Only I Am A Reader

"Sorry for being late."

The group couldn't tell much about the latecomer as he covered his face, but just taking a look at him gave them a strong impression of 'different'.

Not only did he have a large backpack on his back, but there was also no sign of a sword on his body. While his tall figure already made him stand, the golden hair smoothly flowing down to his shoulder added to that emphasis.

Even other members of the association that participated anonymously in the trial no longer had their masks on. Yet, he oddly chose to keep his mask on an occasion like this, defeating the purpose of a mask in such a small group.

"Is something wrong?"

Seeing that everyone was staring at him, Leo took the chance to inspect his fellow survivors. He knew that he looked conspicuous, but it was out of his hand. Things would only get more chaotic if he came unmasked.

Having returned back in a hurry, Leo had been busy settling quite a few matters. Whether it was selling the spoils he had accumulated over the last 4 months, sending half of the profit back to his hometown, or preparing for the finale, the 3 days that he had barely accommodated his plans, which resulted in his late arrival.

'It feels strange to carry on this trope.'

Leo truly understood the pain of novel characters. Unlike how it went in real life, every character's action had to be interesting for the sake of a reader's enjoyment. Even when he tried to plan everything, Leo ended up entangled in the cliche of arriving at the last possible moment.

"Ahem. Since everyone is here, let's board the carriages as planned."

Seeing the middle tied to Leo's waist, the Association President refrained from making any comment as the boarding proceeded once more. However, one person was still relentlessly staring…

'Is it the same person?'

Ray's eyes made it seem like he wanted to eat Leo. As a reincarnator, his memory was good enough to remember where he saw that mask before, but he still felt doubtful about it.

Back then, Ray had taken notice of this mask due to his Sword Heart pointing at it, this was what he experienced when he came closer to something that he sought or at least had an interest in. Now, however, that feeling was barely there. Instead, his Sword Heart was strangely resonating with the one behind the mask.

Ray barely had any clue regarding this new mixed sensation. Even if he boldly guessed that it was the same person, he couldn't guess the reason for this change.

"..."

"Let's get on as well."

With Ray's clear intent to say something out of place, Jade strongly pulled his arm before it was too late. Unfortunately for her, only one carriage remained empty as everyone was already seated… It seemed like they had to share the carriage with the match that lit Ray's fuse.

"You really look like someone special! I think you are even taller than me!"

To make it worse, other than them, the talkative bulky man had also yet to get a seat. In Jade's view, this was really the worst combination they could get.

Looking at the man that took the seat next to him, Leo was shocked for a second. This was actually the man who had tested him for identification back at Swordkeep! To think that he was the annoying character used by the author to liven up the prelude to the ceremony!

"Mhm."

Unlike what she expected, however, the odd latecomer didn't talk much either. Perhaps he wasn't trying to be flashy on purpose. Still, that didn't necessarily mean that the time bomb beside her would sit still.

"Not that talkative either, that's okay."

To Jade's surprise, Ray had somehow managed to hold on from starting anything. Although he continued staring, he kept his mouth closed in deep contemplation. Unknown to her, a battle between curiosity and longing had already ensued in Ray's brain. He wanted to understand what made the masked man different, but he also couldn't cause a scene minutes away from answering the call…

'Phew.'

With no one to talk to him, even the bulky man from the Association remained silent as the carriage made its way past the gate. Jade was finally able to sigh in relief, just why did she have to be the only normal person around?

On the other hand, Leo was a little bit bothered by Ray's gaze being this approximate, but he didn't care much. The child who had to do his best to avoid his protagonist brother was no longer! Most importantly, his hands were already full by trying to mentally prepare himself for what was about to take place.

Neighhh!

Everyone within the carriage had different thoughts and troubles in mind. However, after riding for so long… They were all able to sense it!

The sharp comforting sensation that pervaded the air, just breathing in was enough for them to feel especially light and refreshed… Without a doubt, they had finally entered the Sky Piercing Sword's domain!

The four's thoughts no longer mattered as they immersed themselves in what they experienced. In particular, Ray and Leo seemed to be deeply affected more than the other two.

Knock. Knock.

It was only when the carriage driver knocked behind his back that they broke out of their trance. The bright sunlight felt especially blinding as the carriage's doors opened up from the outside.

Creeeeak.

"We have arrived."

The sound of doors opening was strong due to the silence that encompassed the whole area as the Sword Garden Trial's survivors embarked from their carriages one by one. The very first thing they did was freeze in place as they stared at the view in front of them in awe.

"Welcome! To my family's humble grounds."

However, they didn't get to lose themselves to it this time as a pleasant voice interrupted their 'sightseeing'. The Imperial Family, their host, was here!