episode_0043

For a week, I went through a process of pounding and refining myself like a blacksmith. After checking that meals were provided to the staff and confirming that Claire and Victor’s safety was properly secured, I could immerse myself in training without any further worries.

At Seongyong, it was merely passing by the process of becoming stronger by accumulating experience points in training grounds or battles, but experiencing it firsthand made a clear difference.

First of all, the meditation skill was truly helpful. Although my innate ability ‘Gumsung’ would provide adjustments, it allowed me to observe handling unfamiliar mana and aura, which do not exist in reality for me.

Calmly focusing, as I observed the workings of the aura skill within my body, I confirmed that it involved a more delicate process than simply manifesting a skill.

When attempting to utilize aura, I could observe a portion of the mana spread throughout my entire body slowly transforming into aura.

Now, I finally understood why Professor Seigen explained the difference between accumulating mana for swordsmen and magicians directly in the first class.

If one does not have a high synchronization rate with their body during these internal changes, not only will their body be damaged in the process of using mana but they will also be unable to handle aura, which is essential to advance to a higher level as a swordsman.

Roughly converting accumulated mana into aura without precision is akin to creating a grenade that can destroy one’s internal self.

Considering that aura was still rudimentary, the power emanating from it felt more threatening than I had anticipated.

I attempted various training methods such as slowly moving the created aura within my body, releasing it outward, or trying to envelop it around me.

Although faint, I succeeded in covering objects I held with aura. When I tried to cover larger objects like my body or sword, I could not fully envelop them. I was quite surprised when the desk split when I swung the pen.

As for the desk… I might have to compensate for it later after the training ends.

By continually circulating aura within my body, I discovered that the process was not simply a step to apply sword energy later on.

By circulating aura within the body, unlike body strengthening, I could confirm an overall enhancement of bodily abilities as the body seemed to boil up.

Despite repetitive actions, the failure to generate skills indicated that what was once impossible at Seongyong was now achievable in the present, but I had yet to succeed in manifesting the body strengthening skill simultaneously.

More accurately, at the moment I attempted simultaneous activation, my heightened senses vehemently warned me, suggesting that my body might not withstand it and could suffer severe injury.

Nevertheless, if I continue to train diligently, I should be able to use it later on.

With that thought in mind, I was simply grateful that there were more possibilities for utilization beyond what I previously knew.

As mana depleted entirely, I sensed fatigue and ceased focusing solely on the internal body.

Upon finishing meditation, I could perceive that something was placed outside my room.

“Did you leave something behind again?”

A smile formed involuntarily out of gratitude. Initially, Victor would call me and bring a basket, but realizing that I was focused on something and training quietly, he silently left something outside my room to ensure I was not disturbed, for which I was thankful.

Claire must be busy, but she made handmade lunch boxes for me every day. Even though Victor informed me that the cafeteria staff provides meals three times a day, she still worries about me and sends these.

‘Claire must be undoubtedly short on time due to her current studies and self-training.’

Seeing the increasing number of baskets, I promised myself to treat Claire well later. It became clear that everything she did to push me away was because of Helena. Considering the notes in the basket, this became even more apparent.

– Victor told me that you are focusing on some training. Seeing how hard you work, it motivated me to work harder so I don’t fall behind. Don’t overdo it, though, because I’m worried…

– Claire

– Yukal, I finally succeeded in learning magic to properly support you when you fight, instead of just buffing! I want to show you this in person after your training ends, so I won’t say more here. Hang in there, as there’s not much time left!!

– Claire

Reading her supportive notes and small daily life details soon became the highlight of my day during training. It felt like reading internet letters from military training camp days.

‘I wonder what kind of magic Claire has learned.’

Given her specialization in buffs and support spells, it wouldn’t have been easy for her to learn anything else. She must remember from our mock dungeon that buffs aren’t helpful to me.

Once the training and scenario end, I will visit Claire to see it firsthand.

Finishing her lunch filled with care, I stacked the basket on the divided table and began bodyweight exercises.

While training magical skills with mana, I also put effort into physical conditioning with exercises like push-ups once my mana ran out.

There are 4 days left until the end of training and the start of the scenario. I definitely want to reach level 10 in mana skills within that time.

With the dedicated time for my training, I will show everyone the results I aimed for.

Yukal trained himself, sweating profusely, with a strong determination.

In a secluded spot where even the moonlight barely reached the ambitious night academy, a woman sat tapping her foot slightly, waiting for someone.

Before long, a shadowy figure appeared as if teleporting in an instant, kneeling down.

“I present to you Commander Laika of the Fourth Division.”

Clad in darkness, the man had an unusual presence with no features or memories visible.

It had become a source of pride and disappointment to report regularly, realizing it had become his role.

Although the superiors above him were stronger, he knew that failure to report accurately due to pressure from the commander could harm him, especially with the absence of commanders from the Fifth to Seventh Divisions.

“You’re a bit late, aren’t you? I expected reports from all divisions, except the Third and Fourth, mobilizing from the First to the Seventh to be completed yesterday.”

Feeling pressured and oppressed, a bead of sweat trickled down his face.

However, he couldn’t show any hesitation now. Doing so would only provoke the commander further.

“I have completed the processing of the 11 families you instructed. However, in the case of the Lebron Marquis, the level of hidden casualties was higher than what was known, and it required additional dispatch from Division 0 to break through the intense resistance of knights and mages by mobilizing magical artillery used in the war. There is no excuse for the delay in processing and proceeding with the dispatch of Division 0 without approval. Please show mercy.”

Looking at Laika for a moment, Cineria stood up as if to say it’s done.

“Are you sure everything has been neatly taken care of? We can’t afford any noise related to this later. We are not ready for a full-scale confrontation with the Empire right now.”

“Yes. The instruction to cease pleading to the Empire regarding Yukal was executed properly. Holding the heirs of each family hostage and dealing with those who resist from simple torture or detention first resulted in a smooth operation.”

“Good. If all the families disappear now, Yukal could face problems too, so let them decline slowly. Understood?”

“Yes, understood. And there is additional information related to Yukal. There is something unusual about his training during his discipline, mainly focusing on meditation and exercise in his room.”

Cineria, who had been impatient with the previous families, urged and asked eagerly.

“What is unusual?”

“He has succeeded in handling Auras. At first, I thought it was just a coincidence, but with his growing skills day by day and the way he splits the desk with a pen, I couldn’t help but be convinced. It’s just a personal opinion, but at this rate, I believe he will be able to manifest the Aura Blade during his discipline.”

Cineria smiled happily at these words.

“To achieve such remarkable progress in swordsmanship in such a short time already surpasses many knights. What should I do? I really want to have Yukal somehow.”

“If we hold those relatively close to Yukal as hostages, wouldn’t that be possible?”

“That won’t work. Considering what Yukal did last time when I went to see him based on your report and when I visited him, forcing him temporarily like that would only make things worse. Given the opportunity, he could easily turn against us later without hesitation.”

Laika closed her eyes as she looked at her master as if being reprimanded.

“You don’t need to worry about that part. I have something in mind.”

Only the sight of Cineria smiling joyfully as if enjoying the situation was left behind.