[69] There's always something

At the same time, in the port city of East Port, spring had arrived. With Ash's departure to the Milis continent, Levi began planning his activities for the next few days. His schedule was not too packed, in fact, it was rather empty, unlike the other three children who had been assigned companions and direct connections to the Costatine company by Ash.

A letter from Ash to Raphael arrived, detailing Ash's journey and Levi's progress. Raphael, always intrigued by anything related to Ash's chosen pupils, eagerly read the letter. He knew it was only a matter of time before Levi gained direct ties to the Costatine company. However, for now, Levi continued living the life of an adventurer along the coastal region.

Adventuring work in East Port was not as abundant as in other places. This coastal area frequently faced threats from the sea, such as attacks by sea monsters. One example was the extermination of Horned Tuna, a large fish species that often attacked small boats and even injured sailors.

That morning, Levi found himself standing before the village head, who looked anxious. "It happened last night, Adventurer," the village head said seriously. "One of my villagers was injured in a monster attack. We need your help to get rid of this threat."

Despite his young age, Levi's achievements had made him quite well-known in the area. Under Ash's guidance, Levi had undertaken various dangerous missions, including battling sea monsters. His experience in dealing with sea threats had given him incredible confidence and agility.

With sharp eyes and a calm demeanour, Levi responded, "I'll handle it. Make sure the villagers stay on land for the time being. I'll go and ensure there are no more Horned Tuna attacks."

"Be careful, adventurer!" the village head warned, his voice filled with concern.

Levi simply nodded briefly. "I will."

After that, Levi walked away from the village head's house and headed towards the small, deserted pier. The sun was beginning to set, creating a beautiful scene with golden light reflecting off the water. However, Levi was not interested in enjoying the view. He was more focused on the sea breeze that blew, carrying the distinctive smell of salt, and on his finely honed sixth sense, which detected something unusual in the water.

The pier was silent, with only the sound of small waves breaking the stillness. Levi stood at the edge of the pier, closing his eyes for a moment, feeling every vibration in the air and beneath the water. The characteristics of the Horned Tuna were indeed unique—similar to ordinary tuna, but much larger and far more aggressive. This monster did not act in groups, so Levi was confident that he would not need to face more than one at a time.

According to the village head, the monster was often seen swimming near the pier, and it didn't take long for Levi to realise that the creature must be lurking nearby. Slowly, Levi released the energy stored within his body. A bright blue aura began to seep out, surrounding his body like a calm flame. Levi's strong presence began to disturb the water around him, and that was exactly what he needed to lure the monster out.

It wasn't long before the water's surface began to ripple unnaturally, a sign that something large was approaching quickly. Levi opened his eyes, now shining with determination. "Alright, let's do this," he murmured in a low yet courageous voice.

With one swift motion, Levi drew the Leviathan sword hanging at his waist. The sword made a whistling sound as it was pulled from its sheath, adding to the tension around him. The Leviathan sword was a special weapon, large and heavy, yet Levi wielded it effortlessly as if it were an extension of his own hand.

Levi remained vigilant, his muscles tense as a massive wave approached with impressive speed. He stared at the increasingly turbulent ripples, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When the water's surface finally broke and the Horned Tuna leapt out with its jaws wide open, Levi was ready. His sword, Leviathan, gleamed sharply under the fading sunlight, as if reflecting the owner's strong resolve.

Levi recalled all the lessons he had ever received about the art of swordsmanship. Although he had only just begun learning this skill, his natural talent was striking, even on par with Zephyr, another of Ash's students, who was also known as an exceptionally talented young swordsman. Levi first held a sword when he felt compelled to assist Ash in various dangerous tasks. Who would have thought that in such a short time, he would become one of the most talented students under Ash's guidance?

However, Ash wisely chose not to teach the Wind God technique to Levi. That technique, though very powerful, did not suit Levi's style and potential. Instead, Ash saw that Levi was better suited to the Water God techniques. The Water God techniques, which emphasised defence and quick reflexes, matched Levi's natural talent for exceptional instincts and reflexes.

Ash not only taught the basic techniques of the Water God school but also modified them for Levi. He added some more aggressive attack techniques, altering the core of western swordsmanship to be more akin to the eastern style, which prioritised a balance between offence and defence. With these changes, Levi became not only stronger but also more versatile in facing various situations.

When the Horned Tuna attacked fiercely, Levi was prepared with his modified techniques. He didn't rely solely on speed, but also on precision and calmness. With one smooth yet powerful movement, he swung the Leviathan sword, cutting through the air and water with impressive precision. His strike hit its mark, striking the monster's vital point before it could touch the pier.

The Horned Tuna's body halted in mid-air, blood splattering before it fell back into the sea with a massive splash. Levi remained standing firm, his eyes still focused, ensuring no other threats were approaching. Slowly, he lowered his sword, his breathing steady even as the tension just began to ease.

"Easy," Levi sighed softly, as he sheathed his sword once more.

---

At the East Port adventurers' guild, the atmosphere was bustling and crowded. Many adventurers and travellers from various regions had gathered there, either to embark on new adventures or to rest for a moment before continuing their journey. Spring, known as the best time for sailing and adventuring, made this port city even more lively. The din of conversations filled the room, mingling with the sound of clashing equipment, and the smell of the sea carried by the wind through the guild's constantly opening and closing doors.

"What! All the conquest quests have been unavailable for the past week?" An adventurer who had just arrived in the city, with a face full of frustration, stomped his foot in front of the reception desk. He had run out of money on the journey and hoped to earn some from a quest that day. However, the news he received was disappointing.

The receptionist, a young woman with a strained smile, tried to explain politely, although she felt slightly pressured by the adventurer's harsh tone. "Sorry, sir, it's not that they're unavailable, but recently there's been an adventurer who's been very diligent in taking all the conquest quests. Today as well, he took them first."

The adventurer's expression darkened further. "But is there nothing else available? And who is this adventurer anyway? What gives him the right to take all the quests by himself!" His complaints continued, and the receptionist began to struggle to calm the situation.

Such incidents were not uncommon in the guild. Many adventurers arrived at East Port with high hopes, only to find that the opportunities they sought had already been taken by others. However, today there was an added stir: rumours about a mysterious adventurer who could complete multiple conquest quests at once had spread, and curiosity began to grow among those present.

Suddenly, the guild door opened with a heavy sound, and everyone's attention immediately turned to the figure who had just entered. A boy with dark blue hair stepped inside, his clothes stained with blood, carrying a large horn on his back. The sight immediately silenced the commotion within the guild, creating a tense atmosphere.

"Who-"

"Levi!" The exclamation was cut off by the voice of the female receptionist who had earlier been cornered by the adventurer's complaints. She looked relieved to see the boy, as if his presence would resolve all the problems currently occurring.

Levi, with a calm and unaffected demeanour despite the attention directed at him, walked towards the reception desk. His steps were light, but his aura intimidated everyone around him. His appearance, as if he had just returned from a brutal battle, made the atmosphere tense, and none of the adventurers there dared to speak.