Luciel's movements became smoother, more natural.
The heavy knight's sword, once cumbersome, now felt as light as a feather in his hands.
Julian's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Lifting lightly... lifting weights lightly... the third realm of swordsmanship!"
Though Luciel's execution wasn't as effortless as Julian's, he had undeniably stepped into the realm of Weight Manipulation.
Julian was completely stunned.
As a knight-level powerhouse, he had spent decades refining his swordsmanship, barely managing to reach this stage.
But Luciel was only sixteen.
A sixth-level apprentice knight.
Already grasping the third realm of swordsmanship?!
Julian felt as if he had been struck by lightning. His mind struggled to process what he had just witnessed.
Luciel lowered the knight's greatsword, then bowed deeply.
"Thank you for your guidance, Instructor Julian."
His voice was filled with genuine gratitude.
He had been one step away from the breakthrough, and Julian's demonstration—combined with the chip's analysis—had allowed him to cross that threshold.
"With more practice, I'll master it completely."
Julian, still in shock, suddenly felt... old.
For years, he had dreamed of training a disciple who would bring him glory.
Now, that dream had come true.
But instead of pride, he felt... frustration.
"Too much talent... can be a curse."
"Genius disciples are a blessing. But when a disciple is a monster... it's almost painful."
And Luciel was a monster.
Julian exhaled.
"This year's chief student…"
He looked at Luciel seriously.
"Unless something unexpected happens, it will be you. Not even Lawrence can compete with you now."
Luciel remained silent.
He wasn't arrogant—he simply believed in results.
"But," Julian continued, "basic swordsmanship is still just basic. You should take a low-level swordsmanship course to refine your skills further. It would be a shame to waste such talent."
Luciel nodded.
"I will."
Julian seemed satisfied.
"Good. Now, it's time I teach you the Knight Breathing Method."
Luciel's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Finally!"
The Knight Breathing Method
Julian leaned forward.
"Like combat techniques, breathing methods are divided into: Entry-Level, Low-Level, Intermediate, High-Level, and Top-Level."
"What I will teach you now is an Entry-Level Knight Breathing Method."
Luciel listened carefully.
"Do not underestimate it," Julian warned. "In smaller noble families, even an entry-level breathing method is considered a prized inheritance."
Luciel nodded, absorbing every word.
"Finally, the core of a knight's strength..."
As Julian explained, the chip began analyzing the technique.
["Knight Breathing Method recorded."]
["Time required per cycle: 30 minutes. 10 cycles increase: +0.05 Strength, +0.05 Speed, +0.05 Endurance."]
Luciel's heart sank slightly.
"This is... underwhelming."
But just as disappointment crept in—
The chip activated again.
["This breathing method can be optimized. Estimated result: Reduction to 25 minutes per cycle, doubling effectiveness."]
Luciel's eyes gleamed.
"Optimize it immediately."
["Optimization in progress… Estimated time: 48 hours, 32 minutes, 12 seconds…"]
Luciel smirked.
"The power of knowledge."
He ignored the progress bar and turned back to Julian, who had just finished explaining.
Julian seemed thoughtful.
"You should also take a low-level combat technique course. I will personally inform the instructor, so you won't need to pay the elective fee."
Luciel was surprised.
"Is Julian helping me because he suspects my financial situation?"
Regardless, he appreciated the kindness.
He bowed.
"Thank you, Instructor Julian."
Julian nodded.
"Two months from now, at the Chief Student Battle, I expect you not to disappoint me."
Luciel gave a confident nod.
"I won't."
With that, he turned and left.
A Friend's Celebration
The moment Luciel stepped outside—
"Anderson?"
His best friend was waiting outside, looking excited and impatient.
When Anderson saw Luciel, he rushed over.
"Lanster!"
He stared at Luciel, eyes filled with shock and amusement.
"You've been hiding this from me for three years?!"
Anderson clicked his tongue.
"Even your best friend didn't know? You sneaky bastard!"
Luciel chuckled helplessly.
He obviously couldn't say, I only became this strong in one month.
That would give Anderson a heart attack.
Instead, he just smiled.
Anderson grinned.
"You took first place in today's assessment! That calls for a celebration!"
Luciel shook his head.
"I'm busy."
Anderson groaned.
"Come on! Clear Water Heaven! My treat!"
Luciel frowned.
But then—
Anderson smirked.
"Listen to me, buddy. Clear Water Heaven has:
Beautiful, rose-like elves
Dwarven wine and rare delicacies
Exotic fruits from the Moonlight Forest
You sure you want to say no?"
Luciel paused.
"Moonlight Forest... Exotic fruits?"
His mind raced.
He remembered something important.
His gaze sharpened.
"Fine. But you're paying."
Anderson blinked, then burst into laughter.
"I knew no man could refuse Clear Water Heaven!"
Meanwhile…
Inside the Shelley Chamber of Commerce—
A luxurious room.
Exquisite furniture. Noble refinement.
Two men sat across from each other.
One was a plump nobleman dressed in extravagant clothing.
The other is gray-haired magician, his face dignified and commanding.
They sipped black tea, chatting like old friends.
Then—
A butler entered, whispering to the nobleman.
"My Lord Earl, the man has been brought."
The nobleman nodded.
"Bring him in."
Two powerful guards escorted a pale, trembling young man into the room.
The magician's eyes glinted coldly.
On the table—
A lavender magic potion was placed before them.
The magician's fingers tensed.
His expression darkened.
"This... could change everything."