Chapter 177

I heard some nagging from Rod, but honestly, I didn’t care much.

If it were someone else, maybe, but he’s the Blue Demon, and he’s fought pretty tough opponents before.

So he must have been surprised to learn that I took on the Blue Demon. Thankfully, the guy I faced turned out to be weak.

Above all, learning swordsmanship is a priority. When Rod heard I wanted to learn, he readily agreed.

In the Soul World, having a good rapport with Rod is essential to learn his sword techniques.

Even though I caused various trouble, I managed to build a steady rapport, making it possible.

“Before I teach you about the sword, Luna, did you say you already learned from another master?”

“Yes. I only learned the basics of swordsmanship and that was it.”

“Then did that master have any unique techniques or other know-how?”

“Not really. They just taught me the very basics.”

Rod nodded at Luna’s response. He probably became curious about who her master was.

Despite having several gaps, her techniques are quite impressive. Moreover, she’s still improving steadily.

Especially her swordplay, it’s flawless. She’s worked hard on swordsmanship and it shows.

“I see. To be honest, I doubt there’s much for you to learn from me.”

“Huh? What do you mean by that?”

“I don’t know any family secrets or hidden techniques. I only know the basic swordsmanship.”

“······?”

Luna’s expression turned strange. It seemed to say, ‘But aren’t you a Sword Saint?’

However, Rod’s words are the truth. I know the reason well.

“I was born a beggar with no connections. At first, I just learned to wield the sword to survive. Then, I honed my basic swordsmanship by learning from a knight.”

“··· ···”

“I fought and survived with only basic swordsmanship. It was only after realizing the principles of the heavens that I learned I was called a Sword Saint.”

Actually, Rod’s swordsmanship isn’t anything extraordinary in the sense of family secrets or legacies. By itself, it’s pretty average.

But that makes it even scarier. One basic attack from Rod is like a finishing move for others.

When he slices through space, it seems merely like ‘cutting’ without any profound intricacies.

“Swordsmanship is ultimately about cutting and thrusting. The most basic techniques are often the most difficult. So, I don’t have much to teach you.”

Rod shrugged and said honestly. Luna’s expression turned a bit sour at that.

He may bear an impressive title like Rize, but if you dig deeper, he’s quite the oddball.

There’s nothing grand about his swordplay; he reached the top with just practical experience and basic techniques. Honestly, that’s already impressive.

‘Now that’s a real established player.’

While others struggle using all means, he clears challenges with just basic attacks.

Even fighters on Earth have their unique special techniques, but Rod doesn’t. As I just mentioned, each attack of his is a finishing move.

“So, what do you think? Do you still want to learn?”

“Yes. I really lack in the basics, so this would actually help me out.”

“Great. Well, you’ve learned some things throughout your life, so it won’t be totally useless.”

Not just not useless, but a massive boon. I mean, learning swordplay from a Sword Saint?

That time I struck back with lightning wasn’t really swordsmanship; it was more like my personal technique. It could be used with any weapon.

“Swordsmanship is mostly useful in duels, meaning one-on-one situations. You can think of it like martial arts. You predict your opponent’s attacks while considering your own movements, and then you attack. While swordsmanship itself is easy to learn, utilizing it is tricky.”

“Is it the importance of different techniques and legacies that lays in the variables?”

“Exactly. It’s about gaining an advantage in the battle of wits.”

In fantasy or martial arts stories, you often see some special sword techniques. At face value, they might seem impractical.

But that’s only concerning basic swordsmanship; in reality, it’s different. Unless you get hit directly, you can’t anticipate what attack will come.

Of course, the opponent is in the same boat, so unless it’s a life-or-death duel, it’s typically a pure basics showdown.

“Wait a sec. So, you had the opportunity to learn various sword techniques, but… why didn’t you?”

“Honestly? I just felt I didn’t need to. I could handle everything with just basic swordsmanship.”

Hmm. It’s like a short guy playing soccer easily, as the defenders just fall over with his mere taps.

Perhaps not having advanced techniques is what allowed him to reach such a position. After all, Rod is quite a genius in his own right.

“Also, in the western world, swordsmanship is viewed as the origin of all weapons, while in the Eastern Empire, spear techniques are seen as such.”

“Do you consider swordsmanship as the origin?”

“No. The best weapon is whatever fits in your hands. If a spear suited me, I’d use a spear.”

“··· ···”

There’s not a hint of romance in those words. Quite practical, leaving me speechless.

Yet, strangely, it resonated. Coming from someone with a background like Rod, he must have experienced a lot to give such advice.

If someone else had given me that advice, I would’ve likely brushed it off.

“First off, it looks like that sword suits you, and we need to check on Sivar next.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. Honestly, I can’t see a reason for you to use a greatsword. That axe should be sufficient. Don’t even think about wielding two weapons at once.”

“··· ···”

I don’t want to give up on that. Above all else, I can’t let go of Bloodmoon, the greatsword.

It’s a sword that absorbs magic power as you deal valid hits. If I have this, it’ll significantly enhance my endurance.

As if reading my mind, Rod smirked. Then with a little shrug, as if to say, “do as you please,” he spoke.

“Well, I won’t deny that sword suits you. But there’s a saying: you need to focus on mastering one well to achieve greatness.”

“I’m going to use both. I need that axe.”

“Oh, right! I totally forgot.”

Rod chuckled. Seems he had just overlooked the true owner of Ragnarok.

Just in case, I’ll mention that the owner of Ragnarok is Hector. It’s something I need to return when I go back to Tartar.

I made the Usuk axe in advance for that, but now they’re combined. It’s a bit annoying, but it cannot be helped.

“Alright. Then before we start, why don’t you swing that greatsword freely? Let it whistle through the air.”

Rod pointed at the greatsword in my hand and asked. I obliged immediately.

The greatsword is large but not particularly heavy. Maybe since I’m channeling magic into it, it feels a tad weighty now.

Swoosh! Whoosh!

As I swung fiercely as Rod desired, the sound of cutting through the air reached my ears.

With my strength being what it is, I had no problem using it with one hand. Despite being a greatsword, I could wield it like a one-handed sword.

Seeing this, Rod nodded and remarked with satisfaction, “Looks good. Seeing you handle it so well, I think I can teach you now.”

If it had been too hard to manage, it seems he would have dismissed me immediately. Knowing that, my swift swings proved effective.

Then, Rod began teaching me from the most basic of basics. Luna was there as well, in case there were any secrets to learn.

“Alright. Sivar, you should start by cutting that log over there. Let me remind you, it’s slicing, not smashing.”

“······Is that it?”

“That’s all, what did you think there was going to be more? I only know basic swordsmanship.”

Seriously, is this really the end? Several cuts and a stab, and that’s it?

As I blinked in disbelief, Rod smiled and waved his hand.

“I’m just kidding. But the emphasis on practicing your slices is real. Remember, it’s about slicing, not smashing.”

“Like with an axe?”

“No. The weight distribution differs between an axe and a sword. Getting a feel for it is crucial.”

Hearing that, I gripped Bloodmoon tightly with both hands. Then I headed toward a nearby tree.

A log about the thickness of my waist. To be honest, I could break it with just my hand.

But he stressed it: slicing, not smashing is the key.

I concentrated intensely, and slashed diagonally with the sword held in both hands.

Whack!

And just like that, I smashed it up good. I didn’t slice through the wood as Rod said, I just broke it apart.

Indeed, it is difficult. I scratched my head and glanced back.

Rod was looking pleased, wearing a satisfied smile.

“That’s alright. Everything’s tough at first. Your task is to slice through that wood. The blade of that greatsword is fairly typical, so it should help in training. You’ll be able to gauge your strength too.”

“Sure.”

“Great! Now… Luna, student.”

“Yes?”

“You’ll have a duel with me for a bit.”

While I practiced, it seems Luna was about to duel with Rod. I discreetly set the greatsword down.

I don’t know why, but this seems like it’s going to be fun. It’s absolutely not because I’m worried that I’ll get beaten to a pulp by Rod.

Soon enough, Luna stood nervously facing Rod. A simple wooden sword was in his hands.

“Before we begin the duel, choose. Do you prefer a formal duel, or a real fight?”

“Is there a difference?”

“Of course there is. It’s the difference between whether you hold back or go all out.”

“······I’ll choose the latter.”

Choosing to have it rough didn’t seem like a wise decision for Luna.

Rod nodded and gestured for her to come, unfazed. Naturally, Luna didn’t charge right in. She just kept a watchful eye on his movements.

Swish!

Before long, Luna rushed towards Rod, two-handed on her sword. Perhaps she was using magic, as she was moving fast.

Rod stood there like a laid-back guy, showing no signs of preparedness.

Just as Luna’s thrust was aimed at Rod’s chest, the situation unfolded.

Tap-

“Huh?”

Rod stepped forward slightly, effortlessly dodging Luna’s attack. Not just dodging, but he even countered.

Actually, it wasn’t a counter in the traditional sense… yeah, he tripped her. It was as casual as walking.

Thud!

Luna lost her balance and fell embarrassingly to the ground. Dust from the dirt stirred up around her.

*Cough! Cough!*

Luna, having inhaled the dust, coughed loudly. Somehow, she managed to stand, albeit looking like she took a hit.

It’s a good thing she executed a falling technique just before she fell; otherwise, it would have been bad. The technique Kara taught her worked.

“That’s pretty much how it’ll go down. Getting a feel for it now?”

“Cough! Yes······”

It was practically a mockery, yet Luna didn’t seem to mind much.

Rather, she looked as if she was just glad she figured it out at this point. She definitely has a good personality.

Rod seemed to appreciate Luna’s attitude too, as he smiled faintly. His posture, however, still had his arms crossed.

“Ha······”

Luna steadied her breathing while gazing at Rod. He might look vulnerable, but the pressure must’ve been intense.

I faced something similar at first too. I charged in thinking he was an easy target, and I got wrecked.

While I at least had my physical specs to keep up, Luna doesn’t. She’ll have to rely entirely on her skills.

Swish!

“Oh?”

But wait, what’s this? Luna’s attack cleanly severed Rod’s wooden sword.

From what I could see, it didn’t even seem like she infused magic; it was confusing if he had let his guard down or if he’d meant to do that.

Luna’s cut was that clean and quick. She controlled the distance perfectly as well.

Thud!

“Ugh?!”

But who is Rod? A monster who has survived as a vagabond for decades.

Just as Luna was preparing to attack again, Rod swiftly grabbed her wrist. His grip was surprisingly strong, causing Luna to grimace.

But the surprise didn’t end there. Rod twisted her wrist downward, making her sword drop.

Swoosh-

“Wait, what?!”

And with an empty hand, he effortlessly took Luna’s sword. The motion was as natural as flowing water.

Now Rod held Luna’s sword, and Luna was left with nothing. This wasn’t a novice’s skill.

“What a nice sword. Where did you get it?”

“······The blacksmith gave it to me.”

Luna responded promptly, though her expression showed she was still quite taken aback.

Although she thought a Sword Saint would know how to use swords only, it seems Rod uses a broad array of techniques. That must have left her quite flabbergasted.

Honestly, I feel the same way. I mean, what kind of Sword Saint does this? It feels more like a warrior wearing the facade of one.

“Um… Principal?”

“What is it? Any words for me?”

“That is… you don’t use swordsmanship?”

At the perfect timing, Luna asked a good question. Only recently he’d been slicing through space with his sword.

But now, he’s like a mercenary who has eaten his fair share of sword meals.

In response, Rod chuckled lightly and handed the sword back to Luna. He then calmly spoke.

“I’ve always been like this. As life goes on, it became hard to rely solely on the sword.”

“··· ···”

“If I had died along the way, they wouldn’t have called me a Sword Saint. I lived and obtained the title.”

If that’s the case, wouldn’t he use a spear or even a gun?

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