Chapter 43

"Ku, ku"

"What is it? You seem quite pleased, young one."

"Of course, I am pleased. I fought seriously and lost to an opponent. There can be no greater joy than this."

"Haha! You are a true swordsman, aren't you?"

There is no one in this dojo who can make me fight seriously.

Without that old man, I had no chance to fight a swordsman who could surpass me.

I wasn't feeling stagnant, but my progress was slower than the years I spent trying to defeat that old man.

That's why I'm so happy. Losing a fight means there's still a peak to aim for.

I am still inexperienced. Recognizing this fact allows me to move forward even stronger.

"Of course, it's a bit disappointing to lose due to a difference in stats... but that's part of this world. If so, I'll just get stronger and fight you again."

"Indeed, you plan to come back stronger."

"Of course. It would be a waste to have only one fight with you."

It's impossible to incorporate the sword technique of that realm into my own.

After all, it's a realm that differs from the philosophy of the Eternal Divine Skill style. If I were to incorporate it, it would undermine my own sword technique.

However, it's not entirely useless. The principles of integrating oneself more into nature are in line with the philosophy of the Eternal Divine Skill style.

It won't be easy, but it's worth the challenge.

"It was a good lesson. I want to face you again."

"Then, come back stronger. Next time, I'll fight you including the Three Demon Swords."

"Indeed, that's terrifying."

The skills I use are merely the prototypes of the Three Demon Swords.

The skills that transcend them, such as the *Life Manipulation Sword*, were created by this old man, Oaks.

His proficiency is undoubtedly high. I can't match him with just the prototype skills.

Even if my sword skills are not on par, if there's a gap in skills, defeat is inevitable.

Seemingly reading my thoughts, Oaks smiled slyly.

"If you want to advance, you must master *Life Force Manipulation* and *Magic Force Manipulation*."

"What?"

"If you do, I will teach you the Three Demon Swords."

"...That's quite a service. Is it okay to tell me that much?"

"It's a reward for making this old man's heart race. It will also give you a reason to come back."

I chuckled softly at his words.

It seems he also hopes for a rematch.

If so, I must meet his expectations.

Next time I visit, I'll level up *Life Force Manipulation* and *Magic Force Manipulation*.

With that resolve, I bowed to Oaks.

"...It was good training. I will definitely return to this place."

"This old body will have a rare form of entertainment. I look forward to it."

He chuckled softly, and I called Lumin to turn and leave.

I opened the map, and my destination was the western port town. Just as I was about to set off, I stopped.

A concern came to mind: the impending demon invasion.

He wouldn't be outmatched by mere demons.

But not everyone in this country is as strong as he is.

With that thought, I called out to Oaks without turning around.

"I have a favor to ask."

"...Oh? What do you want this old body to do?"

"Demons will soon invade. They will attack this country... no, the entire world."

I heard a slight intake of breath.

Indeed, demons are his mortal enemies.

He was once a swordsman who served this country.

Even if he retired due to his own inadequacies, his feelings for the country haven't changed.

"...What do you want this old man to do, young one?"

"I want you to protect the port town."

"Not the capital?"

"Yes. We will defend the capital. I will cut down any demons that come near."

This is my resolve and my oath. With the essence of the Eternal Divine Skill style, I will cut down the demons.

It's been a while since I fought with such deep-seated malice.

The same feeling I had when I was thrown into battle by that old man, cutting down 'enemies' one after another.

I instinctively felt a strong animosity towards those demons.

I acknowledged it but had no intention of resisting. I will kill the demons with my own malice.

"Therefore, I want you to eliminate any concerns—this is my wish."

"...I see."

A soft laugh reached my ears.

It was a bitter laugh—then, in the next moment, Oaks' sword aura exploded.

A chill ran down my spine as the old swordsman's resolve rang out like iron.

"Alright. Leave the western demons to me—I won't let a single one escape."

"...I am grateful."

"What, I have my own reasons. You just focus on cutting down your enemies."

I could sense genuine hatred in Oaks' voice.

I don't know the origin of that hatred, but as long as it's real, he won't break his promise.

"—I leave the capital and the king to you."

"I will meet your expectations."

With those words, we exchanged our resolve.

I left the hut of the Sword Saint.

* * * * *

After leaving the 'Sword Saint's Hut,' I headed northwest for a while. The map was always displayed, and I headed straight for the port town.

The monsters that appeared were still lizards, but their appearance had changed slightly.

"Life Sword"

"Shaaah!"

In the slightly humid forest, two-legged lizards approached, weaving through the trees.

However, they were different from the Cover Lizards, with longer limbs and a more human-like shape.

They were also equipped with simple weapons and armor, which they wielded skillfully.

■ Lizardman

Type: Monster

Level: 16

Status: Normal

Attribute: None

Battle Position: Ground, Water

They were lizardmen, as their appearance suggested. Equipped with curved swords, they slashed at me. I feinted slightly towards one side while closing in on the other.

It was a simple feint, but I confirmed that their gaze followed the slight movement.

Moving in the opposite direction of their expectations, my sword flash cleanly severed the head of one of the two approaching lizardmen.

Their scales were somewhat hard, but with the *Life Sword*, I could cut them easily.

"——!"

"Shaaah!?"

The other lizardman must have seen me blur and suddenly appear in front of its companion.

Stunned by the surprise, the lizardman stiffened. From above, Lumin's magic rained down.

The successive light arrows pierced the lizardman's green scales, dealing significant damage.

Naturally, its movements stopped, and my blade pierced its throat.

The *Weak Point Strike* skill increased the damage to weak points. Although it didn't kill it in one hit, twisting the blade finished it off.

*The *Weak Point Strike* skill level has increased.*

*The *Life Sword* skill level has increased.*

*The *Tame* skill level has increased.*

*The tamed monster *Lumin* has leveled up.*

"Hmm... quite an interesting opponent."

Their individual strength wasn't much, but the lizardmen attacked with well-coordinated teamwork.

They must be monsters that excel in group battles. Dealing with their coordination made the fight quite challenging.

Numbers have power, after all. This time, it was only two, so it wasn't much of a problem, but if it were five, it would be a tough fight.

Still, the Eternal Divine Skill style is good at handling groups, so I think I can manage.

—At that moment, a voice reached my ears, and I couldn't help but widen my eyes.

*The tamed monster *Lumin* has reached the level cap. A special condition for *Fairy* racial evolution has occurred.*

*The *Fairy* racial evolution quest, *Invitation to the Fairyland*, has been unlocked. You can participate in the quest in a specific area.*

"...What?"

Taken aback by the sudden, rapid information, I froze for a moment.

If I understand correctly—Lumin has reached the level cap with this level-up and can now undergo racial evolution.

However, to evolve into a fairy, I need to complete a quest.

Honestly, I don't understand much. But if she can't get stronger, I need to complete this quest quickly.

With that in mind, I asked Lumin.

"...Lumin, you can evolve. Where do I need to go to evolve you?"

"—? ...!"

Tilting her head at my words, Lumin flew around the area, looking puzzled—then, as if she suddenly realized something, she pointed in a direction.

Checking the map, it seemed the direction was the same as my current destination, the port town.

So, I should head to the port town as planned.

"At least it's lucky that our destination hasn't changed... but what will happen with the evolution?"

"—?"

Lumin, not understanding my question, tilted her head with a carefree expression.

Well, if she's not worried, it's not something I need to fuss over.

In any case, if she gets stronger, that's great. More options mean more possibilities.

Maybe she'll even be able to wield a sword. I'll have to see what the evolution event brings.

(But, Fairyland... )

If the name is any indication, it's a realm where fairies live.

For Lumin, a fairy, it should be like a home ground.

However, fairies are generally invisible to humans, especially adults.

I'm not sure if I can easily find such a place.

With the quest and the lack of time, I need to find it quickly.

(To begin with, I don't even know what the quest entails. Is it just about reaching Fairyland, or is there some kind of trial? )

If there's a trial, it could be quite troublesome.

After all, it's a place full of fairies.

I wonder what kind of tricks mischievous fairies will pull.

If there's combat, the opponents will likely be magic-based. I can handle it, but it might be less exciting than fighting warriors.

...Well, there's no point in worrying too much without concrete information. I'll stay cautious but not overly concerned.

"In any case, let's head to the port town first. It's a waste of experience points if she can't grow. Let's go quickly."

"—!"

Hearing my words, Lumin flew around excitedly.

I'm curious to see how she'll change after evolving.

With a mix of anxiety and anticipation, I headed towards the port town.

■ Avatar Name: Quon

■ Gender: Male

■ Race: Human

■ Level: 15

■ Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 18

VIT: 14

INT: 18

MND: 14

AGI: 12

DEX: 12

■ Skills

Weapon Skills: *Katana: Lv.15*

Magic Skills: *Enhancement Magic: Lv.12*

Set Skills: *Weak Point Strike: Lv.13*

*MP Auto Recovery: Lv.7*

*Plundering Sword: Lv.9*

*Identification: Lv.12*

*Life Sword: Lv.10*

*Demon-Slaying Sword: Lv.4*

*Tame: Lv.4*

*HP Auto Recovery: Lv.6*

Sub Skills: *Mining: Lv.1*

Title Skills: *Blessing of the Fairy*

■ Current SP: 12

■ Monster Name: Lumin

■ Gender: Female

■ Race: Fairy

■ Level: 10 (MAX)

■ Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 5

VIT: 8

INT: 24

MND: 17

AGI: 14

DEX: 10

■ Skills

Weapon Skills: None

Magic Skills: *Light Magic*

Skills: *Light Attribute Enhancement*

*Flight*

*Magic Resistance: Medium*

*MP Auto Recovery*

Title Skills: *Fairy Queen's Servant*