Infinite Returns : The More I Give, The Stronger I Become-Chapter 59: Afaq Syed Swordborn

Chapter 59: Afaq Syed Swordborn

Swordy was beyond thrilled.

No—thrilled didn’t even come close.

In all his years, he had never once held an SS-rank sword, let alone an SSS-rank one. To be offered such a divine weapon so casually—it shook the very foundation of his understanding.

"C-Can I really... have this?" he asked again, voice trembling.

Ethan nodded, completely unfazed. "Of course."

As usual, he barely cared about the exchange.

[Applying the x10,000 effect.]

[You have received: Skyfall Katana of the gods (Stage-1 God Rank).]

A superior version of the sword appeared in Ethan’s inventory—useless to him, really. His own black sword was far beyond it and more suited to him.

But Ethan only smirked inwardly.

’I am a merchant, after all. The ability to give... is the foundation of my power.’

Swordy—no, Syed—was stunned, speechless. He couldn’t fathom how someone could just give away a weapon of that caliber.

This man... he didn’t look that impressive. Not even a little. Ordinary clothes, average build—no divine aura, no power flare.

For a being able to give such a treasure casually...

Suspicious. Yes, very suspicious.

But Syed let it go. Some truths weren’t worth digging into. Especially when the answer might bring more trouble than insight.

"So all this," he said slowly, "just for me to teach you the sword?"

Ethan’s expression turned solemn.

"Yes. I’ve only recently started walking the path of the sword. I’ve obtained a great blade, and I want to be worthy of wielding it."

He gently rested his hand on his black sword’s hilt, fingers moving with quiet fondness.

Syed watched him carefully. There was sincerity in his voice—quiet but real.

He slipped the golden katana into his inventory and stood.

"No time to waste, then."

His back straightened. His slouch vanished.

"For that... you deserve to know my full name."

Before Ethan could reply, Syed’s appearance began to change.

His matted red hair shimmered—turning gold. His tired, sunken eyes cleared into bright blue. His weathered features smoothed, his body straightened into that of a man in his prime—mid-twenties, at most.

Elegant. Handsome. Regal.

This was no drunkard.

"I am Afaq Syed Swordborn," he said, voice now calm and crisp. "An A-rank climber who passed the 30th Trial."

Ethan gave a respectful nod. "Still Ethan Yagami."

Afaq chuckled lightly. "I may only be A-rank now, but I come from a long line of master swordsmen. I can build your foundation stronger than steel."

"That’s exactly what I need," Ethan replied, smirking.

"Then let’s begin. We’ll start with something simple as it’s just the first day. Do you see this training ground?"

Ethan followed his gaze. The field was massive—larger than most stadiums back on old Earth. His instincts flared with unease.

"...Yes?"

Afaq’s grin widened.

"As your warm-up, we’ll just do five laps."

Ethan blinked. "Five... what?"

"Five laps around this training ground."

Ethan stood there stunned.

Afaq’s grin widened even more seeing his face.

"Oh, this is going to be fun," Afaq said with unmistakable delight.

...

Back on Earth—

In the grand halls of the Bloodsanguine Estate, Jade Bloodsanguine stood by the towering windows, watching the ancient city that symbolized her family’s legacy.

Since returning from the Yagami estate, she and her daughter, Julie, had thrown themselves into consolidating control over the Bloodsanguine power structure.

And to say it was difficult would be an understatement.

Jade sighed in exhaustion.

Suddenly, a ripple in space shimmered beside her. Julie stepped out.

"Did you find Ethan?" Jade asked without preamble, urgency sharp in her voice.

Julie’s brows furrowed. "No. He didn’t appear in the Castria Kingdom. He showed up in Balor."

Frustration laced her tone. She’d longed to meet him again—and now, distance and political tensions between Castria and Balor made things all the more complicated.

Julie sighed.

"It’s fine," Jade replied coolly, eyes narrowing. "We haven’t secured full control of the house yet. What right do we have to appear before him without results?"

"I know, Mother... I just miss him."

Jade’s expression softened for a heartbeat. "I miss him too, you know?"

The words were playful, but her voice was deadly serious.

Julie’s fingers twitched—but she said nothing.

"I’m glad you’ve come to terms with that," Jade murmured. "It means we’re aligned."

Then her tone hardened.

"Anyway—let’s focus now on the serious issues. We’ve secured the support of two out of five Grand Elders."

"Still not enough," Julie noted.

Jade nodded.

"Yes, but I might have a way to sway another."

Julie’s eyes narrowed. "Who?"

"Grand Elder Sabine. She’s always wanted the top seat. To rule this family and so she always resented Eric."

A slow smile crept across Jade’s face. "All we need is to offer her a path to achieve it. And she won’t be able to resist."

"But Mother," Julie cautioned, "we can’t ignore Lyra and Fely either. They’re father’s other wives. Pure-blooded, just like us. They have their own factions."

"Small ones," Julie continued , "but not insignificant. If they combine their factions together they can rival us."

Jade stayed silent and turned back toward the window. Her voice was quiet.

"What do you propose, then?"

Julie’s lips curled into a smirk.

"They both have sons... don’t they?"

Jade’s head snapped toward her, voice icy. "What are you suggesting?"

"You’d use your body? You think Ethan would accept that?"

She stepped forward, tense.

"And what do you think he’ll think of me if I allow it?"

Her words trembled—not with fear, but with desperation.

She had no room for mistakes. Not with Ethan. Not when she was already on thin ice as Julie’s mother.

Her obsession had a purpose. She wanted to prove to Ethan that she could be useful. That she was more than a liability.

Maybe it was pathetic.

But she didn’t care.

She never had.

The Bloodsanguines were used to scorn. Used to whispers about their... peculiar traditions.

But still—

Julie’s voice was colder than hers. Steel beneath frost.

"What do you take me for?"

"My body, mind, and soul all belong to Ethan. No one else will touch them."

"I’m not going to sleep with them. Not even allow them to even touch me. I’ll just seduce them. They already have a thing for me. I’ll offer... a little attention. Some words and some stare longer than usual."

"And they’ll fall into place."

Jade slowly relaxed. Her shoulders dropped.

"...As long as you know what you’re doing," she said quietly.

Julie nodded. "I know mother."

Together, the mother and daughter stood side by side, watching the estate and the bustling territory beyond.

Planning and Scheming.

Preparing to hand this whole territory all over—wrapped in blood if necessary—as a gift to Ethan, the man they love.

A truly dangerous, dedicated duo.

—End of Chapter 59—