Before Durant told him anything, he guided Vern back to the chair and closed up the shop again. Then he took a seat opposite him.

After a moment of silence, he raised his voice. »Well, so the reason I know so much … I was there, in the mountains, a long time ago and saw it with my own eyes. That's also the reason why I know the memories you showed me are genuine.«

»Wait, how long ago was this?«, Vern interjected.

»A very long time ago.«

»You don't look that old to me … ?«

»Well, you've somewhat experienced it yourself, haven't you? Even though your body is that young, you've lived more years than it has.«

»Did something similar happen to you?«, Vern asked, confused.

»Nope. I'm just very old, but my body stayed young.«

Vern pondered these words for a moment before he made his conclusion.

»So, are you one of the heroes who … no, they all died except …«

»Yes, you're correct. And not as stupid as I thought. I am Ignatius von Feuerstein, although I don't use that name anymore for obvious reasons.«

»Wait. No. That can't be true. After all, the ownership of the Hellfire Sword was passed down to the next generation. I thought that only happened when its previous wielder died.«

Durant smiled with a hint of sadness in it. »Yes, that's also correct. At least that's how it usually works, but as you can see, I'm kind of unusual so it doesn't apply to me.«

»Hmm, I don't know … sounds a little farfetched … but on the other hand …«, Vern mumbled incoherently, trying to make sense of the situation.

»You don't have to believe me. But this is why I know about this matter. I hope you at least understand why you should listen to my advice.«

Vern, who had stared at his hands, looked up.

»So what about the ring, then? Why were you so interested in it.«

»Ah, yes. When I saw it, I assumed it was an artifact made by the Immortals. That's why I wanted it.«

»What? Who are the Immortals?«

Durant shook his head, like a teacher disappointed by his student's lack of knowledge. »The Immortals are people who are, as the name suggests, basically Immortal. Meaning they would live forever. At least, that's assumed to be the case as long as nobody kills them. They made all these artifacts a long time ago, such as the three famous weapons, the mana rings, and some more, perhaps.«

»Hmm … so your also an Immortal, or what?«

»No.« Durant's face stiffened. »I'm not like these bastards. I just live longer for other reasons.«

»Which are …?«

»… non of your business.«

Vern looked at him, frustrated. It annoyed him how he still didn't give him all the information. Still, maybe if he told him more, the man would eventually reveal more as well.

»So, you thought this ring was an artifact, right?«

»Yeah, maybe, but they also made non-artifact tools, so I wasn't certain of it.«

»Well, I think it also is. And it's most likely the reason why I survived my death. I wore it when I died, and there is also a change regarding it.«

»What change?«, Durant asked, his interest clearly piqued.

»Well, when I discovered it in this life, there was only this one there. Before, there were actually two.«

»Hmm, so one didn't reset? Or is it somewhere else now? Very peculiar. Can you do stuff with it, like channel your mana through it or something?«

Vern shook his head. »No. I don't know if it would work again or if both rings are required. I didn't even know about it in my previous life. And it also was inspected back then.«

»I'm not an expert on it, unfortunately. Those are all dead, probably, but I wouldn't act on the assumption that it would work again. Nonetheless, I'm still willing to buy it from you.«

Vern paused a moment, pretending to think about it. »I might consider it if you tell me how you managed to live so long.«

»Hahaha. No.«

»Hmm, okay …«, Vern said, trying to come up with a new plan. »So if you are who you claim to be, are you like my great–great– … and so on … grandpa?«

Durant smirked. »No, I've never had any children myself. But I guess we're somewhat related, nonetheless.«

»But I thought our family lineage has always been famous for their golden hair and–«

»Ha, so that's the reason you don't believe me?«, Durant interrupted him, amused. »Have you never heard of the ultra-secret technique of … dying one's hair? Do you think I would run around without doing that, considering how much attention it would garner? «

»Oh … I guess that makes sense.«

Vern stared at him, not knowing what to ask him next and imagining him with a different hair color.

So Durant spoke up. »Well, if that's all, you should leave now. It's getting late.«

»Wait. I have one last request before I leave.«

Durant raised his eyebrow.

»Why don't you help us with our training? I mean training the current wielders so that they improve enough to kill–«

»No!«, Durant cut him off, knowing exactly what he wanted to say. »For one, you're not going to succeed anyway. And secondly, I told you that I want my identity to remain a secret.«

»But…«

»No«

»Can you at least train me then?«

»No … or well, I can only show how outmatched you are, even against me.«

Now Vern raised his eyebrows in doubt.»

»Yes, kid, you are. Come by again next Sunday, and I'll entertain you for a few hours … if and only if you stop being so annoying.«

Vern didn't entirely know what he meant by 'annoying', but it sounded like a good opportunity. Therefore, he agreed to his terms, and Durant wasted no more time, demanding Vern to finally leave.

As Vern looked at the door closing behind him, the questions he forgot to ask came to mind.

What about this sword? Who are the Eldritch? What the hell is happening in general?

But Vern knew that it was best to wait a week. At least it gave him time to sort out his mind and formulate his questions properly.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

›What do you think about all this, Velvet?‹, he asked as he turned around, heading back to the mansion.

›I don't know. It was a lot to take in. Ask me again tomorrow.‹

Vern chuckled and spent the rest of the way back in his own head.

When he arrived, Kieran and Irina were already gone, and Alvyn kept asking him where he'd been. But Vern didn't give a satisfying answer and instead headed back to the fort as the sun set in the distance.

The following days proceeded like normal, but Vern was too distracted to properly focus on training. Therefore, Mantel hit him several times in their sword practice.

On an evening in the middle of the week, Velvet suddenly spoke up.

›I … need to tell you something, I think.‹

›Oh? What's that about?‹

›Do you remember when we met, and I entered your body?‹

›Of course.‹

›Well, I didn't tell you back then because, for one, I didn't think much of it, and you also were quite agitated in general …‹

›Yes, just spit it out already‹, Vern replied as he laid down on his bed.

›While I entered your body, and you were busy reliving your memories, I saw that there was … how can I describe it … some kind of stain.‹

›A stain? What do you mean?‹

›There was a dark spot, completely black and not doing anything, located in your heart, where one's soul resides.‹

›Hmm?‹ Vern looked at his chest, and Velvet continued.

›At first, I thought it was just a side effect of your one soul traveling back or something like that … but when we rewatched the memories, I wondered if it was actually something else …‹

›So you think that's a part of that thing that rushed at me as I died?‹

›Exactly. But don't worry. It hasn't done anything. It's just there. And I'm really sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I wasn't sure and didn't want to needlessly concern you.‹

›Well … that's alright. Thanks for telling me now.‹

›You're not mad at me?‹, Velvet asked, surprised.

›No, but tell me these kinds of things earlier next time. Even if it seems irrelevant.‹

›Yes, of course. I'll do that.‹

Vern pondered what Velvet had just told him and looked at the ring.

›Hmm, so the ring didn't just work on me but also on the thing that tried to possess me …‹

›My entire theory on it is as follows‹, Velvet proudly explained. ›The ring transfers the souls that are in the body back in time. Any souls that are in there at this very moment. Considering Durant said that this thing is a fusion of Eldritch souls, it makes sense. Consequently, it could explain why the sword reacted to you and maybe also the monster magnet thing, but I'm not sure about that.‹

›Yeah, good work, Velvet. You're a great help. I should probably tell Durant about it next time … maybe he knows something about it too.‹

›I don't know about that. He seemed to dislike the Eldritch a lot, so if you tell him there's a part in you, he might just kill you …‹

›Nah, it'll be fine … probably. Well, I'll think about it again in between all those other things. Anyway, thanks again, and good night.‹

Vern fell asleep fast due to the mental exhaustion his mind had experienced over the previous days.

After what felt like an eternity, Saturday morning arrived. Like last week, Vern took a carriage to travel to the city. He met up with the others in the same spot as last time, and they immediately commenced training. But due to rainy weather, they finished early, heading back to the city in their drenched clothes.

»Are you alright?«, Irina asked Vern, who stared out of the window nonstop. She sat opposite him in the carriage and looked worried. »Oh … yes. I'm good. I was just lost in thought.«

»Hmm, by the way, we will have some sort of assessment in a few weeks«, Alvyn said. »Ezra and the others want to evaluate our progress. You'll be included in it, naturally. That's great, isn't it?«

He nudged his brother next to him, but Vern only responded with a half-hearted smile.

They arrived shortly and spent the rest of the day inside as the weather didn't improve significantly.

Consequently, on the next day, Irina, Kieran, and Alvyn were even more motivated to make up for the lost time. However, Vern had to dampen their expectations.

»I will only train with you for a few hours today since I'll have to be in the city by noon again«, he said to the others as they ate a hasty breakfast.

»Hmm? Why is that?«, Alvyn mumbled while eating. »You keeping secrets from us?«

»Well, not really«, Vern assured the others, who all looked at him. »I'll tell you stuff if it turns out to be relevant. You just focus on your training. I think you can handle it on your own for today, no?«

Kieran and Irina nodded, and Alvyn reluctantly agreed too. Afterward, they headed to their dedicated training area, and Vern instructed them on what to focus on for today. A few hours later, he headed back to the capital, leaving them to their own volition.

As Vern traversed the streets heading to Durant's shop, he sorted his mind one last time. Therefore, he only noticed the difference when he reached the entrance.

The feeling wasn't there anymore, which meant the sword wasn't either. Concerned that Durant had just left, Vern barged into the shop and looked around. But the inside was still stacked with goods.

A few seconds later, Durant appeared from the back. »You're too early … what's wrong?«

»Oh … nothing … I thought for a moment that you ran off or something …«

»Hmm? Why would I?«

»Well, the sword is gone so …«, Vern blurted out, realizing his mistake too late.

Durant's eyes narrowed. »I see. You're still using your little friend to spy on me? Looks like I really need to beat some manners into you.«

»I am sorry«, Vern replied. »Velvet loves to snoop around all the time. I can't do much about it.«

›Hey, what the hell? Why are you saying that?!‹, Velvet shouted in his head, outraged.

›Yeah, well. Sorry, but let's not give him information for free‹, Vern replied, trying to calm Velvet down. ›Of course, I know, you're a very well-behaved fox.‹

»Hmm, that still doesn't fly«, Durant replied. »It's your pet, so it's your responsibility. Just give me a minute to get ready, and then we go.«

Durant disappeared through the rear door, and several minutes later, he came out wearing a hooded robe.

»Put that one«, he ordered and handed Vern one as well. »I don't want other people to recognize you.«

Vern did as he was told. »Don't we need other stuff to train?«, he asked while Durant walked to the door.

»Hmm? That's all I need to beat you– I mean train you properly«, Durant replied, raising his fist. »Come already.«

Vern wasn't sure whether he was joking or not but had no real choice. He followed Durant to a staple where they rented two horses. Then they rode out of the city.

›You sure this isn't a trap?‹, Velvet asked while they continued their journey into a rather remote area.

›Ah, don't worry. I don't think so. And even if … I can handle myself, probably.‹

Now that Velvet had mentioned it, doubts started to arise in Vern too.

After another 30 minutes, Durant signaled to stop.

»Where are we?«, Vern asked, looking around. In front, there was a glade in between the dense forest, close to the foot of the cliff rising up several hundred meters into the sky.

»Beautiful place, isn't it?«, Durant said while guiding the horses to their resting spot. »In my lifetime, I've discovered all kinds of hidden gems like this.« A pleased smile appeared on his face. »But enough talking. Let's get over here.

He walked to the glade and Vern followed close behind. Then, Durant took his robe off, revealing the leather armor he wore beneath.

»Put your sword and anything you don't need here.«, he said as he dropped the robe next to a tree.

Vern looked at him, confused. »But aren't we going to train with the sword?«

»No, I told you, didn't I?« He raised his hands, punching a few times into the air.

»Well, ok« He dropped all his equipment, and his motivation plummeted with it. After all, he had hoped an expert swordmaster would train him in the ways of the blade. But instead, it looked like he would just wrestle with a middle-aged man.

»Rules are as follows«, Durant said as Vern took his position opposite him in the middle of the glade. »No mana usage allowed and no weapons beside one's body. That's it.«

Vern nodded, and the very next moment, Durant had already closed the distance between them. Surprised by the suddenness, he took a step back and quickly raised his hands, ready to block.

Durant kept staring at Vern's chest as he moved forward. But instead of attacking there, he swept Vern's front leg to the side with his own and brought him to the ground.

»Oh wow«, Vern said and looked up. »I wasn't even ready yet.«

»Well, that's how it goes, no? You have to expect these kinds of things at all times.«

Durant took his initial position again, watching Vern picking himself with a satisfied smile.

»Are you ready now?«, Durant asked in a taunting voice.

Vern nodded and decided not to go easy on him. He would hit him with full force at every opportunity.

This time, Durant just stood there, waiting for Vern to come to him.

Carefully, Vern closed the distance, making sure to keep his stance at all times. When he was close enough, he threw a jab at Durant's face. Vern expected him to block. However, he smoothly leaned to the side and escorted Vern's fist with his right hand over his shoulder. At the same time, he punched Vern with his left hand in the chest.

Vern tumbled back for a moment but quickly recovered and lept at Durant again, trying to catch him off-guard.

And indeed, he successfully managed to grab onto him at the cost of another punch to his body.

Regardless of it, Vern brought Durant and himself to the ground ending up in a stranglehold immediately. His vision blurred, and black dots danced across of field of view before Durant loosened his arm, allowing Vern's blood to flow into his brain again.

Vern stayed on the ground for another minute, fully coming to his senses.

»See?«, Durant said, looking down on him. »You're way too weak to handle any real opponent.«

»Well, hand-to-hand combat isn't my specialty. Can't you teach me sword fighting?«, Vern replied as he stood up.

Durant sneered. »What are you talking about? You want to wield a sword when you can't even move your body around properly? Ridiculous.«

Vern grimaced, feeling like he was getting toyed with. He even wondered if Durant had cheated by using mana.

»Can't we do anything else? Maybe train with mana instead?«

»You really don't understand, do you?« Durant sighed. »Are you that stupid? Anyway, let me explain it to you so that you understand it. You no good with body means you no good with anything that requires body. That includes sword fighting and mana. Capisce?«

»Yeah, yeah, whatever«, Vern replied, annoyed that he talked to him like he was five years old. »But it feels like you just want to beat me up.«

»Yes that is what I want«, he replied, raising his fists once more. »But what you get out of it is entirely up to you. If you want to give up already, that's your choice. But the aspirations of your's are more than laughable if you can't even beat an old man.«

Vern pressed his lips together, suppressing any snappy response, and instead initiated their next round of fighting.

In the subsequent two hours, Vern's body made contact with the ground countless times until he eventually stayed down, totally exhausted.