Just because I was in a novel world and my position was quite advantageous, I must never let my guard down. Regardless of the progress, in the end, I would live as a resident of this world, and that meant this was my world.
To state it definitively, the affairs of the world did not always go as one wished. No matter how great one's talent or good environment was, everything could turn to ash in an instant.
Even a person born with genius talent was no different from an ordinary person if that talent wasn't discovered. A person born in a good environment was meaningless if they couldn't utilize it.
I knew this fact, and based on this mindset, I moved to achieve my goals.
My goal was to live well in this novel world. There was actually a hidden word in that sentence. That word was…
More than anyone else.
To live well and eat well better than anyone else. That was my ultimate goal.
So, assuming that a drink costed 10-dollar, naturally, you needed to invest 10-dollar won to get it. Just putting in 1 dollar and staring at it without doing anything was no different from not making an effort.
You might as well use that money to buy another drink.
Therefore, this wasn't about overdoing it.
Overdoing it would be like investing 12 dollar in a 10-dollar drink. Especially in a vending machine that didn't even give back change.
I was a person who valued efficiency greatly. Excessive effort was like poison to me.
"It seems… I've come to realize that you are an even more unique person than I thought… originally, you weren't this peculiar."
Well, that was because it was the original Julian before I possessed him. Naturally, there would be differences even if his thoughts continued.
"Teacher, isn't it good for a disciple to have grand goals?"
"That's right… hmm. Indeed, that's true. When the Master's reputation is known to the world, my own standing will also be elevated. Hohoho."
"Yes, that's the way it is. Now, let's stop the chit-chat and quickly finish breakfast. We still have a long way to go before we reach the destination village, so we need to hurry."
"Understood, Master."
---
Swoosh⎯!
The sound of splitting air continued without stopping. Smooth and natural, like water flowing.
Using the moonlit sky as a light, and the stones laid on the ground as a stage.
From a distance, it might look like a dance, but it was very sharp.
Clang, clang!
The cheerful sound of metal clashing followed one after another. They were showcasing their polished skills. Although there was no killing intent between them, a fierce exchange with no concessions unfolded.
A situation where even a single mistake by either of them could lead to a serious accident. It was a real sword duel with glinting blades, not practice swords. Both were well aware of the dangers.
Clang!
Even so, the eyes of the two crossing swords were fierce and sharp, as if they would devour each other.
They seemed to have no concern about being cut by the weapon.
Finally.
Clang⎯⎯!
Rick did not miss the moment when his opponent's wrist weakened, and he struck Emma's sword upward, sending it flying.
Her sword spun several times in the air, reflecting the moonlight, before falling to the ground.
Oh, impressive. As expected of Rick, my loyal retainer.
Clap, clap.
I clapped my hands as I stepped forward.
"Excellent, Rick. Your swordsmanship is truly an art."
"Thank you."
"Emma, you did well too. If you achieved that much in just a few days, I have high expectations for the future."
"Thank you, Master. Though I am still inexperienced, I will show you satisfactory results in no time."
Emma and Rick knelt on one knee in front of me, bowing their heads in respect.
It was the second day since we left the cultural city of Rhodes, and the fourth night since Emma started learning the sword.
As she said, there were still many inexperienced parts. Although I couldn't claim to be an expert in swordsmanship, I could tell that much.
However, she undoubtedly showed a remarkable rate of learning. Her talent as a magic swordsman was beginning to take shape.
Well, I had confirmed the basic swordsmanship. Now for the rest.
"Emma, how is your progress with the aura?"
"Well… I'm sorry. I've managed to flow magic into the sword and envelop it, but I'm struggling to maintain it."
Emma, who had her head deeply bowed in shame, lowered it even closer to the ground.
It was okay, Emma. If you had mastered the aura already, I would have doubted you instead.
"Aura is of a completely different difficulty level compared to the magic you've practiced so far. There's no need to worry."
"Thank you for your kind words…"
"It's not kindness."
Emma tended to show a sincere expression when saying flattering words, which made it uncomfortable. Why did she keep painting me as a nice person? It was nauseating.
"However… it would be ideal if you could almost perfect it by the time we reach our destination, the village of Lubid. We need to push harder."
"I will achieve it without fail."
"Then, starting today, you'll have to reduce your sleep time."
By keeping the magic in your body constantly active, purging impurities and revitalizing yourself, the required sleep time would drastically decrease.
Anything more would be a luxury.
"Yes, the minimum sleep time…"
"Four hours."
"Yes…?"
For the first time, I was being generous with four hours. Before entering this novel, I also slept four to five hours a day.
This was quite lenient.
"We'll gradually reduce it further, but for now, that should suffice."
"May I ask how much you intend to reduce it to eventually…?"
"Two hours."
"Oh…"
Emma let out a sigh filled with various mixed emotions. She nodded, but it seemed like she was doing it reluctantly.
"We've already spent quite a bit of time. Rest time is over. Start drawing out your mana, Emma."
Emma's training did not end even when night fell.