Chapter 97 - Sword Garden Trial
As Leo grew closer to the Empire's capital, the Sword of Epoch's figure had slowly been becoming more elaborate. However, now that he was in the city itself, he could almost see the magnificent appearance of the gigantic sword piercing both the ground and the sky.
Although the capital was named Sky-Pierce City after it, the sword itself wasn't located within the city itself, but it was the only place that had access to the Imperial Family's forbidden ground containing this world's largest treasure.
'Already 18, huh…'
Having caught up to his original body even in age, Leo couldn't help but feel 'the end' coming closer. The six years he spent in this world had elevated him beyond imagination, but it also left his mind full of questions. Rather than being afraid of it, Leo welcomed the Epilogue wholeheartedly.
Compared to Swordkeep which was built to be the Empire's gold mine, Sky-Pierce City was more of a way to showcase their abilities. There were no entry fees, but one had to possess a very credible form of identification to enter. Thankfully, Leo's Sword Identity did just fine.
The guard who checked his card seemed to recognize his name, but he simply went along with his job, letting Leo's horse carriage into this world's fanciest city.
'Different… but not bad.'
The capital city wasn't as crowded as Swordkeep, but it also wasn't as empty as Leo's hometown. The streets were clean, and everyone around seemed to have a certain level of self-discipline. In a sense, this place was the closest to and the farthest from being a modern city from Leo's reality.
Leaving sight-seeing for another time, Leo directly headed to the Gigant Sword Association's main branch before he even searched for an inn to stay at.
'Even this is fancy…'
Even when considering the branch back at Swordkeep, the Association's building in the Capital was much more grandiose in every way, even the large sword that acted as the Association's 'mark stone' was twice the size. Everything in the Capital was just… different.
After tying the horse to Association's personal stable, Leo ignored the sparkle everywhere as he calmly approached the counter.
"I'm here to report for the Sword Garden Trial."
Presenting his Sword Identity, Leo didn't wait for the receptionist's formalities, directly stating his purpose as soon as he noticed in an intentionally lowered voice.
"Oh? You are… Endless Swords' Leo."
Although Leo wasn't famous to the point of being known everywhere within the Empire, the Association's network made sure that all of its workers were up-to-date in order to deal correctly with most situations. As such, only a glance was enough for the receptionist to know he was dealing with a member worthy of being known.
"Just Leo would do, please."
Not to mention the cringe, Leo didn't even think his moniker suited him. He couldn't help but feel like a stranger when called by it.
"As you wish, sir Leo, so… you are confirming your participation in the trial that's a week from now."
Lagging a bit in the middle of his speech as he lowered his body to reach for something under the counter, the receptionist pulled out a paper list before exchanging looks with Leo.
"Yes, and…"
"And you also confirm proceeding with the arrangement that has been agreed upon back at Swordkeep?"
Leo was just about to say something when he was interrupted by the receptionist's words, but that only drew a smile on his face as he nodded again.
"Yeah."
"Alright, see you in a week!"
`~~~`~~~`~~~`
Within the countless numbers of known and unknown Sword Anomalies, one specific anomaly stood out for having both the lowest risk and the highest benefits of all. Without a doubt, that was none other than the Empire's Sword Garden.
In contrast to its 'green' counterpart known as a death zone with the highest level of danger, the Sword Garden was a large area of wild vegetation that almost posed no harm to its entrant. Sword Beasts did also live there but they were strangely as mild as pets, only attacking when their lives were threatened.
However, special Sword Beasts weren't the only thing the Sword Garden harbored, it also held the world's only regenerating Sword Breath Boosters farm, any plant growing inside the garden had the possibility of turning into what some referred to as 'Elixirs'.
Naturally, knowing the 'riches' that such a place held, most Swordsmen were tempted to break in regardless of the consequences, just one 'Elixir' could change their life if it was the right one!
Once the secret of the garden was leaked under the Empire's nose, they knew that the pie was simply too big to keep for themselves. In the end, the Sword Emperor came up with a brilliant solution to solidify the Empire's position as the sole beneficiary, announcing the start of the Sword Garden Trials!
Through the Gigant Sword Association's assistance, the Empire provided an opportunity for every grade-5 and above Swordsman to join the garden's 'harvest' every three years, giving them the chance to find their 'destiny', although there was still a catch to that…
"Is everyone ready?"
Currently, over 100 Swordsmen from all around the continent were precisely standing outside the Sword Garden's boundaries, all staring at the refined middle-aged man standing from a higher stage.
"Yes!"
Accompanied by a youthful girl attaching a great sword to her back, a dark-haired youth stood within the group of excited Swordsmen who screamed in affirmation. Unlike the rest of his peers, he didn't seem to be excited for this great day while surrounded by an air of aloofness. For some reason, he felt distracted today. Something…
The youth abruptly turned his gaze towards a certain spot. However, he could only catch a glance of a mask before the Gigant Sword Association's president's voice resounded in his ears.
"Alright then…"
'A smiling cat?'
"Let the trial start!"
This was none other than the beginning of the last Sword Garden Trial in the history of the Empire!