NABC Chapter 182
Chapter 182
Chapter 182: Chapter 117: The Curse of the Red-Handled Sword Chapter 182: Chapter 117: The Curse of the Red-Handled Sword On Monday morning, Aiwass arrived at the classroom over half an hour early.
To his surprise, Professor Bard had arrived even earlier than he had.
“Our teaching assistant has arrived,”
Professor Bard turned around with a smile as he heard the sound of the wheelchair rolling across the wooden floor and greeted Aiwass, “You’re here so early.
Have you had breakfast?”
Even though Aiwass was in a wheelchair, Professor Bard was not much taller than him.
This professor, with thinning hair and a short stature but a pleasant personality, only had a stern face in the classroom.
When not teaching, he was cheerful every day, exuding a kind of optimism and vitality that is quite rare among the elderly.
“I have, Professor,”
Aiwass replied warmly, “It’s not that early… See, quite a few people have already arrived, haven’t they?”
As he said this, he looked toward the students sitting in their seats.
...
Although class was still half an hour away, the students had already arrived in dribs and drabs, filling nearly half of the seats.
However, Professor Bard only shook his head, “It’s because you are here that they come this early.
“Usually, even if there are just ten minutes before class, not many would show up.
They either come just in time or simply arrive late.
Those who come early usually don’t do so for the sake of learning.
They either read novels in class or come here to sleep.
There are even those who come here to catch up on homework from other classes…
“Although I don’t micromanage them, this doesn’t mean I’m too old to see what’s happening.”
As he said this, the old professor also seemed somewhat nostalgic.
But before Aiwass could offer any consolation, the elder had already cheered himself up, saying optimistically, “But who can blame me for not being a very good lecturer?
It can’t be helped.
I can’t exactly expect students to listen attentively if I know I’m not doing well, can I?”
“Not many instructors have that kind of self-awareness,” Aiwass said with a smile.
This was not flattery, but the truth.
For these professors, the role of “mentor” is generally more important than that of “lecturer.”
What is taught in class is merely the basics needed.
To truly develop their abilities, students need to go to the library on their own to study more advanced knowledge, or get an introduction letter from their mentor to learn one-on-one from other professors.
Knowing that such lectures aren’t very significant, few professors take them very seriously.
Yet, those who reach the “professor” level are usually important figures who, even if they don’t put their hearts into teaching, will not tolerate any disrespect from students.
But Bard simply waved his hand, “There was a time when I had a bad temper, just like them.
But now that I look back, I realize that it was because they felt anxious about their own research.
It was because they were young enough to still have the potential and desire to advance further.
“I am good-natured now because I have reached the pinnacle in the field of archaeology and historical research.
I don’t have any goals to surpass above my head, nor are there any resources I need to strive for.
I’m also not interested in the position of technical officer or a seat in the Round Table Hall.
“All I think about every day is to take advantage of my old bones while they can still move, to quickly inspect a few ancient relics that are difficult to date, and then use the rest of my life to discern and document these lost histories.”
“‘With no desires, one is steadfast and firm,'” Aiwass nodded, “Without the desire to compete or surpass others, one can naturally be strong, unyielding, and peace of mind.”
Bard was somewhat surprised, “You understand the Primordial Language?”
“A bit, but not much,” Aiwass replied modestly.
“That’s already quite remarkable,”
Professor Bard exclaimed.
He grew increasingly fond of Aiwass, who was knowledgeable, eager to learn, and humble.
Although initially becoming Aiwass’s mentor was something of a transaction, Bard now felt more and more that his decision was the right one.
Then, Professor Bard and Aiwass discussed the events of the previous Thursday.
Genvieve Chapel...
What you’re holding should be that very key.”
“...You actually have such a profound understanding of Avalon’s founding history?”
Aiwass was somewhat astounded.
This was the first time he had seen this history professor showcase his expertise.
All this referred to knowledge that was transcendent and even secretive, and yet this ordinary professor seemed to know more than Aiwass...
At least Aiwass did not know what specific curse the sword contained.
Nor did he know that the curse belonged to the Eternal Self, rather than the Serpent Father.
“Quite simple,”
Upon hearing the question, Professor Bard chuckled, his words revealing a strong sense of confidence: “Because I once collected a fragment of the ‘Red-Handled Sword’ at a maritime ruin.
There, I found a message left by Merlin himself, explaining why this sword was sealed there...
It’s the only broken sword fragment that Avalon has acquired to date and is now stored in the Edward Museum.
I wrote all the historical records regarding this sword.”
“According to my research, the birth of this Sword was influenced by both the Eternal Self and amber, and that red handle is very likely the concept of ‘amber.’ Therefore, I believe there should be a powerful Phantom Demon sealed within the Sword—it’s highly likely to be a rebellious Celestial Marshal or Angel Envoy, belonging to the Path of Dusk or the Path of Love.
The latter might be more probable,”
“Is it possible that the Phantom Demon sealed inside belongs to the Path of Devotion?”
Aiwass suggested a possibility.
Professor Bard stroked his chin, pondering for a while, “It’s not impossible.
Galahad has an affinity for the Path of Devotion, and his ability to safely wield it might be due to this reason...
but there seems to be no reason for the Eternal Self and amber to jointly seal a Phantom Demon of the Path of Devotion, should they?
That should be something for the Candle Master to handle himself.
“—In any case, you should use this Sword as little as possible.
Although its curse is stored in the shattered blades, its hilt will make one more susceptible to harm from curses.
Even the strongest Transcendent would be as vulnerable as an infant when wielding this Sword and facing a curse,”
the old professor warned, “It’s entirely possible that a curse which normally wouldn’t affect you could become effective because of the existence of this Sword.”
“I understand,”
said Aiwass, nodding obediently.
But his heart stirred slightly, as he found a crucial clue from the words inadvertently revealed by Professor Bard.
...So one of the pieces of the Red-Handled Sword is now in the Edward Museum.
The Edward Museum...
that was precisely the museum built by Old James in the name of Edward.
In other words, it was property of Aiwass’s own family.
Given the chance, he could consider retrieving it.
Even if he didn’t reforge the Holy Sword, it could serve as a medium for a curse.
—Moreover, if Aiwass himself had one of the pieces, it also meant that Bishop Mathers could not possibly reforge the Holy Sword.
Because no matter what, he would not be able to gather all the pieces...
much like always missing one card in a collection.
As long as Mathers couldn’t reforge the Red-Handled Sword, he would not fall into madness due to the Sword’s curse and become a Cursed Holy Knight.
However...
A powerful Phantom Demon...
a fallen Celestial Marshal or Angel Envoy, isn’t that a Superior Phantom?
Aiwass narrowed his eyes, his lips curling slightly.
Does that mean, by gathering the pieces of the Red-Handled Sword, he could awaken a Light-attribute Superior Phantom sealed within the Holy Sword?
How convenient.
He was just wondering which “Great Beast” of the Light attribute he should capture, and now one was delivered to his doorstep?