Spoiler Warning: This article contains major spoilers for Star-Embracing Swordmaster Chapter 134.

Star-Embracing Swordmaster Chapter 134, titled “New Home (1),” is a quieter chapter compared with the series’ major battles, but that does not make it less important. Instead of focusing on a huge confrontation, the chapter spends time developing Vlad’s relationships, his position within the coming war, and the complicated emotions surrounding his connection to Deirmar.

What makes this chapter especially interesting is that Vlad is no longer simply the young knight trying to prove himself. Other characters are beginning to recognize his value, and that means his responsibilities are growing along with his strength.

The chapter also gives us several hints about where Vlad’s story could be heading next.

What Happens in Star-Embracing Swordmaster Chapter 134?

Chapter 134 begins with Vlad returning to Deirmar and meeting Joseph again.

Their reunion immediately brings back the familiar dynamic between them. Joseph is not exactly welcoming Vlad with open arms. Instead, he reminds Vlad of the trouble he caused previously, particularly the incident involving the Hainal family’s precious relic.

Vlad does not try to argue.

He knows that Joseph has every reason to be annoyed, and his response shows an important part of his character: despite becoming much stronger, Vlad has not forgotten the people who helped shape him.

Jager is also there, and his interaction with Vlad adds some humor to an otherwise serious situation. Their brief exchange demonstrates just how much Vlad has changed.

Jager attempts to strike Vlad, but Vlad easily avoids the attack.

It is a small moment, but it carries a lot of meaning.

The people around Vlad are starting to realize that the boy they once knew is no longer the same inexperienced fighter.

Vlad’s Position Is Changing

One of the most important developments in Chapter 134 is Vlad’s new official position.

Joseph explains that Vlad will now serve as Alicia’s knight rather than directly operating under Joseph’s command.

This is more than a simple change of title.

The political situation surrounding the war makes Vlad’s identity increasingly important. His affiliation can influence how other groups view him, especially because the Vatican and other forces involved in the conflict may not fully understand where Vlad’s loyalties lie.

Vlad himself admits that he prefers being known as Vlad of Soara.

That reaction is significant.

His title is not merely decoration. It represents his history, his connection to Soara, and the identity he has built for himself.

Even though Alicia wants him to become more closely connected to her territory, Vlad is not ready to simply abandon the identity he has earned.

This creates an interesting conflict between personal identity and political opportunity.

Alicia Wants Vlad on Her Side

Joseph reveals another important detail: after Vlad’s existing seven-year contract ends, Alicia has requested priority when negotiating for his future service.

In simple terms, Alicia wants the opportunity to approach Vlad first if he decides to serve another lord.

This tells us how highly she values him.

Vlad is becoming an increasingly important knight, and powerful people are beginning to think about where he will stand in the future.

However, the arrangement is not presented as forced loyalty. Vlad will still have the freedom to make his own decision when the existing agreement expires.

That freedom matters because one of the recurring themes of Vlad’s journey is his gradual movement from having almost no control over his life to becoming someone capable of choosing his own path.

The Budart Warriors Become Vlad’s Responsibility

Another major development comes when Joseph assigns Vlad to work with the Budart warriors.

This decision makes practical sense.

Vlad already has a connection with the group, which gives him an advantage over commanders who would be treated as outsiders. Joseph also recognizes Vlad’s mobility and his ability to work effectively with Noir.

Rather than placing Vlad in a conventional military role, Joseph intends to take advantage of his strengths.

This could become extremely important during the upcoming war.

Vlad is not simply being sent onto the battlefield as another knight. He is being given responsibility over a group of fighters and is expected to make decisions that could affect the wider military operation.

That represents another step in his development.

Vlad is gradually moving from fighter to leader.

Noir Is More Important Than He Looks

Noir also receives some attention in this chapter.

The horse is difficult, independent, and far from easy to control, but its speed makes it an incredibly valuable partner for Vlad.

Joseph understands that combination.

Vlad and Noir can move quickly, gather information, and potentially strike before opponents have enough time to react.

This explains why Joseph sees Vlad as suitable for an attack or reconnaissance-oriented role rather than simply keeping him with the main force.

It also shows that Vlad’s effectiveness does not come entirely from his swordsmanship.

His greatest advantage is the combination of his skills, instincts, mobility, relationships, and ability to adapt.

Vlad Encounters Agge Again

The chapter then introduces another interesting development.

Vlad discovers that Agge of the Budart tribe is also present.

Agge’s cheerful attitude contrasts strongly with Vlad’s increasingly complicated responsibilities. Joseph tells Vlad that they will have to work together.

For Vlad, this is not necessarily good news.

He already has enough problems to think about, and now he has been placed in charge of warriors whose personalities and loyalties may not always be easy to manage.

Still, the decision makes sense from Joseph’s perspective.

Vlad is one of the few people who already has a meaningful connection with the Budart group. Putting an unfamiliar commander in charge could create unnecessary tension.

Joseph is therefore using Vlad’s relationships as a military asset.

That is an important sign of how much trust he now places in Vlad.

Alicia’s Emotional Side

Perhaps the most emotional section of Chapter 134 focuses on Alicia.

Although Alicia appears strong and composed in front of others, the chapter reveals how deeply the destruction of the amber relic affected her.

The relic was not simply an object.

It was connected to her father and her family history.

Because of that, losing it carried emotional weight far beyond its material value.

Alicia had tried to remain composed, but once she was alone, the emotions she had been holding back finally surfaced.

This scene adds much-needed depth to her character.

She is not upset simply because a valuable item was lost. She is grieving the loss of something that connected her to her past.

At the same time, Alicia recognizes that Vlad did not intentionally destroy it. She had given him the relic because she wanted him to use its power.

That makes her feelings complicated.

She can understand why it happened while still feeling hurt by the result.

The Elven Letter Could Be More Valuable

Interestingly, Vlad did not return empty-handed.

Although the amber relic was lost, he brought something else: a personal letter connected to the elves of Ausurin.

Alicia quickly realizes that this letter could potentially be even more valuable than the relic.

This is one of the chapter’s most interesting exchanges because it changes the meaning of Vlad’s journey.

The amber relic represented Alicia’s past.

The elven letter could represent her future.

The possibility of establishing a connection with the elves opens a completely different door for Alicia and the Hainal family.

It also suggests that Vlad’s actions, even when they create problems, can produce opportunities that nobody expected.

The Final Scene: Vlad and the Fireflies

The chapter ends on a particularly beautiful image.

Vlad goes to the hill near the Hainal family tree and encounters the white snake.

From a distance, Alicia notices Vlad standing beneath the moonlight.

Then she sees something unusual.

Small lights resembling fireflies begin appearing around Vlad, seemingly emerging from his sword.

The scene is deliberately mysterious.

It is not presented as a simple explanation of a new ability. Instead, the chapter uses the moment to create questions.

What exactly are these lights?

Why are they appearing now?

What connection do they have with Vlad’s sword?

And most importantly, what does Alicia witnessing this phenomenon mean for the future?

The chapter does not immediately answer those questions, which makes the ending effective.

Why Chapter 134 Matters

At first glance, Chapter 134 might feel like a transition chapter.

There is no enormous battle.

There is no massive power-up explained in detail.

There is no dramatic victory.

But underneath the quieter storytelling, several major pieces are being moved into position.

Vlad’s responsibilities are increasing.

Alicia’s connection with Vlad is becoming more important.

The Budart warriors are now connected to Vlad’s military role.

The upcoming war is becoming more significant.

And the strange phenomenon surrounding Vlad’s sword raises new questions about his powers and destiny.

In other words, Chapter 134 is preparing the story for what comes next.

Vlad’s Character Development

Vlad’s development is probably the strongest part of this chapter.

Earlier in the story, survival was often his primary concern. He had to learn how to fight, understand the world around him, and earn the respect of people who were much stronger and more experienced.

Now the situation is different.

People are planning around Vlad.

Joseph is considering how to use his abilities in the war.

Alicia wants him to remain connected to her territory.

The Budart warriors are being placed under his leadership.

Even his political identity is becoming a matter of discussion.

That is a major transformation.

Vlad is no longer simply reacting to events.

The world is beginning to react to Vlad.

My Take on Chapter 134

The biggest strength of Chapter 134 is its character-focused storytelling.

The chapter understands that not every important development needs to happen through a fight.

The conversation between Vlad and Joseph, Vlad’s new military assignment, Alicia’s emotional reaction, and the mysterious ending all contribute to the larger story.

I also like how the chapter balances serious developments with lighter interactions.

Jager’s familiar treatment of Vlad reminds us of the relationship they have built over time, while Agge’s appearance creates a new source of tension and humor.

Most importantly, the chapter makes Vlad’s growing influence feel believable.

He is not suddenly treated like an unstoppable legend.

Instead, his value is being recognized gradually through his actions, relationships, and unique abilities.

That makes his progression much more satisfying.

Final Verdict

Star-Embracing Swordmaster Chapter 134 is a strong setup chapter that focuses on character development, political positioning, and future conflict rather than nonstop action.

The most important developments are Vlad’s new role as Alicia’s knight, his responsibility over the Budart warriors, Alicia’s emotional struggle over her family’s relic, and the mysterious phenomenon surrounding Vlad’s sword.

The final scene is particularly effective because it leaves readers with questions rather than giving everything away.

If the next chapters build on these developments properly, Vlad’s role in the coming conflict could become much larger than simply being another knight on the battlefield.

Rating: 8.5/10

Chapter 134 may be quieter than some of the series’ action-heavy chapters, but it succeeds at something equally important: it moves the characters and the larger story into a new phase.

And with Vlad’s strange sword phenomenon appearing at the end, it is hard not to wonder what Star-Embracing Swordmaster has planned next.

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Editorial note: This article is an original review and analysis. It summarizes the chapter and adds interpretation rather than reproducing the original chapter text. Chapter numbering can vary between platforms and translations, so check the chapter title when comparing releases. WebNovel’s listing identifies this installment as “New Home (1)” and places it between Chapters 133 and 135.