Chapter 446: Sword Master

Helag even thought that if the white deer’s bloodline developed into a full-fledged race, they might surpass the elves in strength.

Had World X-617 not been discovered so early by the wizard plane, it could have become a powerful world in the future.

He wondered if a low-tier world could ascend to a mid-tier world. Was the wizard plane always a mid-tier world, and the Abyss always a high-tier world from their inception?

Helag doubted it. There must be some way for planes to ascend, but he was unaware of it.

After absorbing the white deer’s bloodline, Helag glanced into Black Space. The deer was resting, still hungry.

The handful of grass he had grabbed from the yard wasn’t nearly enough.

For a creature that hadn’t eaten in a long time, this small amount of grass was insufficient.

Helag didn’t plan to feed it more. He needed to keep the deer in a state of hunger.

Only by doing so could he ensure the deer’s cooperation, avoiding unnecessary trouble.

The white deer’s bloodline was strong, and a little hunger wouldn’t harm it.

Once they became more familiar, he could gradually start feeding it properly.

Helag lay down on the bed inside the Wildfire Tent, adjusted his breathing, and entered a meditative state.

***

The next morning, Helag slowly opened his eyes, hearing movement outside the tent.

Stepping out of the Wildfire Tent, he saw Aed practicing swordsmanship in the yard.

Aed’s eyes were focused, his movements steady as he practiced his sword techniques.

This was the swordsmanship taught to him by the old exorcist, with no specific name—just a collection of techniques the old exorcist had accumulated over years of combat.

Morning fog blanketed Leaf Town, and though the sun had risen, its light couldn’t penetrate the thick mist, making it look like a giant orange disk in the sky.

Helag watched Aed practice, quickly noticing that while the swordsmanship had some merits, it had far too many flaws.

To someone like Helag, a master of swordsmanship, even if his physical attributes were identical to Aed’s, he could still find openings and strike a fatal blow.

The sword techniques Aed practiced might suffice for general combat, but they were inefficient, filled with unnecessary movements, and lacked refinement.

After Aed finished a full routine, Helag walked over.

He gestured for Aed to hand him the sword, and Aed obediently passed it to him.

Holding the sword, which felt more like a needle in his large hands, Helag closed his eyes and mentally reviewed Aed’s swordsmanship.

In his mind, he corrected all the flaws in the technique.

Perfecting such a basic sword form didn’t require Deep Blue’s assistance. Helag’s experience and understanding of swordsmanship were more than enough.

After spending a minute refining the technique, Helag opened his eyes.

He began to demonstrate the modified swordsmanship, and with his mastery over his body, he executed each movement to perfection.

Aed stepped back, watching Helag intently.

At first, he just wanted to see what kind of swordsmanship Helag practiced, but as soon as Helag began, Aed realized it was his own technique.

As Helag moved through the routine, Aed’s expression grew more serious.

With his natural talent, Aed quickly noticed that Helag had improved the technique.

The movements Helag demonstrated were similar to his own but with key differences and adjustments.

Aed reflected on these changes and realized they were masterful improvements, elevating the swordsmanship by several levels.

All the unnecessary movements had been removed, leaving only clean, efficient strikes, greatly enhancing the effectiveness of the technique.

“He must be a sword master…”

Aed was in awe as he watched Helag practice, filled with admiration.

For Helag to watch him practice once and then pick up the sword and immediately refine the technique—it spoke to an extraordinary level of skill.

Aed felt even more grateful to Helag. This improved swordsmanship was invaluable to him.

Since his awakened ability was tied to his black sword, swordsmanship was his most important asset.

By improving the technique, Helag had effectively increased Aed’s strength and combat ability.

Aed memorized the new technique instantly. His talent was so high that he wouldn’t forget after seeing it once.

Now, it was just a matter of practice. While he had memorized the moves, mastering them would take time and effort.

After Helag finished the demonstration, he handed the sword back to Aed, gesturing for him to try it.

Aed nodded and took the sword.

He didn’t rush into practicing but first mentally reviewed every movement Helag had shown, engraving the details into his mind.

Once he was confident, Aed began to swing the sword.

Helag watched him closely, noticing that Aed had remarkable talent.

Though his movements were still a bit rough, he had already grasped the core of the improved technique.

Not everyone had access to something like Deep Blue, so it was normal for Aed to not be perfectly precise.

For Aed, a bit more practice would be enough to fully master the refined swordsmanship.

What impressed Helag even more was Aed’s ability to change his habits so quickly.

Habits have inertia, and for most people, they are the hardest to break.

Aed had practiced this swordsmanship for years, and many of the movements had become ingrained habits.

Helag’s modifications changed many of the starting and finishing positions, which would typically cause mistakes for someone trying to adapt.

But Aed, like a prodigy, didn’t make a single mistake, smoothly completing the entire routine.

Helag was pleased. Aed’s performance meant his time and effort hadn’t been wasted.

He then took the sword back and demonstrated a few specific movements.

These movements highlighted areas where Aed hadn’t been precise enough, and Helag corrected them.

Aed watched closely, understanding immediately. “Thank you, sir, for teaching me. I will never forget your kindness!” he said gratefully.

Though Helag didn’t understand the words, he could sense Aed’s genuine gratitude.

After bowing in thanks, Aed resumed practicing, repeating the sword routine over and over.

***

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, Helag stayed in the peaceful and quiet town, becoming familiar with many of the residents and learning their names.