"I'm sorry. It is hard to tell you that," Kayan said.
I hadn't expected him to refuse outright. No matter how shameless I was, pushing further felt impossible.
I smacked my lips and muttered, "This is such a difficult task."
"I'm not hoping for victory," Kayan explained. "You just need to spar with her once in the future. Since it is a sparring match there is no risk of losing your life, right?"
So the fight is the goal. What on earth is Kayan's intention?
I had no particular expectations, but I didn't believe he harbored ill will. It seemed too inefficient and strange to be a trap.
I nodded. "I understand."
I weighed the possibilities, but the decisive factor for accepting it was simple—a competitive spirit. This would be a chance to fight someone who would one day be recognized as one of the empire's strongest. Honestly, I wanted to make the request myself.
"So when can we fight?" I asked.
"I hope you can settle it before you turn twenty," Kayan replied.
That gave me five years—no, four, since this year was nearly over.
My thoughts wandered until I noticed Kayan standing before me.
"Ah, right," I said. "I've been putting the Hidden Steps you taught me to good use. I've even made a few modifications."
"That sounds interesting," Kayan remarked.
"I will show you later, so please give me your honest opinion. But before that, there is something I want to ask."
"Please go ahead, Master Luan," Kayan responded.
Not Young Master Luan, but Master Luan. The change in title wasn't just superficial.
Kayan bowed politely, showing me the utmost courtesy. Somehow, I was convinced that he wouldn't betray me—not after I'd agreed to his request.
It was puzzling. Everyone in the Badniker family had attempted to make Kayan a direct subordinate. He had belittled himself, but serving the family for decades with unwavering loyalty while excelling in his duties was no small feat, especially as a collector, the most demanding role among the Badnikers.
Thus, I didn't hesitate to state my purpose. "I need information about the gods of disaster."
"You mean the demon kings?" Kayan asked.
"Yes," I confirmed.
Kayan looked slightly surprised. He paused, deep in thought, before speaking. "First, you can use the library at the main house."
"You mean the one on the main building's first floor?" I asked.
"Yes."
"I can only get general information from such places. I need something more, such as details on their exact appearances, strength, characteristics, the damage they've caused to the empire, their past actions, and, if possible, their current whereabouts."
Only then did Kayan's expression change. "That information is among the most closely guarded secrets. Ordinary people could search their entire lives and never find a trace of it."
I was aware of that, which was why I was asking.
Kayan continued, "If it's you, Master Luan, your talent will surely be recognized one day, and you'll gain access to the main family's underground library..."
The Badnikers' underground library housed many valuable books and martial arts reference manuals scarcely found even within the empire. Of course, access was strictly restricted, and none of the Iron-Blooded Lord's children had been yet permitted to enter.
Kayan shook his head as if he already knew this. "That is too far in the future. If my guess is correct, you want the information as soon as possible."
"Exactly," I replied.
"In my opinion, the fastest way is to qualify as a hero first. Not just a hero in name, but one officially affiliated with the Hero Society."
This was a standard answer. The Hero Society was the empire's largest hero organization, open to anyone who passed its rigorous tests. It included not only members of the Great Families but also royalty, aristocrats, commoners, slaves, and even individuals from other races.
It was truly the empire's largest institution, its influence so vast that even the imperial family and the four major religions couldn't openly defy its will.
"Becoming a formal hero takes at least a year, including the probationary period and the examination," I noted.
No matter how young I was, I had no intention of wasting time to become a hero. A year was too long.
"Normally, yes," Kayan said. "However, there is a way to shorten that period significantly."
"How?"
His next words were unexpected. "By participating in the training camp."
"The training camp?" I echoed. "You mean the Badnikers' six-week training course?"
"Exactly. The Badnikers hold the credentials of an educational institution for hero disciples. After a separate test, they can grant hero qualifications at their discretion," Kayan explained.
"Is that even possible?"
"For the Badnikers, yes," Kayan replied.
It was frustrating but true. After all, they were one of the two families that protected the empire.
"So, all I need to do is complete the course?" I probed.
"I've heard only the top three graduates receive the qualification," Kayan clarified.
"I see. That makes sense."
Six weeks wasn't long, and the training camp would be held at the Badnikers' main house. Staying in this land, rich in natural energy, would be beneficial. In any case, it was a rare training spot.
"Alternatively, you could ask the family head directly," Kayan added.
"The family head?"
"Yes." Kayan continued, "If he personally teaches you or grants you access to the underground library, who in the Badniker family can object?"
This makes sense.
"However, the family head didn't even attend the blessing ceremony," Kayan pointed out. "I don't know when he will return. For now, you'd need permission from most of the Great Masters or directly from Assad—"
Just then, the door swung open, and the Iron-Blooded Lord entered. "You are awake, Luan."
"Ah, yes," I replied.
"You haven't forgotten our appointment for a meal, have you?" he asked.
"Of course not."
"I'm glad. It is a bit late for lunch, but can we do it now? I have an engagement in the evening," he explained.
"Sure," I agreed.
"Wear comfortable clothes and come to the fifth floor by 3 p.m. I'll be waiting," he instructed.
"Understood."
The Iron-Blooded Lord then turned to Kayan and said, "Kayan, you look better since retiring. I'm sorry I can't invite you this time, but I will arrange another meeting soon."
"Y-yes?" Kayan stammered.
"Apologies for the interruption." With that, the Iron-Blooded Lord closed the door and left.
I was flustered, but Kayan seemed way more rattled and suddenly slapped himself.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"This isn't a dream, is it?" Kayan muttered.
I was rendered speechless.
***
I left the room, leaving Kayan behind.
Should I take the Seven Sins Sword just in case? I wondered.
I grabbed the Seven Sins Sword I had stashed under my bed. If the Martial God sensed the Iron-Blooded Lord, his consciousness would likely awaken again, giving me a chance to ask about the Forgotten Era and receive advice.
Fortunately, the Seven Sins Sword now resembled a toy sword at first glance. No one would see it as a threat. They would probably look at me like I was crazy, but I was used to such looks. It didn't bother me.
With the mindset of a knight ready for battle, I headed toward the fifth floor.
Yes, the fifth floor of the Badnikers' main house.
The third floor was strictly off-limits to outsiders. The fourth floor was even more restricted, accessible only to a select few. Then came the fifth floor. No rumors circulated about it simply because it was a place where rumors couldn't reach.
The fifth floor was entirely the Iron-Blooded Lord's domain. Entry was forbidden to anyone not permitted, even elders. As far as I knew, Assad, the family's guardian for generations, was the only one who could freely come and go.
This made me more curious than when I ventured to the Trial Room on the fourth floor.
As I tried to move from the third to the fourth floor, I encountered a familiar face.
"You...!" Hector exclaimed, pointing at me with wide eyes.
Being pointed at so early in the morning wasn't pleasant, but I brushed it off.
"Hello, Brother Hector. How is your recovery going?" I asked.
"Are you seriously asking me that?" he shot back.
"Why now? Since I'm the one who hit you, can't I ask how you are doing?"
Of course, my anger could resurface if he started talking nonsense again. But for now, I was fine.
"Your face looks better," I observed. "Those weren't wounds that would heal in a day."
"I called a high priest."
"I see," I responded. "You really splurged."
Hector's maternal family is quite successful, at least financially.
"I'll be staying at the main house for a while. Let's greet each other often. Just keep a reasonable distance," I suggested.
This was something I wanted to say to all my siblings, not just Hector. There was no need for deadly fights, nor did I want a close sibling bond. A proper distance, exchanging greetings as we passed, would suffice.
I had nothing more to say and was about to pass by when Hector suddenly asked, "Where are you going?"
"The fifth floor," I replied curtly.
"What? Why there...?"
"To have a meal with the family head," I answered.
Hector's expression turned comical as if he'd seen a meteorite falling from the sky.
He murmured, almost to himself, "Why are you having a meal with Father..."
"Because he invited me," I said flatly.
"Since when—"
"I don't know," I snapped. "Now move aside."
Explaining would require recounting my encounter with the Iron-Blooded Lord in the family's forbidden area, and I had no reason to share that with him.
I tried to push past as Hector mumbled gloomily, but he grabbed my shoulder like a madman.
"Wait!" he exclaimed, quickly letting go after seeing my expression. "N-no. Wait a minute."
It seemed a few hits had instilled some sense of etiquette in him—and in me, too. At this point, I couldn't help wondering if a punch was essential for a Badniker's character education.
"What is it?" I asked.
"I also... I'll come with you," he blurted out.
"Do as you please," I said with a shrug. "But why are you telling me this?"
"That..." Hector's expression stiffened as he shook his head. "You're right. I-I should also go to the fifth floor."
"Alright."
I climbed the stairs with an unexpected companion in tow.