Lord of Caldera

Chapter 45

'This guy, did he just realize it by watching me?'

Just a moment ago, Toby had said that the mention of talent was "something different." He could immediately differentiate between swordsmanship honed through effort and that gained through talent. It was likely that the physical abilities derived from his giant lineage also affected his eyesight.

'He has a silly personality, but his core is terrifying.'

He had played with a promising knight even while under a curse. It was unimaginable how strong he would be now that the curse had been lifted.

At that moment, Toby suddenly stood up straight and adopted a serious expression.

"My lord, they're coming."

"What?"

"There's someone approaching. And they seem fast."

Hearing Toby's words, Sylas put his sword down and turned his gaze to the road. Not long after, a figure appeared at the edge of the training grounds.

"Stop right there!"

Toby yelled, drawing his sword. Sylas also turned to look, readying himself to draw his own sword.

But the person who approached was none other than Dani.

"Wait! It's me!"

Upon realizing that it was Dani, Toby lowered his sword in relief, but the young master remained vigilant.

"Why did you come here? This is not a place for you."

"Stop talking nonsense. I came here to see how much that bastard has grown!"

"...What?"

Toby's mouth dropped open at the boldness of the words.

But before he could comment, Sylas turned to him and signaled to lower his sword.

"I'll handle it."

"My lord!"

"Just stand back."

Sylas stepped forward and faced Dani.

"What did you call me?"

"Don't act like you didn't hear! You're the child born from a lowly bloodline! A mistake!"

Sylas's expression hardened. Dani, wearing a smug smile, waved his sword around without holding back.

"Do you think you can be on par with me just because you're learning swordsmanship? Don't make me laugh!"

Sylas's fingers clenched tightly around his sword.

'This is the one who's supposed to be my older brother?'

He never expected to meet someone with this level of arrogance.

"Were you jealous of me from the start?"

"Jealous? You? How could I be jealous of something that's not even worth a penny?"

"Then let's settle this with a duel."

"A duel? Are you kidding?"

Dani's laughter rang out as he stepped forward, taking the lead.

"That's right! I'll show you the real difference between us."

Sylas felt his muscles tense up. His heart raced. This was a chance he couldn't miss.

He had spent the past few days honing his swordsmanship. If he failed to showcase his improvement here, he would be unable to suppress this child's arrogance.

"Let's begin."

With those words, he stepped forward. The air surrounding the training grounds seemed to shimmer with intensity.

"Ha! You think you can beat me?"

Clang!

A single strike echoed as the swords collided.

***

Sylas was surprised by the force behind Dani's strike.

The door swung open, and Werner rushed in.

"Your Excellency! It seems Young Master Sylas and Young Master Dani are fighting!"

"Fighting? Where?"

"Outside the training grounds!"

Count Bill's expression grew serious. Although he expected a clash between brothers to be somewhat inevitable, he had never imagined it would happen this quickly. Moreover, this was not the kind of fight he could tolerate.

"Lead the way!"

"Yes, Your Excellency!"

***

Sylas stopped for a moment and turned back to look at Dani. He was still on the ground, holding his breath. A cruel smile crept across his lips.

"Now, do you see the difference?"

He turned around and began walking away once more. He hadn't expected to win, but seeing Dani's reaction made him realize that he wouldn't have to deal with him for a while.

***

Count Bill rushed to the training grounds, followed closely by Werner.

But as they arrived, they saw Dani sprawled out on the ground, trembling and struggling to catch his breath.

"Dani!"

"Father!"

The count knelt beside Dani, who clutched his side.

"What happened?"

"That bastard..."

Dani's frustration resurfaced as he pointed toward Sylas, who was walking away.

"Did you lose?"

"No! I didn't lose!"

"Then why are you on the ground?"

Dani struggled to stand up. He could only lower his head in embarrassment. Count Bill turned to Sylas, who was now calmly wiping the sweat from his brow.

"Young Master Sylas."

"Yes?"

"Are you okay?"

Sylas nodded with a smile, sensing the count's approval.

"I'm fine."

"And Dani?"

"Dani... he's just not worth my time."

Count Bill couldn't help but chuckle at the straightforwardness. If he were to pursue the matter further, it would lead to nothing but frustration for Dani.

"Well done."

"Thank you, Your Excellency."

"Then you should prepare for your next training session."

"Next training session?"

Count Bill raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a grin.

"Yes. I've decided to allow Sir Werner to teach you the Flame Wind Sword."

"Flame Sword!?"

"Yes. You'll be moving on to advanced training."

"I-I'm honored!"

Sylas was overwhelmed with joy. His earlier thoughts about having to prove himself to others faded away.

He realized that no matter what happened, he would continue pushing forward.

With a renewed sense of determination, Sylas set his gaze on the future.

He wouldn't let anything hold him back now.