章 62: Simple ambition, yet impossible to fulfill to all, second floor setback
"Ace, I can go first if you need me to." Sova suggested when he saw Ace furrowing his brows in contemplation. His initial thought was that this had to do with Ace secret, but that wasn't the case.
"Young fella, please start by introducing yourself. Don't worry about going against your father, he has approved of this test of mine even though that young boy might learn of your true identity." The guardian transmitted its voice in Sova's mind before taking a step, signalling with his hand that Sova can start speaking.
Taking a deep breath, Sova then started to introduce himself confidently, for the first time, Ace detected the heroic aura that Sova should possess as someone who has been chosen by the sword of the forest.
"I'm the only son of the ninth sword master, the son of the sword master who stands at the very peak of the sword court. I'm already twenty years old, yet what have I achieved compared to my father when he was my age?" Sova asked rhetorically as he mocked himself, comparing himself to one of the legendary figures of the era before them.
His words might seem on point right now, but when he turns back and reflects on his actions one day, all he would do is mock himself for having such lowly ambitions and confidence. He was the person chosen to protect all life in this world, his destiny had been decided since birth, the only reason for his father's cold attitude, was for him to develop by himself.
"As for my ambition, I don't request for much, all I want is a simple life with enough strength to protect those innocent lives. To defend the world which gave me a lease of life against external threats that are out there somewhere. To be one with my sword and rise to the peak, not for fame or reputation, but because the sword path is where my passionate heart leads me to."
Even Ace who was only listening to Sova couldn't help but admit, Sova will definitely have a great future ahead of him. All he lacks is an opportunity to develop and grow as an individual that doesn't have to live under the shadow of his father.
"I'm tired of this life. People look up to me not because of my outstanding talent, but because they're trying to make use of me to get closer to my father. Those around me are only there to build up false ties with me. The only person who I have loved in my life has never returned ever since my father brought her somewhere with the excuse of personal training."
"Does he think I'm foolish enough to not know his intentions? I'll make him remember what he has done to me for the rest of his life, but revenge is out of the question, especially when I'm still his flesh and blood in the end."
The guardian expected Sova to speak about the first part, but just the passionate soul behind his words astonished him. As for the second part of his words, that was something which the guardian himself has never heard of either.
The guardian hesitated for a moment before sighing, "You may pass, but remember, never get too hasty or disaster will befall you."
"Thank you for the guidance senior, if there is a chance, please convey a message to my father."
"What is it?" The guardian shuddered and asked, the coldness in Sova's eyes petrifying him to the depths of his heart. Who would have expected the youth known for his kindness to be capable of wielding such condescending demeanor.
"I still treat him as a father, but if he expects me to fully accept him, then please tell him to drop that notion. From the day he caused mother's death, he had pushed me away from him. From the day he abducted my lover away from me, he had already abandoned this filial son of his. One day, I will return, not as his son, but as someone that has seeked beyond him in the sword path."
Sova said while walking towards the doors that had opened to the sides for him. The guardian had a million questions for Sova, but in the end, all he could do was watch this young man leave his side as though nothing happened.
"Now then, Ace, what a nice name you have, you may begin speaking." The guardian said in a calm voice, his soul shaking in fear. There was only one man in this world who would give his son such a name, that man was the current legend of the Divine realm.
Was this a coincidence, or was this a conspiracy all planned out from the very beginning?
The Sword Scholar, Sova who was the son of his master, Cody whose talent and capabilities remained unknown and Ace who probably had the most sacred identity and potential that has yet to be discovered.
It would be a miracle for even one of them to be born in one generation, yet now, the fate of four geniuses were linked together, each of them exceeding all nine divine sword masters that created the Sword Court after countless adversaries.
"Guardian, why were you shaking?" Ace didn't realise, but the tone he was speaking in right now was that of a superior being speaking to a lowly ant. The words didn't even come to his mind before leaving his mouth, he was surprised, but he didn't take back those words.
"Young fella Ace, I know that the person questioning me right now isn't you, so please, allow me to hear a satisfactory answer, someone like you is bound to go beyond the first floor."
Ace knew that he had no option but to comply with the guardian for now.
"I won't need a self introduction. As for my ambition, it's to create the strongest sect in the world and rise to the peak of the world with the sect I built up. All I want is to live in peace with those I love, those that I care for, as for the sword, it's just the fragment that makes me the person I am." Ace ambition surprised the guardian, leaving him speechless for a long time.
Not because Ace's ambition was that of a dragon soaring the nine skies, but because all he wants is just a peaceful life that every mortal wishes for. It was way too simple for someone like him who was bound to stand at the apex given enough time.
Those standing at the top spend the bulk of time finding ways to extend their lifespan, devoting the rest of their time to dominating the world, doing things their own way while grooming their next generation to take over their position when the time comes.
"Young fella, don't you have any greater ambitions? Such as having your sect ruling over a certain place in the Divine realm or building up your own empire?"
Ace didn't reply, shaking his head, he said in a low voice, "Open the door, I'm done here. The next time we meet, let's hope we won't end up as enemies."
The same thing happened, words that Ace himself didn't understand, knowing that staying here any longer would only cause more trouble, Ace hurriedly passed through the doors and met up with Sova who was waiting for Sova.
"Sova, have you figured out what the second floor is about?" That was the first question Ace asked after being amazed by the intricate designing on the walls.
The emerald walls were carved by Hexagons that stacked over each other, each hexagon was designed with various shapes that resembled the shell of a turtle. The emerald ground was of a lighter tone, the rectangular blocks used to build it were uneven, sometimes going up, sometimes going down, at a large margin at times, or a drop or climb too small to be noticed.
This floor, everything about it was just like a mirage, everything seemed to be gathering together in a puzzle, yet there was nothing he could do to figure out the reason behind all this.
As for the lighting, it was being emitted from the walls itself, the emerald path ahead of them was soon suspended as a bridge from what they can see from here. To the side of the bridge, was pure darkness that they weren't able to see through regardless of whatever method they use.
Left without a choice, the two could only take the first step onto the rectangular block that was slightly above the ground they were standing on.
*Clank*
The sound of a mechanism triggering alarmed them as they leaped towards the second rectangular block which had descended by a metre or two down as the first block made a full rotation before stopping.
If they were any later, they would have plunged into the darkness, yet before they could even catch their breather and formulate a plan, the same situation happened to the second block, the third block…
It was an endless cycle, but until they could find the way to fully maneuver around these blocks without being fooled by its visible trajectory, they would have to find the key to solving this problem before things get disastrous from here onward.
週次パワーステータス
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