Infinite Returns : The More I Give, The Stronger I Become-Chapter 58: Swordy

Chapter 58: Swordy

Clink. Clink—!

The sharp clang of metal rang through the training grounds as Ethan stepped inside, the air buzzing with tension and effort.

He had returned to his normal appearance—nothing too striking, just a touch above average. Enough to blend in, not stand out.

His sword rested calmly in his right hand, its matte black sheen dull under the training ground’s filtered light. It didn’t need to be out, not really. He can just store it and summon it whenever he needs it.

But Ethan couldn’t help himself.

"I feel whole when I’m holding you," he whispered to the blade. "So unless there’s a damn good reason, you’ll stay by my side."

The sword hummed softly, a content resonance thrumming through his palm. As if pleased—no, honored—to be kept close.

Ethan smiled faintly, turning his eyes to the expanse ahead.

This was the training ground of Solaris—Floor 10 of the Tower. A place where Climbers honed their skills before ascending further. It was wide, spartan, dust floating under the golden light of floating lamps. Sparring pairs and solo trainees littered the field, each absorbed in their own challenges.

Ethan scanned the area.

"Now... where’s the instructor?" he muttered.

He looked around for nearly a minute but found no one who fit the role.

’Classic setup... Shouldn’t there be some grizzled old master here? Hey, System?’

[Indeed. There is.]

’Where?’

[The beggar. Far end of the grounds.]

Ethan followed the system’s instructions and spotted him: an older man slumped against a wall, half-empty liquor bottle dangling from his hand. Torn clothes clung to his wiry frame, red hair tangled, black eyes half-lidded with disinterest. He might’ve been handsome once—but now he reeked of apathy and neglect.

Ethan tilted his head.

’Hidden master trope, huh? Hell, this feels like a hidden quest...’

...Stop. You’re not in a game, Ethan. Focus.

Still, his instincts said this man was important.

He approached.

A few nearby trainees noticed and called out.

"Hey, man—don’t bother with him. He’s insane."

"Yeah, you’ll just waste your time."

Ethan smiled and ignored them.

If the system says he’s a teacher—he is.

Whether good or bad... he’d find out soon enough.

He crouched before the man and spoke politely.

"Hello, Great Elder. I seek guidance in the way of the sword."

The man didn’t respond at first, hell he didn’t even meet his eyes. His gaze remained fixed on one thing:

Ethan’s sword.

Finally, he stirred, his posture subtly shifting. His voice rasped, unused.

"...How... how did you get that sword?"

"This?" Ethan glanced at the blade. " I Earned it. From one of my cleared floor of the Tower’s trials."

The man’s eyes sharpened.

"I’ll buy it."

His tone had changed—serious now. Grounded.

"I’ll buy that sword from you. You don’t understand what you’re holding. I’ve never seen balance so pure... form so flawless. What do you want for it? Millions of platinum coins? A lifetime of training under me?"

Ethan didn’t interrupt—he just listened. Amused.

People offering him money was always a little funny to him.

They never knew...

His system inventory held trillions in platinum. Wealth was not even on the list of his problems.

But this reaction confirmed one thing: this man knew swords. Deeply.

’Might be worth it to win him over,’ Ethan mused.

And... I still need a name for mine...

Then a better idea sparked.

’I’ve got that bloodline—the Monarch of Swords at Supreme rank. The return I got from the Sword King bloodline I gave to King Castria.’

He smiled softly.

’Maybe it’s time to earn some points back...’

He looked the man in the eye and smiled gently.

"I’m afraid I can’t sell this sword. It means too much to me."

The man’s face started to darken with disinterest again.

"But," Ethan continued, "if it’s a good sword you want—I can offer you one. And more, if you’d like."

He extended a hand.

"I’m Ethan Yagami. Pleased to meet you."

The man was quiet for a moment.

"...Syed," he said at last. "But most here just call me... ’Swordy.’"

Ethan’s lips twitched.

’Swordy’? Seriously? How old are you really?

But he held his tongue.

Syed rose unsteadily, still buzzed from his drink, and motioned for Ethan to follow.

"Let’s talk in private."

Whispers followed them as they left.

"He fell for it."

"Total scam."

But Ethan didn’t care about what they thought.

...

In a private room, the two sat across from each other at a small wooden table.

"I’m listening," Syed said.

Ethan snapped his fingers and applied his Space-Time Barrier.

A translucent field shimmered into place around them. Syed’s posture went rigid. He looked around sharply.

"No need to panic," Ethan said calmly. "Just a little privacy. No one sees in. No one hears out."

But the elder’s unease didn’t vanish. His eyes narrowed.

’A D-rank? Casually casting a barrier like that?’

Syed sat a little straighter now. ƒrēenovelkiss.com

He thought he had the advantage in this discussion but now it seemed like it’s not the case.

’His background... it must be monstrous.’

Ethan leaned forward.

"Tell me, what’s your sword type?"

Syed hesitated, then answered: "Katana."

System, any SS-rank katana in inventory?

[None.]

...Wait, what?

Ethan’s mind stumbled.

’Why didn’t you say anything before I got cocky? Now I’ve got no points either!’

[You don’t have SS-rank katanas. You do have a SSS-rank one.]

Relief flooded him.

Well it was not what I wanted to give but never mind.

Give it to me—now.

A sword materialized before him in a flash of golden light.

Syed’s eyes widened.

He lurched from his seat and snatched the blade with reverent hands.

For the first time since Ethan met him, his eyes held life.

The katana gleamed—pure white, with golden markings that spiraled down its flawless blade. Even the hilt shimmered with holy elegance.

Syed’s fingers trembled.

Ethan’s voice broke the silence.

"It’s yours."

The man looked up, stunned.

"A SSS-rank weapon. The Golden Katana of Sky."

Ethan smiled.

"I hope you like it."

—End of Chapter 58—