Trust

Ethan was genuinely surprised.

Sure, sword styles were difficult to learn, but a style that nobody could master? That was hard to believe.

Curious, he asked, "If you don't mind me asking… how many people have actually managed to learn it so far?"

Arthur scratched his cheek, his expression turning thoughtful.

"Well… if my master didn't take on any new students after the last time I saw her, then…" He paused for a moment, then said, "Two people."

Ethan blinked. "Two?"

Arthur nodded. "I told you, it's really hard to learn."

Ethan frowned slightly. "But you learned it."

Arthur let out a small chuckle. "Well, I was a special case. Otherwise, even I wouldn't have been able to."

For some reason, Ethan felt like this guy was boasting.

Arthur didn't sound like he was bragging, but something about the way he said it made Ethan feel like he was.

But then, a thought suddenly struck him.

"If you two are the only ones who know this style," Ethan started, narrowing his eyes, "and you learned it from your master… then does that mean—"

Arthur nodded before he could finish. "Yeah. My master is the one who created this style."

Ethan was impressed.

The original Ethan might not have known much about swordsmanship—he was neither interested in it nor particularly talented—but even he understood that creating a brand-new sword style was no small feat.

Especially one as difficult as Arthur was making it sound.

"So… can I know their name?" Ethan asked.

Arthur's expression turned a little troubled.

"Well… my master told me not to mention her name before I officially teach someone," he said, scratching his head.

Ethan nodded. "Alright, fair enough. So, are you going to teach me now?"

Arthur gave him a once-over, eyes scanning him from head to toe.

"Well, you don't look like you're prepared for it right now," he said. "And besides… don't you need to sleep?"

Ethan sighed. "I want to sleep, but I can't go back yet. What if the assassin is still waiting for me?"

Arthur crossed his arms, looking confident.

"Don't worry. I don't think that'll happen. Even if someone inside the mansion is helping them, they can't keep the guards from patrolling for too long. And assassins don't wait if their target has already escaped."

Ethan frowned slightly. "How do you know all that?"

Arthur's gaze turned distant, a nostalgic expression flickering across his face.

"I have… experience with stuff like that," he said simply.

Ethan had a feeling Arthur wouldn't elaborate, so he decided not to push. Instead, he asked, "So where will I find you tomorrow for training?"

Arthur thought for a moment before replying, "Tomorrow, after the fifth bell. Meet me here."

Ethan nodded. "Alright."

But just before he left, he paused and grinned.

"Oh, by the way… did you see how I got here?"

Arthur stared at him blankly. "Yes."

Ethan smirked. "Great! See you tomorrow."

Without another word, he activated OmniMark—and in the blink of an eye, he vanished.

Arthur remained where he was, his expression unreadable as he stared at the empty space Ethan had occupied just seconds ago.

Then, a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Hm… guess he really wasn't lying when he said he trusts me for some reason."

Shaking his head slightly, he turned on his heel and started walking.

"Alright, time to go home. Lara's probably worried about me… Let's give her a little surprise."

Muttering that to himself, Arthur disappeared into the night.