From the day he finished sparring with Cruz, Hones was immersed in training.
Although he reached the lower 5-star level as planned, he could not stop training.
‘It’s still not enough.’
I swung my sword until I was sure I could win five out of ten fights.
It was because the image was not drawn.
Hones’ natural talent also affected his judgment in combat situations.
It worked so accurately that I couldn’t let go of the sword.
‘… … It’s the first time I’ve felt this way.’
When he was very young, everyone who coached Hones was tongue-in-cheek at his talent.
It is not only because the body is innate, but also because the understanding is very good.
＜If it’s a low-level talent, you’ll be able to grow quickly. But don’t be in a hurry.＞
＜Why?＞
＜It’s enough to hang yourself at a level starting at 6 stars. Before that, you need to focus on the basics.＞
Their explanation was that the foundation built at this time broadened the limits of the subject.
Accordingly, Hones faithfully followed the contents.
Nevertheless, at a general level, it was a very rapid growth rate… … .
In fact, there were some who only wanted rapid growth, even though they were at a low level.
Hones hadn’t understood this.
Is it necessary to do so when the talent has not fully blossomed yet?
‘But now I know a little bit.’
It was because there was no chance of victory no matter what we did at this stage.
Because I couldn’t see a way to win other than raising the level.
the feelings others felt for him.
Hornes felt for Cruz now.
Even though he had just reached the lower 5-star level, the future to beat him at the 4-star intermediate level was not envisioned.
‘… … This is good luck.’
Most of those who had fought with Hones so far had just admired it and passed it on, but there were some who didn’t.
either disintegrate or despair.
For the first time in his life, Hones was feeling resentful toward the opponent he had sparred with.
It was an emotional feeling because he had overwhelmingly defeated all opponents of a similar level so far.
‘… … My mind was distracted.’
Hones stopped swinging his sword.
It was three days after entering the closed training room.
I decided that this kind of mindset was a waste of time.
After taking such a short break, Honess came out and heard surprising news.
“… … Crus hyung-nim has reached the 5-star Intermediate level?”
“Yes, low. It is said that he drank the S-class elixir bestowed by His Majesty.”
“… … hahahaha.”
Hornes laughed involuntarily.
It wasn’t surprising that now that Cruz has digested the S-class elixir.
But what about 5-star mid-level?
Considering the general efficacy, it is 4 stars lower.
You have to be really good at it, and reaching a lower 5-star level is the maximum.
“This is a real genius.”
I’ve never been able to fall asleep before.
Still, I was aware that I was talented.
But at the thought that even that was no big deal to an existence beyond that, a laugh flowed out.
“He is such a great brother.”
If you think about what you saw and experienced in the proof of struggle.
Rapid growth was no longer a problem for Cruz.
It turns out that you don’t need to stay in a low level for long in order to lay the foundation.
“I should go and say congratulations. Is your brother in the palace?”
“Yes, lower. but… … .”
It was his follower, Vice Minister of the Academic Affairs, Matthias Nordel, who delivered the news to Hones.
“This doesn’t seem like the right time.”
“… … What does that mean?”
The report Matthias gave was rather shocking.
Among the forces following Hones, there were merchants who were mainly active in the central region.
It was a report that Morgan’s movement was openly blocking them.
“Is that true?”
“Yes, low.”
Touching the merchant meant touching the money line, so it was close to the meaning of a sincere check.
“… … No matter how big you are, it would be burdensome for you to touch the central merchants.”
“I think so too, but you seem to have made up your mind.”
Touching the center was a dangerous act that could result in the queen’s sanctions.
That’s why I’ve been mainly working in the center, avoiding the southeast of the kingdom that Morgan held tightly until now… … .
“And this is the letter from Lower Morgan.”
It was a letter sealed with a magic tool, sent while Honess was staying in the closed training room.
So he carefully checked the contents.
“… … You say we’re going to have a sparring.”
“Are you Morgan?”
“That’s right. but… … .”
Cruz and Hornes.
It was about the two of them fighting together.
“If you comply, the current sanctions will be lifted immediately. If you don’t, I won’t solve it.”
“Hey, this is… … .”
“I know what you mean.”
Recently, Hones has been close to Cruz and has been acting like an ally, so I thought he was trying to break this.
It’s not just sparring, but a duel in front of everyone watching.
If you refuse, Hones’ power will be greatly reduced due to sanctions.
It’s a good thing for Morgan, who has no chance of losing even if he accepts.
Of course, there is a possibility that Cruz will refuse.
This, too, was good for Morgan.
If that happens, there will be no choice but to create a crack between the two forces, Hones and Cruz.
“Hey, first of all, I’d like to meet with Mr. Cruz… … .”
“No way. All I have to do is negotiate with Brother Morgan alone.”
At this, Mathias noticed Hones’ intentions.
By refusing to accept the proposal, they are trying to demand that the sanctions be lifted.
“No, low. This is to show that even Morgana is sincere… … .”
“I know. But I can’t tolerate putting the burden on you because of this.”
Mathias had no choice but to keep his mouth shut.
Since I was young, I recognized Hones’ personality and followed him.
Because he knew his determination better than anyone else.
“… … I understand, low.”
That’s why Mathias lowered his head.
He vowed to do something outside of Hones’ wishes.
* * *
‘Let’s have a two-on-one duel… … .’
After hearing from Matthias Nordel, a representative follower of Hones.
I was on my way to Morgan’s estate.
‘He moved quite boldly.’
I wouldn’t have bothered.
Being close to Hones must have been very irritating to Morgan.
By joining forces, the two supplemented each other’s weak points.
‘Even considering that, it was a bit unexpected that Vice Minister Mathias came.’
Before handing over the contents of the letter from Morgan.
Mathias emphasized that this was entirely his own dogma.
I didn’t doubt it.
Considering Hones’ personality, he would have tried to negotiate alone without informing me.
‘But there’s no reason to avoid it.’
On the contrary, I was grateful for the work done by hand.
As Morgan is openly pressuring Hones, attention is bound to be greatly focused.
It was like the best stage to deal with him, revealing what had been hidden so far, had been prepared by itself.
When I arrived at the place where Morgan was, Honess stared at me with surprised eyes.
“Brother, how is this… … .”
“I have ears too, so this is not difficult.”
“Welcome, Cruz.”
Morgan looked at me with his legs crossed and an arrogant expression on his face.
Perhaps it was because he was born as a prince, he felt the unique composure of a person in power.
“First of all, congratulations. I heard it became a 5-star intermediate level? Although they said they used an S-class elixir, I was really surprised.”
“Thank you, brother.”
“Everyone is surprised at the level you have reached, I am not surprised that you digested an S-class elixir.”
“Aren’t my records a little flashy?”
“Yes, it is. Both Hones and you are great geniuses.”
Squeeze.
Morgan raised his arm arrogantly and poured himself a drink into his glass.
“Crews, do you know what kind of liquor this is?”
“It’s Levalon whiskey.”
“You know, too. Well, it’s famous, so there’s no way you wouldn’t know.”
“It’s surprising, brother, to drink something popular like that.”
“It’s popular now, but in the past it was a bad drink.”
“Is that so?”
“okay. Do you know how it became so big that it was called one of the top three whiskeys?”
I shook my head at Morgan’s nonchalant question.
“The method was simple. After a long period of trial and error and effort, I threw out the challenge after captivating both taste and quality.”
“You mean the challenge?”
“It was highly praised by the judges of mainstream competitions. Press down on the things that were prominent at the time, and proudly.”
gulp.
Morgan gulped down the drink he had poured and continued with a fierce laugh.
“I will too. talent, talent. I will destroy everything that is tied to it and prove it.”
When I asked what he meant, he explained his intention with a metaphor.
I don’t know if he drank it while talking to Hones or if he drank it before that.
It was evident that he was slightly drunk.
“If I can do it this time, I’ll be able to get Mama’s recognition.”
“You’re quite drunk, bro.”
“What do you mean by that? It is true that no matter how overwhelming power I have, I have not been acknowledged.”
Perhaps because he was drunk, Morgan’s words were somewhat off topic.
However, the emotions contained there were very heavy.
This seemed to prove that he was very concerned about not becoming the crown prince despite having overwhelming power.
“So I was happy when you played an active part in the Proof of Struggle. If I prove that I am better than your talent, Mama will have to admit me.”
… … It was somewhat irrelevant.
I felt a strange sense of deja vu in his drunkenness.
In the past, I wasn’t recognized no matter how much better I was than my other siblings.
The feeling of disintegration because of not being acknowledged was also felt in Morgan.
‘I don’t exactly agree with that claim, but… … .’
percussion.
Morgan drank another glass of wine before continuing.
“I don’t know what you guys think, but I’ve never seriously attacked you before.”
“But you mean not anymore?”
“okay. From now on, I will sincerely see you as my competitor.”
This offer is just the beginning, but he also added an explanation that if he accepts it, he will move on for a while.
“I am the first prince, I do not lie.”
Perhaps a similar conversation had taken place before, Hones just glared at Morgan in silence.
“What are you going to do, Cruz?”
“I have heard your brother’s resolution.”
I picked up the bottle Morgan had been drinking, poured it into an empty glass, and took a sip.
Mmm, definitely not bad.
“Before that, there are a few things to point out.”
“What?”
“Your brother’s analogy is a bit out of line with this situation.”
Though Morgan’s eyes were full of doubt.
I didn’t care and continued talking.
“In the end, it was a fair match for Levalon whiskey, right?”
“… … Are you saying that the confrontation between the two of you is not fair?”
“You ask something obvious. Will a 6-star wizard struggle against those who have just become 5-star?”
If you ask anyone, they will say no.
“Your older brother is pretending to be fair, but in reality, he only disguises his cowardly intentions in a plausible way.”
“… … what?”
“It’s a shame to show off to others by making a board that can’t be defeated.”
It was too young to live in Morgan’s eyes.
Hones, who was watching me from the side, was unusually agitated.
I didn’t care and continued.
“If I hadn’t moved as hastily as this time, I would have suggested it first.”
“… … I’m sure you suggested that you fight me first?”
“Have you forgotten what I said at the New Year’s party that I will send you a duel when you reach 5 stars?”
“… … .”
Morgan only narrowed his eyes, as if asking how he could believe that.
“Well, I understand. My older brother must have been pretty impatient too.”
“… … what?”
“My competitor is a 4-star mid-level and has already met the requirements for a high-ranking wizard, but he has risen to a 5-star mid-level with just one elixir.”
That’s why you must have suffered from the anxiety of having to step on it now.
That’s why it moved boldly like this time.
“Cruz… … !”
“Am I wrong? He must have thought that if the level was higher here, there would be no guarantee of victory.”
Clink!
Morgan threw the glass he was holding at me.
To be precise, I was aiming for the side and threw it.
“Watch your mouth… … ! Don’t be flattered that you got some elixir from Mama!”
“I don’t know why there is talk of elixir. Anyway, I will respond to the confrontation as you wish.”
drooling.
As if I didn’t care about Morgan’s anger, I resolutely got up from my seat.
“It doesn’t look like me and Hornes fighting at the same time, so let’s have two one-on-one battles.”
“… … good night.”
“I look forward to seeing the fruits of my brother’s hard work.”
After saying that, I indifferently left the room filled with sharp killings.