430 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 430 Logan's actions weren't exactly rational. No, they were more akin to an impulsive decision driven by emotion. The very idea of filling another soul with one's own was absurd. Under normal circumstances, such an attempt would do nothing more than waste spiritual energy and leave deep scars on his own soul. Yet, that forced spiritual power manifested in a peculiar phenomenon. Woom. 'Huh?' Suddenly, everything around him vanished from view, leaving only an apparent connection between his soul and his master's. And then, he heard the voice he had longed for so deeply. - ...Rogan? Why was he so thrilled to hear this familiar tone, even though it was informal? - Yes, yes! It's me, Master! - The war… what about the war? Logan nearly burst into tears at his master's query. Even in this dire situation, his master asked about it first. - We won. Thanks to you, we protected the North as well! - I see... that's a relief... - So now, wake up. All you need to do is awaken and enjoy the victory. - ...Is that so. Then it's fine. Hearing those words made Logan's heart sink once again. - What do you mean, it's fine? Accept my power and wake up now! - No. I thought it was the end, but at least I got to convey my thoughts, so it’s enough. - Master! - I am not thick-skinned enough to steal my disciple's life to extend my own. Woom. Logan could feel his master's soul pushing away his golden spiritual energy. - Master! - You are the one who should become a pillar for the kingdom. To deplete you for my sake is something that should never happen. - No, Master! I am an Aura Master now. I can handle this! Despite Logan's words, the Sword Master shook his head. With a calm expression, he continued to ward off Logan's soul. - I have lived earnestly enough. Let me rest now, Logan. That unexpected remark caused Logan to hesitate, but he soon shook his head again. - No, no! If you fall now, how can I face Madam and Stella? Please!! Logan’s plea visibly shook the stoic expression of the Sword Master. - Stella… my daughter… Logan was surprised by the soul's vibrant resonance. He focused his mind further, shaking his master's soul. - Yes, Master! You must see your beloved daughter, Stella, again! But even that was fleeting. The trembling of his master's soul quickly subsided, and with a bittersweet smile, he shook his head. - ...Take care of my daughter, Stella, Logan. - Master! - Isn't the war not truly over yet? - It’s finished. We have won! So... - Aren’t you planning to subjugate the Empire as well? - ...Master? - This connection tells me your recent thoughts. There’s nothing you can hide from me now, Logan. - But...! - To ensure lasting peace for the kingdom, another war must be fought. It's a sorrowful truth, but nonetheless correct. For that very reason, you must not fall. Do not overexert yourself. - I won't fall! I am now an Aura Master! Such a loss of energy won’t defeat me! - Yes. But you will be demoted once more. You’ll never reach that stage again. - Master... - You have sensed it yourself, haven’t you? A damaged soul can never touch that miraculous realm again. Logan couldn’t deny the words of his master, who read the experiences etched in his soul. - I don’t wish for you to sacrifice yourself for my sake. That would only harm the kingdom I wish to protect. His master's stance was resolute. But Logan was equally determined. - I understand that this is your true intention. However, don't you also long to see Stella again? Don't you wish to return? I can read your heart now too. - Yes, that’s true. But it wouldn't be the right decision. - Why does it matter if it’s not right!? Just once, live for yourself!!! The bond between their connected souls quivered with Logan's fiery indignation, as he tried to force his master into a decision. Still, the Sword Master was steadfast. - If I do, it will render my life meaningless. It would be a negation of my own existence, Logan. It was indeed like an impenetrable fortress. No words seemed to reach him. But if words failed, Logan was not one to simply give up. - ...Have I ever blindly obeyed you, Master? - Lo...gan? - Fortunately, I'm stronger than you now. So I will proceed by force. - No, you mustn't! Wooooom. Logan's spiritual energy pushed back against the master's resistance and poured into his soul. - I must! Advertisements - Logan! - My life has been one of atonement, living to save those around me, my family. To abandon my beloved for other goals? I can’t comprehend that!!! With Logan's unwavering determination, the golden spiritual energy bathed the entire realm in which they stood. Wooooom. And during that process, something peculiar occurred. Initially, Logan’s notion of soul replenishing soul should have been impossible. Souls couldn’t simply mix, and even if they did, it would contaminate their essences, both being transformed disastrously in what would be a mutual destruction. Logan knew this, yet intoxicated by the uniqueness of the connected souls, he dared once more to go against the odds. 'Darn it all.' Only when he stubbornly forged ahead did Logan come to grips with the reality. But at that moment. Wooooom. 'What!?' In a desperate move, Logan’s wrung-out soul exhibited an extraordinary reaction. 'This... it works!' The unleashed energy did not merge with the master’s soul but instead augmented the very foundation of his master’s soul, replenishing his spiritual strength. Another method of harnessing the power of the soul—a feat deemed impossible even at the level of an Aura Master—was realized in that fleeting moment: the cultivation and repair of spiritual energy. Was this miraculous power because of the will etched into his own soul? Or perhaps it was merely a fortunate coincidence? Logan, seized by a sudden insight, attempted to imprint even a fragment of that power's principle onto his soul. But the moment was painfully brief. Flash. A flicker of brilliant light enveloped his vision, pulling Logan back into reality with a jolt. "Gah!?" With a sudden cry, Logan staggered, only to be caught swiftly by Aileen. "Logan!" "I'm, I'm fine... But what about Master?" At his words, all eyes turned towards the bed. And there, they saw a hand twitch... "Ugh..." Followed by a weak groan as the Sword Master opened his eyes. "My lord!" "Sword Master!" "This can't be true!" In that moment of jubilant revelation... Advertisements "Lo...gan?" The Sword Master's lips parted as he called his name. "Yes, yes! It's me, Logan! Wake up, Master!" Logan responded with triumphant enthusiasm. "You... crazy... brat." The curse, muttered like a groan, left everyone in the room momentarily stunned. * * * The day the Sword Master awoke, news of the event spread across the Holy Kingdom, causing quite a stir. But it was the MacLaine Kingdom that buzzed with an entirely different rumor: the supposedly dead King Logan MacLaine had appeared at the northern fortress. The King, claiming to heal alongside his Master. This brought a sigh of relief to the MacLaine people who had been anxious with worry. And the tense atmosphere evaporated from the northern fortress as well. "Hahaha! In all my 20 years, I've never heard such colorful language from His Lordship. And aimed at His Majesty too!" "A moment worth commemorating. I doubt I'll ever forget it." Lewis and Luther Kyle clinked their glasses, laughter bubbling over. Despite repeating the story, their amusement only seemed to grow. Rudell and the other knights nearby raised their glasses, their faces glowing with delight. "Come, let's toast!" "To MacLaine!" "Glory to the unquenched flame!" "Hail the Sword Master!" "Hail King Logan!" With their previously comatose leader awakened and the King himself in attendance, congratulatory revelry erupted late in the northern fortress of Shield. Even the 4th corps captain, Luther Kyle, and the Sword Master's lieutenant, Lewis, indulged openly in drink, prompting most of Shield's soldiers to join the day’s festivities. Except for the trio at its heart. "I never knew Master could curse!" "Come now, give it a rest. The old man hasn’t even fully recovered yet..." "It’s just unbelievable. I risked my life to bring him back, and I got a mouthful in return." At those words, the Sword Master averted his gaze with an embarrassed cough, while Logan smirked victoriously. But at that moment, Aileen's piercing gaze zeroed in on him. "Hold on, what did you risk?" Only then did Logan realize he had slipped, awkwardly avoiding his wife's stern look. "Ah, haha. I meant I worked really hard, like risking my life. Haha. I didn't actually wager anything..." It was a clever feint, but the Master, half risen from his bed, chuckled as he blocked Logan's escape route. "Oh no, His Majesty merely wagered his soul. It could have ended with him in a vegetative state, not quite risking death." "You!!!" "Well, it worked out, as always!" Advertisements "How can you say that now...!" "Hahahaha!" The old man who sparked the couple's playful argument watched amusedly. Eventually, the bickering pair quietened, noting the Sword Master's cheerful demeanor. "Anyway, it's a relief, Your Majesty. Everything worked out." The Sword Master wore a broad smile as Logan replied playfully. "But really, you're back to using formal speech, Master? I prefer informal speech from you. Even if it's laced with curses." "…Please, forget that, Your Majesty. What can an old man not say when he’s on death’s doorstep?" "Please... no more of that talk." "Ha, yes, yes." As master and disciple exchanged warm glances, Aileen shifted the topic. "When do you think you'll fully recover? This one should heal in a month or two." "I think about the same for myself. Then we should begin preparations, shouldn’t we?" "Yes, indeed. But first, we need to see how the war in the west unfolds." To the Sword Master's inquiry, Logan nodded, gazing westward towards the setting sun. "What do you anticipate for the western front?" "The Empire might suffer, but they will prevail, won't they? The Emperor's central army is heading there as well." "The Empire lost many superhumans in our war. Excluding the Western commanders, do they even have ten left?" Aileen voiced her concerns, but the Sword Master shook his head gravely. "If what His Majesty says about the Emperor's might is true, there’s no one in the West who can stop him. Same with those Black Knights." "Ah..." Despite whittling it down, the Empire's strength was concerningly resilient. Pondering over the impending threat cast a shadow over their features. Resolute, Logan broke the silence with determination. "I will prepare for deployment before the western war concludes. Coordinating with the full recovery of Master and my injuries." “The reinforcements from Terronan and Liberty won't respond to that extent. Especially with Gunther Liberty deceased.” “We'll have to manage.” “Do you think we have a chance?” “If not, we'll create one. Just as we always have.” And so it begins again. Logan's eyes reflected the soft glow of the crimson sunset, igniting with a quiet determination.