Chapter 110

Carriel’s training seemed incredibly monotonous at first glance.

Stuff like running around to build stamina, or specific repetitive exercises to build muscle.

But it was nothing like that.

What he did was absurdly simple.

He’d grip his sword and repeat seven motions.

Four were stances, while the remaining three were more about swinging and thrusting – even those were simple motions.

And he diligently repeated just that, with a consistent pace.

From sunrise to sunset, there was no change in his flow.

However, as the days passed, the speed of his motion connections slowed down.

By the time a month had passed…

Repeating the seven motions merely a hundred times left him completely exhausted. The risen sun had long since dipped below the horizon, and now the moon shone brightly alongside a cluster of stars.

By the time another month went by…

Repeating the seven motions only ten times took up half a day.

It looked like he had almost stopped, but he was definitely moving – albeit minutely, very minutely.

“Extremely high-density training, huh.”

Aiseus would occasionally let out a small gasp of admiration when watching this.

Did she understand the meaning behind his actions?

Minette had no way of knowing.

After all, Minette herself was somewhat skeptical about wielding weapons or their necessity. It wasn’t because she inherited the Legacy of Great Demon King either.

She was inherently adverse to fighting and intimidating others.

And she fully understood that such a personality was unsuitable for surviving in this era, but… she still disliked it.

She acknowledged the necessity.

Violence and weakness are necessary evils.

To protect oneself and one’s surroundings from someone else’s violence, it is undoubtedly a necessary evil.

Was Carriel honing his sword for promotion or glory?

Or perhaps longing for strength and pursuing the fruits gained from becoming stronger?

Venus, whom she had observed in Somern, had always yearned for power above all else. Wielding that power was merely a byproduct of possessing it.

On the other hand, what about Aiseus?

She pursued strength only because she believed it was necessary to obtain fruits.

For her, both power and skill were merely tools dictated by necessity.

Thus, she had no attachment.

She learned what was needed, used what was needed, and possessed what was needed.

So what about Carriel?

As more time passed, winter approached and spring returned…

His training became even stranger and more obsessive.

By this point, repeating the seven motions just once took two whole days without sleep.

He was like a statue carved in stone, unmoving yet alive.

However, after some time had passed, his posture and movements would subtly change.

When he woke up, the changes became even more pronounced.

He was moving, even though it seemed like he had stopped.

“You know, Dragon Divine Sword practitioners learn around 500 different motions when they start?”

While Minette watched from afar, full of deep questions, Aiseus began explaining beside her.

“Huh? Five hundred?”

“Yeah. You had to memorize them all.”

If your mind wasn’t sharp or your body didn’t keep up, it could take a lifetime just to memorize them.

Ironically, memorizing them didn’t mean you had mastered swordsmanship.

That was not even the beginning.

“After mastering those 500 motions to the point where they become second nature, you have to cut them in half. Then you relearn over 200 motions from scratch, cut them in half again, and master over 100 motions…”

“…Is there a reason for doing that?”

There were plenty of people who spent years, decades, or even lifetimes polishing just a few dozen motions and still remained inexperienced.

What Aiseus was describing sounded far beyond common sense.

“Training and mastery, understanding principles and application, bodily modification—all included. Once you’ve pared it down to roughly twenty motions, you’re considered intermediate.”

“…”

“And then, you expand it back to 500 motions again, going through the same reverse process.”

The Dou Shen style was systematized through this exact process.

In short, it was established by consolidating everything—real combat, learning, training, and understanding—to teach others.

“The ones who came before have paved the way. So those who learn the Dou Shen style gain the privilege of learning Dragon Divine Sword techniques, but…”

Mastering it is nearly impossible for most.

Even if someone does manage to master it, they’re usually close to old age.

Thus, unless you’re a naturally gifted prodigy blessed by the heavens…

You’ve already missed the boat for greatness.

This is why it can be seen as a realm unattainable by mere effort alone.

…Unless your effort reaches the heavens.

“After filtering through those 500 motions, selecting the few you can use, refine, and polish consistently—that’s the advanced level according to Dragon Divine Sword standards. That’s where I am right now.”

“But didn’t you actually use something different against me last time?”

Back when they were adversaries, she didn’t seem to be using Dragon Divine Sword techniques properly.

“No, I was using them. The part I’ve systematized so far focuses on movement and footwork. As for sword techniques, strictly speaking, I only use one. And you handled it pretty well, blocking it and all.”

“…”

“And simply being at the advanced level has its limits. If I had reached the highest level, the masterful level… I wouldn’t have been so powerless back then. Even when I fought that insane Legion Commander kid, my body wouldn’t have been so battered.”

Though difficult to grasp, Minette sort of understood what she was trying to say.

“You’re saying that he’s currently going through a similar process?”

“I don’t know. The kind of swordplay I know from Grandeous isn’t like this.”

But this must be it.

It seems that only he truly carries on Grandeous’ swordsmanship in its truest form.

The obsession of the rescue knights towards Elbat is abnormal.

Why they go to such lengths, Aiseus doesn’t know, nor does she care.

They’re just tools anyway.

Surprisingly, Carriel and Aiseus share a similar stance in this regard.

He treated his own swordsmanship as a tool too.

If the Rescue Knights found out, they’d probably fall over in shock.

It’s practically sacrilegious by their standards.

…Even if the perpetrator is the one closest to holiness.

Ding! Ting!

Only after the sun had set and quite some time had passed did Carriel finish his training. These days, he focused on eating every three days.

Rest was also important.

So Aristeretis, who came to learn music, visited every three days too.

Of course, during that time, the instrument usually stayed untouched until she arrived.

“You’ve improved a lot.”

“Hehe…”

At Carriel’s evaluation, the girl scratched the back of her head shyly.

“My playing has gotten much better. But… creating new pieces like you do or applying various techniques… I’m still not good at that…”

“I’m not particularly exceptional at that either, so don’t worry too much.”

“But you effortlessly create so many pieces instantly!”

“…”

Rarely, even the usually calm-faced Carriel showed an unfamiliar expression, maybe awkwardness or embarrassment.

“It’s not about creating; it’s about reproducing what I’ve heard.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

Normally quiet and reserved, Aristeretis talked a lot and sparkled in her eyes whenever she was with Carriel.

“So… she’s obviously smitten, huh?”

Sitting next to Minette on the rooftop, gazing at the night sky, Aiseus remarked.

“She’s just being girly. She mentioned wanting a good partner before, right?”

“Materialistic. Materialistic.”

Aises chuckled, but she didn’t seem overly concerned or critical about Carriel and Aristeretis getting closer.

“So, does Aiseus only value the master-servant relationship? With him?”

“Your question is a bit mischievous. I’ve said this before, but I don’t care. Either way works for me.”

Whether you use a kitchen knife to catch wolves, cows, or chickens, its essence remains unchanged.

Similarly,

Whether you use a sword to catch cattle, daemons, or humans,

A sword is just a sword.

“The master-servant relationship is just a formal structure set by the world. Because we cannot trust each other, we divide into hierarchies and establish procedures and order to force trust. If trust is guaranteed, does it matter whether it’s master-servant, comrade, or spouse?”

“…”

Definitely unusual.

Minette might never empathize with Aiseus’ way of thinking.

However, she wasn’t entirely unable to understand.

Through spending time together, she gradually grasped things.

“What about you? If you feel affection, why not make a move?”

“…”

Affection.

In that regard, respect and goodwill were more prominent.

Initially,

Looking at his current state, it didn’t seem like he could love or dedicate himself to anyone.

What if he could?

That was slightly intriguing.

Moreover, Minette still doubted whether she could walk side by side with someone.

Her fate doesn’t allow for an ordinary life.

Since leaving Somern, she had accepted her destiny long ago.

She wasn’t idly wasting time here either.

The Legacy of Great Demon King.

She was thoroughly examining and organizing its absurd authority.

“Thank you very much!”

Down below, the girl continued chasing something dark with love-filled eyes.

Could it possibly look so lovely and radiant?

Perhaps.

Carriel’s performances were highly skilled.

Whenever he practiced or performed, people gathered eagerly.

Even some animals regularly, sometimes brazenly, sat down when the time came.

Like the bear lounging under that tree.

Or the fox yawning on the branches.

Even the pack of wolves bringing their cubs, watching the bonfire while yawning—quite a rare sight indeed.

As if during that time, the laws of the wild and survival of the fittest were suspended.

Once the short yet long performance ended, they would naturally disperse.

…They must be semi-spiritual beings by now.

“Today was fun.”

Aristeretis hugged her guitar as if it were a treasure, bowed respectfully, and disappeared.

Her residence was quite far from here.

“That girl seems to have quite an interest in you, huh?”

“…”

Despite Aiseus’ teasing words, Carriel showed no particular reaction.

“That’s something she’ll figure out herself.”

“What if she confesses?”

“…I won’t do anything.”

Without any intention of accepting or rejecting her, he ambiguously concluded his statement.

So what exactly is he planning to do?

“Boring.”

Chasing after Carriel’s retreating figure heading back to the rock cave, Aiseus entered the cabin as if her mood had cooled down.

“…”

Meanwhile, descending from the cabin roof, Minette stared at the fading embers of the campfire, lingering quietly amidst the silence and solitude.

For how long will this tranquility and silence continue?

We might call it peace,

But are we truly embracing peace?

Or are we hardening our hearts in preparation for another war?

One thing was certain.

As long as we haven’t broken free from the burdens we carry and the tangled chains of duty,

Neither me nor him,

Will ever find peace, stability,

…or rest.

Minette instinctively felt this.

And so, as spring passed,

Summer arrived,

Then autumn came.

“Aah…”

Completely absorbed in his training, Carriel suddenly sighed toward the empty air as if realizing something.

“Participating in the mounted competition is already too late.”

Recalling something forgotten, yet treating it as if it no longer mattered,

Moments later, he seemed to forget that sigh itself and resumed his intense training.

And again, the world grew white and barren.

High up in the distant towering mountain range,

White traces scattered like falling snow in strong winds,

And here, the first snow of the year began to pile up thickly.

It had been more than a year since arriving here.

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