Published at 25th of March 2019 07:14:49 PM Chapter 13
Chapter 13 - Little Bird (2)
Really? How come?, asked Pram .
Youre already a fully-fledged swordsmanyou know all the basics, have great
senses, and your flow isnt bad, noted Desir . You are apt at finding a flaw in
your opponents stance, and would not have any problems going to the
promotion battle right now . Even the Alpha Class has few people matching
your skills .
Desir recalled Pram from his memories . His gallant figure charged into the
heart of the enemy, holding only a silver rapier . The sliver of a sword raced
across the battlefield, striking at the speed of lightning . A true King-rank
swordsman and living legend amongst the survivors .
But that was in the future .
Desir remarked, Of course, that would require you to relinquish the
greatsword in exchange for a rapier .
Pram failed to meet Desirs eyes as he gripped the greatsword tightly . He
became silent and discovered a newfound interest in the floorboards .
Desir noticed his reluctance and simply asked, Why wont you use the rapier,
Pram?
Must you ask? whined Pram .
This concerns the overall strength of the party, so yes, said Desir .
Pram lowered his greatsword . Their eyes met . Desir saw a touch of
vulnerability in Prams eyes . Then . . . could you come with me?
4
The overcast sky gave hints of dusk approaching . Rain was sure to come in the
next few hours, but none of that compared to Prams appearance . His face
darkened with each word:
I didnt know my father .
Its not because he died when I was young . He was a noble, and my mother
was a commoner . I was a bastard, simple as that . Even so, we used to be pretty
well-off .
Thinking back, I think he provided for us . My mother didnt even know how to
stitch .
Pram unlocked the door to his dormitory, and let Desir in .
Every night before we slept, she would always tell me about what a wonderful
person he was . She was so proud of him, explained Pram . With each word,
loneliness crept onto Prams face . Soon, there was none of the bright-eyed boy
who stood in front of him just a few hours earlier . Desir waited patiently in the
living room as Pram went to retrieve a leather sheath . As Desir received the
guard, he inspected the weaponinside was a rapier .
The grip was made of a high quality oak . There was some unintelligible
scribbling on the handle, but most shocking was the weight . It was incredibly
light for a sword, to the point where it would be impossible to use the weight of
the sword in his attacks .
When I was 6, my mother told me that my father left this rapier for us, said
Pram . That was why I learned the swordto become proficient enough that
my father would have nothing but pride for me when we finally met, Pram
claimed with sparkling eyes . My mother was always worried about it . I think
she never wanted me to meet my father .
5
Pram gave Desir a bittersweet smile as he reminisced . My mother never told
me his namenot even once . Instead, she always told me that I should never go
looking for my father . I get itI really do . Theres no way that a highborn noble
family would accept a bastard . She never told me his name, even on her
deathbed .
A bastard was a disgrace; in the case of Pram, he wasnt even the son of a
concubine . If a commoner appeared at a nobles doorstep and said he was a
bastard, the result was obvious . She kept her silence to protect her son .
Regardless, Pram wanted to know his fathers name . Despite his mothers
concerns, he always wanted to meet his father .
Call it curiosity . Isnt it just human to want to meet your father? asked Pram .
Thats why I came here - with so many nobles gathered, I would definitely be
able to find a clue to my fathers whereabouts .
Desir nodded in agreement .
I had the rapier inspected as soon as I got heremy only lead . With weapons
from all around the world gathered here, there had to be somebody who could
give me a clue based on this rapier . Prams eyes hardened .
Desir inspected the blade . Although the handle was extremely high quality, the
blade itself was worthless . The silver plating had worn off, and revealed a
rusted iron within . It resembled a toy more than a weapon .
The result is in your hands . Its made of a cheap iron that could be from
anywhere . The only thing that my father left my mother was a worthless iron
sword, said Pram softly . He looked close to tears as he spoke . Desir could tell
those werent tears of anguish, but of betrayal .
I cant bear it . I cant bear that after all these years I wishing to meet my
father, all he left for us was this worthless thing . Thats my reason . I will never
use the rapier again, croaked Pram .
6
Pram retrieved the rapier from Desir, and threw it to the side in frustration .
The greatsword cut through the air with a powerful slash . Pram was practicing
his swings . The most fundamental movean important step to understanding
the sword .
Desir watched his display with apprehension . It wouldnt be an exaggeration to
say that Pram has no talent for the greatsword . . . it would be pointless to even teach
him .
The greatsword was not designed for accuracy, but for its crushing weight .
Utilizing the slow and destructive strength of the broad weapon required
training to handle its hefty weight . Prams physique did not meet any of the
conditions in training with the greatsword, but were rather optimized for a
rapier .
Much of this was due to habitbased on Prams story, he trained with the
rapier for at least 10 years . If he had switched to the greatsword recently after
he had the rapier appraised, he had been using the greatsword for less than two
weeks . It would take many times more than that to break his ingrained habits .
Desir sighed at the thought . Everything would be resolved if Pram simply
picked up the rapier, but he was taciturn in his answer . Desir was frustrated,
but did understand Prams feelings . If he were Pram, he would likely do the
same thing .
Its still too early to give up .
Desir hung on to one major flaw in Prams storysomething that didnt add up
that even Pram couldnt know about . His future .
In my past life, he used the rapier .
7
Pram Schneizer and his rapier were inseparable . That was a fact . Through his
honed skills, he gained accolades and found himself at the apex of the blade,
even being named Sword Master . His future was completely different, and in
that was where Desir found his clue .
There must be a clue . Something that shook his heart and made him take up the
rapier again . Desir walked up to Pram and cleared his throat to get his
attention . With that, theres only one thing it could behis fathers heirloom .
Pram stopped his swinging and turned to face his party member .
Sorry for getting in the way of your training, said Desir sheepishly .
Whats the matter? responded Pram .
That sword you showed me yesterdaycould you let me see it one more
time? asked Desir .
Prams ever gentle expression froze at the mention of the weapon . His face was
marked with anxiety .
Desir tried to appeal to Pram . I know it is rude of me to ask this, but could you
please do me a favour and show it to me one more time?
Even if you say that, its impossible, replied Pram bluntly .
Pram raised his head . The next four words that came out of his mouth were
completely out of Desirs expectations .
Ive already sold it .
This stop is the Business Sector .
8
Stepping off the bus, they were enamoured by the sight of a wide avenue lined
with thousands of street lights . The hustle and bustle of the street vendors as
they bartered with the city folk was lively . The crossroads, plaza, and even the
alleys were filled to the brim with shops as far as the eye can see . This sector
was the only area in Hebrion Academy open to the public . People from across
the world would come to inspect their wares, and the crowded streets left
barely any space to move, save for a few small gaps .
Can I ask you one thing? Why did you sell your sword? questioned Desir .
Passing by a smiths stall with swords on display, Pram examined the swords
available . It became clear to me during our talk, Mr . Desir . That sword was of
no help to me, said Pram politely .
Desir realized that he had changed the futurePram may never use the rapier
ever again in his life . He shook his head to get rid of the thought .
Its not too late . The most important thing now is to find a reason for Pram to use the
rapier .
The two students entered an alley, covered in a shadow cast by the nearby
roofs . As they travelled deeper into the alleyway, fewer and fewer stalls
propped themselves out for display . Eventually, the two made their way to a
large, imposing building in the distance .
I cant see why theres a store all the way out here, said Desir with a tinge of
doubt .
Pram responded, They said they also purchase illegal goods . Thats probably
why .
The building was adorned with marble, with a simple sign written in Common
in front of the door .
9
Ujukuns Antique Shop . The most trusted shop in Hebrion Academy for antique
appraisals and purchases . Do not touch unsold items . No refunds even if you
change your mind . No refunds for damaged items . No refunds under any
circumstances .
Desir frowned . There was another line obscured when Desir originally read the
sign .
Top-class security always present . Cannot guarantee the lives of thieves .
Looks hard-fisted, said Desir . He fanned himself with his hands as he read
over the sign again, ensuring that he didnt miss any additional information .
Are you planning on going in? Pram asked .
Yes, said Desir .
Ill say it as many times as you wantI will not use that rapier, said Pram
crassly .
As Desir entered the shop, Pram followed in resignation . After they passed
through a narrow hallway, they came to a stop in a beautiful passageway with a
glittering chandelier descending from the center of the ceiling . At the end of
the hall, an imposing steel door laid shut . Pram rapped against the door using
the steel knocker fashioned in the shape of a wolf .
Moments later, a man emerged from inside . His stature was much taller than
the average man, looking to be one of the northern barbariansa giant . As
Pram and Desir entered, the door was slammed shut behind them . A roar
echoed across the hall as the steel door was closed yet again . Silence filled the
hall .