Demonic Spirit, Lugia? Joshua muttered blankly.

As in literally a demons spirit? If this iron rod really was his favorite spear, then this would be the first time hed ever heard it speak.

The original Lugia had a two-bladed prong. Although it looked quite odd at first glance, no one would dare mock Lugia. When Joshua wielded Lugia, their overflowing mana made them unchallenged on the battlefield.

Which made it difficult to believe that Lugia had transformed into a talking iron rod.

There is no time. Joshua was roused by Lugias voice humming in his head.

What do you mean?

The curse within your body will suppress your strength and consume your life as time passes.

Maybe You also came back to the past with me? His eyes widened. It seemed natural since they were together for decades, but it was still strange.

The only way to break the curse is using your bodys latent power. Lugia couldnt hear Joshua. In order to restore that strength, you must be at least at the 4th level of spear mastery.

4th level! Perhaps Lugia was talking about the ancient technique he found alongside the spear.

The majority of Knights in Igrant viewed the sword as the ultimate weapon. The spear was viewed as a crude toy used by poorly trained conscripts.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

Among the knights, few understood the spear. There were only a handful of people who could compete with Joshua in his past life.

Joshua had reached the 5th level of mastery. Even after decades of hard work, the 6th level remained out of reach. In terms of knights classes, an A-Class Knight can manifest their mana in the form of a sword. These knights are known as the Absolute One. At the 5th level of his 8-stage spear technique, Joshua was the best knight in the empire. The 4th level, just below it, was equivalent to a B-Class Knight.

Joshuas experience made him confident that he could reach that level, but he was only nine years old. Even before his return, it took him some time.

Of course we have to gather our strength. In order to approach Prince Kaiser, I need to show some skill. Joshua made a gloomy face.

But in my present state... Joshua bit his lip. Well, dont I already have experience using it in this state? Hed already used a modicum of mana, although the consequences were painful. But even with this sliver of hope it would be difficult to become a C-Class Knight, let alone a master.

Lugia began to dissipate into the air with a sigh.

Its a temporary measure but, as long as Im by your side, youll be able to use some of my power without side effects.

Joshuas eyes widened.

Constantly refine yourself. When you reach the supreme state and regain your lost strength Lugias voice began to fade. To achieve what you desire

Joshua rushed closer to catch Lugias last whispers.

Self certain steps next time

Hey! Joshuas hand shot towards Lugia, who had completely fallen.

And

The volatile amalgamation of energies in his body exploded all at once.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!

Joshua screamed like his body was being torn apart.

First floor reception room, Duke Agnuss mansion

Duke Agnus has arrived. Following Imperial etiquette, the servant opened the door after a short delay. The well-oiled hinges swung open almost silently. Inside, two men and two women waited patiently.

Oh? Duke Agnus tilted his head. There were more people than expected.

Knights? No, it would be rude for a guest to be accompanied by a knight in the Avalon Empire. It was like saying they didnt trust their host. Usually, their knights would wait in a different room.

Above all else, the atmosphere inside the room was off.

Charles? Duke Agnus saw a familiar face and his eyes widened.

I greet the Duke. A girl with flaming red hair gracefully greeted Duke Agnus. She was a pretty girl in her early teens with slightly raised brows. She seemed sharp at first glance, but it only enhanced her charm.

She was Charles de Pontier, daughter of the Grand Duke Pontier.

Thats

I came here on a whim, so I asked them not to inform you, Duke.

Cox! Duke Agnus stepped forward with a smile. The short-haired, middle-aged man, Cox von Wagen, was a vassal of the Pontier family. He was born a merchant and rose to nobility, but he was more famous for his nickname: Gold Ingot; as the name suggested, he had a monstrous appetite for gold. Hardly any money came into the Pontier family without passing through his handstruly, he was a key figure in the Pontier Duchy.

The princess insisted we visit, so I accompanied her. My apologies, Duke. Cox bowed his head with regret.

Theres nothing to be sorry about! Even when were both in the capital, its hard to see each other When else will I get the chance to see you like this? Duke Agnus took it in stride with a cheerful smile.

Thank you for kind words. At that, Duke Agnus smiled mischievously.

If youre really sorry, how about you work for me now?

Haha, thats

Uncle, its been too long since Ive seen you. You didnt even greet me and youre already trying to poach our people?

Princess! Coxs face flushed pale blue.

Ive known the Princess since she was very young and she always treated me as a thing, so it doesnt matter if I treat myself like an object But Duke Agnus was an entirely different story. Just as Cox was about to apologize, Duke Agnus burst into pleasant laughter.

Hahaha! Yes, Charles, it was a very poor greeting indeed. Youre the same Charles I remember.

Really Charles pursed her lips. But, Sir Chiffon, where is Babel?

Ah, the master.... Looking between them, Duke Agnus smiled strangely.

Oh, dont get me wrong. Charles noted his smile. I am of the same mind as you. As you know, our family has great wealth, and no one can challenge your strength.

Hummm.

By the time I heard Babel was promoted to a C-Class Knight, the rumors had already spread all over the capital. So I thought I might try recruiting a talent.

Princess, you say too much! Cox couldnt stand it anymore. He shook his head tearfully. Im sorry, Duke. The Princess is still immature

What did you say? Charless voice was shrill.

Its okay. Youre just at that age. Duke Agnus waved it off, but quickly shifted to an embarrassed expression.

Im sorry, Ponsel. I forgot about you.

No, Duke. The scholarly man in his mid-thirties bowed his head. This blue-haired, sad-eyed man with a soft impression was Ponsel Jean Rebrecca, famed for his sorcery.

Beside him was a girl with a rather similar atmosphere. She had wavy blue hair which flowed down like a waterfall and big droopy eyes. If Charles were pretty, this girl was beautiful. She was Rebreccas last hope, the only remaining child of the Countess, and magical genius, Iceline Jean Rebrecca.

You came, Lady Iceline. Duke Agnus greeted her with a small smile.

I greet the Duke.

I came all the way here to get something to eat Charles made a dissatisfied expression.

Princess, why are you like this? Cox grumbled.

Oh! I heard something! Ignoring Cox, Charles clapped her hands as if shed remembered something. I heard you have another son, but hes sick so he doesnt stay in the mansion or something

Princess, that story! Cox shouted in terror and embarassment.

Its a nice place I dont think the stable is a good place, but Duke Agnus smiled bitterly.

Oh, a stable? Charles looked surprised. So its true hes your son?

I wont deny it.

AHA! Then

Princess, please!

I havent said anything yet, Charles frowned.

Please, please! Cox couldnt hide his anxious expression. I pray the Princess doesnt go any further. I pray that I live to greet the sunrise...

But fate was not on Coxs side.

He would go perfectly with Iceline.

Cox cracked.

Editors note

Quote from *The Art of War*