REAPER SCANS

I Became the Youngest Disciple of the Martial God

[Translator – Anwen]

[Proofreader – Gorm]

Chapter 196

His gaze lingered on me a little longer than I’d have liked. Getting stared at like this made me wonder if I should just say “hi” or something to break the awkward tension.

Can he see through it?

With this mask on, I didn’t look like Luan. I looked like Naru. I was borrowing the power of a magic item, but I had no idea how good the disguise actually was. Maybe someone as strong as the Lord of Blood and Iron could see right through it...?

However, if he recognized me, he showed no reaction. In the end, I didn’t have a damn clue, and with his poker face, there was no point trying to read his expression.

“Hey. Can’t you hear me? I said—”

Smack!

First, before the dumbass could finish his sentence, I smacked the back of his head. Given the situation and my mood, I might have hit him harder than necessary.

He didn’t even get a chance to grunt before he face-planted into the ground, out cold.

I wonder if he’d ever know that I saved his life.

...Not the time to be worrying about other people, Luan.

Just like that, the uncomfortable silence was back.

“...”

“...”

The same deadpan stare, still saying nothing. It felt like he was waiting for me to speak first...

I kept my face calm while my brain scrambled for something, anything, to help me understand. Had he figured it out? Or had he not?

I hoped it was the latter, but I felt like that was wishful thinking. Should I just play it cool and say “hello”? But what if he didn’t know? It was too risky.

I continued to stare at the Lord of Blood and Iron with trepidation.

He wasn’t wearing his usual family-head outfit, instead wearing something so simple that he looked like a vagabond. Maybe that was why he actually looked like he was my age for once. With his presence so restrained, he just looked like a boy with a mysterious air, at least at first glance.

No wonder some dumb thug thought he was easy pickings.

The silence continued, and I felt like crying. Just say something already.

Normally, you’d react based on what the other person did first. If he just said anything, I could figure out how to respond. But no, all he did was stare at me.

In the end, I caved under the pressure and spoke first. “...You okay?” I asked.

“...”

Shit. That wasn't it.

His eyes narrowed slightly, like he couldn’t believe what I’d just said.

Just as he finally opened his mouth to speak...

“There you are,” a deep voice boomed as a massive figure stepped into view.

Now what...

This guy was huge. What was he, seven feet? Eight feet? Maybe more?

I couldn’t tell. He had such an overwhelming presence that he felt even bigger than he actually was.

On top of that, his head was shaved and he had a chiseled physique. He looked like he’d been carved from stone.

Also, strapped to his back was a bastard sword as big as my torso. Honestly, it looked more like a blunt weapon than a sword. The blade was ridiculously thick, about the width of a book.

He seemed to be the Lord of Blood and Iron’s companion. Unlike the Lord of Blood and Iron, though, this guy wasn’t making any effort to hide his presence.

“Man, every time I take my eyes off you, you vanish. Typical dark fairy, always lurking in some shady back alley...” he said, his tone surprisingly light for his size and voice. “Hm?”

At that, Lord of Blood and Iron finally stopped staring and broke his silence. “It’s nothing,” he said.

“Yeah? Then let’s move. We’re probably gonna be the last ones there. You know how much of a pain in the ass those guys can be.”

“Right.”

The man’s gaze shifted to me. “But who’s this kid?”

I hesitated for a second before just bowing my head and saying, “Hello. My name is Naru. I’m a transfer student at the academy. He seemed to be in a bit of trouble, so I stepped in... though it may have been unnecessary.”

“Oho, what a fine young talent.” The guy grinned and plopped his massive hand on my head. Although it was a friendly gesture, it felt like a lion had pinned me down with its paw.

I had to take a second to brainwash myself. I am a student in this academy. Just an ordinary, clueless, well-mannered, and polite academy student...

If I was Naru, not Luan, how would I react in this situation?

Thinking fast, I said, “Pardon me, but you both seem... quite extraordinary. May I ask what business brings you to the academy?”

Obviously, they wouldn’t tell me. Even within House Bednicker, only a handful of people knew what the Lord of Blood and Iron was up to at any given time.

If the newcomer said he couldn’t say, I’d just pretend I understood and get the hell out of here.

As expected, he scratched his cheek awkwardly. “Ah. That’s... a bit hard to say...”

But then...

“Are you curious?” the Lord of Blood and Iron asked.

“Yes?”

“As nobility, it would only be proper to offer compensation.” The Lord of Blood and Iron’s response caught me completely off guard. “Maxim. If you don’t mind, would you let this child join us for the upcoming meal?”

“Huh, what are you...”

I was doubly shocked.

First, this huge guy was none other than Maxim, the Sky-Sundering Sword. The master of those kids I’d run into earlier.

And second, I might be getting kidnapped right now.

I quickly said, “Oh, I appreciate the offer, but I just ate, so—”

“Then how about a little walk through the marketplace? That might quicken your digestion.”

“...Actually, I think I’m getting hungry again. Thank you.”

...Whatever this meal was, it had to be better than being alone with the Lord of Blood and Iron.

I shot Maxim one last desperate look, but the guy just threw his head back and laughed. “Now this sounds like fun!”

* * * * *

REAPER SCANS

[Translator – Anwen]

[Proofreader – Gorm]

Join our Discord for updates on releases!

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I had no idea that decision would send me plummeting to the bottom of hell.

“Wow, look who we have here. You finally made it.”

“...Brothers, you must be punctual. Time itself is a blessing from God.”

“Who’s the kid?”

“You’re kinda cuuute.”

“...”

The Lord of Blood and Iron and Maxim took me to a restaurant. Even though I had been around these streets plenty, I had never stepped foot in this one. The outside looked run down, but inside, it radiated class and elegance.

We headed to the restaurant’s private room in the basement.

The room seemed to be soundproof and was illuminated only by dim lights, creating a calm atmosphere.

And the furniture too... Even as some half-baked noble, I could tell. The furniture here was made of solid wood. Nothing flashy, but each piece was handcrafted by a master artisan. Even the staff here moved with the kind of refined discipline that you’d expect from high-ranking noble servants.

Was this one of those secret spots where the big shots gathered? You know, the kind that keeps its clients’ business under wraps?

It seemed to be.

Anyway, there was a fairly large table set up in the room, with four people seated at it...

Each of them was dressed in their own unique way. I didn’t have much time for detailed descriptions, so the short version was: thug, monk, pirate, witch.

...

All four of them carried an aura just as heavy as Maxim and the Lord of Blood and Iron. The moment I saw them, I knew exactly what kind of gathering this was, and who these people were.

Every single one of them must be one of the Middle Names...

Cold sweat dripped down my back. I had basically walked straight into a den of lions.

Should I have just turned tail and run? Somehow, this was even worse than facing the demon lord had been, but I forced myself to stay calm.

“Dellark said he got some help from the kid, so he decided to offer him a meal.”

“The great Lord of Blood and Iron received help? What, did you take on a high priest or something?”

Maxim let out a booming laugh. “That’s a funny joke.”

...For the record, I didn’t find it the least bit funny.

Either way, all eyes turned toward me. I did my best to ignore the pressure and forced a pitiful little smile.

Crazy, right? That a nobody like me would end up at such an important table.

So please, for the love of everything, react like a normal person, unlike a certain someone.

Thunk!

A knife was stabbed right into the table.

“Are you out of your damn mind?” the pirate woman asked.

She had an eyepatch, a cutlass, and the sharp, predatory look of an eagle.

She pointed straight at me. “This is a damn tavern. What the hell are you doing bringing some baby-faced brat in here?”

“...”

Oh. So that was her problem.

You’re a pirate, lady. It’s a surprise to see that coming from you.

I tore my gaze from her and looked at the monk.

Judging by the robe, he was a priest from the 72 Churches, but even those heavy layers couldn’t hide the muscle underneath. Most likely, he was specialized in combat—a heretic inquisitor.

A priest with a Middle Name? That basically meant he was the church’s ultimate weapon...

And he looked younger than I would’ve expected.

...Actually, everyone here looked really young, though I was sure the reality was different.

“...”

The priest’s sharp, narrow eyes landed on me, and his lips curled into a gentle smile. “There’s no need to worry, little brother. Nothing bad will happen.”

...Instead of reassuring me, could you maybe just kick me out? I grumbled internally. I knew that wasn’t going to happen, though.

The thug didn’t seem all that interested in me... but the witch? She was staring at me with eyes that were almost gleaming. It was creeping me out.

“Let us all take a seat first,” Maxim said in a deep voice, and the pirate clicked her tongue, and all the attention I was receiving melted away so fast it left me dazed.

“I’m sorry, but I’m a little busy with my business, and I’m booked to the minute starting tomorrow, so let’s get this over with this quick,” said the pirate.

“Kekeke,” the thug snickered openly, making the pirate narrow her eyes.

“What’s so funny? Did you see your reflection or something?”

“My bad. It’s just funny watching you try to act big in front of the real deal.”

“What did you just say?”

“Am I wrong? There are people here who are far more noble and dignified than a lawless person like you. And yet, here you are, a sea bandit, talking about your ‘busy schedule’? I can’t help but laugh.”

“Keep your damn mouth shut. You stink.”

“Oho? How about you come and do it yourself?”

“Come closer and I’ll do the honor of cutting out that tongue of yours.”

The atmosphere in the room turned real ugly real fast.

The pirate and the thug continued throwing jabs at each other, but neither the witch nor the priest seemed interested in stopping them. Only Maxim scratched his head, looking troubled.

Now that I got a good look at him, he seemed less like a lion and more like a large, sluggish bear.

Finally, a calm voice cut through the bickering. “The Middle Names were called.”

It was the Lord of Blood and Iron.

The two who had been glaring daggers at each other turned to stare at him instead.

I realized he had just used one of his blessings. He had so many that I had no clue which one it was, though.

“For the first time in ten years. Only three people in the empire have that right.”

“...”

“Coincidentally, the last person to use it, ten years ago, was the Archmage of Crimson, so I assume this must be for the same reason.”

“I heard the Archmage of Violet got taken down?” said the witch, her voice light and playful.

“I received the offer. To fill the seat, I mean... But it sounded like a hassle, so I declined.”

“...”

“Well, Alderson’s combat skills were rather poor, but... if an archmage got taken down, it’s obvious.”

The monk finished the thought: “The cult leader must have interfered.”

“...”

Now that I thought about it, it made sense.

Even if the Veiled Side was involved and the princess was under control, the demon lord’s descent had been quiet. Too quiet.

More importantly... no one ever explained how Alderson even got dragged into the Veiled Side in the first place.

As best I could tell, he had been locked up in that underground prison before everything happened.

Was it Leone’s work?

That was the most logical conclusion, but something didn’t add up.

If Leone was the mastermind behind it all, then why in the world had she helped me?

“So even with the cult leader involved, the situation ended without many casualties. That’s pretty impressive. Dellark, I heard your bloodline managed quite the feat.”

The Lord of Blood and Iron nodded at Maxim’s words. “I’m sure he did. The child has potential.”

“Ha...”

His comment sparked whispers. The pirate, the thug, and even Maxim looked surprised.

“Well... I didn’t know you knew how to compliment people like that. Why don’t you throw some praises to Hero as well?” said Maxim.

He was talking about Hero Bednicker, the eldest son. As a member of Heroes, he was probably making a name for himself right about now.

Judging by the fact that Maxim had brought him up, they must have crossed paths at some point.

“He reached A rank. That’s impressive for someone his age.”

Lord of Blood and Iron tilted his head. “Was Hero satisfied with that result?”

“Mmm...”

“I doubt it. And now is not the time to be discussing the Bednicker family’s education, Maxim.”

“...Yeah, I suppose it’s not,” Maxim agreed.

Meanwhile, I was watching the Lord of Blood and Iron the whole time, including the moment I was mentioned...

And he didn’t spare me a single glance.

But that only made me more unsure. If he had reacted at all, I could at least suspect he had figured out who I was.

However, the problem started now. My body was screaming at me to go to the restroom.

It must have been all the apple juice I’d drunk earlier.

However, no matter how thick skinned I was, I didn’t want to interrupt a room full of high-ranking big shots just to ask where the restroom was.

But I really needed to, so I did anyway.

“Uh, excuse me. I’m sorry to interrupt, but could I go use the restroom?”

Was it embarrassing? Sure. Impossible? Not really. But holding it in isn’t good for your health, so I figured, screw it.

Every pair of eyes in the room was on me again. Most of them just stared in disbelief, but Maxim bursted out laughing.

“BAHAHA! Kid, you’ve got guts, I’ve got to say. I’m looking forward to your future.”

“...Yeah, no kidding. Definitely not your average brat. Maxim, is he your disciple?”

“Nope.”

The pirate’s sharp eyes flicked over to the Lord of Blood and Iron.

“Yours, then?”

He didn’t answer though. Instead, he looked over at me and said, “Down the hall and to the right.”

“...Thank you,” I replied before hurrying the hell out of there.

Just stepping outside made me feel like I could breathe again. Although nobody had been outright trying to intimidate me, simply sitting between all those monsters had been stressful enough.

“...Should I just make a run for it?”

It wasn’t a bad idea. This wasn’t my real face anyway, so tracking me down shouldn’t be easy.

I sighed and headed for the restroom.

“U-um, excuse me? That’s...” A server tried to say something to me as I walked in, sounding a little panicked, but my bladder took priority.

When I entered the restroom, the place was spotless and unnecessarily fancy.

I guess this is what you get with high-end restaurants.

After finishing my business and washing my hands, I didn’t leave right away. Instead, I took a minute to lean against the wall and think.

No matter how I look at it, making a run for it—

And that was when the door suddenly swung open and the Lord of Blood and Iron strode in.

“Wha...”

“There were too many eyes earlier,” he said in his usual calm, emotionless voice. “Why don’t we talk for a moment.”

“...Yes, let’s talk.”

So this was what it felt like to be hunted by the greatest demon hunter? For a brief moment, I felt like I was experiencing what it would be like for High Priest Luan if he was on the run.

“...”

Surprisingly, though, the Lord of Blood and Iron seemed to be struggling to find the right words.

It didn’t suit him at all, but it was as if he was choosing his words carefully.

I wondered what he was trying to say to be hesitating like this.

So naturally, my nerves shot up too.

“I...” he finally started, his voice unusually cautious, “...respect my child’s preferences.”

“...?”

What the hell did that mean?

As my tension turned into confusion, the Lord of Blood and Iron turned around and went out the door. Just like that. No further explanation. He hadn’t even come to use the restroom.

He came all the way here to tell me that?

I stood there, stunned, before my eyes drifted to the mirror.

There, I saw Naru’s face, created by the Linchal Tribe’s mask.

Like I said before, this face looked too much like a girl. To make matters worse, the academy’s cadet uniform was unisex.

...Which meant if a random passerby saw me, it wouldn’t be strange for them to mistake me for a girl.

It was all starting to make sense.

If the Lord of Blood and Iron saw through my disguise and knows I’m Luan...

From his perspective, he just ran into his son for the first time in a while... dressed as a girl.

So the reason he hadn’t said anything to me when we met was because he’d been too stunned to say anything?

“...Oh hell no.”

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