Chapter 64
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I sat in front of the easel on a hill, overlooking the coastline.
There were many things I wanted to discuss with Leciel.
However, bridging the gap with her through a conventional counseling session proved to be quite challenging.
She had been anything but approachable in the past two months.
Showing interest in others first and revealing oneself were not easy tasks for her.
Even according to stories from fellow professors like Kasim, engaging with her was a challenge.
However, people who shared rare hobbies easily formed connections.
“…Especially considering that art is a hobby often scorned among martial artists.”
I couldn’t fathom how Leciel, the only granddaughter of the renowned Swordmaster Clan, developed such a hobby, but I considered myself fortunate.
Delian Cruze.
The name of the artist whose “essence” I replicated.
He was a promising young painter who attended the Imperial Academy of Arts.
Despite the world devaluing skills deemed useless for survival, aesthetics for those detached from the mainstream continued through generations.
In the art world, he was quite a promising figure.
Until he chose the path of forgery, worn out by the hardships of life.
Helping him when he was driven out and wandering the streets like a beggar became a connection, allowing me to accumulate enough understanding to polymorph into him.
As long as he didn’t engage in foolish activities like forgery, he could have left a mark in the art world.
Moreover, my ability went through the “upscale” process.
The result…
“Ah, did I go too far?”
I blankly stared at the unfinished painting on the easel.
I hadn’t exerted much effort into it; it was just a practice piece before Leciel returned.
But my gaze was drawn to it.
The sunset gently swaying on the beach, the girl staring blankly at the horizon on the golden sand.
A comforting smile spread on her slightly reflected profile.
Mysterious and beautiful.
“…”
Even an outsider would find it moving.
The technical perfection and artistic sensibility were exceptionally outstanding, to the point that it would be embarrassing to call it an amateur’s work.
A proud smile spread on my face without me realizing it.
‘When everything is over, I could make a living through painting.’
As I entertained such thoughts, I felt a presence a few steps behind.
When I turned around, there she was.
Leciel, looking at me with trembling eyes.
—
At the top of the hill, observing the Hero sitting in front of the easel, Leciel felt a strange discomfort.
It was displeasure rooted in a slight arrogance.
Art and the Hero.
Truly, an incongruous combination.
‘Could drawing be his hobby?’
No, that couldn’t be. She had never heard of such a story that would appeal to warriors.
Moreover, drawing was not a popular hobby.
Even if someone started out of curiosity, reaching a certain level was extremely difficult.
Even if they became proficient, it didn’t receive much recognition in social circles, unlike instruments or dance.
In addition, the interpretation of artistic expression was often confusing, and most martial artists considered art to be mere pretension.
So, was he just drawing under the influence of the scenery?
Or did he realize that his hobby was painting and decided to give it a try, even if he wasn’t successful?
If it was the latter, it was uncomfortable.
With such a skewed mindset, Leciel shifted her gaze towards the painting on the easel.
And then, she froze.
‘What is this?’
Her heart fluttered first.
She couldn’t look away.
The colors, forms, composition, light, and shadow were perfectly arranged.
The coloring was delicate, and the technique of layering paint was so sophisticated that she couldn’t surpass it.
Most importantly, the subject…
‘It’s me.’
The skill of a painter depends on how they express the subject.
Not just surface observation but a sensory exploration based on aesthetic sense.
Efforts to understand the subject, emotional exploration based on empathy.
Those things must be the foundation for the subject to truly receive the painter’s affection and ‘life’.
And what about that painting?
“Ah…”
The moment she wanted to preserve was encapsulated within the canvas.
The beach bathed in golden light, ‘herself’ sitting there.
All the emotions she felt today were alive again in that painting.
‘She looks happy.’
Leciel took a deep breath, trying to fully embrace the overwhelming emotion of the moment.
The Hero, whose face had become more similar to the painting, opened his mouth.
“Leciel.”
“Yes?”
“Do you now understand why you ended up seeing this scene?”
Leciel opened her mouth briefly before closing it.
“I heard you swung your sword relentlessly for two days without rest or food, only to collapse.”
“Well…”
“Something seems to be urgently driving you.”
“…”
She remained silent, but the Hero continued, undeterred by her closed-off demeanor.
“I’ve had moments of urgency too.”
Unexpectedly, Leciel’s gaze turned towards the Hero.
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In truth, he was recalling his own experiences.
Then, he thought of something he wanted to say to Leciel.
His sincere voice continued.
“It’s inevitable to feel rushed. When I came to my senses, everyone was looking at me. I had to meet those expectations.”
The life of the ‘Originall’ was like that.
The Hero let out a small sigh.
It was still challenging to precisely understand.
How it felt to lose everything — lives, possessions — the hopes and disappointments of people, even the future of the continent, all hanging on the edge of his sword.
That’s why the ‘Original’ always felt urgent.
Urgency to become stronger, to save lives, to dispel the darkness of the world and bring light — it was a perpetual sense of urgency.
In the end, in his urgency, he vanished quickly.
I don’t want to see such a sight anymore.
“The world is so chaotic that there may come a time when we need to move quickly, but not now.”
Beyond the horizon, the faces of the children came to mind.
The heavy burden, unbeknownst to others, resting on the less experienced shoulders also surfaced in his thoughts.
The Hero strengthened his words.
“Life is like a long-distance race. You may have heard this somewhat cliché expression before.”
Leciel nodded silently in agreement.
“In that case, where do you think you are in this race right now?”
“Well, I must be running.”
“No. You haven’t even stepped onto the starting line yet.”
Leciel’s puzzled expression drew a light smile from the Hero.
“In other words, it’s the preparatory stage. It’s the time to widen your stride, increase your lung capacity, and prepare a healthy mind for the long run. If you cover your eyes like a sprinting racehorse in this preparatory phase and run like crazy, you won’t even reach half of your intended destination.”
For the first time, Leciel raised a counterargument.
“I understand what you’re saying, but that doesn’t mean we can just sit back and do nothing.”
“Who said anything about just sitting back?”
“…What?”
“You are my student, under my guidance and protection.”
The Hero spoke confidently, stating the obvious truth.
“So entrust yourself to me. Wherever your destination may be, I’ll help you develop the strength to reach it.”
Silence lingered in the air.
Today, it seemed like words were stuck in Leciel’s throat.
During that brief moment of silence, memories of conflicting emotions surfaced unexpectedly.
“You need to do better, Leciel. This is far from enough.”
“Talent deficiency… Is this my limit?”
“…It’s the responsibility of the one teaching.”
The responsibility of the one teaching?
Not the responsibility of the one learning?
Silently, the girl found herself laughing without realizing it.
He said he would help her develop the strength to run to the destination.
But what if the destination she desired was already known to him?
“Hah…”
Leciel let out a small sigh and looked at the things that had captured her attention since earlier.
Beside the Hero, the easel and the blank canvas lay there.
Approaching, she sat down on the chair, and before her eyes, the beach with the setting sun unfolded.
Swordsmanship, the Hero, grades, the academy, her grandmother, Cuculli.
The jumble of thoughts in her mind seemed to blur like watercolor.
Or maybe not everything was blurred.
She had left one thing untouched.
Leciel lifted her head and looked at the Hero by her side.
A burst of vibrant colors, shades of red, vermilion, and pink sunset spilled over him.
It felt like diverse hues were washing over him, softening the rigid figure he usually portrayed.
She decided to draw what she wanted to draw now.
“this way.”
“……?”
“Look this way.”
“Sure.”
The girl’s brush moved slowly.
.
.
.
Returning to the dormitory, the girl picked up a journal instead of a connector after a long time.
Some memories were not meant to be shared with anyone.
▼
Gained a deeper understanding of Leciel Hiyashin.
Understanding Level: 3/100 -> 10/100
▲
* * *
“Done. Today’s 2 gold.”
Mentally exhausted, Luke said.
“Ugh… Good job, Luke.”
Before the words could finish, Ban collapsed on the training ground floor.
Luke wanted to lie down too, but circumstances didn’t allow it.
He glanced sideways and looked back at the opponent.
The intense energy training that started to prepare for dungeon practice somehow continued due to mutual necessity.
And, of course, the gold.
Surprisingly, Luke also followed the movements of the opponent, making meaningful progress in breaking through defenses.
…Of course, the thickness of his wallet also significantly improved.
Luke tapped the fallen opponent’s shoulder.
“Two gold.”
“Ahahaha, can I pay you next month? My allowance is completely gone.”
“No. I already discounted the amount per hit.”
“That’s mean…”
“Now you can even cry; you’ve quite adapted to this training.”
Luke said, mixing jest and earnestness.
It was clear that Ban was getting used to the training.
Although he still had the habit of freezing when determined to attack someone, knocking Ban down was becoming gradually difficult.
Superb evasion and defense skills, along with insane endurance and stamina.
‘At this rate, even if I can’t swing a sword, just throwing him into the front line should be enough.’
Luke took a breath, contemplating such thoughts when a lively voice caught his ear.
“Wow… You guys are really amazing. Your movements are getting better every day.”
It was Evergreen, who had been diligently watching them.
In fact, she was also involved in a part of the training, disrupting Ban with blunt arrows.
During the process, Evergreen was deeply impressed by her friends’ talents.
‘…These guys are on a different level.’
Although she had heard genius praises in her hometown, compared to them, she was just an ordinary prodigy.
But Evergreen felt more admiration than jealousy.
‘They’re so amazing, so I’ll work hard too,’ was the feeling she had.
Originally, she had such a personality.
“Now, shall we go eat something? Aren’t you hungry?”
Evergreen grabbed Ban and Luke’s hands simultaneously, suggesting they go for a meal.
Thump.
At the same time, Luke’s ears turned red.
Ban wanted to burst into laughter, but he refrained, fearing his life.
Luke mumbled his agreement blushing.
“Yeah, it’s getting close to dinner time.”
Ding-dong!
As if on cue, the evening bell chimed, announcing the dinner hour.
Evergreen smiled broadly.
“Let’s go! I checked the restaurant menus in the morning, and today’s dinner options are all delicious.”
However, at that moment, Ban put on an awkward smile and shook his head.
“No, you guys go ahead and eat. I’ll have mine later.”
“Again? You ate separately yesterday too.”
Luke, looking at Ban with a skeptical expression, retorted.
“Are you avoiding that bastard again?”
“That…Bastard?”
Evergreen tilted her head curiously.
Luke answered with narrowed eyebrows, “Wellington’s unfortunate son, that loser Lucas.”
“Why Lucas?”
“After getting completely robbed by me in the dungeon and not getting his act together, he’s been glaring at me as if he wants to kill me every time we cross paths. Right?”
Ahaha, Ban laughed awkwardly.
Apparently, the answer was enough.
Evergreen hopped around energetically.
“Why are you being so cautious? If I were… if I were…”
There was no choice.
Evergreen lowered her head with a sullen expression.
Honestly, she found Lucas somewhat intimidating.
His background as a noble’s son was one thing, but his sharp tongue and threatening demeanor were the main reasons.
There were also rumors about him being a troublemaker, hanging out with a few ruffians, and secretly drinking with female servants.
…Anyway, I don’t want to get involved.
“Get up.”
Luke lifted Ban, who was sitting on the floor.
“Even if you fight again, you’ll win. Well, at least you won’t lose. Why are you so scared?”
“No, it’s not that I’m avoiding a fight. I just feel like I might vomit… huh?”
Ban’s eyes widened at that moment.
The reason was the appearance of Leiciel, who had just entered the training ground.
Evergreen and Luke’s gazes also turned toward her.
‘…Leiciel, she’s discharged.’
Just as Ban was about to greet her, he realized that she was walking towards them.
At that moment, Ban noticed that she was not looking for him.
“Hey.”
‘Is she calling me?’
Luke, who had been sitting on the ground, was a bit confused.
“What? Me?”
“Yeah, you. The professor will be in the lab until 9.”
“Why?”
“Counselling. I told him. Don’t be late.”
Counselling?
Luke blinked and looked at Leiciel, who was walking away.
Come to think of it, he missed some sessions the last time he was absent due to the mercenary group.
“…Not really necessary for me.”
Smiling broadly at Luke’s hesitant mumble, Evergreen teased.
“It might be fun.”
“…”
To cut to the chase, it was quite entertaining.
…Except for Luke, the person involved.
HEL SCANS
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