[39] The Best Gift in the World

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[Stepping out of the spiral staircase in the underground, everything seen and heard before felt like a hazy dream.]

[You chatted and laughed with your father and the witch, yet the atmosphere in the banquet hall remained somewhat stagnant and silent.]

[He had understood your beliefs and comprehended your determination, but he still couldn't accept it. What father could watch his child embark on such a perilous path, challenging the world itself.]

[However, Vortigern knew he couldn't stop you, the stubborn individual with wings. A bitter smile, reminiscent of an old father, hung on his face as he closed his eyes, remaining silent.]

[With age comes a decline in appetite. Even though you personally prepared the meal, your old man found himself unable to eat.]

[You beckoned, and a broken wooden sword instantly flew through the air, effortlessly erasing the cracks with a casual swipe of your hand.]

[It was the sword you and Vortigern often practiced with during your childhood.]

[Preserved with great care by you.]

["Old man not feeling up to the meal, how about loosening up those joints a bit?"]

[You suggested, lifting the sword and pointing it at your father, Vortigern.]

[Facing your provocation, Vortigern gazed at the mottled marks on the wooden sword, chuckling with a hint of dumbfoundedness.]

["Seems like there's been a lack of discipline... otherwise, it wouldn't have come to this. Let me properly discipline you today, Alvin!"]

[The candlelight dimmed for a moment.]

[The light-devouring Dragon slowly stood up...]

"Perhaps, Father shouldn't have let you practice swordsmanship."

The robust figure of an old man stood on the combat field, holding a wooden sword. His hands naturally hung down, and his whole body exuded a suppressed aura, towering like an unmovable earth.

"There's no regret medicine in this world, old man."

Alvin held the sword high with one hand, facing Vortigern with a sideways stance that seemed full of flaws.

"Using the sword posture I taught you, thinking you can surpass me? You're too arrogant, my son. Besides strengthening your weapon, I'll teach you a lesson without using magecraft."

"No magecraft? Old man, you're still playing tough. Arrogant or not, give it a try, old man."

"Then I'll test your mettle, Alvin."

As the words fell silent, King Vortigern took a step forward.

Thud!

Despite being an incredibly casual movement, it suddenly produced a heavy roar. The step seemed to hit not on the training ground but in the depths of a person's heart.

Crushed stones scattered, and the massive figure of the old man vanished in an instant. At the same moment, a ferocious slash, almost making a sound of breaking the wind, abruptly aimed at the silver-haired youth's neck...

Then, it passed through!

Vortigern's strike only hit the afterimage of Alvin.

Without any warning.

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