TSMRG 21

TSMRG

Posted by Aashi, Released on September 7, 2025

Chapter 21

“What kind of nonsense is that all of a sudden?!”

“Mmm, it’s not nonsense. This is a proposal in the name of Kaphtalen and myself, Pigon, head of the Myunghwan Hall.”

“What are you…”

“Daisy, do you think I had so much free time that I came all the way here just to fetch you?”

At that moment, an extremely sharp and overwhelming aura erupted from Pigon’s body.

Tak.

“Daisy.”

Kabel quickly stepped in front of Daisy, blocking Pigon’s fierce pressure with his own body.

“Hrrk.”

Even the swordsmen of the Linegrime family and the magicians of Kaphtalen swallowed their breath, their nerves on edge from the oppressive aura spreading through the area.

And then—

[…Not bad.]

Even the Sword Soul, who usually scoffed at most powerful warriors, muttered briefly, sounding like he grudgingly acknowledged Pigon’s presence.

But Ruin’s gaze was fixed elsewhere.

‘Palton Everon?’

His eyes were locked on the young magician whom Pigon had introduced as his adopted son.

[Hm?]

The Sword Soul also noticed Ruin’s gaze and asked in a puzzled tone:

[What is it, brat? Why are you looking at that greenhorn instead of the powerhouse?]

To someone who knew nothing, that reaction would be normal.

But Ruin still retained the memories of Subject 1872.

‘Didn’t expect to see that guy here…’

The information he had on Palton Everon was simple and clear:

“A promising magician touching the realm of genius.”

At only seven years old, he had already mastered 3rd-circle magic.

Otherwise, he never could have caught Pigon’s eye—let alone become his adopted son and potential successor of the Kaphtalen family.

Usually, a magician must master at least 2nd-circle magic to be recognized as competent.

But Palton, at just seven, was already operating beyond the 3rd circle.

A true genius, someone born with extraordinary talent.

‘He should be sixteen this year?’

If he had been using 3rd-circle magic since the age of seven, then after more than ten years of growth, how far had he advanced?

At that moment, Pigon’s calm but heavy voice cut through the tense atmosphere.

“I wouldn’t be here if not for the family head’s orders. And more than that!”

He paused, looking back and forth between his nephew Ruin and the Kaphtalen magicians.

“I don’t like this situation one bit. So, give me an excuse. A reason not to drag you all back.”

“A reason?”

“Yes, a proper reason why I can’t take you away.”

Though Pigon’s aura had been fierce, his voice softened the more he spoke.

By the time he withdrew his aura completely, he wore a bitter smile instead.

“Daisy, can’t you at least understand this brother’s feelings?”

He almost sounded desperate. Daisy shook her head and began to protest.

“No, Pigon. But still, a duel? Ruin is only ten years old—”

“Hey, Palton.”

“Yes, Father.”

“When you were ten, what was your ability?”

“Uh… I had just reached the upper limits of the 3rd circle.”

Hearing his awkward answer, Ruin shook his head inwardly.

‘Liar. You were already at least 4th circle.’

But no one heard his thought.

Pigon’s voice carried on.

“Good. Palton, your opponent is just a young boy. You must fight him only with the strength you had at ten years old. Understood?”

“But, Master, that’s—”

Palton glanced at Ruin, then shook his head as if reluctant. But Pigon added calmly:

“If you follow my instruction this time, I’ll grant the request you’ve been hoping for.”

“…!”

At those words, Palton’s eyes lit up.

“Are you serious?”

“Ha! When have I ever lied to you, foolish son?”

“…Understood.”

Step.

Palton Everon stepped forward, expression grave, as if he had made a great decision. Pigon smiled in satisfaction.

He turned back to Daisy.

“Well, we’re ready over here. What about you?”

“….”

Daisy only stared at him in silence, her eyes heavy with unease. The tension grew sharper, as if something would erupt any second.

“Brother, wait—” Kabel tried to interrupt.

But suddenly—

“Alright!”

“…?!”

“R-Ruin!”

The unexpected reply had come from Ruin himself, the one designated as Palton’s opponent.

Both parents, Kabel and Daisy, as well as Preon the Sword Grandmaster, were utterly stunned.

But Ruin ignored them, his voice clear and resolute.

“I want to duel Palton. Yes, let’s do it!”

His sudden outburst lit Pigon’s face with delight.

Clap, clap, clap!

“Hahaha! That’s my nephew. He truly has the blood of Kaphtalen in him.”

He clapped with laughter.

“Ruin, what are you saying?! Why would you fight? Stop this at once!”

“Tell your uncle you made a mistake, Ruin!”

Both Daisy and Kabel shouted desperately.

But—

“Why? I want to fight Palton.”

Ruin’s reply was calm but firm.

“Since he’s agreed, there’s no need to wait. In the name of Pigon Kaphtalen, I declare a duel between Palton Everon and Ruin Linegrime!”

Pigon’s booming proclamation sealed the matter. Everyone else’s expressions darkened.

But Ruin, who had triggered this entire situation—

Smirk.

He was just struggling to hide the grin tugging at his lips.

[What are you thinking, brat?]

‘What do you mean? I just want a fight.’

Ruin’s eyes locked on Palton Everon in the distance.

‘Let’s see whether raw genius… or the ultimate swordsmanship secret, Heavenly Unification, is stronger.’

The wide clearing before a hut in the meadow.

Despite the crowd gathered there, silence reigned.

At the center stood two figures:

One, a refined youth in pale-blue uniform.

The other, a plain country boy.

They faced each other like David and Goliath, clearly mismatched.

Palton Everon finally broke the silence, looking displeased.

“…This turned out badly. I’m sorry. This wasn’t my intention.”

“It’s fine, Palton. I’m not weak.”

“I’m just following Father’s orders—huh? What did you say?”

“I said I’m not weak. So fight me properly. Don’t regret it later.”

With a faint smile, Ruin’s words sounded almost like provocation.

Palton’s expression shifted.

At first, he had felt he was merely humoring the duel because of Pigon’s terms.

But now—

“…Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

Ruin nodded firmly. Palton let out a slow sigh.

“Very well. Since I’m called your elder, I’ll honor your wish.”

His unease seemed to fade. Palton breathed steadily, his expression calm.

Ruin thought to himself:

‘Good. Show me everything you’ve got at your best. That way…’

He glanced at his uncle Pigon, who was grinning with mischief.

‘…it’ll be more fun to take it from you.’

“Ready,” Palton called.

“Me too!” Ruin answered.

Pigon clapped his hands together and stepped forward.

“Alright, let’s begin. The rules are simple—only two things matter.”

He looked at both duelists, speaking loud enough for all.

“This duel is not about killing, but about asserting will. Therefore, lethal or overly dangerous attacks are forbidden.”

Though he said this sternly, his gaze rested on Palton. After all, to any observer, there was no way little Ruin could actually threaten Palton’s life.

“And second: Palton may only use 3rd-circle magic or below.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Pigon nodded at Palton’s response and clarified:

“To repeat: no lethal attacks. No magic beyond the 3rd circle. Break either, and you’ll be disqualified.”

“…I understand.”

“Yes, me too.”

Satisfied with their answers, Pigon raised both arms.

“Good. Since you’re both ready, let the duel begin!”

At his cry—

“Ruin, be careful!”

“Don’t get hurt!” Kabel and Daisy shouted anxiously.

“Hey, Palton! You won’t lose to a kid, right?”