Little Bird (2) Translator: Notalk

Rewriter: Wynn

Really? How come?, asked Pram.

Youre already a fully-fledged swordsman you know all the basics, have great senses, and your flow isnt bad, noted Desir. You are apt at finding a flaw in your opponents stance, and would not have any problems going to the promotion battle right now. Even the Alpha Class has few people matching your skills.

Desir recalled Pram from his memories. His gallant figure charged into the heart of the enemy, holding only a silver rapier. The sliver of a sword raced across the battlefield, striking at the speed of lightning. A true King-rank swordsman and living legend amongst the survivors.

But that was in the future.

Desir remarked, Of course, that would require you to relinquish the greatsword in exchange for a rapier.

Pram failed to meet Desirs eyes as he gripped the greatsword tightly. He became silent and discovered a newfound interest in the floorboards.

Desir noticed his reluctance and simply asked, Why wont you use the rapier, Pram?

Must you ask? whined Pram.

This concerns the overall strength of the party, so yes, said Desir.

Pram lowered his greatsword. Their eyes met. Desir saw a touch of vulnerability in Prams eyes. Then could you come with me?

The overcast sky gave hints of dusk approaching. Rain was sure to come in the next few hours, but none of that compared to Prams appearance. His face darkened with each word:

I didnt know my father.

Its not because he died when I was young. He was a noble, and my mother was a commoner. I was a bastard, simple as that. Even so, we used to be pretty well-off.

Thinking back, I think he provided for us. My mother didnt even know how to stitch.

Pram unlocked the door to his dormitory, and let Desir in.

Every night before we slept, she would always tell me about what a wonderful person he was. She was so proud of him, explained Pram. With each word, loneliness crept onto Prams face. Soon, there was none of the bright-eyed boy who stood in front of him just a few hours earlier. Desir waited patiently in the living room as Pram went to retrieve a leather sheath. As Desir received the guard, he inspected the weaponinside was a rapier.

The grip was made of a high quality oak. There was some unintelligible scribbling on the handle, but most shocking was the weight. It was incredibly light for a sword, to the point where it would be impossible to use the weight of the sword in his attacks.

When I was 6, my mother told me that my father left this rapier for us, said Pram. That was why I learned the sword to become proficient enough that my father would have nothing but pride for me when we finally met, Pram claimed with sparkling eyes. My mother was always worried about it. I think she never wanted me to meet my father.

Pram gave Desir a bittersweet smile as he reminisced. My mother never told me his name not even once. Instead, she always told me that I should never go looking for my father. I get it I really do. Theres no way that a highborn noble family would accept a bastard. She never told me his name, even on her deathbed.

A bastard was a disgrace; in the case of Pram, he wasnt even the son of a concubine. If a commoner appeared at a nobles doorstep and said he was a bastard, the result was obvious. She kept her silence to protect her son.

Regardless, Pram wanted to know his fathers name. Despite his mothers concerns, he always wanted to meet his father.

Call it curiosity. Isnt it just human to want to meet your father? asked Pram. Thats why I came here with so many nobles gathered, I would definitely be able to find a clue to my fathers whereabouts.

Desir nodded in agreement.

I had the rapier inspected as soon as I got heremy only lead. With weapons from all around the world gathered here, there had to be somebody who could give me a clue based on this rapier. Prams eyes hardened.

Desir inspected the blade. Although the handle was extremely high quality, the blade itself was worthless. The silver plating had worn off, and revealed a rusted iron within. It resembled a toy more than a weapon.

The result is in your hands. Its made of a cheap iron that could be from anywhere. The only thing that my father left my mother was a worthless iron sword, said Pram softly. He looked close to tears as he spoke. Desir could tell those werent tears of anguish, but of betrayal.

I cant bear it. I cant bear that after all these years I wishing to meet my father, all he left for us was this worthlessthing. Thats my reason. I will never use the rapier again, croaked Pram.

Pram retrieved the rapier from Desir, and threw it to the side in frustration.

The greatsword cut through the air with a powerful slash. Pram was practicing his swings. The most fundamental movean important step to understanding the sword.

Desir watched his display with apprehension.It wouldnt be an exaggeration to say that Pram has no talent for the greatsword it would be pointless to even teach him.

The greatsword was not designed for accuracy, but for its crushing weight. Utilizing the slow and destructive strength of the broad weapon required training to handle its hefty weight. Prams physique did not meet any of the conditions in training with the greatsword, but were rather optimized for a rapier.

Much of this was due to habitbased on Prams story, he trained with the rapier for at least 10 years. If he had switched to the greatsword recently after he had the rapier appraised, he had been using the greatsword for less than two weeks. It would take many times more than that to break his ingrained habits.

Desir sighed at the thought. Everything would be resolved if Pram simply picked up the rapier, but he was taciturn in his answer. Desir was frustrated, but did understand Prams feelings. If he were Pram, he would likely do the same thing.

Its still too early to give up.

Desir hung on to one major flaw in Prams storysomething that didnt add up that even Pram couldnt know about. His future.

In my past life, he used the rapier.

Pram Schneizer and his rapier were inseparable. That was a fact. Through his honed skills, he gained accolades and found himself at the apex of the blade, even being named Sword Master. His future was completely different, and in that was where Desir found his clue.

There must be a clue. Something that shook his heart and made him take up the rapier again.Desir walked up to Pram and cleared his throat to get his attention.With that, theres only one thing it could be his fathers heirloom.

Pram stopped his swinging and turned to face his party member.

Sorry for getting in the way of your training, said Desir sheepishly.

Whats the matter? responded Pram.

That sword you showed me yesterdaycould you let me see it one more time? asked Desir.

Prams ever gentle expression froze at the mention of the weapon. His face was marked with anxiety.

Desir tried to appeal to Pram. I know it is rude of me to ask this, but could you please do me a favour and show it to me one more time?

Even if you say that, its impossible, replied Pram bluntly.

Pram raised his head. The next four words that came out of his mouth were completely out of Desirs expectations.

Ive already sold it.

|This stop is the Business Sector.

Stepping off the bus, they were enamoured by the sight of a wide avenue lined with thousands of street lights. The hustle and bustle of the street vendors as they bartered with the city folk was lively. The crossroads, plaza, and even the alleys were filled to the brim with shops as far as the eye can see. This sector was the only area in Hebrion Academy open to the public. People from across the world would come to inspect their wares, and the crowded streets left barely any space to move, save for a few small gaps.

Can I ask you one thing? Why did you sell your sword? questioned Desir.

Passing by a smiths stall with swords on display, Pram examined the swords available. It became clear to me during our talk, Mr. Desir. That sword was of no help to me, said Pram politely.

Desir realized that he had changed the futurePram may never use the rapier ever again in his life. He shook his head to get rid of the thought.

Its not too late. The most important thing now is to find a reason for Pram to use the rapier.

The two students entered an alley, covered in a shadow cast by the nearby roofs. As they travelled deeper into the alleyway, fewer and fewer stalls propped themselves out for display. Eventually, the two made their way to a large, imposing building in the distance.

I cant see why theres a store all the way out here, said Desir with a tinge of doubt.

Pram responded, They said they also purchase illegal goods. Thats probably why.

The building was adorned with marble, with a simple sign written in Common in front of the door.

Ujukuns Antique Shop. The most trusted shop in Hebrion Academy for antique appraisals and purchases. Do not touch unsold items. No refunds even if you change your mind. No refunds for damaged items. No refunds under any circumstances.

Desir frowned. There was another line obscured when Desir originally read the sign.

Top-class security always present. Cannot guarantee the lives of thieves.

Looks hard-fisted, said Desir. He fanned himself with his hands as he read over the sign again, ensuring that he didnt miss any additional information.

Are you planning on going in? Pram asked.

Yes, said Desir.

Ill say it as many times as you wantI will not use that rapier, said Pram crassly.

As Desir entered the shop, Pram followed in resignation. After they passed through a narrow hallway, they came to a stop in a beautiful passageway with a glittering chandelier descending from the center of the ceiling. At the end of the hall, an imposing steel door laid shut. Pram rapped against the door using the steel knocker fashioned in the shape of a wolf.

Moments later, a man emerged from inside. His stature was much taller than the average man, looking to be one of the northern barbariansa giant. As Pram and Desir entered, the door was slammed shut behind them. A roar echoed across the hall as the steel door was closed yet again. Silence filled the hall.