In a not-so-spacious room on the second floor of the Adventurers' Guild in the capital of the Holy Kingdom of Millis.
The flame on the candlestick swayed gently in the night breeze, casting five flickering shadows on the wall in a warm yellow glow.
Although it was late at night, everyone in the room was full of energy and showed no signs of sleepiness.
Paul sat in the main seat, with Luo Ge and Norn on his left, and Lilia and Aisha on his right.
The five people sat together, but the atmosphere was subtly solemn.
After all, this was an internal family meeting held by the Greyrat family, and Nanahoshi was just an outsider. She stood outside the door as an observer and did not participate.
"Tell me, Luo Ge."
What exactly happened over the years?
As Paul asked the question, Lilia, Aisha, and Norn all turned their gazes to Luo Ge.
Out of curiosity, Nanahoshi was outside the door, also quietly moved closer to the door.
Everyone was waiting for Luo Ge to speak.
Luo Ge took a deep breath, then suddenly stood up, bowed deeply to everyone, and said solemnly, "... I'm so sorry to have worried you all."
He straightened up, his gaze sweeping over each face, and then said, "This is a long story, so I'll get straight to the point."
Then.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone.
Luo Ge briefly recounted his experiences over the years.
When he was five years old, he was ambushed by the Dragon God god on the Red Dragon's Jaw and Ghislaine. He was knocked off a cliff by the Dragon God, and everyone thought he was dead.
But in reality, he miraculously survived and accidentally fell into the " Dragon God Hole," one of the world's three great labyrinths, through a teleportation magic circle.
He lived alone in the labyrinth for two and a half years, during which time he unexpectedly learned God-Rank Healing Magic.
Through his efforts, he finally found the exit from the maze.
Hearing this story of a perilous and extraordinary adventure.
The room remained silent for a long while.
"..."
Paul leaned back in his chair, his face suddenly lost in thought.
To be honest, this experience was absolutely bizarre.
At the age of five, he faced off against the Dragon God, ranked second among the Seven Great Powers. Not only did he survive, but he also benefited from the misfortune and learned God-Rank Healing Magic.
Did someone live alone in " Dragon God Hole," one of the world's three great labyrinths, for two and a half years?
Those are three of the world's most famous labyrinths, along with "Hell" on the Heaven Continent and " Demon God's Cave " at the bottom of the central Lingus Sea, known as the world's three most forbidden places.
A place feared by countless adventurers, a place they dared not easily tread, yet Luo Ge lived alone in the labyrinth for two and a half years?
Nobody would believe me if I told them.
It's only because of Luo Ge; otherwise, Paul would have just thought he was bragging.
Luo Ge continued talking without showing any sign of stopping.
When Luo Ge talked about how he entered the Sword Sanctum and became a disciple of the Sword God, he said that he mastered the three major sword styles— the Sword God Style, the Water God Style, and the North God Style —in just a few years.
Although Paul was mentally prepared when they all reached the top level of the King Rank, hearing it with Paul own ears still filled him with shock.
Not only Paul, but Lilia, who was standing next to him, also showed a relieved expression.
"Hahahahahahaha!"
" Luo Ge is truly amazing! No wonder he's my son, Paul; he's already the Sword King."
"Father, I... am truly proud of you."
To be honest, today was definitely the day Paul laughed the most and was the happiest in his life.
Not only did Lilia and Aisha return, but their beloved son was also found again.
"Oh, right."
"Hey... Luo Ge."
"I remember you're only ten years old this year? Not even eleven yet, right? So young... It's unbelievable. My son must be the youngest Sword King on the entire continent, right?"
"Well!"
"Excuse me, um! Just wanted to interrupt."
Luo Ge suddenly spoke, his face calm, "Old Deng, is it possible... that I was already the Sword King three years ago?"
He had only recently acquired the title of the Three Kings, but the Demon Sword King had already been the Sword Sanctum for three or four years.
"???"
Paul.
He belatedly realized what was happening, and it was only then that he suddenly understood.
Became the Demon Sword King at the age of eight?
He quickly went through all the records in the world in his mind and finally came to a conclusion that even he found absurd.
If there were a list of the fastest way to become Sword King, then Luo Ge would definitely be ranked number one in the world, a level that is unprecedented and will likely remain unmatched.
It's the kind of first place that leaves the second place far behind.
All I can say is that his son is just too outstanding, so outstanding that Paul almost doubted his own existence, thinking he was dreaming.
"You brat..."
Paul suddenly stood up, slowly walked over to Luo Ge, and punched him in the chest.
"Since he's still alive... he's made us worry for nothing for so long."
"... Feel sorry."
"Father, Miss Lilia, I'm sorry to have worried you."
Luo Ge gave everyone an apologetic look.
"Snort?"
"Is an apology all it takes?"
Paul pursed his lips.
"Old Deng, don't be angry... Here we are, aren't we?" Luo Ge patted Paul on the shoulder, his tone carrying a long-lost sense of ease.
But Paul didn't buy it and arrogantly turned his head away.
"You still dare to say that?"
"If I hadn't chased after you tonight, would you have left without a word again?"
"..."
Luo Ge was silent for a moment.
At this moment, Paul's gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Luo Ge. "Although today is a joyous day of reunion, I shouldn't be saying such things at a time like this."
"But I still want to make it clear... there's no need to shoulder everything alone, we're all your family."
He paused, his tone becoming heavy. "Although in the eyes of a genius like you, your father may seem useless and a failure, I will still stand before you, protecting you from the wind and rain."
"Maybe."
You don't need me anymore, but as long as I have a breath left, I'll be there... I'll always be there.
Looking at Paul's bruised and haggard face, Luo Ge suddenly smiled, a smile he hadn't shown in a long time.
Although Paul may seem unreliable at times, he unexpectedly provides a sense of security when things get tough.
However.
Paul hadn't been serious for long before his true nature resurfaced. He suddenly leaned over, hooked his arm around Luo Ge's shoulder, and whispered something he hadn't done in a long time, "Hey, speaking of which... that dark-haired girl outside who's always following you around... could she be yours?"
Which one?
Luo Ge didn't react for a moment.
Stop pretending.
Paul winked and gave him a knowing look.
"Cough cough!"
Lilia spoke up at the opportune moment, her tone tinged with helplessness. "Master Norn and Aisha are still here. Perhaps it's inappropriate to discuss these things in front of the two children?"
" Lilia."
"It's okay..."
Paul waved his hand and winked at Lilia, "You take Norn and Aisha to the bedroom next door to sleep. You've had a long day, but... I still have a lot to say to Luo Ge."
"Is that so, Luo Ge?"
"It's been so long! Would you mind if we went to the balcony outside and chatted for a bit?"
"Sigh... I just can't do anything with you, old man."
Seeing the gesturing look Paul gave him, Luo Ge sighed helplessly and followed Paul to the balcony.
A night breeze blew from afar.
It carries the unique atmosphere of Millis City.
Paul leaned against the railing, pulled a bottle of wine from his pocket, unscrewed the cap, and took a big gulp himself.
Then he looked at Luo Ge: "How about it? Want some too?"
Luo Ge didn't refuse and took it.
Seeing this, Paul raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Huh, I thought you would refuse, after all, you've never drunk alcohol before."
"Stupid old man."
Luo Ge handed the bottle back, unable to resist saying, "How old was I back then? Five, okay? Besides, drinking too much isn't good for your health. Look at you, you reek of alcohol, you stink."
Paul chuckled twice, offering no rebuttal, but instead moved closer to Luo Ge.
The father and son stood side by side on the balcony, enjoying the evening breeze, and chatted idly for a while.
Paul suddenly lowered his voice, his tone tinged with a hint of probing. "Speaking of which, continuing our previous topic... what exactly is your relationship with that girl named Nanahoshi?"
Do you plan to get married in the future?
"Marry?"
Luo Ge glanced at him sideways, speechless. "Huh? What are you talking about? You can't expect anything good to come out of a dog's mouth."
"My relationship with Nanahoshi is completely innocent; it's not the kind of relationship you're thinking of."
"Yes, that's true."
Paul nodded seriously, then added, "You have the blood of the Greyrat family flowing through your veins, so when you marry, you'll definitely choose someone with big breasts and a nice butt..."
"???"
A vein throbbed on Luo Ge's forehead.
This Paul is just like Rudeus; doesn't he have anything else on his mind besides women?
Goodness!
Seriously... it's giving me a headache.
Perhaps sensing Luo Ge's distraction and lack of interest in the topic, Paul sighed somewhat helplessly.
This son was good at everything from a young age, and learned everything very quickly. Apart from inheriting his father's excellent swordsmanship talent, he was nothing like him in any other aspect.
He not only has absolutely no interest in women, but also seems to have no understanding of them.
It was understandable that he was five years old before, but now he's eleven, and in a few more years he'll be almost an adult.
"... Luo Ge, some things need to be done early. Don't think I'm being long-winded, after all, when your dad was your age, I already had several girlfriends. Slept with them? Hmm... at least three."
Are you proud?
Luo Ge was speechless.
"Hey, speaking of which... Luo Ge, you're all grown up, you haven't even held a girl's hand before, have you?"
"Hey, hey, hey, that's a bit much."
Luo Ge's face immediately fell, and he was speechless. This Paul was truly exasperating.
Paul continued playing with fire, "Hehehe, Luo Ge, I'm not trying to be mean, but you should learn from your Rudeus. That guy's had girlfriends since he was little."
"In this respect... even Rudeus has already surpassed you."
Luo Ge couldn't take it anymore. He squinted at Paul, his tone carrying a hint of danger, "Enough... If you keep spouting nonsense, believe me, we won't even be father and son anymore. I... I'll take action!"
"Eh? I surrender... I won't say anything more, okay?"
Paul immediately chickened out.
He knew his son's temper all too well. When he was little, he could control him, but now that Luo Ge had grown up, he was the Sword King.
If a real fight broke out, he reckoned that he would be like Ghislaine, unable to last more than a few rounds.
"Really..."
"Old Deng! Do you know how smelly you are? How long has it been since you brushed your teeth? And you stink like hell... Go brush your teeth and take a shower right now, I don't want to be suffocated by your stench tomorrow."
Goodnight, Old Deng. See you tomorrow.
Without giving Paul a chance to speak, Luo Ge waved his hand behind his back and left.
Paul watched Luo Ge turn and leave, a slight smile playing on his lips. Then, he subconsciously sniffed himself.
The next second, Paul also showed an extremely ugly expression.
really.
That's a good lesson... He should take a good shower and tidy himself up, and shave his beard too.
After all these years, he wanted to leave a good impression on Luo Ge, because he couldn't let his son look down on him.
If it were Rudeus, it wouldn't matter, but in front of Luo Ge, I absolutely have to present my best self.