NOVPUB
Chapter 231: Conversation with Hector
Hector and Lorenzo’s expressions froze as they stared at Aldrian with blank faces. Only after a few seconds did they come out of their reverie.
"What?" Hector asked in disbelief.
What the hell?! The young man in front of him was the one who unleashed that terrifying technique?! Hector looked at Aldrian again. He had thought the young man in front of him was extraordinary, but to think he was the one named Aldrian.
"I’m sorry for asking this, but could you provide something to prove that you are truly the person who unleashed that technique on the northwest battlefield—the one that created the long, deep chasm?" Hector said in a careful tone.
Without saying anything, Aldrian simply summoned a small wisp of golden energy at the tip of his finger and showed it to Hector and Lorenzo. From the energy, they sensed a sharp sword intent that seemed to pierce their skin. They were shocked that Aldrian could unleash such sword intent without even wielding a sword. This was undeniable proof that Aldrian’s attainment in swordsmanship was already extraordinary.
There was no mistake!
The same sword intent and golden energy that radiated a powerful pressure identical to what they felt in the chasm on the battlefield. While the pure holy aura present at the battlefield was absent here, there was no mistaking that this energy and sword intent were the same.
Hector suddenly lowered his head slightly in acknowledgment.
"Finally, I meet you, Aldrian—no, Sir Aldrian. You have truly opened my eyes with what you accomplished in this war. On behalf of the imperial family and the people of this empire, I thank you for your help," he said. Behind him, Lorenzo also bowed deeply.
They did not care that he was still young; his actions in the war alone were already worthy of respect and recognition, as they should be. After a few seconds, they lifted their heads and looked at Aldrian once more.
"I’m sorry if what we did seemed rude or caused you any inconvenience, but the imperial family only want to confirm the identity of the person creating such a sensation in the Rivas Grand Duchy. Your strength, which might already be considered among the greatest on the continent in this era, has caused some anxiety. We simply wish to know if that person can be our friend or ally," Hector said.
However, Aldrian knew that Hector wasn’t explaining everything to him, so he decided to address it himself.
"If I were in your family’s position, I would also want to confirm whether such a person could be a friend or not. After all, I wouldn’t feel safe if a mysterious individual with immense strength appeared in my territory—even if he was helping resolve a war problem. I wouldn’t know who he is or why he joined the war. Does he have some hidden purpose? Is he affiliated with another power? As the imperial family, it’s your responsibility to ensure that this unknown factor is not a threat to the empire. So, I understand why you’re looking for me," Aldrian said calmly.
Hearing Aldrian’s explanation, Hector could only sigh as he bowed once again. The young man in front of him clearly understood what the imperial family was thinking, and it seemed he wasn’t bothered by it.
"I apologize, but yes, His Majesty—my father—ordered me to investigate you. We want to assess you as a person and understand your purpose in this war, or whether there is any power backing you. We know nothing about you, yet your immense strength has caused some of the nobles, and even His Majesty, to feel uncertain about how to perceive you at this time," Hector said.
Aldrian nodded in understanding.
"So, Sir Aldrian, can you tell me who you really are? And may we know where you have been all this time? You possess a strength powerful enough to dominate anything, yet the only thing we know about you before you arrived in our empire is that you came from the Forgeheart Kingdom. However, it seems your trail ends there," Hector asked.
Aldrian realized that when Hector mentioned his trail ending in the Forgeheart Kingdom, it likely meant the Forgeheart royal family had intervened. They seemed to have helped conceal his traces within their kingdom. Aldrian felt a surge of gratitude toward King Douwin for his support in keeping his traces hidden.
"Who am I? I’m just a wandering cultivator seeking adventure, walking wherever my feet take me. I don’t affiliate myself with any faction. As for the imperial family’s concerns about my intentions, there’s no need to worry. When I came to the war, it was for personal reasons—nothing complicated that would require the imperial family’s attention," Aldrian answered.
Hearing Aldrian’s answer, Hector stared into Aldrian’s eyes. It had become a habit for him to look deeply into people’s eyes when trying to discern if there was something hidden behind their words. However, he couldn’t hold the gaze for long. He wasn’t in his usual state, as Aldrian’s blue eyes seemed to pierce right into his soul. Hector felt nervous, as if all his secrets were laid bare before those sharp blue eyes.
"His background is the same as Miss Irene said, and he claims he came for personal reasons. Is it really because of Miss Irene?" To be honest, Aldrian’s answer wasn’t entirely satisfying. There are many things that still don’t click in Hector’s mind, but he feared that pushing too hard might offend Aldrian.
Although there were still some things bothering him, at least for now, he had received an answer directly from Aldrian.
"Then, if I may ask, why are you here in the capital? Why choose the capital city? Is it true that you are connected to the alchemist who can concoct the six-stripe pills?"
"Why am I in the capital? I’ll tell you later. We can take it slow for a better understanding. As for the alchemist who concocts the six-stripe pills, I’m the one who concocts them," Aldrian said, sipping his tea.
Hearing Aldrian’s acceptance as if it were no big deal, Hector’s heart shuddered. His eyes widened as he stared at Aldrian. He had already considered the possibility that Aldrian and the mysterious alchemist were the same person, but hearing it confirmed still made his heart tremble. How could one person be both a powerful swordmaster and an incredible alchemist at the same time?
Unless Aldrian was the ultimate genius with an incredibly high comprehension and flawless cultivation, Hector couldn’t see how it would be possible for Aldrian to excel in both fields at the same time. A swordsman needed years to refine their technique, train their sword intent, and cultivate their sword will, leaving little time for anything else.
An alchemist needed many things, and they had to constantly concoct pills to increase their proficiency. To have the capability to concoct something like the six-stripe pills, Aldrian must have had extensive experience as an alchemist. With the time spent on concocting pills, there would be little time left for anything else.
"Has this man never faced an obstacle in cultivation or comprehension? How is that possible?" Hector thought.
Lorenzo also looked at Aldrian as if he were a monster.
"What the—?! He was also that alchemist?!" he thought.
After a few moments of digesting this information, Hector and Lorenzo sighed and looked at Aldrian in a new light, a light so bright it almost blinded them.
"Truly incredible, I can’t describe it. You have powerful strength and are a talented alchemist. This is my first time meeting someone with such multi talent. Usually, when a cultivator has multiple talents and tries to pursue many things, they end up as a jack of all trades, master of none. If not, one of their talents will stand out, and the others will be left behind. It’s normal because of the limitations in their comprehension, body, and time."
"But from what I saw, you are a powerful swordmaster who has already reached a high level of attainment in swordsmanship. You can create a sword intent without even using a sword, something that can only be done by those who have reached the phase of ’One with Sword,’ where everything around you can be used as a sword. Even not all members of the greatest swordmasters of the continent reach this stage. In fact, most swordmasters never achieve it in their lifetime because of how difficult it is. You must have high comprehension and mastery of swordsmanship, and it absolutely requires a tremendous amount of time."
"And I think it’s the same for your alchemy. Being able to concoct something like the six-stripes pills, which I know takes a long time, is truly impressive. I, Hector Doria, admire Sir Aldrian in the highest regard." He bowed his head again, his tone full of admiration.
Aldrian simply waved his hand.
"It’s nothing, Your Highness. I just enjoy learning everything. Others can do it as well."
Hector truly admired Aldrian even more, as he remained humble despite his immense talent. Although Hector knew what Aldrian said was nearly impossible to achieve, he respected his attitude.
"Anyway, it’s my turn, Your Highness. I’ll tell you why I’m here in the capital, and it has something to do with the devils."
