The 9th Class Swordmaster: Blade of Truth

Chapter 227: Randol (1)

Voosh—!

Clang!

The sharp hiss of blades cutting through the air was followed by the heavy clang of steel against steel. It seemed as if the two blades were becoming one, yet at times they moved entirely independently and unpredictably.

Warriors wielding two swords were exceedingly rare, and the reason for that was simple: in a fierce battle where every second counted, extending both arms in different directions made combat twice as hard and only gave rise to disadvantages.

However, there was a kind of swordsmanship that transcended all such disadvantages.

“Haaap—!” A shout rang out through the night.

The desert, scorching by day, had turned cold, and the sweat dripping onto the ground cooled instantly. Wisps of steam rose from the man’s shoulders.

Thud—

He drove his swords deep into the sand.

“You seem to have more or less mastered the Dual Swordsmanship of Digon. I could take you for a Digon warrior.”

The man lifted his head, his muscles bulging with each breath he exhaled.

The last time I saw him was six months ago... He’s grown so much. It’s truly a shame that he died in his previous life before witnessing such accomplishments.

His well-sculpted physique not only reflected innate blessing but also the rigorous training he had undergone.

Swoosh...!

The sand beneath his feet scattered roughly. A sharp gleam cut through the darkness, so swift it didn’t even make a sound.

“...!!”

He hastily drew the two swords he had embedded in the ground, holding them vertically. The blades vibrated from the force, and sweat dripped from his forehead.

Randol’s sharp eyes locked onto the masked figure who had just attacked him.

“You can take off the mask. Though we don’t share blood, we are brothers. And I know you’re a king now, but don’t you think your tone is too rude?” Randol spoke in a calm voice.

At that, Karyl smirked and took his mask off.

Crack!

He then crushed it in his hand. Since Randol had found out about him, he no longer had any need for it.

“...!?”

At that moment, Randol’s expression hardened.

“Your eyes...”

“I don’t know if Miliana told you. After gaining the power of the Blazing King, they changed.”

“That explains why you can use fire,” Randol murmured as he glanced at Karyl’s red eyes and then at the burn scar on his left forearm.

I thought I blocked it perfectly...

The hidden flash of a single strike, unnoticed amidst the flurry piercing through the darkness, was enough in that one moment to completely shatter Randol's confidence.

Instead of explaining, he showed me directly.

He smiled bitterly, realizing the gap between them.

“...”

Boom—!

Crash—!

But then, Randol’s expression hardened, and he swiftly swung his sword at Karyl with all his might. Although it was a sudden attack, Karyl managed to block Randol’s slash as though he had been waiting for it.

Voom...!

Karyl’s Freezing Talon met Randol's sword. Like a windmill, Randol swung the Liberated Flame in his other hand horizontally, pouring all his strength into the strike. The blade left a fiery arc in its wake.

As the clash continued, Randol’s muscles began to ripple. Karyl’s expression shifted to one of mild surprise, realizing just how far Randol could push his limits within mere seconds.

Boom—!

With a deafening roar, Karyl’s sword cut through the air, but his adversary was no longer there, having faded into the shadows.

Thud—! Thud, thud, thud!

Randol, who had somehow moved behind Karyl, thrust his sword into the ground, scattering sand everywhere.

“...!!!”

Swish—

Randol had moved at full speed, so fast that one wouldn’t be able to track him with the naked eye. And yet, Karyl managed to dodge his attack once again, responding with a slash of the Freezing Talon.

“Ugh!!”

Dodging Karyl’s assault with an agile somersault, Randol retaliated with an X-shaped slash at Karyl’s face.

“Hmph!”

Randol held his breath for a moment, his muscles swelling even further, his grip tightening on the swords.

Flash!!

Seizing a split-second opportunity, Randol dove toward Karyl, bending to the point of nearly touching the ground. He then twisted in the opposite direction, swinging his sword at Karyl’s waist.

Clang—!

Although each of Randol’s attacks were ferocious, Karyl’s smile widened each time their swords clashed.

This is...

A familiar sword technique flashed in Karyl’s eyes.

Digon Dual Swordsmanship: Third Technique - Flying Bird Wave.

It was one of the secret techniques of the Digon Dual Swordsmanship, used only by Miliana’s three sisters, known as the Queen’s Blades.

She must have been quite fond of him to teach him this.

Karyl smirked, understanding their feelings from this swordplay.

Of course... It must have been gratifying to teach him.

Randol predicted Karyl’s moves in the blink of an eye and counterattacked with that very sword technique. Being able to absorb techniques like a sponge, Randol had often trained alone in the mansion.

Although the mansion had Paulhendt, a former deputy commander of the Blue Knights, as a swordsmanship instructor, he couldn’t properly teach the other brothers due to the countess’ oversight.

Karyl realized once again how much a person’s fate could change depending on their environment. After all, it was no coincidence that Mikhail’s face came to mind when he thought of sending someone to the Dawn Council.

“Hmph.”

Karyl sighed at Randol, who was still fiercely swinging his swords. And just as the breath escaped his lips...

Boom—!

With a thunderous noise, Karyl twisted the hilt of his dagger against Randol’s blade. As Agnel clashed and interlocked with the two swords, a sharp, numbing sensation coursed through Randol’s wrist.

With a sharp crack, Randol’s wrist was twisted, and the sword he held snapped.

“Ugh?!”

Fearing that his bones might break if he exerted any more force, Randol eventually let go of his sword.

“What a shame about the weapon,” Karyl remarked as he looked down at the fallen Randol.

Victory had been decided too abruptly for how fierce their battle had been.

“They said it was a weapon made with blue iron... Maybe your sword is just ridiculously strong?”

“Perhaps.”

At Karyl’s indifferent response, Randol let out a low sigh.

“Well then, there’s nothing more to say. From the very beginning, I failed to catch up with your swordsmanship. I should blame myself, not the weapon.”

Randol rubbed his throbbing wrist as he spoke.

“You’re a twisted guy, you know that? You did this to make me admit it myself, didn’t you? I know you weren’t even using your full strength.”

Randol shook his head, finding no excuses to defend himself.

His mana veins are still blocked. His power is only at the level of a 2nd Class knight. Thanks to Digon’s Dual Swordsmanship, he’s far ahead technically, but being in the south... he couldn’t learn how to manage his mana.

Karyl, on the other hand, was assessing Randol’s condition.

Hmmm...

Although Digon were the only ones among the southern barbarians who used mana in their swordsmanship, they used weak, colorless dragon mana. Using mana for various elements was distinctly different from the empire’s swordsmanship.

However, knights, unlike sorcerers, did not use complex magic. Assuming that only the mana channels needed to be unblocked, there were plenty of masters who could do that for Randol.

I’m glad I remember what Father told me in my past life. He regretted more than anything that you died young, unlike the other children.

In fact, what Kuwell had told him was the very reason Karyl had managed to save Randol from the mansion this time around.

At the time, Karyl was doubtful about Randol, since he had died without making any real impact in their previous life.

“The six sons I brought with me are all exceptionally talented in their own ways. To your eyes, Jake may seem endlessly frail, but even he possesses remarkable talent. However... the most regrettable event in my life is losing Randol.”

Kuwell had fought many imperial knights in the process of supporting Olivurn. He had killed many, and when Olivurn finally ascended the throne, Kuwell felt a pang of regret as he saw the numerous vacant positions—Randol could have filled them, but he was no longer with him.

Karyl, however, saw it as a gamble. He had trusted his father and chosen Randol as a decisive card instead of nobles like Martte or Tiren.

In the end, I’m glad I chose him. He’s actually exceeded my expectations.

Like the other siblings, the talent Kuwell saw in Randol was undeniably exceptional.

“Is that enough courtesy for you?”

At Karyl’s words, Randol nodded.

“The empress told me... that you’re the one who killed the Ryeo Knights, and not to expect any revenge.”

At that, Karyl shrugged.

“I’m not telling you to give up on revenge. Isn’t that why you’re here, defying the emperor’s orders? It’s a bit odd for a knight to master the swordsmanship of the barbarians for the sake of the empire.”

Karyl deliberately reminded him of his current situation. As a knight of the empire, Randol had sought to succeed in his missions and earn recognition. But despite being a genius of swordsmanship, he hadn’t found a proper master.

But one day, Miliana appeared before him.

He’s using revenge as an excuse to justify himself and hide his desire for the sword. But anyone can see it. You’re clearly fascinated by Digon’s swordsmanship.

Karyl smiled faintly.

“Miliana sent a message. She said the family contacted her secretly.” Nôv(el)B\\jnn

“Yes. Honestly, considering all that’s happened... I lived alone, oblivious to the continent's affairs.”

“Weren’t you always like that? You never mingled with the other siblings at the estate, only focusing on your sword.”

Randol seemed slightly puzzled by Karyl’s words, but he quickly forced a smile.

“Our father has sent orders.”

“Tiren, I presume.” Randol’s smile grew even more bitter. “You’re the same as ever. You talk as if everyone but our eldest brother is beneath you.”

“Even our eldest brother, if he forgets his place, I’ll make sure he remembers it.” Karyl explained. “Don’t feel too bad.”

“Hmph...”

Randol’s expression didn’t change. He recalled the first time he met Karyl at the estate.

“So, you’re here as the king of Tatur, not as family?”

“Funny calling us family even though we haven’t spoken a word to each other. But it depends on your answer, whether I address you as a brother or deal with the McGovern family as a king.”

Karyl adjusted his grip on his Freezing Talon. The blade touched the ground, and white frost spread over the sand with a crackling sound—a stark contrast to the flames that had poured from Randol’s now shattered sword.

“Randol,” Karyl called his name softly. “Tell me what Tiren instructed you to do. I’ll take a stance based on what you want from me.”

“Your stance?”

Randol’s face hardened.

“I am aware that you could take my life at any moment if you so wished. Ever since you slaughtered the Ryeo Knights at the Abyssal Rock, that fact hasn’t changed. But I will not tolerate your arrogance toward the family.”

“You seem to be misunderstanding something.”

Karyl smirked at him.

“It’s not really my stance that’s in question. It’s yours, brother.”

“...What?”

Randol seemed startled by how casually Karyl referred to him as “brother.”

“It’s often said that protecting the family is the duty of the eldest, but I argue that any member of the family can do that.”

“Does that mean... I take it you feel the same way?”

Randol’s eyes wavered, perhaps with a glimmer of hope. The more he reacted, the more Karyl felt the need to confirm Tiren’s orders.

Karyl looked at him calmly.

“I told you, didn’t I? Whether I become the sword or the shield depends on what you say.”