But no matter how hard he tried, he could not imagine that this was just an imperfect coincidence. As he turned to pull the sword from the sergeant, he glanced at the door's direction again. The remaining Rubis Mercenaries had blocked the passage, and the air seemed to have been sucked out of the corridor, leaving a desolate stillness that was unsettling.
Brand displayed the Holy Sword Card, and a giant sword with mysterious golden patterns on its blade and snow-white wings floating behind him appeared; it was his third time showing this card. The honor's power surged through the sword and seemed to reflect into his body, making it feel as if he could demolish walls with a snap of his fingers. However, Brand knew this was an illusion brought by the sudden surge of power—the Holy Sword Card merely compensated to enhance his attack ability, pushing him to the Silver Middle level in one aspect.
But this power only provided him with the comfort of being able to hurt his opponent. He understood that in a real fight, he might be unable to track his opponent's movements and could be pierced through the throat with a single sword—of course, nothing was absolute. Brand believed he wasn't entirely without a chance.
At that moment, he finally heard a few screams from the corridor, and the 'Rubis Mercenaries' card on the Holy Tree Secret Land dimmed in an instant.
Brand's heart tightened. He looked up just in time to see a silver-haired young noble slowly walking out of the corner. The man wore a short black cloak and held the hilt of a thin sword, with a few threads of blood hanging on the crystal-like blade. Brand recognized the sword: the Crystal Scorpion's Sting, a weapon whose damage wasn't even notable among the Level 60+ weapons in 'Amber Sword,' but it was exceptionally tough and resilient. He recalled hearing an old hand saying that anyone who favored such a sword must have great confidence in their strength.
Brand didn't fully trust that judgment, but from this young man's prior performance, he indeed seemed confident in his means.
While dealing with Tai Si, the noble swordsman scrutinized him with glass-like purple eyes. The silver-haired young man's gaze first settled on the phantom of the Holy Sword behind Brand, squinting slightly, and then swept over everyone else. All were of Black Iron Lower strength—this young man had some capital, but in his view, they were not worth his attention. Since exposing his Poison Fang would intimidate them anyway, he decided to put it away—so Tai Si sheathed his sword and smiled sweetly like a calm lady.
Then the young man raised an eyebrow and asked, "Have I seen you somewhere before?"
Brand didn't know what he was up to but forced himself to remain calm. He smiled disdainfully and bluntly replied, "Naturally, because about a minute ago, you stabbed me in the shoulder. Before that, I assure you we had never met, sir." He answered with ill intent.
As he said this, he quietly opened his attribute panel, and rows of data flowed like water, presented before his eyes.
First was idle experience: 4730.
After a series of battles, his reserve experience had surged again, and the acquisition of the Elemental Revelation Scroll saved him nearly 2000 experience, plus skipped a series of tasks to activate the Element Pool. This was critical for him, as time was tight.
At this moment, Tai Si shook his head, not at all angry, "No, it was earlier than that. I confirm having seen you at the Cavalry Headquarters." Follow current novels on novelꞁire.net
"Cavalry Headquarters."
"Who are you?" Brand suddenly realized something but, upon thinking about it, relaxed, exhaling and watching the other calmly.
"My name is Tai Si; I chose it myself from the ancient Kruz language, meaning 'struggle'," Tai Si smiled and answered, "If you're asking about my identity, I am the Vice Leader of the Silver Wing Cavalry, Third-level Sergeant of the White Mane Legion, and Viscount of Erune Kingdom's Manowel. But compared to these long titles, I prefer my name—simple and rich in the profound meaning of sacrifice." Brand had rarely seen someone talk about their name with such pride and ease, but now he witnessed one.