Chapter 21

Leon stood before the woman called his master.

Both wore black clothes and black hair—an uncanny match, like siblings.

But one was a man destined to be the Hero. The other was the continent’s most vicious S-rank bounty bandit! How had these opposites intertwined three years ago?

“Three years since we last met, Leon.” A faint smile played on her upturned lips. “I told you to practice swordsmanship for three years before leaving the mountains. And you actually did it.”

That dignified, beautiful face. Short hair with a strand swept across her forehead. That cool voice—it really was her. Three years ago, Leon had faced a nine-headed sea serpent in his hometown. Injured, she’d saved him. She stayed at his home for months, teaching him swordsmanship.

Leon now realized those months until her recovery and departure had been fleeting. Her identity? Her real name? How she got injured? He knew nothing about her!

With unasked questions burning inside, Leon confronted her—“Who are you really???”

“My full name is Vanessa Rothschild. Now you understand? Will you oppose me for Ruri’s sake?”

“You’re that wealthy family’s daughter?”

“Exactly. You destroyed my home, stupid disciple!”

“You abused Ruri for ten years?? Why? Why are you like this?”

“I’ve always been this way,” she replied coldly. “Join me. With our master-disciple strength, let’s conquer all regions of Eilant.”

“Sorry. I can’t agree with your methods.”

“Oh?” Vanessa raised an eyebrow. “Then try to surpass me.”

As her words faded, Rothschild’s gardener—Scissors Man—leaped from the roof, blocking Leon’s path! “You might not know this,” he sneered. “Your master is the continent’s strongest swordsman.”

This man sought revenge. Having someone block his way to his master was infuriating, so annoying!!! Leon gripped the Light Roar Sword. The gardener held giant scissors. Almost simultaneously, they charged!

In that instant, Leon unleashed his master’s signature move—Shadow Flash Slash. Cutting down five foes or one made no difference. He flashed from the gardener’s front to his back—then sheathed his sword. The gardener collapsed, spraying blood.

In his dying moments, the gardener pulled a dagger and stabbed Leon’s left leg.

“This guy…” Leon thrust his sword through him, killing him. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he flung the bloody dagger away. His master watched—

“Why did you make the same mistake as me?” Vanessa snapped her fingers. “Always forgetting to finish off opponents?” Four swords of different forms landed at her feet! Cassadin, the Dragon-Slaying Sword for greatsword techniques. Beloved, the Secret Blade for dual blades. And an unknown crimson demonic sword—this was the essence of Sword Mastery!

“Let me see how much you’ve improved!” She drew the crimson blade—

A gust of wind blew. Both vanished!? Immediately, blades clashed as they exchanged identical moves. Leon’s leg wound wasn’t deep, but it slowed him. A mere tenth of a second’s delay—a missed sword grazed his ear, leaving a bloody trail…

His master truly held nothing back… If he hadn’t slightly dodged his head—the fight would have ended.

Leon retreated to his original spot. Vanessa stood calmly, sword resting on her shoulder. Their silhouettes looked eerily alike.

Naya finally arrived—! She rushed to Leon’s side. Blood stained his cheek and left leg. Her heart ached.

“I’ll heal you right away!” Naya reached out, casting Healing Art on his leg—but the light flickered and died instantly.

Healing Art failed. Aio didn’t respond as usual.

Naya tried again. Still no response—was this the legendary empty mana? Had Aio abandoned her? Why? Couldn’t Aio hear her prayers? Panic flooded her mind with terrifying thoughts. She tried a third time. A fourth. A fifth. All futile.

“I’m sorry…! Leon! I…” Naya sobbed. “I can’t use Healing Art anymore!”

To be continued.