Book 3: Chapter 43: The Bloodsword Family VI

Book 3: Chapter 43: The Bloodsword Family VI

The surroundings had gone quiet, making the situation somewhat awkward for Zeke. He was still standing in midair, a whip hanging from each hand and a gaping wound in his side. Without quite knowing what to do, he just remained in that same position.

Mordred, for his part, had forsaken his spell the moment he heard his father's voice. The giant blood stain on the ground was all that remained of the fearsome weapon he had summoned a moment earlier.

Meanwhile, Tristan Bloodsword was curiously studying Zekes whips. His brows were slightly furrowed as he looked them up and down. Ive never seen that spell before quite interesting. Such a flexible weapon could be very effective with proper training. A shame you missed out on engraving [Blood Compression]. You could have become quite the warrior.

Zeke frowned. Tristan Bloodsword might be the foremost expert on Blood Magic on the continent, but Zeke still disliked how he looked down on his [Perfect Body Control]. Nobody, not even him, had the right to dismiss Maximilians Trinity Project like that.

Maybe that is so, and maybe not only time will tell, he said. After the cryptic statement, both of his whips started to move. Like snakes, they started to crawl back into his hands, until a moment later, not even the tiniest wound remained. I have my own means, Mr. Bloodsword. You would do well not to look down on my mentors ingenuity.

Zeke had hoped to impress the patriarch a little with this demonstration. However, nothing had prepared him for the sight that greeted him. From his perch in midair, Zeke found a sea of incredulous faces looking back at him dropped jaws and wide eyes. Even Tristan himself was barely any better. His ponderous expression had faded, and even his mouth had fallen open.

H-H-How did Tristan caught himself a moment too late. With a cough, he restored his calm expression and began anew. Indeed, it seems I spoke a bit prematurely. As you said, only time will tell.

Zeke nodded. Somehow, he had made the atmosphere even worse with this display. The only people who seemed to be unaffected were Maya and Leo. The former was beaming up at him, a huge smile on her face. The latter also smirked when he caught Zekes gaze and gave him an exaggerated thumbs up.

Luckily, the patriarch also seemed to recognize the strange atmosphere. If he didnt act fast, Zeke might be mobbed by a horde of hungry Blood Mages that all wanted answers.

Anyway thats not why I came, he said with a sideways glance toward his son. A little birdy informed me of something interesting. Instead of letting our guests observe our sparring as I had ordered, my foolish children somehow managed to embroil them in consecutive battles. Do you two have anything to say about that?

Errm Mordred began, looking around for help. However, nobody would meet his eyes. The truth is Ezekiel wanted to fight. He was almost begging. As the host, I couldnt turn him down, could I? Right, Ezekiel?

Before he could even deny the ridiculous statement, Vanessa spoke up. It was me, father. I pressed for the fights.This chapter made its debut appearance via N0v3lB1n.

Ohh? Tristan looked at his daughter with a raised brow. You arent usually like this, Vanessa. What made you disregard my orders like that?

Vanessa glanced at Zeke. I thought this would be a good chance.

A chance for what? her father inquired calmly.

Our young Mages have grown arrogant during our stay at the front. She swept her gaze over the people in question. Luckily, we didnt have any fatalities this time. But it has led to the rise of unhealthy egos. She pointed at Philip. This one didnt even waste a second before provoking Ezekiel. Im sure there was no doubt in his mind that he could go toe to toe with the champion of the empire. I figured this was a good chance to give them some perspective.

Tristan nodded seriously at his daughter's words. He turned to the batch of True Mages next, a stern expression on his face. It seems you still have a lot to learn. Arrogance has no place on the battlefield it will only lead to death. Your own death, which is fine, but oftentimes it will also lead to the death of your comrades. I hope you all learned that lesson well. Remember, its not the kingdom of Valor, but the empire of Arkanheim which is the dominant power on the continent. It would be foolish of us to forget that.

The group, who had initially still had a defiant look in their eyes, were now all staring at the ground in shame. Not a trace of arrogance remained on their expressions. Zeke had nothing but praise for this kind of tactic. He had feared Tristan Bloodsword would be a mindless brute, as his moniker suggested. It turned out his fears had been in vain.

Zeke walked up next to him, studying the man in the picture. Despite his red hair and eyes, the man looked plain. When compared to Tristans striking appearance, it was no wonder history didnt treat his father well. One looked like a dashing hero, while the other would disappear in a crowd.

Unlike most Blood Mages, my father never had much of an interest or talent for fighting. It was a shame, really. Ever since his youth, this led to him being looked down upon, especially by his siblings. They called him useless, called him a weakling, and so much more. Not once did his own family consider asking him what his interests were. He was much like your mentor, I think, Tristan explained. His true passion lay in Magical theory. Most of our spells, even the [Blood Sword], were invented by him. He is the true origin of our familys name. It is often forgotten that our family is only a couple hundred years old.

Zeke nodded. He had been aware that the Bloodsword family was one of the youngest powers on the continent.

You saw them earlier the young ones. They think we are comparable to the great families of the empire, with their thousands of years of history. However, its all a house of cards. Right now, the family has little more than me and my perfect affinity to prop them up. Were I to disappear, they would simply fall back into obscurity.

This admission gave Zeke pause. If the patriarch was right, then his position as the first ranked on the empires most wanted list was deceptive at best. It was most likely influenced by his importance for the survival of his family. However, Zeke didnt dare just come out and ask about his actual strength.

Tristan seemed to recognize the look in his eyes. Im no delicate flower. If you have something to ask, ask it.

Where would you rank yourself in terms of strength? Zeke blurted out. He was too curious about this to mince his words.

The man smirked. Now thats a topic I enjoy discussing. However, I dont have an answer ready. But I can tell you one thing with absolute certainty: I am not at the top.

What about the list? Zeke asked.

Fuck that list! Its a poor indicator of strength, Tristan said with a disgusted look in his eyes. Me in first place and Lara in second? Dont make me laugh. The only reason we are so highly ranked is because we hate the empire the most. Ive met Arch Mages that could take us two-on-one. The four elders and five generals of the empire are all stronger than me as well. If I were to meet any one of them, I would have to run for my life.

Zeke's mouth fell open. He had not expected Tristan to be this blunt. The man had freely admitted not to be on the same level as the four elders. The title referred to the four strongest Mages of each of the four great families. Victor Windtnzer was one of them. If not even Tristan could match them, then this painted a dire picture for the alliance...

You should see your face, Tristan said with a smirk. I bet you are disappointed by the truth after hearing all those tales of scary Blood Mages in the empire.

Zeke shook his head. I wouldnt say that. But the more I learn, the more I realize how strong my mentor truly was.

Tristans face turned serious as he nodded. From what I hear, Maximilian was a fine man. They say few could match him in combat, even fewer in academics, and none in character. It was an injustice to deprive the world of his light.

Zeke agreed silently. The memories of that day were painful to recall.

Well Tristan said awkwardly. I didnt mean to bring the mood down like that. How about we move on? There are still people I would like for you to meet.

With that, Tristan resumed their tour and Zeke silently followed. Moments later, they exited the manor through the back. The moment they stepped onto the patio several pairs of eyes snapped to him.

Who is the kid? And why did you bring him here, Blood-whelp? a deep, bestial voice demanded to know.