The Strongest Villain Sets Out: Reincarnated into a Merit-Based Clan, I Become the World's Strongest Swordsman

At the Salvatore ducal family-owned mine where a blizzard danced. At its foot, several men and women had gathered.

One of them was the eldest daughter Norn Salvatore, who was waiting for Luka’s return. Blood-red eyes stared straight at the summit.

“It’s been a week since Luka entered the mountain. It should be about time for him to return.”

The one who spoke was a tall man standing behind her—Lucius Salvatore. He was the current Salvatore Duke.

“That’s right. I wonder if Luka can break through this trial at the youngest age.”

“He’ll be fine. That child is strong. I, who taught him sword and aura, guarantee it. Eventually, it will be Luka who assumes the position of Salvatore ducal family head.”

“Not you?”

“Hehe. My talent is merely somewhat superior at best. No one can beat Luka. Not even you.”

“Ho.”

Shnk

A somewhat cold atmosphere flowed between Norn and Lucius. It was definitely not due to climate or temperature. Several servants nearby broke out in sweat from the pressure of the two.

“An interesting story. Normally speaking, you should be the one chosen as the next head.”

“You don’t mean that. Father, I know you’re also expecting great things from Luka.”

“Well, that’s true.”

Lucius honestly affirmed Norn’s words.

The existence called Luka Salvatore was close to a miracle for them as members of the Salvatore family.

From childhood, he had a stronger curiosity than anyone. From childhood, he enjoyed books and spoke fluently. The clincher was his aura awakening. At five years old at the time, he manifested aura earlier than anyone.

Three years since then. Luka’s talent that Lucius had heard about from Norn had reached a realm that even Norn, who was called a genius, couldn’t measure. Therefore, Lucius had given a trial to Luka, who was still only eight years old.

If it was Luka, who easily exceeded his expectations, he would surely leave interesting results. And finally, that answer appeared.

“! Master!”

One of the servants noticed. Something was coming down from the mountain path.

What emerged from the blizzard was—a giant bear. No. To be precise, a bear’s pelt.

Was the inside hollowed out? Except for the head, it was so thin it didn’t feel like it had any mass. More than anything, from under that bear, a boy with a familiar face emerged.

It was Luka Salvatore.

☆

A week since survival in the snowy mountains began. While treating the wounds I sustained in combat with the bear monster, I continued fighting monsters relentlessly.

Days of searching, killing, and eating. My right hand still couldn’t move as before, but through repeated treatment, the pain had become much more manageable.

Honestly, including the combat with the bear monster and those scoundrels, this survival had been the best. I would have liked to hole up in the mountains for about another week if possible, but it would be troublesome if they thought I had died, so I reluctantly descended the mountain.

As proof that I had subjugated monsters, I brought back the pelt of the bear, which was my greatest catch. It was extremely fishy-smelling, but with this, it would become my admirable achievement. It was subtly heavy and difficult to carry with one hand though.

“Luka!”

When I arrived at the foot of the mountain, I could see Norn-nee-san, who had been waiting for my return, waving her hand.

I placed the monster’s corpse on the spot and walked over to Nee-san’s side.

“I have returned, Norn-nee-san. Was the head of house with you as well?”

“Welcome back. As expected, Luka is amazing. To break through the trial at the youngest age. Moreover, to bring down such a large prey.”

Norn-nee-san’s gaze briefly turned toward the bear monster’s corpse lying behind me.

“Even Father and I couldn’t defeat that monster until after we turned ten.”

“It’s not that impressive. I pushed myself a bit too hard.”

“That arm?”

“Yes. I took one hit and ended up like this.”

“Splendid. You defeated it with just one arm, didn’t you? As expected of Luka. You’re so cute~”

“Mmph.”