SSS-Rank Awakening: My Talent Multiplies Everything novel Chapter 178

Chapter 178: Declining The Sword Saint’s Offer.

The moment those words left Kael’s mouth, the study fell into complete silence.

It lasted only a heartbeat before the room exploded with shock.

No one present had ever considered such an outcome possible.

The Sword Saint had personally extended an invitation to take someone in as his disciple, yet that person had rejected him.

Zoey’s jaw slowly fell open as she stared at Kael as though he had suddenly grown a second head. Her mind had completely blanked.

She knew exactly how many prodigies would throw away everything they owned for a chance to receive even a single pointer from her grandfather. Families had spent fortunes trying to curry his favor. Countless geniuses had lined up at his doorstep only to leave disappointed.

Yet the one person her grandfather had willingly chosen had turned him down without a moment’s hesitation.

Albert’s reaction wasn’t nearly as dramatic, but the disbelief in his eyes was no less genuine. Even after serving the Sword Saint for years, this was a scene he had never imagined witnessing.

As for the Sword Saint himself...

The old man simply stared at Kael.

The surprise in his eyes lingered for several moments before it gradually settled, replaced by curiosity rather than anger.

He folded his hands behind his back.

"Tell me, kid."

His voice remained calm.

"Why?"

"Why do you have to decline?"

The question hung quietly in the air.

No one spoke.

The atmosphere inside the study became strangely awkward.

Albert glanced between the two before quietly clearing his throat.

"I’ll excuse myself."

Receiving no objection, he turned around and walked toward the door. His footsteps echoed softly before disappearing into the corridor outside.

Zoey remained rooted to the spot.

She looked at Kael.

Then at her grandfather.

Then back again.

It was obvious she wanted to stay and hear the answer, but after several seconds of internal struggle, she reluctantly lowered her head.

"I’ll... leave too."

She quietly slipped out of the study before gently closing the door behind her.

Click.

The room became completely silent.

Only Kael and the Sword Saint remained.

The old man didn’t rush him.

He simply waited.

His eyes rested calmly on Kael, carrying neither disappointment nor pressure.

After several long moments, Kael finally broke the silence.

"Because..."

He paused briefly, carefully choosing his words.

"I can’t take on any additional personal responsibility."

The Sword Saint remained silent.

Kael continued. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"Right now, my only priority is my family."

"There are things surrounding them that I still don’t understand. Things I need to uncover."

"If I become your disciple, I’ll inevitably inherit responsibilities alongside the benefits."

"I don’t think I can shoulder those responsibilities while pursuing what I need to do."

His voice remained respectful throughout.

There wasn’t a trace of insincerity.

He wasn’t lying.

Ever since awakening, mysteries had continued appearing one after another.

His parents.

Lyra’s hidden information.

Too many unanswered questions remained.

Adding another obligation onto his shoulders now wasn’t something he wanted to do.

A disciple didn’t merely receive guidance.

He represented his master.

His actions reflected upon his teacher’s reputation.

There would be expectations.

Duties.

Responsibilities.

Kael wasn’t interested in any of that.

At least...

Not now.

Silence descended once more.

The Sword Saint quietly studied the young man standing before him.

Then, just as the silence began stretching uncomfortably long, Kael spoke again.

"That said..."

The old man’s eyebrow rose slightly.

"Even though I can’t become your disciple..."

"It doesn’t mean I don’t wish to learn from your exalted self."

"I’d still like to receive guidance from you as a junior seeking advice from a respected senior."

The Sword Saint blinked.

For the first time in many years...

He found himself genuinely speechless.

He stared at Kael for several seconds before finally asking,

"And why..."

"...would I teach someone who isn’t willing to become my disciple?"

Kael answered without the slightest embarrassment.

"So you can brag to your friends about teaching an incredibly talented young man like me."

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