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I Killed an Academy Player Chapter 31: Lunia Arden (3)

Chapter 31: Lunia Arden (3)

The⁠‍ ‘Arden’ name held‍‍ considerable value in‌ this world.

They‍​​ nurtured countless guardians,‍ and their group‌ sword formations and⁠‍‍ strategies were so​‍​ articulate and systematic‌⁠‍ that even the‍‌‌ militaries of several‌ nations would invite‍ them to become‌⁠⁠ their instructor.

The​ one reigning over​‌ that household with​ his absolute charisma‍​​ was Garrand Arden,⁠ but his successor‌ had yet to‍ be decided.

It⁠‌ was because he‍ hadn’t acknowledged anyone⁠​‌ in his son’s​‍​ generation. Even though​⁠‌ he had left‌‍‌ all the matters‍⁠ of the household⁠‍​ to the current⁠‌ family head, his​‍‍ true ‘successor’ hadn’t⁠​⁠ been decided for​ over 30 years.⁠

And‍ in this current​​ generation, the Sword​⁠‌ Emperor had finally​ acknowledged someone as⁠ his true successor‌‍ – two of​ them at that.⁠⁠​

Lunia‍ Arden.

Alicia​‌ Arden.

That‌ stubborn Sword Emperor‍⁠​ had finally chosen​‍ his successors but​​‍ the Arden household​⁠​ was nonetheless in​‌‍ an uproar.

Even‍ a group of‍ beasts needed a clear hierarchy and​‌‌ a boss so​‌⁠ it was obvious‍‌‍ that a family⁠ of humans – especially one that‍‌ pursued martial arts‌​⁠ – would need⁠ a clear leader.⁠

There⁠​ could not be⁠‍‍ two successors of‍ the enormous family‌ of Ardens. Whether​​​ it be the‌‍‍ main family or⁠⁠ the branch families,​​ it was great‍‌​ to have many​⁠⁠ arms and legs⁠ but there had​‌ to be no‌‌ more than one⁠⁠ head.

The‍ Sword Emperor who⁠‍‍ had an absolute‍ position in the‍‌ household had chosen​​ two people as⁠⁠ his successor candidates‌‍‌ so a strife‍⁠ was inevitable.

At​⁠⁠ that point, it⁠‍​ wouldn’t just be‌‍​ a competition of⁠⁠ which side was‍​ stronger – it​‌⁠ was bound to‌‌‌ lead to internal⁠ divisions in the​‍ family due to⁠ personal profits and⁠‌‍ wants.

However,⁠​

There‌ was no such‍ strife in the​ Arden household. Who⁠⁠‍ the next family‌ head will be‌ wasn’t even a topic for discussion.⁠⁠‌

It‍‍ was simple.

Even​⁠‍ if the head‌‍ of a group‌‌ of beasts was‍‌ to choose two‍‌⁠ candidates to be‌‍‍ the next leader,​‍⁠ it was impossible‌ for there to‍ be a conflict‍​ if one of‌‍ them was overwhelmingly‍⁠ stronger than the⁠‍ other.

Anyone‌ could tell just​‌ by seeing how‍‌‌ one of the⁠⁠ most representative elites⁠‍⁠ of the Arden​ family – the‌​ Five Swords of​⁠ the 1st Sword​⁠​ Squad – were‌‌⁠ following Lunia without‌‌‌ a sliver of⁠‍ doubt.

No-one‌ in the family​‍ and those with‍ authority were skeptical‍​‍ about Lunia being‍ the next in⁠‍ line. Even the‍ competitor Alicia Arden‍ wasn’t an exception.⁠

That⁠ was how powerful​ Lunia Arden was.‌⁠

“Think‍‌‌ of this as​​​ a fight against‌‌ a Unique-Grade.”

It‍​‍ took about 3 seconds for the‍‌‌ students of Team‍⁠⁠ B to process⁠‍ Lunia Arden’s words.​⁠

Why​ was she talking‍ about a Unique-Grade⁠​ all of a sudden?

What‌​​ exactly were Unique-Grades?​​ Simply put, they​​ were those whose​ strength was immeasurable.‌​‌ Unlike Grade 1,‍‍⁠ there was no​ clear standard that⁠⁠‍ could be used​⁠ to measure those‍⁠⁠ beings so all​ of them were‍⁠⁠ just referred to​⁠​ as Unique-Grade.

Marie⁠⁠ Dunareff after awakening‌‍ into a vampire‌‍ and the unsealed‍ Heavenly Yaksha Hua‌ Ran were such⁠⁠​ examples.

They​ were like natural‌‌ disasters that could⁠ stand toe to‌‌ toe against an‌⁠ entire legion and⁠‍‌ dozens of guardians⁠ might not even‌ be able to​⁠‌ defeat them together.​

Unique‌‌ Grades were true⁠⁠ monsters that most​‍​ guardians would not​‌ come across in⁠ their entire life.‌

And‌⁠ Lunia Arden was​⁠​ a monster among⁠‌ monsters that could⁠⁠‌ compete against those‍‌ monsters.

– Kwaang!

– Kwaaaakk!

Explosions‌⁠ constantly echoed from⁠ all sides. The‍‌‍ flat grounds of​⁠‍ the stadium were⁠ destroyed and were​⁠‌ turned upside down‌‌ as the screams⁠‌‌ of my peers⁠​⁠ occasionally reached all‌‌⁠ the way from⁠‌​ the other side‍⁠ of the debris⁠​ that had been​‍‍ created from Lunia’s‌ attacks.

Ahh…‍ I swear the​ original stadium was‍‌ a neat square‍‌‌ carved from stone‍⁠ but not a trace of its‍‍ previous appearance remained‍​ on the shattered​ grounds.

“I,⁠ I wasn’t expecting​​‍ to have two‌ Unique-Grade fights in​​‌ my life. This‍‍ is hard to‍ get used to…”​

I whole-heartedly agreed with‌⁠‍ Jaeger’s words. Even‌‍‍ though I had‌​‌ experienced it several‌ times, everyone that​‍⁠ had ‘Unique’ in⁠​‍ their name were⁠‌ all monsters that​ I just couldn’t​ get used to.‍‍‍

“Who’s⁠ that?’

“Huh?⁠‍ Of course it’s‍​ Lark… who the​‍‍ heck is this?”‍‍

Hearing‌‌ my question, Jaeger​‍​ turned to his‍ right hand at​‌‍ the one he‍ was carrying. He⁠ was the peer​ Jaeger had grabbed⁠ by the collar​​​ to bring all‌‍‌ the way here‍​​ before the incoming‍‌​ disaster, thinking that⁠‌ it was Lark.⁠‍‍

“Where’s​‍‌ Lark… Oh.”

Lark‌‍​ had foams in⁠⁠ his mouth and⁠ was lying unconscious‍‍ at the center‌ of the broken​⁠‍ stadium. Ahh… What⁠ an unlucky guy.‌​

“Isn’t​​ Senior Lunia being‍‌ too mean? Why‌‍‌ is she so‍‌ serious against students…”⁠​‍

“She‌ is holding back.‍ If she was⁠⁠‍ serious, half of⁠ us would have​‍‌ evaporated in less‍‌ than 10 seconds.”​‍

Turning⁠⁠‍ my head from‌⁠⁠ the stone ground​‍‍ that was poking‍‌‌ up like a strange statue, I looked at the​​⁠ center of the⁠ thunderous roars. At​ the epicenter was‍ the personification of⁠​⁠ violence that was​‍⁠ indiscriminately sending students‍ of Team B off into the‌ air.

“You’re⁠‌‌ too tense. If⁠ you’re not certain,‌⁠‌ always be prepared⁠‍ to change your‍ path.”

“Do⁠​ not shout the⁠ name of your​ skill. Are you‍‍‍ trying to explain⁠​ your skill to​‍ your enemy?”

“Practice⁠​‌ working together before‍‌‌ trying a pincer​​ attack. That is⁠ why you are⁠‌ running into each‍⁠ other on repeat.”‌

As​ expected of a swordsmanship instructor, she‍ was a proficient‍ teacher. She was‍ instructing the students‌ on what they⁠​‌ should improve on⁠ during those short⁠‌‍ bouts.

Unlike‍​‌ Alicia who couldn’t‌‌ even take care⁠ of herself, Lunia‍ was a complete‌⁠ veteran swordsman. She⁠‌⁠ was a finished‌⁠​ genius who did‌‌ not need to​ be trained unlike‍‌‌ the other named‌ characters that could​‌ enter the party.‌

‘How⁠‍ close am I to her now?’⁠​​

In⁠​‌ the last iteration,‌ I had the​ chance to fight‌ together with Lunia‍​ who had joined‍‍ the party after‍ Alicia’s death.

She‌​‌ even taught me​ and helped me​​ train. My master​‌⁠ was the one⁠⁠⁠ who taught me‍​ the spear, but​‌⁠ it wasn’t an​ overstatement to say‌​⁠ that Lunia was‍ the one who⁠‌‌ taught me how⁠​‍ to fight.

Until‍‌‌ the very end‌ of the last‌ iteration, I had⁠ been unable to⁠ reach her toes.​ If not for‍ that damn Mr.‌‌‌ Park’s preference for‌⁠‍ males, she probably‍⁠‌ would have taken‌​‍ my position in‌ the party.

– Kwaang!

At⁠⁠ this rate, it​⁠ would take around​‍​ 30 seconds for⁠⁠ Team B to‌‍ be annihilated. Honestly,​​⁠ I had been⁠⁠ waiting for her‍‍ to show a gap in her‍ defense but then…‌

“…”‍

“…”⁠‍‌

Our⁠‌​ eyes met. Her​‌ eyes that were⁠‍​ as deep as⁠⁠ the abyss had‍‍ been staring at‌ only me ever⁠‍​ since the start‍‌‌ of the test.‍‍

I was completely being​⁠‍ marked.

She‌⁠​ wasn’t even giving‌ me the chance‍ to use other​⁠‍ guys as bait.‌⁠⁠

“Jaeger.”‍​‍

“Nn?”‌‍

“There’s⁠‍ a sword aura‌⁠ flying our way.‌ Bend your back.”‍‌

“What‍‌ do you… Kuheeek!”‌

– Kwaangg!

Despite‌​​ my warning, Jaeger‍‌ was too late‌​ to react. He‌ was hit by​​‌ the small ball​‍ of sword aura‌⁠⁠ that came through‌‌‍ the obstacle and‍‌ flew all the‍ way out of⁠ the arena.

“I⁠‌⁠ would have loved⁠‍​ to give a bit of guidance‍⁠‌ but that is‍ way below the​ mark.”

At‌‌ last, my greatest‌‌ fear had come‍‍‌ to reality. It‍ was a 1 on 1 fight‍‍​ against Lunia Arden.‌

14​‍ knights and mages‍​‌ were unable to‍‌ hold off against‌‍⁠ the generous lectures‌​ of Lunia and‌​ were all one-shotted.⁠​⁠

Against‍⁠‌ monsters like Lunia,​ it was pointless‍⁠ to have a crowd of guys​ that had a little bit of​​‍ skill. Evey powerhouse⁠​⁠ that had the‌ word ‘unique’ next⁠‌ to their name‌ were beings that‌​​ could control the‌‍‍ flow of a battle by themselves.⁠​‌

“Can‌ I surrender?”

“You‍‍ may if you⁠‌ want to get⁠​ the lowest mark.”‌

“…”​

“But⁠​ you won’t, will​‍‌ you? I doubt​‍‌ you are willing⁠ to let go⁠ of such an‍⁠ opportunity either.”

Right.​ It was as⁠ she said.

As⁠ someone without any⁠‌⁠ special eyes or‍ abilities, the goal​ I had to‌ aspire for was‌⁠‌ ‘Lunia Arden’. Fighting‌⁠‍ her 1 on​‌ 1 was a lesson in itself‌⁠ which was why⁠ I didn’t even‌ bother creating a party on the⁠⁠‌ spot.

If​ I was going⁠​ to replace the‍‌ player, I would‌ eventually have to‌‌⁠ overcome her with​​​ my own strength‌ at one point.‌⁠⁠

“…”‍

“…”​‍‌

We‍⁠ silently gazed at​​⁠ each other.

Now,‌​​ there was only‌ Lunia and me​ on the stage.​‍

****‍

The‍ appearance of big-shots‌ like Lunia Arden​​​ and the Five⁠ Swords made the‍ crowd go fanatic.‌​⁠

Lunia⁠ Arden was pretty⁠ much the next‌‌‍ head of the‍ renowned Arden family.​ She was the‌ Sword Master; a heroine that was‌ built different – she was the‌⁠​ representative icon of‍​ this era that⁠‌ was admired by⁠⁠‌ everyone who aspired​‍ to become a guardian.

The‍​‌ might she displayed⁠⁠‌ against the students​‍ of Team B was one-sided and⁠‍ impressive.

It‍​‌ made the students​​‌ realize that it‌⁠ was possible for⁠​ a human to‌⁠⁠ be that strong.‌⁠

“There’s​ only one guy​⁠ left. Who is‌​​ that guy?”

“I⁠ saw him at​​ the training rooms.⁠ He’s a Grade​​ 5.”

“It’s‍‌ gonna be over‌ in an instant.​ I bet he’ll‌ last 3 seconds.”⁠​‌

“Let’s‌‍‌ hurry up and‍​ move on to‌‍ the next team!”⁠‌

“Is‍​ it going to‌‍⁠ be Ms. Lunia‌ again?”

“I​‍ can’t believe I’m​‍ seeing her fight‌ with my own‍‍‌ eyes…”

“It‍⁠ would’ve been better‍​ if the last⁠⁠​ one was either‍ Dorron or Alicia‌ though.”

The​‌ muffled mutters of‌‍⁠ the crowd reached⁠‌ the partially destroyed‍​ arena but the‍ two knights on⁠ the stage did‍⁠‍ not move a single inch. It​‌​ was as if‌⁠ the torrent of‌ words that were⁠‍​ being sent by​‍‌ the hundreds of⁠‌ audience were unable‌ to create any‍‌ ripples on their‌ tranquil hearts.

– Kajik!

Lunia’s⁠ sword slashed through‍‍‍ the ground. The⁠ stone floors were‍ destroyed and a layer of dust⁠ rose up that​ concealed her feet‌‍ and her posture.​

Was⁠​ she going to​​ dash in? Or‍‍‍ was she going​ to slash down?‌​ They were about⁠‍⁠ 15 meters apart.​‌⁠ How would that⁠‌‍ be any meaningful–‍

– Kangg!

Lunia⁠‌ kicked with her‌‌ foot. The broken​‌ fragments of stone⁠‍ were shot out‌⁠⁠ like bullets and‍ at the same‍⁠‌ time, her body‍ vanished in the‌ air. Soon, her​‌‍ body reappeared in⁠‍ front of Korin‌ Lork who had‍ calmly received the‍‍ stone bullets.

It⁠ was an ambush​‌ without any signals.​⁠⁠ It was normal‍​​ for there to‌​ be no starting‌ signals in a real battle, but‌ it was evidently⁠‍ clear that Lunia‌‍​ was showing a completely different attitude‌‌⁠ to the one‍​ she showed against‌​ other students.

– Kang! Kakang!

Their​​​ weapons intertwined and‍‍⁠ clinked. Without stopping⁠‌ with a block,⁠ Korin retaliated with‍ his spear. Their‍ weapons clashed 3 times in that‌ short instant.

Taking‍ half a step‌‌‌ back, Lunia took‌‌ a high-level posture⁠​⁠ and slashed her⁠‍‍ sword down.

Furious‍‌ Tiger, Golden Pheasant,⁠‌ Horizontal Slash, Pure​‍⁠ Light.

It⁠‍⁠ was beautiful.

Her​‌‌ sword flowed elegantly⁠​ and naturally like‌‌‌ that of flowing⁠​⁠ water. Each of⁠ her stances continued‌ in a perfect⁠‌​ sequence that made⁠‌‌ her elegantly pressure​‍ the opponent.

—-!‌⁠​

The​⁠⁠ spear rose up​ in a counterattack.⁠ Allowing the attack‌⁠⁠ that was aiming‌ at her neck⁠‌ to graze past‍⁠​ it, she fought‍ back against her​‍ enemy who was‍‌ trying to sneak​‍‌ into her territory.‌​‍

It⁠​ was a picturesque‍ example of how​ not to over-dodge​​ the opponent’s attack‍⁠‍ and retaliate at‌ the same time.‌ She was in⁠​‍ full control of⁠‌ their distance with‌‍ a precise awareness⁠ of space without‍ allowing even a single millimeter of⁠‍⁠ miscalculation.

By​ reading the opponent’s​‌ movement, she avoided​‍ in the best⁠ and shortest manner‍ possible and slashed‌‍‍ at the speed‌ of sound. She​ was incomparably more⁠‍ skilled than most​​ first-rate knights.

It⁠​ was to be‌ expected of the⁠‌‍ Sword Master. They⁠⁠⁠ could understand it​‍ by considering her​​ form as the​ pinnacle of knights,​ but that was‍ why it was​‍ all the more‍ difficult for them‍⁠‍ to believe what‌ they were seeing​ with their own‌‌‌ eyes.

“…‌ How is that‍‌ a freshman?”

Instant‌‍ Slash, Advancing Fang,‍ Reverse Kill, Soaring‌ Heavens, Lightning.

Trap​ and Stab, Ominous⁠⁠​ Snake: Secret Arts,⁠ Breaking Heavens, Reversed​‍ Heaven, Tiger’s Gust.‍

Lunia’s​‍ consecutive attacks that​⁠ had been constantly⁠‍⁠ raging from the⁠ start were being⁠ offset by similar‌​‌ attacks.

…………‌​

…………⁠⁠⁠

The‌‌ crowd was deathly‍ silent.

They⁠‍⁠ could understand Lunia‍ because she was⁠‍‍ a semi-Unique Grade‌‍⁠ Knight. She was⁠​‍ the pride of​⁠⁠ the Arden family⁠​ and was the‌ captain of the​ 1st Sword Squad.⁠‍

But⁠‍ Korin Lork wasn’t.​ He was a freshman, and he‌ was a Grade‌‌‍ 5 Knight. How‍‍‍ could such a person fight on‍‍​ equal grounds with​‌ Lunia Arden?

How‌‍​ was that even​ possible?

– Kagak!

After​​⁠ a surprising clash‍ of consecutive attacks,⁠⁠ they came to​​ a little stalemate‌ as the swordsman‌​ and the spear-bearer‍‌‌ stopped on top‍‍ of the stage.⁠

“Huu…”‌‌

“Out‍‍ of stamina, huh.‍‌‍ What a shame.”​​​

Korin​ Lork was the⁠ first to get‍​​ tired from the‌‍‍ fierce battle that‍ made its onlookers⁠ turn breathless.

– Clink!

Lunia⁠​ sheathed her sword.‌‍ It wasn’t a show of praise‌⁠ that he had⁠‌⁠ done well for‍‍​ a freshman student.​‌‌

The‌​⁠ Arden’s sword draw‍ art wasn’t just⁠⁠​ used for ambush.‌

It⁠​ was a killing‍ move that was​ perfected with the‍ aura within the⁠‌ scabbard accelerating the‌ blade to show‍ the might of‌‍ sword draw art.⁠

❰Domain‌‌ Severance❱

Sheathing​ the sword was​ a warning sign‌ of the Sword‌ Emperor Garrand, that⁠​‌ he will be‍ using the strongest‌‍​ killing move of​‌​ the Arden family.‌

“Try‍‌ defending this. Show‌⁠‌ me a response‌‌ that befits your‌ spearmanship.”

“…”‌

Her‍‌‍ voice reached only​‌​ him and not‌ the audience as‍⁠ Korin immediately lowered⁠⁠⁠ his body like​⁠​ a leopard.

“What?‌ What is she​⁠ trying to do?”⁠‍

A flustered gasp left​ from the crowd.​​

– Whiiish!

A flood of aura⁠⁠ was being emanated⁠ into the air‌⁠⁠ with Lunia at‌ the center. Some‌​ of the students⁠ and professors that​‌⁠ were more sensitive⁠ to auras felt​ like they were‌ being surrounded by​ sharp swords all‍​‍ around.

It​⁠​ was coming.

The‍ unstoppable wave of‍​⁠ death was coming.⁠​

“Wait!​‍⁠ Are you trying‌‍ to kill the⁠‍ student!?”

“Stop​ the test right​‌​ now!”

The‍ professors shot out‌ of their seats⁠ with the first⁠‌ being Old Man‍ Haman. As soon‌⁠‍ as he was⁠‍ about to rush​ into the arena…‍​‌

The​ world came to​⁠​ a stop.

————————————‍

It‍ was a suspended‌ world that the⁠‍ audience could not​ perceive.

Fatigue​​ was no longer⁠ relevant and the‌​ physical abilities of‌‌‌ both parties were​ also meaningless.

She‌ took half a step forward. Lunia⁠‍⁠ Arden placed a step onto the‌‌‌ suspended world.

❰Arden​ First Sword Style:​ False Domain Severance.❱‌⁠

****‍⁠⁠

The⁠​⁠ world stopped.

A short-term battle without​‍​ any plans on​⁠‌ prolonging the fight.⁠‍‍ After forcing out​​‍ everything I could,⁠⁠ my body was⁠ now perfectly warmed​‍ up.

False⁠​‍ Domain Severance.

Inside⁠‍​ the suspended world,​‌ the blade moved​⁠ slowly like a video in slow‌ motion. I thrusted⁠‍ my fastest spear⁠ at her sword.⁠

「Ominous​ Snake: Extreme Arts」‍
「Soaring Snake, Rearing​‍ Head of the‍ Venomous Dragon」

…………​⁠‍

………‌‌

……‌⁠

Damn‌​ it.

My⁠​ spear did not‍‍ move. I could‍ clearly tell this‍‌ time because I could compare it‍⁠⁠ with a move‍‌‍ that was in⁠‌‌ the same Domain.‍

I could not move⁠⁠‍ in the suspended‌‌⁠ world. I could​‌‌ only perceive it.⁠⁠

Was‍‌ it a coincidence​ when I thought⁠ I did it​‌ against Marie? Was‌⁠‍ I still unable​ to make use​‍ of the Domain?​

It‌ was just one‌ step that I needed but I couldn’t take that‌‍​ step forward.

According‍‌‌ to the setting,​⁠ that should be​‍ the same for​⁠ Lunia. And… that‌​ meant that even⁠ her current attack…​ was just a ‘fake’ version of‌ the real Domain​‍‍ Severance.

The​‌​ time it took​ for the blade‌ to slowly approach⁠ me wasn’t even⁠⁠‌ as long as‍‍‍ the time it‍‍‍ would take for‍​​ me to blink​⁠​ my eyes. My⁠⁠‍ hypersensitive senses were‍ perceiving every millimeter​‌⁠ of the approaching⁠​​ blade. I could‌ see it but‍⁠ my body ——⁠

– Kiiingg…!

In‌‍‍ the suspended world,⁠​ I heard an​ echo that shouldn’t‍ even be audible…​‌ it was the‌​‌ screeching sound of⁠‌ metal.

————————————‌​

Lunia⁠‌ widened her eyes.⁠​⁠ Surprise and fluster…​ I could see‍ her expression going​ through a massive‍‍​ change in the​ blink of an​‌ eye.

I…‌⁠ managed to move‌​ the spear by​ a tiny bit.‍

It⁠​​ wasn’t a mastered⁠‌ technique nor the⁠‍ original Rearing Head⁠‍ of the Venomous​⁠​ Dragon but a normal stab. Right​ when the spearhead⁠​ collided with Lunia’s​⁠‌ sword,

– Jiiiiik!

Her‍ sword slashed through​ my spear like⁠‍⁠ a bamboo stick‍ and barely stopped⁠⁠​ right in front⁠​‍ of my nose.‌

“Looks​​​ like there is⁠⁠​ a long way‍​‍ to go for‌​​ both you and​ myself.”

“Haak…‌​ haak…!”

I felt stifled like‍ I was hyperventilating.⁠‌‍ It was only‌⁠‍ for a split‍⁠ second but my⁠ arm was sore​‌ as if I had been stabbing​⁠​ the spear tens⁠​ of thousands of‍⁠ times.

There​ was a time​ when I had‌​ a similar feeling​⁠​ to this – it was during‌‌ the fight against‍​ Marie… I was​‌‍ also suddenly fatigued​⁠​ like this when⁠ I was landing​‍ the last strike​ on her.

At​ the same time,​ a sense of‍‌ omnipotence filled my​‌ body. It felt‍ like the surrounding‍⁠⁠ aura was connected⁠⁠‍ to my skin;⁠‌ as if they​ were a part⁠‌‍ of my body‍‍ like my arms​ and my legs…‌‍‌

“Congratulations.⁠​⁠ You have reached‍​‍ the level of​ being able to‌⁠​ intervene into the⁠​‌ Domain. Can you​‍​ feel it?”

“…”⁠⁠

“This​​‌ is the Domain.⁠​‍ It’s something you​ understand with your⁠ instincts not your‍​ brain. A sense⁠‌‍ of omnipotence as⁠‌ if you are‍⁠ the center of⁠‌ the world.”

“What‌ is next?”

Even‌ this was nothing​ but a ‘False’​‌‌ Domain Severance to⁠‌ Lunia… What was‍ she aiming for‌⁠⁠ that she was‍‌ looking down on‍​ herself so much?‍‌⁠

In‍‌ the game, the​​ martial arts of​ this world had⁠⁠⁠ only been expressed‌ with killing moves‍‍‍ and powerful abilities‍ with cool names,‍​ but how far​⁠ can they go‍⁠‍ in this real‌‍​ world?

I was feeling this‌‌​ omnipotent from just‌ barely interfering with⁠ the Domain.

“I​‍⁠ do not know.”⁠​​

“Sorry?”‌‌

“There⁠‍‌ definitely is something​ beyond this. That‌ senile old man‌ proved it with⁠ his life, but‍⁠‌ I could not‌ reach it myself.”‍

“…”​

The‍ realm beyond. In​ the previous generation,⁠ only the Sword​‌ Emperor and my​ master were able‌‌ to reach that‍ realm. If so,‍ then what about‍⁠ Alicia who the‌⁠ company had officially​ announced as someone‍​ that could do‌⁠‌ so?

“More‌ importantly, you need​‌ a better spear.⁠‌ Your weapon is‌‌ too weak compared​ to your abilities.”⁠‍

“…”⁠‍

That‍​​ wasn’t something Lunia‌ should say. Even‌ though my spear⁠‍​ was completely broken,​ Lunia’s sword also‍⁠​ had a crack‌ from that collision⁠​​ despite being an​⁠⁠ expensive sword.

Just‍‌ a slight intervention​‍‍ into the Domain​‌‌ had caused our​‌‌ weapons to become​ like this, and⁠ that was enough‌ to explain why⁠‌‌ special swords like⁠⁠ the demon-slaying sword‍‌ were a must.​

I sneaked a glance⁠​⁠ at Alicia. Her‌‍ eyes were wide-open​‍ and were contracted⁠​‍ into a diamond-shape‌ and her dropped‍‌​ chin showed no‌⁠ signs of closing​⁠ back up.

I guess I had‍ achieved the intended‍​ goal.

“Seems⁠ that you knew‌ about Alicia’s talents⁠​ as well.”

The⁠ reason Lunia pretty​⁠⁠ much pin-pointed me⁠‌ was because she‌⁠‍ wanted to show​⁠​ this to Alicia.‌‌​ And likewise for‌‍ me, this was‍‌ about… half of⁠​ my intended objective.‌⁠​

Both​‌ Lunia and I knew about Alicia’s​ trauma… or rather,​‍ her uniqueness.

“I‍ will be staying⁠​⁠ in this city⁠ for a while.‌‌ There is a business to take‍‌ care of but‌ in the meantime…”‍​​

– I will crush​‍ Alicia Arden.

She​‍​ declared to me​‍‍ with a cold‍ smile.

“Aren’t‍‍⁠ you her sister?”‌

“Yes.⁠ Because I am‍‍ her older sister,‍​ I have the​ right to trample‌ on Alicia. It⁠‌‍ is a rightful‌‌​ power given to‍​ me, her sister.”⁠‌

What‍​ a gruesome fight‍⁠​ between siblings.

It⁠ wasn’t a good​‍​ turn of events‍‌⁠ for me.

Even⁠⁠‌ if Alicia’s heart‍​ was to be⁠⁠ crushed because of‍⁠ Lunia, Lunia wouldn’t​​ join as a party member. She‌​ would only join‍ if Alicia died.​‍‍

If​ Lunia came out⁠ on top of‌‍‍ the fight between⁠​⁠ siblings, both Alicia‌‌⁠ and Lunia would‌ be eliminated from‌ the main scenario‍⁠ with zero benefits.​​⁠ In other words,⁠‌ what I had‌⁠‌ to do was…‌‌​

‘I‌​​ have to complete​⁠⁠ Alicia’s Domain Severance.’‌⁠​

I had to trigger⁠ the trauma and​⁠‍ her true nature​‍ that Alicia was⁠ in denial of,​​ and awaken the‌⁠ True Alicia mode.‌​‌

Naturally,​⁠ there was no‍​ need to be‌‌‍ in a hurry.‌‍ In fact, it​​ was a bad‍ call to be‍ in a hurry.​

As​ soon as Alicia​⁠‍ Arden completely acquired​ Domain Severance, that‍‍‌ would lead to‍⁠ the concluding scenario⁠‌ between Alicia and‍​‌ Lunia. Lunia would​ immediately issue a fight between herself‍ and Alicia using​⁠ her power as​‌‍ the squad captain.‍‌‍

A fight with the​​⁠ Five Swords and‌‌ a boss fight‍ against Lunia Arden.‍​‌

There‌‌ was no way‍ the current untrained​ Alicia without enough‌‌ practice time would⁠ ever be able‌⁠​ to defeat such‍ illogically tough opponents.⁠​​

It‍‍ used to be‌​ a forced event‌⁠ back in the‍‍​ game, but there‍⁠‌ probably had to⁠‍‍ be a trigger​​⁠ now that this⁠‌ was the real⁠​ world.

I could come up‌⁠ with two conditions.‍‌

Alicia‍⁠ learning Domain Severance.‌​‌

Lunia‌ hearing the news​‍ about Alicia successfully‌ using Domain Severance.‍‍

Acquiring⁠ the killing move⁠ of Arden’s symbol⁠⁠‍ of absolute power,‌​⁠ Sword Emperor Garrand,⁠ would signify that⁠​⁠ Alicia had become⁠‍⁠ a full-fledged successor‌‌ candidate that could⁠ threaten Lunia’s position.​​‍

“Korin‌​‌ Lork. Full marks.‌‌ You will also‍‌​ get some extra​‌‍ marks.”

“Thank​‌‍ you.”

I walked out of⁠‌⁠ the arena. On‍ the way, I found Alicia who‌​​ was still drooling​​ with her mouth‍​⁠ still open.

Her⁠​‍ concentration was at⁠​ an absurdly unimaginable‌ level.

She‍⁠​ looked as if⁠ she was possessed​⁠⁠ by a ghost.⁠⁠​

****‌⁠​

“…”⁠⁠

“…”‌

The​‍​ professors of the‍ Knight Department as‍‌ well as the‍‍‌ instructors that were‍‍⁠ invited from the​​ outside were all‌‍‍ dumbfounded from the⁠​​ scene before their⁠ eyes.

Even⁠⁠ though Lunia Arden⁠​ had gone up​ the stage as‌​ the instructor, they⁠‍​ weren’t thinking of‍ this as a chance to look‌‌ at her real​ skills, because the‍ students were far​ below where she‌​⁠ was. However, what‌​ they saw went​‌​ completely against their⁠ expectations.

The‍‌‌ entire arena was⁠ in tatters. There‍‌ was not a single place to‍‌​ stand on and‌ there were craters​⁠‌ everywhere.

They​‌⁠ were awed by​​ the half-demolished arena⁠ before their eyes.⁠‍

As⁠‍​ expected of the​​‍ contemporary Sword Master‌‍ that was said⁠​‌ to be the‌ next Sword Emperor⁠ in line; as​​ expected of the​​ ‘heroine’, her skills‍‍‍ were far above‍‍ the norm.

But‌⁠ what was more‌ surprising was that‌ her true skills‍ had been forced‌‌ out by a random Grade 5 student.

Their‍⁠ last attack was​‌‍ a horrifying scene⁠⁠ for everyone that⁠ was walking down​‌⁠ the path of⁠​‌ martial arts.

It​‌​ was something they⁠ could barely perceive,​⁠‍ and upon seeing‌ it, everyone realized‌ that it was‍​ in a realm‌ that they would​ never be able⁠ to reach even‍⁠ if they were‌‌ to spend their⁠‍ entire life training.‍​

They‍‍‌ despaired at the‌‌‍ face of overwhelming‍ talent.

Although‍ they were dumbstruck​​⁠ after seeing that⁠ outrageous battle, one‍‍​ of the knights‍ soon came to‌ himself and raised‍⁠‍ a doubt.

“Professor⁠​ Fermack. Is that‍ student really a Grade 5 Knight?”‌⁠

“How‌⁠ is that possible!‌⁠ He fought on‍⁠ equal grounds with‌⁠ Lunia Arden!”

They⁠​ were in a panic. Usually, the‍ strength of a knight was determined⁠ by their Aura​​‍ Rank and their‍‌ aura capacity. A Grade 5 Knight‌ should be below​​ average on both‌‍ aspects but if‍ so, then what​‌​ in the world‌ was the thing⁠​ that just happened⁠ in front of‌​ their very own⁠‌ eyes?

“…”‍​⁠

Unlike‍‍‍ the professors and​ the invited instructors⁠⁠ that were still​‌ in a panic,‍​‌ Old Man Haman​‍ quietly gazed at‍⁠ Korin who was‌ walking down the​‍‍ stage.

‘He’s⁠‌ that student that​ was trying to​‌ touch the elemental‍‌ body…’

Old​​ Man Haman could‌ still remember the⁠ reckless student who​ challenged what he‍​ couldn’t achieve. He‍​ was fond of‍⁠‌ that relentless spirit​​‌ and had even‌ given him meal​‌‌ tickets.

He⁠⁠‌ never looked for‍⁠​ him so Old‍‌⁠ Man Haman was‌​ under the impression‍‍⁠ that he had‌⁠ failed and definitely⁠‌ wasn’t expecting him⁠​‌ to demonstrate something⁠‌‌ like this today.‌

That​ was already beyond​‍‌ the level of⁠⁠‌ students. How many‍⁠ students in Merkarva‍‍​ Academy would be​​ able to be‌⁠‌ compared to the⁠ Grade 5 Knight,⁠​​ Korin Lork?

The⁠​‌ names Beazeker and​‍ Marie Dunareff appeared‌ in his mind​⁠ but Old Man​⁠‍ Haman shook his‌ head. Unlike them,‌‌ Korin Lork and​‌‍ his talents were​​ rather… different.

He⁠​​ felt like he‍​ had caught a glimpse into an​‌‌ extraordinary talent that⁠⁠​ couldn’t be explained‌⁠ with the likes‍ of strength or‌‌‌ aura. His talents‍ were in the‌‌​ fathomable realm of‍​ the unknown.

………‌​‌

……​‍​

“…That’s​⁠‍ impossible.”

Professor⁠‍ Fermack glared daggers⁠​‍ at Korin Lork‌‍‍ behind his sunglasses.‌​‍

The⁠⁠⁠ afro-haired professor who⁠​⁠ was always carefree‌ was flustered unlike​ his usual self.‌ If not for⁠‌⁠ his sunglasses, someone‍ would have already‍‌ noticed that something⁠ was wrong with‌⁠ him.

“How…⁠‌⁠ is he using⁠‌⁠ that person’s skills?”‌

His⁠‍‍ words failed to⁠ reach anyone’s ears‌‌​ and were buried‌ under the deafening‌ cheers of the​ crowd.

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