Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel - Chapter 305
Chapter 305
“I see, you’re the clever younger sibling, Macline. It appears rumors about the Lord having a talented sibling were indeed true, quite a surprising revelation.”
Ronian couldn’t help but chuckle softly as he gazed up at the imposing figure studying him with curiosity.
“We’ve clashed swords on the battlefield before, Lord Luther. Even if you don’t recall.”
“Is that so? If you were as skilled as you say, I wouldn’t have forgotten.”
“I was quite inexperienced back then.”
“Apologies for my forgetfulness then. My memory isn’t what it used to be…”
There was a time when this giant emanated a sense of overwhelming power, but now, seeing him scratch his head with a slightly embarrassed expression, Ronian couldn’t help but notice the shift in times. It felt oddly satisfying to assess his own strengths in comparison.
“Is being simple something to boast about? Move aside, lump.”
“What did you just say!?”
The voice came from behind the giant.
A slender man with sharp features disregarded Luther’s words and approached with a respectful nod.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you for the first time. I’m Wyken Calia, currently serving as the commander of the Fifth Legion.”
“Feel free to speak informally, my lord. By rank, I am beneath you.”
After the reorganization into legions, Luther and Wyken reclaimed their noble titles to cement their positions of authority. However, it was still challenging to be casual, especially with the king’s younger brother, rumored to be highly valued by his sibling.
“Ha-ha. Just as straightforward as I’ve heard. Since you insist, I’ll be informal as well.”
“Must we always maintain such formalities? If you’re going to be casual anyway, why not follow my lead…”
“I do not lack manners like you.”
“Really? Shall we settle this here and now?”
“If you wish.”
For a moment, tension crackled between the two, followed by an electric hiss, creating a palpable sense of danger in the air.
“Eh? You two?”
“Leave them be. They always bicker like this. Paying them attention only fuels the fire. I wonder where they left their maturity, tsk tsk.”
Ronian let out a hollow chuckle as Gyeomgong, typically reserved, lashed out with sharp words, prompting Ronian to hide his discomfort.
Observing the scene with a smile, Logan finally stepped forward.
“Now that the pleasantries are over, let’s get to the point, Ronian. Can you feel the intense gazes from both sides?”
Logan gestured to Eileen and Victor standing beside him, and Ronian nodded.
Everyone present was well aware of the situation at hand and brimming with curiosity.
While Burdel, skilled with a bow, and Luther, known for his combat hammer, maintained their composure, all these individuals, referred to as “superhumans,” displayed a hunger for power.
‘Being a superhuman likely intensifies their desire.’
Each stage felt like a significant barrier, a boundary within the realm of aura users. Naturally, the desire for advancement would grow if there was a way to progress.
Except for the entity that continued to evolve without visible constraints, like his brother.
Recalling a recent conversation, Ronian locked eyes with his brother once more.
– There’s no need to reveal your Vision so freely. Even without that…
– But you shared the Divine Sword Vision with others, didn’t you?
– …I only imparted it to a select few. Among them, only you, Victor, and Eileen mastered the Vision…
– Do you doubt the reliability of other aura users now?
– That’s…
– Lord Luther and Master Wyken now faithfully follow you, as Victor mentioned. If they could have learned it, would you have taught them the Divine Sword Vision too?
– …
His brother desired to share all he had, yet he didn’t anticipate the same from his younger sibling.
Despite consistently warning about imminent threats and making thorough preparations, he displayed a dual stance of focusing on Ronian alone. Ronian couldn’t fully comprehend it, but he appreciated the sentiment nonetheless.
So, he became even more proactive.
– Like you, I will give my all.
Ronian exchanged glances with his brotherly figure and then turned to the onlookers.
Eight aura users, excluding Golem Master Clayton.
While this assembly constituted the most formidable group of superhumans since Grandia, with enhancements in both quantity and quality, it still fell short in comparison to the Empire’s military might.
Hence, he intended to offer a proposal to elevate this superhuman force to a higher level.
“Hmm… Before I elaborate, it would be best for you to experience firsthand what the Ethereal Sword, which I plan to teach, entails.”
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.
The Ethereal Sword served as a pre-awakening swordsmanship skill, fundamental for swordsmen.
For those who had awakened the Force, an intermediate sword technique utilizing the Force existed as well.
Moreover, advanced sword techniques incorporating aura essentially evolved into martial arts.
Everyone comprehended that practical experience surpassed a hundred explanations.
However…
“I cannot stand idly by while the Count showcases his skills. Allow me to join. If it’s too much, Victor can also participate. Aren’t you two friends?”
Luther stepped forward, embodying the aspirations of aura users who had only heard tales of advanced sword techniques and were yet to witness their potency.
Or perhaps, they lacked confidence in their ability to wield such techniques.
‘I must demonstrate without a doubt.’
Ronian smiled faintly and signaled to Victor.
“Very well. Both Lord Luther and Victor can spar together.”
“…What?”
Luther’s gruff expression contorted further at the prospect of being challenged by Ronian.
“Listen here, Imperial Highness. It seems you are unaware…”
“I am well aware. That’s why I propose we engage together.”
“…A young lad, full of pride for achieving such mastery at a young age. Your Highness! Please deter your brother from this recklessness.”
“No, it’s fine. Go ahead and give it a try.”
“What?”
Luther’s disbelief was evident, but Victor, on the other hand, stepped forward with a tense demeanor.
As Victor advanced, enveloped in a surging gray aura on the brink of eruption, murmurs arose among the spectators.
“Such audacity from a youth…”
Although Luther’s aura remained unrefined, it matched his own in intensity, a realization Luther acknowledged as Victor scrutinized both him and Ronian.
Despite Wyken mocking Luther for his simplicity, only truly inept individuals couldn’t become aura users.
“…So, the advanced sword technique isn’t solely about swordsmanship.”
“Yes. The Ethereal Sword, though categorized as a sword technique, leans more towards a throwing technique utilizing aura. It will greatly benefit you, Lord Luther.”
Luther Kyle’s eyes gleamed with intrigue at the prospect.
Among countless martial arts styles, Luther, in a nation dominated by swordsmanship, had achieved enlightenment wielding a hammer. His unique hammer technique, developed from basic martial arts and his family’s intermediate sword technique, stood as his pride, leaving him uninterested in other martial arts.
But the revelation that it diverged from standard sword techniques and leaned towards a throwing method piqued his curiosity significantly.
“Then let us truly clash blades.”
“As I anticipated.”
With a confident smile curling his lips, Ronian initiated the one-on-one duel.
“Begin!”
Thud.
With newfound respect, Luther no longer underestimated Ronian.
His colossal frame resonated with potent energy as his hammer, imbued with fiery force, descended fiercely to strike Ronian’s upper body.
Swish.
Boom!
The blurred afterimages dissipated, and at the precise moment Luther’s hammer crashed thunderously onto the marble floor, Ronian evaded with a graceful step, effortlessly dodging the trajectory of the hammer.
A forceful strike charged with gray aura surged silently towards Luther, who swiftly counterattacked, his hammer’s blow trailing just a fraction behind.
As Ronian’s expression tensed briefly, a blinding light erupted with a deafening blast.
“Argh!”
“What!?”
Thud. Thud.
Amidst Ronian’s composed voice resonating through the training ground, Victor was pushed back by the impact, while Luther, unable to fully deflect the force, staggered backward. Ronian proceeded to elucidate.
“The foundation of the Ethereal Sword comprises a significant aspect, split into two distinct components, as demonstrated just now. This is the first cornerstone, Star Refinement, refining the aura akin to the radiance of stars.”
“Ah? The force you exerted matched Victor’s, yet you repelled Luther’s strike.”
“It appears you have intensified the purity of your aura to several times its usual strength. It’s remarkable that this can be consciously achieved.”
As Swordmaster and Logan shared their insights, Luther and Victor finally began grasping the unfolding scenario. However, any aura user who struggled to accept defeat after such intense combat wouldn’t readily yield.
In a split second, Luther and Victor’s demeanors shifted.
“This as well…!”
Simultaneously lunging from opposite sides of Ronian, they swung their weapons.
“Take this!”
Whoosh.
While Luther’s hammer emanated an aura on the verge of eruption, and Victor’s massive gray sword seemed capable of slicing through space itself, both brimmed with destructive power, yet Luther and Victor maintained composure.
Anticipating Ronian’s movements to adapt their offense, or ready to press on if Ronian failed to block their attacks, they soon realized Ronian, standing steadfast in place, remained unaffected by their combined assault.
‘This is perilous!’
As Luther and Victor tensed, their frenzied attacks momentarily faltered, a flash of light erupted.
Ronian’s sword, initially gleaming orange, now split into ‘seven,’ these seven further dividing into ‘forty-nine,’ enveloping the vicinity.
These swords clashed with Luther’s aura wave and Victor’s strike head-on.
Boom!
The ensuing shockwave propelled the combatants in three separate directions, swirling up a dust cloud in the hall.
While ordinary knights were tossed around by the force and temporarily blinded, the spectators remained unfazed, more captivated by the unfolding battle’s process and outcome.
Despite Luther and Victor’s concerted effort, Ronian’s single strike forced them back, indicating a clear disadvantage.
“That marks the Ethereal Sword’s second cornerstone, Star Array. Similar to stars twinkling in the night sky, it allows for an endless and countless barrage—an art symbolizing both the inception and culmination of the Ethereal Sword.”
Within the haze of dust, Ronian’s calm voice permeated the air, captivating the onlookers.
“Forty-nine swords. Yet the energy expended is less than half of half. I am intrigued by your ability to produce such pure aura.”
“…Ronian, you manifest a trait tailored for this swordsmanship, evident in the unique frequency of your aura. It seems this isn’t your best either.”
Swordmaster and Logan’s evaluations only fueled the collective desire for advancement.
And then…
“Now, I shall commence teaching you the fundamentals of the Ethereal Sword.”
As Ronian proceeded, rapt attention in the room fixated on his words.
* * *
“You’ve been quite industrious.”
“Just doing my part.”
“Thanks to you, I have one less concern. At the very least, we won’t lag behind the Empire’s superhuman forces in the upcoming conflict.”
At Logan’s remark, Ronian tilted his head curiously.
The way Logan spoke hinted at the type of superhuman entities the Empire would deploy in the impending war.
Yet, Ronian opted not to probe further.
‘He will disclose in due course.’
Ronian presumed other family members harbored similar suspicions, believing their brother held significant secrets undisclosed to them.
These hidden truths safeguarded the family, fostered prosperity in the territory, and propelled him to the role of a kingdom leader, dedicated to safeguarding his domain.
‘I trust my brother and focus on doing what is within my capacity.’
With this mindset, Ronian redirected the conversation.
“Everyone has grasped the basics, so it will take approximately a month to complete the transmission. The subsequent progress will vary based on individual aptitude.”
“That’s true. But something about your explanation troubles me.”
“Are you worried that the Ethereal Sword might lead astray, posing as a temporary solution?”
Logan’s eyes widened in surprise as Ronian astutely discerned the underlying concern.
Initially unaware, Ronian discovered that the Ethereal Sword was a technique even its creator couldn’t fully master. It emerged as a sword art born out of reverence for the endlessly shining stars by an aura genius.
Validated by his accurate inference, Logan exhaled softly and nodded.
Despite refining the aura for heightened efficiency, there remained evident limitations.
“Nonetheless, it will prove incredibly beneficial to everyone.”
“That’s why I passed it on.”
As Ronian elucidated, the Ethereal Sword wasn’t precisely a sword technique but rather akin to a throwing method.
With the capacity to manipulate numerous swords at will, mastering this technique held the potential for combining multiple special moves simultaneously—an almost inconceivable level of application.
Needless to say, the combat utility of such proficiency required no further elaboration.
“Pure aura. Star Refinement. Alone, these will significantly enhance one’s prowess.”
“Indeed. Despite its imperfections, the acclaim as a superior advanced sword technique was not unfounded.”
“And these limitations do not apply to you, correct?”
Ronian offered a faint smile and nodded in response to Logan’s loaded inquiry.
“I awakened to this art when facing imminent danger, where learning it became a matter of survival. Therefore, my experience differs slightly. However, concerning your observation, the issue lies not in its incompleteness but rather in its semblance of a workaround. This is because…”
“Divine Sword Vision.”
“…Yes. Upon comparing it to the Divine Sword Vision, I couldn’t help but notice the distinction. Sooner or later, my sister-in-law and Victor will likely reach the same realization.”
“The Ethereal Sword may indeed facilitate their Vision’s advancement.”
Logan’s assessment of the Ethereal Sword, though impressive, categorized it as a half-measure strategy, a mere stepping stone to transcend realms.
Nevertheless, for the average individual, the elusive Divine Sword Vision remained beyond reach…
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