Chapter 221
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Training took place in the virtual space provided by Iris of Laplace.
Of course, it would be best to wield the sword directly in reality to master the skill
But in the densely populated South, it was impossible to practice Salvation Rituals recklessly.
Accessing the stored battlefield, Great Forest.
Swoosh-
The room filled with stacked documents, inkwells and pens, and simple furniture faded away.
Instead, lush trees, bushes, and various unidentified vegetation filled the view.
The Hero took a deep breath.
The battlefield where he would fight Ivar would undoubtedly be the Great Forest.
Thanks to that, all his recent training had taken place in the dense forest.
Would you like to access the sparring avatar list?
The Hero hesitated for a moment.
He recalled the comment that appeared when he treated Yussi.
Salvation Obtained clues about Horizon, the 5th Ritual.
A clue, huh.
This time, the reward was a bit different.
Unlike before, where he immediately acquired the completed version, the 5th form was given in the form of a clue.
Its similar to when I forcibly implemented an incomplete Nova in Lonkers.
In other words, perfecting Horizon was impossible at the moment.
It could be unfolded, but it was merely a shell.
They probably want me to realize it through actual combat.
The Hero felt he knew why there was this change in the comment.
Salvation Rituals from the 5th are fundamentally different.
As you know, Salvation Rituals consist of a total of 7.
1st Halo
2nd Nova
3rd Flare
4th Stellar Lift
5th Horizon
6th Star Pole
And finally, up to the 7th, the last one Ted didnt share the name of with the Hero, making it a total of seven.
Up to the 4th, Stellar Lift, they can be seen as auxiliary tools.
Halo, which freely changes the shape and attributes of the sword.
Nova, which accelerates the body and mind.
Flare, which amplifies destructive power through condensation.
Stellar Lift, which creates a favorable battlefield to draw in enemies.
These are all comprehensive techniques that positively adjust combat.
However, from the 5th, Salvation Rituals are composed of actual offensive moves utilizing the preceding rituals, in other words, finishing moves.
The first step, Horizon, is none other than
Drawing Sword Technique
[TL/N: Iaijutsu () is a combative quick-draw sword technique. This art of drawing the Japanese sword, katana, is one of the Japanese kory martial art.]
When Ted first devised the 5th, people wondered how one could unfold a Drawing Sword technique with a sword without a sheath.
Ted answered by creating a magical sheath in the air.
A sheath of magic in the air.
It seemed like a very simple technique at first glance, but in reality, it was different.
Its the most difficult of all Salvation Rituals so far.
Originally, Drawing Sword techniques were treated as trash among swordsmen.
Because the blades efficacy decreases as it rubs against the sheath, it is weaker and slower than swinging with full force without a sheath.
Also, because attacks typically start from the waist where the sheath is located, it was significantly weaker than full swings in the upper and middle sections.
Because of this, Drawing Sword techniques were only used as assassin swords taking advantage of the opponents carelessness.
For a swordsman like Ted who reached a certain level, ignoring it was normal.
But Teds magic sheath nullified all these drawbacks.
He used the sheath as a sort of launcher.
The essence of Horizon was a technique to create a magical explosion inside the sheath just before drawing the sword.
The sheath made of pure mana would explode from the inside, ejecting the blade at the utmost speed.
Its a technique only Ted could accomplish.
Because he had acquired Flare, it was possible to unnaturally condense mana inside a narrow sheath.
As a result, he succeeded in achieving a speed worthy of a finishing move.
It was possible because the main weapon was the Black Hope.
If it were an ordinary sword, it wouldnt withstand the shock and heat of the condensed mana exploding.
Anyway, due to various factors, Horizon received praise as being faster than any other swordsmanship in history.
An elusive technique that even skilled swordsmen couldnt follow with their eyes.
The sword that defeated the legendary swordmaster Zion Hiyashin was none other than Horizon.
Its a very suitable technique for dealing with agile adversaries like Ivar.
Deal a meaningful blow with the first engagement.
That was the only condition for the Hero to win against Ivar.
Even if fully realizing it is difficult, I must be proficient enough to hit the first strike accurately.
Having organized his thoughts, the Hero manipulated Iris of Laplace.
Setting Roaring Wind, Ivar as the sparring avatar.
Swoosh-
A massive barbarian briefly appeared at the edge of sight, then disappeared into the bushes abruptly.
Not even a protective coloration. Cant see a thing.
The reason the Hero chose the forest as the battlefield was this.
He was extremely familiar with combat in the forest.
It was possible to bury ones presence in nature without leaving a trace.
He had to approach it as if he were facing wild beasts born and raised in the forest.
Where is he?
Whoooong-
The Hero meticulously guided his mana and intertwined it into the form of a sheath in the air.
Clang-
The Black Hope entered into the blue sheath.
While preparing to draw the sword, the Hero reinforced his body with the remaining mana.
He had to control the swords blade, propelled by the explosion, with his strength.
If he didnt protect his body, his shoulders would literally be ripped off.
Its difficult to pay attention to the bodys internal state while intertwining mana outside the body.
The series of actions had to flow like water.
But perhaps because he hadnt fully realized Horizon yet, there was a feeling of something amiss.
The Heros eyebrows furrowed slightly.
Still, he couldnt afford to lose focus.
.!
That was when.
Whooooong-
Thick leaves behind him rustled, and Ivar suddenly emerged without warning.
To think that such a bulky figure could move so fast and silently.
It was astonishing.
Hes coming!
The Hero tracked his movements with his eyes and hastily manipulated the mana inside the sheath.
Using Flare, he divided the mana into several branches and condensed it to the limit.
At the same time, he infused opposite attributes with Halo.
Kwaaaaang!
A powerful explosion occurred, and the Black Hope shot out before him enveloped in blazing sword energy.
Like a horizon dividing the sky and the earth, the trajectory of the sword split in a straight line.
Although it was an incomplete Horizon, to the Hero, the speed felt nearly perfect.
But
Waaaah!
Ivars fierce roar stirred up a powerful gust.
The rushing wind slowed down the swords speed and changed its direction.
The sword grazed the side of his shoulder.
Phew-
The wound was deep but not fatal.
The Hero quickly retrieved the sword and took evasive action.
At the same time, he used Cucullis essence to erect an ice barrier and lay down a sheet of ice beneath his feet.
Crackle!
However, Ivar had already pierced through all those obstacles and was within striking distance.
Thud!
Lowering his center of gravity sharply, Ivar forcefully slammed into the Heros side.
His tree trunk-like arms were already wrapping around the Heros waist.
Gyaoudong-
Losing his balance, the Hero fell to the ground.
Darn!
Kwaaack-
Ivars leg pinned the Heros torso firmly, preventing any movement.
Then, his fist, wrapped in wind, rose high into the air.
It resembled a hammer about to smash down on a protruding nail.
The Hero urgently raised the Black Hope like a shield.
Kwaaaaang!
But it was in vain.
His shoulder and arm bones were dislocated and broken instantly.
His whole body was battered by the blade-like wind raging around.
His surroundings were entirely red due to the blood splattering in the wind.
Although he was overwhelmed by excruciating pain, the Hero didnt give up.
Grrrr-!
While healing his wounds, he invoked Ravias martial technique.
With madness burning through his body, the pain was forgotten, and strength surged.
The mana-enveloped fist of the Hero plunged repeatedly into Ivars exposed torso.
Hup!
But Ivar paid no heed.
As the battle tattoos engraved on his bronze body glowed brightly, his body hardened to the level of steel.
With a few low groans, Ivar endured the Heros fists.
Finally, he shoved aside the Black Hope and grabbed the Heros head with his large hand.
That was the end of it.
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Feeling the pressure on his head, the Hero gritted his teeth.
Crunch-
Virtual sparring terminated.
Sparring Evaluation: C-
If the evaluation result is B- or below, it is recommended to spar with avatars of lower difficulty.
Generating comprehensive evaluation
Comprehensive Evaluation:
Adversary with unfavorable compatibility
Physical inferiority
Preferable battlefield selection
End
The Hero took short, labored breaths.
Cold sweat trickled down his neck.
Although it was a virtual space, the pain was real.
The experience of dying with a mountain bursting from the head was burdensome even for him.
But
Would you like to summon the sparring avatar list?
Rest is recommended.
Whenever he thought of Ivar, three faces invaded his mind.
Teds face, which had cooled down in hiding.
Dorempas face, who entrusted him with Cuculli.
And finally, even Cucullis face, standing lonely against the backdrop of the Arctic.
It was enough motivation to shake off the pain and fatigue.
Setting Howling Wind, Ivar as the sparring avatar.
The Hero immediately manipulated the Iris of Laplace.
.
.
.
How many times had he fought with Ivar in the forest?
By the time the Horizon hit rate increased slightly.
The Hero was awakened by the sharp alert sound ringing in his ears.
Beep-
Communication bead alert.
It sounded like a real sound in the midst of a dream.
Avatar sparring terminated.
Was Mother Ghost asking for new information?
Returning to reality, the Hero looked at the communication bead on the table.
Hmm?
An unexpected sender was displayed.
* * *
[Long time no see, Leader. How have you been?]
A deep voice echoed in the safe house.
Fairly well. And you
The Hero was about to reply absentmindedly, but then closed his mouth.
Felson couldnt be said to have been well, even if it was just empty words.
Bandages were tightly wrapped around every uncovered part of him.
A pallid complexion.
Is it a hospital carriage?
Seeing the screen flickering up and down seemed to confirm it.
As the Heros expression stiffened, Felson smiled faintly.
[I wanted to thank you first, so I contacted you.]
What for?
The Hero replied awkwardly.
Eastern expedition.
It must have been a series of perilous battles.
Two comrades had died, and Felson himself suffered terrible injuries.
Although there might have been resentment for not being together, Hero couldnt find any such sign on Felsons face.
Instead, Felson faced him with a bright face.
[Dont make that face. Its not the expression of a Hero who protected the North and the children. Your comrades were very proud to hear the news. Indeed, no matter where the Leader is, he always gets things done.]
It was then that voices were heard from the side.
[What, is it the Leader? Leader! Long time no see! How have you been?]
[Eak! Leader! Its me, Iira! Felson! Did you know the Leaders communication number? Its disgraceful!]
In the past, the Hero had erased the communication numbers connected to the members when he came to Rosenstark.
Contacting the members from the beginning of the fake role was too risky.
The situation was uncertain, with no clear idea of who the traitor was.
The members, suspecting such circumstances, refrained from contacting the Hero.
Now that the identity of the betrayer was revealed to be Ivar, the members were exploding with suppressed longing.
[Ah, Felson! Give me the bead!]
[Do you think you can get away with being injured? Come here!]
[Yaaaaaaap!]
The screen shook as if it was about to collapse.
Felson, breathing heavily, reappeared after about a minute.
[You must have received an audience with Her Majesty, Leader. Were on our way to Rosenstark.]
The Heros head tilted slightly.
We?
Werent you the only one coming?
[Some injured members insisted on going to Rosenstark instead of being stuck in the infirmary, and Her Majesty allowed it.]
Huh
The Heros mind momentarily became complicated.
The members of the Dawn Knights were coming to Rosenstark.
In terms of being able to offer various kinds of classes to the children, it was a very good thing.
Perhaps it could also help with his own training.
But there were also worries.
There will be a lot to worry about in many ways.
Coincidentally, by the time they arrived, there would be a parent-invited event.
The thought of the parents and the Dawn Knights bustling around the academy made his head ache.
Whether Felson knew his thoughts or not, he seemed very pleased.
[Seeing my son after a long time, meeting the Leader. It truly feels like going on vacation.]
Unlike his usual dignified self, he looked very excited, and the Hero couldnt help but smile slightly.
[Anyway, lets talk more when we get there. Im sorry to take your time, as Im sure youre busy.]
More detailed discussion?
[Theres something to discuss regarding the Eastern expedition.]
The Hero didnt miss Felsons momentary stiffening of expression.
All right, Ill be waiting.
Okay, then
Chattering voices pierced through.
[Leader, see you soon!]
[Please introduce us to your disciples!]
[Arent they our juniors, if you think about it!?]
[Wow, its been so long!]
For a moment, as various emotions swept over him, the Hero opened his mouth and then closed it.
Take care, everyone.
Thud-
The communication was cut off like that.
The Heros suppressed sigh dispersed over the crystal bead.
Im going to be busy.
It seemed like he would need to resolve the Ivar issue sooner rather than later.
Would you like to access the sparring avatar list?
The Hero focused on his training once again.
It was around dawn when Mother Ghost came with unexpected information.
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