Tauga gazed at Caron with a newfound seriousness.0

"I thought we shared the same roots, but after crossing blades with you, I'm not so sure anymore," Tauga said as he frowned slightly, recalling their duel just moments ago. 0

Although Caron shared the same roots as Rael Leston, his swordsmanship was quite different in nature. At a glance, it seemed to emphasize power, yet beneath the surface, it was highly unpredictable, adapting fluidly to every situation.0

"Are you really seventeen years old?" Tauga asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.0

To him, there was no way a mere seventeen-year-old could wield a sword like that. It was the kind of technique that came from countless battles, from standing on the edge of life and death time and time again. It was the sword of someone who had lived through endless battlefields.0

"Are the Duke's family all like this, or... Is it just your sword that's so unique?" Tauga asked.0

One would understand if they crossed swords with Caron. Although his mana didn't reach the level of an 8-Star, his swordsmanship was already perfected. It was the sword of someone who had survived the brink of death.0

That was what puzzled Tauga the most. A noble from one of the empire's most prestigious families, someone who should have lived a life of privilege and comfort, wielded a sword like a battle-hardened ...0