Chapter 267: Act 56: Invitation to the Unity of All Things_3

So it was him. Brand’s heart was suddenly enlightened; could it be that their activities on Grey Squirrel Street had been discovered? But that was unlikely, unless the Limp Man had betrayed them. But did he have the guts? Brand shook his head, forcing himself to calm down lest he revealed any clues to the opponent.

Viscount Test.

The illegitimate son of Duke Golan Elson, Viscount Test of the Mano region—a person neither too conspicuous in the last brief chapter of Erune’s history, nor as unknown as a commoner. Brand’s impression of him remained fixed on the tragic love story between him and a female Bard—naturally, that was something for later.

However, Brand knew the character of this man; the viscount was superficially magnanimous and unrestrained, but meticulously detailed to the verge of rigidity within. Although Brand once suspected Test, as the deputy to Silver Wing Cavalry Captain Maggsk, might also be involved with the All Things Return to One. His secretive movements indirectly confirmed this suspicion. Yet when Brand first saw this historical Viscount Test, he couldn’t help but be surprised; the man did not exhibit signs of psychological distortion as described in poetry and novels due to long-term oppression and suppression. His calmness was apparent on his face, perhaps with ill intentions—but this ill intention was transparent, not evoking words like ‘Mona Lisa’s smile’ or ‘hypocritical’ filled with negative connotations.

His smile was like a beautiful viper; you knew it was dangerous, but still felt its elegance and composure.

Test held his sword—sheathed in a cane-like scabbard—this implied threat was evident without words. But the silver-haired youth seemed to say: “There is something between us that needs to be resolved. I don’t rule out the possibility of piercing you through with a sword, but other than that, there is nothing we can’t discuss.” As if life and death were long forgotten in such people; he had his own stance and pursuits.

Seeing this, Brand knew it was impossible to find any flaw in such a person. Yet, as Sophie, he always had the stubborn nature of growing stronger when facing challenges; otherwise, he wouldn’t have fought Madara for ten years. So now he calmed down instead and laughed coldly.

“I don’t recall having offended you before, Viscount.”

Test’s purple eyes flickered. He always felt this young man was not simple. He had suddenly made his move just now, yet the opponent, merely a Black Iron Lower level Swordsman, had managed to escape calmly, proving he had some capabilities. But now, he further confirmed this.

With just a simple sentence, he counter-attacked and fished for information, seemingly grasping Test’s personality. The silver-haired youth suddenly felt awkward and couldn’t help but touch his nose, unwilling to be led by the nose, yet pretending not to hear was impossible—his confidence wouldn’t allow it.

“Well said, but not everything in the world offers choices.” He replied.

Brand slightly squinted his eyes; Test first softened then hardened, things didn’t seem as straightforward as he imagined. But asking him to hand over Antitina was not happening either. While thinking this, he quietly allocated his experience points entirely to the mercenary Profession. The latter instantly crossed levels 11 and 12, making his Total Level reach 20 for the first time.

Simultaneously, his Strength broke into double digits for the first time, reaching 10 points.

Though this strength was still hardly worth Test’s attention, it at least put him at the Black Iron Middle level.

“What do you want to say?” He suppressed the power of the Holy Sword with one hand, palms sweaty, but outwardly calm as he asked.

“Let’s get straight to the point. What is your relationship with Reto?” Test seemed to have noticed Brand’s subtle movements but showed no sign of it. Instead, he leisurely asked. However, this pose made Brand more alert; as an old warrior, Brand almost saw all possible sword attack paths from Test’s every direction, making him break into a cold sweat.

This Test, outwardly unconcerned but highly vigilant within.

Brand was more shocked by Test’s question. When he heard this question, he almost lost his composure; fortunately, his battle-hardened nature and solid mental quality pulled him through. He calmed down and nonchalantly exhaled while asking, “What Reto?”

Brand appeared completely unaware, but his heart was roaring. From which faction was Test asking him this question? Local nobles? White Mane Legion? Or the All Things Return to One? All seemed possible, yet each lacked core evidence. But the key issue was, how much did they already know?

Brand forced himself to stare into Test’s eyes; this was his forte. He had deceived countless top Madara players in the game, but now it seemed ineffective.

Test didn’t catch the slightest clue from Brand, but precisely because of this, doubt arose. He smiled: “Your answer holds little significance to me; originally, killing you was simple enough. But your performance sparks my appreciation for talent; I don’t care what you say—it holds no significance to me—”

With glasslike purple eyes, he smiled and asked: “Your name is Brand, right? I only have one question: do you want to join us?”

At this moment, Brand desperately wanted to feign ignorance and ask, “You?”

But seeing Test’s hand on the sword and the dark Ring of the Serpent on his finger, he couldn’t help but swallow. He knew Test was giving him a final ultimatum: either agree or meet Lord Marsha.

Yet joining the All Things Return to One association would be excruciating for Brand. In the previous life, it was his mortal enemy, second only to Madara.

Moreover, once joined, this notorious organization would imprint him for life. This was not the path he wanted, unless completely cornered, he wouldn’t consider this direction even a bit.

But now, joining the All Things Return to One or facing Test’s sword—he must choose one side.

Brand couldn’t help but stop his operation on attributes…

A dead silence.

…

(P.S. Visiting relatives every day, shouldn’t patients rest? Shorter word count these days, will catch up once this period is over.)(To be continued. For what’s next, please visit www.qidian.com, more chapters available, support the author, support genuine reading!)