The endless cycle of stabbing and being stabbed continued as Kevin resigned himself to his fate. He had been lured into the Shadow Kingdom, and now he realized there was no escape. Defeating Scathach was his only ticket out, but that prospect seemed as distant as the moon.
Kevin sighed inwardly. If I'm going to get stabbed regardless, why should I put on a brave face about it?
At worst, he'd be bedridden for ten days or so. He'd been there before; what's one more time?
Scathach, catching Kevin's lip movements, narrowed her eyes in amusement. Her laughter, sharp and light, sent chills down the spines of everyone around her.
Though Scathach still didn't fully understand what "BBA" meant, she could sense it wasn't a compliment. Kevin, of course, wouldn't be foolish enough to explain it.
With a resigned sigh, Kevin caught the magic spear tossed to him by Cu Chulainn.
Scathach moved in a flash.
"Piercing Death Spear!" Kevin shouted, unleashing a crimson surge of energy. The spear shot forward like a bolt of lightning, tearing through the air toward where Scathach had stood.
Dust and debris erupted in every direction as the ground trembled from the force of Kevin's attack. The explosion startled the onlookers, who hurriedly backed away.
Scathach, who had leapt into the air to avoid the blast, barely landed before Kevin was upon her. With a sudden leap, he wielded his magic sword Flagrak, slashing toward her with all his might.
Scathach frowned slightly, surprised by the ferocity of his attack. Though the magic sword wasn't at its most effective without special moves, its inherent qualities—inflicting unhealable wounds and cutting through most materials like butter—made it a fearsome weapon.
Unfazed, Scathach invoked several primordial runes. Mystical symbols glowed faintly in the air, creating barriers and enhancing her magic spear.
"Clang!"
The sound of their weapons clashing echoed like thunder. Kevin was sent flying from the impact, crashing into the ground and leaving a large crater in his wake.
Scathach's brow furrowed as realization dawned. Ah, I forgot—this isn't my clone.
For the past five years, Scathach had sparred with Kevin using her clone, which forced her to use runes liberally to match his growing prowess. Out of habit, she'd enhanced herself fully for this match, only now realizing the overkill.
In the crater, Kevin groaned as he struggled to his feet. His entire body ached, and it felt like every bone had been shattered.
"Master..." Kevin muttered, glaring at Scathach, who descended gracefully to the ground, faint runic lights still flickering around her. "Using runes to strengthen yourself? Were you trying to kill me?"
His frustration grew. You really think it's okay to beat your apprentice into oblivion?
Scathach met Kevin's glare, then, without a word, tossed her magic spear aside. She clenched her fists and rushed toward him.
"Scathach, you—!" Kevin started, but before he could finish, her fist connected with his face.
And so began a one-sided beatdown.
Half an hour later, Kevin lay on a hospital bed, his body wrapped in bandages. Next to him, Scathach sat cross-legged, a divine fruit in hand, looking quite pleased with herself.
"Spearmanship? You've already mastered it," Scathach said, feeding him a piece of the fruit. "But since you have a magic sword, you should learn swordsmanship as well. And the magic fruits you've consumed over the years have accumulated power within you. I'll teach you primordial runes next. Don't waste what I've given you."
Kevin glared at her but bit into the fruit nonetheless. "Master, what should I do to stand a chance of beating you?"
"Simple," Scathach said, wiping juice from her fingers. "You've learned my martial arts, but you haven't made them your own. To surpass me, you'll need to fight stronger opponents, challenge yourself constantly, and refine your skills in real battles."
She pointedly ignored Kevin's muttered "Yeah, yeah, beat you up and rub you into the ground."
Scathach continued, "Your biggest weakness is your mortal body. Compared to your brother Cu Chulainn's demigod physique, you're like a child. Your strength, stamina, and magical reserves are far inferior."
Kevin groaned, "What am I supposed to do? Take a bath in dragon blood or dip myself in the Styx?"
Scathach raised an eyebrow. "Not a bad idea, though those opportunities are rare. Even then, not all dragon blood or Styx water can change your body. It requires the right conditions."
She paused thoughtfully. "Your father, the Sun God, might be able to help. Alternatively, mastering primordial runes could enhance your physique to some extent."
Kevin sighed. "Even if I learn runes, I don't have enough magic reserves to sustain them properly. Cu Chulainn's got ten times my magic power! By the time I catch up, he'll have surpassed me again."
Scathach tilted her head, amused by Kevin's frustration. She remembered when Cu Chulainn had begged to be her disciple, citing Kevin's strength as his motivation.
"Master, are you even listening?" Kevin grumbled.
Scathach smiled sweetly. "Oh, I'm listening. And I've made a decision."
"Oh?" Kevin asked, wary of her tone.
"From now on," she said, standing gracefully, "Cu Chulainn's training will be doubled. No, tripled. Let's see how you fare under pressure."
Kevin stared at her, aghast. "Master, that's not a decision—it's a death sentence!"
"Hmm?" Scathach glanced back, her expression innocent. "Are you questioning my methods, dear disciple?"
Kevin slumped back into his bed. Great. Now I have to deal with that lunatic brother of mine going full berserk mode.
For her part, Scathach was confident in her plan. Nothing would push Kevin to grow like relentless pressure—and she'd enjoy every second of it.
"Starting tomorrow," she added with a sly smile, "you'll both train together. Consider it my way of...motivating you."
Kevin groaned, pulling the covers over his head. Being stabbed was bad enough. Now she's making me babysit my insane brother? This is hell.
Scathach, however, couldn't stop smiling. Let's see how far you can go, Kevin.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Go to my Patreon Account to read up to 30 Advance Chapters
patreon.com/Izanami_no_Mikoto