s the White Blade Guards."

The ’Ground-Shaker’, their commander, who was in the prime of his life and who had great prestige from the past...

...and the old man with a head full of silver hair and a gloomy gaze... These two figures slowly overlapped.

Nicholas finally calmed the pain in his chest. He adjusted his emotions and exhaled slowly. His tone when he spoke was complicated, and his emotions could not be determined. "The Soul Slayer Pike may be powerful, but it was made based on the lance. It’s too long, too heavy, and too hard."

The Star Killer said seriously, "It isn’t difficult to deal with in battles that are not in groups."

"You know that the legendary anti-mystic weapons aren’t supposed to be used in fights between humans." Kaslan sighed, as if he was feeling somewhat regretful. "But humans have a talent. We are skilled in turning anything in the world into weapons that we can use to kill our own kind."

The Star Killer tightened his clenched fists, almost breaking the skin. An unknown ball of fire erupted in his chest, burning him until he felt incredibly uncomfortable.

"I remember that Nick is the one who taught you how to use mid-ranged weapons, correct?" Kaslan laughed. "If Dom was here, he might not be happy hearing you say such words."

Nicholas’ expression became gloomy, then his heart sank.

’Dom... Dominic. "Blood Mace" Dominic.

’That old man who always laughed, who was one of their instructors, who loved punishing them by making them run laps, and who ran behind them while counting the laps they ran.

’He always stood beside Kaslan when he was in his prime and brought some vigor with a smile to the group of veterans among the White Blade Guards, who were a group of murderous fiends.’

Nicholas closed his eyes. An endless well of emotions bubbled up in his chest and he felt incredibly horrid.

"He can’t hear it anymore, didn’t you know about it?" The Star Killer’s voice was hoarse.

Kaslan tightened his fists.

"Thirteen years ago, Dominic died in White Mountain," Nicholas said softly. "Bryke, Lyken, Sol, and Bauer died there as well..."

Kaslan did not speak.

"Old Cyval also retired due to his injuries. He went to Camus and never returned."

Kaslan sighed softly.

"Ah..." The old man lowered his head, blank-faced. "I heard from old Coleman. During the battle in the pit, with arrows all over his body, Dom led the army and charged out of the enemy’s army for a hundred meters, then he collapsed after the enemy army scattered."

Nicholas shuddered slightly and he felt his heart clench.

Kaslan’s gaze was filled with sorrow and he sighed softly. "That man still owes me money for the leather armor."

At that moment...

*Cling cling..."

Three thin, golden, circular objects rolled out from between Nicholas’ fingers and, together, traveled a long distance. They rolled towards the old man.

Kaslan’s eyes moved. He extended his hand and pressed down on the three circular objects. The sound of metal stopped.

historical

The old man slowly lifted one of the golden circular objects.

"What is this?" he asked softly.

Nicholas stared impassively at his former superior.

Only when several seconds had passed did the Star Killer reply softly, "Dominic."

Kaslan was slightly stunned. The corridor was extremely silent. Even the sound of fighting around them seemed to have faded away.

Nicholas’s expression was gloomy. With a whisper, he said quietly, "I was by his side when he passed away. He said he was very sorry. He had to use his pension to continue buying medicine for his grandson so that he could treat him, so he might not be able to pay back the money that he owed all of you." There was a faint sadness in the Star Killer’s words.

Kaslan tightened his grip over the gold coin. The old man’s Adam’s apple moved slightly. His gaze was focused on the remaining two gold coins.

"His Majesty gave him his pension every year."

Nicholas stared at Kaslan with a complicated gaze. "Dominic’s grandson died a month ago due to sickness."

Kaslan shuddered a bit.

"That’s why..." Nicholas raised his head slowly and a familiar figure appeared in his head.

It was a smiling old warrior with a mace over his shoulders. He leaned a little on the fat side, and counted the number of laps the new recruits performed during their physical punishment—Dominic Stone.

The Star Killer parted his lips slowly, then, with an indifferent tone, he spoke in a hoarse voice.

"This is the leather armor he owes you."

Kaslan lowered his head. The old man did not speak, he only closed his eyes. Not a single word was uttered for some time. Only the rustling sound of wind could be heard from beside the corridor.

Eventually, Kaslan opened his eyes slowly, his gaze was profound and complicated. "I am quite relieved, Spiky."

Nicholas was stunned.

"It’s been many years since then." Kaslan slowly curled his lips into a smile. "You are no longer the Spiky hated by everyone...

"You’ve become an outstanding commander, Soray Nicholas."