Chapter 245: He Is No Longer Just an Intermediate Swordsman

Another year passed swiftly. Wood and Rudy had now both been studying magic under Roxy's guidance for a full year, and they had grown to seven and a half years old.

Compared to Zenith's less effective teaching methods, Roxy's rich teaching experience had greatly helped both Wood and Rudy improve their magical abilities.

Though Wood's limit remained at using only intermediate-level magic (in reality, he had already mastered Saint-level magic), his magic power had grown significantly.

As for Rudy, his magical prowess had advanced even further. Thanks to Roxy's structured instruction, he was now almost on par with her, with signs that he might soon surpass her.

Roxy had finally come to understand just how terrifying Rudy's magical talent truly was, beyond his perverted tendencies.

His natural affinity for magic, combined with his extraordinary magic power, was astounding. Roxy even believed it wouldn't take long before Rudy could surpass her and master "Water King-level" magic.

As their first year of magical training came to an end, the Greyrat family received a special guest that day.

The visitor was a striking woman with a well-toned physique, tanned skin, and animal-like ears and a tail.

It was clear from her appearance that she wasn't an ordinary human but one of the beastfolk.

When Zenith saw Ghislaine, she wasn't particularly pleased.

Although Ghislaine had once been part of the "Black Wolf's Fang" adventurer group with Paul, Zenith had heard more than once about Ghislaine's past entanglements with her husband, who was known to be quite the playboy.

Ghislaine, being a beastwoman, was bold in both character and attire. She didn't pay much attention to Zenith's hostility.

Indeed, Ghislaine had been involved with Paul and their former elven comrade, Elinalise, during a period of wild behavior.

However, that was during her mating season, and since Paul was now Zenith's husband, Ghislaine had no intention of pursuing anything like that again.

"Zenith, it's been a long time. There's no need to be so hostile toward an old comrade, is there?" Ghislaine said with a laugh. "Don't worry, I'm not interested in Paul anymore. We beastfolk only let stronger males ride on our backs."

Currently, Ghislaine was a renowned "Black Wolf Sword King," while Paul had yet to reach the rank of "Sword Saint." The gap between them was significant.

As a devout follower of Milis and a believer in monogamy, it was only natural for Zenith to be cautious around Ghislaine, given her history with Paul.

"Ahem, long time no see, Ghislaine. This is my second son, Wood Greyrat, the child I'm asking you to train," Paul said quickly, sensing the tense atmosphere and hoping to diffuse it by introducing Wood.

It turned out to be an effective move. The tension between Ghislaine and Zenith eased as Ghislaine's attention shifted to Wood, the boy Paul had spoken so highly of in his letters.

Since joining the Boreas family, Ghislaine had believed that the family's daughter, Eris, was the most talented swordsman she had ever encountered.

But when she received Paul's letter, she was stunned to learn that a boy as young as six had already reached the level of an intermediate swordsman. Was this child the reincarnation of a Sword God?

After all, Eris Boreas Greyrat, who was two years older than Wood, had only recently reached the level of an intermediate swordsman herself. Even then, Ghislaine had been impressed by Eris's talent. But could Paul's son really be stronger?

"Is this the kid? Doesn't look like anything special to me. You didn't bring me here just to waste my time, did you?" Ghislaine eyed Wood skeptically.

Wood had inherited his good looks from his parents, Paul and Zenith, but Ghislaine didn't sense any significant battle aura from him. To her, he seemed like an ordinary child.

Because of this, Ghislaine suspected that Paul had exaggerated his son's abilities and simply wanted her to train his underwhelming child.

"Wood isn't just an intermediate swordsman…" Paul began.

Before he could finish, Ghislaine cut in with a knowing expression, "I thought so. If he's reached the level of a beginner swordsman at his age, that's already impressive.

But if he's not even that, then not even your recommendation will convince me to take him on.

I don't just teach anyone; they need to have some potential."

Ghislaine was a master of the "Sword God" style, but unlike the widely taught version of the style, her techniques came directly from the core of the Sword God School in the Holy Land of Swords, where she was the first disciple of the school's leader.

She might teach regular sword techniques to an average student out of respect for Paul, but she wouldn't tarnish the reputation of the true Sword God style by teaching it to someone unworthy.

"No, you misunderstand. What I meant to say is that Wood is no longer an intermediate swordsman—he's already an advanced swordsman.

In fact, to be perfectly honest, I might not even be able to beat him in a one-on-one duel anymore," Paul admitted, his face serious.

Ghislaine stared at Paul in disbelief, her expression frozen. When she finally snapped out of it, she shot him a disapproving glare. "You've got to be kidding me."

But Paul met her skepticism with a straight face. "Wood can't channel battle aura, so you won't be able to sense his strength like you normally would.

But I can guarantee you—his skill with the sword is at the level of an advanced swordsman."

Ghislaine had planned to test Wood's abilities herself, but due to her limited time and her obligations to teach Eris in the afternoon, she reluctantly decided to take Paul at his word for now.

After bidding farewell to the Greyrat family, Wood boarded the carriage with Ghislaine, leaving home for the first time to explore the outside world on this leg of his journey.

Meanwhile, Rudy would remain at home to continue his magic training with Roxy, with the goal of reaching "Water King-level" magic before deciding on his next steps.

And now that his "third wheel" of a brother had finally left, Rudy was eager to make the most of this golden opportunity to get closer to Roxy.

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P/S: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 380+ at p@treon.com/Betek and change @ to a