Chapter 136
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Volume 3 + Chapter 136: Metamorphosis
When Xia Yi asked the student council president that question, her main concern was Laurel Tree Academy’s stance on the matter.
If the academy strictly forbade students from entering the central area, she would need to find another way in—which would be much riskier.
But if the academy didn’t particularly mind, then there was no problem. She just needed to perform well in the upcoming monthly exam, earn a high score, and secure the reward qualification.
However, after she asked, the council president responded cryptically.
“Xia Yi, the results… will disappoint you.”
The council president sighed and explained:
“Honestly, there’s nothing special about it. The students who requested access to the central area had their wishes granted. They saw the legendary Laurel Tree—but aside from feeling refreshed in its presence, nothing else happened.”
“…Why would that be disappointing?” Xia Yi replied.
She didn’t care about the tree at all. In fact, just knowing that the academy didn’t resist students using their reward privileges to enter was enough for her!
The council president looked puzzled. “Huh? Xia Yi, weren’t you also hoping for some kind of miraculous encounter? Or… do you have another reason for wanting to see the Laurel Tree?”
“Ah… right! Now that you mention it, it is a bit disappointing. For such an ancient tree to have no secrets at all is kind of strange.”
Xia Yi quickly feigned disappointment to avoid raising suspicion.
“But getting to see such an incredible tree is still an eye-opening experience! After all, it’s a legendary tree that predates recorded history. Maybe those people just weren’t strong enough to be acknowledged by it. Perhaps only true elites can witness something extraordinary.” The student council president mused.
“Mhm, that must be it.”
Xia Yi nodded along.
She had already learned what she needed to know.
Now, all she had to do was pass the exam and secure her reward.
The gift Xia Lulu left must really be there… I wonder what it could be?
“Council President, thanks for telling me all this,” Xia Yi changed the subject. “But… Why are you so willing to share this with me? We’ve only met twice, right?”
His enthusiasm had struck her as a little odd.
At her question, the council president looked at her with a slightly pained expression and sighed.
“Well… it’s related to Lia.”
“Lia?”
“Yeah.” He nodded. “Remember our earlier conversation? I mentioned that Lia often talked about you—something I’d never seen before.”
“I remember. But she interrupted before you could finish.”
Xia Yi recalled that incident from the freshman social.
“Actually, Lia said she wanted to be friends with you. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen her take the initiative to befriend someone.”
“……”
Xia Yi fell silent.
“Lia is incredibly talented. She’s been a huge help in the student council. It’s a shame she has to leave Laurel Tree Academy now…” The council president smiled bitterly. “So I thought, since she considered you a friend, if you ever need help, you can come to me.”
Xia Yi hadn’t expected the council president to be this earnest.
It was almost… unfamiliar to her.
“I understand.”
“I won’t disturb you any longer, Xia Yi. I still have work to do. Good luck on the monthly exam.”
With that, the council president left.
“…Lia.”
Xia Yi’s emotions were complicated.
Maybe I shouldn’t have avoided her from the start?
She could understand—growing up in the Schubert family, Lia’s personality was bound to be a little… warped. That environment was too extreme. And from what she remembered, Lia’s parents were pretty twisted.
If I get another chance to see her, maybe I should try treating her normally instead of pushing her away.
“Alright, that’s decided!” Xia Yi thought to herself.
—
The Schubert Family, Rhine Kingdom.
“You… How dare you show your face here?!”
Lia glared at the man before her, her voice sharp with accusation.
“Do you have any idea how much trouble you’ve caused our family?! You even tried to kill me!”
The man standing before her was none other than the current Human Sword Saint—Wright Schubert.
But unlike usual, he wasn’t wearing his armor. He had taken off that heavy suit of steel, revealing his true face.
“I’m sorry, Lia. It was my fault.”
“You actually admit it?!”
Lia was furious. She wanted to call for someone to throw this dangerous bastard out.
But before she could act, a voice stopped her.
“Lia, leave.”
A mature man stood up from his seat. His voice was deep, his gaze firm. He was the strongest of the younger generation in the Schubert family—the future heir.
Mino Schubert.
“…Brother.”
Lia frowned, shot one last glare at the Sword Saint, then stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
Now, only two remained in the room.
Mino and Wright.
“I heard you tried to kill Lia?” Mino’s voice was cold.
“There was… an incident. I admit I lost control.” The Sword Saint didn’t bother making excuses. “It was entirely my fault. I even manipulated Lia.”
Mino’s eyes flashed with killing intent.
In one swift motion, he grabbed a decorative sword from the wall and swung it straight at the Sword Saint’s head.
The Sword Saint drew his own blade and blocked the strike—then countered with a slash of his own.
CLANG!
Mino parried it effortlessly.
For a moment, it seemed they were evenly matched.
“Your swordsmanship has improved, Mino,” the Sword Saint remarked.
“Swordsmanship isn’t my strongest skill.”
“Then, oh prodigy of dual disciplines… Are you trying to kill me?”
“A little.”
Mino did want to kill this impostor.
This fake “Wright” had grown increasingly uncontrollable. He was supposed to be nothing more than an experiment—a puppet. Yet he had developed his own will, defied orders, and even used the family’s authority to command others.
The last incident had caused severe damage.
The Schubert family had been forced to compensate Laurel Tree Academy heavily, and Lia had withdrawn from the school.
Not that Lia needed a diploma from Laurel Tree Academy—the Schubert name alone carried enough prestige.
But tarnishing the family’s reputation? That was unacceptable.
“The Schubert family has no right to execute me.”
The Sword Saint pushed Mino back with a surge of power.
Mino couldn’t deny that.
Because this “Human Sword Saint” didn’t belong solely to the Schubert family—he was a product of the Rhine Kingdom’s high-ranking officials.
The Morrison Family, leaders of Rhine Alchemy, had provided the core technology for creating hybrid beings.
The Schubert Family, part of the Rhine Cabinet, had supplied the identity of “Wright Schubert.”
And the Frost Family of the Holy Knights had contributed the holy sword, Balmung…
On paper, he was a Schubert. But in reality, disposing of him wasn’t something the family could decide alone.
His existence was an accident. Even now, humanity hasn’t perfected the process of creating stable hybrids. As the most successful specimen, he knew his value—and he exploited it.
“Put the sword away, Mino. I admit my mistakes. But let’s not forget—the Schubert family has also profited greatly from me over the years. I’d say my contributions far outweigh the damage from that incident.”
“Why do something so reckless? Have you lost your mind?”
“I’m perfectly sane. I knew exactly what I was doing. It was a necessary evil.”
The Sword Saint sheathed his blade.
“Now, I’ve fully mastered my power. I no longer need armor to suppress myself. I’ve become… perfect.”
“Let’s hope so.”
Mino returned the sword to its mount.
As the heir, he couldn’t act without the family head’s approval. No matter how much he despised this fake, he couldn’t overstep.
“I no longer have to fear losing control. I can wield my draconic power freely—fight for humanity as I see fit. I’ve surpassed the Sword Saint of old. This is… my metamorphosis.”
With the doctor’s serum, the risk of draconic corruption was gone.
“Resilient. Invincible. Supreme. That is what I am now.”
“The family head sent me to confirm your stance,” Mino said, cutting to the chase.
“Then tell him this—I have always stood with humanity. I fight for mankind.” The Sword Saint’s voice was firm. “I wield this power in the name of humanity, proving to the world that we are not weak!”
“I’ll relay that. Now—what are your plans? The family needs to know.”
“I’m going to Laurel Tree Academy.”
“Again?”
“Relax. I’m not there to cause trouble. I’m going to apologize to those I hurt.”
Mino didn’t care for the Sword Saint’s newfound conscience. His concern was the family’s interests.
“Do as you wish. Cleaning up your image benefits us too.”
“Good.”
The Sword Saint turned and left.
As he glanced at the holy sword’s crest on his hand, he smiled.
No more hiding behind a mask.
He had waited far too long for this.
“The time for revolution has come. I will bear the hopes of all, crush the dragons, and restore glory to mankind.”
[Author’s Note: This chapter is 3,000 words long! Consider it an extra update!]
