Chapter 50

Lumina, by desiring a different path, has deviated from her original evolutionary route.

This wish determined her very existence and was also the answer she showed to the Spirit King.

If this were just a word of mere curiosity, it would have been immediately rejected.

Moreover, even if it were a child's word, it would not be trusted under normal circumstances. A child's seriousness is easily overturned later.

If a child had casually said they wanted to do something, I would have thoroughly reprimanded them.

But—

"…Lumina, are you really serious about wanting to learn?"

"Yes! I want to fight just like Father!"

Indeed, it seems Lumina, like when she showed magic, aims to fight with a sword.

Her resolve is not ordinary. After all, she chose to walk the path with me, even at the cost of parting ways with the Fairy Queen, who is like a mother to her.

I could not dismiss her choice as a child's whimsical words.

However, it is also a fact that I cannot easily accept it. That's why I knelt down to meet her gaze and asked her.

"Lumina, what do you want to do? You are still weak and small. But since you have made this wish to the Spirit King, you will eventually be able to achieve something close to your desire. However, due to the differences in our physical forms, it is impossible for you to follow the exact same path as me."

"Is that… so?"

"Your physique and strength are different. My sword techniques are optimized for my own body. Even if you try to imitate them, you won't be able to do it well."

That's why, while Hizuma is learning the techniques from me, I am only correcting her fighting style, not specifying how to do it.

Hizuma has already reached the stage where she can find her own style.

In any case, it is impossible for Lumina to imitate my fighting style.

If she tries, she will likely end up destroying herself due to her inability to move properly.

"You should leverage your own strengths and develop a fighting style that suits you. You have things that I don't have."

"Things that Father doesn't have?"

"Magic and flight abilities. Don't be too fixated on what I do; focus on what you can do."

"Um… I understand!"

"…Wait, teacher! What you're going to teach—"

"I know, calm down, Hizuma."

You probably thought I would reject it, and Hizuma, looking slightly flustered, interjected.

It might seem like an odd reaction to others, but this is a matter of life and death for Hizuma.

As the master of the Kugenshinryu, I can directly teach only one direct disciple, chosen by me, excluding the assistant masters.

While I can give some guidance to the students, the succession of techniques is limited to those chosen.

In other words, if I teach Lumina, it means making her my direct disciple and removing Hizuma from that position.

I had no intention of doing such a thing.

Hizuma is the disciple I chose myself. I have yet to see anyone with more talent and enthusiasm than her. Therefore, there is no reason to change anything.

"Lumina, I cannot directly teach you. I can show you techniques, but teaching you step by step is forbidden."

"Wh-What!? I want Father to teach me!"

"I'm sorry, but it's a rule. As a substitute, I will have Hizuma teach you."

"Huh?"

Hizuma's eyes widened at my words.

It was the first time I said it, so it's understandable that she was surprised.

However, I think it's a pretty good plan.

"As long as Hizuma teaches you, there's no problem. She should break down my teachings and teach you in her own way."

"Ah… So, this is also part of my training, right?"

"Teaching someone can reveal things you didn't see before. You already know that techniques require understanding to be used, and teaching someone is the same. Both will enhance your understanding."

"I see… I understand. This means that from now on, I will always be in the same party as the teacher, right!"

Hizuma, for some reason, is unusually excited, but her understanding is correct.

She is more familiar with how to fight as a woman and is more suitable to teach Lumina than I am.

Besides, there was also the conversation I had with Oaks.

It's unlikely that this disciple will go crazy over swords, but I thought it would be better to take better care of her.

While being told what to do by a teacher in the game might not be pleasant, Hizuma's expression doesn't show any signs of discomfort.

It seems she is also somewhat enthusiastic about it.

"Hehe, from now on, I'll follow you properly! I'll even watch you during events!"

"Oh? Sure, no problem… But I have a prior agreement with Altrius, so I'll be fighting with them."

"Ah, Altrius…?"

Before I could finish, Hizuma's eyes widened, and Elenora, who had been talking with Fino, hurriedly returned.

With a question mark in my mind, I nodded and responded.

"Yes, we talked earlier. We decided to form an alliance and fight on the same battlefield. I also owe them a favor."

"Hmm… You've been outdone. I didn't expect him to contact you so soon. You really can't let your guard down."

"Yes… Elenora?"

"Hizuma, we already have a contract, right?"

"Ah, yes."

Elenora's stern words made Hizuma's shoulders droop.

Is there a problem with me teaming up with Altrius?

As I asked her with my eyes, she sighed and responded.

"You know about Pleran, right? Several large-scale clans have already formed because of the gathering there."

"The main ones are Altrius's 'Camelot,' your 'Elenora Company,' and others like 'MT Exploration Society,' 'Sword Saint Union,' 'Clifoto Gate,' and 'Path of the Beginning'… There are various ones."

"So, these main clans gathered to discuss how to participate in the event."

I see, while I was away from the capital, the other players were already in action.

It's not surprising that they could discuss on the bulletin board without coming to the capital.

I can understand that much, but I don't understand why Elenora and the others are disappointed.

"The demons are said to attack during the event… So, how do you plan to deal with it?"

"The larger clans will consolidate their forces and handle the areas without overlapping with other clans. We don't want unnecessary conflicts, after all."

"Hmm…"

It's not really a strategy, but a group of amateurs, a mob, can't be expected to have organized movements across the entire area.

It's more effective for each group to stick together rather than mixing everyone together.

"So… To put it simply, our 'Elenora Company' is assigned to the north of the capital, in conjunction with the 'MT Exploration Society.' However, 'Camelot' is on the east side. Meaning—"

"I won't be able to fight with Elenora and the others."

"Yes. I was planning to ask for your cooperation, but I didn't expect Altrius to contact you so soon. I was complacent, thinking I had an advantage because of my relationship with you."

Elenora, pressing her forehead in regret, made me chuckle and shrug.

I understand her point, but since I've already made the decision, I have no intention of changing my words.

She must understand this, as she sighed with a mix of resignation.

Well, that aside—

"So, why is Hizuma so down?"

"…I promised to fight with Elenora. I thought the teacher would be fighting here too…"

"Ah… Well, that's how it goes. I wanted to see your progress, but… it can't be helped."

A battlefield against many enemies is a valuable experience for the Kugenshinryu.

I am disappointed that I won't be able to see my disciple's growth.

However, since I have already made a contract, I have no intention of breaking my agreement with Altrius.

"Hmm… Well, it can't be helped. At least be grateful that I secured Hizuma."

"Elenora, comparing me to the teacher is unfair."

"…Is there that much of a difference?"

"To be honest, even if I had ten of me, I couldn't win."

I chuckled at Hizuma's sigh.

Under those conditions, I would indeed win, but it would still be a tough fight.

However, the battlefield is more like a siege. The strategy is to hold out and counterattack when the enemy is weakened.

I have no intention of following that strategy, though.

"In any case… I'm sorry, but I can't help Elenora and the others. Use Hizuma in my place."

"Hizuma will have a tough time… Understood. It's a shame, but let's save it for the next opportunity."

"Yes, I appreciate it. Fino, are you done with the work?"

"Um, yes, I'm done."

Fino, who had been adjusting and repairing the equipment, looked up.

In her hands were the adjusted equipment for Lumina, as well as my sword and gauntlet.

The armor had not taken much damage, so the durability was hardly reduced, but it's good to do it when you think of it.

"Yes, everything is ready for 35,000. I'll exchange it for materials at a reasonable price."

"Huh? That's quite cheap. Even with four tabi."

"The economy in the capital has become easier to manage, so the prices are coming down. Inflation has finally settled."

"Considering it's just yesterday… You say it so casually."

Indeed, the player economy was inflationary.

The inability to defeat demons and progress caused a hoarding economy.

However, this economic trend was limited to Fauskatz and Riblum. Here in Bergsardi, the economy was untouched by outsiders.

Elenora, recognizing this, entered the market early when the land prices were low, set up as much equipment as possible, and opened a store.

She used the cheap materials from the capital to create processed goods and sold them at low prices.

Naturally, players would buy items from the 'Elenora Company.'

This led to price competition. If low-price business continued, the prices of other players' goods would stabilize.

…The one controlling this flow is this remarkable woman.

"It's not that complicated. The trend was visible, so it was natural to take countermeasures."

"Ah… Well, that's true."

Her nonchalant attitude made me involuntarily grimace.

Glancing at Fino, she shrugged and shook her head.

It seems Elenora is usually like this.

With such abilities, it's no wonder the clan's name is unanimously 'Elenora Company.'

She has that much capability.

"Well… Let's go then."

"Ah, yes! See you, Elenora."

"Ah… Right, I have something to do with Yagumo before we go. Is he around?"

"Yes, he's here. Is something wrong?"

I smiled lightly at Elenora, who tilted her head.

From now on, I need to train my disciples.

It was a bit inconvenient last time—

"The sword for Lumina can be the wakizashi I used, but I want to use a wooden sword for regular training. Do you have one I can buy?"

"Oh… I see. I think we have some ready-made ones left."

"Thanks. I'll buy it and go, then."

"Okay."

With a similar response from Hizuma and Lumina, I chuckled and we waved goodbye as we left Fino's room.

■Avatar Name: Kwon

■Gender: Male

■Race: Human

■Level: 16

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 19

VIT: 14

INT: 19

MND: 14

AGI: 12

DEX: 12

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword: Lv.16》

Magic Skill: 《Enhancement Magic: Lv.12》

Set Skill: 《Dead Point Strike: Lv.13》

《MP Auto Recovery: Lv.7》

《Plundering Sword: Lv.9》

《Identification: Lv.12》

《Sword of Life: Lv.11》

《Sword of Demon Slaying: Lv.5》

《Tame: Lv.5》

《HP Auto Recovery: Lv.6》

Sub Skill: 《Mining: Lv.1》

Title Skill: 《Blessing of the Fairy》

■Current SP: 14

■Avatar Name: Hizuma

■Gender: Female

■Race: Human

■Level: 20

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 21

VIT: 14

INT: 18

MND: 17

AGI: 14

DEX: 14

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword: Lv.20》

Magic Skill: 《Fire Magic: Lv.14》

Set Skill: 《Ki: Lv.15》

《Spell Charge: Lv.8》

《Fire Attribute Enhancement: Lv.11》

《Healing Proficiency: Lv.8》

《Identification: Lv.11》

《Dead Point Strike: Lv.11》

《Fighting: Lv.13》

《Combat Skills: Lv.14》

《Traversal: Lv.12》

Sub Skill: 《Gathering: Lv.7》

《Mining: Lv.4》

Title Skill: 《Crimson Sword Maiden》

■Current SP: 18

■Monster Name: Lumina

■Gender: Female

■Race: Sprite

■Level: 3

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 11

VIT: 10

INT: 27

MND: 19

AGI: 15

DEX: 13

■Skills

Weapon Skill: None

Magic Skill: 《Light Magic》

Skill: 《Light Attribute Enhancement》

《Flight》

《Magic Resistance: High》

《Physical Resistance: Low》

《MP Auto Recovery: High》

《Wind Magic》

Title Skill: 《Fairy King's Follower》