Yoon Seok thought balancing both the shield and the weapon might be possible if he was a bit stronger, but…that wasn't the case.
After scrolling for a while, he finally had a few weapons that he took into consideration.
*Frantal Court Sword (Rank F+) – Dual dagger used by knights of the Frantal royal family.
Price: 1500AP
The shape of the sword was similar to that of a commonly known sword[1].
The blade was thin and about 120 cm long.
The sword was for quick slashing and stabbing, basically a double-edged sword.
But it was also possible to cut down with it depending on the situation.
Right now, this sword was perfect for Yoon Seok. Though his selection was based on if he could use it with one hand, and for it being as light as possible in his hand while not forgetting the length that he could use for his advantage.
But it seems to have a flaw, the durability was on the low side compared to its counterparts. But Yoon Seok didn't mind that, as he had the unique skill to make up for it.
And that skill was .
Because of this ability, he acquired due to the effect of his unique skill 'Predation" while winning the first duel, he doesn't have to worry about its durability.
In other words, this skill could make his F+ weapon temporarily jump a level making them E+. And if he wanted to buy an E+ weapon, he at least needed 6000AP.
「The purchase has arrived.」
「Advised to check the handle of the item purchased.」
Just as the messages popped up, the space underneath the stone statue opened like a drawer.
Yoo Seok took out the sword and shield that suddenly appeared in the empty space.
He didn't even question how such a thing was possible. He wasn't curious at all.
'Since I have invested a lot in the sword, the shield came out a bit poor.'
The F+ Ranked shield, that he purchased for 500AP, was a simple round shield made of wood. Only its outer surface was being covered by iron.
Though not being fully made out of iron takes away the advantage of it being high in defence, but the lightweight shield was his priority which could bring him an advantage.
"It's lighter than I thought."
Yoon Seok took both the shield and the sword, adjusted himself according to their weight by moving and swinging them around.
Was he able to adjust because of his F- Ranked body?
He knew it would have been quite difficult to move around if he was in his original body. But he didn't feel any restrictions on his movement due to their weight.
Unlike the other challenges who had to lose their strengths due to the rules. Yoon Seok on the other hand, his body which had less strength than an F- Rank, got levelled up.
"Just in case, I should look at the chats."
He looked at the ongoing chats, while his body was moving non-stop, holding a sword and a shield in each hand.
If he wants to fight properly, he has to get used to the sword and the shield, like an extension to his limbs.
'Block, thrust.'
Yoon Seok didn't need much.
But what he needed was to perfect the basics. He needed his shield to protect while the sword to attack. And he needed to be accustomed with the basics to protect himself.
While practising, he had a new realization.
'There's a reason why there's no toilet.'
He didn't feel hungry.
At least for now, it seems there were no urges like normal people.
Also, no matter how much he sweats or gets out of breath, he would return to his normal state after a certain period. In other words, he could train as long as he wanted in this waiting room.
"Next duel in 21:31:46."
Looking at the clock, Yoon Seok thought.
'I think the reason why the challengers were given 24 hours, was so that they could prepare for the next duel.'
However, not all challengers thought like him.
-Wind_Wind_Wind: Oh God, so bored. Isn't this waiting time so annoying? Don't waste time. TIME IS GOLD~
-JWH904: There was a game machine in the miscellaneous item. Just bought it.
-Wind_Wind_Wind: That was 900AP. I'd rather go home for three days than buying that.
-Snow White: Does anyone know what's happening on the Earth? Suddenly, so many people went missing, they will investigate it, right?
– Wind_Wind_Wind: What to investigate? Do you really think the government could actually save us? There's a whole bunch of other dimensions dragged into this.
-JWH904: Can't we change our skills? Mine's a total mess.
– Wind_Wind_Wind: What is it?
-JWH904: I won't tell you.
.
.
.
The chat room already had the filter on, limiting the people only from the Earth. And looking at the conversation nothing much was happening.
Some whining about the current situation, while others randomly talked about the earth without a second thought. And few of them talked about their last battle as if it was some sort of epic saga.
They were all killing time in their own ways.
Inside a stone chamber without a smartphone.
Bored, couldn't stay put in one place where they can't even fall asleep for 24 hours.
But Yoon Seok was different.
Woosh! Woosh!
And after some point onwards, he didn't even notice the content of the chats.
Thurst, Cut, Block…
Yoon Seok concentrated on repeating those three actions.
"Ha… Ha…"
Yoon Seok let out a shaky breath.
Though, through an automatic unknown process, his body recovers to its normal state in every 10 minutes or so. The amount of sweat on his body continued to increase.
More and more drops of sweat started to pile up.
Slowly yet steadily, Yoon Seok's movements started to change.
'I can use the shield not just for blocking, I can use it for attacking as well.'
He was currently exploring the ways to use his shield and the sword. He was learning steps that could help him in the upcoming duel.
'While slashing, the centre of gravity must be focused on the lower half.'
Yoon Seok was getting used to his unfamiliar sword.
Smoother the stab, finer the cut.
He had to use force to actually cut through.
Muscles that he had never put to use since he was born were all revealing themselves, one at a time.
People used to say.
Few don't get the opportunity to bloom.
Every man has a gift.
So, is this Yoon Seok's talent?
'Short breath, let it out.'
No one ever taught him.
Yoon Seok himself repeatedly wielded his sword and started to slash and cut the wind.
At first, though, his movements were clumsy but gradually they became sharper and elegant.
And at a very accelerated speed.
– Wind_Wind_Wind: I want to go home. I'll definitely go next time!
No one will ever know the people who were laughing or chatting.
The time they spent senselessly.
A man who had lived his entire life without knowing he had a talent, was on his journey to hone his skills and ready to transform.
[Translator and Editor's Note: [1] We don't know what "normal" meant for the author, 120cm is longsword territory and it's supposed to be used with both hands. But we are going to make it sound as close as possible to what the author said.]
***