Only I Am A Reader

"Y…"

Staring at the long figure that reached the sky, illuminated by the golden rays of sunlight, a young adult stood in place mesmerized by the up-close view. If anyone didn't see what he was staring at, they would think that he was looking at the love of his life.

"Ray!"

"Huh?"

Finally breaking out of his trance, the world's one and only protagonist finally realized that Jade had been calling out his name for a while already. The 'empty' feeling in his heart had simply become too much.

"When are you going to stop this? I know we went through all of this trouble to finally get here, but you can't keep getting lost like this when we are already this close."

Although the Sword Garden Trial ended in a disaster, it was obvious that something fishy was at play. This further strengthened Jade's resolve to support Ray's rise so they could have the power of 'change'. According to him, getting closer to the Sword of Epoch was their most urgent task.

During the last year or so, they had risked a lot in order to prepare for this moment. As long as the ceremony went on without any trouble, they would finally be able to achieve their purpose.

"I… know. It's just that the calls had been getting stronger ever since I crossed the last hurdle. It's as if it knows that it's close so it can no longer hold back."

"Okay… just try to hold on."

Ray's words seemed like nothing more than gibberish, but Jade understood that he meant every single part of it. Ray was just far too special, he was on another world layer even when compared with someone as abnormal as her.

However, it was because of this that Jade believed in him. Ray's personality may be strange, but he was reliable.

"Alright."

Indulging in these long stares helped him in suppressing the loneliness, but there was no longer any need for that. Ray silently calmed down his proactive Sword Heart, today was finally the day!

'Let's hold on.'

While the last few months had passed very slowly, they still passed all the same. Today was finally the day he had been waiting for, the day he would finally be able to answer the call!

"Cheer up, the children that my father took in are almost back to full health. I asked uncle Rain to take a look and he said they have superior talent when it comes to the sword path, you can be their coach if they decide to learn!"

Aside from being very long, these months had also been hectic. After wrestling out the children from the hands of greedy nobles, Ray and Jade tried their best to get to the bottom of that matter, but their effort had been fruitless. It seemed like this was the end of the thread they caught on to.

The unknown organization's eradication wasn't exactly bad news considering who they had been pursuing. However, this also left Ray clueless. To make it worse, he ended up missing Arthur who he later came to know was in the city. It was like he was back to square one.

"Only if they want to."

The mention of teaching these children provoked a very old memory of his. To this moment, Ray could still remember the old man's wrinkled but kind face as he guided him. Perhaps it was time to return the favor.

"Let's go."

Rather than making him hesitant, recalling his past life only made Ray more resolute. He had been caught up in answering the never-ending call of the sword, but everything would change once he finished his last task!

Not only did he plan to search for his brother who kept growing more mysterious by the day, but he also wanted to go back to his hometown! One life lost to the sword was more than enough!

"Another two have come. Welcome!"

After walking for a while, Ray and Jade stopped in front of a group of luxurious carriages. As the small medals on their waists flashed under the sunlight, a bulky man enthusiastically greeted the two. He also had a small ornament tied to his wrist.

This date was already decided upon the day the Sword Garden Trial concluded. Every surviving participant was given a proof of trial and told to the central gate.

"Great, another non-talkative pair."

Ignoring the man scratching the back of his head, Jade inspected the silent group surrounding the half a dozen carriages. Even though the Imperial Family's forbidden ground was situated at the center of the Sky-Pierce City, quite a distance separated it from the actual populated part of the city.

The circularly bordered Capital wasn't actually a perfect circle as it had a large hollowed-out section around the very center. From a certain perspective, the city was more like a donut surrounded by two walls, one separating them from the outside, and another that kept the Sword of Epoch out of reach.

Everything single inch beyond the inner wall was considered to be within the Imperial Family's domain. However, as Swordsmen who successfully emerged from the trial, everyone standing here was given the chance to enter. These carriages were prepared to take them to the distant center.

"One person is still missing, but we will be going in soon regardless. Get ready to board the carriages."

The middle-aged Association President called out. Although the Sword Garden Trial was already concluded, he was still the one responsible for the succeeding ceremony and was thus the one to guide the survivors in. Even if that wasn't the case, it wasn't like he would miss the opportunity to experience being that close to 'it' once more.

"Someone is brave enough to be this late?"

The bulky man's friendly face was lowered to the side, he wasn't sure whether to call it guts or foolishness…

"Wait for me!"

Just as everyone was about to board the carriage, a suppressed shout made everyone turn to look back only to see a tall man running in their direction. His features seemed strange from afar, but he made it to their location in no time.

"Sorry for being late."

Stopping in front of them to catch his breath, the group understood why he looked unfamiliar when he turned to look at them. The latecomer was wearing a mask.. A smiling cat mask.