Chapter 101

Chapter 101

Seongjin was certain the Holy Emperor already knew Logan was not an ordinary person, and he had reasons for this belief.

As he conversed with Logan, Seongjin was simultaneously receiving various pieces of information from the Demon King. The Demon Kings insights, akin to a lie detector, had played a significant role in believing the seemingly absurd information about Logan being a reincarnated soul.

Of course, Logans claim about being over seventy in his previous life was false.

The guy disliked losing, it seemed.

The Demon King had also shared some peculiar observations about Logans soul.

[His soul looks a bit strange, you know?]

It was surrounded by such a bright light due to his innate divine power that it was difficult to discern its true form.

However, according to the Demon King, Logans soul seemed to change size when he mentioned his past life.

In other words, it appeared as a boy and then momentarily as a tall adult.

Additionally, there was one common feature in both forms: several long, stick-like objects were embedded in the souls torso.

The Holy Emperor once answered Seongjins question about what a soul looks like: It looks identical to the person in life. The soul is influenced by the body until the moment of death.

Thus, the souls appearance the Demon King described might be Logans form just before his death in his past life.

And the Emperor can see souls.

The conclusion was obvious.

Stunned by Seongjins words, Logan was speechless for a moment. He must have realized Seongjin was speaking with some conviction.

From their conversation, Seongjin sensed that, just as he used the Demon King, Logan also had some reliable means to gauge the truthfulness of Seongjins words.

If Seongjin gave vague answers or didnt respond adequately, Logan would pinpoint and probe those areas, almost like a ghost.

After all, no matter how gullible, its improbable to easily believe someone who claims to be an evil spirit that has taken over a brothers body and hails from another world.

He knows about me?

Logan finally responded after a long silence.

He sat upright, but his clasped hands, trembling slightly, betrayed his inner turmoil.

Probably. How did you die in the battlefield?

Seongjins direct question seemed to cut through the tension, focusing on the heart of Logans past and potentially his connection with the Emperor.

Logans blue eyes seemed to sink into memories as he responded to Seongjins question.

I dont clearly remember the moment of my death. It was during a prolonged battle I was surrounded by numerous enemies, weary from the long fight. I remember receiving fatal sword wounds and being struck by several spears in vital areas.

The sticks in his body were spears, then.

Then its certain. At the very least, the Holy Emperor knows you died on the battlefield.

If thats the case

Logans gaze became unfocused, lost in thought.

Why has he never asked me anything until now?

Logan no longer referred to the Emperor as Imperial Father in front of Seongjin. It seemed he didnt genuinely regard him as his father.

And the reason for this became clear to Seongjin when Logan murmured almost to himself.

Could it be that he already knows who I am?

.

Does he remember me?

Seongjin caught onto a possibility from Logans words.

Did you, by any chance, meet the Holy Emperor in your past life?

Logan didnt respond to his question, but his silence was revealing.

Seongjin realized it: since Logan knew him in a past life, he couldnt consider him his real father.

After a moment of silent contemplation, Logan suddenly spoke up, startled by his own realization.

Yes. Thats why he gave me [Arjuna] without any question.

Arjuna?

Just as Gael began to feel slightly irked, a calm voice came from behind.

Enough, Justin. Thats enough. Youre being rude.

Oh, if I have indeed been rude, I apologize.

Justin quickly corrected his posture and apologized to Gael.

Looking to see who had spoken so bluntly to the leader, Gael saw a surprisingly tall yet obviously young member, looking at Justin with a somewhat disdainful expression.

Gael thought for a moment.

Did I make a mistake in hiring them? They came highly recommended for their skill, but if they rely on a child

But when Gaels eyes met the boys, he felt something odd. He sensed that dealing with this boy would be remarkably challenging.

Of course, the boy was nowhere near the level of a Sword Master.

His aura activation was much lower than Justins, and the slight darkness under his eyes suggested he wasnt in the best of health.

Yet, strangely, Gael felt that the boy posed a far more challenging opponent than the groups leader.

The boy glanced at Gael for a moment and then abruptly left the tent.

Gael watched the direction in which the boy disappeared and found himself asking the leader.

That boy is

Unfortunately, hes not officially a mercenary. Consider him a guest member who joined us temporarily.

Justin gave Gael a sly smile.

Isnt he a fascinating fellow, General?

Even Gael, who had been acclaimed as a prodigy since his youth, recognized that the boys talent was extraordinary. Under different circumstances, he would have spared no effort to take him as a disciple.

Where did that friend learn swordsmanship?

That part is truly fascinating

Justin scratched his face thoughtfully before answering.

He claims hes never been formally trained in swordsmanship. It sounds unbelievable, but it seems true. You can see he doesnt use proper sword forms, yet strangely, he wields a sword effectively.

Gael quietly observed the mercenary leader.

The vibrations he felt indicated that Justin was probably telling the truth.

Gael furrowed his brows.

A sword style that defies form and technique.

The legendary realm that Gaels master jokingly mentioned.

Could it be that this boy was independently reaching that level?

General, shall we proceed with the contract adjustments?

Justin rubbed his hands, his movements light despite his large frame. Gael nodded and pulled out the contract.

There was no need for excessive speculation. Soon enough, hed confirm the boys skill with his own eyes, as they would be working alongside the Astros Mercenary Group.

They began discussing the details.

Soon, Gael received unexpected advice from Justin.

General, I apologize for saying this upon our first meeting.

Justin looked incredulous as he spoke.

If you agree so readily, how can we negotiate? We expect some resistance and push accordingly.

Do you always end up at a disadvantage like this?

Gael sensed the vibrations from Justin, confirming the sad truth of his words. Regrettably, it was all true.

He swallowed his pride and decided to delegate contract negotiations to Prince Benicio or another republican leader in the future.

Gaels time with the Astros Mercenary Group lasted only four months. After the short-term contract ended, they left the front due to a change of heart by their sponsor.

However, the impact of this brief association on Gaels future was immense, though he had no inkling of it at the time.