Talentless Swordsman
"I want to join your club."
Slightly bowing my head, I handed my completed form given out by Lucas to a young man sitting behind the registration table.
Everywhere around me, the sound of chatter and excitement filled the air as students eagerly signed up for different clubs and organizations.
Luckily, there was no line for the club I wanted to join.
Very fortunate.
"Very well."
The young man took a quick glance at my form and smiled. I could tell that he was somewhat surprised since not many students showed interest in their club.
He proceeded to explain the activities and goals of the club, however, the information entered my ears in a blur. I couldn't quite force myself to focus as I already knew what this club would offer.
"Our first meeting will be tomorrow, right after the lectures, in the designated club room. Make sure to attend because an important announcement will be made."
The only information that managed to catch my attention was the date and time of the first meeting.
I mentally noted it down and nodded my head.
"Thank you."
Replying politely, I spun around my heel and made my way towards the exit of the registration area.
Along the way, I noticed a certain group of five people being flocked by many club coordinators, eagerly trying to recruit them.
It was obvious that they were the most popular and sought-after first-years on campus. Who wouldn't want the top rankers as members of their club?
"I don't."
I smirked while walking past the crowd, snickering as I noticed Eldric's panicked expression as he tried to handle the overwhelming attention.
So much for being a protagonist.
Tap... Tap...
Leaving the registration area behind, I instinctively began walking toward the north wing of the campus.
During the past week, I had more or less explored the entire campus, familiarizing myself with its layout and various facilities. It turns out that far in the north wing, tucked away among the trees, was a hidden courtyard that seemed like the perfect spot for some peace and quiet.
It was a spot I found completely by chance while wandering aimlessly around campus and now this was one of my favorite places to train with my sword.
No people, no noise, no mocking remarks or judgmental gazes, no distractions.
It was perfect.
I could focus solely on my training, honing my skills without any external interference.
Swish...
Unsheathing my sword that was strapped to my belt, I stepped into the empty courtyard and took a deep breath.
'Status'
I whispered quietly, watching as a black hologram with golden text materialized in front of my eyes.
~~~ Status ~~~
Name: Note Enderfrost
Rank: G
Strength: G+
Agility: G+
Stamina: G+
Intelligence: G
Charm: F-
<-- Mastery -->
Swordsman [ Lv. 2 ]
The degree of understanding the user has of the sword.
<-- Weapon Art -->
Frostbite's Blade [ ✪✪ ] - Novice Proficiency
Frostbite's Blade is a weak-level technique that infuses the wielder's weapon with a subtle chill, causing a fleeting numbing sensation upon contact.
[ First Movement { Chilly Sweep } ]
The user coats their weapon in a layer of ice, enhancing its cutting power and freezing potential.
<-- Skills -->
Demon's Veil { G }
A skill honed by demons to conceal their distinct racial traits, rendering them indiscernible from other beings.
~~~~~~~~~~
"My strength and stamina increased!"
It seems that the grueling training I did each day paid off. Although I still had a long way to go, I was making progress.
My stamina and strength each increased by a minor realm.
However, I wasn't satisfied since my profession was still stuck at level 2.
If I remember correctly, at this point in time, Arthur's and Eldric's mastery over their weapons were already at level 7.
"This is depressing..."
Looking at my weapon's chipped blade and my status window, I muttered.
However, I didn't sulk for too long. I knew that my talent with swords was very good compared to my elemental affinities or potential.
I felt that if I continued to train diligently and focus on improving my swordsmanship, I could catch up to the protagonist's mastery levels in one year. Yes, my talent with swords was that good even compared to the protagonists of this world.
Swish...
Holding my sword firmly, I began my training routine, going through a series of precise strikes and fluid movements.
I also didn't use my Mana. I wanted to rely solely on my physical abilities for now, hoping that it would help me strengthen my body and enhance my swordsmanship skills.
I wanted to build a solid foundation of pure swordsmanship before incorporating any magical abilities or relying solely on my natural talents.
So what if I managed to get my hands on a 7 start sword if I couldn't wield it properly due to lack of skill?
Whoosh...
The sound of the sword slicing through the air echoed and I felt my muscles burning with each movement. I could feel the soreness that would linger in the days to come, but I welcomed it.
This was the price for improving, the feeling of progress.
Tap... Tap...
At one point during my training, droplets of water began to fall from the grey skies above, however, I paid no attention to the rain.
I could feel that I was getting close...
I could almost grasp it...
Just a little bit more!
Swish... Whoosh...
Feeling the rain soak my clothes, I continued my training with even more intensity and suddenly...
Click...
As if a hidden memory being unlocked, I felt a surge of knowledge and understanding flood my mind.
I've managed to reach a breakthrough in my swordsmanship.
<-- Mastery -->
Swordsman [ Lv. 3 ]
The degree of understanding the user has of the sword.
~~~~~~~~~~