Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

Alex was sitting in a wheelchair as Devon pushed it towards the administrative building.

"Isn't she lovely?" Devon sighed, garnering the younger one's attention.

"Melissa?" His question was met by a nod, urging Alex to add, "Why don't you try and be a bit aggressive? Like asking her out sometimes?"

Devon's shoulders slumped, "My work doesn't allow me to come here often, and when I do, it's mostly because of some training or competition. And around that time Melissa remains chained to the infirmary."

Alex could understand the man's problems. Their working fields don't allow them to have a normal life. However, even if Melissa had time, it is highly unlikely she would go on a date with Devon.

Earlier, the silverhead noticed that Devon's charm was completely wasted on the nurse. Her demeanor around others and Devon was the same.

'Maybe she actually doesn't want to get involved in romance, after all.'

Shrugging off his attention from the nurse, he looked at the people waiting for him inside the administrator's office.

The administrative chief, Hawk, along with Aborne and Prince Ryan stood there.

Alex gave a brief bow without leaving his seat, and greeted, "It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness."

The next King of the nation and someone who was now a part of the integral administration of the nation. The first Prince and Celestria's elder brother.

"You don't have to be so formal with me, Alex. We aren't so distant."

Despite those words, Alex just flashed a friendly smile but didn't say anything.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Ryan stepped forward and said, "To not make you stay here for long, let's get on with it," Saying so, the blond noble removed the silk sheet from the table, revealing a set of seven swords lying there.

Alex's eyes shone seeing the numerous masterpieces lying there…humming to him, urging his whole being to wield them.

Alex slowly rose to his feet and placed his hand on the one in the middle. It was a single-edged, slim, and long sword with a heavy handle made for stabbing. The blade seems sharp enough to bisect the very air once slashed.

In his hand, it felt too light and too comfortable. If not for royalty being here, he might have tried swinging it around.

Experience tales with empire

Seeing his reaction Aborne smirked, "As Celestria said, you are fond of Swords."

Alex raised his brows, "Celestria informed you?"

Ryan smiles, "Indeed; initially, we intended to bring all kinds of weapons as a reward. But then Cela said you have a keen interest in swords."

"Well, she was right. I prefer swords over other weapons. And sometimes, spears."

But then he frowned, "Reward? I received it from Sir Devon tho..." The platinum plates were more than enough to save Celestria's life…or did they intend to give something to him periodically?

Aborne responded, "You are a fine warrior and a future pillar for the nation. Seeing how easily your blades snap, we must provide you with something sturdier and worthy."

Alex heaved a sigh, "But the blade I used against Edric was also one of the blades from the capital arsenal. Celestria gave it to me."

Devon was surprised, "You broke a blade made from Akron's forge? That's new." Alex didn't know who this Akron was, but based on his reaction it seems all the royal blades came from that blacksmith.

"Talking about yesterday," Hawk stepped forward, "What technique did you use that ended up disintegrating the upper half of your blade?"

Alex calmly responded, "A technique that produces a lot of heat, resulting in expansion of molecules and in the end….boom." He didn't explain to them the whole workings of the Seventh Stance since, in Alex's eyes, anyone could become his enemy in the future.

"If that's the case, you should pick this one. Heavy and made to absorb heat." Aborne suggested, his own flames coming to life.

The more he hears from Alex, the more Aborne gets intrigued.

Alex looked at the blade being proposed before he lifted the blade and felt it much heavier than any other sword he had wielded until now…except for that one he borrowed back then when he fought against Aiden.

Resting the blade over his shoulder, Alex judged that this blade was made for the technique 'Rebound'.

In 'Rebound' once the blade tip lands on the ground, it recoils and becomes weightless in his hand. If Alex maintains control, he can direct the blade in any direction; as such, having a heavy sword for the stance is perfect.

But then, he cannot freely wield this heavy metal all the time, and the other swords have their merits as well.

Looking up at the Prince, he asked, "How many can I take?"

Ryan was taken aback since he was told to provide only one. However, before the blond young man could have said anything, Aborne stepped forward and suggested,

"As many as you can lift in your arms, you can take them."

Whether it was a way to test his strength and brain or Aborne didn't want Alex to take more than two, he suggested.

Devon folded his hand and, with an intrigued smile, watched the boy looking at the swords carefully. He is interested in knowing what choice he makes.

Ryan didn't say anything against Aborne's suggestion since he trusted the man's judgment. And Hawk…he was just observing the silver head silently.

Alex was perplexed about what blade he should choose….but then he had an idea and suddenly tapped his hand on one of the swords. The weapon glowed, signifying he made a connection.

"Oh, my~" Devon gasped as he saw the teenager dumping all the other swords inside the one he used his SE on.

"Ah, how can I forget…" Ryan heaved a sigh, urging Aborne to ask, "How is he doing that?"

The Prince informed, "That's Alex's unique skill: Storage."

Alex lifted the sword which he made into his new storage bag, before asking, "So…can I keep it all?"

Aborne laughed out loud, his laughter startling the Grand Master as the redhead patted Alex's shoulder and said, "You got brains with strength. Yes, yes, you can keep all of 'em. I will handle the cost."

Alex didn't need to be told twice as he kept the sword on the chair.

Before he could have asked if it was okay to leave, Hawk said, "Alex, your mentor has been decided."

Alex raised his brows, "Oh….can I know who they might be?" He was expecting his mentor to be one of the knights…or maybe Aborne himself? Seriously, the latter would be the best given the experience and skills Aborne holds would be extremely helpful for Alex.

"Initially, we believed that Sir Aborne would be the best person to teach you….however, considering how Sir Aborne mostly remains on the front lines and seldom gets to engage in battle, we came to a conclusion that your mentor would be Eric Steelhound."

Alex's lips parted and shock was evident on his face

Steelhound was the family infamous for their mercenary work. They do the dirty jobs for the King. The hound dogs are born to hunt their prey and shred them into pieces.

And…Alex would be getting mentored by the second in command of that clan?

"...do they even take students as their disciples?" Alex asked, still too shocked.

"They don't generally, but after they witnessed your battle yesterday, the head of the house himself proposed the idea," Hawk informed.

Truth be told, the experience Steelhounds can provide would be best for Alex, considering they mostly handle labyrinths and stray hunters.

Under their mentorship, Alex would be allowed to use his skills in battles against monsters and humans without being restricted from killing his enemy.

"Professor Jullie suggested that you should be exposed to more danger…since suffering makes you stronger, in her opinion," Devon added.

Alex chuckled, "She might be right."

"You became a veteran after facing a Soulless; of course, she was right."

Hawk stepped between them and said, "After you recover, contact me for the mentorship. Now go and rest."

Alex nodded and pushed the wheelchair away with his beloved swords with him.

Left in the room, Hawk kept staring at the door from where Alex left.

Devon couldn't help but ask, "What happened? Anything the matter?"

Hawk absentmindedly uttered "When he entered…he barely was able to stand…and just within fifteen minutes, his body recovered enough to walk comfortably. It's strange."

Devon also noticed the rapid recovery of the boy. For someone who recieved a month's worth of damage, only to recover in a single night is a little too uncanny.

However, "We both know that suspecting him wouldn't lead us to anything. So let's just mind our business and leave Alex to her."

Hawk nodded but his mind was still revolving around the mysteries coming forward related to Alex. And now, Alex would be working under those people who are famous to be peculiar.

'Well, regardless of the origin of his power, until he is on our side, everything should be fine.'

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.