Chapter 90
Chapter 90
The term "magic inheritance" referred to the ability to pass down one's honed skills to someone else. It was an advanced spell of the 8th class, and only a handful of people on the continent could use it. Even Duke Carl, the guardian lord, couldn’t perform it. And yet, the young master had done it.
While Anna was still in shock, unable to believe what she had seen,
Kane equipped Sara with [Water’s Hundred Egde] and [Ice’s Hundred Edge]. He also added the custom-made military academy uniform as armor, and even a tie pin as an accessory.
[Sara Rehinar's Promotion Requirements]
- Master the Twin Swords of Protection.
- Equip a weapon of 4-star grade or higher.
- Use armor of 3-star grade or higher.
- Use an accessory of 3-star grade or higher.
- Enroll in Rehinar Military Academy.
[You have fulfilled the promotion requirements for 3★ Sara Rehinar.]
A message appeared. Although Sara was still awaiting enrollment, the special military uniform fulfilled the promotion criteria.
[Would you like to promote 3★ Sara Rehinar? (Y/N)]
“Promote.”
Once again, Sara’s body was enveloped in light. A whirlwind of power surged around her, drawn toward her body without resistance. As the winds subsided, Sara’s form, previously obscured by light, became visible again. Her worn-out clothing had transformed into a custom-made military academy uniform, with two swords now strapped to her waist.
[Sara Rehinar has been promoted to 4 stars.]
[5★ Secret Character has been unlocked.]
[The '5★ Ghost Lord Sara Rehinar' has been added to the shard drawing shop.]
‘Sara must not receive he own 5-star promotion quest. I have to pull this character from the shop at all costs.’
The title you get from Sara’s 5-star promotion quest was "Witch of the Hundred Swords," but the secret 5-star character available only from the shop was titled "Ghost Lord." As a secret character, she belonged to the top tier of this game.
If you completed the 5-star promotion quest first, even if you managed to pull "Ghost Lord," you wouldn’t be able to evolve her into a secret character.
There was only one correct route. Though both were 5-star characters, "Ghost Lord" had significantly better stats than "Witch of the Hundred Swords." Therefore, the 5-star promotion quest should never be completed.
‘I’ll need to save up some money for in-game purchases.’
Kane closed the message and opened Sara’s status screen.
[Sara Rehinar (Lv.1)]
Grade: ★★★★☆
Age: 18
Occupation: Eldest Daughter of Rehinar
Mana Affinity: Water Bond (S-) [3 Runes]
Affection: 85 (Friendly)
- Base Stats -
[Health: A]
[Mana: C]
[Body: A+]
[Strength: C-]
[Agility: C-]
Traits:
- Twin Sword Spirit (S-)
- Reckless (S-)
- Swordsmanship Prodigy (S+)
Skills:
- Breath of the Blue Tiger (A)
- Hundred Twin Sword Style (B)
- Twin Swords of Protection (SR)
Upon her promotion to 4-stars, Sara’s abilities rose to a higher level—now she was a mid-tier 4th class Knight.
At only 18 years old, this was something that would shock the entire continent.
Seeing Sara’s transformation, Anna spoke in disbelief.
"The Young Master... he always surpasses my imagination. As expected from the bloodline of Lady Master."
Kane, who never failed to astonish people once again left everyone in awe. People had grown to expect the unexpected from him, eagerly wondering what surprises would come next.
Meanwhile, Sara was flustered by her new appearance.
“What’s going on? And what’s with this outfit?”
Kane clarified her confusion.
"Think of it as special armor crafted by Mikhail. Regular mana won’t be enough to tear it."
"Why am I wearing this?"
"Because you’re entering the military academy tomorrow."
“Was that for real?”
"Didn’t Camilla tell you anything?"
Kane glanced at Camilla, who answered confidently.
"I didn’t have time to tell her while training."
“It makes sense,” Kane acknowledged.
Training with Anna Werner left no room for breaks. After all, the training Anna had undergone to become the Ghost of Rehinar constantly teetered on the edge of life and death.
“Sasha and Rose are already at the military academy dormitory.”
“Really?”
"Once you enter the academy, you'll be living in the dorms, so go back and pack your things."
As Sara nodded and turned to head back to the territory, Anna called out to her.
“Miss, don’t you want to check the swords the Grand Duke gifted you?”
“I’ll check them later. Sasha and Rose are at the estate—let’s go quickly.”
Without even glancing at ‘Water’s Hundred Edge’ or ‘Ice’s Hundred Edge’, Sara brushed the swords aside. They seemed to hum softly in response, as if realizing their neglect. But Sara’s thoughts were entirely focused on Sasha and Rose.
' ' '
The northern part of Fresia Empire.
The gathering of the heads of the Wind Fox Clan, also known as the Tegelo family, was underway.
Seated at the head of the table was a middle-aged man with sky-blue hair, his expression one of displeasure as he looked upon those seated before him. The retainers were split into two factions, fiercely arguing with one another. The man continued to watch their heated exchange.
“We must attack Rehinar immediately! The second young master has been crippled. If we let this pass, the Tegelo family’s reputation will be tarnished!” declared one retainer.
“Moving recklessly would be a mistake. Rehinar has the Guardian Lord, not to mention the Blue Flash Cedric. Who do you think will take on those two?” replied another, more cautious retainer.
“The Guardian Lord is on his deathbed, poisoned! There’s no need to worry about him anymore.”
The younger retainers, all in their 30s and 40s, were the ones pushing for an aggressive approach, while the older retainers, in their 50s and 60s, urged caution.
“Have you ever met the Guardian Lord?” one of the older retainers asked.
“Do I need to meet him to know his strength?” the younger retainer scoffed.
“That’s why you’re thinking so carelessly. Do you know what the Guardian Lord’s other title is?”
“The Sword Saint, isn’t it?”
“Everyone thinks so... but listen carefully. The Guardian Lord doesn’t wield just one sword, but two. His real title isn’t the Sword Saint; it’s the Twin Sword Saint. The reason people call him the Sword Saint is because no one who’s fought him with two swords has lived to tell the tale. His real title is far more dangerous.”
Even after the elder’s words, the young retainer remained dismissive, refusing to acknowledge the Guardian Lord's reputation and quick to belittle him.
“So what if that’s true? It’s an outdated title. He’s nothing but a fallen master poisoned to ruin. Isn’t that right, Your Excellency?”
Marquis Tegelo nodded in agreement.
“Ambition is a fine trait, but underestimating your opponent is the mark of an amateur. The very Guardian Lord you speak so lightly of is the reason why Tegelo hasn’t yet conquered Rehinar. What do you make of that?” Tegelo asked, his gaze piercing.
The young retainer swallowed nervously before answering,
“I believe Your Excellency spared Rehinar out of pity. A collapsing house isn’t worth dirtying your hands over, nor damaging the Tegelo name.”
At this, Marquis Tegelo spoke firmly,
“You’re wrong. No matter what anyone says, I’ve always wanted to crush Rehinar. Do you know why I haven’t taken action until now?”
“H-how could I possibly understand Your Excellency’s intentions?” the young retainer stammered.
“The Guardian Lord you so easily dismiss—the one known as the Twin Sword Saint—is one of the Twelve Star Lords. Do you think just anyone can become a Star Lord?”
Marquis Tegelo’s intense gaze bore into the young retainer, and an overwhelming aura of mana surged around him—not because he was actively using it, but because the sheer force of his presence was that powerful. It was the natural, commanding pressure he was born with.
“I was shortsighted,” the retainer admitted, bowing his head.
“But that doesn’t mean we can sit idly by. My second son, Beno, has been crippled! How can I, as his father, do nothing?”
The retainers finally understood Marquis Tegelo’s fury and desire for vengeance.
“How far do you want us to go, Your Excellency?” one of the retainers asked.
“Kane Rehinar. I will make him suffer the same fate as Beno.”
“The Guardian Lord cherishes his children. He’ll never accept Your Excellency’s terms,” the retainer cautioned.
“Then we have no choice but to erase Rehinar from the map.”
The conclusion was clear—Marquis Tegelo’s true objective was to eliminate the Rehinar family entirely from the empire.
“There’s been no word from Alvin. It seems things have gone awry,” one retainer noted.
“We should wait for word from the Hatzfeld Fmaily before making any moves,” another suggested.
“There’s no need for that,” a voice interrupted.
The door to the council chamber opened, and a man dressed in black entered.
“Captain of the Red Spear Knights,” one of the retainers said, recognizing him immediately.
“I greet the head of the Tegelo family,” the captain said, bowing slightly.
“Welcome. Forgive me for not receiving you more warmly,” Marquis Tegelo replied.
“Think nothing of it. My lord has ordered me to offer the full cooperation of the Red Spear Knights to the Tegelo family.”
“Thank you.”
The captain of the Red Spear Knights placed a small wooden box on the table.
"This is a gift from my lord."
"What is it?" Marquis Tegelo asked, watching intently.
The box was opened, revealing a single vial of elixir.
"It's called the 'Elixir of Oblivion'. Not only will it fully restore the damaged mana circuits of your second son, but it will also grant him even greater strength than before."
"And what’s the price?" Tegelo asked cautiously.
"Remove Rehinar, more specifically, eliminate the Guardian Lord from this world," the captain answered, his voice steady.
Tegelo reached out with his mana, pulling the box toward him without lifting a finger. As the box settled into his hand, he spoke decisively.
"For the life of the Guardian Lord, this price is fair. I accept."
"My forces, along with the Red Dragon legion, will also move soon," the captain added.
"If the Red Dragon Legion takes action, it will make things much easier. Tegelo retainers, listen!" Marquis Tegelo commanded, his voice rising with authority.
"Yes, Your Excellency!" the retainers replied in unison.
"Prepare for the march to Rehinar. The Guardian Lord will fall this time."
The Tegelo family, one of the four great noble houses of the empire, far more formidable than the Dyer family, was about to mobilize.
---
On the day of the entrance ceremony at Rehinar Military Academy, students lined up at the gates, entering with their families beside them. Sara stood at a distance, watching the scene unfold.
"Do you feel envious, my lady?" Anna asked softly.
"No, it's just... strange. Me, at a school."
Anna tried to comfort her.
"When Master recovers, he’ll surely come to see you off. One of his dreams was to bring you and the young master to school himself."
"My father?" Sara asked, surprised.
"Yes, he made a promise to your mother—to be a proper parent. He couldn’t keep it because of the threats from enemy nations, but…"
"I never knew he made such a promise," Sara said thoughtfully.
"I never thought I’d get to tell you either. Without the efforts of the young master, I probably never would have," Anna smiled.
"Ugh, I still don’t like him," Sara pouted.
"You used to say he is the best big brother ever~!" Anna teased.
"Th-that was when I was young! People say dumb things when they’re little!"
"You were up all night worrying about him just a few months ago, weren’t you?" Anna said with a knowing grin.
"Anna!" Sara shouted, her voice a little too loud.
The eyes of the students filing into the academy turned toward her, curious at the outburst.
"Go on now. I can’t go past this point," Anna said gently, motioning toward the entrance.
"I’ll see you during the break," Sara replied, her voice quieter.
"I’ll visit often. Don’t worry."
Just as Sara and Anna were saying their final goodbyes, a familiar voice called out.
"Sara!"
Blata came running toward her, almost tripping over his feet before wrapping his arms around her.
"Hehe, I almost missed you!"
Kane was with him, walking up behind with a calm expression.
"Why are you here, busy guy?" Sara asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Your first day at school. Of course, I had to come," Kane replied casually.
"Since when do you care about that?"
"I’ve always looked out for you. Think about it."
Kane had, indeed, always been there for Sara, even when she was timid and overly kind. Whenever she got injured during training, he would apply ointment, and if she couldn’t walk, he would carry her on his back. Though his methods had changed over time, his protective nature had remained the same, before and after his transformation.
Sara knew deep down that Kane had always looked out for her. She was just being stubborn, acting out because being around her older brother made her feel like a little kid again.
"Hmph, I took care of you way more," she said, folding her arms.
"I'm the one taking care of you now," Kane countered.
"No, you're not."
"Yes, I am."
Their playful bickering continued, the childish back-and-forth drawing a smile from Anna, who watched with fondness. This was exactly the scene that their mother had dreamed of for them—siblings enjoying each other's company, happy and carefree. The sight filled Anna with warmth.
'Master, I've made up my mind,' Anna thought to herself. 'I'll protect their happiness.'
No longer just as a head maid, but as 'Anna Werner the Ghost', she made her silent vow.
At that very moment, a notification appeared in front of Kane's eyes:
[The 'Summoning Shop' has added a new character: '5★ Ghost Hunter Anna Verner.']
[TL/N: Right now she’s a 4 star character.]
Kane smirked, glancing at Anna, already recognizing the significance of this upgrade.