I Obtained Sword God Level Talent

53 – 053. Precious Treasure (1)

Waking up from a long dream, the world was a dazzling morning.

“…….”

A different world filled his vision than before. But the feeling, the senses, were different.

A neat room, furniture and decorations placed just so within it. The subtle harmony of it all caught my eye. Even to myself, it was a truly bizarre experience.

‘The world, it’s expanded.’

It was the kind of experience that was hard to put into words.

What I’d gone through was simple enough.

The same view as before, but it looked… different. Like even inanimate objects could be slashed and killed.

*Swish.*

Slowly rising from my spot, I stretched out languidly. The fact that my perception of the world had widened signified that I had gained an insight.

If that were the case, then my body must have undergone a tremendous growth to match.

*Crack!*

‘Just as I thought.’

Different. It was definitely different.

What exactly had happened last night? Clothes soaked in blood and a murky black liquid, and this different reaction from my body, it all proved the fact plainly.

“……!”

I was momentarily lost in wonder, but the next thing I saw was ‘hair’ rolling around at my feet.

‘What is this?!’

Even someone as versed in ＜Silvering＞ as me couldn’t help but exclaim in shock.

Hair rolling on the floor.

Skin fragments like those left behind by a reptile shedding its scales.

And lastly… a body that was fresher than ever.

‘Rebirth(換骨脫兌)……?!’

My jaw dropped.

Rebirth was the first transformation achieved by a transcendent master who had reached the pinnacle of Samhwa Chwijung.

Rebirth, as in, bone and marrow renewal.

It was an invaluable experience for a human who trained in mana, and a near miracle that only someone close to the utmost enlightenment could bring about.

‘Heh, heh heh.’

I couldn’t pinpoint the exact time, but I could feel that it hadn’t been more than a day, almost a certain intuition.

That I had attained Samhwa Chwijung and experienced rebirth in such a short time was utterly shocking!

“……There’s no way I can be mistaken.”

I slowly lowered my gaze, taking in my arms, legs, my entire body.

The mana flowing through my body was not to be trifled with. While it wasn’t visible on the surface, I could clearly feel a powerful, rushing torrent of mana coursing through my entire form.

“This is… 7th Rank?”

Newly gained enlightenment and the changes in my body.

On top of that, my unique mana constitution created the ultimate synergy.

I already had a constitution where high-purity mana flowed through my entire body.

Now, having absorbed every last bit of the Plum Blossom Divine Altar’s energy, it felt like mana would erupt like lightning even with the slightest gesture.

Knock, knock!

“…Frey, are you awake?”

“Ariel?”

…Could it be, she was waiting for me to reach enlightenment?

Perhaps sensing the faint noises from the room, Ariel’s voice came from outside the door.

“Thank goodness. I saw the most amazing thing. Pinkish-red flowers were blooming all around you, Frey.”

“Yeah. Just like you predicted, I’ve gained enlightenment.”

“Really? Congratulations! You’re amazing, Frey!”

Ariel’s heartfelt shout passed through the door.

Unknowingly, my lips curved into a smile.

Gaining enlightenment, ascending to a higher place. Add to that, sincere congratulations, how could I not feel good?

“The kids are waiting. Frey, you’ll be down soon, right?”

“Yeah. I’ll wash up and come down. As quickly as I can.”

“Okay. Then, I’ll wait downstairs?”

Her bright voice faded away. I could hear Ariel’s footsteps through the door. Thanks to enlightenment, my hearing was developed to an absurd degree.

“First of all…”

I glanced around before approaching the mirror. A full-length mirror, courtesy of the Crown Prince.

“This is a bit much.”

Standing before the mirror, my brow furrowed involuntarily.

I had experienced a rebirth. So, I expected my current state to be a mess.

But this… it was much worse than I had imagined.

Flakes of skin peeling off, flesh like shed skin. A face that looked like it was dripping with grime. And on top of that, clothes stained with grime and blood.

“Let’s wash up. First things first.”

*Sliding sound*

After a short mutter, I headed for the bath.

The Crown Prince’s consideration was truly something else. Every room in the mansion had its own ‘bathroom.’

And, furthermore.

Click!

*Whoosh!*

The bathrooms even had ‘magic tools’ installed. Shower facilities with fresh water and temperature control – things only the richest tycoons or high-ranking nobles of the Empire could access.

And so.

I began to shower. Just how much grime was flowing out of my body? Black gunk poured out non-stop, without a moment’s rest.

‘…Rebirth, it’s more intense than I thought. Even my skin feels better?’

While washing, it was impossible not to feel amazed.

So smooth. My skin felt like a baby’s, soft and supple, and on top of that, it exuded a pure, flawless, jade-like glow.

‘No wonder Lady Maria’s skin is so amazing.’

It dawned on me just now. I hadn’t expressed it out loud, but Maria Theresia’s skin had been exceptionally good. Never would I have imagined such a secret was hidden.

*Squeak-*!

Having thoroughly washed my entire body, I roughly dried off and changed into new clothes.

A fresh, powdery feeling immediately washed over me. As expected, the Crown Prince’s handpicked servants were top-notch in their laundry skills.

“…Well, I should probably clean up, at least roughly.”

Silently observing the state of the room, I muttered to myself.

No joke. The current situation in the room was a disaster.

The blood and grime were the biggest culprits. I hadn’t noticed while sitting on the floor earlier, but the foul odor kept assaulting my nose.

The blood spilled on the floor hadn’t even dried yet, further amplifying the grotesque atmosphere.

‘….’

*Slide!*

With that thought, I picked up the towel I used to dry myself. There were no cleaning supplies in the room, so I had to rely on this thing.

Well, to be blunt, it wasn’t like I had to clean up after myself.

After all, there were nearly ten servants in the mansion.

But why was it?

I… couldn’t bring myself to show this mess to anyone.

To compare, it was like having everyone at work find out you didn’t flush the toilet after using the office restroom.

“Doing this after so long feels kind of… fresh.”

I let out a dry laugh, drew the curtains, and hurriedly started cleaning the floor. I wanted to quickly share the good news with everyone.

* * *

“I’ve become stronger.”

Coming down to the first floor, I told the little ones rushing towards me the truth.

“R-really? Captain!”

“Waaah──!! Amazing!”

Their reactions in return are pretty funny. It’s like they’re little chicks following a mother hen, the way they’re bouncing around me is awfully cute.

“Frey. I was so worried…”

In a flash, I scooped up the two kids and was able to face Ariel in the first-floor living room.

As if she thought I was in danger, she looked far more gaunt than yesterday.

“It was dangerous. I got through it because it was me, though.”

Thump.

Setting the two kids down on the sofa, I sat down on the opposite sofa from Ariel.

Then, Leon and Mary scampered over and settled down on either side of Ariel.

“D-dangerous? Are you okay? Huh? You’re okay now, right?”

“Yeah. Thanks for worrying, but I won’t be in danger from that kind of problem anymore.”

Swoosh.

After answering that, I subtly raised my right hand.

I can see it. Even though it’s not a materialized aura, I can clearly see the shimmering fragments of mana being stirred up.

This must also be an effect of the enlightenment triggered by the ‘Plum Blossom Shrine’.

“That’s a relief…”

Ariel, as if only now relieved, gave a deep sigh and nodded her head.

She was so worried about me, and yet she calmly waited on the first floor?

‘Truly the makings of a Saintess.’

When talking to her, you can tell that Ariel is the type of person who’s a bit of a scatterbrain.

But that’s that, and this is this. In my eyes, Ariel was the most fitting person to be called a ‘Saintess’ than anyone else in the world.

“Well, for now, let’s just say I’ve attained enlightenment. Just today. I’ve reached the 7th level. In the Eastern continent, it’s the stage they call a Transcendent Master.”

“Tr-Transcendent Master…”

Even Ariel, who isn’t versed in anything other than magic and divine magic, seems to know about it. She’s staring at me with a blank look.

“Transcendent Master?! Waaah──!!”

“Waaah, waaah!”

“As expected of you, hyung! I knew you could do it!”

“Yeah, oppa, you’re the best!”

Following Ariel’s reaction, Leon and Mary’s generous praise were a bonus. These kids, who hadn’t even experienced the rise in level themselves, were genuinely congratulating me.

“Thanks. Anyway, Leon, let’s stick to one title, either Captain or Hyung.”

“Yes! Captain!”

…So that’s what it is.

The atmosphere seemed a lot more relaxed. So, I cautiously brought it up.

“I think I’ll be spending about a week in the Imperial Capital.”

“Uh-huh. Yesterday, you talked about that with the Crown Prince, right?”

“Yeah, that’s right. So… this time, I want to see Leon in action.”

My words trailed off, and I turned my gaze sideways.

Just as expected, Leon was there, his eyes sparkling, fists clenched.

“A-action? What kind of action? Yes? Just leave it to me! I’m ready to dedicate myself to you, Captain, for healing us and giving us a place to live!”

“M-me too! Not, not as much as oppa, though!”

“Yeah. Don’t feel too pressured. It won’t be anything too difficult.”

*Rubs* *Rubs*

I ruffled the two kids’ hair and then looked out the window at the mansion grounds.

Leon’s action?

…I hadn’t aimed for it, but I already had the plan all mapped out.

“Leon, let’s work on something together.”

“Work? When?”

“Now.”