Moments later, the mana in the surrounding air began to vibrate. Soon, dense mana radiated from her sword, spreading evenly across the blade, which started to transform.
It looked as if flames were dancing on the sword.
I couldn’t help but admire it.
“She’s definitely at the Sword Master level. The mana has taken on the form of fire so flawlessly.”
Her skill level was high.
In this world, swordsmen are categorized into three main levels: Aura Users, Sword Experts, and Sword Masters.
Aura Users are those who can use mana. Sword Experts can envelop their swords with mana and are further divided into lower, middle, and upper ranks.
Through relentless training, some progress beyond simply coating their blades with mana. They gain the ability to manipulate it freely, and their mana transforms into a specific form.
Those who achieve this state are known as Sword Masters.
The Dragon King’s style defines mastery by reaching this Sword Master level.
“When one hones their training repeatedly to the point where their mana embodies the elemental forms inherent in their sword, only then can they claim to have mastered it.
From this, we can conclude one thing: Agnes has mastered the Fire Dragon’s Sword.
‘Good. Now, let’s check the basics.’
‘Got it.’
Agnes began swinging her sword. The elegant arcs traced by her blade caught my attention.
‘As expected, your fundamentals are solid. We can move straight to practicing the sword techniques.’
‘Really? Thank you for the compliment.’
‘Now that we’ve confirmed that, let me demonstrate the full set of techniques for you.’
I picked up the wooden sword I had prepared earlier in the day for this purpose and began to replicate the techniques of the Wind Dragon’s Sword, one by one.
After completing all the demonstrations, I looked at her and asked, ‘Did you see it?’
‘Yes, I watched carefully.’
‘Then let’s work on your stance. Try it on your own first.’
‘Alright… Hmm, is this right?’
Her posture was awkward—my first thought as I observed her stance. I moved behind her and began adjusting her posture.
‘Raise this a bit more, relax your grip—good.’
Though our skin brushed and made contact frequently, Agnes didn’t seem to mind. A fleeting mischievous thought crossed my mind to tease her, but I dismissed it.
‘I’m not that kind of scoundrel.’
After some time spent correcting her stance, I clapped my hands to refresh the atmosphere and said, ‘Now let’s move on to learning how to use these techniques in practice. Ideally, this process would come after mastering the forms, but we don’t have that kind of time, do we?
So, let’s proceed with the most direct and effective method.’
I tossed her a wooden sword.
‘Ruina, what’s this for?’ she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
I smiled and replied, ‘Hold the sword.’
‘Hold it…?’
‘We’re sparring. I’m going to attack you using the Wind Dragon’s Sword. You’ll respond with the Fire Dragon’s Sword.
Observe the techniques directly, feel them, and experience how the Wind Dragon’s Sword is utilized. Note the situations in which the techniques are applied.’
‘But… I might get hurt.’
‘This is the fastest and most reliable method. I guarantee its effectiveness.’
This method had been used by Redros when he taught me the sword. Back then, he justified it with the words, “If you don’t know, you’ll learn by getting hit.” Bastard.
‘Do not use mana. Using it could lead to real injuries. We’ll spar using only the techniques. Understood?’
Agnes hesitated briefly before nodding. ‘Understood.’
‘Good. As I attack, I’ll explain the philosophy behind the Wind Dragon’s Sword. Try to observe how that philosophy is reflected in the techniques—it will greatly aid your understanding.’
I raised my sword and pointed it at her. She raised hers in turn, aiming it at me.
Once I confirmed her readiness, I spoke softly, ‘Alright, let’s begin.’
And as soon as the words left my mouth:
Wind Dragon’s Sword—Form Two: Storm.
I rushed toward her at high speed and swung my sword.
Her reaction was swift. The sound of wooden blades clashing echoed as her sword intercepted mine in a diagonal block. I redirected my swing and spoke.
‘One: The wind never stops.
The Wind Dragon’s Sword prioritizes offense over defense. To be precise, it’s a swordsmanship that pours everything into maintaining the offensive.
Unless absolutely necessary, defense is substituted with continued attacks. So even when one form ends…’
Form Three: Gale.
‘It seamlessly transitions into another.’
I shifted my stance and continued my assault. The sound of wooden swords clashing changed.
Unlike the Storm form, Gale is a technique that grows stronger with each successive strike. The more the sword is swung, the greater the impact and noise.
As I deflected her sword again with a loud clash, I said:
‘Two: The wind is free. Nothing can restrain it—not even established forms.’
At that moment, my sword grazed the hem of her clothing. Though the impact was light, it was my first successful strike.
Agnes immediately widened the distance between us, her face showing a mix of surprise and bewilderment.
It was understandable—my last strike differed from what I had demonstrated to her.
Pointing my sword at her again, I explained:
‘The techniques I’m using now differ slightly from the ones I showed you earlier.’
‘Yes, I noticed. What’s going on here?’
‘The techniques I demonstrated earlier were the most basic forms. What I’m using now are slightly adapted—my personal variations.’
‘Your personal techniques? Then the essence of the Dragon King’s style is…’
“Do not misunderstand—just because the form changes does not mean the characteristics of the technique do. Think of it as dismantling and reassembling the techniques to fit the situation as best as possible.”
I closed the distance with her again and swung my sword.
“The Wind Dragon’s Sword, unlike other styles, focuses less on techniques and more on the essence of the element it represents. So rather than strictly following the techniques, you need to focus on embodying the form of the wind itself.”
From then on, Agnes successfully blocked all of my attacks. Her earlier mistake, when my sword grazed her hem, seemed to have been due to her surprise rather than a lack of skill.
At that moment, I realized how I could win. I spoke again.
“Three: The wind takes many forms. The wind can blow in countless ways. Sometimes, it blows fiercely—”
With a sharp sound, my sword closed in at a fast pace, only to be deflected. Undeterred, I swung my sword again, but this time, it was different.
“And sometimes, like this.”
Form Four: Breeze.
Unlike my swift earlier strikes, this time, I slowed my movements drastically as I swung toward her.
“It can transform into a gentle, subtle breeze.”
This approach achieved significant results.
Agnes reacted immediately, raising her sword to block the trajectory. Normally, it would have been an excellent defense—a quick response to my swing.
But in this instance, it was a costly mistake.
Her swift reaction created an opening.
I didn’t let it pass.
“And if the opponent is deceived by this form—”
Calm before the storm.
After a calm wind, a fierce one always follows.
I quickly withdrew my sword, shifted my stance, and struck again.
Form One: Gale.
The rapid strike targeted the opposite side of where she had defended—a perfectly deceptive attack.
Surprisingly, Agnes managed to react. She twisted her sword with impressive dexterity, deflecting my blade at the last moment. It was an admirable defense, but it was also her last.
The effort to twist her sword left it weakened. As a result, her blade was forcefully knocked aside.
And then.
Her previously guarded body was left exposed.
This was the opportunity. I instinctively realized it. Without hesitation, I assumed the stance for the Wind Dragon’s Sword’s most powerful technique—smooth and fluid, like flowing water.
And I struck.
Form Five: Typhoon.
Agnes gritted her teeth and tried to block, but it was too late. My sword had already reached her.
“That would be the end of your life.”
The force of the impact reverberated through my hand.
“Ugh!”
Her voice confirmed my strike had landed properly.
Without mana imbued, the sound was not loud, but the impact was sufficient.
The blow sent Agnes stumbling backward a few steps before she sank to the ground. Her hair fluttered briefly before she sat down with a thud.
I sheathed my sword and approached her.
“You’ve won. I completely let my guard down,” Agnes said, placing her hand on her stomach and giving me a wry smile.
She didn’t seem upset. On the contrary, her expression hinted at enjoyment.
Her demeanor brought a smile to my face as well.
I extended my hand toward her and said, “So, how was it? Did this help you understand the Wind Dragon’s Sword better?”
“Yes, it did. Please, let’s do this again.”
She smiled as she took my hand.
“Of course. Anytime you’d like.”
I firmly pulled her up with her hand in mine.