Fantasy System

Chapter 237: Sword Duel

"So, what will be our future plans?" Asem asked Ed as they waited for the people to finish enjoying themselves.

"We have a time limit of three to four weeks in order to help the people get better. After that, another war, an all-out war, will take place. I will stay here for another two weeks before departing to look for a certain person," Ed stated as he stood shoulder to shoulder with Asem.

"Then, about Poison sect"

"Don't worry, the way I spoke about will most likelyit most certainly will involve Poison sect. We also have a reason to have revenge on themThe lady that came with me, Emilia; her mother was killed by Poison sect's master." Asem glanced at Emilia who was playing around with Suika and Bella. Then, he opened his eyes as he noticed something.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but, she's the Ice Empress's daughter, right?"

"You know about her mother?" Ed exclaimed as he didn't think Asem would be able to figure out Emilia's identity just by her reason for revenge.

"Poison sect may have killed many people, but the fact that they killed the Ice Empress is considered the most heinous thing they did. And yes, I do know about the Ice Empress. It would be much weirder in case I didn't."

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Just as he discussed with Asem, Ed and his companions continued to work hard for one week. Every day, they would go out to hunt by the hundreds. Ed used his Space magic to teleport around the cities, buying things like vegetables and spices. In the short span of one week, the pantries that were so empty, that one could hear their heartbeat, filled up.

Ed decided that, after this one week, it would be a good idea to send off Alexander. He notified his family, along with the Elders and the citizens. Ed, after the Bloody war, asked Suika and Merry to heal the body of Alexander. Thus, his body looked like it was untouched. As if he died naturally.

Inside of a room, Ed took out the preserved body. Thanks to his Inventory's time-stopping ability, the body didn't rot. This was a bonus effect for those that were present, as they had steeled themselves and prepared to look at a disfigured body.

Barsine stepped to the body. She extended her hand, and carefully caressed his cheek. How much did she miss him? His smile? His kindness? His warmth? No one knew how she felt. No one could understand the pain she endured. No one said anything as she enjoyed her time with the only thing that remained from the love of her life. A cold, unmoving, un-responding body. And yet, the smile that stuck on his face as he died brought her some closure.

Her tears dropped on the body, and once she said her goodbyes, she turned around and walked back. Then, Helena and Asem had their turn. Alexander's face seemed as if was glistening, as the tears of his family that fell on his face, shone.

They started to move the casket, taking it to the grave. The whole bulk of the citizens were present that. And each one of them mourned as the casket moved next to them. Somehow, each and every one present, including Ed, found themselves waiting for something to happen. Waiting for Alexander to stand up and say, 'It was all a joke!'

Yet, that moment never came. Even as they buried the body underground, nothing happened. They knew it, yet they wanted to deny it. They knew that the dead could never truly return.

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The funeral's rites ended, and everyone returned home. Ed went back to the throne hall in order to discuss things with everyone, but he was then surprised by a request.

"Sir Edward. I want to have a sword duel with you."

Ed was surprised. Not only by the request but by the specifics. Asem didn't ask for a duel or a sparring session. He asked for a sword duel, which meant that he wanted to test his sword skill only.

"I want to see how far I'm lagging behind compared to my father, and the one above my father," Asem stated with resolution.

"I see. Then let's go ahead while we still have time." Ed had no reason to deny him of his request, and so he agreed.

The two of them moved to the sect's grounds and cleared an area there. All disciple came to see the duel between the two of them. Helena tried to squeeze herself into a duel, but Ed denied it. He noticed how similar her character was to Ellie, and knew how she would keep demanding for duels.

"Then allow me to start." Asem rushed forward as he withdrew his father's Nodachi. Ed left it in the family's possession and trusted them to make the best of it. It was decided that Asem would be the one to wield it.

Ed used his Shusui in the duel. He stood calmly in his place, breathing in and out as he counted down the steps until Asem reached him. He turned off all other skills, as Asem had demanded a sword duel.

Asem struck down with his Nodachi, making it seem as if he was bringing down a mountain. Yet, Ed didn't panic. He moved forward, ever so slightly, and raised Shusui upwards. Then, in one swift motion, he parried the heavy sword strike while moving Shusui to Asem's neck.

Asem exhaled as both of them sheathed their weapons, and said, "It's my loss."

"" Ed chose not to say anything as he let Asem take the loss in. after that duel; no one doubted Ed's position as sect master. Not only was his cultivation high, but his swordplay was also amazing as well.

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Just like Ed planned, he left the sect after another week. He left Asem in charge and left a personal sigil made out of metal for his family. That way, he was able to teleport to them at a moment's notice.

Ed, then, focused on finding his grandfather.

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