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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kiteretsu]
[Proofreader - Kyros]
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Chapter 170
"No, what is this…?"
Ian blinked, struggling to hide his confusion. His throat felt tight, rendering him speechless.
Watching Gailgron slash his sword through the air, Ian couldn't help but let out a hollow laugh.
Siiing!
With a clear resonance, the sword's tip traced a perfect circle.
Swaaaak!
The blade cut through the air like an axe splitting down.
Shwik—
The sword, which had been pointing toward the ground, suddenly shot up like an arrow.
Paaang!
Then, as if retracting his upward strike, he immediately thrust forward.
Just from experiencing it a few times, he had perfectly replicated the swordsmanship once used by the pureblood werewolves.
Not only that—he had modified it, elevating it to an even higher level.
“…Ha.”
Even though swordsmanship varied greatly in power depending on the wielder’s abilities, this was completely unexpected.
Ian found himself looking at him not with envy, but with reverent awe.
Accumulated experience played a part, but this was something impossible without sheer, blinding talent.
Yet instead of feeling like he was facing something beyond his reach, Ian felt a sharp inspiration strike his mind.
He wasn’t sure if it was an illusion, but it was the same feeling as when he had witnessed the true form of an Outer God seated on a colossal throne—when his eyes had been opened.
It was as if he was seeing a new world, his perspective broadening.
“Hm. For now, this seems like the best approach.”
Gailgron swayed his sword in the air before nodding and turning toward Ian.
"I can’t meddle with your family's swordsmanship since I’m not part of it. But the swordsmanship used by that beast… I think I can refine it. No, I have refined it. Come here."
Wooong—
Gailgron knew that the Gray Paladins, intrigued by this sparring and instruction, were listening closely.
Some of them were even timidly mimicking his movements, but without talent at the level of a Hero, mere observation wouldn't be enough.
However, things would change if they also learned how to manipulate mana. To prevent eavesdropping, Gailgron conjured a spherical barrier.
They could still observe his actions, but unless they could read lips, they wouldn’t know what was being discussed.
"It'll be a bit difficult, but you have the talent to pick it up right away. The fundamental principle is the same—the only difference is in how you operate mana. Listen carefully and follow along."
Ian nodded, focusing on Gailgron's impromptu lecture. However, it was undeniably complex. It felt like he was on the verge of understanding but couldn’t quite grasp it.
It was the natural disparity between the perspectives of a genius and an ordinary person.
Yet, Gailgron had an exceptional aptitude for teaching, adjusting his explanations to Ian’s level.
Because of that, Ian couldn't bring himself to say anything weak like, I can’t do it.
"Hey, learning directly from an active Hero? I hate to say it myself, but this kind of opportunity is rare. You might only get a few chances like this in your entire life—if at all."
"I understand."
"Then focus when I’m teaching."
Ian was already doing just that. He wasn't letting a single word slip past him. He imprinted the knowledge into his mind, consciously guiding his mana to replicate the technique.
Seeing that Ian was getting a rough sense of it, Gailgron told him to try it himself.
They stood facing each other, swords raised, with the focus on applying and counteracting the technique through direct engagement.
Siiing!
"Tsk, I told you that's not how you do it. Do it like this."
Clang! Sparks flew as the force pushed his arm back significantly. His stance collapsed weakly, leaving his chest exposed and defenseless.
"Increase your mana output. Don't hold back. It's better to go overboard than to fall short. When facing a transcendent who has reached the Hierarchy, you must always give your best. The moment your blade clashes with your opponent’s is the most crucial. The principle of Hoecheon is to pull in and then push away."
Mistakes were corrected immediately. When told to widen his stance, he extended his front foot. When told to lower his posture, he bent his knees.
He was not afraid of making his movements larger. He followed the optimal path for wielding the sword.
It was an action that required countless repetitions, but his body was well-trained enough to remain steady.
"If necessary, mix in martial techniques as well. I've fought a Red Spear Knight before, you know? Bit of a lunatic. Jackson Berger—ever heard of him?"
He did. They had only met a few times, but he was one of the elders of the family.
Despite his old age, perhaps out of pride in his strength, he was known to roam outside.
If there were rumors of his death somewhere, he would briefly visit the family estate to show his face before leaving again.
"He had no hesitation in using his feet when closing the distance during a fight. Even while holding a weapon. You should do the same. No, you have to. Disrupting your opponent's stance is crucial."
Ian nodded. He was well aware of this.
With a body that had reached Level 6 and the experience from his previous life, he had been through countless battles. Of course, he knew. He would use it when the situation called for it.
Gailgron then taught not only Hoecheon but also the techniques of Nachcheon, Seungcheon, and Gwancheon.
Just by adjusting his stance and slightly changing the way he channeled mana, the power of his strikes was on a completely different level.
It had only been a few hours. Those who had been watching had long since grown bored and left. They were all busy with their own tasks, making preparations to depart.
However, the sparring did not stop. In fact, it was only just beginning.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
A fierce exchange of blows unfolded, resembling actual combat.
Ian did not hesitate. Gailgron was an opponent capable of handling his full power, even when mixing swordplay with martial techniques.
"You have a combat-related trait, don’t you? You notice movements in your blind spots. You definitely shouldn’t be able to see me, yet you still react, even if slightly late. And those eyes of yours…"
"Sharp observation."
"I may look like this, but I'm a hero. I haven’t just been idling around. I’ve fought countless battles in places you wouldn’t know about."
Even as Gailgron swung his sword, he continued speaking, his voice unshaken and composed.
"I uncovered the Outer Sea’s schemes and pursued them to destruction. Through that process, I saw and experienced many things—whether I wanted to or not. Naturally, my insight developed."
"Then, do you know what kind of trait it is?"
"It’s probably Farsight. If you can perceive attacks from outside your field of vision, that must be it. But those eyes… Hmm. I don’t know what kind of awakening you’ve undergone. Would you mind telling me?"
Clang!
Deflecting a downward slash, Ian clenched his teeth and smirked. For a supposedly casual question, it was delivered with an incredibly heavy and threatening strike.
"I’m not entirely sure myself. I can usually see the flow of mana as if it’s visualized, my dynamic vision has improved, and I can see through illusions or falsehoods."
"Can you interfere with mana as well?"
Ian exhaled sharply before replying.
"Not sure. I’ve never tried. I’ve never even attempted it. I don’t think I have that kind of ability."
"That’s uncertain. You might not have fully awakened yet. That’s the most reasonable assumption. Mystic Eyes always possess powerful supernatural abilities."
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
Ian swallowed hard and swung his sword desperately.
Gailgron’s blade grazed his cheek and slashed through his already tattered clothes.
The wounds stung, but he continued speaking as if nothing had happened.
"As heroes are born through the selection of the Lords, the Evil Eye can be said to be chosen by fate itself. That’s why so many covet it."
There are even those who go so far as to kill its wielder just to extract the eye.
Gailgron suddenly burst into laughter.
"Haha, you must be really popular! You’ll have a lot of people to watch out for. You should also be wary of the members of the Ten Thousand Demons War. There won’t be a shortage of people after your eyes."
"Are you mocking me?"
"I'm concerned for you. You have quite a bit of potential. As for the spar… shall we end it here?"
Gailgron let his sword droop, as if he had no desire to continue.
Ian wiped the sweat running down his forehead with the back of his hand and bowed his head.
"I will not forget today."
"Well, if our order ever faces trouble again, lend us your aid—just like you did this time."
"I certainly will."
"Good, then."
Gailgron turned to one of the onlookers, a woman with ash-gray hair.
"Abella!"
With a light gesture, he beckoned her over.
It was an incredibly rude action, but since it was Gailgron, no one dared to call him out on it.
After all, he was a fellow hero and an esteemed senior. She, too, approached without showing any sign of displeasure.
"Yes?"
"Treat him."
Gailgron glanced at Ian and winked, as if telling him, "Do your best."
Ian felt it was unnecessary meddling, but at the same time, he was grateful.
He was a good person—too talkative, perhaps, but his actions were always sincere.
Abella stepped closer to Ian.
"Hmm, do you need healing?"
The wounds from Gailgron had already healed completely. He intended to refuse, but as if the question was unnecessary, she gathered divine power at her fingertips.
Wooong—
A warm light seeped into his body.
"…Thank you."
"……."
An awkward silence lingered.
Ian looked at her. She was even more beautiful than when he had last seen her. He couldn’t take his eyes off her.
Noticing his gaze, she was the first to speak.
"Congratulations on ascending in rank."
"I told you, I want to share the burden on your shoulders."
Abella smiled.
"I thought you were joking."
"Not at all. I am not the kind of man who speaks lightly."
"Still the same, I see?"
"Of course. So, what do you think? I believe I am more than qualified now… Would you consider using me at least once?"
Ian spoke with a trembling heart.
He thought he wouldn’t be nervous unless facing a battle against a transcendent being, but in this moment, he couldn’t help himself.
"Are you sure? It will be dangerous."
"I recall you saying the same thing last time. But that is exactly what I want. Do you know why I was able to grow this quickly?"
"…Trials?"
"Exactly."
"Hmm."
Abella pondered for a long moment before nodding.
"Do you have any missions planned after this?"
For a brief moment, the thought of taking over Inquisitor Eor’s mission crossed his mind, but he pushed it aside.
"If you ask me to join you, I will put everything else on hold."
"Then I’ll contact you in advance when I need your help. For now, there’s no mission urgent enough to require us to work together. But when the time comes, I will seek your aid first. Will that suffice as a promise?"
Ian readily nodded.
She was not one to make empty promises. If she said she would prioritize him, she would.
Now that he had reached Level 6, he needed to take on various requests and grow accustomed to his newly elevated state.
Abella gave a small, bright smile.
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kiteretsu]
[Proofreader - Kyros]
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