<h4>Chapter 197: Manion and the Merchant 2</h4>
<i>Tranted by AmaLynne </i>
<i> </i>
<span data-contrast="auto">Manion stared skeptically at the suddenly appearing merchant.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“What do you mean I can’t take anything from him?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“I don’t know what kind of man Samuel Scheidt is in your mind, but the Samuel I know is undoubtedly… the strongest wizard.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Manion couldn’t easily ept the words of the merchant, who seemed to respect Sam in some way.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Hah, you think someone who cowered before me could be the strongest? If he’s the strongest, then I am too!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Your words aside, you probably can’t defeat Samuel. Even if you could, who would acknowledge you and say that what’s Samuel’s is yours?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“T-That’s…”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Samuel isn’t just strong; he’s on good terms with King Clyde Isle Sky, the ruler of the Sky Kingdom. He also has many allies among the Court Wizard and the Sword Saint. How many allies do you have?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Manion couldn’t respond to the merchant’s words. As the merchant pointed out, Manioncked the kind of connections Sam had.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“I could have been like him if I had lived in the capital.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Yes, yes, of course. It’s because you were stuck in a remote and deste baron’s territory that you ended up inferior to Samuel.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“I’m not inferior! Sure, I don’t have his connections, but there’s no way I’m inferior to that guy!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Oh, my apologies. Yes, Manion-sama, you are not inferior to Samuel. You’d win if it came to a fight, right?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Of course! There’s no way I’d lose to that scumbag!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“But with that unseemly, fat body of yours, can you even swing a sword properly, let alone run?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
.
<span data-contrast="auto">“Are you insulting me?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Manion’s face turned crimson as he spat angrily.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">However, he felt self-conscious about his corpulent belly, so he tried to hide it.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“If you were to try to take what he has, Samuel would surely resist. He would fight tooth and nail to keep what’s his.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“So, what should I do then?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“That’s where I would like to introduce this product.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">As if he had been waiting for the right moment, the merchant pulled a jet-ck sword from thin air.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">From the de to the hilt, it was an eerie longsword, entirely ck.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Manion couldn’t understand it, but if Sam had been there, he would have sensed the ominous magical power emanating from the sword.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“W-What is this eerie sword?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Oh my, ‘eerie’ is quite an apt description. The power concealed within this sword is far from ordinary. You see, it’s a magic sword.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“A magic sword!?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<i>[ TN: 魔剣; magic sword; cursed sword; demon sword. ]</i>
<span data-contrast="auto">Manion’s eyes widened in astonishment.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">It was understandable.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Magic swords weren’t something you encountered every day.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">They were typically handcrafted by skilled artisans who had trained for years, using high-quality materials and imbuing them with magic.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">They weren’t mass-produced, and you wouldn’t easilye across them in the market.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">They were often passed down as heirlooms in noble families or obtained by seasoned adventurers from the deepest reaches of dungeons.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Manion was a swordsman at heart, and he had always admired magic swords.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Having one right in front of him was astonishing.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Yes, a magic sword. It was quite a challenge to acquire, but the effort was worth it.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“S-So, hand it over! With a magic sword, even I…”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Yes, of course. I will dly present it to Manion-sama.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“…Really?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Manion had shouted for the magic sword in excitement, but he was taken aback by the merchant’s swift agreement.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">He started to wonder if it might be a fake.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“However, there are conditions I must mention before handing it over.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Conditions? What are they?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“It’s about being recognized by this magic sword. Magic swords are said to have their own will and choose their wielders. If you’re chosen, you can gain unimaginable power, but if you’re not, it will drain your life and lead to your death.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Manion’s throat made a gulp as he heard this. The merchant grinned at the boy’s reaction.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Now, what will you do?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“T-That’s…”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Realizing the life-threatening risk involved, Manion became frightened.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">While he had nned to take everything from Sam, he thought he needed a weapon to defeat him.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">However, his true feelings were that he didn’t want to take this risk.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Why are you hesitating when you’re trying to take everything from Sam?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">A scolding voice chastised Manion, who couldn’t reach for the magic sword in fear.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Oh, Mother.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Madam.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">It was Manion’s mother, Ynda.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">She had likelye to look for him after resting in the carriage.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Ynda nced at her hesitant son in front of the magic sword, snorted, and fixed her gaze on the merchant.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“I don’t know who this merchant is, but it’s a wise decision to set their sights on my son, Manion.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“I’m honored by your praise.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Now, Manion, take the magic sword.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“But…”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Take it! You coward! You’re nning to take everything from Samuel and take revenge on my husband and Harry, aren’t you? Why are you hesitating? Don’t you have the courage to risk your life?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“But…”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Hurry up! You blockhead!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Yes!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Under his mother’s unreserved scolding, Manion, intimidated by the magic sword, reflexively reached out and grasped its hilt.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Ah.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">In that moment, he felt a connection with the magic sword, as if it had touched his very soul.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Oh, this is marvelous! The magic sword has recognized Manion-sama as its master!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“I… I’ve been chosen by the magic sword?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Yes, indeed! From this moment, you are a sword mage! You have be a sword mage!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Amazing, Manion! As expected of my son! Even my husband doesn’t possess a magic sword, and yet you’ve acquired one! Now you can kill Samuel and take everything!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Congrattions!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Manion, who had unexpectedly be the master of the magic sword, was bewildered by what had happened to him.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">But the praises from his mother and the merchant made him realize that he was indeed the chosen one.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“I’m a sword mage! Yes, I’ve been chosen! I’m extraordinary! I’m a genius!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“That’s right, Manion! You’re my son, so you’re undoubtedly special!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Now, with this, I can take everything from Samuel! I can even take revenge on Father and Harry!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Manion, feeling emboldened after being chosen by the magic sword, began tough loudly.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Ynda joined him inughter, both of them seemingly excited.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">While apuding Manion, the merchant wore a twisted smile.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Now then, Manion-sama, I have a proposition for you.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“What is it?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Would you like to test your skills with a practice swing?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“A practice swing?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Yes, a practice swing. Fortunately, we are in the territory of Viscount Riedl here, the verynd of your former fiancée who rejected you. Doesn’t this seem like a fitting ce to wield your magic sword?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">At the merchant’s words, Manion and Ynda exchanged sinister smiles.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">They understood what the merchant intended.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Fortunately, there’s a small vige nearby. How about it, for a test of your swordsmanship?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Very well, show us the way!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“As I expected you would say. Follow me.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Guided by the merchant, Manion took the magic sword and followed. Ynda also walked alongside her son as they ventured deeper into the forest.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">On that day, one vige was utterly destroyed.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">