Sword God in a World of Magic

After a full minute, Shang finally made his choice.

It wasn't an easy one, but Shang believed that it was correct.

"I choose…"

"19."

The jester's smile widened as he looked at Shang.

"Now, that is interesting," he said as he appeared directly in front of Shang, looking him deeply in the eyes.

For just a moment, Shang felt fear arise in his heart.

"Even though I blocked your thoughts from my perception, I was still very certain in being able to foresee your choice since I know everything about you."

"Yet, who would have guessed that I would be wrong?" the jester mused as he looked into Shang's eyes with a mad grin.

"I was sure you would choose 22."

"Tell me, why did you choose 19?" the jester asked without moving away.

Shang felt very uncomfortable with the jester so close to his face.

Shang took a deep breath to organize his thoughts.

"There are several reasons for my decision."

"Originally, I wanted to choose 22. After all, it is an increase in power for a sacrifice. This is exactly what I have been telling myself. I told myself that this is how I want to live my life."

The jester waited for the reasons.

"But, for now," Shang slowly said. "I don't want to commit to a path."

"Commit?" the jester asked with interest.

"Yes," Shang said. "You told me that I have already asked the question I want to ask before and that I should wait for the Commander Stage. This means that I will get the answer to my question."

"The answer to the question: What kind of attitude would be most effective on my journey?"

"Well," the jester said, "you phrased the question a bit differently, but it's essentially the same."

Shang nodded. "I have been stuck between two paths for the last two years. Do I help others, or do I hurt others?"

"However, it isn't that easy. If I help others, I will also receive their help, but at some point, the help others can provide me is worth less than what I give them, which will hamper my growth."

"This means that I can't fully commit to this path."

many resources that increase my power, but on the other hand, I will also be under constant danger, and that danger

also can't fully commit to that

attitude would work

22, I might have done something that could force me down one of the

that moment, Shang looked at

me hear about the correct path without being able to walk

in the trial after having already become too old to take advantage

The jester only smiled.

isn't my entire

Of course, feeling a bit bad won't stop me from doing what I have to do

cheating. I don't want to get something handed to me

as I've said, I'm still willing to do it, but this reason also played a small role in my

then there are two

with a smile. "You really thought

to do with my impression

is your impression of me?" the

took a deep

often illogical, mad, chaotic, playful," Shang

keep Shang's thoughts a secret. The

the God didn't

probably the only thing that interests you. There might not

moment, the

The entire atmosphere changed.

was a plaything, but now,

guessed that he had hit the

a sore spot for the

jester spoke with a deadpan

first time that Shang heard the God speak in

thing," Shang

beginning, and I thought that

entertaining and circumvent your expectations?" Shang

"Hahahaha!"

The jester laughed loudly.

laughed for quite

idea how long it has been that I have been surprised

think of yourself while making this choice, but you were actually thinking of

a mad grin. "By thinking of me, you suspect

said with a nod. "I don't want to serve. I don't want to be your

The jester didn't react.

want isn't important. In front of you, it isn't important what I want. I don't

the word "yet", but

comply while feeling resentment

if I want to achieve my goal, for the time being, I have to. Defying you will only