Illusion Sword

"Will learning a Grade 3 art like this really not affect me the way Master Li is saying?" I asked Luna mentally as I pored over the manual.

"He's correct," she agreed. "Julius was able to learn Grade 3 manuals, and they simply helped advance his basics more than anything else."

"I don't quite understand the difference," I admitted.

"Hmm," Luna mused, "An art that is below one's talent level, after a certain level of mastery, can be used to enhance all basic attacks with just a thought. It doesn't require the effort a higher-grade art does, nor does it have as much of an impact."

"Interesting," I responded.

The Illusion Sword art focused on generating multiple similar mana flows and employing highly difficult feints to confuse enemies who tried to read the mana flow to counter the feints. It was a straightforward art, classified as Grade 3 because of the initial high requirement of expertise in feints and the overall effectiveness of the art.

The grades of martial arts measure the difficulty of learning, directly relating to their impact in real battle. For me, a Grade 5 art would take three to four years to fully master. A Grade 4 art wouldn't take longer than a year, and a typical Grade 3 art would take just a few months.

However, this particular Grade 3 art would take even less time.

'I could master it in about six weeks,' I estimated. My high level of base swordsmanship, honed through rigorous training in the rainforest, would make this much easier.

"I should aim to reach the adept realm of mastery before the mid-years begin," I concluded, feeling a surge of determination. Rising to my feet, I made my way to the training ground to start my practice.

Upon arrival, I took a deep breath, feeling the crisp mountain air fill my lungs. I gripped my sword firmly and swung it in a simple, fluid motion—a basic slash I had practiced countless times. The movement was ingrained in my muscles, a testament to hours of relentless training.

I repeated this motion several times, each swing more precise and controlled than the last. Gradually, I began to incorporate feints into my movements, subtle shifts designed to mislead an opponent. My mind focused on the flow of mana, sensing its subtle currents as I practiced.

But I wasn't done yet. Drawing on the Illusion Sword manual's teachings, I started to emulate the intricate movements and mana flows depicted in its pages. Each step was deliberate, each strike carefully crafted to embody the essence of the Grade 3 art.

The first technique was a basic illusion strike. I visualised the movement described in the manual: a swift, deceptive thrust that created the illusion of multiple attacks. As I swung my sword, I concentrated on splitting my mana into parallel flows. My first attempts were clumsy, the additional mana flows flickering out of sync. But with each attempt, I adjusted my focus, refining the control over my mana.

Next, I practiced the phantom parry, a defensive maneuver that confused the opponent by overlaying false mana signatures over my real position. I performed a series of parries, weaving my mana in intricate patterns to create the illusion of multiple defensive stances. The complexity of the technique was daunting, requiring seamless coordination between my physical movements and mana manipulation. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead as I repeated the exercise, each attempt bringing me closer to perfection.

As the evening wore on, I tackled the shadow feint, an offensive technique that combined sudden changes in direction with overlapping mana flows. I dashed forward, initiating a strike, only to pivot sharply mid-movement. My mana followed my lead, creating a spectral afterimage that lingered just long enough to mislead a hypothetical opponent. My heart pounded with exertion, each successful execution of the shadow feint filling me with a sense of accomplishment.

The final technique I attempted was the mirage strike, an advanced move that required near-perfect synchronization of body and mana. I visualized my target, a distant tree, and focused on creating a simultaneous attack from multiple angles. As I lunged, I split my mana into three distinct flows, each one tracing a different path toward the target. My sword moved with blinding speed, leaving shimmering trails of mana in its wake. The tree stood unscathed, but I could see the faint outlines of my phantom strikes lingering in the air.

Hours passed in a blur of intense concentration and physical exertion. My muscles burned with fatigue, and my mana reserves were nearly depleted, but I felt a growing sense of mastery over the Illusion Sword techniques. Each swing, each feint brought me closer to the adept realm of mastery.

"That was impressive," Master Li said, clapping as he approached. "It's still not quite usable in real battle, but you've made remarkable progress for just one day."

His eyes scrutinized me with an intensity that made me feel as if he could see straight through to my soul. "Honestly, I never thought I would see such raw sword talent again."

My face stiffened at his words. I knew exactly who he was referring to. In terms of pure swordsmanship, there was only one person who stood above both Sun Zenith and Lucifer Winward.

'The Martial King,' I thought, the name sending a shiver down my spine.

The Martial King was not just the strongest person in the world, but also the only one still alive who had killed a <Radiant >-rank member of the invasive species threatening humanity.

"The Martial King's talent with the sword," Master Li chuckled, "I sense the same level of talent in you. Even that kid Lucifer didn't have that."

Lucifer was a prodigy in both swordsmanship and mana manipulation, excelling to extreme levels in both areas. Even without his second Gift, he was formidable.

'So, I am superior to Lucifer in terms of sword talent,' I thought, feeling a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

'Why?' I wondered. My father was an <Integration >-rank knight, impressive but not extraordinary compared to the lineage Lucifer had. Why was my talent so exceptional?

But I couldn't afford to dwell on it. I was blessed with extraordinary talent, and I intended to take full advantage of it rather than let it go to waste.

This world wasn't fair. The main human antagonist, Jack Blazespout, had potential that matched Lucifer's, even with the latter's second Gift unlocked.

Vampire Monarchs, Ogre Kings, Shadow Seekers, dark beasts—there were countless threats looming in this world.

They had been passive so far, but that would change when the demons came knocking from space, targeting the moon base established by the Slatemark Empire.

That was still in the future, but it was inevitable. Demons, beings who had already conquered dozens of worlds, were on their way.

I needed to get stronger—stronger than everyone—to protect the world.

'Stronger than all of them!' I thought, remembering the three Kings and the Emperor I met during New Year's. I needed to surpass them all.

"...How strong do you want to become, Arthur?" Master Li asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. His gaze was steady, seeking a genuine answer.

"I want to become the strongest," I replied, meeting his eyes without hesitation.

"Why?" His question was simple but carried weight.

"I must become strong," I said, my voice firm. "To live."

Master Li's eyes widened in shock, a reaction that was rare for him. In a world that seemed peaceful, the idea of needing immense strength just to survive seemed absurd. But he could feel the truth in my words.

"Don't come to Mount Hua for training during the summer break," Master Li said after a pause.

I was taken aback. "Why, Master? Did I do something wrong?"

"If you want to become the strongest, you must learn from the strongest," he said. "Go find the Martial King and become his disciple."

His words hung in the air, heavy with implication. This was a turning point. My training at Mount Hua had been invaluable, but to achieve my ultimate goal, I needed to push beyond the limits of the sect.

"The plum blossoms of Mount Hua won't do you justice, Arthur," Master Li chuckled. "Your talent is so extraordinary that I'm tempted to keep you here for our sect. But we already have our own rising star. Even though you may surpass him, you should spread your wings further. Train under the man who defeated all the Kings as an orphan, the man who created his own Grade 6 art, and the man who crushed Mount Hua's plum blossoms under his foot."

I knew exactly who he meant. The Martial King had fought against all the warrior Kings of humanity after reaching <Radiant >-rank and defeating Arden Winward. He crushed all of them in battle. Normally, the Kings avoid fighting each other seriously to prevent severe injuries to both parties. But the Martial King was so powerful that he completely suppressed and dominated his opponents without sustaining significant injuries himself.

"His strength is unparalleled," Master Li continued, his eyes gleaming with respect and awe. "The Martial King's power is beyond imagination. To reach your true potential, you must train under him."

"Thank you Master," I thanked him with a bow.

'I hope the tragedy of the Mount Hua Sect doesn't repeat once again,' I thought as I turned around.