The Genius Mage Was Reincarnated Into A Swordsman Family-Chapter 141: Breaking the Trial: Alex Lionhart

After Nicholas’s departure, the oppressive silence lingered in the air around the fourth checkpoint. Klaus and Alex stood there, struggling to remain upright as the obelisk’s pulsating runes continued to drain their strength. Neither exchanged words; their breaths came ragged, their bodies trembling under the immense weight of fatigue.

Nicholas’s uncharacteristic behavior weighed on Alex’s mind, his thoughts swirling with frustration and unease. Klaus, however, was less perturbed. He had expected something like this from Nicholas. Greed had hinted at Nicholas’s knowledge of runes before, suggesting that the boy could have helped Klaus with the intricate seals on Dudu’s egg if he had wanted to.

But Nicholas was always a puzzle Klaus couldn’t quite solve. He remembered their countless sparring matches at the training grounds—how Nicholas always held back just enough to maintain the facade of being on par with Alex, but never exceeding him. It had been a calculated move, one that cemented the perception among the other trainees that Nicholas was third in rank, just behind Alex and far beneath Klaus.

Yet now, even Alex could no longer deny the truth. Nicholas was far stronger than he had let on. The memory of Nicholas walking away from the obelisk, unaffected by its power, was etched into their minds. His calm demeanor, his enigmatic smirk—those were not the signs of someone struggling to keep up.

***

Klaus shifted his weight and straightened his posture. Though the runes still drained him, he had subtly used magic to alleviate some of the muscle pain. It was a small advantage, but it was enough. His mind was set. Like Nicholas, Klaus had no intention of playing by the rules.

But unlike Nicholas, Klaus didn’t possess intricate knowledge of runes. Nor could he afford to draw attention to himself by using conspicuous magic with Alex standing so close. Instead, he focused on sheer willpower, forcing his legs to move, step by agonizing step, until he was inching forward, leaving Alex behind.

Alex watched Klaus push ahead, his jaw tightening. His own body screamed in protest with every movement, yet the sight of Klaus’s unwavering determination stoked a fire of resentment within him. Klaus was always ahead—always stronger, faster, better.

It wasn’t fair.

Alex and Klaus were both Apostles, chosen by fate to wield extraordinary power. Yet Klaus had outstripped him in every way imaginable. His meteoric rise to becoming the youngest Swordmaster in the continent’s history was a humiliation Alex couldn’t shake. No matter how hard he trained, no matter how much he sacrificed, Klaus was always one step ahead.

His hands curled into fists, nails biting into his palms. The trial was supposed to be their equalizer. It was supposed to be a test that even Klaus couldn’t simply overpower. But as Alex watched Klaus take one resolute step after another, the bitterness within him deepened.

"Pride," Alex whispered, his voice barely audible.

The world shifted. The vibrant colors of the forest faded to muted grays as time itself seemed to freeze. The air grew heavy, charged with an otherworldly presence. And then, he appeared—the Arkdieu Pride.

Draped in an aura of authority, the entity gazed at Alex with a mix of curiosity and amusement. His golden eyes shimmered like molten metal, betraying a knowledge far beyond mortal comprehension.

<<<What troubles you, my Apostle? >>>Pride asked, his voice rich and resonant, carrying an edge of condescension.

Alex swallowed hard, his gaze darting toward the distant figure of Nicholas, who was now little more than a shadow among the trees. "Is Nicholas also an Apostle?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration and suspicion. Nicholas’s unexplainable actions gnawed at him. How had he bypassed the bracelet’s mechanism so effortlessly?

Pride’s lips curved into a faint smirk. <<< No. But he is peculiar. >>>

The entity’s gaze followed Alex’s line of sight, landing on Nicholas with unnerving precision. <<< He bears dozens of runes hidden across his body, etched with a precision that even I must respect. He has studied the Rune Arts extensively, far beyond what most mortals ever achieve. >>>

Alex’s brow furrowed. "Runes… are they really that special?"

Pride turned his gaze back to Alex, his expression unreadable. <<< They are more than special. They are a language of creation, a power that rivals even the Apostles when wielded correctly. >>> He leaned forward slightly, his golden eyes narrowing. <<< But enough of your idle questions. What is it you truly seek? >>> Explore hidden tales at novelbuddy

Alex hesitated, his gaze falling to the frozen image of Klaus, mid-stride, his younger cousin’s face set with grim determination. "I don’t want to lose to him again," Alex admitted, his voice low but resolute.

Pride chuckled, a deep, almost mocking sound. <<< Then you shall not. >>>

With a fluid motion, he reached out and traced a glowing rune onto Alex’s forehead. The symbol flared briefly with golden light before sinking into his skin and vanishing entirely.

<<< The mechanism of these runes will no longer affect you. Use this gift wisely. >>>

Before Alex could respond, Pride’s form began to dissipate, fading like smoke on the wind. Time resumed its flow, the vibrant colors of the forest returning in a rush. Alex exhaled sharply, feeling the weight that had pressed on him vanish entirely. Strength flooded back into his limbs, and he straightened, testing his newfound vitality.

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"Thank you," he muttered under his breath.

His gaze snapped to Klaus, who was still trudging forward, his movements labored but relentless. Alex’s lips curled into a smirk as a surge of confidence filled him.

"I will not lose to you ever again," he vowed, his voice cold and unwavering.

Letting his aura explode outward, Alex propelled himself forward with newfound vigor. His sprint carried him past Klaus, who paused mid-step to watch his cousin’s sudden burst of speed.

Klaus’s eyes narrowed as he observed Alex’s transformation. The faintest smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Finally alone," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.

---

Nicholas may have left them behind, and Alex may have surged ahead, but Klaus knew one thing for certain: this trial was far from over. And he had no intention of playing by anyone’s rules but his own.