Chapter 92

Chapter 92

When the swords clashed, sparks flew, but the sound echoed in the distance. This was because the visual nervous system reacts faster than the auditory.

This meant that their battle was transcending the fleeting moments of nerve transmission.

Reacting at the moment of seeing is not advised. One must anticipate the next move before seeing it.

The delay in cognition and judgment coming together was soon approaching the turning point of the match.

-Clang!!

The sound of the first sword clash now reaches the ear. Ivan clenched his teeth and moved his body.

The clash of swordsmanship is akin to a chess match. With each clash, theres the recoil, the opponents movement, and the myriad of possible paths, among which finding the correct one is a long battle.

It was only then that Ivan realized.

So, this is what they call swordsmanship.

Up until now, all the sword clashes he had shown were mere imitations fixated on swinging the military sword.

It was merely mechanically learning the sophisticated techniques established by someone else and imitating them. Therefore, now, by judging and choosing to push the sword, he was finally mastering martial arts.

-Clang!!

The phrase good eyesight was what he had considered his only asset. Perhaps it was a curse.

Instead of realizing and improving himself, he had been content with imitating the answers of those before him.

It was like a growth limit. Just as there is a limit to the growth of grass and trees no matter how much nutrients are supplied.

His exceptional learning ability itself was limiting his potential. The moment he encountered someone elses answer, he might have considered it the only solution.

Now, Ivan could finally understand Edels praise for the sword.

Building up years to reach for the sky.

Even if its unreachable, maybe. Perhaps its just a vague notion that can never be reached in a lifetime. Just a wish.

Not recognizing limits. Or, even if recognized, not acknowledging them. So, a lifetime.

Dedicating ones entire life to throwing oneself into challenges.

Freedom.

That was Edels creed. Her life. Even amidst the flames of war, as countless lives perished, her sword sang the song of freedom as it fluttered.

So, on that day, amidst the dark forests of the northern frontlines. The trail of the sword she wielded alone.

It was solace for the survivors, a memorial for the fallen, a trial for herself, and a yearning for freedom.

Just as the sword of a warrior symbolized hope, her sword symbolized freedom. That was the meaning of establishing a creed.

Can it be reached?

Will this dullard, who now realizes the true essence of martial arts, reach this ordeal of establishing a creed and honing the essence of swordsmanship?

Can he stand shoulder to shoulder with the giants of past eras who walked before him?

Ivan silently swung his sword, gradually sinking deeper into thought.

***

Ivan.

Follow me.

Edel grinned widely, brandishing her sword. They clashed, her speed increasing as she mixed feints with genuine attacks, each strike meeting hers solidly as he kept pace.

This fellow is growing.

She sensed it, fueling Edels impatience.

Like witnessing a dragon emerge from its egg or the first sprout of a rice plant.

Similar to what some of her disciples had experienced over the years.

The initial stage of growth, its brilliance.

The courage, willpower, and eagerness to explore new, unforeseen horizonshow exquisite they are.

Ivans swordsmanship mirrored Edels, a natural progression. With keen eyesight, he could mimic her techniques instantly and wield them to their fullest extent.

So, this moment.

-Kaaang!!!

Whenever he sporadically displayed unknown swordsmanship, a deeper smile graced Edels lips.

He, who considered himself a soldier rather than a knight.

He, who had simply repeated input and output like a precise magical engineering device.Unravel the Unknown, Unleash the Unimaginable: N♡vεlB¡n.

Now, witnessing him take a step forward on his own path, Edel was thrilled.

Have you seen? Jhon, can you see this spectacle too?

Knowing it wouldnt be heard. Their fight had already transcended the realm where cognition allows for dialogue.

At this moment, the conversation between the two was only the clash of swords and the slow follow-up collision.

But now, in the clash of swords between the two.

Edel believed that he was feeling the same as her amidst the conversation of steel.

That is the path leading to the end of martial arts!

***

In the process of honing their combat senses, countless sensory organs given up created a peculiar empathy.

The falling rain of petals is seen with the eyes, and the stifling cheers sound like the howling of a blade-wind.

The clear days arena disappeared, and at the edge of the northern frontlines, the two faced each other, exchanging swords.

This foolish lad. (Edel)

Edel lowered her sword and laughed. With a voice containing a slight reproach but also a great satisfaction.

Youre quite late. Jhon, if you had realized the moment you saw it, it would have been the point you should have reached upon realization. (Edel)

I apologize. (Ivan)

His muscles were screaming. Every joint, every muscle fiber squeezed to the limit, even the tendons were stiffened.

The neural network accelerated by magic was overloaded as if it would break. It was almost as severe as the aftermath of fighting a dragon. Ivan chuckled.

His opponent was that strong.

Even in defeat, there was not a trace of regret left.

You won. Vanka, you won.

So, it took some time for Ivan to understand Elizavetas words. He had to ask unexpectedly.

I faced Edel right?

Hehe, yes. Vanka. You won.

Did the result satisfy you?

It was only then that Elizaveta realized how absurd her order to Ivan had been. To order someone to overwhelmingly win against the strongest elf in the world.

How was it any different from sentencing the obliteration unit to death in the past?

Struggling to hold back the welling tears, Elizaveta spoke with a boiling voice.

Yes, Vanka. Your triumph surpassed all expectations. For us all. For every individual. I declare you as the pride of our royal lineage.

Thatll do.

Ivan nodded and got up, ignoring the protests from his sore muscles. He slowly straightened his clothes.

Ivan?

I apologize, Your Highness, but my tasks are not yet fully completed. Your Highness, is there anything that Dmitri or Pavel have not reported to you?

Huh? What do you mean?

I will take responsibility for that part and make inquiries. Now its time for Your Highness to execute the plans you have prepared.

Huh? You? Youre saying you prepared the plans yourself?

That was about marrying you, wasnt it?

Elizaveta murmured absentmindedly, looking at Ivan. Ivan stood up, impeccably dressed, in a manner that would not be believed for someone who had just been lying down.

Wait a moment. Where are you going? What more can you do with that body?

Ill adhere to Your Highnesss directives, as I did during my time in the Cleanup Unit.

What?!

So, it turns out hes been talking about the Cleanup Unit all along?

Elizaveta was clever enough. She easily recalled the events from ten years ago as if they had happened yesterday.

If it was a speech she often made when she was in the Cleansup Unit

You are the pride of Krasilov!

No, not that.

The homeland trusts you!!

Not that either.

She said something more teenage-like!

Only death can stop your holy war!

Ah.

Damn.

Elizaveta clenched her forehead and bowed her head. She had said that. It seemed cool back then.

So, if we fully accept those words, lets think about it the other way around.

As for the final match?! Blah blah about the final match! Shouldnt you be conserving your energy to ensure another overwhelming victory in the final?!

No need to go to the final match, Your Highness.

Ivan gently chided Elizaveta and stood up. Watching Ivan leaving, Elizaveta sighed and grumbled to herself.

You fool Thinking you have to win to get the prize.

***

Leaving the hospital room and walking down the corridor, Ivan stopped his steps when he saw a shadow lurking at the end of the corridor.

Dmitri.

Yes, senior!

The shadow cheerfully waved its hand.

Ivan moved past him. Dmitri followed behind him.

Any contact?

Yes, just as you predicted, senior. There were two invitations, one high-grade potion that got messed with, and one guy disguised as a priest from Tylesse. Thats how it was.

What about Pavel?

That gentleman is lying in ambush at the strike point.

Its not too late yet.

Ivan flicked his hand. Dmitri quickly handed him a well-packaged envelope with the seal of Duke Sheretif on it. It was an invitation letter.

Is it possible for you to be late, senior? Its just the right timing.

Lets begin.

In our own way?

Ivan nodded. Dmitri smirked and disappeared under the hospital wall.

In our own way.

In the Cleanup Units way.

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