Of course, this is just wishful thinking. There aren't many in Vorn who can be graced with the title of Sword Saint, but there are dozens, including those with quirky temperaments and even wicked ones. Compared to them, the Gray Sword Saint Mephisto is practically a model citizen. To get all these people to acknowledge you is, frankly, an impossible task. Among the Extreme Sword Saints Brand knows, there is Veronica, but whether that Cruz Female War God would take such a liking to him as to teach him swordsmanship remains unknown. Veronica once joked about teaching him swordsmanship, but the prerequisite was for him to become an Imperial, which, too, is impossible.

A crisp 'clang' interrupted Brand's wandering thoughts as the Earth Sword in his hand clashed with Mephisto's gray longsword. A powerful force nearly made him lose grip and send the sword flying. He quickly retreated, with three illusions interspersing around him to block Mephisto's path of attack, allowing Brand to narrowly escape disaster.

Mephisto watched as the three illusions vanished before him. He had no intention of pressing further and sheathed his sword, looking at the panting Brand: "Lost in thought just now?"

Brand nodded, catching his breath: "Yes." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"Let's call it a day then," the Gray Sword Saint answered cleanly and decisively.

Brand nodded again. But as he stood, he couldn't help but ask: "Count, we've not been together long, but since the Trade Wind Ring, it's been nearly half a month. I'm well aware of your character; with your demeanor, you would never willingly bow or show goodwill to anyone, right?"

The Gray Sword Saint remained silent, tacitly agreeing with Brand's assessment.

"And you should be aware of my nature. I don't mind joking about trivial matters, but since I promised Lady Veronica to help you restore your country, I will never go back on my word or intentionally delay." Brand paused: "I reckon you came today to offer guidance in swordsmanship, didn't you...?"

"When do you plan to leave the forest?" Mephisto countered.

"The Druids have prepared the equipment, and Elves and Human mercenaries are ready, but finding enough transports is a problem. Even with the abilities of the Druids and Tree Elves, it's impossible to gather that many Flying Horses at once." Brand frowned, Mephisto had pointed out his most pressing issue. Now they had an army, but the fastest way to move these troops out was a major problem—he hadn't forgotten he was deep in the Black Forest, at least a month's journey from the Erune border: "But in no more than a week, the army will have to set off, at least a part of it."

Mephisto nodded: "I heard about the trouble your territory is in, how confident are you in winning?"

He's worried I might lose? Brand had a small epiphany. He couldn't help but glance at Mephisto, asking: "Speaking of which, I've always wanted to ask, Count, though I don't know what agreement you reached with the Cruz Duchess. However, you chose my side, knowing that Erune is full of my enemies, maybe choosing me isn't exactly wise, don't you think?"

Mephisto's gray eyes lingered on Brand. The young man's cleverness reminded him of a young Veronica, no wonder the woman held him in such high regard. He rarely smiled, but did so slightly: "'Captain', your enemies are many, while my enemy is but one. What do you think?"

Brand was taken aback, then couldn't help but laugh. Indeed, the aloof Gray Sword Saint had only ever had one enemy—the Cruz Empire. If he wasn't afraid of that behemoth, why would he fear the chickens and dogs within Erune?

"So, Count, what are you implying?" Brand asked.

The Gray Sword Saint looked at him, asking seriously: "I've come to ask if you're willing to accept my teachings, become the heir to my swordsmanship."

"What?"

Brand was dumbfounded, resisting the urge to touch his face to see if he had some change in appearance since leaving the Trade Wind Ring—a reason why he suddenly seemed so beloved and sought after. Yet having already been taught by the Ancient Heroic Spirit Knight Otarais, even if a Sword Saint suddenly offered to take him as a disciple, it wouldn't leave him so astonished he couldn't speak.