The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 4: A Second Chance (3)

The Dragon’s Curse.

Despite the name “curse,” it was actually a disease.

The reason for such a name was simple.

Like the boundless mana that a dragon generates, those afflicted with this disease accumulate mana in their bodies endlessly, starting from birth.

That’s not all.

People with the Dragon’s Curse are gifted with extraordinary talent in martial arts or magic, much like the immensely powerful dragon race.

In some ways, it could be considered a blessing.

Mana is essential for wielding martial arts, magic, and unique abilities.

Naturally, having more mana is advantageous, and being born with great talent is an incredible asset.

‘But that’s where the blessing ends.’

Dragons possess bodies capable of handling infinite mana. In contrast, the human body has clear limitations.

As the amount of mana increases over time, the mana circuits, which act as conduits, become overwhelmed. This causes excruciating pain every time mana is used.

Furthermore, the expanding mana circuits put pressure on the internal organs, weakening the body’s functions until the afflicted person eventually dies.

20 years.

That’s the average lifespan of those cursed with the Dragon’s Curse.

Even the longest-living victim of the curse didn’t make it past 30.

This alone was already a tragedy.

But the Dragon’s Curse harbored yet another nightmare.

The overwhelming mana obstructed the formation of the mana core in the head, preventing the manifestation of a unique ability.

In a world where status is determined by whether or not one can manifest a unique ability, what could be more tragic?

‘What a ridiculous disease.’

Having to live a life with a ticking clock was already a tragedy.

But to endure constant, agonizing pain throughout that life, and to be discriminated against because of one’s status, was even worse.

The disease wasn’t called a curse without reason.

“Whew.”

However, his anger quickly subsided.

Before his return to the past, he had already experienced too much of the world’s cruelty.

His mental fortitude was far from fragile enough to be shaken by something like this.

Martin focused on steadying his breathing.

The pain soon receded, and his complexion improved.

“Sorry for worrying you, Sien.”

“Why are you apologizing for something like that? It’s not like you wanted the attack to happen,” Sien responded in a calm tone.

Then she pulled a handkerchief from her coat and wiped the sweat from Martin’s forehead.

“Still, it seems like reaching the third circle in swordsmanship paid off. In the past, the pain would have lasted much longer after an attack.”

“That’s all thanks to aura. The process of mastering aura really strengthens the body. To be honest, that’s when I first felt that learning swordsmanship was truly worth it.”

“Come on, Martin. That’s too much. Do you know how many people gave up on swordsmanship because of you? I’m sure at least some of the branch family’s children, including myself, have felt disappointed in their talents at least once.”

“I don’t care about the complaints of those who don’t train properly. Besides you and Adel Bitenfeld, hardly anyone has truly committed to swordsmanship.”

“You’re too strict, Martin. Even if you searched the entire Altaria Empire, there wouldn’t be many people who could meet your standards,” Sien said, though she smiled at the end of her sentence.

Despite her words, she was pleased to have earned Martin’s recognition.

“That aside, we should get moving, Sien.”

“Yeah, monsters will soon swarm here, drawn by the smell of blood. But are you sure you’re feeling okay now?”

“Yep. The pain is completely gone, so no need to worry.”

“Alright then, let’s head out.”

“I’ll take the lead.”

“Hmm, you seem pretty eager.”

“Well, like it or not, this is my trial. Of course, I should be the one leading. Don’t you think so?”

Sien nodded in agreement to Martin’s question.

With her approval, Martin began walking again, heading deeper into the dungeon.

However, his true thoughts were different.

‘I couldn’t care less about this trial.’

The trial tasked him with descending to the 10th floor within 100 days and defeating the Monster Lord—a challenge that would be difficult for most.

But it wasn’t relevant to him.

Martin had a different goal in the dungeon.

Apart from manifesting his unique ability, there was something else he needed to do.

‘Suppress the Dragon’s Curse.’

In the future, there was no known way to cure the curse entirely.

However, there was a way to mitigate it.

If the body could be trained to withstand the effects of the curse, then the suffering could be reduced.

It was by no means an easy task.

People afflicted with the Dragon’s Curse had incredibly weak bodies.

Though Martin was an exceptional knight capable of wielding aura, he was still physically inferior to knights of similar rank.

Strictly speaking, physical training for him was nothing short of a nightmare.

‘But I’ll do it.’

He had already done it once before.

Thanks to that effort, he had managed to survive past the age of 20 and live until 25.

If not for Kalain’s schemes, he might have lived even longer.

Moreover, now he knew even more efficient ways to train his body.

‘Since I’ve returned to the past, I’ll make use of everything I can.’

At 18 years old, he had returned to the past, precisely seven years ago.

And he knew everything that would happen in the next seven years.

Thanks to the enhanced memory granted by the Dragon’s Curse, he remembered it all vividly.

Everything that would happen over the next seven years was stored in his mind.

Naturally, he also had detailed knowledge about the opportunities hidden in the dungeon.

He intended to seize every opportunity that could benefit him.

‘And the first place I need to go is the third floor.’

There, he would find a way to quickly alleviate the effects of the Dragon’s Curse.

And it also happened to be a legacy left by a great ancestor.

With his first objective in mind, Martin headed deeper underground.

His steps felt lighter than ever before.

The Adalbert mansion was quieter than ever.

It was no surprise, given that just days ago, the head of the family had passed away.

And as if that wasn’t enough, the only direct heir had been expelled from the family.

Although it was framed as a “trial” with a 100-day time limit, the fact remained that Martin had been pushed aside by the branch families and retainers.

Naturally, the prestige of the direct line of the Adalbert family had plummeted.

But that was only the beginning.

What if Martin failed to manifest a unique ability within the allotted time?

They couldn’t possibly accept a powerless person as the heir, let alone as the head of the family, no matter how direct the bloodline.

In essence, the direct line would be severed, and the Adalbert family would fade into history. The branch families would seize the opportunity to fill the void.

That’s why those within the mansion were on edge. They were all waiting to see where the scales of power would tip.

“There is only one empty seat, yet there are four candidates. Fierce competition is inevitable. However, there are a few things we should clarify,” said a sly-looking middle-aged man, stroking his orange beard.

Valdemar von Rustal.

The head of the Rustal family, one of the five branch families of the Adalbert household, and a viscount in the Altaria Empire.

Though he appeared frail and thin, his aura was anything but. There was a sharpness about him, like a drawn blade.

Yet the three other middle-aged men seated before him paid no mind to his sharpness.

Mateus von Gustin.

Wilhelm von Fezek.

Oliver von Bitenfeld.

All of them were heads of branch families within the Adalbert house.

Each of them was a formidable figure within the Empire, and they remained unfazed by Valdemar’s imposing presence.

“When the family that will replace the main house is decided, the other branches should be granted independence. We should live as proud nobles of the Altaria Empire, not as vassals or retainers to a specific family.”

“Independence, you say… Do you think that’s even possible? Once a true victor is determined, I doubt the other families will even remain,” Wilhelm remarked with scepticism.

“I agree with Wilhelm. Who would give up the Adalbert estate? With the dungeon’s entrance, which provides endless resources, the estate is practically a kingdom in its own right,” Oliver added.

“Wilhelm, Oliver, I share your thoughts. It would be difficult for anyone to abandon control of the dungeon’s entrance. The moment any noble gains enough power, they’ll covet this place,” Valdemar said, meeting no disagreement.

Whoever claimed the Adalbert estate would see their family’s status soar without limit. At the same time, they would gain access to infinite wealth.

That’s why so many were hungry for power. The only thing stopping them was the fact that the five branch families were still standing strong.

“However, I believe that you, like me, desire independence. Rather than destroy ourselves by being overly ambitious, it’s more constructive for us to each go our separate ways. Do any of you disagree?”

“No, I agree. It’s better than giving other families a reason to act against us,” Wilhelm said.

“I concur,” Oliver chimed in.

Mateus von Gustin, who had been quietly listening, also nodded in agreement.

Thus, the first topic was settled.

Valdemar moved on to the second and most important matter of their meeting.

“To ensure smooth independence, there’s one process we must address. The complete removal of the Adalbert bloodline from history. That is our most crucial task.”

“Martin has little chance of manifesting a unique ability. Even if we do nothing, he’ll naturally fade into the background of history,” Mateus said, dismissing the threat.

“Tsk tsk. You’re being too optimistic, Mateus. There’s such a thing as miracles.”

“It’s extremely rare for someone to manifest a unique ability later in life. The last time it happened was thirty years ago, wasn’t it? The mayor of the Free City? And before that, it was fifty years ago.”

“While it is rare, it’s still a possibility we can’t ignore. If Martin does somehow awaken his unique ability, things will become quite troublesome.”

“That’s a valid point. We must prevent him from rising to prominence,” Wilhelm agreed.

“We can’t afford to leave any possibilities unchecked. It would be best to crush the Adalbert bloodline now while we have the chance,” Oliver added.

Both Wilhelm and Oliver supported Valdemar’s plan.

However, Mateus frowned.

“What are you scheming, Valdemar von Rustal?”

A cold smile crept across Valdemar’s lips, his snake-like eyes fixed on Mateus.

“Scheming? I don’t know what you mean. As you know, the dungeon is full of unpredictable dangers. It wouldn’t be surprising if Martin tragically lost his life in an accident.”

Since the dungeon’s creation, countless people have met their deaths within its depths.

It was a place where anything could happen.

That’s what a dungeon was.

“…What about Sien Igreet? If anything happens to her, Vincent will get involved. You know what that means,” Mateus warned.

For the first time, Valdemar flinched.

He didn’t care if Martin died. In fact, it would be beneficial.

There would be no chance for Martin to become a variable.

However, if Sien died, things would get complicated.

Vincent von Igreet, the strongest of the branch family heads, would surely be enraged. And dealing with his wrath was not something anyone wanted.

Among those present, only Mateus von Gustin would be able to handle such a situation, but he seemed unenthusiastic about doing so.

Still, Valdemar quickly regained his composure.

“I’m well aware of that. However, death in the dungeon is hardly uncommon. Even Vincent wouldn’t be able to act solely based on that.”

“I hope you’ll take responsibility for your words,” Mateus replied.

“I don’t see why I should,” Valdemar said, shrugging with a sly smile. He then continued.

“By the way, when do you plan to remove your mask of virtue, Mateus?”

“…Are you insulting me?”

“I’m just speaking the truth. By attending this meeting, you’ve already acknowledged your own ambitions. If you truly had no interest, you wouldn’t have come. Just like Vincent von Igreet.”

Vincent, alone among the branch family heads, had argued that Martin should become the family head.

But his opinion had been dismissed by the elders and the other family heads, leading him to leave the main house, enraged.

“I don’t care what stance you take, Mateus. The only thing I’m concerned about is ensuring the complete eradication of the Adalbert bloodline. I’m not looking forward to the competition that will follow, though,” Valdemar said.

The eyes of the other family heads changed at that.

They all shared the same desire to see the Adalbert bloodline cut off, but that was all they had in common.

At their core, they were competitors.

There was only one empty seat.

And so, the night of betrayal deepened.