Chapter 234
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 234
Chapter Title: Grave Slayer
The essence of this training method was simple.
Normally, one would use pure physical strength with all their magic drained, then gradually learn to focus magic into specific parts of the body.
In that process, the necessary center of balance is naturally established.
To do this, Loan had to start by practicing how to drain his magic.
It was hard to say when this method would start showing results. That's just how it is with things that are learned naturally through the body.
For that reason.
Vanjellis had been half-skeptical from the start.
If he worked hard and consistently, he would eventually achieve his goal, even if it took time.
But it was clear that the time and effort required would outweigh the potential benefits.
It might have been more efficient to spend that time further developing what he was already good at.
Moreover, for someone like Loan, whose fundamentals were so thoroughly tangled, intentionally overcoming that was several times harder than starting from scratch.
Vanjellis thought as he looked at the hilt at Loan's waist.
‘I heard he can imbue that sword fragment with aura.’
From a swordsman's perspective, that alone was enough to qualify him as a Runner.
He didn't seem to be able to use an Aura Blade yet, but funnily enough, he could apparently use ‘Flying Sword’—attacking an opponent by launching an aura-infused sword, a technique considered the pinnacle of the Expert stage.
His progression was truly, thoroughly jumbled.
To unravel something that already required countless repetitions and re-establish it from the beginning demanded an immense amount of effort.
But there was something Vanjellis and many others didn't know.
That Loan was, more than anyone, a relentless hard worker.
He had practiced his mana, sitting motionless on the cold ground in the dead of winter. He read books without rest. He would analyze, deconstruct, and reconstruct a new spell all night long.
He had always overcome each stage by pushing his body to a point where one would wonder if he would be okay.
It was a desperate yet natural attitude toward life, ingrained in him since he fled in Helen's arms.
Though his highly condensed periods of focus might make his achievements seem effortless, the quality of his effort was second to none.
Loan was now pouring all his energy into an effort others couldn't possibly match.
It was like summoning a meteor to deal with a single ant.
Loan thought as he swung the blunt wooden beam.
‘I'm starting to get a feel for it, but it's still not easy.’
But he found great meaning in the fact that he saw potential.
First, he grew a little more accustomed to draining his magic. This was thanks to drastically adjusting the flow of his mana, forcing it all out as soon as it entered the first path of circulation.
As a result, he could swing the sword with his body in a natural, somewhat empty state, allowing him to focus more on the sensations in his muscles and bones.
Building on this, he tried to imbue the wooden beam with magic and gladly accepted the strain on his body as his center of gravity shifted.
‘Repeating this should naturally correct my balance.’
He returned to the starting point, drained all his magic, and swung the wooden beam. In the realm of synesthesia, he observed his own body and corrected any unnatural movements.
Within a fleeting moment of thought was contained the long hours of trial and error that others would have to endure.
His posture and movements gradually became perfected.
To a degree that he would not have been ashamed to call Vanjellis his own reflection in a mirror.
Then, at last, the sound of the wind matched.
That was the very moment Vanjellis tilted his head in surprise.
He asked.
“What… It seems like something suddenly changed.”
“Yes. I've managed to drain my magic. When I tried to imbue the wooden beam with magic, my posture felt off, so I was about to repeat the process.”
“You've already felt that sensation?”
“Yes, for now. If I practice diligently until I return to the Union, I think I can reach the point I'm aiming for.”
Considering a single moment of Loan's intense focus was equivalent to a full day for anyone else, this was indeed a long time.
But to Vanjellis, it just looked like overwhelming talent.
He felt a sense of futility and turned to walk away.
“I… seem to have worried for nothing.”
His quiet murmur was quickly buried by the sound of something cutting through the air.
Three days later.
The Union members stationed at Versa Castle received both a common dispatch and individual dispatches at the same time.
Among them, Loan was the only one ordered to return to the Union.
All the other members were ordered to provide support in various regions experiencing ‘skirmishes.’
Sienna was to leave for Shiong to provide support, along with Stephan and other members of the Stability Division.
“Please take care of yourself, senior.”
It was a farewell unbefitting of the Union, but Sienna liked hearing Loan's words.
After sincerely rattling off a list of nagging reminders a big sister might give her younger brother—don't skip meals, don't overdo your training, get enough sleep—Sienna.
“See you at the Union.”
With that short farewell, she spun around and left the castle.
The seniors watched Sienna's retreating back with peculiar expressions. Loan spoke to Stephan, who was among them.
“Stephan. Please give my regards to Archbishop Fabian.”
According to recent dispatches, Archbishop Fabian was engaged in a fierce battle with the Grave in Shiong.
Considering the circumstances, it was quite a carefree request.
But anyone who had met the Archbishop could easily understand what Loan meant by it.
A simple yet blind faith that the Archbishop would be safe and would undoubtedly resolve the difficult situation.
Upon hearing the regards, Archbishop Fabian would likely flash his usual positive smile, as if to meet expectations, and throw his punches without hesitation.
“I will.”
After the group bound for Shiong departed.
The members led by Vanjellis immediately packed their bags for Rhodes, where a civil war was raging.
Intervening in a civil war was one of the most difficult types of missions the Union undertook.
Whatever the outcome, the blame was likely to fall on the Union for its external intervention.
Furthermore, they had to take one side in the conflict, and the fact that the Practical Division, which had many members from Rhodes, was being deployed meant the situation was that much more serious.
Because they might have to point their swords at their own relatives or acquaintances.
“I suppose it's because we're familiar with the fighting style of the people from Rhodes. We're the ones who know how to counter it.”
Vanjellis seemed to have no complaints about the Administration's decision. And if their commander was fine with it, the members had nothing more to say.
As Loan came to see them off, Vanjellis spoke to him.
“We'll pass through Ferrara and help out if there's anything we can do. But really... are you saying your problem might be solved by the next time we meet?”
According to Loan's calculations, yes.
It would be even better if I could achieve the ultimate circulation like Commander Vanjellis, but I'm not aiming that high yet.
Step by step.
He resolved to at least establish the pillar of his body centered on his spine.
“I will do my best to make it so. Thank you very much for teaching me the training method, Commander.”
That wasn't what he meant, but he received a polite answer.
Vanjellis gave a wry smile and led his members away from Versa Castle.
As Loan watched their backs for a long time, seeing them off in his heart.
“Shall we depart as well?”
Berthelot said.
He was to accompany Loan as a special envoy from Versa.
His purpose was to formally express gratitude to the Union for their help in resolving the recent incident and to lend support to the future establishment of their organization.
In addition, if time and circumstances permitted, he also planned to attend King Simon's coronation ceremony with Loan.
It was very reassuring support.
Loan bid farewell to the Duke of Versa and the castle officials, then left with Berthelot.
Whenever they weren't traveling, Loan would connect his Sheville and practice swinging it.
Fascinated by the sword blade that separated and reattached, Berthelot spent his time watching Loan from a close distance.
Loan repeated only a very simple posture over and over.
An uninformed observer might have thought he was a novice swordsman.
But Berthelot, who was near the Expert level, was repeatedly impressed by Loan's clean, efficient posture. He was also amazed by the invisible changes taking place.
A few days later.
As Loan cooled down, separating his Sheville and recalling it to his waist, Berthelot asked him a question.
It was after another day of tirelessly practicing the same posture.
“It's the same as when we first departed, yet different. Your posture hasn't changed, but at times you seemed unstable, as if you might fall over, whereas now you look as solid and majestic as the Tique Mountains. How should I put it... it's as if your sword has gained weight.”
Loan was impressed by Berthelot's keen eye.
A high-level swordsman is certainly different.
His expression was a bit exaggerated, but he had grasped the essence of the matter precisely.
“Is that how it felt to you? That's high praise, but I'm happy to hear it.”
Judging by Loan's expression, he didn't seem to think it was an overstatement.
The way his shoulders seemed to straighten suggested he was finding the reward for his hard work in Berthelot's compliment.
Taking the opportunity, Berthelot asked about something he had been curious about.
“May I ask what that training is for? I don't believe you're doing basic training to become a swordsman, Sir Loan.”
I've already seen you perform a sword dance with Sienna. I thought your skills as a swordsman were already quite outstanding.
There seemed to be no reason for you to be doing this level of training now.
Loan wiped the sweat from his brow with a somewhat troubled expression.
After all, he couldn't reveal the training method Vanjellis had taught him to an outsider.
So, he had no choice but to give an answer close to the truth. The ultimate reason for this training.
“It's training to make my head smarter.”
For Loan, it was the truth. For Vanjellis, it would have been incomprehensible.
Traveling, training. Several days passed, occasionally dealing with remnants of Perver or bandits lying in wait.
When Loan finally opened the minuscule path of magic flowing along his spine.
The two of them arrived at the Union.
It was a moment that made him truly feel its reputation as the safest place in the world.
While various parts of the continent groaned under the actions of the Grave, this place alone remained as vibrant as ever, even in the dead of winter.
Berthelot, who said it had been a very long time since his last visit, marveled at the city's vitality.
As they passed through the East Gate, Lazaros was there to greet Loan, as always.
It was a familiar sight to Loan, but in truth, it was highly unusual for the Director of Administration to personally greet a mere Runner.
It seemed so even to Berthelot, an outsider, but after hearing the Director's first words, he had to agree that it was only natural.
“What, you annihilated Perver? How can you surprise a person like this?”
Loan grew flustered, conscious of their surroundings because of how loud Lazaros's voice was.
“Ah, no. It wasn't just me... and it was Commander Vanjellis, not me, who defeated Perver's leader.”
“The Administration looks at the whole picture. When we compile the dispatches sent by the members in Versa, the clear, objective information quickly reveals itself. Your exploits were enough to cause a stir throughout the Administration, Sir Loan.”
Every single piece of news was astonishing.
For a Runner to have achieved such merits was unprecedented in history.
Through Loan's intervention, Nostra, Perver, and Libertha had already been eliminated.
“At this point, we should call you the Grave Slayer, not the Badge Collector, hahaha!”
Lazaros let out a loud laugh, looking at Berthelot as if seeking his agreement.
Berthelot had no choice but to agree, facing Lazaros whom he had just met.
“Y-yes, that's right. A very fitting title. Ha, hahaha.”
Loan shook his head at the uncomfortable nickname and started walking toward the Administration building first.