CHAPTER 42

Ragna, discussing the technique called Focus Point, asked:

"Are you going to learn it?"

"Of course."

Encrid didn't hesitate.

'When did I get so skilled?'

The basics of the northern style of swordsmanship were firmly ingrained. It wasn't just about swinging in the air and learning stances simply. These skills had been honed in real combat, becoming a part of him.

'Amazing.'

The Squad Leader was a fascinating person. Until yesterday, he had been primarily using the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique.

Today, he demonstrated solid fundamental skills.

"From whom did you learn the sword?"

"It cost a lot of money."

He was saying he learned from a swordsmanship instructor.

'It must have cost a lot indeed.'

It made sense. Even if he had tried to teach himself, he couldn't have done better.

So, it was worth learning beyond the basics.

Thus, he brought up Focus Point.

However, Ragna was somewhat skeptical as he mentioned this.

'Learning it doesn't mean mastering it.'

Though he claimed to have developed it, it was actually one of the secret techniques passed down in his family.

Of course, he didn't teach it exactly as it was. He couldn't just hand out his family's secrets to anyone. So, he modified and improved parts of it before teaching.

Thus, saying it was a technique he developed wasn't entirely false.

'I've never seen anyone actually succeed.'

Ragna had seen less than five people enter the state of Focus Point.

Considering the time he had wandered the continent and his experience, it was a very small number.

'Not even five, it's more like three, at best.'

Two of the five were like arrows shot haphazardly that hit a wolf's head.

They were like finding a coin dropped by the goddess of luck.

So, it's accurate to say that there are only three people who can properly handle the ability to focus.

It required talent.

It's not easy to forget your surroundings and concentrate solely.

This kind of talent wasn't limited to swordsmanship. Some scholars exhibited this level of concentration when mastering and learning their fields.

They could even put themselves into such a state of concentration at will.

They did this by immersing and engrossing themselves.

But doing this while fighting—could it really be easy?

It was natural to be skeptical.

Even if luck allowed for a brief experience, mastering it would be impossible.

'Difficult, very difficult.'

Ragna had managed to make Focus Point his own with just one step.

But it would be hard for Encrid.

Yet, why did he show such determination in his eyes?

"Aren't you going to explain? I don't need an explanation for the basics. Just teach me Focus Point."

How could he be so straightforward and honest?

He felt like he was looking at a straight tree. A giant tree standing tall and firm, unburned even by a typhoon or thunderstorm.

Despite knowing it was almost like chasing after a dream, the Squad Leader said he would learn.

He nodded as if he somewhat understood.

It seemed genuine. Well, the Squad Leader was always sincere.

Whether training, swinging his sword, or doing anything, he faced it with his utmost effort. That was impressive, and it's likely why he was being taught the technique now.

"I think I get it."

The Squad Leader said. Ragna nodded, thinking Encrid might have misunderstood, but he nodded in support.

It was a nod of encouragement.

He knew the limits of talent clearly. While most geniuses fail to see what's beneath their feet, Ragna, having wandered the continent, had seen it. He had gone underground, met those who lived there, conversed, and crossed swords with them.

'Talent.'

How many people had fallen to those two letters: 'talent'.

The Squad Leader would be one of them. It was the natural order of things.

Nevertheless, because he didn't give up, Ragna felt a surge of motivation watching him. Selfishly, by not giving up, the Squad Leader allowed Ragna to continue on his path as well.

So he decided to teach him with all his might.

Ragna resolved to do just that.

"Forget your surroundings, forget yourself, and leave only pure concentration. That is Focus Point, the essence of concentration. When your life hangs by a thread, they say your past life flashes before your eyes. Use that as a reference."

"Really? I see."

Upon hearing this, the Squad Leader seemed to be only half-listening.

That's unlike him.

He certainly wasn't someone who would give up just because it seemed impossible.

Ragna tried to force the concentration by threatening him with a sword a few times, but the Squad Leader still couldn't enter the state of concentration.

"Alright. Let's go."

Yet, he still went to the battlefield with a bright face.

Seeing this, Ragna also felt a sudden surge of enthusiasm.

"Today, I'll loosen up my body a bit more intensely."

Normally, he would lazily swing his sword, embodying the epitome of a lazy genius.

Those weren't words that would usually come from him.

Encrid watched Ragna with a puzzled look.

* * *

What's with him now?

Well, it's not a bad thing that he wants to fight seriously.

Encrid, leaving the eager Ragna behind, focused on his own task.

Today has started again. Ragna's method of training Focus Point was wrong.

No, even if it was right, the method a genius grasped instantly didn't suit him.

Then, was his own method right?

He didn't know if it would work or not.

So what should he do?

'Just test it out.'

Encrid moved along a familiar route. After ordering the troops to lie down and hold their shields, adjusting their movements, he called for Rem.

"Who! The! Fuck! Is doing the sorcery!"

Rem was fuming about the sorcery.

"Follow me!"

He tapped Rem on the shoulder and said.

"Huh?"

"It's a charge."

"What? Squad Leader, did you eat something bad?"

Despite saying this, he followed well.

It was the same route. This time, without being called, Ragna also followed.

"A charge? If it's to break the enemy vanguard, let me join."

"Did you eat something bad too?"

Rem said, looking at Ragna who had followed. Ragna ignored him and rushed forward.

Although the area was shrouded in fog, it did not significantly hinder their movements.

Rem was like a typhoon. The two axes in his hands crushed the enemy.

He seemed capable of cutting down eighty infantrymen by himself.

Ragna looked like a heavy battering ram. He mercilessly smashed through the infantry as if they were a fortress wall. Though not fast, his hands showed no mercy. Whether quarrels flew or enemy spears came at him, he cut and blocked them all with a single arming sword.

It was a remarkable display of skill.

'At least top-tier.'

Top-tier was a level designating soldiers above the high level in the Kingdom of Naurillia.

Above high-level was the highest level, and beyond that was top-tier.

'Or perhaps the highest level.'

Encrid still didn't clearly know his own level.

Therefore, he couldn't assess their level either. Anyway, now wasn't the time to be idly watching.

Following the same route, Encrid stood in front of Mitch Hurrier.

"Let's have a duel."

This time, he spoke first. Mitch's eyes widened, then he laughed.

"Crazy fool, you've come to die by your own will."

It wasn't entirely wrong. Even if he killed Mitch now, there would be no way to survive.

But that was fine.

He wasn't here to die but to clash with his best effort.

"Are you here targeting me? This is amazing; it's a first for me."

Mitch expressed his astonishment with his whole body.

"Why? Is this the first time you've received a confession? I fell for you at first sight and came for you."

Encrid spoke. Mitch chuckled, then glared.

"My squad is the Gray Hound, the persistent lovers. It's been a long time since someone found me before I found them."

"Is that so? Are you disappointed? Should I hide again so you can come find me?"

"Enough nonsense."

Mitch Hurrier charged. Encrid steadied his breathing. He willed himself into a state of concentration and failed.

The outcome of the fight was quickly decided.

His opponent was better than Encrid—in skill, mental strength, and talent.

He wasn't an opponent who could be taken on with just the basics.

"What did you trust in to face me? How did you get this far?"

His lungs and intestines were shredded by the sword. It felt as if someone had placed a burning coal inside his stomach; the pain was excruciating.

"I trusted in myself. This time I made a mistake. My mindset was wrong."

Reliving today and having the same experience again wouldn't be easy.

"What?"

"I think I can do it next time."

Just like when he first entered a state of concentration and found enlightenment, he now gained a small realization.

So he should try again.

"Even if I let you go, you'll die. What 'next time' are you talking about?"

"Isn't he crazy? Don't bother with him, Platoon Leader."

Swish!

An enemy soldier beside them drew his sword and placed it against Encrid's neck.

Without waiting, Encrid twisted his neck to cut himself on the blade.

Rip.

The blade must have been well-sharpened, as a searing pain accompanied a deep wound on his neck.

With the intense movement, pain surged from both his abdomen and neck simultaneously.

Enduring pain so severe it felt like dying—no, he was about to die, truly experiencing a pain leading to death—Encrid opened his mouth.

"See you again."

Leaving those words, he bled out and died.

* * *

Today started again.

Encrid sought out Mitch Hurrier once more.

"Nice to see you, my friend."

"...Did you seriously come looking for me?"

"Yes. That's right. I came to find the Platoon Leader of the Gray Hound, the persistent lover. Let's have a duel."

"You're a crazy bastard."

They fought again. Encrid realized his mistake.

'You can't force it.'

The more you think about needing to concentrate, the more you get bogged down by that thought. So, what should you do?

Do it like the first time.

Move to the rhythm of the opponent's sword, matching its tempo with your own.

Fight, and fight again.

It took eighteen repetitions of 'today' to get it right.

Only then did Encrid re-enter the state of concentration.

He was so happy.

Even with one arm severed and lying on the ground, he smiled.

He was so happy he forgot the pain.

"You're smiling?"

Seeing this, Mitch brought his sword down. That ended it.

Repeat again.

Continue until you get it.

Anyone watching would call him a stubborn bastard. They would say his persistence was remarkable.

But for Encrid, persistence wasn't necessary.

Entering the state of concentration.

Improving his swordsmanship through repeated real combat and meeting worthy opponents.

It was so satisfying that it was simply enjoyable.

After twenty-eight repetitions of today, Encrid got the hang of the concentration state.

Through forty-eight repetitions, he could intentionally bring out Focus Point.

And after ninety-four repetitions, he could bring out Focus Point whenever he wanted.

Pure concentration.

It meant having complete control over his sword and body.

With that came not only power but also skill. After mastering Focus Point, he began learning from Ragna again. When he showed Focus Point immediately after learning, Ragna frowned.

"What is it?"

"Why?"

"It seems like you've learned this somewhere else first... No, this isn't something you can just learn. Were you a genius?"

A genius? Even with incredible luck and persistent experience, it took over a hundred repetitions to finally grasp it.

Encrid knew he had no talent, but he didn't dwell on it.

He simply enjoyed the present moment.

So, repeating today, he said the phrase that had become a habit.

"I was lucky."

"Do you think this is something that happens just because you're lucky?"

Ragna was taken aback.

Seeing this, Encrid thought it was time to move on from this day.

After mastering the essence of Focus Point and pretending to be a genius, he turned away from Ragna. As he did, Ragna asked.

"Where are you going?"

"To meet the Company Commander."

Ragna let Encrid go.

He was just amazed that the Squad Leader had mastered Focus Point in one go.

Could the Squad Leader really be a genius? It didn't seem like it.

Although he demonstrated Focus Point, there was a meticulousness about him, like a sculpture created through countless strikes.

It was definitely not something he had learned after just one attempt.

'How is that possible?'

As Ragna pondered, he quickly dropped the thought. There was no point in pondering if it wouldn't yield an answer.

Leaving it alone was the best option.

Just watching the Squad Leader filled him with motivation.

Seeing Ragna's eyes shine with determination again today, Encrid thought, 'No matter what, today is a day filled with enthusiasm for him.'

'I should focus on my own tasks.'

It wasn't the time to worry about Ragna.

In this battle, no matter what, their side would suffer near-annihilation. To prevent this, two things were necessary.

One was to clear the Fog of Annihilation.

The other was for their troops to take cover while the fog cleared.

He couldn't do both at the same time.

Encrid only had one body.

Breaking the flagpole also posed a problem. He would need to escape from the middle of the enemy camp after launching a surprise attack.

Encrid didn't intend to remain trapped in 'today'. Thus, he had to dismantle and destroy the enemy's strategy.

"I need to see the Company Commander."

Encrid approached the 4th Platoon Leader and said.

"...Now?"

The atmosphere was tense among the troops as they could feel the approaching battle.

In such a situation, it was understandable to be taken aback when someone asked to see the Company Commander.

The Platoon Leader was resting, having propped his pike against the wall of the tent.

He sat up from the camp bed, still wearing his boots.

"Yes, now."

"Why?"

"I remembered something from the previous scouting mission."

The 4th Platoon Leader looked closely at Encrid, then nodded and stood up.

There was a cracking sound from his knees as he stood and stretched before asking,

"What is it?"

"I think the Aspen Army has hidden some sorcery."

"Sorcery?"

"Yes."

The Platoon Leader hesitated, unsure if this was true, but then, recalling that Encrid wasn't one to talk nonsense, he quickly moved.

If there was something to say, it had to be said.

The Company Commander would make the judgment.

Soon, they arrived at the Company Commander's tent and were allowed inside.

"You wanted to see me?"

The Company Commander, a green-eyed Fairy, asked.

The tent was cozy. Encrid nodded as he watched the short torches crackling.

"Yes."

"For what reason?"

The Fairy Company Commander's tone was cold, suggesting there would be consequences if this wasn't important.

"Sorcery."

Encrid didn't waste time.

"Sorcery?"

"Yes."

The Platoon Leader hesitated, unsure if this was true, but then, recalling that Encrid wasn't one to talk nonsense, he quickly moved.

If there was something to say, it had to be said.

The Company Commander would make the judgment.

Soon, they arrived at the Company Commander's tent and were allowed inside.

"You wanted to see me?"

The Company Commander, a green-eyed Fairy, asked.

The tent was cozy. Encrid nodded as he watched the short torches crackling.

"Yes."

"For what reason?"

The Fairy Company Commander's tone was cold, suggesting there would be consequences if this wasn't important.

"Sorcery."

Encrid didn't waste time.

"Sorcery?"

"The flagpoles, the flags, and the person I saw in the enemy camp.He looked like a sorcerer."

Thanks to the relentless repetition of today, he remembered what he had seen, albeit vaguely.

Encrid conveyed what he had seen with slight embellishments, enough to be persuasive.

If this wasn't convincing enough, there was nothing else he could do.

'I'll just have to try again.'

It was a privilege of someone who repeats the same day.

Fortunately, the Fairy Company Commander listened to Encrid attentively.

"Tell me more."

"Alright."

He mentioned hearing the enemy soldiers call out for their sorcerer.

The Fairy Company Commander's eyes sparkled.

He didn't mention that there would be fog. That would be too much.

Sorcery was a closely guarded secret, not easily recognized at a glance.

This was as far as he could go. The rest depended on the Company Commander's ability.

Encrid delivered his message and returned to his position.

He was now at the forefront of the battlefield.

It was time to surpass Mitch Hurrier and break the flagpole.

'This is as far as I can go.'

The rest was up to the commander.

"Phew."

It was time to overcome himself, trapped in today.