Chapter 71: A Warrior’s Promise
"So, what do you think, boy?" Klaus asked, his old face brimming with pride as he overlooked the trio. His wrinkled eyes softened slightly as he watched them, memories stirring deep within. He really looks like my old friend back when we were Sylvaris's age... Time passed so quickly... Look at your grandson now... He's become a true man. I always knew he would be the best of the Elyndors. None of his brothers could ever match his aura and glory...
"Damn old man, you've overdone yourself," Sylvaris said with a grin, pulling both girls into his embrace as his golden eyes hungrily devoured the sight of them in their new clothes. "I like that you stuck to what I like — and the girls look amazing. Wow."
The way he held them, the way his gaze burned with fresh desire to undress them all over again, made the two girls blush, warmth creeping up their cheeks.
"Thank you, Mr. Klaus. And thank you, sisters," Liraeth said, bowing her head slightly in gratitude. Her violet eyes shone with excitement. "This outfit... it's even better than anything I could have ever gotten back in my hometown. Even elven cloth isn't this powerful. Just how in the world did you manage to infuse my clothes with time runes? This will boost my strength so much!"
Klaus smiled proudly, puffing his chest out a little. Praise from women was always his favorite reward.
"It's nothing much. I've been working with clothes for over sixty years. You pick up a thing or two as you grow older."
Faylira twirled around Sylvaris with a teasing sway of her hips, her nine fox tails brushing lightly against his arms. "Sylvaris, what do you think? Do I look like a true warrior now? I can't wait to see how this outfit matches my close combat fighting style."
"You look amazing," Sylvaris said boldly, his voice low and certain. "Both of you. True sexy warriors, fitting to stay by my side forever."
The girls flushed deeper, pressing closer against him. Even the nearby maids, trying their best to stay professional, couldn't help but blush slightly, secretly wishing those words had been meant for them too.
"Thank you..." the two girls said together, their faces blushing deep crimson. Klaus smiled warmly at the sight, nodding in approval. Sylvaris knew what to say and how to carry himself — he was a true man. But Klaus also knew that the boy still had duties to attend to.
"You three lovebirds... listen," Klaus said, shaking his head with a half-smile. "This is not a house of pleasure. If you're done, then get out before I charge you for the clothes. Also, these are for the girls — and you as well."
Clap—clap! Several maids emerged from the back room, carrying heavy baskets in their arms.
"These are copies of your clothes in case you tear them, and a month's worth of underwear for all of you," Klaus announced, looking very pleased with himself.
"Klaus... this is..." Sylvaris was left speechless for a moment. He quickly scrambled to open his system inventory and pulled out a large bag of gold.
"Keep your money, young Sylvaris," Klaus said firmly, waving his hand dismissively. "You'll need it for your travels. As for an old man like me... money is not a problem anymore. I've saved enough over the years to give gifts like these to friends."
He smiled proudly, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes — something heavier. "Without your grandfather's help, I would have never built what I have today. He pulled me out of hell and made me into the man I am. So if I can't repay him, at least by treating his grandson right... he'd probably haunt me from his grave, hahaha!"
He laughed loudly, but Sylvaris could see it — the way Klaus's eyes shone faintly with unshed tears.
Sylvaris watched the old man, feeling his respect for him deepen even more.
Without hesitation, Sylvaris drew his sword and, in a swift motion, cut across his own wrist.
No shocked gasps echoed through the room. The maids, the girls — all simply watched with surprised but warm expressions.
As Sylvaris's blood dripped onto the floor, Klaus stood silently, watching him with deep reverence.This gesture was ancient — the highest sign of loyalty and respect a warrior could give.
To bleed willingly before another meant you acknowledged them as a brother. It said without words: "I will bleed for you. I will fight for you. I will die for you." Words could never carry the same weight as action.
And with the System strengthening warriors' bodies, such a wound was nothing serious — for Sylvaris, this was an offering without hesitation.
"Old man," Sylvaris said, voice steady, his golden eyes burning with conviction. "When the time comes, I will make sure you live the best life imaginable. And if you ever need me to kill anyone or anything for you, just ask. I will fight even an army of a million for you."
Klaus stared at the blood dripping onto his polished floor, his throat working silently. For a long moment, he said nothing — only nodded once, slow and heavy, as if stamping this moment into his very soul.
"You're truly an Elyndor," he said at last, his voice thick with pride, cracking slightly at the edges. "And you honor the bloodline more than any words ever could."
He stepped forward, placing a calloused hand firmly on Sylvaris's shoulder — a warrior's grip, rough and strong — and squeezed.
"I don't need you to fight a million men for me, boy," Klaus said, his eyes gleaming. "You're already repaying me just by living like this."
The old tailor smiled then, a wide, fierce grin that erased years from his worn face, and for a moment, he looked not like a shopkeeper, but like the warrior he once had been.
"Go," Klaus said. "Go make the world tremble."
With the girls at his side and the blood of old oaths fresh in his veins, Sylvaris stepped forward.
The gods had their temples. He would build his own legend in blood and desire. Klaus watched them depart, the pipe forgotten between his fingers, a heavy smile tugging at his lips. Go on, boy, he thought proudly. The world isn't ready for you.
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