The magic flowing through Roy's body ebbed away like a receding tide, and his form reverted to that of a refined, graceful young man. He stood there, exuding a composed charm. Yet, having witnessed his earlier display of power, the contrast between this seemingly fragile youth and the fierce combatant from moments ago left the others stunned. Eris, in particular, could hardly believe her eyes.
Ghyslaine, however, approached with curiosity gleaming in her beast-like eyes. "What kind of secret technique was that? To boost your strength so much in an instant is remarkable."
Roy thought for a moment and decided to be forthcoming. "When swordsmen execute techniques, magic is also at play, though the application differs from traditional magic. I think you already have a guess as to what it is, Ghyslaine."
"Battle aura?" Ghyslaine mused, nodding slowly. "My master mentioned something like that before."
Roy continued, "I've learned to channel magic similarly to battle aura, using it to enhance my physical body temporarily. Of course, the enhancement has limits—it's dependent on the physical body's natural capacity to handle the influx of magic."
Ghyslaine nodded, now understanding.
Roy's explanation might have sounded simple, but only someone with unique magical attributes like him could manage such a feat. For ordinary magicians, controlling magic was challenging enough; attempting to use it for self-enhancement would likely result in a dangerous mana backlash—or worse, instant death.
While calling battle aura and magic the same thing wasn't entirely incorrect, the methods of application couldn't be more different. Roy, however, wasn't overly concerned with the specifics—his magical reserves were abundant enough to fulfill almost any need.
Turning his gaze to Rudeus, Roy flashed a teasing smile. "Well, Rudeus, let's see how much you've grown. Come at me."
Rudeus responded with a grimace, his expression bordering on despair. "Can we... maybe not spar?"
Roy said nothing, fixing his younger brother with a steady stare.
With a resigned sigh, Rudeus picked up a wooden sword and trudged forward like a man facing his doom.
The outcome, of course, was predictable.
Though Rudeus had some foundational skills, his lack of a distinctive style and his yet-to-mature physique left him at a clear disadvantage. Roy initially attempted to guide Rudeus through some basic moves, but seeing Ghyslaine standing nearby—a Sword King—he realized it wasn't his place to intervene.
A few well-placed strikes disarmed Rudeus, sending his wooden sword flying. Roy then gave him a light but firm tap on the forehead. "Too weak."
Rudeus, rubbing his head, squatted down defensively, visibly dejected.
Roy sighed and turned to Eris, who was watching with a spark of anticipation. "You want to give it a try?"
Eris nodded eagerly, determined to test the gap between them.
One minute later.
Another figure sat crouched on the ground, hands clutching her head.
Watching from the side, Ghyslaine pondered for a moment before addressing Roy. "Your fundamentals are solid. Honestly, what you lack now is real combat experience, not more time learning by my side."
Roy nodded in agreement. He was already at the peak of an Advanced Swordsman, on the verge of breaking through to the Sword Saint rank. The gap between a Sword Saint and a Sword King wasn't vast—most Sword Saints eventually achieved the Sword King title.
However, very few Sword Kings ever became Sword Emperors, let alone reached the pinnacle of Sword God.
After a brief rest, Roy observed Ghyslaine as she trained Eris.
Despite her quiet demeanor and sparse words, Ghyslaine's teaching method was highly effective. She pinpointed Eris's flaws with precision, offering concise feedback that significantly improved her form.
From footwork to breathing rhythms, Ghyslaine's guidance was meticulous. It was clear why she was a Sword King. Eris's rapid growth was undoubtedly due in large part to Ghyslaine's tutelage.
After finishing with Eris, Ghyslaine turned her attention to Rudeus, a rare glimmer of amusement in her expression.
"You have talent for swordsmanship." She remarked, studying him intently. "The basics are there. But you're missing something. It's... presence. Yes, that's what you lack—an imposing aura."
Rudeus scratched his head, clearly puzzled, as he met Ghyslaine's gaze.
"Presence?"
Ghyslaine thought for a moment, then pointed to Roy and herself. She spoke with the weight of her experience: "It's about finding your own sword path. In other words, discovering what it is you want to protect."
Rudeus mulled over her words. Wasn't this exactly what Paul had once told him? Every man should carry a sword in his heart to protect the things he holds dear.
But could he truly live up to that ideal?
In front of him stood Paul and Roy, two exceptional individuals. Despite Paul's sometimes unreliable nature, Rudeus knew that in crucial moments, his father would undoubtedly stand tall to protect their family.
And Roy? Honestly, with his extraordinary abilities, Rudeus couldn't imagine any challenge that could truly trouble him.
It seemed as though all Rudeus had to do was... stay out of the way.
Sensing the hesitation and doubt in Rudeus's heart, Ghyslaine shook her head. Her tone shifted, carrying the weight of someone who had walked a long and hard road. "More often than not, you'll find that you can only rely on yourself. Roy mentioned to me that you're already a Water Saint-level magician. To achieve that is no small feat. Your talent is nothing short of extraordinary."
Hearing Ghyslaine's praise, Rudeus scratched his head bashfully, forcing a sheepish smile. "It's not that big of a deal. You're exaggerating."
"But." Ghyslaine cut in sharply, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made him uneasy, "the one you must rely on most is yourself. You can't always hide behind your father or your brother. One day, you'll have to stand on your own and protect those you care about. Isn't that what it means to truly live?"
Her words struck Rudeus like a hammer. His usual bashful demeanor faded, replaced by a rare solemnity. She was right. He couldn't argue. But how? How was he supposed to achieve that?
From the moment he arrived in this world, he had always followed in someone else's shadow.
Roy's shadow loomed large—despite being only two years his senior, Roy seemed to know everything.
In magic, Roy was superior.
In swordsmanship, Roy was superior.
In handling people and situations, Roy was superior.
Rudeus had spent his life chasing after Roy's back, walking in his shadow, his every step defined by the impression Roy left behind.
He had initially studied magic out of a sense of wonder inspired by the fantasy stories of his past life. He'd dreamed of being a hero, embarking on adventures to defeat a demon king, meeting loyal companions along the way, and fostering bonds that would grow through danger and struggle.
At times, he'd even imagined skipping the battles entirely, wishing only for the romantic ending—a loving partner, someone who cared for him as much as he cared for them.
***
Bonus Chapter:
100 Power Stones = 1 BC
300 Power Stones = 2 BC
500 Power Stones = 3 BC
700 Power Stones = 4 BC
1000 Power Stones = 5 BC
***
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