Chapter 79. Collecting Leather (5)

As she headed deeper into the forest, Yura tried to deduce the constraints of the wolf role.

Anyone could participate as a rabbit, regardless of skill, but they could never attack.

Deer could attack under the condition of retaliation, but only unregistered first-rank participants were allowed.

'Then, the wolf is likely to be around the registered first-rank level.'

Even if the range of restrictions was broadened, it seemed that only those with the strength of registered first-rank to second-rank could participate.

Just before crossing into the wolf's territory,

Yura began to reflect on her current abilities.

Indeed, she needed to determine if her current skills were sufficient to roam the wolf's territory.

'Teresia said that her strength was just short of registered second-rank.'

And Yura had fought Teresia on equal terms.

In fact, she was confident that she could overpower her if she really wanted to.

Then, was Yura at the registered second-rank level? Or third-rank?

Yura shook her head slightly.

'Absolutely not.'

On the day she learned the strong sword technique from Teresia, Yura returned to her residence and tried to perform the linked sword technique.

And she failed miserably.

The reason was simple.

'My mana and magic power are far too lacking to perform the linked sword technique.'

Yura's innate sensory talent was exceptional, allowing her to instantly find and align the vibrations of her weapon and mana core, increasing their harmony.

This innate talent, further refined through the practice of mana flow, enabled her to manifest the strong sword technique on her first attempt.

However, Yura's mana and magic power, which should have been considered the foundation, were woefully inadequate compared to her talent.

This was inevitable.

The descendants of other martial families began accumulating mana with various elixirs from a young age and practiced mana body techniques to increase the purity of their mana.

The higher purity of mana then led to higher magic power.

In contrast, Yura had only been practicing mana body techniques for less than a year.

Although she had recently taken a low-grade mana enhancement elixir, it was only one.

The elixirs provided by the cradle were of high purity but contained a small amount of mana.

How could she possibly catch up to the amount of mana accumulated by the descendants of other martial families over several years with just one of those elixirs?

'My mana and magic power are really lacking...'

How lacking were they? She could barely maintain the strong sword technique for 30 minutes before her mana was depleted.

Judging by that, Yura was at a level where it was questionable to even call her a registered first-rank.

However...

'The mentor said that people like him, or me, are beings that transcend the standards set by the world.'

Yura now understood what he meant.

With just the strength of an unregistered first-rank,

She, who couldn't even perform the strong sword technique, felt confident that she could overpower Teresia, who was looking at the registered second-rank.

Furthermore, she was confident that she could achieve even more if she prepared properly.

This allowed Yura to roughly gauge her current position.

'Alright, if the wolf is at the registered first or second-rank level, I'll just continue hunting... If it's higher, I'll retreat.'

It was the first day of the ten-day period.

She couldn't afford to get injured on the first day when she had so many points to earn.

There was no need to push herself unnecessarily.

With that in mind, Yura cautiously stepped into the wolf's territory.

Almost immediately, the sound of metal and explosions came from a distance.

Clang! Bang!

'Someone must already be in the middle of a fight.'

Thinking it was a good opportunity, Yura changed direction towards the source of the sound.

If it was someone hunting the wolf, she could at least get a clear idea of the wolf's strength.

Before long, Yura saw a girl and a boy.

Teresia, wearing a wolf-ear headband, and...

'Oh, what was his name again?'

A boy she had argued with at the Black Line.

They were engaged in a fierce battle.

* * *

Clang!

Gunter stepped back repeatedly as he deflected the rapidly flying spear.

'This won't do!'

The flow of the fight and the initiative had completely shifted to the opponent.

He needed to regain control.

Gunter observed the spears stabbing from all directions with a fierce gaze.

'I can't deflect them all. Then...'

Gunter's eyes gleamed as he gritted his teeth.

Swish.

The moment Teresia's spear grazed his left shoulder.

'Now!'

Thud.

Gunter forcefully planted his foot on the ground and swung his sword with great force, moving half a step forward.

From bottom to top.

The diagonal slash was so fast that an ordinary person would have a hard time following it with their eyes.

But his opponent was none other than Teresia, a skilled fighter who could match Yura in speed.

Whoosh.

Teresia loosened her grip on the spear and turned her body to the side, dodging the sword.

It was a rather relaxed movement.

Teresia herself thought she had dodged the attack with ease.

But that wasn't the case.

Gurgle.

The sword, which had risen, suddenly seemed to be caught by something in mid-air, twitching.

It then abruptly changed direction and stabbed towards Teresia's chest.

'...?!'

Startled, Teresia spun her body and leaped back.

The sword narrowly grazed her shoulder.

Swish.

Teresia and Gunter.

Both had inflicted small wounds on each other's shoulders and stood a short distance apart, staring at each other.

Then, a glint appeared in Teresia's eyes.

'Ah, it's you. The kid who was chasing Yura Holland.'

Among the 50th batch, this was a junior who had performed well in the hundred-step consciousness test, second only to Yura.

'Six steps, right?'

Originally, six steps would be a noteworthy achievement for any batch.

However, this 50th batch had a monster who had taken fifteen steps.

As a result, the attention given to those who had taken six steps inevitably decreased.

'Still, he definitely has some skill.'

The sword strike from a moment ago.

It was a sudden stop of the 'upward slash' before it was fully executed, followed by a change to a 'thrust' while ignoring the momentum of the 'slash'.

It was an unconventional attack that would be difficult to attempt without considerable strength and proficiency.

'Hmm...'

Teresia examined her opponent's weapon.

A bulky two-handed sword.

It was a heavy weapon, primarily used by knights.

As if to prove this, Gunter held his sword with the blade facing outward.

It was a common gesture used by knights.

"I am Gunter, the eldest son of the Irons family. May I know your name, senior?"

A hint of admiration appeared in Teresia's eyes.

'So... this is a junior.'

Look at his politeness.

How different he was from that despicable kid who treated her like a pocket to extract points from.

Teresia felt naturally pleased by the first respectful treatment she had received.

She lowered her spear slightly and replied.

"Teresia Winchester."

"Teresia... Winchester?!"

Surprise appeared in Gunter's eyes.

The Winchester family of Briwell was well-known enough for him to be familiar with it.

But what surprised him the most was the name 'Teresia'.

Teresia's bitter smile deepened at his reaction.

Gunter suddenly came to his senses and bowed his head.

"I apologize."

"It's fine, I'm used to that reaction."

"But it seems the rumors are wrong. Someone like you..."

Gunter couldn't finish his sentence.

Teresia's bitter smile deepened even further.

'Yes, this is the common reaction.'

While her seniors and batchmates were no longer surprised, Teresia, who had lived as the 'Winchester's freak' outside, was all too familiar with such reactions.

In fact, it was Yura Holland, who acted as if she knew nothing from the beginning, who was the odd one out.

"Ah..."

Seeing Teresia's tight-lipped expression, Gunter realized he had made a series of mistakes, his pupils trembling.

Just as the atmosphere was about to become awkward, Teresia raised her spear and pointed it at Gunter.

"You don't seem to be in a position to worry about others right now."

"Ah... You're right."

Nodding, Gunter lowered his sword and readied himself.

The awkward atmosphere disappeared, and the tension of battle returned.

Teresia asked Gunter.

"You seem to be a knight, right?"

"Yes."

"I know you're at a disadvantage, but I have no intention of going easy on you."

This was a reference to Gunter's equipment.

Unlike martial artists, a knight's full-body armor was as important as their sword.

It was said that a knight without full-body armor was not a true knight, and in reality, a knight without full-body armor could not perform at their full potential.

Understanding this, Gunter nodded.

"I don't intend to blame my equipment for my shortcomings. Teach me."

"Indeed, you've been well-taught. Unlike someone else."

"Excuse me?"

"...Never mind."

Teresia briefly brushed it off and pulled back her spear.

Seeing this, Gunter also moved his sword behind his back.

A deep tension filled the air between them.

Gunter was the first to move.

Bang!

His leg struck the ground, propelling his body forward like a cannonball.

His mana core activated its unique mana body technique.