Chapter 20: Maybe That’s Why I Came Here

Heavenly Demon.

The leader of the Demon Cult.

Now a basic, overused trope.

If someone exudes overwhelming confidence and possesses unmatched strength, nine times out of ten, they’re the Heavenly Demon.

And if they have jet-black hair on top of that? That’s a 100% confirmation.

From that perspective, Lord Noah fits the bill perfectly.

For starters, his way of speaking is different from ordinary people. It’s light yet carries a profound weight.

Though he looks like a young girl, his words and actions exude the wisdom of someone decades older.

Add to that the fact that he’s Elenia’s swordsmanship teacher, and the aura of a powerful figure radiates just from facing him.

If you don’t think, “Ah, it’s the Heavenly Demon,” after seeing all this, then you’re clearly not well-versed in the genre!

“And from what I just saw with that ‘Meng’ guy earlier, he doesn’t even seem like a righteous faction character!”

I may not know much about martial arts novels, but I know the basics.

And since this isn’t purely a martial arts world, the only one who could pull off such an absurd situation is the Heavenly Demon.

Without realizing it, I blurted out my thoughts, and Lord Noah didn’t hide his bewilderment.

“Disciple. Is that elf really your kin? The way he speaks and understands things seems more like someone from your world.”

“Didn’t you say, Master, that there were no such races with pointed ears where you lived?”

“That’s true.”

Lord Noah, who had been eyeing me skeptically, uncrossed his arms and stepped forward.

“Those from Meng called our sect the Demon Cult. Despite the fact that we helped drive the nomads back to their original lands under the name of the Bright Cult.”

“They even changed my title from Sword Sovereign to Sword Demon. And now, of all people, to hear that word come out of the mouth of a pointy-eared elf is quite astonishing. Are you really from that forest?”

His gaze was filled with suspicion.

It was only then that I realized I had spoken too carelessly.

From his perspective, it must seem strange.

A random elf he’s never met before suddenly shows up and goes, “Wow! Heavenly Demon!”

But explaining reincarnation now would be too convoluted, and claiming to be from the same martial arts world would only expose my lack of knowledge.

As I was scrambling to figure out how to respond, Lord Noah cut me off.

“Enough. Don’t answer. Forcing you to spit it out isn’t entirely impossible, but that’s not my style. Besides, hearing you spout nonsense like ‘Heavenly Demon’ makes me think you really are just a pointy-eared elf.”

It seemed the term “Heavenly Demon” was utterly ridiculous to Lord Noah.

How could such mismatched words even come together?

Maybe Elenia had misheard when she told me about him, and “Sword Demon” became “Heavenly Demon.”

I decided to keep my mouth shut. I was sure any further explanation would only lead to more mistakes.

“Why have you come to me?”

“Elenia said that you, Lord Noah, could teach me the pinnacle of martial arts.”

“The pinnacle of martial arts? All I can do is teach you how to swing a sword until you die.”

“That’s enough. My kin are fools who won’t even do that much.”

I quickly assessed Lord Noah—or the one called the “Sword Demon.”

As Elenia said, he’s unpredictable.

He reacts sharply to certain things, but at other times, he acts like a carefree immortal who couldn’t be bothered.

Such a person would naturally appreciate those who can make cold, rational judgments about themselves.

After all, he’s likely done the same for himself.

“Why do you seek the pinnacle of martial arts?”

“I want to change my kin.”

“I heard you pointy-eared elves reject martial arts altogether.”

“There’s a way.”

When I said there was a way, Lord Noah chose not to press further and instead took a different approach.

“Catch.”

He threw the sword he was holding toward me and then beckoned with his finger.

It was clear he wanted me to give it a try, so I didn’t hesitate and drew the sword.

Given who he is, I figured I could go all out without any consequences.

The sword felt slightly unfamiliar, but it wasn’t a big issue.

The weight was just right, and I liked it.

I started with the most basic move—a downward slash.

I had practiced this stance for almost a year.

Elenia had put a lot of effort into ensuring there wasn’t a single flaw in my form.

And as if to prove her efforts weren’t in vain, Lord Noah blocked my attack and smiled faintly.

“My disciple didn’t teach you carelessly. And you didn’t practice carelessly either.”

“I didn’t ask to learn the sword out of mere curiosity.”

“That’s right. You said you have something you must do. I like that kind of determination. Those without such will inevitably fall into demonic paths when they pick up the sword.”

With one hand behind his back, he effortlessly blocked my strikes using only his scabbard.

If you asked whether my pride was hurt, I’d shake my head.

Lord Noah, whether you’re the Sword Sovereign or the Sword Demon, you’re still you.

I have no right to complain.

What followed was a series of exchanges—though calling it an exchange would be generous.

I attacked, and Lord Noah defended. Elenia watched from a distance.

There was no killing intent. There was no reason or atmosphere for that.

“…Hmm.”

After deflecting my blade with his bare hand, Lord Noah tilted his head slightly and spoke.

“With this level of skill, you can at least protect yourself. But even if you weren’t at this level, if you train consistently from now on, you could become a decent swordsman within a few decades.”

“..…”

“Just so you know, that’s high praise. So don’t take it lightly.”

“Not at all. I simply desire more guidance.”

Lord Noah clicked his tongue and snatched the sword from my hand.

He said I’ve already absorbed all I can from others and that now is the time to internalize what I’ve learned, not to seek more.

After a moment of hesitation, I decided to explain why I had come this far.

I need to wield the bow of the Mother Forest, and it’s likely going to be an incredibly difficult task.

Before my coming-of-age ceremony, I want to achieve a perfect state, a perfect ability to accomplish this.

I want to lead my kin and give them a reason to listen to me.

After hearing me out, Lord Noah clicked his tongue again.

He clearly wasn’t pleased.

That expression—I’ve seen it before.

Ah, yes. It’s the face my father made right before he started nagging me about practicing magic or spirit arts!

“So, you’re saying you need to handle this bow or whatever, but it’s not something your kin can do, so you want to find your own way. But since you don’t know how much strength is required, you’re trying to learn and master everything you can to make it your own?”

“That sums it up.”

“In all my years, I’ve never seen someone running so blindly without knowing where they’re headed. Disciple, what kind of foolish bear have you taken as your student?”

“I didn’t take him as a student. I just offered some help.”

“Same difference!” Lord Noah barked at Elenia before turning back to me.

He seemed to be thinking, “What am I supposed to do with this guy?”

“Brat. Your name is Tyreal, right?”

“You can call me ‘brat’ if you want.”

“Enough. I won’t mispronounce your name while complaining about others mispronouncing mine. Let me make this clear. I won’t teach you. I have no intention of doing so, and it wouldn’t be right.”

Elenia exclaimed, “Master?!” and stared at Lord Noah in disbelief.

She had firmly believed he would understand and had brought me here, so his outright refusal must have been shocking.

I felt the same. I thought I had shown decent potential, but this reaction was unexpected.

“This isn’t about the depth of your learning or the essence of martial arts. It’s about how much you know and believe in yourself. That’s the only difference.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Do you have something to achieve? Then do it right now. You’re already at a sufficient level, yet you’re grasping at thin air. It’s laughable.”

“But I…”

“If you want to stir things up with youthful recklessness, you need to be agile and resilient. If I were in your place, I would’ve rushed to handle that bow or sword the moment the thought occurred to me.”

No, I can’t do that! The bow of the Mother Forest can only be wielded during the coming-of-age ceremony!

How can I, not yet of age, ask to handle the bow of the Mother Forest? Who would allow it?

“See? You don’t even believe in yourself, yet you’re asking for guidance to do more. What’s the point?”

“There’s still time before the coming-of-age ceremony! And if I get your confirmation—”

“If I confirm it? Then you’ll be able to act without a shred of doubt?”

I wanted to say yes, but my lips only twitched without any words coming out.

Elenia had told me that her master could make me stronger.

Perhaps I had been seeking reassurance.

Maybe I wasn’t confident, and deep down, I was afraid of failure.

Was I clinging to something as an excuse?

“You said you want to change your kin, didn’t you? Someone like that shouldn’t be bound by something like a coming-of-age ceremony.”

“The recklessness of youth should always exceed imagination. Only then can it break the stubbornness of the old. If you want to change your so-called kin, you’ll have to tear everything down from the ground up.”

But you couldn’t do that, which is why you’re here.

Lord Noah chuckled as he added this last remark.