Black String of Fate

Chapter 87: The Rescue (4)

The party traveled for 5 days through the forest. All this time, Xavier diligently looked after the safety of the party, just as he promised. In the meanwhile, he had become familiar with the party members a bit.

"Oh? You don't belong to any martial sect?"

"Nope. I have a talent that none of the schools out there can truly bring out the full potential. Though, the Great Shield Arts you practice is also a decent art with a lot of scope. Once you master it, look out for Golden Shield Defense Techniques, it's the perfect sequel for one walking your path."

"You know, one of the masters I met by chance recommended me the same. You really are knowledgeable."

"Heh, of course I am. You are talking with the greatest swordsman ever."

"Haha, you have the potential to become one, but you're just a brat right now. Don't die too early because of that arrogance."

Rolan laughed as he commented, and Adam chimed in as he commented.

"You don't need to worry about him dying. The way he is so meticulous about his tracks, I'm pretty sure a whole army cannot hunt him down if he decides to hide."

Xavier laughed as he humbly replied,

"That's limited to the forest. I'm still bad at keeping low in populated places. I'm just specialized in forests, you are still a better rogue than me if we compare overall ability."

"That's just my years, man. You have the talent to easily surpass me if you practice for just a fraction of my time."

"Well, I hope so. But still, it isn't a path I'm focusing on walking, so it'll be difficult."

"Hm? You plan on being a swordsman, so with your talent, I'm sure you'll find enough time to practice a secondary profession. Is there some other path in your mind?" Thomas asked with curiosity, and the whole party was interested in listening in.

"I plan on being a magic swordsman."

"What?!"

Alina exclaimed with shock, it was the most surprising thing Xavier had said during the whole time they were together. Everyone was stunned after hearing this.

"Y-You plan on walking that hopeless path? Even though you have such talent? Are you insane?!"

"Yup. More like, even if I didn't want to, I have no choice except to walk that path. It's the limitation of my Innate Gift."

"You have an Innate Gift? How lucky. But that limitation seems too much."

"Hah, trust me, with the benefits I have, this limitation seems absurdly lenient. I won't disclose details about this, so please don't ask too many questions."

Alina nodded in understanding, though, it was a bit strange that he was willing to tell his limitation but not his advantage. Usually, it's the opposite.

Rolan internally thought,

'That's a wise choice for a kid. His limitation is something one cannot take advantage of during battle, but advantages could be easily nullified if one is prepared for it.'

Little did he know, even his advantages weren't something one could exploit. He just didn't want to overshare and attract rumors and attention.

More than what he was already getting.

"Now that I think about it, I have heard rumors about you…"

Thomas said with a thoughtful expression, and Xavier listened in,

"There's a rumor that a prodigy of the sword has joined recently among the list of D-rankers. It is said that he was an uninitiated slum child who walked in with ragged clothes and picked out a D-rank ruin exploration for his first quest.

Everyone thought he would die, but he managed to not only come back, but also bring back personal articles of the Elemental King that a master mage personally arrived to pick up.

Currently, he has completed multiple D- and E+ rank quests with a perfect record.

They're talking about you, right?"

Xavier nodded without much reaction, but the whole party started talking about him and his feats.

"Yeah, there's a new game among the adventurers these days. They gamble on how long it'll take for Xavier to complete his quest. I recently lost all my money on that."

"That's why you stay poor, Adam, and run to me to borrow some survival funds. I swear to god, if you gamble this reward money too, I'll let you starve on the roads."

"Oh god, no! I'll die!"

"Haha, don't worry, Adam. The church can take you in. Just quit drinking, gambling, brothels, and all the other worldly sins and you'll be welcome with open arms."

"...I'd rather die."

The party laughed, but Xavier and the others noticed that Lafia was being unusually quiet.

"Lafia, is something wrong?"

"No, Alina. I'm fine, just a bit tired."

"Okay, if you say so. Never knew that you could become quiet instead of being grumpy when you're tired. Rest up a bit when we return."

"Yeah, will do that."

Xavier looked at Lafia for a bit, completely understanding why she felt that way.

'Should I have not mentioned that? It's an extremely sensitive topic, I feel kinda guilty now.'

Xavier sighed and kept walking ahead. What's done was done, there was no way she could feel comfortable with him now. After all, what he said could be taken as a death threat in some contexts.

Night arrived, and after the temporary camp was set, Xavier decided to practice his sword after a long while.

'It's a safe area, so no creature will come. While the status says that I've perfected my art for an uninitiated, it doesn't feel right not to practice daily.

"I'll be away over there practicing my sword, don't disturb me if it's something trivial." Xavier said as he got up.

"Ooh, so diligent. Sure, we'll call you if something comes up."

Xavier left as the party was left alone. It was just them, like the usual times.

Join us at m-v le mpy_r

"Despite how fierce and cold he projects himself, he's actually quite a responsible kid, ain't he?" Rolan said as Xavier was out of earshot.

"Haha, once this kid grows up, he'll be a lady killer. I see the potential."

"...I see, Alina. I never expected you to have these tastes."

"No, wait, I did not mean it like that. This kid is just a kid to me. Like a talented little brother."

"Of course, of course. I totally believe that…"

"Oh, come on. This is not funny."

"Haha, chill I'm just messing with you."

Alina glared at Adam, who was laughing with glee. He met Alina's eyes and instantly shut up.

"Okay, I got it. Please don't burn me."

"Oh, whatever. I stand by my words. Red eyes, black hair, sharp features, and a mature demeanor at such a young age, I'd be surprised if he doesn't become the heartthrob of the country within a few years. Not to mention his talent and ability, he's destined for greatness.

You agree too, right Lafia?"

Alina looked to her right to look for Lafia, but instead, she found an empty seat. She looked at Thomas who was sitting in front of her with an inquisitive gaze, who replied,

"I saw her getting up and going to where Xavier is training. She's also a swordsman, so I guess she wants to peek."

"Oh haha, that's just like her."