Chapter 86: Chapter 86 - Perfect Sword Body
Within hours of learning about the ambush, they mobilized a search team. Elite guards and trusted aides were dispatched throughout the state, scouring every corner for suspicious individuals. No stone was left unturned as they hunted for clues about the attackers. The search team operated with ruthless efficiency.
Days of relentless investigation have yielded significant results. The search team uncovered a network of spies embedded within the state, hailing from various factions and regions.
The captured spies were brought to the estate for interrogation, their fates sealed by the fury of Renard and Sophia. The message was clear: any threat to the Dwight family would be met with merciless retribution.
Meanwhile, within the mansion, Spark found himself under house arrest. His parents, especially his mother, were adamant about his safety. The freedom he had once enjoyed was now severely restricted. He was not allowed to leave the mansion gates, confined to the lavish but stifling walls of his home.
"Grounded, like a child," Spark grumbled to himself, pacing the grand hall of the mansion. His expression remained calm, but a hint of frustration flickered in his eyes.
"Your safety is paramount." Said his mother, her voice firm but tinged with worry.
Spark sighed. "But Mother, I can handle myself."
Sophia\'s gaze softened, but her resolve remained. "I know you can, but this is not up for discussion."
As they conversed, a small figure scampered into the hall followed by a maid. It was Alice, her eyes wide with curiosity and concern. She looked up at Spark with an earnest expression.
"Why can\'t Father leave the house?" Alice asked, her innocent voice cutting through the tension.
Sophia knelt beside Alice, smoothing the girl\'s hair with gentle fingers and explained softly. "Because bad people are looking after Father."
Hearing "bad people," Alice\'s eyes widened further and she clenched her tiny fist in determination "Can Alice and Grandma Poo help Father beat up the bad people?"
Sophia\'s stern demeanor softened into a tender smile as she caressed Alice\'s hair.
"Yes, Alice can," she replied. "Once Alice gets strong."
Alice puffed out her chest and flexed her imaginary muscles.
"Alice is strong," she declared. "Alice has been training daily."
Seeing Alice\'s enthusiasm, Spark and his mother couldn\'t help but laugh at her bravado. The tension in the room eased, and the warmth of their family bond briefly alleviated Sophia\'s worries.
…
-The Clear Sky Tower-
In the highest chamber of the tower, surrounded by ancient tomes and artifacts, an old figure sat in quiet contemplation. His eyes, sharp and calculating, gazed out at the distant horizon, lost in thought.
The room was filled with an air of timelessness, the dim light from a few scattered candles casting long shadows that danced across the walls lined with shelves of ancient scrolls and mystical objects.
The door to the chamber creaked open, breaking the stillness. A middle-aged man entered, bowing deeply before speaking. This was the same steward who had overseen the fight between Victor and Spark during the day.
"Master, the incident between Victor and Spark has caused quite a stir," the steward began, his voice respectful but tinged with concern. "The Dwight family has expressed their displeasure."
The old figure before him was the Tower Master of the Clear Sky Tower. No one knew how old he was or how powerful he was. All they knew was he was among the most influential people in the world, as he had established Clear Sky Towers all around the continent.
"That child Victor is too hoity," the old figure shook his head, a look of mild annoyance crossing his features. "I knew this would happen sooner or later."
"Did you foresee this, Master?" asked the steward.
The Tower Master nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "I expected as much," he said, his voice measured. "I shouldn\'t have let him into the Dwight state, but it was his decision to come here."
"Do you know why I\'m looking after victor?" Suddenly asked the tower master.
The steward hesitated for a moment, unsure of the depth of the Tower Master\'s knowledge.
"Because Victor possesses the bloodline of the Dwight family and a perfect sword body," he replied cautiously. "He is an exceptional talent, unmatched in his potential."
A faint smile played on the Tower Master\'s lips as he faced the steward.
"Indeed, Victor\'s potential is extraordinary. But there is more to his lineage than meets the eye." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "The Dwight family in this Jul Empire is but a small branch of a much larger and more powerful family that governs countless worlds in the Immortal Kingdom."
The steward\'s eyes widened in surprise, his breath catching in his throat.
"The Immortal Kingdom!?" he repeated, awestruck. As a steward serving for the Clear Sky Tower for his whole life, he knew a thing or two about the Tower Master\'s origin and things relating to the Immortal Kingdom.
The Tower Master leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant. "As someone from that world, I am privy to many secrets that remain hidden from the inhabitants of this realm. The original Dwight family in the Immortal Kingdom is a force to be reckoned with, and their influence stretches far and wide."
He paused, allowing the steward to absorb this revelation before continuing. "Victor\'s perfect sword body is a rare and coveted trait. It is why I chose him to join the Clear Sky Tower. I intended to cultivate his potential and, eventually, present him to the original Dwight family."
The steward remained silent, his mind racing with the implications of the Tower Master\'s words. "Master, does the Dwight family here know of their connection to the larger family in the Immortal Kingdom?"
"No, they don\'t." The Tower Master shook his head. "It is a secret I have kept, for revealing it would only complicate matters."
The steward nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Master, is this sword body truly rare?"
At the question, the Tower Master\'s eyes sparkled with a blend of nostalgia and intrigue. "Indeed, it is very rare. This is only the second time someone has been born with a perfect sword body. The first instance occurred many years ago and involved a truly remarkable individual."
Leaning in with keen interest, the steward asked, "Who was the first person with a perfect sword body?"
The Tower Master\'s gaze grew distant, as if he were looking through the corridors of time. "The progenitor of the original Dwight family in the Immortal Kingdom. His skill was unmatched, and his legacy continues to resonate through the ages."
The steward\'s eyes widened in awe. "The progenitor..."
The Tower Master nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, and now we have Victor, who bears the same potential. It is both a blessing and a burden. We must approach this situation with great care."
He rose from his chair, his presence commanding and authoritative. "Prepare a gift of apology to be sent to the Dwight family. For all the troubles Victor caused."
The steward bowed deeply. "At once, Master. I will see to it personally."
As the steward left the chamber to carry out his orders, the Tower Master returned to his contemplation. His mind was a labyrinth of plans and secrets, each step calculated to further his goals.