[80] Swordsmanship

Aiden woke up naturally, just as Hestia was about to return.

"Hmm, it's already this late. Should I have breakfast or not?" Aiden glanced at the clock out of habit. It was ten o'clock.

For Aiden, who usually had lunch around twelve, this in-between time was a bit awkward.

"Hestia must have made breakfast. It would be a waste not to eat it." He decided without much thought, to get out of bed.

After washing up, Aiden headed to the kitchen.

Sure enough, Hestia had prepared breakfast. Today's breakfast was simple... just a few beef and caviar sandwiches that didn't require reheating. Aiden also opened a bottle of juice to go with it.

Over the past month, as Aiden earned more money, the quality of the ingredients they bought also increased.

While eating his sandwich, Aiden thought about his plans for the day. "Takemikazuchi and his familia are coming back around noon. Takemikazuchi, the god of thunder, war, and swords from Japanese mythology. I should ask him to teach me swordsmanship. How did I not think of this before? Takemikazuchi is a good friend and colleague of Hestia."

Realizing he had overlooked such an important detail, Aiden sighed and facepalmed.

Around noon, shortly after Aiden finished lunch, Takemikazuchi arrived with Kashima Ouka and Yamato Mikoto for a formal visit.

Hestia opened the door and welcomed them in.

As soon as they stepped inside, Takemikazuchi immediately bowed deeply to Aiden, his gratitude evident. "Thank you, Aiden-kun. These troublesome kids caused you a lot of trouble." Behind him, Kashima Ouka and Yamato Mikoto also bowed to show their thanks.

"There's no need for that." Aiden is feeling a bit awkward.

Hestia chimed in, "Takemikazuchi, you don't have to do this."

Takemikazuchi looked up with a smile, "Hestia, have you forgotten? This is how we show our gratitude."

Aiden quickly helped them up and gestured toward the sofa. "Please, have a seat."

Takemikazuchi and his two followers sat down, placing a gift box on the table and pushing it forward. "Thank you again for last night, Aiden-kun."

Hestia, not standing on ceremony, took the box and opened it. "Oh, isn't this sake from the Far East? It's been a long time since I've had this. You're so thoughtful, Takemikazuchi."

"Sake? It's been a while since I've had any." Aiden politely remarked, although he had never actually drunk alcohol and generally avoided it.

"I'm glad you like it." Takemikazuchi smiled warmly.

"Today I've come to visit..."

"Today you've come to visit..."

Takemikazuchi and Aiden simultaneously spoke in unison.

"You go first." Takemikazuchi and Aiden simultaneously interjected, exchanging a glance before continuing.

"Hahaha." Seeing this exchange, Hestia burst into laughter. "Takemikazuchi, you go ahead."

Takemikazuchi proceeded to explain his purpose.

Swordsmanship, the art of efficiently wielding a sword was created for this very purpose. Takemikazuchi's mastery of swordsmanship was a culmination of his vast experience spanning billions of years. This was exactly what Aiden lacked the most at the moment.

And that was precisely what Aiden was about to mention.

They quickly agreed.

Led by Aiden, Takemikazuchi followed him towards the training room.

Yamato Mikoto and Kashima Ouka exchanged a glance, both sighing silently.

Each of them took a wooden sword from the weapon rack.

Aiden held his sword in his left hand, its tip pointing towards the ground.

As Takemikazuchi grasped his wooden sword and assumed a mid-range stance that was both offensive and defensive, he remained the same Takemikazuchi, yet exuded a completely different aura.

Though he didn't unleash his arcanum, Takemikazuchi at this moment was neither sheathed sword nor a mundane presence. Holding his sword, he emanated an aura befitting a god of war, his presence commanding.

Since Takemikazuchi now possessed the physique of an ordinary person, the duel was purely a test of skill.

Slowly, they closed the distance.

For Aiden, who had never engaged in combat during his time on Earth, this was his first direct confrontation with a deity.

Aiden stared intently at Takemikazuchi, contemplating his next move. Even in the face of Takemikazuchi, the god of swords and war, Aiden's mind was focused on strategy.

This was not merely an encounter with an opponent but a session guided by a god of war, an opportunity to expose all his weaknesses for constructive feedback.

Aiden stepped forward, swinging his wooden sword downward from the right side, but Takemikazuchi effortlessly evaded with a slight step. Seizing the opportunity when Aiden's sword swung wide and left him exposed, Takemikazuchi swiftly placed his sword at Aiden's neck.

"Impressive." Aiden couldn't help but marvel.

'Is this Takemikazuchi, the God of Swords and War? How much stronger would he be if he used his arcanum? But my swing was indeed too wide... I couldn't retract it in time.'

"Let's continue." Takemikazuchi said with a slight smile, retracting his wooden sword.

"Yes." Aiden replied calmly, also smiling slightly, then swung downward from the right side again, adjusting the force and range of his strike.

Facing what seemed like a similar attack, Takemikazuchi smiled faintly, choosing not to dodge this time. He swung his sword in response, stepping forward with a cleaving motion, ending with the tip of his sword at Aiden's chest.

"Continue." Aiden remained composed, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. Internally, he chuckled, relieved this wasn't a real battle, or else it could have ended with a tragic family stabbing.

Retrieving his wooden sword, Takemikazuchi resumed with a mid-range stance. This time, he initiated an attack, swinging at a level comparable to an ordinary person. Aiden responded with a swing of his own, blocking Takemikazuchi's wooden sword.

Their wooden swords clashed, entering a brief struggle. However, as it was purely a test of skill, neither exerted full force. Takemikazuchi feigned defeat, stepping back, then Aiden saw a mischievous smile flash across his face. Takemikazuchi followed up with a kick that stopped just short of Aiden's vital area, prompting a sharp intake of breath from Aiden. It was a crucial area to protect, and Aiden's reaction was purely instinctual. If Takemikazuchi had followed through with that kick, it would have been a disastrous outcome.

"Aiden-kun, what do you think is the essence of swordsmanship?" Takemikazuchi asked, noting Aiden's reaction.

"The essence of swordsmanship is to use the sword effectively, to overcome opponents." Aiden pondered for a moment before answering.

"No need for embellishment. Swordsmanship is a technique for killing. In true combat, swordsmanship aims to kill the enemy while protecting oneself, whether it's monsters in dungeons or humans. Therefore, swordsmanship has no rules and doesn't need any. In life-and-death battles, winning is all that matters, and the means are irrelevant." Takemikazuchi stated solemnly.

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