Chapter 70: Adrian is Worried [2]
"Good afternoon, Adrian."
"Good afternoon, Father. How was your meeting?"
My father wasn't surprised that I knew about it, clearly having guessed I'd spoken to my mother first.
"It went as well as could be expected. I know you're surprised about the two guards I sent, so I'll get straight to the point. Two of our carriages were attacked during transport from Alderton City. Many of our people died and valuable cargos were stolen."
My eyebrows furrowed at the news. Our family crest was prominently displayed on all our carriages, and for someone to attack them even after seeing that symbol, and still being capable of killing our people, meant these weren't amateur bandits. This was a premeditated plan executed by competent adversaries.
"Is there anyone alive for questioning?" I asked, though I suspected the answer was no.
"None. They either died in the fighting or fled the scene completely. The meeting I just finished was about this exact issue. We need to identify the perpetrators quickly, or this will escalate into a serious problem. The enemy isn't weak, they deployed multiple Elite-rank fighters and at least two Transcendent-rank awakeners. That's why I sent you those guards, son. They might target you directly."
I nodded grimly. "Thank you for the protection, Father."
Having the backing of a duke certainly had its advantages. Two Transcendent-rank guards protecting me, combined with my current capabilities, made me nearly invincible unless a Commander-rank opponent appeared on the scene or we were fully surrounded.
Then I asked him about the contents of the storage ring. I had already examined it, my father had sent approximately 50,000 gold coins, which was an enormous sum considering I'd only spent about five hundred coins on mortal-grade materials at the shop with Elen. But the money wasn't what prompted my question, it was something else.
There was also a sword, and I could tell immediately that it was extremely powerful. Since my system couldn't appraise items it hadn't given me, I needed to ask about its specifications.
"That's a Rare-ranked sword, son. I commissioned it from the kingdom's greatest blacksmith the day we began training together. With everything that's happening, you should keep it close. It's called Knight's Wrath, bind it by dropping your blood onto the blade."
I paused, feeling genuinely moved by his foresight and care. The family I had transmigrated into was truly exceptional. A rare ranked sword was an item that transcendent rank beings dreamt of having.
"Father, this must have cost a fortune. Thanks a lot."
"Your safety and success are worth any price, Adrian. Besides, you've already proven yourself capable of wielding such equipment. Your bloodline and record-breaking performances at the academy show you won't let it go to waste."
I examined the weapon more carefully after summoning it from the storage ring. The craftsmanship was extraordinary - every line and curve spoke of masterful technique and premium materials. This wasn't just equipment; it was a work of art designed for serious combat.
"The blade can cut through every Elite-rank defences without difficulty. Against, awakeners at the transcendent rank, it can break through most of their defences. But remember, the sword is only as effective as the person wielding it. Without understanding your sword, you will not be able to truly make it shine."
"Yes, father. I won't disappoint you."
"You already haven't, son. Your mother and I couldn't be prouder of what you've been doing. Just promise me you'll be careful. These attacks on our people suggest someone is testing our family's defences. I don't want you taking unnecessary risks, and if possible, reduce your hunts in the forest."
"I promise to be more cautious. The guards you sent will help ensure that."
"Good. Is there anything else you need? "
I considered his offer carefully before shaking my head. "Not at the moment. The financial support and equipment should cover my immediate needs. If the situation changes, I'll contact you immediately."
"Very well. Take care of yourself, Adrian. And remember, you're not just representing yourself at that academy. You carry the Blackwood name and everything it stands for."
"I won't forget, Father."
After ending the communication, I sat in contemplative silence, thinking about who would possibly want to attack the blackwood family. After ravaging through my memories, I decided to not dawdle on the matter. Whilst the suspects where very obvious, pinpointing to a specific suspect was the issue.
The original Adrian had been fortunate to have such parents, even if he'd been too immature to appreciate them properly. I wouldn't make that mistake.
I retrieved Knight's Wrath from the storage ring, feeling its perfect weight and balance. Time to bind this weapon and prepare for whatever challenges lay ahead.
I cut my fingertip with the blade's edge, letting a small drop of blood fall onto the cold metal. The crimson droplet landed on the steel before being absorbed immediately into the weapon's surface.
An intense light suddenly erupted from the sword for a brief moment before fading back to normal. While the weapon appeared unchanged externally, I felt a profound shift in our connection. It no longer felt like just any sword, it was unmistakably mine now.
This was the beauty of blood-bound items. The weapon would now respond to my specific mana signature and will. No one else would be able to wield Knight's Wrath with the same effectiveness, even if they somehow managed to steal it from me.
I gave the sword a few practice swings, marvelling at how naturally it felt. The balance point had shifted slightly to accommodate my preferred grip.
My father had truly given me something extraordinary. This weapon would serve me well through whatever challenges the academy and the wider world might present.
With Knight's Wrath properly bound and my new guards stationed nearby, I felt more prepared than ever to face the uncertainties ahead.
I stood up from the couch preparing to head to section G to book a room to start practising using my blacksmithing tools.
The ideas in my mind were wild, and I couldn't wait to start implementing them.