https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-107-Simulation-Combat-Artifact-Forging-Master-/13537124/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-109-Ai-Lan-s-Metamorphosis-Forest-Nymph/13537126/
Chapter 108: Breakthrough! Advanced Trait [Bared Sharpness]
Chapter 108: Breakthrough! Advanced Trait [Bared Sharpness]
The massive arena gates groaned open at the far end, revealing a towering figure emerging from the shadows.
This warrior stood nearly three meters tall—a Tiger-Man clad only in a leather battle skirt that protected his vital areas. His bare torso displayed a landscape of scars across bulging muscles, each marking a testament to countless battles.
His most striking feature was his feline face—amber eyes glowing with ruthless intensity, fangs bared in a perpetual snarl.
The lack of armor was no oversight. As an [Artifact Forging Master], his profession granted unique advantages: increased movement speed and [Attack Speed] when wearing light or no armor.
In his massive hands, he held a greatsword nearly as tall as a human, yet he wielded it with casual ease.
"You look weak, human", Aksa rumbled, his voice like gravel. "I hope you can last three seconds against my blade."
Luo En steadied his breathing, syncing it with the rhythm of the [Solar Corona Breathing Technique]. Heat surged through his veins, enhancing his muscles and reflexes.
"Combat simulation initiated!" the mechanical voice announced.
Aksa moved first.
For a figure of his size, his speed was unnatural. In the blink of an eye, he crossed half the arena, his greatsword carving a deadly arc toward Luo En's waist.
Luo En barely raised his blade in time. The impact sent him skidding backward, rolling across the ground before regaining his footing. His arms trembled violently, struggling to maintain grip.
"Is that all?" Aksa scoffed. "Pathetic."
Luo En gritted his teeth, adjusting his stance. Strength was futile—he needed technique and [Spirit Vitality] to find his breakthrough.
The next assault came as a flurry of precise thrusts. Aksa's blade found gaps in Luo En's defense, leaving shallow cuts across his body.
"Your footwork is sluggish. Your grip is weak." The Tiger-Man critiqued coldly. "You're not a swordsman—you're a disgrace to the craft."
Frustration burned in Luo En's chest. He knew this was a [Simulation Combat], but the overwhelming defeat felt painfully real. Worse still, Aksa's critiques cut deeper than his blade, exposing every flaw in Luo En's swordsmanship.
Ten minutes of relentless punishment left Luo En battered and breathless. Aksa, meanwhile, showed no signs of exertion.
"I expected more", Aksa sighed, disappointment in his eyes. "This is a waste of time."
He lunged suddenly, blade aimed at Luo En's throat.
Time slowed.
As the fatal strike approached, Luo En's mind cleared. He'd relied on technique against raw power—a futile effort. True breakthrough wasn't about perfect forms, but understanding the sword's essence: weapons exist solely to kill.
He stopped thinking. His consciousness merged with his blade, every movement and memory dissolving into pure instinct.
[Foundational Swordsmanship Experience +1]
[Breakthrough! Foundational Swordsmanship (Proficient 100/100) → Foundational Swordsmanship (Mastery Max)]
[Advanced Trait: Piercing Edge → Bared Sharpness (Weakness Insight Rate and Attack Speed increased)]
At the last moment, Luo En did something reckless—he sidestepped inward, the blade grazing his neck by a hair's breadth.
His sword lashed out at an impossible angle, piercing through Aksa's guard toward his heart.
Aksa froze, surprise flickering in his amber eyes—then admiration.
"Not bad, human", he rumbled. "You've grasped the weapon's truth."
Luo En stood motionless, his blade halted inches from Aksa's chest. A clarity unlike anything before filled him. He wasn't wielding the sword—he was the sword: sharp, precise, lethal.
"Swordsmanship isn't about flashy moves", Aksa said, withdrawing his blade. "It's about the will to kill. You understood that. If I weren't faster and stronger, you'd have pierced my heart."
Luo En bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master Aksa."
The Tiger-Man nodded. "You have potential, human. But this is only the beginning. The path of strength never ends."
The arena dissolved around them, reforming into the empty chamber.
"Simulation Combat complete. Congratulations on your breakthrough", the mechanical voice intoned. "Welcome to use the Simulation Combat Device again."
As the iron door creaked open, An Di rushed forward.
"Are you alright? You were in there for two hours!"
"Two hours?" Luo En blinked. "Felt like ten minutes."
"Time perception distorts in simulations", An Di explained. "So... did you break through?"
Luo En smiled, lifting his hand in a simple slash motion. The air itself seemed to part.
An Di stared, awestruck. "This is completely different! Your swordsmanship was already strong, but now..."
"It's like I suddenly saw the truth", Luo En mused. "Not just repeating motions, but putting my will into every strike."
Walking back to the workshop, Luo En marveled at the simulation device.
"Alchemy truly is amazing", he said. "Creating such a realistic environment—sights, sounds, even the smell of sweat."
"It was a joint project between senior alchemists and spirit mages", An Di explained. "Unfortunately, the School shifted focus to theoretical research."
"But the potential..." Luo En's eyes gleamed. "Imagine devices that precisely control mana furnaces, extract herbal essences automatically..."
Back at the workshop, he tested his breakthrough. Each movement flowed effortlessly—his wooden practice sword felt like a deadly extension of himself.
Ai Lan observed silently, vines swaying in approval.
"I did it, Ai Lan", Luo En said, joy radiating. "Another milestone since arriving at the Black Mist Jungle."
The tree spirit's vines formed words: Congratulations, Master.
Later that night, Luo En meticulously prepared the "Yang Flame Essence" formula Magnus gifted him.
"Scarlet Phosphor Grass Powder—three mace... Stellar Ember Core—two drops..." His hands danced between ingredients, calculating each precise measurement.
(End of Chapter)
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