The Extra Who Stole the Hero's System
Chapter 38: A Master - 2

Chapter 38: A Master - 2

The line of aspiring Sword Knight instructors before me, a diverse collection of men, each a potential key to my survival. I analyzed them, picking up subtle details: the calloused hands of a seasoned mercenary, the focused gaze of a disciplined swordsman, the raw, almost untamed energy of a younger, less experienced fighter. One of them, I knew, might become my instructor, my mentor, in this dangerous world.

As I stood there, observing, a sudden, sharp ping played in my mind, a sound that cut through the subtle noise of the manor gate. My vision blurred for a split second, and a translucent blue notification, bright, flashed across the edge of my sight.

[ ALERT!: S-TIER ARTIFACT DETECTED - NEAR YOUR APPROXIMATE LOCATION ]

My mind quickly raced. S-tier artifact? My mind reeled. This was unprecedented. Throughout my time in the manor, through all the subtle divergences and the terrifying encounters, I had never received such a message about any artifact. The system, in the novel, had indeed helped Eren Valtor—the hero, locate high-tier artifacts, guiding him to legendary weapons and powerful magical items. But for me to get such a notification at the manor gates, and for an S-tier artifact, no less...

My gaze immediately swept across the line of men. An S-tier artifact. It had to be one of them. It couldn’t be a coincidence. These commoners, seeking to become instructors, were clearly not ordinary. One of them, perhaps, carried something hidden, maybe their sword, or a secret power that even they might not fully comprehend. This was a game-changer. An S-tier artifact could provide me with an unimaginable advantage, a way to truly tip the scales in my favor against Lord Sapphire and whatever lay ahead in this new world.

Before I could approach any of them, before I could even begin to formulate a plan to identify the bearer of the incredible artifact, the grand doors of the manor swung open. Lord Sapphire emerged, his usual stern expression softened slightly, a rare, almost paternal look on his face. He was accompanied by the ever-composed butler, that I never sought to know their name.

Lord Sapphire walked to the head of the line, his presence immediately commanding attention. The murmurs among the men died down, replaced by respectful silence and instant gaze on him.

"Good morning, gentlemen," Lord Sapphire’s voice clear, carrying across the courtyard. "Thank you for answering our summons. I am Lord Sapphire, and this is my adopted son, Kai Lorne." He gestured towards me, and I forced a polite, deferential nod. "As you know, the season for the Sword Knight exams is upon us. And my son, Kai, has decided to participate in the noble’s path to knighthood."

A ripple of murmurs went through the line of men. Some exchanged surprised glances, others nodded in understanding. I could feel their eyes on me, definitely assessing my strength, probably judging my potential.

Lord Sapphire continued, his voice calm and authoritative. "He will require a personal instructor. Someone to hone his skills, to prepare him for the rigors of the Academy. We seek not just a swordsman, but a mentor. Someone with discipline, with wisdom, and with a true understanding of the blade."

He then engaged in brief discussions with the men, asking about their backgrounds, their fighting styles, their experience. He moved down the line, his gaze sharp and discerning, occasionally asking a pointed question, or offering a brief, almost imperceptible nod. I stood beside him, trying to appear attentive, but my mind was still racing, my internal radar fixed on the S-tier artifact notification. It was still there, a faint blue flickering screen at the edge of my vision, pulsing with a more so intensely. It was definitely coming from someone in this line.

I tried to subtly observe each man as Lord Sapphire spoke with them. My mind gave quick assesments, Was it the burly mercenary with the scarred face? The quiet, almost scholarly-looking man with the perfectly polished sword? The younger, more agile fighter who seemed to vibrate with suppressed energy? The system offered no further clues, no directional indicator, just the insistent APPROXIMATE LOCATION.

After what felt like an eternity of polite chitchat and formal introductions, Lord Sapphire finally concluded the meeting. He thanked the men for their time, promising to send word to those he deemed suitable for a more in-depth interview. The line began to break up, the men dispersing, some heading back towards the city, others lingering, discussing the opportunity.

"Come, Kai," Lord Sapphire said, turning to me, his expression unreadable. "Let us return to the manor. We have much to discuss regarding your training."

"Yes, Father," I replied, forcing a polite smile. My mind, however, was still fixed on the S-tier artifact. I needed to figure out who had it. I couldn’t just leave it. This was too important.

As Lord Sapphire turned to re-enter the manor, I lingered for a moment, my gaze sweeping over the departing men. The notification was still there, a very persistent hum in my mind. It was close. Very close.

I took a deep breath, trying to formulate a plan, a way to discreetly identify the artifact’s bearer without raising suspicion. I was about to follow Lord Sapphire back into the manor, my thoughts already swirling with possibilities, when a voice, low and resonant, spoke from directly behind me.

"I have finally found you."

My blood ran cold. The voice was unfamiliar, yet it carried an unsettling weight, a chilling certainty. It wasn’t Lord Sapphire. It wasn’t the butler. And it wasn’t any of the men from the line. I froze, every muscle in my body tensing. The S-tier artifact notification, in a fleeting moment change it’s content and began to pulse with a furious, almost panicked intensity.

[ ALERT! S-TIER ARTIFACT PROXIMITY SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED ]