Chapter 11:The iron fortress 6
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The moment the words left his mouth, the atmosphere inside the training hall changed completely.
A heavy pressure settled on everyone's shoulders—oppressive, overwhelming, as if the air itself had grown dense. Whispers vanished instantly, and even breathing became unnaturally loud.
I clenched my fist.
This wasn't ordinary training.
It was a test.
Silence reigned, and all eyes turned forward—to the instructor. From his presence alone, I understood his rank… a Swordmaster.
The ranks of swordsmen are divided as follows:
Swordsman, the lowest rank.
Then Knight.
Followed by Swordmaster, the instructor's rank.
Above that, Sword Saint.
Then Sword God—my father's current rank, and that of King Tevez Cladomor.
Only seven people in history have reached that level…
and among them was also—
my master from my past life… Master Clark.
Above all of them lies the rank of Ronin.
Even my father never reached it.
It is considered a myth.
Even I—who reached the heavens in my past life, who surpassed the fallen angels—never attained that rank.
As for my current rank, it is Swordmaster, the same as the instructor's.
But in experience and true ability… I surpass him completely.
This training won't benefit me much, but I came to strengthen my body and learn from my uncle. And it seems luck is on my side this time—because I'll also acquire another skill.
And more importantly… that thing.
The instructor spoke in a firm voice:
"Listen carefully. Today, we will learn how to master and manifest sword aura. This will require time."
Fine. I already know how to use aura.
"First, gather your aether and let it flow through your paths. Then compress it at the convergence point of those paths. Once stabilized, release your energy outward."
Exactly as expected.
Manifesting aura itself is simple—but talent is the decisive factor.
Since I'm at level five, I must make the size and pressure appear like level two.
Yes… like that. Good.
But then—
"Ah! Oh—ghh! Why is manifesting aura so hard?!"
I stumbled and collided with someone.
"Hey! Are you okay?"
Then—
"Huh?! What is that?!"
Damn it.
The aura slipped out of control.
At this rate, it wouldn't stay at level two. I needed to reconstruct the path—but it was already too late.
A radiant sky-blue aura burst forth, shimmering with faint white, star-like specks.
The instructor noticed immediately and rushed over.
"My god… what is this?!
Is this a level-three aura?
And this purity… it's magnificent!"
He stared at me and asked,
"Boy, how old are you?"
"Huh? Sixteen, sir."
"What?! Only sixteen?!
This is truly exceptional talent!
Which family are you from?"
"I'm… from the common class."
"Really? It seems even commoners can possess talent like this…"
Perhaps he was right.
"What's your name?"
"Daniel, sir."
"Good. Keep this up, Daniel."
"Yes, sir."
After the instructor left, I felt waves of envy and jealousy piercing into me.
I couldn't blame them.
The guy I had collided with approached me and said,
"I'm really sorry! But seriously… level three?! That's amazing!"
I replied coldly,
"It's fine."
Leave before I cut your head off, you bastard.
Great—attention I didn't want. This went against my plans.
I sighed.
Still, about seventy percent succeeded. Not bad.
The instructor interrupted my thoughts:
"Now it's time for the practical test. Two-man duels. Fighters rotate every five minutes."
"Choose your weapons."
The trainees began selecting.
I chose a sword, naturally.
Alright… let's find an opponent.
Despite that, everyone avoided me.
…As expected.
Suddenly, a massive shadow loomed over me.
A huge trainee with red hair and scars across his face said confidently,
"Hey. You. Fight me. You look strong."
Confident, huh?
Looks like I'll have some fun—
I wish I hadn't thought that.
His attacks were shallow. He wielded a massive sword, making its trajectory slow and obvious. Worse, he initiated attacks from his shoulders—making prediction easy.
I sighed.
"Alright… my turn."
I stepped back lightly, placed my sword behind my neck from the left angle, bent slightly—
Then surged forward.
A diagonal slash.
A thunderous sound echoed through the hall as his massive sword shattered.
It was over in an instant.
"What?! But I was dominating! How is this possible?!"
Dominating?
Even my little sister's attacks are more dangerous than yours.
I rubbed my neck and noticed countless gazes fixed on me.
Wonderful… more unwanted attention.
After that, everyone avoided me entirely. I kept fighting whoever was left without a partner.
The result?
Easy victories.
"Well done today, everyone. Training for today is over. Return to your rooms and rest until dinner."
Finally… I nearly died of boredom.
I left the hall, showered, changed clothes, then headed to William's room. He was reading a book.
"Hey William, want to go eat dinner?"
The moment he saw me, an innocent smile spread across his face.
"Oh Daniel! Yeah, of course!"
We went to the dining hall, sat in our usual spot, and chatted while eating. Suddenly, someone approached us.
"Hey you two, it's your turn to wash the dishes. Help out in the kitchen."
Before William could speak, I replied respectfully,
"Understood, senior. We'll go once we're done."
William looked surprised for a moment, then understood.
"Thank you, boys."
He seemed kind. If I'd answered differently, we might've caused unnecessary trouble.
After finishing, we washed the dishes and parted ways back to our rooms.
Ugh… finally done.
Now all that remained was my training with Master Diane.
I headed to the training grounds and found him already waiting.
"Oh! You're here."
I greeted him, and he said,
"Come. Follow me."
I followed him outside.
"Sorry, Master, but… what exactly are we doing out here?"
"Oh this? We'll train here."
What? Has he lost his mind?
"What's with that look? In the future, you'll need to fight in the snow, won't you?"
"That's true, but—"
"Stop talking. Attack me."
I sighed and took my combat stance.
Sword behind my neck, from the left angle.
I launched forward at full speed, reached his position, and struck with my usual diagonal slash—driving him back into a block of ice.
His eyes widened.
"Heh~ I planned on holding back… but it seems I wouldn't survive if I did."
Suddenly, without warning, he shot toward me like a blazing arrow, the wind carving a path around him. A powerful attack—one I could block.
And just as I assumed a defensive stance—
He smiled.
Then something happened that I never expected.
He manifested his aura.
A fourth-tier aura.
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