The Frugal Mage

Chapter 202 202: Eldest

The courtyard was still buzzing with disbelief when Julia stepped forward…

"Rayven… do you realize what you've just done? Castor's sword isn't ordinary. It's one of the Numbered Swords."

The crowd hushed instantly. Even Fabian couldn't believe that his senior would be defeated.

He had viewed Castor as an elite and undefeatable by those at the same level of him. He had seen the man defeat Adept Mages so easily because of his powerful sword… Even Arcanists or Tier 3 Mages weren't an opponent against Castor if he was able to get closer.

Rayven tilted his head. "Numbered Swords?"

He had never encountered these before, so he didn't know about it at all.

Julia nodded gravely. "Yes. From one to one hundred. They were forged centuries ago by the kingdom's greatest blacksmith Sir Ronald Whale. He was said to be blessed by the gods of flame and steel, and his craftsmanship was unmatched. Each sword he made with his full abilities bore a number etched into its hilt, marking its place among the hundred. Sir Whale passed them down only to families who swore loyalty to the crown. To wield one is to carry the weight of the kingdom's trust."

The guards murmured among themselves.

"I've heard of them… they say Sword One could cleave mountains."

"And Sword Fifty was wielded by the general who defended the capital during the Third Beast Wars."

"Even Sword Ninety-Seven, one of the weakest among them, is still stronger than the Sword Saint's weapon."

Julia's eyes lingered on Castor, who was still kneeling, his Titan's Edge was obviously not in a good condition. "That sword… it means Castor's ability as a Magic Swordsman could be multiplied… Defeating him was no easy feat."

Rayven's lips curved faintly.

'So that's why his blade endured so many fireballs. It wasn't just his mana, it was the sword itself. I guess he's also a cheater, huh…'

The silence stretched until Castor finally raised his head. His pride was shattered, but his honor remained. He sheathed his battered weapon and bowed his head slightly.

"…A wager is a wager. I lost." His voice was hoarse, but resolute. "Fabian and I will honor our word."

Fabian's face twisted, torn between humiliation and disbelief, but he could not deny the outcome. He clenched his fists, then forced himself to speak.

"We… apologize. We will no longer pursue this matter."

Castor added, "And as promised, I will give you a sword. It may not be one of the Numbered, but it is forged with precious mana and steel. Consider it a token of respect."

The crowd erupted again, this time in cheers and laughter.

"He made them kneel!"

"Fabian, apologizing? I never thought I'd see the day!"

"And Castor… giving away a sword? Incredible!"

Julia exhaled as she felt relieved that the matter was resolved like this…

She really thought that another Senior Disciple would come and ask for trouble.

She glanced at Rayven, her eyes softening.

'He's not just mysterious… he's terrifyingly capable. Even against a wielder of a Numbered Sword.'

Rayven lowered his hand as he turned away. "Good. Then this matter is settled."

Castor bowed once more before looking at Rayven's figure with desire to challenge him again.

However, he knew that he had to get even stronger if he wanted to win against this mage.

"You are no ordinary mage, Rayven Holt. I will remember this duel." He whispered to himself.

Fabian, still trembling, muttered bitterly, "And so will I…"

But the wager had been fulfilled. The Holt Family's honor remained intact, and Rayven's victory against a disciple of Swordmaster Kael would not be forgotten.

***

The journey back to Fabian's estate was silent.

Fabian's humiliation still burned in his chest, while Castor's pride was shattered after being overwhelmed by something as simple as Fireball.

Neither spoke, though both knew that the people waiting for them would demand answers.

When they arrived, the estate's servants rushed to greet them, but the atmosphere shifted immediately.

A tall figure was already waiting in the courtyard, his presence commanding respect.

His hair was tied back neatly, and the aura around him was suffocating. Even without drawing his blade, everyone could feel his overwhelming power.

Castor froze. "Eldest Brother…"

Fabian's heart sank. He knew this would happen.

The man turned and looked at their pitiful appearance.

"So, you've returned. We came to visit your family, since Swordmaster Kael has ordered that you begin more intense training. You will be away for years. You should be settling the matters about the one who scammed your family, but I guess you were defeated, including your senior brother instead..."

He actually felt amused seeing how the two looked right now.

Fabian's mother, who had only heard that it would take Fabian years, knew that she may not longer see her son at all.

"Must it be so long?"

The eldest disciple shook his head. "As you can see, he got beaten up by a merchant… If Fabian wishes to rise above humiliation and truly honor the Swordmaster's lineage, he must endure it. Swordmaster Kael does not tolerate weakness. This defeat… it will be remembered. But it can also be the fire that tempers him."

As expected of their eldest brother, he already knew what seemed to have happened just by looking at their appearance.

However, he was probably curious who had defeated Castor as well.

Fabian exhaled as he looked at his mother…

"I was defeated by a mage who only used Fireball. I cannot accept this shame."

His mother couldn't say anything because of that…

The eldest brother's tone was cold but resolute. "Then you will train until you can. We will leave tomorrow."

He then turned to Castor as he wanted to know if Rayven's master had arrived and defeated him… That wouldn't be surprising at all.

However, Castor's next words stunned him.

Castor bowed his head and spoke in a weak voice. "I, too, was defeated by that mage, Senior Gram. I underestimated him… Rayven… his Spellcasting is too weird."

The eldest brother's eyes narrowed. However, he didn't blame him or put them down even more…

"You wield a Numbered Sword, Castor. That makes your failure heavier. But you still have potential. You will have to train again and refine your techniques."

He said this after seeing that the sword seemed fine… It means that Castor was to blame, and perhaps, this was the best opportunity to make this lazy guy train again.

"Rayven… how intriguing…" Gram mused with a faint smile tugging at his lips.