episode_0091

“Struggling like this to prevent the end of a generation that isn’t even your own, that will come far in the future! Facing an enemy that no one knows, that no one acknowledges! You’re a stubborn one! And I really like stubborn ones! It appeals to me!”

“······.”

Rambling.

Clattering.

As Tran Sylvia continued to chatter excitedly, I couldn’t hide my grim expression.

His habit of being dragged in front of Draken and then returning without being fixed is quite something.

‘Calling me a stubborn one. That’s a bit harsh.’

I’m not trying to make a noble sacrifice or become a hero.

I just want to go home.

If you want to overestimate that, I appreciate it, but…

“This is unprecedented! Let me help you! I’m offering to accompany you on your journey!”

Standing in front of me, blocking my path with a hearty laugh, Tran Sylvia.

Help.

Indeed, I realized that I need a companion this time.

I’m not talking about someone who helps with funds, future predictions, magic stone crafting, or communication.

Someone who can fight by my side like a shadow, someone who can watch my back.

The term “comrade” seems more appropriate.

I need a comrade right now.

The figure of Draken, who returned from the other world, was truly majestic.

I may boast that I can defeat him if I put in the effort, but…

I’ll just end up getting old and dying if I keep poking with weak attacks.

Whether it’s a skilled inspector in Awakening or a grand mage who has mastered 10th-grade magic, I don’t care who it is, I need a strong ally.

In that sense, Tran Sylvia is undoubtedly the best candidate for a companion.

Having put all his stats into strength, he is one of the strongest beings in the world at the moment.

“No. I don’t need it.”

“What?!”

Of course, that’s only when that strength can be used.

Tran Sylvia can’t use it.

He realized that after visiting the other world.

What help can a guy who trembles at the mere mention of Draken be?

He doesn’t even get into a state of fear as soon as he enters.

Even if he manages to kill a bear, he’ll kneel and beg for mercy when faced with Belphagor.

“What’s the reason for that?”

“I don’t travel with cowards.”

“W-What…”

Unable to refute the word “coward,” Tran Sylvia shrugged his shoulders.

Even I, who said that, had my mental state shattered as soon as I entered the other world.

The difference between me and Tran Sylvia is that I am a player and he is an NPC.

Unlike Tran Sylvia, who is designed to fear Draken for the rest of his life, I gained a mental strength enhancement trait as a reward for achievement.

He’s an NPC designed that way.

He probably won’t be able to overcome it until the end.

‘But is that really the case?’

Although it was a mistake, considering the main heroines who regained their memories by transcending the limits of the timeline, it doesn’t seem so clear-cut…

For now, the probability of Tran Sylvia being helpful in the final boss battle is extremely low.

But having worked so hard to earn Tran Sylvia’s favor, it would be a waste to miss this opportunity.

As I pondered what to do…

“If traveling together is difficult… Accept one form of help.”

“What kind of help?”

“It seems like you use Dakia-style swordsmanship. Am I right?”

“Yes.”

Recognizing Dakia-style swordsmanship?

I thought it had disappeared a long time ago.

But for Tran Sylvia, who has lived for centuries, knowing Dakia-style is not that surprising.

“Your posture and breathing were a mess. It was frustrating to watch. I can’t stand it. I’ll teach you swordsmanship.”

“······?”

What is he talking about?

The level of my Dakia-style swordsmanship trait is 10.

It’s the maximum level that can usually be raised.

And he’s calling it a mess?

“Are you serious? Have you mastered the essence of the Dakia style?”

“Why are you suddenly saying such things? I’m the one who created and established the essence of the Dakia style.”

“······.”

Tran Silvia tilted her head in confusion.

Not just mastering the essence of swordsmanship.

But actually being the one who created that essence?

The guy who just seemed like a fool a moment ago suddenly looked different.

“If you liked it, I wouldn’t mind teaching you the essence.”

“Why…?!”

While it’s true that I don’t like being pestered, that’s not the reason I refused.

The essence of swordsmanship is the highest level that only chosen geniuses can reach.

It’s truly the realm of extraordinary individuals.

Can a criminal like me reach such a place?

Even if I could, I don’t have time to waste on mastering the essence of swordsmanship when I have to finish things within the next 2 years.

“Please teach me! I’m begging you!”

“No, I said no. I have no talent for it.”

“I may not have talent… but! There’s no harm in learning once, right? Learn it once and then decide! It’s free! It’s a rare opportunity to attend a lecture by the founder of the essence for free!”

Tran Silvia suddenly grabbed the hem of my clothes and pleaded.

Why is she so persistent?

“Why are you so persistent…”

“If you had met the successor of swordsmanship who was already doomed to fail, would you not teach and help them improve?!”

Ah, I see.

It’s like meeting a newbie in a game who’s already doomed to fail.

“You’re safe! Investor!”

Tears welled up in Tay’s eyes as he rushed out.

It’s a relief that Tay is safe.

There doesn’t seem to be any damage to the city around us.

It seems like Velfegor retreated and left in a hurry.

“Why was the sky black just now?”

“······.”

Tay’s hands are still trembling.

Velfegor came looking for Cali’s soul.

I realized that Cali’s soul should always be disguised except for special occasions.

But the fundamental solution is for me to leave Basel.

If possible, it’s best not to stay in any city for too long.

“Tay, listen carefully. If something like today happens again, run straight to the Leaf City in the north. This address is a safe house.”

I write down the (former) address of Kern’s house for Tay.

If you’re in danger, you can escape here.

Linda, who can contact me immediately, is there.

Tay is the only one who can process the black magic stone right now, so his value is considerable.

“If you go there, there’s a Leaf Doll, right? Tell him my name. He’ll let you in.”

“Your name is Mijeong, right?”

“Um······.”

Mijeong, who was next to me, flinches.

Did I call Tay Mijeong?

My memory is fuzzy.

“In fact, my name is Eugene.”

“······Mijeong. My, name.”

“What, what did you say? Your name isn’t Mijeong? Then I’ve been calling you someone else’s name all this time… Ah, ah.”

Tay staggers as if he’s about to faint.

I hold him up by the shoulders, and Tay, with a slightly twisted face, hits my chest.

“I blatantly forgot the alias I gave you before.”

“I’m upset… It seems like this won’t be resolved easily.”

“Then how can it be resolved?”

“Next time you come, please bring the black magic stone. That should help resolve it. With any other magic stone, my skills won’t improve. I want to improve my skills by processing your magic stone.”

“Alright. I’ll make sure to bring it.”

Even in times like this, all he thinks about is improving his skills.

Admirable.

So admirable that I unconsciously pat Tay’s head again.

“It’s a promise. I will definitely improve my skills so that the investors cannot ignore me.”

“I’m not ignoring you at all right now.”

“That’s not what I mean. Dwarves grow as their skills improve… Ugh! Enough! Take this and go quickly!”

Tei suddenly got annoyed and tapped my chest.

He was holding a stack of letters in his hand.

No. This guy.

He said to burn it…

“I didn’t have time to burn it. Actually, it seemed like a very important letter, so I couldn’t bring myself to burn it.”

“Thank you. There probably won’t be any more letters coming this way from now on.”

“That’s great news. It was so burdensome to receive letters from those big shots almost every day. You have no idea how stressful it was…”

I owe a lot to Tei.

The workshop was in chaos as they were sending back the people who had taken refuge in the shelter.

Staying here longer would probably be a nuisance.

With that, I waved to Tei and left the workshop.

“You’re late. You said you were just going to say a quick hello.”

“…I’m still here.”

As soon as I left the workshop, Tran Silvia approached me, unfolding her arms as if she had been waiting.

Whether it was because of that Tran Silvia or not, Mijung hesitated.

She still had her hand firmly placed on top of my head.

Ever since she saw Tei petting me, she hadn’t let go of my head.

“You took off your armor?”

“It was uncomfortable. What kind of knight would I be in such a disheveled state? I might as well get rid of it.”

The Galia Kingdom lost a well-trained warhorse and a full plate armor overnight.

Why would they appoint such a loser as a knight…

I’m completely dumbfounded.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen a swordsmanship disciple! This is not the time to be acting like a knight!”

Tran Silvia laughed heartily as if she were in high spirits.

It seems like she can’t get her act together after meeting a newbie after a long time.

I did agree to listen to Tran Silvia’s explanation, but I’m still suspicious.

It seems like a hollow promise that I could master the swordsmanship.

Swordsmanship Specialization Level 11.

Commonly known as the pinnacle of swordsmanship that only a few chosen strong individuals are allowed to reach.

One of the representative swordsmanship specializations.

The Frost-style swordsmanship specialization is called Shin Geumhapil (身劍合一), which means the state of becoming one with the sword, where the body and the sword become one.

It means being able to freely wield the sword like a part of your body and control the sword as if it were your own body.

That’s why Yerina is so strong.

Then a question arises here.

The Frost-style specialization is quite famous.

What about the Darkia-style specialization?

“So, what is the Darkia-style specialization?”

The Darkia-style specialization is primarily focused on offensive swordsmanship.

Most of the techniques are offensive movements, and even the few defensive movements allow for both offense and defense simultaneously.

It’s such an aggressive swordsmanship style…

So what exactly is its specialization?

“The Darkia-style specialization focuses on breaking the limits of swordsmanship attacks. Originally, attacks could only be made within the reach of the sword blade, but it expands the range. The air, the wind becomes the sword blade that cuts the opponent. Hm… I think it would be faster to show rather than tell.”

As Tran Silvia continued to explain, she stopped talking and raised her hand to the sword handle.

Is she going to start another incomprehensible lecture?

It seems like she’s going to demonstrate it right away.

“In short.”

Swish.

The sword blade was drawn out and scattered light in the blink of an eye.

It seemed like it had cut through nothingness, but at the same time, a strong wind blew forward.

“This is it.”

Following the trajectory, a long mark was left on the ground.

At the end, stretching out for tens of meters,

the base of the tree was cleanly cut, and it fell down with a thud.

At first, it seemed like a sword aura, but in the series of actions, there was no trace of magic at all.

It was simply a long-range sword strike using only the sword and the person’s body.

“Well. Visually, there’s nothing better than this. But the essence of Dakiaryu’s art is not just about sending out sword strikes, but approaching it with the concept of expanding the range of attack-”

“Master. I will learn this technique.”

“What… Why are you suddenly being creepy…”

This is something that must be learned.

It must be learned unconditionally.