The sword's edge sliced through the stillness, emitting a sinister hiss that echoed in the dim, stony chamber. The meager light cast a faint glimmer upon the crimson blade, obscuring the figure of the swordsman, leaving only a dark silhouette to witness his deadly ballet.
He wielded his massive weapon with a grace that belied its weight, each motion a precise calculation as he leaped and twirled, his crimson blade a flash of fury in the shadows, moving with the stealth and elegance of a prowling feline.
"...Not enough, more!"
The swordsman's voice erupted in fury as he crashed to the floor, his blade slicing through the air with a ferocity that belied his fall.
With both hands gripping the hilt, suddenly spun his body, unleashing a tempest of steel. This time, the arc of his weapon was a red blur, the rush of wind parting with a shriek that echoed like a banshee's wail, a testament to the wrath that fueled his move.
A sudden crack echoed through the stillness, reverberating from the jagged wall that loomed before him.
The swordsman had not laid a finger upon the stone, yet a gaping scar, three meters long, A sly grin crept across his face, and with an air of nonchalance, he began to stride toward the newly marred surface, satisfaction glinting in his eyes.
"At long last, I could do it"
As the swordsman's words hung in the air, a shadow crept across his visage, deepening the lines of his resolve. He grasped his sword, which erupted into a sinister glow, a black light that seemed to consume the little bit of light in the room.
With a swift motion, he unleashed a soundless dark arc that cleaved through the air, striking the wall to his right with a thunderous impact.
The wall crumbled under the force, sending a cascade of sand and jagged stones tumbling down. He lowered his weapon, and exhaled a heavy sigh, annoyed.
"Yet, it remains feebler than my aura's attack"
Mana is often mistakenly regarded as the sole source of power; however, aura also exists as a distinct source, with mana serving as the essence of aura.
The swordsman's initial two attacks clearly demonstrated the stark contrast between utilizing his aura and relying solely on his raw strength.
The concept of aura is often viewed as a suppressed form of pure power, distinct from mana. Aura is essentially a manifestation of energy that has undergone a transformation from mana through a unique process known as cultivation.
This transformation has led to debates in historical contexts, where some scholars in the long past posited that the extraordinary strength exhibited by swordsmen could be classified as a type of magic, separate from the conventional understanding of mana and its capabilities.
This perspective suggests that the prowess of a swordsman, achieved through rigorous training and cultivation, transcends mere physical ability and enters the realm of magical phenomena, thereby challenging traditional notions of power and its sources.
Aura is fundamentally designed to neutralize mana, which means that any offensive maneuvers fueled by aura possess the capability to surpass and dominate attacks that rely on mana as their source of power.
"——I need to strive for greater strength, I still feel that I have not yet reached my full potential."
The Swordsman aims is to ascend to the pinnacle of power, seeking to be recognized as the unrivaled strongest. As the sole aura user in a world dominated by mana users, he possesses unwavering confidence in his potential to realize this ambition.
His motivation to grow stronger is rooted in a compelling reason, which is...
" So no child or a vulnerable would have to endure the pain I experienced."
The swordsman, having, ceased his monolog and fell into a contemplative silence. He grasped his sword firmly, a resolute determination settling over him as he prepared to continue his training.
"Your hard work has already yielded remarkable results, Vittorio-sama; you are on the verge of becoming the most formidable swordsman."
A voice, laced with respect, emerged from the shadows behind him. At that Vittorio, sheathed his sword and pivoted to face the source of the sound.
"Realy? A question...Do you believe that the strength I have amassed is sufficient to kill the Sword Saint?"
As he stepped out from the shadows, the coldness of Vittorio's question lingered in the air, sharply contrasting with the flickering light pouring from the open door. The woman, enveloped in a dark veil that concealed her entire figure, displayed only her striking green eyes, which sparkled with an eerie intensity.
Vittorio's stare pierced through her with fierce determination, but she stood firm, her demeanor unruffled by the pressure of his gaze.
"From what I understand, the Sword Saint is celebrated as an incredibly talented swordsman, but I prefer to trust my own insights. Over the years, I have watched you closely since you were a child. I am certain that if you were to face the Sword Saint in battle, it may significantly shift the balance of power in our world, Vittorio-sama."
" ...may?, well that isn't enough Brenda"
"I apologize, Vittorio-sama, if my response did not meet your expectations."
Vittorio relaxed his stern expression and let out a heavy sigh before speaking.
"I wasn't expecting anything, Brenda. Why are you here? I made it clear—no interruptions while I'm training."
After hearing his question, Brenda lowered her head respectfully.
"Indeed, I am aware, but my purpose for coming is significant. You have been summoned to the round table for a crucial matter, and I am to accompany you, Vittorio-sama."
Vittorio's crimson eyes widened in surprise at the mention of "The Round Table." The thought of being summoned sent a shiver down his spine, as it could only lead to two outcomes: a severe punishment or a task that would take him far from the stone tower. He searched his mind, trying to remember any mistake that might have angered the Overseers, but nothing came to him. Instead, a thrill ran through him as he realized that a mission was likely on the way.
A smirk crept onto his face, revealing the excitement he could barely hold back.
"Okay Brenda lead the way"
Brenda took the initiative, and with a confident nod, she stepped forward, signaling her readiness to take charge. Vittorio, not one to lag behind, followed her closely as they exited together.
The corridor stretched on endlessly, its floor a patchwork of dark stones intertwined with vibrant green tendrils that clawed through the cracks, as if nature itself was trying to reclaim this forsaken place.
The walls towered above, made from the same bricks, their surfaces slick with an unsettling sheen, while the only light came from the eerie red glow of mana stones, hanging like stars in the oppressive darkness.
In this desolate passage, two figures moved with intent: a woman cloaked in a full veil, and behind her, a man of striking menace, his short red hair and piercing crimson eyes exuding an aura of dark allure. Dressed in a suit of black armor that seemed to absorb the very light around him, he carried a sword sheathed in darkness, its hilt glinting like a blood-red jewel, Together, they were Brenda and Vittorio.
"Brenda, tell me, was the summons meant solely for my self, or did it come to the other eleven ?" Vittorio's voice sliced through the stillness, his gaze fixed on Brenda as she glided forward.
"I am uncertain; my sole focus is on you. Even if others are summoned, their attendants will remain silent regarding their affairs."
With that, she lapsed into silence, and Vittorio chose not to respond further. They continued their journey in quietude until they ultimately reached their intended location.
"Are you prepared, Vittorio-sama?" Brenda inquired as they stood before an enormous wooden double door adorned with bizarre and nonsensical carvings.
Vittorio felt a wave of anxiety wash over him; after all, being summoned by the round table was a significant event for him and the other eleven individuals in his position. He took a deep breath, swallowing his apprehension, before turning to face Brenda, who was patiently waiting beside him.
"Alright, Brenda, I'm all set; just go ahead and open it."
"Yes Vittorio-sama"
His attendant, with a graceful nod, approached the double door. She grasped both handles firmly and pushed them inward, revealing what lay beyond.
Vittorio entered the room, but he was immediately engulfed in darkness, unable to discern anything around him; the only illumination came from the faint glow of the open double door behind him.
Faced with this, he knew there was a straightforward answer: he could tap into the energy of his aura to navigate through the shadows.
However, past experiences had taught him a valuable lesson about the risks involved in doing so, leading him to hesitate and refrain from using that ability.——I Don't wanna get punished again.
"Dearest Vittorio, what a joy it is to reunite after such an extended absence. You appear to be in splendid health."
A voice he expected emerged from the shadows in front of him, causing Vittorio to drop to his knees on the cold ground. He lowered his head, not as an act of reverence, but as a gesture of deep respect and gratitude.
" Indeed, respected educators, I am Vittorio, and I am pleased to be here with you, feeling well happy and also curious about the reasons of me being here"
"Well expressed, Vittorio. Before we proceed, —— Brenda, could you kindly leave us in private with Vittorio and close the door behind you please?"
The voice spoke once more, its tone refined and smooth, as Vittorio caught a glimpse of Brenda from the corner of his eye.
She was gazing at him with a look that seemed to ask if he would be alright. He could sense her concern, but the authority of the round table loomed over him, compelling him to respond.
"It's alright, Brenda, just go," he reassured her, trying to ease her worries even as he felt nervous himself.
Brenda replied, "As you wish, Vittorio-sama," before gracefully exiting and shutting the double door.
"Vittorio, share with me the advancements you've made in your swordsmanship and aura training. Have you made any strides?"
the voice inquired with genuine curiosity, prompting a bitter smile to cross Vittorio's face as he prepared to respond.
"My esteemed instructor, regarding my aura, I have not observed any significant advancements; however, when it comes to the naked sword, I have managed to make some minor improvements. This progress, though, has only been possible through considerable effort and the exertion of a great deal of energy and physical strength."
"What kind of progress?"
"I finally managed to cut the stone wall using only my physical strength, relying on sheer force to manipulate the air, without any aura or magic."
A hush enveloped the dark room as the professor absorbed the weight of Vittorio's revelation, and the young man remained poised, anticipating the professor's response.
At long last, the professor broke the stillness, his voice imbued with admiration, "This is truly remarkable, Vittorio. Your dedication and hard work have clearly brought you to this impressive milestone. It appears that you are indeed prepared to embark on your next mission."
Ah
Vittorio's smile widened as he realized the true nature of the situation—it was a mission. He couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement coursing through his muscles, which tensed in anticipation. Finally, he was about to do something that would take him beyond the confines of this dark, stifling walls that had held him captive for so long.
This was his chance to break free and experience something new, something exhilarating.
"I will follow your commands, my instructor. What type of task do you have in mind?" Vittorio took a moment to steady himself before responding, his curiosity piqued about the nature of the assignment that awaited him.
"It's delightful to know you're prepared, Vittorio. Now, do share your insights about the world beyond these castle walls and how much you know?"
This time, a woman's voice replied, her tone undeniably seductive, and her question was quite simple because.
"My knowledge is limited to what my attendant Brenda shares with me; I don't possess any additional information."
His words were met with a soft chuckle from the lady in the shadows, indicating a hint of amusement at his candidness.
"Ah, so Vittorio, darling, are you aware of Lugunica and its yearning for a king to rule it?
Lugunica? Brenda had already shared the details with him, including the tragic tale of the demise of the entire royal family and the king himself .
Vittorio found himself intrigued by the unfolding narrative; after all, the legendary Sword Saint resided in that very kingdom. The mere thought of the Sword Saint sent a thrill through him, causing his crimson sword to vibrat.
"Yes, I know, Brenda told me"
"Perfect!, that cuts down on the need for lengthy explanations; thanks to Brenda, we can dive right into the essentials."
As Vittorio waited for more, he was abruptly alerted by the rhythmic sound of footsteps approaching him. He lifted his gaze and, through the dark, he could just make out the figure of a woman shrouded in a veil, who seemed to be the attendant of the round table.
" here Vittorio-sama"
She extended a neatly folded piece of paper along with a shimmering gold necklace towards him. The soft illumination from the crimson sword hanging at his waist allowed him to catch a glimpse of the items.
With a slight nod to the attendant, Vittorio accepted the items.
"Ah, Vittorio, picture this: in just a week, a grand ceremony unfolds, unveiling the candidates vying for the throne of the Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica. Nestled within your grasp is a meticulously crafted map, that reveals every hidden corner and majestic halls of the castle where this momentous event will take place."
"And?"
"Your task is delightfully simple: obliterate the entire castle along with its inhabitants on the day of the ceremony. Fear not, for the explosives are already in place, waiting for your command. All that remains is to set the timer, embodied in the golden necklace you hold, and watch as the entire structure erupts in a glorious explosion."
The teacher chuckled wickedly, while Vittorio's expression turned to confusion.
"Isn't the sword saint supposed to be present? I've heard he's kinda invincible." He had heard plenty about the sword saint's unmatched power, and honestly, he would feel let down if a simple explosion could take him down.
"Indeed, we are aware of this truth, yet the quest doth not lament his passing; forsooth, if all others meet their demise, the endeavor shall be deemed triumphant."
At that moment, another voice did arise, one he recognized well, for it belonged to the sole instructor who had ever revealed his visage.
More than that, this man was the very architect of his present prowess in the art of the sword, imparting upon him all the knowledge he possessed. Thus, Vittorio held him in the highest esteem, surpassing the regard he bore for his other mentors.
Vittorio slipped the map into his armor and draped the necklace around his neck before posing his question. "I only have one question: when will I be leaving?"
And as anticipated...
"There exists no day more opportune than this very day, Vittorio, so ready yourself accordingly."
A cheerful voice chimed in, prompting Vittorio to hurry outside, as this day would mark the first time in years since the last time he sow the sun.