"Do you have any ideas?" Scathach asked, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
"Not yet," Kevin admitted with a small shake of his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "But I still have time, don't I?"
As he spoke, Kevin's gaze drifted toward Cu Chulainn, who had just rushed over after hearing the commotion.
Scathach noticed Cu Chulainn's arrival and, without saying a word, turned on her heel and walked away. Neither Kevin nor Scathach said anything further, choosing to keep the events that had just transpired a secret.
"Speaking of which, Master," Kevin called after her retreating figure, "if I do come up with a special skill, that means I'll have graduated from swordsmanship too, right?"
"As long as it satisfies me," Scathach replied without looking back.
"Swordsmanship graduation?" Cu Chulainn, having overheard the exchange, asked curiously. "What are you talking about? And where did you go just now? Wait, where did that sword come from? Why is it so thin?"
Cu Chulainn's rapid-fire questions earned him an exasperated eye roll from Kevin. Playing with his new rapier, Kevin replied smugly, "It's the magic sword Flagrak—a gift from my father."
"Magic sword?" Cu Chulainn blinked, his brows knitting in confusion. "Why does it look like that?"
"I can change its shape a little," Kevin said, clearly proud of the sword's refined design. He twirled it lightly, struck a pose, and grinned. "I think it suits me better this way. Don't you think it's handsome?"
Cu Chulainn scrutinized the slender blade before delivering his verdict. "Handsome? No, it looks more like something a woman would use!"
Laughter erupted from the disciples and undead spirits who had been eavesdropping nearby, nodding in agreement. In an age where broad, brutish weapons dominated, Kevin's choice of a rapier—and his relatively slight build—struck them as feminine rather than impressive.
"Get lost!" Kevin snapped, glaring at Cu Chulainn and the peanut gallery of onlookers.
Just as Kevin was contemplating whether to stab Cu Chulainn for his cheeky remark, Cu Chulainn suddenly waved at something on Kevin's shoulder. "Hey there, little bird! Long time no see!"
"Huh?" Kevin tilted his head, his eyes widening as he spotted the familiar bird perched on him. "Wait, why are you still here?"
The beautiful bird blinked, tilting its head as if wounded by the accusation. "You all ignored me. Is that my fault?" it replied in a soft, aggrieved voice.
….
Three Months Later
In the depths of the dark forest outside the Kingdom of Shadows, Kevin was locked in combat with a massive monster. Standing three meters tall with the body of an ape and the head of a ghost, the beast roared furiously as it swung its fists at Kevin.
Nearby, Ferdia stood guard, his large blade ready as he watched the battle unfold.
Kevin darted around the monster with remarkable speed, his movements swift and precise. Each time he struck with the magic sword Flagrak, the blade left clean, shallow cuts on the creature's body. None of his strikes were fatal, as Kevin was experimenting, honing his technique.
The monster roared in frustration, unable to land a single blow. Its growing injuries did little to weaken it, but Kevin remained undeterred.
Ferdia watched in awe. Though this was far from his first time supervising Kevin, he still found himself unsettled by the boy's ruthlessness. The magic sword's unique properties made even minor wounds excruciatingly difficult to heal, and Kevin wielded it with terrifying precision.
"He's like a snake," Ferdia muttered under his breath, his grip on his blade tightening. "Every strike weakens its prey, and when the time comes…"
Kevin stepped back, his breathing steady despite the effort. A faint silver glow began to surround his body as he traced a rune in the air. The light spread to the sword in his hand, intensifying with each swing.
Finally, Kevin lunged forward like a silver comet. He delivered a decisive blow, severing the monster's head with a single strike.
As the beast collapsed, Kevin stood still, his chest heaving as he planted the sword into the ground for support. "It's getting there," he muttered, frowning. "But it still doesn't feel like a true special skill…"
Ferdia approached, offering Kevin a nod of approval before escorting him back to the Shadow Kingdom.
After reporting to Scathach, Kevin sought her out for advice. He explained his doubts about the technique he was developing and his desire to create something truly unique.
Scathach listened patiently before replying. "A unique skill is meant to channel your greatest strength into a decisive blow. You're focusing too much on the magic sword's attributes."
She paused, studying him thoughtfully. "Do you remember the two techniques I taught you?"
Kevin nodded. "The Piercing Death Flying Spear, which deals massive damage over a range, and the Death Thorn Spear, which ensures a guaranteed hit once locked on."
"And what do you think they have in common?"
Kevin hesitated. "They both… can kill with one strike?"
"No," Scathach replied, a faint smile playing on her lips. "They're simple, direct, and decisive. That's what makes them effective."
Kevin furrowed his brows, contemplating her words.
"You're overthinking it," Scathach continued. "A unique skill doesn't have to be complex. Focus on your strengths. Simplify your approach."
Kevin's eyes widened as realization dawned.
….
One Year Later
In the Shadow Kingdom's training grounds, every disciple had gathered to witness the long-awaited duel between Kevin and Cu Chulainn.
The two sixteen-year-olds faced each other, their weapons at the ready. Kevin's magic sword glinted in the light, while Cu Chulainn twirled his magic spear confidently.
Today marked the end of their time in the Shadow Kingdom. For both, this was more than a sparring match—it was a culmination of a year's worth of growth, hardship, and determination.
The crowd fell silent as the two brothers locked eyes.
"Are you ready, Kevin?" Cu Chulainn asked, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Kevin's grip on Flagrak tightened as he nodded, his gaze steady. "Always."
Scathach, standing at the edge of the field, raised her hand to signal the start of the battle.
"Begin!"
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