LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 9
Chapter 9: Kaladan Proving Ceremony (2)
“Oh my?”
Meanwhile, Arihil Paul Kaladan, seated in the central dais of the Proving Hall reserved for direct descendants, sparkled with excitement.
“Why is that child here already?”
Upon spotting Harang, Arihil resisted the urge to wave enthusiastically. Such frivolous behavior at an official event would result in more than just a scolding.
Garain, who also noticed Harang, wore a troubled expression.
“…This isn’t good.”
“Why?” Arihil whispered. Garain sighed deeply. Chatter was generally forbidden at such gatherings, and Garain valued this rule highly. Yet, even he found the situation troubling enough to shake his head.
“You can only participate in the proving ceremony once. If he’s here at the age of seven and fails… that’s the end of his future.”
“Oh…!” Realizing Harang’s predicament, Arihil covered her mouth with both hands.
“That child is certainly a raw talent, but he’s too young to endure the ceremony. It’s a disaster. He must be lacking proper guidance, which led to this poor judgment.”
Harang had previously taken a talent test on his own and passed with flying colors. However, if he thought he could do the same here, he was gravely mistaken. The proving ceremony was on a different level.
Garain ground his teeth. He had instructed Phillion and Hans to keep an eye on Harang, but it seemed their disregard for the child, seeing him as an illegitimate offspring, led to this neglect.
‘We’re about to lose a rare gem due to neglect…’
Despite Garain’s anger, the proving ceremony commenced.
“Silence.”
The small voice of Duke Kalel resonated throughout the entire space like telepathy. The murmuring nobles instantly fell silent.
“Let the proving ceremony begin.”
Thud! When Kaladan struck the floor with his sheathed sword, a small wave reverberated, resonating through the hundreds of bodies present.
This was the signal for the direct bloodline’s proving ceremony to begin.
The first to step forward was Kaladan’s fourth granddaughter, Charen Paul Kaladan.
A girl who appeared about nine years old, with white hair, approached the center and bowed to Duke Kalel with her sword, then slowly advanced toward the Sacred Sword.
Wooooong…!!
At that moment, Harang noticed something peculiar.
‘What’s that?’
It was as if the Sacred Sword had a consciousness, watching Charen. Though the sword lacked eyes and ears, Harang could unmistakably sense it.
‘Is that the Sacred Sword Terandal?’
Then, a voice emanated from the Sacred Sword.
-I wish to hear your name.
Harang was startled.
‘The sword talks!’
However, what was even more surprising was the reaction of those around him. They appeared oblivious to the sword’s voice, simply observing as if it was a spectacle. Even Charen, who was participating in the ceremony, seemed unaware, merely holding her sword without uttering a word.
-Can you not hear my voice…?
The Sacred Sword sighed and began to emit a silver light. Despite the tumult in Harang’s mind, Charen stood silently in focus before the sword.
Harang sensed the aura of a giant white tiger from her stance.
‘That is…’
He instinctively knew it.
That was a ‘Guardian,’ a being akin to Kalantatis.
“Ooh… the shape is becoming clear.”
Silver currents gathered near the Sacred Sword Terandal, forming a human shape. As Harang understood, the Sacred Sword Terandal manifested differently based on the ability of the one being tested.
When someone without talent was tested, the shape barely formed and the silver mist dissipated quickly. For those with some talent, a vague human shape would appear.
And in cases like this…
For a girl blessed as a genius of the century like Charen, a completely distinct white human figure appeared and grasped the sword.
“How incredible. It’s so clear!”
“It looks like a real person.”
“I can’t believe it. To have such talented individuals emerge time and again. Truly, Kaladan is a blessed family.”
Charen faced the manifestation of the Sacred Sword, pointing her sword at it, and then charged, swinging her sword.
Clang! The swords collided.
The manifestation of the Sacred Sword focused solely on defense, not attacking the girl from the Kaladan family. If she broke through the defense, it would be her victory. If not, she would not be acknowledged.
No matter how talented, if one had not put in the effort and training, breaking through the defense of the Sacred Sword would be impossible.
While the clarity of the sword’s manifestation was crucial, overcoming it was even more critical, so people watched the scene with bated breath.
Kaladan Swordsmanship First Move
Speed Butterfly Sword – Chasing Tiger
Ka-ga-gang!!
Charen’s swordsmanship, reminiscent of a tiger pouncing, startled some swordsmen, but most watched with composed expressions.
“She has already mastered the family’s secret technique?”
“Charen is a direct descendant. She must have been taught the technique as soon as she could hold a sword.”
“Still, isn’t it remarkable at such a young age?”
Harang fiddled with the sword at his waist. He was already visualizing Charen’s form, practicing the Speed Butterfly Sword in the air.
‘Imitating it in one go… would be tough. The movements are incredibly complex.’
If it were easy to replicate after one viewing, it wouldn’t be called a secret technique.
Even the masters of the world would struggle to replicate Kaladan’s secret swordsmanship perfectly just by watching.
“Ooh, she’s pushing it back!”
“Her swordsmanship is becoming more intense.”
Amidst the crowd’s exclamations, Harang looked down.
Indeed, Charen, who had even used the secret technique, was pushing the manifestation of the Sacred Sword back.
Finally…
Clang!
The human form split into two, completely vanishing as the Sacred Sword’s main body gleamed and emitted light.
With that, the proving ceremony concluded.
“Hoo.”
The girl wiped her sweat and bowed to Duke Kalel. Her talent shone brilliantly, drawing admiration from everyone, but…
“Well done.”
Duke Kalel’s expression was far from pleased. People were slightly taken aback by his cold reaction but could only move on, knowing his standards were notoriously high.
With a slightly downcast expression, Charen offered a sword salute to the head of the family and returned to her seat.
Next, the secondary bloodlines took their turns.
Nine-year-old boy, Theon Kaladan.
Again, the proving ceremony proceeded quickly. As Theon stood before the Sacred Sword, a clear human figure appeared, just like with Charen.
Once again, Theon’s sword energy shone brightly as he subdued the manifestation of the Sacred Sword.
Though he was not a direct descendant and could not use the secret technique, his impressive martial skills earned him continuous applause.
When Theon bowed to Duke Kalel, he responded.
“An acceptable achievement.”
Despite being a prodigious talent among talents, worthy of the term ‘genius,’ Duke Kalel merely deemed it ‘acceptable.’
The senior advisor Taran declared on behalf of Duke Kalel.
“Theon Kaladan. It appears you have the potential to learn the direct bloodline’s swordsmanship and become a ‘Polden Knight’ in the future. Will you ascend?”
The chance to ascend by learning the direct bloodline’s swordsmanship! Theon beamed and nodded.
“If given the opportunity, I will strive even harder! Thank you!”
Ooooh…!
Exclamations of admiration erupted from all around.
Especially the young secondary bloodline members gazed at Theon with envious eyes, for ascending to White Night Castle was the greatest honor for a secondary bloodline member.
The proving ceremony continued with the secondary bloodlines.
Perhaps because the performances of Charen and Theon were so overwhelming, the children who followed seemed relatively inferior.
Nonetheless, they were all remarkable warriors for their age, and none failed to gain recognition from the Sacred Sword.
With the last of the secondary bloodlines tested, the proving ceremony was about to conclude.
Senior advisor Taran Kal Aradela shook his head as he announced.
“With this, the sacred proving ceremony of the Kaladan family…”
“Wait, hold on.”
However, Duke Kalel interrupted him, gesturing.
“There’s still one more left.”
His gaze turned to Harang, who was just standing up from his seat.
“Hmm? Who is that child?”
“No idea… but it’s certain he’s from a collateral line.”
The murmur of the crowd was expected. Whether direct or collateral, everyone should have at least seen each other once, yet Harang was a complete stranger.
In the midst of concluding the ceremony, Taran hurriedly checked the documents.
“Your Grace, that child’s name is not in the Kaladan genealogy.”
As this fact spread, the nobles covered their mouths. The only ones not listed in the genealogy were ‘illegitimate children!’
Moreover, some recognized Harang’s hair color and recalled who his father might be.
“Wait, that dark black hair.”
“No way… could he be the child of Melize, the runaway?”
“Oh my, an illegitimate child of Melize, the runaway, has crept into the proving ceremony.”
The Kaladan family was strict about lineage, never allowing illegitimate children. The nobles expected a scandal, so they quietly shut their mouths.
Furthermore, this was the child of Melize, who had been personally cast out by the Duke!
People thought Duke Kalel would furiously expel the child, but contrary to their expectations, he seemed indifferent as he gestured toward the Sacred Sword.
“Those clear silver eyes show a strong inheritance of Kaladan’s blood. It doesn’t matter whether he was born among commoners or nobles. His mother’s lineage is irrelevant.”
This statement could be interpreted as ‘all bloodlines except Kaladan are ordinary,’ but no one present would dispute that fact. Kaladan’s bloodline was undeniably the purest and noblest in the world.
“So, step forward and undergo the proving ceremony.”
With Duke Kalel’s command, Harang hopped up and slowly walked toward the Sacred Sword Terandal.
“Hmm…?”
“Indeed, those eyes are clearly silver.”
“Even purer than those of the direct lineage.”
Some skilled martial artists expressed curiosity at Harang’s eyes. His silver eyes were so pure that even among the pure-blooded Kaladan, such clarity was rare.
Seeing those eyes even more distinct than Charen’s, some sensed something unusual, but most did not.
“Who is that kid? Can’t even tell if it’s a boy or girl.”
Due to neglecting hair care since starting his training, Harang’s hair had become a short bob, and he lacked muscle, making it hard to see him as a boy.
“He looks frail… Did he even receive any training?”
“Isn’t the proving ceremony for those aged seven and up? He looks younger than that, doesn’t he?”
“He seems just barely seven, but… it looks impossible.”
“Even for a legitimate bloodline, passing the proving ceremony at that age would be impossible.”
As people muttered, Harang felt exhilarated.
Being an attention seeker by nature, the more he was criticized, the more energized he became.
‘It was the same in my past life.’
Even the great Harang had a time when he was disgraced with the label ‘washed-up.’
Everyone ridiculed him, saying he was no longer normal.
‘…I responded with overwhelming victory.’
The thrill of turning jeers into cheers!
Harang closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
If he said he wasn’t nervous, it would be a lie.
‘Come out.’
As Harang opened his eyes, flashing silver, the Sacred Sword responded, scattering silver currents all around.
At that moment, a small whirlwind blew, ruffling Harang’s hair.
-Oho! You are different from the others who came before!
The Sacred Sword’s voice made Harang smirk as he quietly mouthed a reply.
“Of course. I’m different from everyone before, Sacred Sword.”
-…What? You, can you hear my voice?
“Of course I can. You’re shouting so loudly.”
-Ha…! Really? A child who can hear my voice, finally, at last…!!
The Sacred Sword Terandal shouted joyfully, like a man meeting his first love.
-Hahaha! No wonder you seemed familiar, you carry the aura of Kaladan the Hero! So, that’s it. I shall grant you a most special trial! See if you can pass!
The silver currents whirled upwards, reaching the high ceiling of the proving hall.
Then, a chilling sound like the scream of metallic machinery echoed, and two enormous silver eyes appeared in the air.
It was as if a god was glaring down, making Harang’s heart skip a beat.
-Endure this!!
Boom!! The thunderous roar of the Sacred Sword Terandal made Harang’s eyes widen.
He wasn’t scared.
Rather…
‘That’s Kalantatis, isn’t it?’
Indeed, the Sacred Sword Terandal’s form resembled the eyes of Kalantatis.
Upon closer inspection, it was certainly not Kalantatis itself. The aura was on a different level. Kalantatis would never be this mild.
‘A counterfeit.’
Whether it was a replica of the Silver Dragon or not, the creature glared fiercely, a sight that would have most children screaming and running away.
But was Harang an ordinary child?
Having met the real Kalantatis, Harang would not be frightened by a fake.
-…Huh? What’s this?
The Sacred Sword Terandal seemed flustered and began to amplify its aura even more. People, who initially didn’t understand the situation, began to realize something was different.
“Huh? The aura is growing stronger…”
“Wait! Look closely!”
“The form is appearing!”
“Huh? But that’s not a human form…”
“W-what?!”
“What is that!!”
As the Sacred Sword Terandal’s aura thickened, its shape finally appeared, revealing the manifestation of a silver dragon.
Some fainted from fear, some jumped up and ran, while others burned with curiosity or determination.
“Ho…”
Even Duke Kalel was astonished. Never in the long history of Kaladan had the Sacred Sword Terandal taken the form of a dragon!
More astonishingly…
“Who is that boy?!”
Even some of the direct bloodline members were shocked as they stared at Harang.
To withstand the terrifying gaze and overwhelming aura of the Sacred Sword’s dragon form with nothing but sheer will!
-Haha! You’ve met Kalantatis, haven’t you? I can see it in your eyes!
“…”
Harang did not respond further, instead drawing his real sword and pointing it.
Sensing something in Harang’s stance, the Sacred Sword Terandal began to change form again.
The form compressed slowly until it finally took the shape of a fully armored knight, clad in a mix of black and white.
It was like the incarnation of Hero Kaladan.
Clack!
The fully manifested Sacred Sword Terandal pointed its sword at Harang and spoke.
-Ha…! Truly, a long wait. Hundreds of years. Waiting for the true successor of Hero Kaladan! My avatar is beyond your current level, one-star. If you defeat this avatar, I will acknowledge you as his true heir!
Harang laughed.
Where in the world does a chef need the approval of a knife, or a gamer the endorsement of a keyboard?
“Fine, I’ll see just how amazing this sword of yours is.”
Harang drew his sword and pointed it at the knight.