305 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 305 "Oh, you must be MacLine's younger brother. Now that I think about it, I heard rumors of you being a genius sibling of the lord, but this is quite unexpected." Ronian chuckled faintly as he looked up at the giant of a man staring at him with curious eyes. "We've already crossed paths on the battlefield, Duke Luther. Though it seems you may not remember." "Is that so? It's hard to believe I wouldn't remember someone as strong as you." "I was quite lacking back then." "Ah, my apologies. My memory isn't the best..." The giant, who once exuded an aura of daunting oppression, now scratched his slightly reddened head, causing Ronian to feel a nostalgic sense of change. He couldn't help but feel a strange pride as he evaluated the giant’s abilities and pondered his own chances of victory. "Why are you bragging about being forgetful? Move aside, you big oaf." "What did you just say!?" A sharp voice cut through from behind the giant. A wiry man with a piercing look in his eyes ignored Luther's words and slightly bowed. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Wyken Kalia, currently in charge of the 5th Legion." "Please, speak comfortably, Marquis. I'm of lower rank than you." After being reorganized into legions, Luther and Wyken regained their original noble status to maintain the authority of a legion commander. Still, though Ronian was nominally an earl, as the king’s brother, rumored to be particularly cherished by the king, it was natural to approach him with caution. "Haha. Just as I've heard, you're quite frank. Well then, I shall speak freely as well." "Do you always have to go through formalities? If you're going to use informal speech, just cut to the chase like me..." "I'm not someone who lacks manners, like you." "You really want to settle this today, don't you?" "If that's what you want." The atmosphere between them tensed momentarily, creating a palpable friction, followed by a sizzling noise. "Um, excuse me, you two?" "Leave them be. They always do this when they're in the same place. If you pay attention, they'll just escalate it like children. Honestly, where did they leave their maturity, tsk tsk." Sword Saint, surprising himself with his coarse language, made Ronian smirk awkwardly. Watching the amusing scene, Logan finally stepped forward with a smile. "If we’re done with introductions, shall we get to the main topic, Ronian? Aren’t you feeling the heated gazes from my sides?" When Logan motioned to Eilene and Victor standing by his sides, Ronian nodded in agreement. In truth, everyone gathered there already knew the purpose of the meeting and were intensely curious about it. Only Burdel, who wielded the bow, and Luther, with his battle hammer, maintained any semblance of calm, while the rest — those labeled as superhumans — revealed their desires openly. ‘No, perhaps their desires burn even stronger because they're superhumans.’ For an aura user, each level feels like an insurmountable wall, a boundary of their limits. Naturally, if there was a way to advance higher, they would desire it. Everyone except his monstrous brother, who seemed to grow without limits. Recalling a recent conversation with his brother, Ronian met his brother’s gaze. – You don't have to reveal your vision if you don't want to. Even if you don't… – But you shared your divine sword vision, didn’t you? – …Only with a few trusted individuals, you among them, also Victor and Eilene… – Don’t you trust other aura users now? – That’s… – Victor mentioned that both Duke Luther and Marquis Wyken genuinely follow you now. If they could learn the divine sword vision, wouldn't you teach them? – …. While his brother shared everything he had, he didn’t want Ronian to do the same. Constantly preparing for the impending crisis the nation faced, his brother’s dual nature — helping others yet trying to shield Ronian — was both touching and puzzling. Thus, Ronian chose to be more proactive. – Like you, Brother, I will do all that I can. Ronian, meeting his brother’s eyes once more, then turned to the others watching him. Excluding Golem Master Clayton, there were eight aura users. With more in number and a qualitative leap compared to the days of Grandia, they formed the highest caliber of superhuman force, yet it still fell short compared to the empire. Hence, Ronian was determined to offer a way to elevate their abilities further. "Hmm... Before I explain, it might be best for you to experience the Galactic Sword firsthand." Everyone present nodded in agreement. From beginner swordsmanship for those yet to awaken their force to intermediate techniques for those who had, and even the advanced techniques of aura usage seemed still martial arts at their core. Everyone knew that experiencing it physically was worth more than a hundred explanations. However. "Can't let the Count dance with his sword alone, can I? I'll join in. If it's too much for you alone, Viktor, feel free to team up. Aren't you two friends?" Luther's demeanor, stepping forward, perfectly captured how these aura users, only hearing of advanced swordsmanship, hadn’t truly grasped its power. Perhaps they didn't trust their own skills enough to use it. 'That's why it's even more crucial to show it clearly.' Ronian chuckled to himself, nodding at Viktor. "Very well. Then let’s have Viktor and Duke Luther come at me together." "...What?" Luther's rugged face twisted as Ronian invited a joint attack. "Hey, young princeling. You might not know this yet, but..." "I'm aware. That's why I'm asking you both to come at me together." "…You sure got some nerve reaching this level at a young age. Your Majesty! Would you dissuade your brother from such folly?" "Oh, it's alright. Let's see what he can do." "What?" Luther couldn't hide his surprise, while Viktor, the one called upon, stepped forward with a tense expression. As Viktor strode forward, grey aura swirled around him, his power visibly growing. "An immature brat showing such..." Luther, realizing the sheer volume of Viktor's aura was almost on par with his own despite its unrefined nature, alternated his stunned gaze between Viktor and Ronian. Although Wykyn often mocked him as stupid, Luther wouldn't have reached the level of an aura user if he truly were. "...So advanced swordsmanship isn't just about swinging a sword, is it?" "No. Despite being called swordsmanship, the Galactic Sword is more akin to combat arts using aura. It'll greatly benefit Duke Luther as well." Luther Kyle's eyes gleamed intensely at that statement. In a nation dominated by swordsmanship, having reached his level wielding a hammer alone, his unique hammer techniques were his pride, built upon basic martial arts and intermediate sword techniques passed down in his family. He had never felt an urge to learn other martial arts. But the notion that it wasn't rigid swordsmanship but combat arts piqued his curiosity enough to stir something inside him. "Well then, shall we have a proper go?" "I’ve been hoping for that." As a small flame flickered in Luther’s eyes, he and Viktor advanced, and the duel commenced. "Hah!" Thunk. Changing his approach, Luther no longer underestimated Ronian. With all his massive strength channeled through his monumental frame, his steps thundered, and his giant hammer, blazing with fiery aura, swooped down threateningly, as if to crush Ronian entirely. Swish. Boom! Ronian's form blurred, leaving only an afterimage in his wake. The battle hammer, aimed at him, struck the marble floor with a loud crash, and using the recoil from the impact, Luther pivoted, swinging his hammer close to his body. Whoosh! In the blink of an eye, Ronian had already closed the distance, and his form vanished again, slipping past the hammer's trajectory by just a single step. Securing the perfect vantage point to counter Luther, Ronian’s aura-laden blow, carrying a grey tint, moved soundlessly towards his opponent. At that exact moment, Luther's hammer swerved back half a beat late, aiming squarely at him. Ronian's face briefly tightened, moments before an orange flash and a booming noise erupted. Crash! "Urgh!" "Ha!?" Thud. Thud. As Viktor skidded back and Luther, unable to fully absorb the shock, took a few steps backward, both their eyes widened in disbelief. Ronian's calm voice resonated across the training ground. "The essentials of the Galactic Sword boil down to one major concept, which then divides into two aspects. What you just witnessed was the first principle, the Star Refining Technique, refining aura as if forging starlight." "Oh? The power you wielded was roughly on par with Viktor's, yet it repelled Luther’s strike." "Yes, it seems to have significantly amplified its force by refining the aura to an extreme purity. So, it's possible to do that consciously." Sword Saint and Logan. Only after the two strongest individuals present shared their impressions of the strike did an understanding dawn upon Luther and Viktor, who were initially bewildered. Yet, those who easily accept things cannot reach the level of an aura user without enduring tough struggles. Luther and Viktor's gazes sharpened in an instant. "This time…!" As both charged simultaneously from Ronian’s sides, weapons poised to strike, "Here it comes!" With a buzzing sound, Viktor's sword radiated a burgeoning grey aura, poised to cleave the air, while Luther's hammer roared with aura, ready to explode at any moment. Though their robust combined assault seemed dangerously poised to unleash collateral damage even if their target escaped, both maintained composure in their eyes. Their strategy allowed for adaptive response to Ronian's movements, with power reserved to press the attack should he fail to defend. Yet Ronian, standing firm, showed no intention of evading their joint assault. ‘This could be risky!’ As Luther and Viktor's faces hardened and their rampant assault momentarily faltered, Flash. Ronian’s sword gleamed brightly in orange, then split into 'seven,' and from seven 'forty-nine,' to engulf the surroundings entirely. These swords intercepted Luther's aura waves and Viktor's earth-scorching strikes head-on. Boom! A shockwave radiated out, flinging all involved in three different directions amidst a thick cloud of dust. Even the knights watching would have been tossed helplessly by the shockwave, but to the spectators of the duel, the process and outcome were far more astounding. Despite going all out, Luther and Viktor retreated, outmatched by Ronian’s single technique. The method was astonishing, with Luther slightly lesser in rank yet comparable in skill, and Viktor, possessing an overflow of aura due to his unique trait, overwhelmed. "This is the second principle of the Galactic Sword: Star Array. Like stars twinkling in the night sky, it allows for countless and continuous assaults, the beginning and the end of the Galactic Sword." As Ronian's calm voice spread through the dust-filled air, everyone's eyes in the hall glimmered with interest. "Forty-nine swords, yet the energy expended isn't even a fraction of what you'd expect. I'm curious about the method to create such pure aura." "…It seems Ronian has awakened a unique trait to master this swordsmanship, even his aura waves are unusual. It doesn't even seem to be his best." The evaluations from Sword Saint and Logan only fueled their desires further. And then. "Now, I will teach you the principles of the Galactic Sword." The attention of everyone in the hall sharpened as Ronian's words resounded. * * * "You've done well." "You're too kind." "Thanks to you, my worries are somewhat alleviated. At least in the initial clash with the empire, we won't be outmatched by their superhuman forces." Ronian looked at Logan with a puzzled expression. His tone suggested he knew what kind of superiors the empire might dispatch in a war. But Ronian didn't press for details. ‘He’ll tell us someday.’ Ronian, like the rest of the family, already suspected that his brother harbored a significant secret. Thanks to that secret, their family prospered, their lands flourished, and now as the leader of a nation, his brother strove tirelessly to protect his kingdom. ‘I trust my brother and focus only on what I can do.’ Thinking this, Ronian changed the subject. "Now that everyone has reached a certain level, passing on the principles should be done in about a month. After that, it’ll depend on their own efforts." "Indeed. But while listening to the explanation, something troubled me." "You mean the Galactic Sword feels like a shortcut, don't you?" Logan's eyes widened in surprise as his brother pinpointed his unspoken thought. "At first, I didn't realize it either, but even the creator of the Galactic Sword couldn't fully complete it. It was merely a swordmanship derived from an aura genius who dreamt of infinite, shining stars." Logan let out a small sigh, nodding as his guess seemed correct. "Even if pure aura drastically increases efficiency, its limitations are clear." "But even so, it will be a tremendous help to everyone." "That's why it's being passed on." As Ronian explained, the Galactic Sword is better viewed as combat art rather than traditional swordsmanship. With the ability to control subdivided swords according to one's will, if mastered, it would enable the fusion of multiple techniques simultaneously—a seemingly impossible application. Needless to say, the combat applications were vast and varied. "Pure aura. Star Refining. Each, on its own, can significantly aid in reaching higher levels." "Exactly. While it has its flaws, it’s not a lie to call it exceptional among advanced swordsmanship." "And those flaws don’t even apply to you." Smirking, Ronian nodded at Logan's meaningful words. "My circumstances were a bit different, having awakened to this swordsmanship under dire conditions. However, what really stood out to me was what made it feel unfinished, almost like a shortcut. And that is…." "The Divine Sword Vision." "…Yes. Comparing it to the Divine Sword Vision, it became apparent. I suspect both sister-in-law and Viktor will soon realize it too." "It’ll likely help them achieve the vision's potential." To Logan, that was the extent of the Galactic Sword's value. While remarkable, it remained an incomplete shortcut—a stepping-stone rather than a complete path. If the Divine Sword Vision was akin to a giant's staircase—impossible to scale for most—a colossal leap, then the Galactic Sword was like a customized step designed for humans. "Indeed. But it also makes me curious." "Hmm?" "Upon mastering aura, I realized that the Divine Sword Vision isn't just a mere vision. It encompasses everything from the fundamentals of a force user to the apex of an aura user, possibly even beyond—a comprehensive path through all stages." "Hmm…." "I'm incredibly curious about where you obtained something like this, Brother." "Roni…." "Well, you don’t need to tell me now. I’m sure you’ll share it with us someday, right?" "…Yes." Faced with his brother’s understanding, Logan could only nod with a slight smile.