Chapter 76
Chapter 76
Testing how far he'd grown. Measuring what caliber of opponent he could now face.
For Logan, sparring with the Sword Duke held precisely that meaning.
Against an opponent who effortlessly blocked every attack and countered with ease, Logan unleashed the full extent of his improved abilities.
Yet strangely, the Sword Duke—who had begun their session with an amused smile—gradually grew more solemn as time passed.
Clang!
Though their blades clashed head-on, it was Logan who got sent flying back.
After thirty exchanges where the Sword Duke had smoothly evaded or exploited openings with precision, this marked the first time he'd overpowered Logan through sheer force.
Logan steadied himself, ready to charge again—only for the Sword Duke to raise a halting palm.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"Pardon?"
"You can't possibly be giving this your all."
"...No, I'm not."
"Good. Then show me your absolute best."
The Sword Duke's uncharacteristically sharp tone made Logan's expression stiffen.
This was their first proper training session since officially becoming master and disciple.
Logan had no intention of disappointing his teacher from the outset.
Though hesitant, he resolved to demonstrate his current peak.
Hwoom—
"Hah!"
Kwaaaaang!
Eight golden waves of force surged toward the Sword Duke, followed instantly by a piercing beam of light—the same linked technique that had critically wounded the Moonlight Knight, Flanz.
Logan expected to see surprise this time, but his master's blade was already at his throat, the man's expression icy.
"...Pathetic. Did you plan to collapse after two attacks?"
Whack!
"Ghk!"
The Sword Duke's training sword—ordinary steel—hammered Logan's buckling legs like a mace.
"On your feet. Again!"
"...Huh?"
"Again!"
The short, thunderous command made Logan jerk upright before he could think.
His Force reserves were nearly depleted, his legs still trembling. Yet his body reacted instinctively to the overwhelming pressure suddenly bearing down on his psyche.
"Mindlessly expending Force like a fool—that can't be your best?"
In an instant, Logan's Divine Sword technique was reduced to a joke.
"What do you...?"
Logan could only stare blankly.
"I said show me your swordsmanship at its peak!"
Killing intent radiated from the lightly poised blade, its soul-numbing chill sharpening Logan's focus.
"Do not disappoint me further, Logan."
The Sword Duke's aura had transformed entirely from moments ago. Pale-faced, Logan gritted his teeth and raised his sword.
Summoning every ounce of remaining strength, he swung with maximum speed and power—
Only for his grip to tear open as the training sword crumpled like dough under the Sword Duke's casual parry.
"You call this swordsmanship?"
The voice was colder than the expression accompanying it, stabbing deep into Logan's pride.
His hands trembled uncontrollably.
'The kingdom's greatest swordsman. Fine, I acknowledge that—'
But that status didn't grant the right to belittle his efforts.
Crunch.
"...I'll show you. Properly."
Blood seeped from his shredded grip. His legs shook too violently to stand properly. His depleted Force had only just begun recovering.
Logan forced his body to move, filling the gaps with sheer stubbornness.
He grabbed another training sword from the rack, discarding all complacent thoughts about proving his growth or testing limits.
'I will land one solid hit.'
He ignored reason screaming it was impossible.
Shhk.
Adopting the most efficient stance, he visualized the optimal attack trajectory—
From the minimalistic footwork to the streamlined swing, his movements became startlingly precise as distractions fell away.
Yet—
Thwack!
"Keugh!"
A jolting pain erupted from his solar plexus, stealing even his voice.
"Too predictable!"
The agony should have knocked him unconscious, but boiling fury forced him back up.
"Always plan the next move! Attacks with transparent intent barely qualify as swordsmanship!"
The repeated criticisms about "swordsmanship" continued.
'What the hell does he want from me?!'
Suppressing rising frustration, Logan visualized another optimal path—this time incorporating Iron Blood Sword forms while anticipating counterattacks.
His body moved exactly as imagined.
Yet the perfected strike was effortlessly blocked and countered again.
Wham!
But Logan—expecting the hit—endured the pain and pressed forward with another swing.
Just as he thought this one would connect—
Thud!
A sharper pain lanced through his ribs.
"Use your head! Your approach is crude!"
Logan's rationality frayed further.
From then on, he attacked repeatedly with singular focus—to land just one hit.
Oddly, amidst the failures, the Sword Duke's critiques gradually corrected his form.
Finally, after what felt like ages:
"Now you've shed some bad habits."
The cryptic remark coincided with the Sword Duke relenting.
As Logan collapsed, his muddled thoughts began clearing.
"Ghhh..."
Full awareness brought throbbing agony throughout his body—
"Logan."
—and the voice of his tormentor.
His teeth ground involuntarily.
"Your realm may have advanced since we first met, but your swordsmanship hasn't—it's regressed. Rather than polishing a gemstone, it's like watching someone smear filth over it."
The scathing criticism sharpened Logan's focus.
"What...?!"
"Have you even practiced swordsmanship? It's miraculous your realm improved at all. Your fundamentals are ruined."
"...?!"
"Dumping Force into flashy techniques doesn't make them powerful swordsmanship. Do you think that's how you grow stronger?"
The words struck a nerve, recalling Logan's recent obsession with Divine Sword techniques.
"Realm advancement requires foundational growth. Talent or luck might help you scale a wall, but the next barrier only grows higher. During your stay, I'll eradicate every flawed habit."
As the Sword Duke's words pierced his core, Logan's hazy consciousness gradually sharpened.
'Was I...?'
After regression, combining his talent with past experience had let him easily achieve higher realms—leading to single-minded focus on Divine Sword techniques.
At times, he'd neglected even that due to family affairs.
Yet somewhere, he'd harbored baseless pride—
'I'm doing well. I'm a genius now...'
'Since when was I ever a genius?'
Returning to the past, with everything going his way, he'd somehow deluded himself.
"Ghh... Again—"
"Hm?"
"—please train me again."
Logan forced his battered body up, eyes now clear.
'I'll rebuild my foundation from scratch.'
His pulsating Force Core felt distinctly tangible.
Never had his rapid recovery felt more welcome.
Much later—
Logan was carried unconscious from the training grounds in critical condition, alarming knights who immediately called for healers.
But the Sword Duke stopped them.
"Swordsmanship is learned through the body. The harder the lesson, the deeper it etches itself."
'He might die if left untreated!'
The knights' pleading glances went unheeded.
Ultimately, they transported the unconscious Logan with pitying expressions.
Observing this from the sidelines, Louis smiled faintly and addressed the Sword Duke:
"You've taken quite a liking to him, haven't you?"
"Hmph. What's to like about a talent-squandering brat...?"
Despite the gruff tone, a faint smile played on the Sword Duke's lips.
"...Though his tenacity isn't bad."
The belated, awkward praise made Louis' eyes widen.
Though brief, reuniting with his master yielded significant gains.
However, collapsing from exhaustion immediately upon meeting the Sword Duke hadn't been part of Logan's plans.
Forced to retire much earlier than intended, this created the perfect opportunity for someone lying in wait.
"Then rest well, young master."
"Mm."
Despite obvious exhaustion, Logan merely bathed briefly before meditating cross-legged on his bed.
'When does he even sleep?'
The long-discarded question resurfaced briefly before Rick dismissed it.
'As long as he's healthy.'
Healthy? The lord himself had raved about Logan being among history's strongest youths.
Worrying was pointless.
Now—
'Time for the lord's task.'
Smiling faintly, Rick rummaged through his clothes—
For the master who'd indulged his flimsy marriage excuse with amusement, he moved with silent urgency.
"Who goes there?"
"Rick, attendant to Young Master Logan. I bear a letter from Baron MacLaine."
A baron's servant couldn't possibly meet a duke directly.
Rick could only hope the man identifying himself as the duke's adjutant would properly deliver it.
Then—
Creak.
"Hup!"
"Logan's father? Why not use magic communication?"
The duke himself opened the door.
Heart nearly leaping from shock, Rick hastily bowed deeper and stammered an explanation.
"Th-this matter cannot reach the young master's ears..."
"Oh? Something Logan mustn't know? Hmm, this Baron MacLaine... intriguing."
The duke snatched the letter bearing the MacLaine flame seal.
Chuckle.
To His Grace Felix Esperanza,
From the unworthy minor official Patrick MacLaine, who presumes to make a request—
"So the son learned his bluntness from the father."
The letter dispensed with noble formalities, which the Sword Duke found refreshing rather than offensive.
However—
I remain eternally indebted for the swordsmanship Your Grace bestowed. Our knights' improved skills helped us overcome dire crises.
'Hm?'
The following lines puzzled him.
Though presumptuous, I pen this request trusting in Your Grace's affection for Logan—who remains unaware. If my impertinence offends, blame only this father's excessive hopes.
"Hah?"
The confusing content continued—
My lacking son Logan suffered a minor heartache two years past... (omission) ...This stems not solely from escaping Vifros' oppression... (omission) ...Should you grant this excessive request, House MacLaine shall never forget Your Grace's kindness.
"Heh. An amusing petition. So Logan knows nothing of this?"
"Correct. The young master said such matters were irrelevant currently..."
"A youth near twenty with no interest in women?"
"Indeed. Our young master is... somewhat unique."
"Heh. That he is."
Though momentarily surprised, the duke nodded—his disciple was undoubtedly peculiar.
"The baron believes it stems from past wounds."
"Hmm... intriguing. Very well, I'll assist."
"Th-thank you!"
Rick nearly jumped for joy.
'I wonder how he'll react...'
Had Rick known the mischievous glint in the Sword Duke's eyes, his celebration might have faltered.