SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 547: A Short Break

With a ripple of dark mana, Maledicta vanished from Trafalgar's grasp. The oppressive aura blanketing the field dissipated instantly. Students near the protective barrier began to exhale, the stifling tension giving way to relieved whispers and hushed conversations as the duel concluded. Trafalgar retracted his arm, extending it towards Xavier with an offer of assistance.

"Are you unharmed?"

Xavier paused for a beat, looking at the offered hand before scoffing. He, too, dismissed his spear, which dissolved into a cascade of red-gold light. Accepting Trafalgar's hand, he allowed himself to be pulled to his feet.

"Physically, I'm fine," Xavier stated, brushing imaginary dust from the back of his trousers. "However, I suspect my honor and reputation have sustained significant damage."

Trafalgar offered a wry observation.

"You were defeated by the first year's top student. The outcome was rather predictable from the start."

A huff escaped Xavier's nose, a mix of irritation and amusement coloring his expression.

"When you put it that way, it almost sounds… considerate." He shifted his shoulder and stretched his neck, a faint wince crossing his face. "Almost."

A few onlookers near the dueling grounds continued to gaze their way, particularly after the duel's abrupt finish. Trafalgar paid them no mind. Xavier noticed their attention and appeared on the verge of a proud, defiant retort, but ultimately let it go unsaid.

Instead, he inquired, "Fancy a drink somewhere? We have ample free time, and after all that exertion, I have zero inclination to continue training today."

Trafalgar considered the suggestion, more out of ingrained politeness than actual hesitation.

"We can. I just need to drop by my room first to put something away." He gestured vaguely towards the path leading back to the dormitory area. "Contact Barth while I do that. If he's available, the three of us can go."

Xavier's face lit up instantly.

"Oh? A lads' excursion?"

Trafalgar gave a single, affirmative nod.

This seemed to please Xavier far more than it logically should have.

They departed the training field in unison, heading towards the dormitory structure. The circular platform serving as the internal elevator awaited their arrival. It was a wide disc of silverstone, intricately carved with softly glowing mana lines that pulsed beneath their feet. Xavier stepped aboard first, hands now comfortably in his pockets after the intense duel, with Trafalgar following, maintaining his usual composed demeanor.

The platform ascended.

Upon reaching Bartholomew's designated floor, Xavier disembarked.

"I'll haul him out if necessary," he declared.

"Try persuasion first."

"No promises."

The platform continued its upward journey with only Trafalgar aboard, eventually reaching the exclusive level designated for the heirs of the Eight Great Families. The corridor here was serene, maintaining an almost unsettling quietude in stark contrast to the clamor of the training grounds far below.

Trafalgar unlocked his chamber door, entered, and closed it behind him. His immediate actions were to place the items he carried onto a nearby table, followed swiftly by heading directly towards the bath.

The shower was a quick affair, sufficient to cleanse away the sweat, grime, and lingering heat of the duel. By the time he emerged, changed into more relaxed attire, and properly re-secured his hair, the residual intensity within him had subsided into a more manageable state.

As he reached for the door, a sudden thought occurred to him.

Trafalgar manifested the [Shadowlink Echo] into his palm and channeled mana into the artifact. A message was already awaiting retrieval. Moments later, Caelum's voice, direct and formal as ever, emanated from the item itself.

"Young Master, your father has been apprised of our findings regarding the void creatures. While I suspect he anticipated confirmation, the news was not received well. However, his displeasure is not directed as you might assume. He holds himself responsible for not engaging the void creature with full force and ensuring its complete annihilation. The fact that it currently roams freely in another dimension deeply vexes him."

Trafalgar remained by the door, absorbing the information in silent contemplation.

"There is further intelligence. I also have an update from the main house. Rivena has achieved another advancement. She has reached Ascend, the sixth core. I presumed you would wish to be informed. As for Maeron and Lysandra, both currently reside one stage above her. In terms of familial sibling progression, she now ranks third in sheer advancement. Knowing her ambition, exercising caution would be prudent."

Caelum's voice continued its measured cadence without alteration.

"Currently, she is engaged in undisclosed matters, access to which I regrettably lack. Maeron's standing remains consistent. Lysandra's position is similarly stable. The status of the wives and their respective offspring has undergone no significant shifts. Helgar may harbor resentment towards you, though I doubt he will manifest it openly. Nevertheless, vigilance is advised. The overall atmosphere within the main house has become increasingly volatile due to your father's self-imposed seclusion and singular focus on cultivation."

The message concluded at this point.

A considerable period had elapsed, longer than usual, filled with tidings Trafalgar would have rather not processed simultaneously.

He allowed the object to dissipate.

So, Valttair had anticipated the truth already. Caelum's confirmation had merely solidified it within his grasp. In a way, this was beneficial. Valttair, despite the disrepute associated with him as a father and as a man, remained one of Trafalgar's most significant assets. Perhaps even the most significant.

Nevertheless, the remainder of the communication offered no solace.

'Rivena has attained the sixth core...

Trafalgar had been immersed in the Flow for some time, although Prime was sufficiently close that he sensed its proximity daily. Even so, the disparity persisted. Rivena's resurgence in power meant that the vengeance he had never forgotten would be postponed further. Maeron's presence at the seventh core amplified the gravity of the situation. That magnitude of power had transcended conventional combat, entering the realm of forces capable of reshaping landscapes. He still vividly recalled Valttair's actions long ago, when Trafalgar first awoke in this world. The scene of a mountain shattered by sheer might remained etched in his memory.

He released a slow breath.

'There's no use dwelling on it now."

Securing the door behind him, he made his way back towards the platform.

As anticipated, Xavier and Bartholomew were already awaiting him below. Xavier, with the nonchalant self-assurance of one who had never known the sting of being left behind, leaned casually against the railing. Bartholomew stood beside him, maintaining his characteristic slightly uncertain posture, attired and prepared, though evidently still uncertain of their destination.

Trafalgar descended from the platform, his gaze shifting between the two.

"Any thoughts on where we're headed?"

Bartholomew straightened his cuff and conveyed a negative response. "I-I'm unaware. Xavier

merely instructed me to be ready, stating we were venturing out."

Xavier pushed himself away from the railing.

"We shall remain within Velkaris," he declared. "I have no inclination to depart the city today. And

judging by your expression last time, I suspect another gathering beyond the walls

isn't precisely your ideal scenario."

Trafalgar offered a subdued acknowledgment.

"Don't take it personally. Large assemblies are simply not my preference."

Xavier produced a slight grin. "Excellent. Because I had no intention of involving you in one.

With that, the trio proceeded towards the Academy station to board the swift mana train destined for Velkaris, the capital city that seemed to possess an inexhaustible supply of locales worthy of an afternoon's diversion.