Grand Return System-Chapter 81: Echoes of the Sword’s Legend

Echoes of the Sword’s Legend

Selena blinked, genuinely confused.

What was there to see?

"This is just an ordinary treasure," she replied honestly, her tone calm and unpretentious. "Not even a Spirit Treasure."

Rex Vine did not argue.

He simply said, voice calm and steady, his fingers brushing lightly along the Amethyst Mist Sword’s scabbard,

"Although this sword’s grade is not high... its owner was once an existence that many could never reach."

He paused. The breeze lifted a few strands of his black hair, and for a heartbeat the fractured street fell silent. Even the distant murmurs of the crowd seemed to withdraw.

Then he continued speaking, voice lower now, almost reflective.

"For the weak, they rely more on the power of treasured weapons. However, to a true sword expert, even an ordinary iron sword can be invincible in the world."

His gaze drifted beyond the ruined rooftops, as though he were staring across distant years rather than cracked tiles.

"When I was young, I once heard that Celestis Academy’s Respected Zeon entered the no man’s land alone and swept across seven thousand miles with a sword, blocking the Infinite Clan outside The Black Rift. How stunning was that..."

The words settled like falling snow.

"This sword carries too many legends," Rex Vine added softly, "even though it is only a supreme-grade treasure and cannot even be considered a spirit artifact."

Selena’s fingers tightened unconsciously around the hilt.

So that was why...

She suddenly remembered the expression on Maya’s face when Teacher Leon had placed this sword into her hands. That faint look of nostalgia... of weight.

So there was such a legend behind it.

A warmth spread through her chest, not from pride—but from something deeper.

Teacher...

After her parents died, the world had turned cold. Voices had sharpened. Kindness had thinned. But Leon—

He had treated her not as a tool, not as a burden, but as someone worth nurturing. Worth protecting.

He had given her this sword.

A sword once wielded by a pinnacle expert.

He must have thought of her as important... truly important.

Selena’s blue eyes softened.

So I matter to him.

The thought made her throat tighten slightly.

Without hesitation, she lifted the Amethyst Mist Sword and tossed it upward.

"Take it."

Her movement was clean and unguarded. There was no suspicion, no stinginess.

Rex Vine caught it with one hand, a faint smile playing on his lips.

He unsheathed it halfway. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

The blade shimmered faintly in the late sunlight—unremarkable to the untrained eye. Yet when he stilled his breathing and extended his perception, something stirred.

A lingering sword intent.

Sharp. Vast.

Like a single stroke that had once cut open heaven and earth.

Rex Vine’s pupils contracted ever so slightly.

He was a genius in the Sword Principal. He revered blades. Every time he encountered a worthy sword, he felt an irresistible urge to examine it.

And this one—

Though simple—

Still carried the echo of a legend.

"Young Master Vine has so much free time," a cold voice suddenly interrupted from afar. "You actually came to Ashford City to admire a sword..."

Rex Vine glanced sideways without lifting his head.

"Hmm? Gavin," he said casually, flicking the blade lightly with his finger. "Are you here to join in the fun as well?"

On a nearby rooftop stood Gavin, robes fluttering lazily in the wind. His expression was indifferent, almost bored.

But the moment his eyes caught Fairy Fiona, his demeanor shifted instantly.

With a flash of movement, he leapt across the air and landed lightly near her.

"Hehe, Fairy Fiona," Gavin said with a bright grin, "who would’ve thought fate would let us meet here again?"

Fiona’s lips twitched ever so slightly.

Fate?

He had followed her across three Kingdoms. A month of relentless "coincidences."

She resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"Young Master Gavin," she replied coldly, turning her face away, "please maintain proper distance. I do not wish to encourage misunderstandings."

Her tone was like chilled water—clear and distant.

Gavin coughed awkwardly but forced a smile. "I am merely expressing sincere admiration."

She did not respond.

On the other side, Rex Vine finally sheathed the Amethyst Mist Sword and tossed it gently back to Selena.

"Good sword," he said sincerely. "As expected of the blade Respected Zeon once wielded. Miss... please guard its former reputation well. Do not let it be buried."

Selena caught it firmly.

She did not speak.

But she nodded.

That simple gesture carried more weight than words.

Rex Vine’s expression cooled. His gaze shifted toward Clint Zain.

He had little patience for those who relied solely on seniority to bully the young.

Just as the atmosphere sharpened—

The sky stirred again.

Several gray-robed elders descended like falling leaves, landing beside Vita Zain.

Vita’s eyes lit up instantly.

"Greetings, Teacher! Guardian Elders!" he called out, nearly stumbling forward in relief.

Moments ago, he had thought death was certain.

He had not expected Max of Sky Breaker Acedmy—and two Guardian Elders—to arrive at such a critical moment.

Max’s expression was stern. His gray hair framed a face carved by years of authority. His sharp eyes scanned the scene before settling on Rex Vine above.

"Young Master Vine," Max said evenly, cupping his hands in greeting, "my student was ignorant today and has offended you. I hope you will forgive him for my sake."

Rex Vine laughed softly.

"You misunderstand," he replied. "He did not provoke me."

His tone remained light, almost amused.

If Max had not arrived, he might indeed have intervened to help Selena settle matters.

But with Sky Breaker Acedmy’s people present, there was no need to escalate into a deadly confrontation.

Max froze slightly.

He had rushed here upon sensing tension involving Rex Vine and the Zain household. He had assumed Vita had offended the Saint.

Now he realized something else was at play.

"Student," Max’s voice darkened as he turned toward Vita, "what exactly happened?"

Vita’s throat bobbed. Under his teacher’s gaze, his earlier arrogance vanished entirely.

He stammered, recounting the entire sequence—the provocation, the confrontation, Selena’s identity, the Amethyst Mist Sword... everything.

As Max listened, his face grew colder with each word.

When his gaze finally landed on Selena standing quietly among the crowd, something flickered in his eyes.

Recognition.

Memory.

Fear.

He had once witnessed Leon’s sword.

He had once stood among those who were forced back by a single strike.

"Bastard..."

The word came out low and heavy.

Without hesitation, Max raised his hand and struck Vita across the face.

The crack echoed sharply across the street.

Vita was sent crashing to the ground, dust scattering beneath him.

On the side, Clint Zain stared, completely dumbfounded.

Even Max... feared Leon?

Who exactly was that man?

How fierce was he?

Clint did not dare speak. Not when Vita lay sprawled on the ground and Max’s aura pressed down like a mountain.

The once-arrogant Zain household stood frozen—

Realizing too late that they had kicked a stone they could not move.