episode_0075

The process shown by the teacher was simple.

After undergoing some internal processes, they collided mana and aura in their hands simultaneously to create an explosion.

What was astonishing was that with very little mana and aura, they produced such power equivalent to mine.

“Then, isn’t the teacher also enhancing their output by doing something similar to what I’m attempting? Why are you telling me it’s not feasible?”

‘Although overall surrounded by aura, they clearly used mana simultaneously with aura.’

The teacher is adept at using it, so why am I being restricted?

My doubts were immediately resolved by the teacher’s words.

“Different. As I mentioned earlier, there are differences in the level and method of utilizing aura and mana. I told you before. If you continue to use it, it’s inevitable that your body will be damaged. Conversely, as long as your body remains undamaged, you can use it as much as you want.”

‘Are you telling me because I currently lack the ability to handle that power without injuring myself?’

However, merely increasing physical stats doesn’t seem to solve the issue.

It seems like they are employing a vastly different method from mine.

“Then, could you at least teach me that method?”

“Hardly anyone has a body strong enough internally.”

They definitely said something along these lines.

Considering even the teacher acknowledged my good physical condition, it implies my body is relatively sturdy, yet I couldn’t endure.

‘It’s not just blindly relying on my body; there must be another way.’

The secret to harnessing that power without harming the body.

Did the teacher explain this because they judged I wouldn’t retreat until this curiosity was satisfied?

“It involves enveloping every tiny part of the body where mana and aura flow with aura, acting as a shield or vessels within the aura that protect, while colliding mana and aura to generate power through a rapid circulation of force. However, if you tried to resolve everything with the power gained from one explosion, the difference lies in my ability to continuously trigger chain explosions within a range I can withstand.”

I had no choice but to understand why the teacher restrained me.

‘The required level to avoid injuring the body is unreasonable.’

With my innate abilities related to the unique skill ‘Swordsmanship,’ I have never felt lacking in sword-related skills, but at this level, it’s a different story.

Enveloping all the mana and aura flows within the body delicately with aura and enduring the impact to that extent? It’s currently beyond my capabilities.

‘Yet, if I could only master that, maybe I could navigate through challenges alongside the teacher, Iris, and Cineria.’

For that sole reason alone, there is sufficient reason for me to pursue this.

Refining aura manipulation skills, familiarizing myself with all internal flows, and enveloping them entirely will become my primary task.

“As you’ve experienced firsthand, Yuukal, your internals are significantly damaged right now. Internal injuries don’t heal easily, so refrain from practicing what I’ve taught you until you recover. Operate aura lightly to prevent your body from stiffening and abstain for a while.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

“Even after reaching a proficient level, it took me several years to truly master it, so don’t rush.”

I, too, have experienced similar setbacks as before.

Currently, during the process of raiding the Ardente Academy warehouse after a long time, it was more challenging than when my arm broke.

It feels like my insides are being twisted in agony, a sensation I’d rather not experience.

“Then let’s go back to basics for now and focus on swordsmanship. Shall we witness your skills that managed to break through the protective barrier with just swordsmanship during the entrance exam?”

At that moment, the master swiftly rushed towards me with his sword in hand.

Though I managed to barely evade by moving backward, the power contained within the sword felt ominous.

Even though the sword seemed to have only cut through the air, the force was enough to make my hair flutter in its wake.

“Wait, Master! How can you recklessly swing your blade at a disciple who is already struggling with a broken sword?!”

“Haha, anyone who calls themselves a knight should treat their sword as dearly as themselves. It’s your fault for not properly protecting the sword. Endure it. Also, when I was young, training without a sword like this under the guidance of the former head of the family proved beneficial later on.”

Despite trying to pick up a sword lying in the corner to engage in combat, I wasn’t easily granted that opportunity due to the relentless barrage of attacks.

If I tried to escape or move towards the sword, he would mercilessly increase his speed, keeping the pressure on me.

As the group test approached and while training with Victor, I recalled doing something similar before. Perhaps Victor felt the same way.

“Sorry, Victor… If something like this happens again, I’ll make sure you can at least wield a sword.”

Swallowing the words that couldn’t reach Victor, I frantically dodged the master’s sword.

*

Expressing dissatisfaction at Yu-Kal’s relentless attacks without even providing a weapon, I pondered while narrowly evading each strike.

When we first met on the carriage, I assumed there must be some connection with the suspicious group around us.

They were not simply assassins; they were too organized to disregard individual levels.

The unnamed woman leading them was a given.

In life-threatening situations, people reveal their true selves. Despite attacking with the intent to inflict significant damage, assuming some injuries were inevitable, my swordsmanship held up well, but it was just that.

It seemed they were preparing for a backup plan from afar, but the boy in front of them, Yu-Kal, seemed oblivious, yielding no significant gains.

“I guess it’s time to end this.”

Swinging the sword to finish it off, I endured everything for that moment, unleashing all my power, deploying magic, and even wielding the Aura Blade against me.

Beyond merely using a sword, if there were no suspicious connections, I would have wanted him as a disciple. But going beyond handling Aura to showcasing the Aura Blade was unexpected.

Perhaps he could use Aura Armor as well, but deeming me an overwhelming threat, he seemed to discard all defense, opting for a decisive strike.

According to Rachel, it was hard to believe that a year hadn’t passed since he properly held a sword and couldn’t manipulate magic before entering school.

Even in a life-or-death situation, hiding his trump card until the end, luring the opponent into underestimating him, and then going all out in a crucial moment thrilled me.

“A talent with both skill and intellect.”

Despite clashing multiple times with Aura and magic, his body remained intact, showcasing innate physical abilities, exceptional learning aptitude, and intuition.

A child who hadn’t properly wielded a sword for a year was proficient in combat and handling the Aura Blade to this extent.

I have no idea how far my talent in swordsmanship reaches.

During my younger years, I received training from the previous patriarch and my father, even being evaluated as a talent who could bear the empire due to significant accomplishments in handling Aura.

‘Maybe I might have to inherit the title of the Empire’s Best Sword within a few years.’

However, what bothers me is the mysterious woman’s final words during our conversation.

“Hmm~ Did I mention that I’m the most beautiful person in the world and that I’m an individual trying to recruit talents over here?”

It must be prevented for a talent who mastered Aura blades so effortlessly within a year to join such a dubious organization with an unknown identity.

Although there is quite an age gap between Yukal and me, I asked him before the training began if he had any romantic interest, but his flustered response indicates that the woman’s statement was likely a lie.

‘We have Rachel, so there’s no way he would be interested in such a lady.’

In this lesson, regarding skill, one can quickly rise through the ranks even with moderate guidance, so it seems crucial to focus significantly on character development as well.

The ideal scenario would be for that scoundrel Yukal to fall for Rachel and become my son-in-law, but with the presence of other female students around, it seems quite challenging.

Based on Yukal’s behavior and the information gathered about him so far, it seems he is most comfortable with Claire, a commoner female student.

‘Nevertheless, no matter how you look at it, Yukal is a perfect match for Rachel.’

Spending a lot of time together naturally leads to developing feelings of affection.

Raymond, who was considering a marriage project by thinking about calling Rachel to assist with Yukal’s training in the future, was now planning to proceed with the project.