The Curse of Being Hated Has Been Lifted

37 – Minor Misunderstandings

“Oh.”

It wasn’t unexpected, but when Arna halted the machine as it was, Redrika let out a small gasp.

Despite the magical engine repeatedly measuring its power, even when Shohel pushed it to its limit, it barely moved slowly. Yet, Arna halting it once caused it to stop completely.

“It’s an incredibly fascinating device. But can this bring in money?”

It wasn’t mocking a disciple’s invention, but no matter how impressive the machine, it was ultimately just a machine. How could it earn one’s pocket money compared to the power Gyeomsung could unleash?

“Yes, it can bring in money. Though compared to the money your master can earn, it might seem like a pittance.”

Logan’s smile was self-assured, and Arna found that quite pleasing.

To think that Logan, who had always appeared meek for the past ten years, could now wear such a confident expression.

Now, Logan didn’t care much about pocket money.

“Please wait. It’s not something that can be bought with money, so I’ll definitely repay it to my master.”

“Alright, I understand.”

As Arnar looked proudly at his well-grown disciple, he heard something he shouldn’t have.

“So, don’t worry about this disciple, and you can return to your duties. Or you can just take it easy and rest.”

Logan’s words were not malicious, but Arnar felt unusually hurt.

He’s speaking so nicely, but isn’t he basically telling me to back off?

‘Right now, I want to stay by your side more.’

He couldn’t fully convey the emotions of the Black Star.

It was too raw of an emotion, and also too bitter.

“I still have a lot to teach you. Haven’t I not shown you my progress for a whole 10 years?”

“Oh, Master. I’m sorry for saying this, but I quit being your pupil.”

-Sigh

The atmosphere became heavy.

Even though the Black Star’s emotions had subsided, the aftermath of the magic that had harmed Logan still affected him.

-Thud

Logan passed out right then and there.

The magic emanating from the Black Star at the moment was beyond what Logan could handle.

‘I messed up.’

Redrika, who was standing nearby, also fainted, but Arnar didn’t have time to worry about her.

“Logan gave up his sword?”

That was unbelievable.

If we consider only the belief in the sword, Logan would have been even more dedicated than Arnavo, but a child like Logan broke that belief?

“It seems like ten years is quite a long time.”

Who could have taken the sword from Logan?

Who could have destroyed the bond between her and Logan?

“Even though revenge is something one wants to do on their own.”

There was just one thing that couldn’t be entrusted to Logan.

Arna gently embraced Logan and headed straight to the nearby top-class inn before going to the imperial information department.

It was the most secretive group in the empire, but it couldn’t match the level of the swordsmen who dared to defy it.

Just prayed that they would come with a proper route and not break down the door.

– Bang!

Unfortunately for them, today Arna had no room for leisure.

“It’s been a while, Swordsmaster.”

It was impossible for the information department not to know about the incident that even the deputy commander of the royal knights knew.

When Swordsmaster broke into the information department, a girl who had always been sitting in a corner and waiting to confront Swordsmaster stood in his way.

Others were doing their best to protect the data from being destroyed by Swordsmaster.

“Well, Yebi, it’s been a while.”

“Congratulations on your safe return.”

Yebi, the girl called, could roughly guess why Swordsmaster had come here.

‘Probably because of your disciple.’

Just ten years ago, Arna was akin to a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment.

The heart of a little child, around ten years old, was so unstable that a playful jest could turn everything upside down.

Her stabilization began when Logan Asrian became her disciple.

Of course, being physically far away reduced the chances of her causing trouble, and at least she had to act like a good mentor, which significantly decreased the number of incidents.

That’s why Eppi always felt grateful to Logan.

“During your time at the Gate, would you like me to inform your disciple about what happened?”

“Ah. Especially about who made our pretty disciple drop her sword.”

Seems like he’s quite angry.

Seeing the floor starting to shake,

‘How can I cover this up again?’

Similar waves to the ones when she exited the Gate last night are continuously emanating. How am I supposed to justify this to the Empire’s citizens?

“If that’s the case, we’ve already concluded our investigation.”

“Is that so?”

“I must inform you beforehand that this information is not absolute. Since we cannot pursue Logan Asrian, I’ll just present the circumstantial evidence…”

-Zap!

A surge of magic burst forth from Arna’s body, sweeping through the palace.

“So, who is it?”

“…Arha Shohel, a student at the Academy. But as you know, Logan Asrian…”

Before Eppi could finish her sentence, the swordsmanship disappeared before her eyes.

“Though not one to be swayed by just anyone’s words…”

Yebi’s words scattered into thin air.

“They probably understand their disciple’s mind better than I do.”

They’d likely calm down and regain composure soon.

******

“Where’s Senior Logan?!”

Arha was in a state of panic.

Unusual events had been happening on the island since last night.

Powerful waves had swept through the entire island, and the café they frequented had closed for renovations—strange enough.

“And now this roaring wave…”

It was undeniable that a disaster had befallen the empire.

Though it was unclear why the Imperial Knights remained still in the face of such a significant disaster, finding Logan was a priority.

“But where is Senior Logan?”

Because he’s fragile.

Unlike herself, who was somewhat disciplined, Logan was fragile.

If left alone, he might face great danger.

That’s why Arha had been searching everywhere Logan might go.

He wasn’t at the dorms, and it didn’t seem like he was inside the academy.

Even the staff operating the mana condition detectors didn’t know where he was, and Anna had no clue either.

From Noble mtl dot com

“Is he at the forge?”

In the end, there was only one possibility left.

Arua ran like mad to find Logan.

“I found him.”

But the sound that came out wasn’t from Arua.

“Whooooosh!”

It was the sound that came out of Arua’s mouth.

-Boom!!!

And this was the sound of Arua hitting a wall.

“An intruder? I didn’t notice at all…”

Regaining consciousness, she found herself pinned against the wall.

If someone like herself, an aspiring knight, could be ambushed like this, the opponent’s skills must be at least that of a royal knight.

“But why on earth?”

No matter how much she thought, there was no reason for an attack.

Arua, barely able to open her eyes amidst the debris of the collapsed wall, could see it.

The black dragon with crimson eyes, staring at her.

“Why is there a dragon here…”

The first question that came to her mind was why a dragon was here.

The second question was why she hadn’t died.

Having been hit by a monster with that kind of momentum, she was still alive.

“I’m sure I said I found him.”

I don’t know why, but that darn monster seemed to have something to see with itself.

“Not in a good spot.”

Redrika’s forge was in the vicinity.

If Logan were around, he would undoubtedly suffer greatly just from the aftermath of a fight.

“What do you want to talk to me about?”

Arha barely stood up and spoke.

As she stood properly, the figure of the opponent became clear.

Disheveled black hair, eyes so red they could evoke thoughts of blood,

And an overwhelming presence.

“Seems like a sword saint.”

It was too similar to the appearance of the sword saint seen in a distant village during childhood.

“Do you know Logan Asrian?”

Of course, she knew.

Isn’t he a clever, strong, yet seemingly fragile senior?

“I don’t know.”

‘It’s not my purpose.’

The dragon’s purpose was Logan.

‘Absolutely not saying a word.’

The dragon’s reason for seeking Logan was unknown.

But if such a powerful being finds Logan, it won’t be anything good for him.

“Ah, the pressure of the dragon’s footsteps,” said Arua with a sigh.

With each step the dragon took, it felt like torture to Arua.

The increasing weight pressed down on her shoulders as the dragon approached.

In an instant, her knees buckled and her head hit the ground.

It was a level of power that surpassed any resistance a mere human could offer.

“Ask again, do you know Logan Asrian?”

“I don’t know!”

Despite not knowing Logan, Arua refused to give him up.

She didn’t even know why she did it herself.

She just followed her heart.

“Amusing, isn’t it? To the one who took the sword from my disciple, you don’t even know his name?”

The atmosphere grew increasingly serious.

It felt like the air was being sucked out, and a painful surge of mana rushed through her body.

She couldn’t even understand what the other person was saying.

“Finally, I will ask one last time. Who is Logan Asrian?”

The voice asking the dragon’s question was familiar to Arua as well.

“I yield.”