Chapter 521: Intensive Training (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 521: Intensive Training (2)
“Hah… I’m starting to feel cheated again. Even with my intensive training, I thought it would take at least two months for you to perfect the Light Speed Thrust. But it didn't even take you a day—not even an hour.”
Even Talaris found it difficult to wrap her head around.
In truth, mastering a high-level Light Speed Thrust in just two months was already an absurd proposition. She had only considered it possible by factoring in Jin’s immense potential combined with her own guidance.
“…Did I really do it on the first try?”
Jin looked bewildered by Talaris’s reaction. Since he had performed it without much difficulty, he had naturally assumed it was within her expectations.
Is it really something to be this surprised about?
First, he gave a slight bow, apologizing for interrupting her and thrusting his sword without warning.
“My apologies. I acted without thinking.”
“No, is that what’s important right now? What in the world are you, son-in-law? Have you been practicing this Secret Technique for a long time?”
“It’s only been a few days.”
“Ahaha, is that so…?”
For some reason, it reminded him of when he first learned magic from Murakan at Storm Castle. Talaris was showing the exact same reaction Murakan used to have every time he was shocked by Jin’s talent.
“My goodness. I suppose I should say I chose my son-in-law well. With talent like that, it’s a waste for you to be the master of the Secret Palace. The 2nd Flagbearer, Joshua, has fallen into the abyss… Hmm, you really ought to become the Patriarch of Runcandel. There’s no history of a Patriarch and a Palace Master marrying, but we can just start that tradition.”
Back when he learned magic from Murakan, Jin had intentionally held back to avoid suspicion. Now, there was no need for that.
“I think I can split the acceleration… not into seven, but nine segments.”
“What?”
“To be precise, it would be better to say I’m dividing it into three parts. I’ll group the nine points of aura concentration into three sets, treating each set as one burst of acceleration. If I can grasp the sensation of accelerating three times, it will become a proper thrust.”
At that, Talaris was shocked all over again.
There was a rather cryptic passage in the manual Cyron left behind. Could it be that he meant exactly what my son-in-law is saying now…! I thought it was just a device meant for Mary.
Quickly scanning the manual again, Talaris realized that Jin’s words were spot on.
“You said your sister’s Light Speed Thrust was inferior to mine?”
“Yes.”
“Then Mary shouldn't have been the one to pass this down to you. She likely hasn't grasped its true essence. She probably thinks the reason her Light Speed Thrust is inferior to Cyron’s is simply due to a difference in martial prowess and proficiency.”
“Mary will find the answer on her own eventually.”
“Hmm, she is certainly special, so I suppose she will.”
But compared to you, even that immense talent loses its luster, Talaris kept the thought to herself.
“Anyway, I think I understand where those nine points of aura concentration are. However, my old bones ache too much to demonstrate it again. You try one more time.”
“I think I’ll need a preparatory movement.”
“Take it slow. Perform the thrust as perfectly as you can.”
Jin focused his mind and adjusted his stance.
For a moment, the Light Speed Thrust he unleashed seemed poised to reveal a power exceeding even the one Talaris had shown him…
Instead, the aura gathered on his blade failed to extend forward, shattering pathetically. His posture crumbled, and he nearly tumbled to the ground.
“Ahahaha! A moment ago, you were surprising your mother-in-law, and now you’re performing comedy for her, I see!”
With Talaris laughing that hard, Jin couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed.
“I suppose I got greedy, and my center collapsed. I’ve shown you something unsightly.”
“Well, you need a human side like that. Thanks to you, I got a good laugh out of it.”
However, contrary to her words, Talaris was well aware that Jin had ‘almost succeeded again.’
He just lost his form at the last second because he was too focused on the aura circulation. It’s practically the same as succeeding on the first try… If he tries again, he will definitely succeed.
Jin took his stance once more.
Talaris waited quietly for him to thrust his sword.
With a changed look in his eyes, Jin corrected the mistake he had just made and drew up his aura.
Soon, a single strike tore through the air. The brilliance it radiated contained a dignity worthy of being called a Runcandel ‘Secret Technique.’
Runcandel 5th Secret Technique:
Light Speed Thrust!
A blinding flash erupted. The sword, extending at a speed that seemed to chase the light, distorted space sharply, leaving a long afterimage like a comet’s tail.
Only those who had reached a certain realm could perceive that fleeting afterimage. Though it began from the sword, a line of aura surged forward only after the movement was complete, rushing madly along the trajectory the blade had carved.
A massive cavity formed in the training ground’s ice wall. If Talaris hadn't reinforced it beforehand with the power of Ten Thousand Ice, Jin’s aura would have shot past the Secret Palace and left its mark on the sky itself.
This time, instead of shock, Talaris let out a breath of pure admiration.
“Ho. Speed aside, the power certainly surpasses the one I performed.”
Finishing the technique, Jin caught his breath and shook his head.
“Your demonstration was just a light one. My sword can’t possibly compare to your martial prowess, Lady Talaris.”
“No, it would be the same even if I performed it properly. Since it’s a Secret Technique unique to Runcandel, there are limits to how well I can replicate it. And… hmm.”
“What is it?”
“You said nine times…”
Watching Jin’s Light Speed Thrust just now, Talaris felt as if she had caught a glimpse of a new realm for the technique.
“Could you divide the aura concentration ten times?”
Jin intuitively understood why Talaris was asking such a thing.
“Have you seen a way to improve it?”
“Hmm, improvement… To begin with, it’s clear that the Light Speed Thrust is perfected with the nine concentrations and three accelerations you mentioned. However, my son-in-law isn't an ordinary martial artist, is he?”
Spirit energy, lightning energy, mana.
Unlike ordinary martial artists, Jin could wield a total of four types of power, including aura. Talaris judged that perhaps one of those powers could act as the ‘tenth element’ of the Light Speed Thrust.
People don’t usually question something that’s already in a perfect form. The same goes for swordsmanship.
But Talaris, like Jin, was no ordinary martial artist.
“Our Secret Palace has several martial techniques for extremely fast thrusts and slashes. All of those techniques complement their aura circulation with the power of Ten Thousand Ice. I think the same method could be applied to the Light Speed Thrust. No, I’m almost certain of it. Those who only use aura could never even conceive of this.”
Jin felt goosebumps on the back of his neck. It was as if his eyes had been snapped wide open.
“Of course, this wouldn't apply to every kind of sword, but because of its simplicity, adding another power to the Light Speed Thrust shouldn't be difficult. And in my opinion, lightning energy would be best.”
Some of Runcandel’s Decisive Techniques and Secret Techniques have their roots in the Pluto Sword.
While the Light Speed Thrust was a technique Runcandel developed independently, if one traced its origins, there were bound to be parts influenced by the Pluto Sword.
Of course, Talaris didn't know that. Her suggestion that lightning energy would suit it best was born purely from the insight of a martial artist who had reached the pinnacle.
“It will be a perfect fit. Now, what you and I must do is find that final point of acceleration. It’s going to be a magnificent sword. We’ll have to name it after you, too.”
“I haven’t done anything.”
“Hmm, I know. But we can’t name it after me, can we? Consider this the price for making me laugh, Black Prince.”
“Lately, I’ve been contemplating how best to kill the pirate who first came up with that nickname.”
* * *
Two weeks passed.
With each passing day, Kinzelo hurled curses at Jin, who still hadn't set a date for their meeting. Meanwhile, Runcandel and Zipple were engaged in a media war, controlling information regarding the Sota Desert.
And dark rumors about Joshua began to circulate throughout the world.
Runcandel never released an official statement about his fall.
However, that silence alone allowed even the general public to infer Joshua’s downfall, and open secrets began to form everywhere.
Yet, media outlets still loyal to Joshua were subtly releasing articles to protect him, claiming that talk of his downfall was nonsense and that he had simply entered closed-door training.
Rosa didn't particularly try to stop them.
“Gosh! Our Lord is practically the next Patriarch of Runcandel now, but there are still stories saying the 2nd Flagbearer will take the throne. It’s so frustrating. That guy is finished.”
Jet said, closing a newsletter.
“Jet, you mustn't say such things elsewhere,” Casimir cautioned.
“Sir Casimir, I’m not that stupid, hehe. Anyway, the Lord went there thinking he’d just be learning for a few hours, but it’s already been fifteen days without a word… This Jet is getting worried.”
“You worry about the strangest things. Do you not know how much Lady Talaris dotes on the Young Master?”
“It’s not that. I just miss him. If I’d been born a true martial prodigy, I would’ve fought by his side every time. Isn't that right, Enya!”
“Of course, Uncle Jet! You should try training every day like me. Who knows? A hidden talent might awaken.”
“Heh heh, dreams are for youngsters like you.”
“Uncle Jet is weak,” a voice teased.
The other comrades nearby burst into chuckles.
Soon, however, the leaders like Casimir, Valkas, and Rata took on grim expressions.
“Ghost Captain. It seems we must inform the Lord of this.”
On the table before them, along with the newsletters, were piles of reports from the Seven-Colored Bird and the Ghost Squad.
“I agree, Sir Valkas.”
“I saw with my own eyes how much the Lord cares for him. Of course, it doesn't seem like anything will happen immediately, but it’s right to inform him quickly. I have a very bad feeling about this.”
The report they were reading contained the following:
[Confirmation of initial signs of a purge: All Ancestor Dragons of the Hairan Dragon Knights are gathering at the Imperial Palace. Based on various circumstances, there is a possibility this is not mere posturing by the Emperor.
The whereabouts of the Dragon Knights cannot be determined with current intelligence capabilities.
If the intelligence level is raised, the risk of discovery becomes extremely high. Requesting approval from Tikan Headquarters.]