Ⅲ
Carral spoke softly.
But to Joel Coleman, his words sounded like thunder.
Joel Coleman shuddered.
Even his [Spirituality] trembled with him.
A moment later, however, it returned to normal.
Joel Coleman rushed forward, putting distance between himself and Carral, and laughed aloud-
"Trying to break my resolve with words?
I've studied a swordsman's 'Insight' technique too.
And I'm better at it than you!"
As he spoke, Joel Coleman prepared to counterattack.
Carral's words had merely unsettled him just now.
This time?
It would never happen again!
Just as he had failed six times in his attempts to become an 'Ascendant.'
He had tried to become an 'Ascendant' with his sword, and failed every time. Each time, he believed he had been inadequately prepared, yet whenever he tried again brimming with confidence, he fell just short.
That feeling was unbearable.
He had tasted it six times in a row!
Enough! Enough!
After his sixth failure, he had abandoned this 'path' that did not suit him at all. That lord had been right: "Perhaps taking a different path will lead you to one that suits you better!"
That was exactly what he had done.
And then!
He discovered he had been right!
He was closer to 'Ascension Rank'!
Though he had failed once more, he was confident that he would become an 'Ascendant' on his next attempt.
"You'll be my last battle before I reach 'Ascension Rank'!"
Joel Coleman spoke slowly.
But the moment the words left his mouth, he realized something was wrong.
Or, more precisely, that rat Jimte was standing in the distance, looking at him with pity.
Pity?
Joel Coleman froze.
Then he instinctively lowered his head.
There was a wound on his chest.
No!
Calling it a wound was not quite accurate. It was more like a