Chapter 29

EP.29 Growth-6

Mana Conditioning Technique

Immediately after his regression, this technique was created by combining the teachings of the sage with Leo’s own experiences.

Despite being simple and quickly obtained, the value of this conditioning technique was on par with the martial arts of generations of knightly orders and families.

‘It’s no wonder Chris made such a fuss.’

The combination of mana conditioning and physical training was truly revolutionary.

“But even so, kidnapping me...”

Frankly, this kind of kidnapping was hard to understand.

He wasn’t the only one who had learned the mana conditioning technique, and attacking a family’s knight wasn’t a very safe choice either.

“...Kidnapping the head of the family’s beloved would have been a wiser decision.”

That was true. Kidnapping a knight was a much safer choice compared to kidnapping the family’s beloved.

“Knights often die while protecting the beloved. The Blood Shadow probably tried to kidnap you through such a scenario.”

It was a common tactic.

Failed assassins who tried to kidnap Ariasphil would kill the knight to silence them.

While it might seem a bit strange, it wasn’t a significant enough event to raise objections.

“And they would have tried to extract the martial arts from you, whether through persuasion or torture.”

Leo had faced countless attempts at persuasion and torture, and his mental strength could overcome them. However, if they used high-level magic to extract memories or employed drugs and hypnosis, it wouldn’t be impossible.

[Drugs and hypnosis are a bit...]

<No matter what you imagine, that won’t happen.>

Why would someone with no experience act like that?

“So, you gave me a weapon as insurance.”

Such ambushes would likely happen again. While he could handle them, with his current skills, there would still be some uncertainty.

Leo felt the same way.

“Don’t misunderstand. It’s not because I’m worried about you. I just don’t want impure individuals to possess such abilities.”

[You’ve been silent this whole time, yet you’re misunderstanding things.]

<That’s right.>

Now that it was hard to defend Marquen, he clapped along. Once he started, it felt like a decade of pent-up frustration was washed away.

“But even if you give me a weapon, the fundamental issue remains. It would take a long time for most to give up.”

That was an accurate prediction. On the contrary, the possibility of more attacks on Leo’s weapons and an increase in ambushes should be considered.

“Then what should we do?”

“...So, I thought about it. During that time, Christina’s proposal came to mind.”

Christina’s proposal, which she emphasized several times when Leo first demonstrated the mana conditioning technique.

“Surely not the mana conditioning technique...”

“...Yes, though I don’t like it, I will incorporate your mana training method into the Reinhardt family’s training regimen.”

Despite his displeasure, this was a proposal that could be understood even if he screamed in protest.

[Is it that significant?]

It wasn’t just significant. For a knightly order that had existed for hundreds of years, and especially for a hero family, to officially incorporate the technique of a ten-year-old boy was unprecedented.

[If we compare it to the Magic Tower, it’s like incorporating a child’s magic into the formal curriculum for adults.]

Despite the tone, it was an accurate analogy.

“...Is that really okay? Won’t it tarnish the Reinhardt name...”

“Does the Reinhardt family look like it would be tarnished by a mere fledgling?”

Despite his stern tone, it was ultimately an action for Leo’s benefit. While Leo had gained something, he had lost nothing.

“...And though I don’t want to admit it, as Christina said, the mana conditioning technique has enough value to be taught officially. With some refinement, it could surpass the training methods of the past.”

[If you admit that, why are you having a conflict with your own personality?]

“Gasp...”

Leo bit his lip until it turned blue, trying to suppress his laughter at the refreshing comment.

[But what difference does it make if you incorporate it? Assassinations are still possible, right?]

That wasn’t the case. Because...

“Your expression suggests you’re wondering what difference it makes.”

He managed to suppress his laughter, but he was grateful for the misunderstanding.

“To put it differently, if someone steals this training method now, they won’t be stealing your personal secret technique, but the martial arts of the Reinhardt family.”

There are limits to how one can respond to the kidnapping of a single knight. Even a hero family would find it difficult to act if other major families and the state exerted pressure or restraint.

<But if they steal the martial arts, the situation changes.>

Stealing a martial arts lineage, even a single technique, provides a reason to attack the entire organization.

Such an act can be considered an insult and a declaration of war against the Reinhardt family.

“Once that happens, you can’t be threatened using such means. No one in their right mind would make the entire Reinhardt family their enemy.”

In other words, it meant accepting Leo not just as a knight of the Reinhardt family, but as a member of the family.

Such treatment was something he wouldn’t receive unless he married into or was adopted by the family.

“...Thank you very much.”

“I didn’t do it to receive your gratitude. If you want to show gratitude, use the insurance I gave you well.”

Finding the hidden meaning in those words wasn’t difficult.

‘You might be able to block external threats, but you can’t completely prevent ambushes in the shadows.’

If someone like a mind or a black mage, who operates outside of common sense, were involved, such safety measures wouldn’t provide much comfort.

They would cross any line to achieve their desires.

“I’ll use it beyond just insurance.”

So, Leo should deal with such enemies himself.

The weapon given to him now had that meaning.

“By the way.”

When Marquen arrived back at the cave entrance, he turned around and said.

His eyes were filled with a demonic aura.

“If you touch Arias under the pretense of being recognized, I’ll take your life along with the weapon.”

“...What?”

“I won’t accept a dazed response. So...”

“Ah... When you said you didn’t recognize me when I entered the armory, didn’t you?”

It was hard to forget such a serious and harsh statement.

“...Just think what you want.”

[If a woman said that, it would be different, but it’s creepy coming from a grumpy old man.]

“Phew...!”

Leo couldn’t hold back his laughter.

Hearing the laughter, the grumpy old man with a demonic aura lunged at him.

It seemed he wouldn’t be able to leave comfortably.

***

“Wow, I didn’t think Grandpa would recognize you.”

While eating leftover popcorn, Rios said.

“I thought he would stubbornly refuse to give it to you.”

“Lord Executor is stern in his words, but he always keeps his promises. It’s one of the common misunderstandings about him.”

“I see. Thank you for the information! Christina...!”

Thud

Suddenly, the darkness and shadow disappeared. Her shadow was already lifting her nephew by the neck.

“Is your education on titles lacking? What’s my name again?”

“Dad...! Uncle!! Save me...!”

“Enough. Christina. What if Aria learns this?”

Thanks to being called Christina again, she let Rios down.

“Thank you...! Father...! I’ll be a good son...!”

“Then, as a sign of filial piety, no romance novels for a month. And no related comments.”

“Can I show filial piety with fire attributes?”

“No.”

Rios’ face darkened at the firm response.

“But what will Leonardo choose?”

To change the topic, Silica brought up a subject that warriors would enjoy.

“Hmm... I think the Lava Sword Huacheng. Fire power suits Leonardo’s personality.”

“I think the Mirror Shield isn’t bad. It can reflect attacks, making strategic combat possible.”

“No, considering the recent battle, the Thunder Spear Fulgor isn’t bad. The method of enhancing the body with electricity is more stable than magic.”

Opinions were divided. But the young warrior with outstanding talent was the only one who remained silent.

“Aria, what do you think?”

“...Why...”

Aria didn’t answer. It wasn’t because of Rios’ words.

“Aria? Are you listening?”

“...Huh? Yes, sorry. I was concentrating on something.”

“What are you thinking so deeply about? If it’s a difficult problem, let me help a bit.”

At Christina’s words, Aria revealed her deep concern.

“...I don’t understand how Leonardo’s sword reached me before mine.”

This wasn’t a denial of Leonardo’s strength.

It was more about analyzing how Leonardo defeated her to improve her own skills.

“...Clearly, our speed and strength were similar... why...”

Christina, finding Aria’s concern commendable, explained the battle analysis with the wisdom of a dark knight.

“It’s because of the height difference.”

“Height...?”

“Yes. Leonardo is taller than you, Aria.”

In combat, especially in one-on-one close combat, height is also an important factor. In close-range combat, being taller means a longer reach.

“With a height difference of about 6-7 cm between you and Leonardo, it’s not surprising that the reach made the difference.”

Hearing this detailed explanation, Aria nodded in understanding. Indeed, height difference was a difficult aspect to overcome with effort alone.

“Eat well and sleep well, and you’ll grow. At your age, you can grow in the blink of an eye.”

“But Leonardo is growing too...”

At the head of the family’s glare, even the mischievous Rios shut his mouth. If he continued, he might be banned from hearing love stories from the bard.

“...Still... there must be a way to overcome it...”

While pondering, something flashed in Aria’s mind.

It was information she heard while training with Leonardo before their duel, not long after they met.

“Leonardo would know!”

“Leonardo?”

“Certainly, during his travels, Leonardo must have gathered a lot of information... He might know about foods or training that can help with growth.”

While not entirely wrong, it felt like an overestimation. If he knew such growth secrets, Leonardo would have used his larger size to his advantage.

“Hey! Isn’t that Leonardo?”

As they were talking, two knights descending from the mountain came into view.

“But... why are they so ragged?”

They weren’t seriously injured, but their faces and bodies were covered in scratches, and their clothes were tattered.

“What happened?”

“Nothing much. I just checked if the brat could handle the weapon he received.”

Leo nodded without much comment. The reason for the thin branches attached to him might be the truth.

It was better to believe that to feel less wronged.

“So, what weapon did you receive?”

Leo confidently raised his arm. A black bracelet was on his wrist.

“...I’ve never seen that before. Did you get new equipment on the expedition? Father?”

“Look closely. I didn’t expect it to change like this either.”

At Marquen’s nod, Leo transformed the bracelet. The black bracelet turned into a bead, then a one-handed sword, a spear, and a shield in sequence.

“...Oh, a variable weapon. I’ve never seen one in person.”

“It seems to be a type of equipment that chooses its master, like a holy sword. So, Christina.”

Marquen warned Christina, who was staring at the black stone with her mouth open.

“Don’t covet it.”

“...Am I a child?”

“Sometimes worse than a child.”

Christina blushed in shame at his words, and Rios, before he could laugh, was choked by Christina again.

“Hey...! Leonardo...!!”

Amidst the chaos, Aria, relying on the memory she had just recalled, approached Leonardo with a request.

“Yes, Miss Aria.”

“I have a favor to ask... Is it okay?”

“Of course, I’ll do my best if it’s within my capabilities.”

At her words, Aria smiled brightly and made her request.

“Can you... help me grow taller...?”

The atmosphere suddenly turned cold.

“...What?”

Leo’s neck also felt cold.

It was probably because of the two heads of the family behind him.

He was certain.

“Remember what you said last time, when we first trained? You mentioned slang used by delinquents...!”

Leo’s life felt cold.

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