Chapter 147: Maleficus Dungeon (2)
When Leven had just turned sixteen, he was deeply immersed in training at the Strauss family estate alongside his older brother, Emil. Emil often left the estate to train alone, and during one of his excursions, he stumbled upon an ancient ruin partially revealed within the forest.
The Strauss family’s influence extended not only over their territory but across the entire Delphiad region. Given the vastness of this territory, discovering ancient ruins wasn't particularly uncommon. Typically, such discoveries were handed off to the adventurers' guild.
However, this particular ruin was unusually close to the family estate, within a half-day's walk at most. Thus, the Strauss Duchy decided to handle the matter personally. Renowned treasure hunters were recruited and an exploration team was formed with knights and soldiers from the family’s ranks. The discovered ruins were named the Keliante Dungeon.
But Emil, the original discoverer, had no interest in the dungeon exploration. He was dedicated solely to the path of the sword, and more annoyed by the commotion that disrupted his usual training in the forest.
Leven, on the other hand, often joined the exploration efforts. Initially, his interest was purely driven by curiosity. The dungeon was so close to home that it felt almost like a place he could casually visit. Whenever he found time during his training, he would tag along with the exploration team.
As a member of the Strauss family, Leven had been trained in swordsmanship from a young age. Even at sixteen, his skills surpassed those of most knights. He frequently ventured into the dungeon and participated in battles. Gellard didn’t stop him. After all, Emil was the heir to the Strauss family. Leven, the second son, was given a bit more freedom.
Of course, if Leven had spent his time idly wandering, he would have faced reprimands. But dungeon exploration was seen as a form of practical training and thus allowed. During these excursions, Leven became deeply fascinated by treasure hunting and dungeon exploration.
The treasure hunters hired by the Strauss family weren't particularly strong. Compared to the family's knights—and even to Leven himself—they were weak. In a one-on-one duel, Leven was confident he could defeat any of them ten times out of ten. And yet, it was always the treasure hunters who saved his life in the dungeon.
This opened Leven's eyes to a new perspective, one he hadn't encountered on the path of the sword. Swordsmanship wasn't everything. Sometimes, wisdom and knowledge could surpass raw strength.
—With this... maybe I can surpass Emil.
No matter how hard he trained, he knew he could never catch up to Emil on the path of the sword. So perhaps he could walk a different path, a path that belonged to him alone.
And so, a year passed. Leven's fascination with treasure hunting only deepened. By the time he turned seventeen, he formally approached his father with a request. He wanted to become an adventurer, a treasure hunter. Gellard's response was unexpected.