"Blade," James answered without hesitation.
Varuk's eyes widened slightly before nodding. "Lord Saint is inside," he said, stepping aside.
James' mind raced. "Lord? Saint? Since when did Blade gain such powerful NPCs?" He was filled with confusion but entered the house regardless.
"Uncle?" A voice greeted him as Blade turned to face him.
James let go of his thoughts as he smiled and said, "Mike, how are you doing, bud?" He walked closer, his tone lighthearted.
Blade simply nodded. "I'm doing fine."
They had some casual talk before James finally asked, "Aren't you going to introduce your companions to me?"
Blade nodded and gestured towards them. "This is Mercedes, my knight. She is Valentine, my best friend. This is Varuk, a follower I gained after completing a quest. And this is Asmophel… I am doing a quest for him."
James listened but couldn't help but stare at Blade in disbelief. 'Wait… did he just casually say he has a knight, a best friend, a follower, and he's handling a quest for Asmophel?!'
'Leaving that Asmophel guy aside… the rest are his permanent companions, meaning all these powerful NPCs are working with him?!'
James struggled to keep his composure. He had played the game long enough to know how rare it was to gain even one powerful NPC as a follower, let alone multiple. 'How the hell did he manage this? Did he trigger some hidden storyline? Did he bribe the developers?!'
James' mind raced as he studied Blade and his companions. 'The hell is going on?' he wondered, barely maintaining his poker face. 'Damn, Blade is strong enough to even trample my elite guild now.'
He suddenly realized something—his nephew had somehow become ridiculously powerful while he wasn't paying attention. 'Just what the hell has this brat been up to?'
Blade, unaware of what was going on in his uncle's mind, continued, "Though there is one more guy, but he's out there farming to earn some money."
James nodded, finally feeling relieved. 'Finally, a normal guy.' He thought. 'At least someone in Blade's group isn't a ridiculously powerful NPC.'
However, he had no idea that this so-called "wannabe farmer" was yet another powerhouse.
James sat with them as they chatted, but the peace didn't last long.
The door suddenly burst open, and Piaro entered the room.
"You're back…" his voice was calm, but it died down as he suddenly saw the golden haired man in the room, Asmophel, the Traitor, the reason his whole family was executed.
At that moment, Piaro, who had been calm, instantly flared up. His hand tightened around his sword, and his killing intent surged. Without hesitation, he aimed to cut Asmophel down in one slash.
Mercedes, watching the scene unfold, foresaw the impending clash. Though she hesitated to interfere directly, not wanting to involve herself in their personal grudge, she still placed her hand on her sword—prepared to intervene if necessary.
Varuk, on the other hand, stepped forward, standing by Blade, ready to defend him.
Meanwhile, James watched the tension escalate, his instincts screaming at him.
"Who the hell is this guy? Your enemy?" James asked, gripping his weapon.
Blade casually replied, "He's the farmer I talked about."
James almost choked. 'The farmer?! Are you kidding me?!' He turned back to Piaro, taking in the man's overwhelming aura.
"The f*ck is wrong with you?! This guy's no farmer! He's an absolute monster! How can you call him a farmer when he's exuding such powerful sword energy?!" James exclaimed.
Blade simply shrugged. "I never said he was a farmer, I said he is farming to earn some money."
James was speechless. 'he is right'
Meanwhile, Varuk stood firm, trusting Blade's decision.
James watched in silence as Piaro's sword stopped just an inch from Asmophel's neck.
"So, what's the deal between them?" he asked, finally relaxing.
Blade simply nodded. "Just watch. You'll understand soon enough."
James leaned back, observing the intense confrontation unfold.
Piaro's eyes burned with rage. "Why aren't you defending yourself, you bastard?" he growled, noticing that Asmophel remained motionless, showing no intention of fighting back.
"I deserve to die," Asmophel said weakly.
Piaro's grip on his sword tightened before he suddenly let it go, reaching out to grab Asmophel's face. "Bastard! Fight me! Let me kill you properly!" he roared. But Asmophel remained still, his empty eyes reflecting deep despair.
Mercedes, watching from the side, could only sigh as she foresaw this outcome but chose not to intervene.
"You… you're the Empire's dog!" Piaro asked bitterly as he glanced at Mercedes, his hand instinctively gripping his sword again.
"Sir Piaro…" Mercedes' voice trembled. Seeing Piaro look at her with such hatred made her heart ache.
Piaro turned his attention back to Blade. "What is she doing here?" he asked, his tone heavy with distrust.
Blade, still calm, responded, "Sit first, then I'll explain."
Piaro hesitated for a moment but eventually took a seat. James, observing Blade's demeanor, couldn't help but think, 'Did he betray me?'
Blade looked at him and began to explain what happened.
After listening to Blade's explanation, Piaro slowly dropped to his knees. "All this time… Empress Marie was my true enemy?" he muttered.
Blade nodded. "Yes. But you don't have to worry anymore. She is now imprisoned in the Abyss—the most dreadful prison in the Empire."
Piaro's blank eyes showed a flicker of emotion as he clenched his fists. "Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He then stood up.
"Where are you going?" Blade asked.
"My revenge is over. I'll just live my life quietly somewhere now," Piaro replied.
Blade frowned. "What about your promise of becoming my Knight after I defeat you?"
Piaro hesitated. "I… I am nothing but a shadow of my former self. Do you truly want someone like me to serve you?"
"Then you are an idiot wasting your life in despair, You should now live your life better now"
Before he could say more, Valentine stepped forward, her voice filled with sincerity. "Sir Piaro, you always helped weak, I don't think you are an bad person, like Blade said you shouldn't waste your life like this. Please, stay with us. Let's be a family like we were for the past few months."
Tears welled in her eyes as she pleaded with him.
Piaro clenched his fists before sighing, his resolve breaking. "...I will stay. Thank you," he said softly.
[Affinity with Piaro has reached 100]
[Piaro can now be registered under the Rune of Lord]
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