Episode 198
After the preliminary match between Finn and Kaiman was set.
While training with Kaiman, Liam suddenly asked him, “How do you feel?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve been eagerly awaiting that one-on-one with Finn. Are you nervous?”
“Pfft. I don’t even know if I’m alive or dead, why would I be nervous? Liam, if you’re going to talk nonsense, how about you focus on your stance instead?”
Kaiman replied casually, but it was clear he was somewhat concerned as he concentrated on the tip of his sword.
If he survived and came back, he might be far removed from the reputation of being the bottom of the class, whether by two steps or ten.
That must have been an unwelcome topic for Kaiman, who didn’t think highly of Finn.
“Oh, just to let you know, I don’t dislike Finn.”
He seemed to pierce through Liam’s assumptions.
His answer was unexpected.
“Really?”
“It’s more accurate to say it annoys me.”
“Aren’t they essentially the same thing…?”
“Well, just listen.”
Seeing that the conversation with Liam was going to be lengthy, Kaiman stopped swinging his sword and planted it into the ground. He wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve.
Then he pointed to the scar on his face and said, “Even if I look all rough and grizzly, I’m a realistic and straightforward person.”
“…Um, right. Go on.”
“What’s that reaction? Anyway, you see… all weapons have their intended use or shape defined before they’re even made, right? Like a bow for shooting or a sword for slashing.”
“True…?”
“I see people the same way.”
Liam guessed what Kaiman meant.
It seemed he was talking about talent.
Kaiman had never thought positively of Finn, the Hero, who lacked talent. He was likely suggesting that Finn would be better off finding another job that suited his aptitude.
Seeing that Liam somewhat understood, Kaiman continued.
“A knife for slaughtering chickens is only for that purpose. Of course, it still needs sharpening. If it rusts and can’t cut well, it becomes useless.”
“But it’s also not right to use a knife for chickens to take down a cow. That’s the point, right?”
“Exactly. Finally, we’re speaking the same language. After all, it’s made for a different purpose.”
Ultimately, individuals are born with limits, and they put effort into reaching their peak within that range. Spending time trying to achieve more than that is simply a waste.
Writing is a waste.
“When I first saw that fellow Finn, I knew right away. He couldn’t catch a chicken, let alone a rat; that sword of his is useless.”
Kaiman clicked his tongue, seemingly displeased at the memory.
Yet for some unknown reason, he caught Vargan’s attention and received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with Helion.
If that opportunity had been given to someone else, or even to himself, he could have made even greater strides…
“…Anyway, it’s hard to say I hate it. It just makes my blood boil when I watch him.”
As Kaiman chewed on his building anger like gum, Liam pondered and continued the conversation.
“I think I get the gist… but if he comes back this time, the purpose itself might change, don’t you think?”
“That needs to be confirmed.”
Kaiman’s voice was filled with determination.
His scarred brow was straight and resolute as if to say, “just wait and see.”
“Finn got an opportunity thanks to the leader’s favor. I’m sure he’ll want to utilize this stage to prove himself.”
“Um… I guess that makes sense?”
“Absolutely. But you know what? In reverse, if he gets blocked this time and can’t prove himself, the leader will be disappointed in him and will try to support me instead.”
That was Kaiman’s strategy.
To turn the attention of the mysterious interest currently on Finn back to himself.
And under his full support, elevate his own achievements.
“I’ll use my chance to thoroughly crush that guy as proof of my accomplishment. After taking a leave just to train, if I can’t match him at full strength, what’s the point?”
Whether Finn’s utility has changed or not.
If it has, to what extent it has changed.
Kaiman aimed to find out by facing him directly.
To strip him of all privileges he currently held.
“…”
And now back to the present, at the arena where the preliminaries were being held.
Kaiman gazed at the man who brought clouds with him.
Compared to the first semester, he looked much more trained. However, it still didn’t hold a candle to Kaiman.
Not only did his body develop through the regular academy program, but consistent sparring with Liam also enhanced his physique.
To wield the sword more effectively.
To dash forward even faster.
Kaiman’s body was in peak condition from extreme training.
Especially after the humiliation with Arha.
‘Physically, I have the upper hand. Now, it’s just about refining my technique…’
Having made his judgment, Kaiman spat on the ground and drew his sword.
As the blue aura wrapped around his blade, something irritated him.
“How much longer are you planning to hold on to that cloud?”
Kaiman spat out in a sharp tone.
Only then did Finn seem to understand, apologizing and sending the cloud away from the arena.
Whatever the structure was, the cloud obediently retreated at Finn’s command.
Seeing that, Kaiman provocatively teased Finn with a mocking tone.
“I thought you went on a swordsmanship training trip, but it looks like you returned as a magician?”
“You…”
“Kaiman. You openly disrespected me right in front of my face during the Research Society activities. Surely, you remember that?”
“…Oh, right. I think I might remember something like that.”
Finn nodded as if a vague memory came to him.
“How long has it been that you can’t even remember that? Are you senile?”
“Oh? Am I losing my mind?”
“Sorry. I just haven’t fully integrated my thoughts yet…”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Kaiman chuckled, shaking his head as he glanced at Finn.
Finn, with a clueless expression, scratched the back of his head, looking anything but deceitful.
‘So he really has been focusing solely on his sword, forgetting the trivialities of the world. How ridiculous.’
Before the duel began, such thoughts crossed Kaiman’s mind.
“So, have you gotten a bit stronger?”
Well, the confrontation would reveal that anyway.
But he wanted to hear it from Finn’s mouth first.
Swish—.
Finn drew one of the two swords he had been holding.
He left the sword that looked like a precious relic untouched and pulled out a regular iron sword instead.
Then, as if in confusion, he scratched his eyebrow with his index finger.
“Stronger… maybe? It’s a bit ambiguous.”
“Well, if it’s a secret, that’s fine. We’ll find out soon enough, so I have no intention of grilling you. Let’s just keep the chatter minimal.”
With that, Kaiman lowered his stance and pulled his sword back.
Like a wild stallion about to charge, he snorted and glared.
The signal for the start had long been sounded.
All that remained was to clash with full force and prove his worth.
Crack.
The pressure of Kaiman’s rear hooves cracked the arena floor.
As the sound echoed, he charged out explosively.
Kaiman drew a massive line in the air.
* * *
A hundred thousand times.
That was Finn’s definition of a new day.
After entering the Soul Forge Hall, Finn had given up counting the existing time.
Swinging his sword a hundred thousand times.
That was Finn’s concept of a day.
He would mark the ground at a predetermined point each time he completed the hundred thousand swings without tiring.
He barely held onto consciousness as he nearly lost it several times.
He repeated and clung to his goal.
The harder it got, the more his mind faded, the more he focused on his sword. He comforted himself by watching the increasing marks.
Finn didn’t seek any pleasure from his actions.
He felt no sense of achievement nor despair.
—Thud!
In this place where time was all he had left, Finn swung his sword while conserving that time.
Without pause, steadily marking the floor and walls with the day’s count.
And when the first Soul Forge Hall was coming to an end…
—Creeeak. Oh man, you’re the craziest dude I’ve ever seen.
The blank world that had once been empty was now filled with the ‘marks’ he had left behind.
While one world turned dark, the only motion Finn practiced was just one.
Initially suggested by Vargan, and somewhat acknowledged by Canthurman—a simple movement.
The overhead chop.
Finn, who had pursued that simple body motion to its extreme,
Finally caught a glimpse of what one might call ‘enlightenment.’
And now, in the arena…
“……!”
Kaiman, charging towards Finn, felt an animalistic instinct scream within him. A chill crept up his spine, delivering a warning.
Before him was Finn’s sword, vertically descending.
He must not get hit by that. He must not clash his sword against it.
He knew instinctively.
The moment that sword touched him, he would surely face…
Instant death.
He had to evade with all his power.
That was the only way to survive.
‘Dammit…!’
……!’
Ggghhh—!
Kaiman suddenly stopped his rushing foot and slammed his sword into the ground.
The sword acted as a brake, dragging along the floor to slow him down.
He twisted his legs, desperately trying to change direction.
And then.
—Swoosh!
The sword struck down.
The air split apart.
No, it was Finn who swung the sword.
That was all there was to it.
“Huff… huff….”
Kaiman narrowly managed to dodge the blow.
He gasped for breath as if someone had cut off his oxygen.
This was no joke.
He almost died for real.
Originally intending to lung at Finn and bite him, Kaiman’s instincts forced him to dodge instead.
There was no way to escape without avoiding the attack.
Somehow, thanks to his bold and aggressive nature, Kaiman could hold his ground in the arena.
If it were anyone else, they’d be running away without a trace.
Kyaak. Kaiman clawed at his chest to force his heart to calm down.
‘Stop… stop fluttering!’
He quickly increased the distance between himself and Finn.
All sorts of emotions surged through his entire body.
It was humiliating.
Frustrating.
Toylen Troa Finn, who couldn’t even measure up to the average.
That guy monopolizing Vargan’s benefits, completely oblivious to his place.
He could only think of dodging instead of confronting Finn’s sword.
Filled with fear, he shrank back.
‘I felt fear. From that guy’s sword…!’
Thump thump.
Kaiman barely managed to calm his racing heart, only for it to pick up speed again for entirely different reasons.
The coldly observed reality made his heart race anew.
Endorphins and heat rushed through Kaiman’s entire body.
His teeth were clenched, and the veins around his eyes bulged.
He had witnessed death yet didn’t back down.
On the contrary, he felt shame and pushed himself harder.
‘I have to prove myself. I can’t back down here.’
It wasn’t just Finn wanting to show his worth here.
Kaiman, despite differing standards from Finn, harbored a fierce desire for strength that rivaled anyone else’s.
He was not like those half-baked fools.
He was a sword gifted with talent at birth—a special blade with the potential for great growth.
And now, he couldn’t lose to such a puny little knife before this golden opportunity.
Absolutely not.
‘Absolutely. I can’t lose.’
Kaiman’s will blazed like a flame, surging fiercely.
His aura reacted and transformed. Taking on the nature of fire, his aura blazed like blue flames.
Attribute establishment.
An achievement gained during recent training sessions with Liam.
Kaiman poured that flame, born from his all-out effort, into his sword and let out a roar.
Kwadak—!
He lunged at Finn again.
Every step he took left cracks on the ground.
‘Alright, I’ll admit it. Finn, you’ve gotten strong. But this battle’s winner will be me, Kaiman!’
Kaiman swung his sword.
His blade, seeking only victory, seemed to aim for his own neck.
“Ah, I surrender.”
Finn’s ridiculous words made Kaiman come to an abrupt halt.
Finn flashed an awkward smile, raising his battered right hand as he spoke.
“I just broke my arm with that last hit.”
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