protect, and be the guest of honor for the Quantock family!” Though the Quantocks were a cryptic family, they didn’t have a patron back then, which was honestly the reason why they were driven out of Jenna City in the first place. Regardless, Yule recalled hearing that there existed a small group of people that had surpassed the level of champions, and after witnessing Gerald’s skill, he was sure that his master was one of them. If his family had such a strong person on their side, the Quantock’s strength would definitely progress rapidly. With any luck, Gerald’s agreement would surely bring great and positive changes to the future of his family. Hearing that, Gerald found himself frowning slightly as he asked, “A guest of honor…?” “Well, essentially, what I
Xylon—the middle-aged man standing upfront—instantly grew curious when he saw how young Gerald actually was. After all, despite the fact that his son kept addressing him by ‘master’ this entire time, Xylon simply couldn’t imagine that young man as anything other than completely ordinary. Could his son have somehow been mistaken…? While Xylon found himself thinking that, he still shook hands with Gerald rather friendlily in order to express his gratitude. However, after having a few more exchanges with Gerald, Xylon—being an elder—couldn’t help but start feeling slightly contemptuous toward him. Regardless, after inviting him in for a meal—and finishing it—Xylon brought Gerald and the others for a walk around the manor to show their new master around. During the meal, Xylon had mentioned a large and strong stone called the Zekterite, and it was evident that he was keen on showing it off. Upon arriving before the stone, Xylon chuckled before declaring, “This is the Zekterite
Upon hearing Gerald’s casual reply, all the eyes of the Quantocks present instantly widened in great wrath. “You…!” growled Xylon whose expression had turned extremely ugly. “…Since you’ve said that, does that mean you’re able to split the stone, Brother Gerald? If you are, then please widen our horizons…!” added another old man as he and the others gritted their teeth. “Of course, I can. What’s so strange about splitting it anyway?” asked Gerald as he looked at them before shaking his head with a bitter smile. “Fun fact, the Zekterite is immune to lightning since it holds similar properties to it. For further clarification, there exist spiritual items that are produced naturally between heaven and earth. With that said, the item will gain immense resistance against the element it is attuned to. Even so, magic arts can be used to split the Zekterite since they’re much more powerful than regular lightning!” explained Gerald. “You ignorant youth! How dare you boast so shameless
While the Quantocks were kneeling before Gerald, a young man—who was participating in the festival—could be seen standing before a middle-aged one within the Laidler manor’s study. “So tell me, Stetson, how’s your current relationship with the Waddys family’s young lady?” asked the middle-aged man. “Everything’s under control, dad! With how infatuated Xyrielle is with me, I doubt there’ll be any problems with me gaining her affection!” replied Stetson with a subtle smile. “Hahaha! That’s great to hear, Stetson! While the Waddys themselves don’t own much strength, the force backing them up is nothing short of terrifying. Regardless, I believe that you’ll be able to handle everything well. If all goes according to plan, we’ll definitely be able to use your relationship with the Waddys to eventually allow the Leidlers to have their day! Also, you had best not slack on your training either. The underground festival will be held in two days, and our family has to be crowned the victor
Whatever the case was, Yaakov believed in his daughter’s insight and perception. With that said, he was certain that she definitely wouldn’t end up falling for a man like Gerald. “I see… Well, that’s fine for now. Regardless, while I promise to always be by your side no matter what, I hope that you understand that you’ll eventually end up getting married to Stetson… After all, his future looks extremely promising! With that said, I hope you mentally prepare yourself for that…” said Yaakov. Since Xyrielle didn’t look like she was particularly against the idea, Yaakov left her room with ease in his heart. As for Xyrielle, after watching her father leave, she felt her heart palpitate as she muttered, “…Gerald…” So, her father had come over just to tell her all that… As a sense of loss filled her while muttering his name, she could almost see his figure in his mind… Fast forward to two days later, the underground festival was launched as scheduled. On the day itself, no shortag
With that, Gerald then followed Xaverie as she led him someplace… He found himself slightly surprised when he realized that she had simply wanted him to help her carry a parrot. Though the parrot distinctly knew how to mimic human speech, it hadn’t said a word upon arriving there for some odd reason. Recalling that Yagrorok was afraid of Gerald too back then, Xaverie deduced that the bird must have simply been too terrified to speak within Gerald’s presence! It was exactly because of that that she was asking his help to carry it. Not wanting to be further pestered by Xaverie, Gerald simply shook his head at the comment before agreeing to help with a nod. “Still, to think that you were actually able to get acquainted with the Quantocks! Regardless, you really have to thank me this time, Gerald! For context, carrying this parrot isn’t the only reason I called you over…” said Xaverie in a slow tone after both of them descended into the underground area. “Oh? What do you mean b
Though Yaakov was muttering worriedly to himself, Xyrielle had admiration reflected in her eyes as she looked at Stetson. After watching all those battles, she felt as though she could finally see through that man. As the fortune-teller had predicted, Stetson truly had immense martial arts skills and no ordinary person could ever come close to being compared to him… Xaverie, on the other hand, found herself looking at Gerald slightly contemptuously before saying, “While Stetson is arrogant, he’s undeniably handsome! It’s no wonder why Xyrielle fell for him! Though I do wonder if you’ll get jealous of hearing me say such things! After all, I’m pretty sure you’re in love with her! Sadly enough, Stetson has all the strength and glory in the world! You simply don’t stand a chance!” In response, Gerald simply grunted with a nod. He had been preoccupied this entire time, observing each battle closely, wondering if anyone stronger than Stetson would show up. After all, this was an
“…W-who is that person…?!” shouted several people in bewilderment as many others simply continued screaming. Stetson himself couldn’t help but widen his eyes as he scanned the old man from head to toe before declaring, “It… It’s you! You’re alive, Carlos?!” Upon hearing that, Yaakov instantly cupped his swollen cheek as he got to his feet and stared at the old man before muttering, “…C-Carlos…? The god of death…?!” Even Finnegan Laidler—the master of the Laidler family—immediately stood up when he realized who the old man was. Completely aghast, Finnegan nervously turned to look at his son before shouting, “S-Stetson! It’s far too dangerous there! Retreat!” Xyrielle was also looking at Stetson rather anxiously, worried about his safety. “There’s no need to worry about me, dad! Since he’s shown himself, I’m taking down this fearful villain today!” replied Stetson as a subtle smile began forming on his face. He couldn’t help but feel slightly excited now that he was facing a