Only I Am A Reader

Life returned to the Sky-Piercing Arena as the Progenitor Sword suspended its 'recall' with the end of its controller. The servants arriving from the castle were busily helping the injured.

The trial survivors were helping around, constantly throwing glances in a certain corner. Their destiny to survive was quite persistent, thanks to a certain someone's quick reaction, the only damage they suffered was the loss of 'progress' to the next grade. At the very least, they maintained their grade.

Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for everyone. Although the army of guards survived, they had completely lost every single 'Breath' in their bodies. To make it worse, their bodies suffered from extensive internal damage. Whether they would manage to keep the life that they were still hanging to wasn't even certain.

As for the ones that all eyes glanced at, they were in a state of awkward silence that somehow deterred anyone from approaching.

Unlike what he said he would do, Ray had barely spoken a word after a quick exchange with Leo. He seemed to be lost in thought, trying to find the correct words to start this conversation after so long. However, there was simply too much that needed to be said. Proper order was required, but Ray miserably failed at that.

On the other hand, the one he was preparing to talk to barely registered his presence. Leo was simply staring into the air. While he appeared to be waiting for him to speak, that wasn't the case.

[ The Sword Master's Second Life… Epilogue Starts… ]

[ Main Quest Accomplished: Successfully reached the Epilogue! ]

[ You can choose to exit the book within the next 24 hours. Otherwise, your trial 'True Reading' experience would be automatically suspended at the end of this period of time. ]

This was the very first time that the voice in his head spoke in this extensive manner. It didn't specify how to exit, but Leo expected it to be similar to how he called out his 'Personal Book'. He wanted to immediately test it, but there was no second chance if he directly left. There was still something that Leo wanted to do before possibly leaving forever.

"Leo?"

Both Leo and Ray turned to see the source of the voice, but only one of them was familiar with the elderly man they saw. Seeing Rain's face wrinkled after so long, Leo couldn't help feeling emotional.

"Teacher!"

Leo didn't waste time as he stood up and gave Rain a hug! There was no time to look at things formally now that he was leaving. In this world, Rain was the closest thing he had as a father figure.

"Whew, I missed you as well. It seems like you have been busy ever since we parted..."

On such an important day, Rain was naturally staying in the castle so he could test the trial survivors after the ranking battle ended. However, even he didn't expect the disaster that he had been fearing to happen on this day. Moreover, the last student he had taken in was actually the one who stopped it alongside his grand-student!

Rain could only watch from the castle's windows as the guards stopped him from going out, but now that he confirmed the pair's identities, he smiled in satisfaction. This was something he had taken as a life purpose, seeing that his work bore fruit was a rewarding experience.

"I just did my best taking your advice in mind."

It was a quick goodbye, but it was enough for him, there was no need for more words either. In comparison, Leo wished he could learn the Sword Demon's 'Sword Flight' and take a flight home. However, it seemed like another farewell was impossible.

"Arthur?"

Although had met Rain before even if they weren't particularly close, that only made him more confused about what was happening that he finally spoke out. Leo hugged Rain once more before smiling at this 'brother' of his.

"You two probably have something more important to talk about, old men like me can wait best, so go ahead."

Sniffing out the complicated relationship of the two from Ray's expression, Rain gently smiled before turning back. He definitely wanted to hear his student's story, but it could wait for later.

"Why don't we make use of this limited opportunity?"

Gesturing with his head at the sword standing tall as if unrelated to the changes it caused, Leo picked his bag and walked towards the Progenitor Sword as Ray followed behind. He did want to 'talk' again since he was interrupted by the Sword Demon's surprise entrance.

"This is really strange, you know?"

Sitting down at the edge of the area with their faces reflected by the blade full of inscriptions, Leo finally spoke out. He couldn't help but remember the first day he saw Ray in action. At that time, he was still a hopeless 'extra', someone who found some joy in seeing the protagonist that he once resonated with. Yet now, it was like he was meeting a distant friend. The only thing he felt was Arthur's happiness to reunite with his brother, but it was a fleeting thought.

This was an experience unique to him. He wasn't the protagonist, but he dug his way to stand next to one. He even had a 'part' of him in his head. Only with this moment added to his collection did Leo understand what a 'reader' was! Even if that was just a basic understanding.

"I think you know about it, that feeling of having one big secret that always keeps you deep in thought, sharing would probably be a relaxing experience, but you just can't. Some secrets just aren't meant to be shared… It still feels too much to keep to oneself at certain moments."

"What?"

Ignoring Ray's reaction, Leo stood up with his bag on his back, he touched his reflection before continuing to 'relate' with Ray.

"Maybe we aren't so different after all. I mean… as fellow Earth dwellers that is."

Ray immediately sprang up from his spot upon hearing Leo's last words. Was this even possible? Was his brother…

Unfortunately, there was no one to answer his questions. The moment his eyes blinked, his unfamiliar brother's figure could no longer be seen. Only a small letter could be seen where he was just sitting…

[[ The First Book - The Sword Master's Second Life - End ]]