volume 1 - Chapter 36 (1/2)

TL: This… chapter is amazing.

Chapter 36 – Surpa.s.s me

Brendel’s mind was greatly shaken. It was his biggest secret in this world. Even though the old and new Brendel had merged together, it was hard for him to explain how the two memories merged together. Even he willed himself to accept everything, there was still a subconscious barrier remaining in him.

[This secret that I wanted to keep locked inside my heart was actually ripped out at the very first moment by the Golden Demonic Tree… No—]

He immediately shook his head. It was impossible for The Golden Demonic Tree to break it open so quickly. That creature must be using the way how he thinks—– Why would Brendel’s grandfather say something like that?

He suddenly understood that he himself would have thought this old man would say something like this.

[I am my own enemy here. The things that I fear and hidden away in my subconscious are reflected on Brendel’s grandfather.]

He shut his eyes and took a deep breath. After realizing that his deepest thoughts in his mind were not revealed yet, the feeling that his defenses were completely exposed to the enemy disappeared, and he calmed down quickly. He had deflected this first attack made by the Golden Demonic Tree by chance, and his current mentality actually stabilized. He gulped and cried inwardly that he was lucky.

He pulled out the ‘Thorn of Light’, answering the old man: “We would know whether I have the qualifications once we crossed swords.”

The old man nodded: “Very good. You sound like a Damon man. But there are many people in this world who brag too much, and I don’t want to see my descendent to be a useless fool.”

Brendel’s mind responded. This was not a test. His grandfather’s reaction was a reflection of his own confidence. This meant this his will was gradually recovering to its peak condition.

[This is a good sign.]

He indicated for his grandfather to make the first move. Even if it was within a dream, the opponent was someone that was his senior. Being polite showed off his confidence, and so he did it.

Within this dream world, the person who made the first move did not represent that he would gain the upper hand. It was possible that it was a trap arranged by the malicious creature. Only by guarding the weaknesses tightly would deny him the chance to invade the mind.

The old man nodded again and he s.h.i.+fted his left foot forward, and the sword on his left shoulder. This was the highest form within the Military Swordsmans.h.i.+p. When Brendel saw that, his forehead went numb.

[Even back in the game I did not train my swordsmans.h.i.+p to this level, who the b.l.o.o.d.y heck was your grandfather!]

This thought pa.s.s through his mind for just a flash, and he felt the sword in his arm become a little heavier. He yelled expletives in his mind, this slight gap actually got caught by the Golden Demonic Tree.

[Are you f.u.c.king serious!]

He went into a defensive stance. Because he did not have any other sword techniques with levels in it, he could only choose to use something that was more familiar from the Military Swordsmans.h.i.+p. Under such a veteran opponent, there was no meaning to use flashy techniques from the higher ranks. Without putting levels in it or meeting the required stats, it was full of flaws in front of his grandfather.

Brendel was also a veteran warrior and he understood his position clearly.

There was no indication from the old man, but he made his move with the sword flas.h.i.+ng at Brendel. His sword was not very fast, but the skill behind it was impeccable. There was no weakness in the attack and it appeared like an ordinary swing, but one would feel that the sword could strike from anywhere with the next attack.

The air escaped from Brendel’s lungs.

[This is the swordsmans.h.i.+p from Brendel’s grandfather? Then it’s no wonder he could get the Candlelight Emblem. This monstrous skill… No wonder Brendel’s innate skill with the sword was so impressive. If this old man had a better lineage, he would definitely receive the t.i.tle of a knight.]

Brendel had no way to counter the attack, so he had no choice but to try and seal the next attack. There was a loud clash from the swords, and Brendel staggered from the strength of the opponent. His mind panicked and before he could stop his thoughts, he felt the opponent’s sword growing heavier.

[Holy f.u.c.k, you G.o.d d.a.m.ned Golden Demonic Tree!]

Brendel certainly knew what was going on. It could not be compared to the game’s version at all. This was a true puppet master, not that rubbish AI in the game. But Brendel did not feel scared at this moment, and he was overflowing with the will to fight back.

He stared at his grandfather’s eyes. His expression was perfectly calm like still water, as if he could read someone’s heart.

He suddenly felt puzzled. Why did such an outstanding grandfather have such a faint impression in the old Brendel’s memories. Even when he saw him for the first time, he had to look at the young Brendel’s memory to confirm it was his grandfather.

[Something is wrong.]

He searched his memories again. The old Brendel’s memory of his grandfather was a rigid person who was not fond of speaking of laughing. The next impression was the Candlelight emblem and the aura as a veteran from the November War. But these memories were not as strong as the ones like the painting and old home.

The grandfather and grandson had lived together for several years, why did he appear to be so estranged to Brendel when they met again under this situation? The old Brendel did not appear to be someone who would forget his own grandfather’s appearance.

He fended off the old man’s sword once again and the sound between metal sang out. He felt the opponent’s sword grow heavier again, almost to the point where the sword nearly left his hand. His felt a shock in his mind, and he looked at the old man again.

His expression had become strict, as if he was displeased.

He read the message in his mind.

[What the f.u.c.k! This is self-doubt!]

He received another blow to his mind, and the defence in his mind grew from a tiny crack and spread outwards. His attacks became more and more flimsy, and the old man rushed attacks knocked him over to the ground. His blood grew cold as he quickly rolled over from the impact and got up.

But when he turned back, there was no gra.s.sy plains anymore. It was a gray house. Indeed, it was the old house in Bucce, where he woke up that fateful night in this world.

Brendel’s perspiration gathered on his forehead. This meant the Golden Demonic Tree had invaded further into his heart. He could not help but reach to the bag on his belt. But he hesitated and questioned himself if he wanted to use a trick instead.

There was a sudden reluctance in his heart. He looked at the old man’s face. His grandfather still had the same strictness, but there was signs of disappointment on his wrinkled face.

The disappointment pierced through his mind.