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
Laughing maniacally as he shook his head, Carlos then said, “What an utter fool! To think that you even dared to go up against me in the first place! Who the hell even gave you such courage?” Following that, the old man raised his hand… and began lifting Stetson into the air without even touching him! Watching as Stetson screamed in terror in his suspended state, Xyrielle—who was under the platform—quickly shouted, “D-dad! Hurry and think of a way to deal with that villain!” Despite hearing his daughter’s pleas, even Yaakov was at his wits’ end. As for Carlos, he found himself turning to look at who was shouting for Stetson’s sake. The second he laid eyes on Xyrielle, he paused for a moment before declaring, “It appears that you’re quite gifted too, young lass! Alright then, since you’re so loyal, I’ll just drain both of you dry together!” Laughing as soon as his sentence ended, Xyrielle wasn’t even able to react in time before Carlos lifted his hand again and drew the poor g
The second the light hit the platform, an explosive sound ensued as large cracks began forming on the platform’s surface! As everyone stared wide-eyed at the platform that had almost been split clean in half, the distinct sound of a blade being sheathed could be heard… Following that, a middle-aged man wearing ninja-like garments stepped out of the clouds of debris. Watching as the middle-aged man stared at him, Carlos found himself chuckling before saying, “So it’s you, Ghose!” From that statement, it was made evident that he was acquainted with this person… Regardless, the second Stetson saw him, he looked like he had finally attained a glimmer of hope as he shouted, “M-Master Ghose! Save me…!” The ninja’s earlier attack had freed both Stetson and Xyrielle from Carlos’s grasps, and Stetson quickly used this chance to run over to Ghose, gritting his teeth as he glared back at Carlos once he was standing behind the middle-aged man. His eyelids now twitching slightly, Car
Upon being shaken, Gerald finally snapped out of it as he turned to look at Xaverie. The truth was, he had entered such a state since the five disks in his body had reappeared a little earlier. With that in mind, Gerald couldn’t keep himself calm enough to continue watching the fights at full concentration. While Gerald was still pretty much aware of the incidents happening around him, his mind was more preoccupied on the disks, which explained his lack of action. “What are you looking at me for? Look down there! Your friend’s about to die!” said Xaverie, feeling speechless. “She’s not really my friend… She’s merely my disciple!” replied Gerald with a subtle smile, finding her over anxiousness slightly amusing. “…Disciple? Are you still half asleep?!” grumbled Xaverie in resignation as her friends turned to look at him with odd gazes. “Not really, no. Regardless, I don’t think I’ve mentioned it, but I appreciate your kindness earlier, Xaverie! Now then, I’m heading off to a