episode_0067

Pang!

A sharp thrust cuts through the air from Yuseha’s hand.

The faint blue magic enveloped the beauty like ripples of starlight.

But it doesn’t stop there.

The magic gathered at the blade intensifies once again.

Two consecutive thrusts unfold towards the front.

Undoubtedly, the [Thrust] ability.

More precisely, a derivative skill, [Double Thrust], is speculated.

“…Not bad.”

Joonayong, who was secretly watching, nodded slightly.

It was a graceful and beautiful posture.

Joonayong’s main skill is the martial arts using arms and legs.

But that doesn’t mean she’s ignorant when it comes to swords.

Having observed numerous sword techniques through talented sisters in the clan since childhood.

Even to her eyes, Yuseha’s thrusting posture seemed quite convincing.

Of course, there were many signs of immaturity.

“But the finishing touch is a bit clumsy, isn’t it?”

While the magic is contained as it should, the momentum is not fully unleashed.

This can be easily seen from the slight tremor at the tip of the sword.

Thus, even if she consumes 100 magic, it only delivers about 70% of its power.

In other words, 30 magic is practically wasted into thin air.

Joonayong quickly noticed why this phenomenon occurs.

“She doesn’t have [Magic Control] attribute.”

Regulating the flow of all magic.

Assisting in smooth usage, [Magic Control].

It is not just a common skill for classes.

Ultimately, the skills of melee dealers are also a form of art that channels mana, the power of magic.

It is natural that those who understand and handle magic better have higher effectiveness.

Yuseha, who unfolded the thrust, seemed to be well aware of this.

After a few moments of pondering, he silently gazed at the tip of the sword with his fingertips.

He then stared at the longsword for a long time.

Sometimes closing his eyes and thinking.

Sometimes pressing the sword against his forehead and looking straight ahead.

Around the time Joonayong was wondering, “What is he doing?”

Another thrust unfolded.

“…Huh?”

Joonayong was taken aback by the difference.

It was different.

The thrust was so clean that it was hard to believe it was done by the same person just now.

Feeling something different, Yuseha continued to refine the thrust by rotating the sword in his grip.

Swish!

Swish!

Swish!

The more he repeated the thrust, the sharper and more refined Yuseha’s sword became.

Sweat dripped down his forehead.

He paid no attention.

Nothing entered his eyes except for this thrust.

“Remarkable concentration.”

Devoting himself to one thing.

With his picturesque appearance, Joonayong suddenly thought he was beautiful.

“Huh? Wait a minute.”

Joonayong realized belatedly what he should have felt naturally.

His main skill is [Swordsmanship].

But what Yuseha was displaying now was a completely different ability.

Hunters usually specialize in one type that suits them.

The most representative being the class.

Those with a predisposition for fire only handle and refine [Flames].

Those with a predisposition for wind only handle and refine [Wind].

Joonayong, who was praised as a genius, was no exception.

“…I can’t learn anything other than [Burning Flames].”

Some may say, “Isn’t it just a difference between stabbing and slashing with a sword, unlike magic?” but that is truly the words of someone who knows nothing.

As long as it is tied to the concept of skills and receives adjustments from the [System], there is ultimately no difference.

Well, of course, there are ‘Multi Hunters’ who use multiple attributes and types.

But as they go up, their numbers decrease drastically.

Stuck at the wall of growth, it’s not easy to achieve everything, so you have to choose only one thing.

However, Yuseha’s [Thrust] seemed to have a fairly high level of skill in Joonayong’s eyes.

In other words, he had honed his [Swordsmanship] to a high level while also not neglecting his [Thrust].

Joonayong decided to take a closer look at Yuseha since he was already here.

And he noticed.

The gym clothes he was wearing.

Without a doubt, it was the outfit he had worn during today’s training.

Could it be that he hadn’t rested at all after training and was practicing here now?

‘…’

Just as he was about to scold himself for being lazy, Joonayong witnessed a surprising sight that made his eyes widen.

Yuseha continued to perform [Double Thrust].

His thrusts accelerated, becoming even faster.

They distorted into faint afterimages and illusions.

At the same time, a blue magical energy began to flicker and linger in the air.

Joonayong knew exactly what that meant.

‘…Skill acquisition?’

Before long, he was certain of his thoughts.

The two-pronged thrust evolved into a clearly defined three-pronged thrust.

Undoubtedly a Rare skill.

[Triple Thrust].

‘So, could it be…’

Did he just acquire a new skill?

R-Really?

* * *

[Inexplicable manifestation of talent.]

[Acquired ‘Triple Thrust’.]

[A Rare-grade skill.]

[As a acquisition reward, Speed +1, Magical Power +1 increase.]

Great!

I smiled brightly at the information window that appeared before me.

The past few days of relentlessly practicing my thrusts had paid off.

‘It seemed possible anyway.’

The [Eye of the Reverse Heaven] activated by the .

Originally, I should have learned [Triple Thrust], but due to a lack of proficiency, I had acquired it through a downgrade to [Double Thrust].

I was still bothered by that fact.

If I practice a little more, I should be able to learn it.

Therefore, right after training ended, I headed here for additional practice.

Finally, my efforts bore fruit.

What made me happier than acquiring a skill was that my Magical Power had increased by 1.

Interestingly, [Triple Thrust], despite being a physical type skill, had increased my Magical Power.

‘I wanted to increase my Magical Power a bit anyway.’

With each increment, I felt more secure.

‘…It’s a shame I couldn’t get Penetrating Thrust.’

The ace up the sleeve of the .

Purely in terms of power, that one was a bit higher.

After all, [Penetrating Thrust] felt like a kind of finishing move.

Anyway, I decided to stop my thrust training here.

‘…Phew.’

I took a deep breath and loosened my body.

In fact, this was the true purpose of training from now on.

I closed my eyes slowly.

I began the image training that I had repeated endlessly in my previous life.

I made myself feel the presence of someone in the empty space.

Beyond my closed eyes, I saw the overwhelming figure of a powerful warrior shimmering in crimson.

It was none other than Pang Jin-ah.

More precisely, it was the image of her from the sparring match.

‘Focus.’

Remember.

Recall the overwhelming power and speed she displayed during the entrance exam.

And the absolute swordsmanship she displayed based on that.

In front of me, the crimson Pang Jin-ah, holding a sword in her hand, began to dance.

The sword wielded according to memory was a small disaster in itself.

Unreasonable martial arts.

A flash of swiftness.

A cruel dance that tore everything apart as it approached.

As the demonstration came to an end, I raised my sword following her, as if following her.

The blue magical energy flowing through the hilt transformed into crimson.

“The Skill ‘Fatal Swordsmanship’ is activated.

It is an Epic-grade skill.

A ruthless sword that kills enemies with strength and speed unfolds in your hands.

It is a skill that cannot be fully unleashed in your current state.

There is recoil on the body.

The first swing is solely focused on power, using the heavy sword.

Following that, the swift sword is wielded, emphasizing speed.

There is a reason for using them separately.

‘It’s too much for me to wield both at the same time.’

It’s okay if it’s not perfect.

I strive to imitate even a little.

As far as I can remember, it is the first ‘swordsmanship’ I acquired after holding a sword.

It is the realization I gained after my father said, ‘Do not learn the sword.’

Even this precious Epic skill.

I wanted to embody it even by force.

There is recoil on the body.

Ugh, damn it.

A sharp pain runs through my body to the point where curses come to mind.

I never expected this much pain from just two swings.

‘Focus!’

Following the vicious sword lines left by Pang Jin-a’s sword, I continue.

Although it falls far short of the original in power and speed, I steadily fill in the intricacies within.

‘Smoothness.’

Remember that the reins controlling this massive sword are ‘smoothness.’

As I realize this and swing, the training ground is filled with a red wave spreading like a sword.

“…Ugh!”

However, perhaps my greed was too much.

5 times.

After just 5 swings, unbearable pain dominates my body.

Thud-!

In the end, I drop the sword and collapse on the ground.

“A subtle realization flows through your body.”

“Your sword, which cuts through space, begins to gather strength little by little.”

“The level of ‘Swordsmanship’ has increased.”

“As a level reward, strength has increased by 1.”

“…Phew.”

I exhale, looking up at the ceiling.

In fact, I had a personal encounter with Pang Jin-a last night.

-Professor! Please teach me more about ‘Fatal Swordsmanship’!

Pang Jin-a was taken aback by my words.

Well, even I would be surprised if someone who stole and learned swordsmanship came to ask for more.

Without saying a word, Pang Jin-a slowly shook her head.

-I’m sorry. Young disciple. I can’t teach you right now, and even if I do, it’s meaningless.

Pang Jin-a added.

Focus on the training for the next 4 weeks.

This rough and tough training will leave the bare minimum foundation in your body.

-No matter how bright and beautiful a flower is, it is meaningless without the strength to protect it.

Now is not the time to focus on blooming. Young disciple.

Every flower grows its roots firmly in fertile soil. Be patient and endure.

-Make a promise once again.

From the day formal classes begin until graduation.

I will teach you everything I have.

So endure it for now.

“…It’s true.”

I couldn’t help but feel greedy.

Anyway, as I was thinking about heading back to the dormitory, a very unique onomatopoeia, ‘Yonghieeek!’ faintly echoed in my ear.

“…Huh?”

I looked around, but no one was in sight.

Oh, no, I stand corrected.

Someone was visible.

Fluttering.

Under the window.

The red fur was flickering and moving.

And as far as I knew, there was only one person who owned that red fur.

I approached with a sly smile.

Of course, the owner of the red fur was none other than Juna Yong, who had been secretly watching me just now.

She trembled slightly with both hands covering her mouth.

‘Are you crazy, Juna Yong?!’

What if you make a sound there!

But, there was nothing I could do.

Yes, I really couldn’t do anything.

Ju Nayong was still doubtful whether what she had just seen was real.

‘…Inferior…swordsmanship?’

Respected Fang Jina unnie…

Ah, no, Professor’s unique swordsmanship.

The overwhelming sword representing her was unfolded in Yuseha’s hands.

Could it be that, uh, did unnie teach her?

But that couldn’t be…

There wouldn’t have been time for that.

Lost in thought, Ju Nayong could no longer connect her thoughts.

Shashak-! She huddled even closer, her body trembling.

She could hear the sound of footsteps approaching.

Gulp.

Ju Nayong thought the sound of swallowing saliva was particularly loud.

She closed her eyes quietly and focused on her hearing.

The sound approaching her direction stopped and soon disappeared.

‘Was it just my imagination?’ The sound of swallowing was unmistakable.

“…Phew.”

Ju Nayong breathed a sigh of relief.

But then, she gasped in surprise.

Why am I hiding!

I haven’t done anything wrong!

‘Right, right.’

There’s no need to hide like this.

She decided to get up and leave quietly right away.

‘…But.’

She didn’t want to be caught, so she tried to crawl away on all fours.

But then, a voice that seemed to have been waiting rang in her ears.

“What are you doing here?”

“Yong-aah!”

Startled, Ju Nayong sat down in shock.

Yuseha, who had approached without her noticing, smiled warmly and extended her hand.

“Are you okay?”

“…Did you, did you see that by any chance?”

“Huh? Oh, you suddenly gasped in surprise and started crawling away on all fours…”

“-Yong-aah!!!”