It was almost three months ago that I got the ultimate authority over the weapon.
During this period, Erend has been improving his strength in an orderly manner and has also confirmed some characteristics of his authority through many experiments.
Take the sword skills mentioned by Kane—since Erend's sword skills are all derived from the effect of his authority, whether his sword skills are good or not actually depends on the strength of the weapon he uses.
Because Erend's authority allows him to master the power of a weapon 100% and use it naturally, it does not grant him the skills or realm to exert the power of the weapon itself.
For example, if Erend is given a wooden sword, he will not be able to use it to cut steel. The material of the wooden sword simply does not allow such feats—no matter how efficiently its power is utilized, a piece of wood cannot defeat a piece of steel.
If it were legendary swordsmen, they might be able to cut steel with a wooden sword, displaying exceptional skill.
On the other hand, if a legendary holy sword is given to an average swordsman, they would not be able to exert its full power immediately. The power of the holy sword is far beyond their own level, and they can only utilize a fraction of its strength.
But if this sword is given to Erend, things would be different.
As long as he can bear it, Erend can fully exert the power of the holy sword, achieving a realm far stronger than the swordsman.
This is the difference between Erend and others.
If he wants to perform divine-level sword skills, the weapon in his hand must also be at a divine level.
Therefore, Kane's words were somewhat incorrect.
The reason Erend could defeat her with sword skills was because he wielded the Black Furnace Demon Sword, a pure star-level weapon.
The Black Furnace Demon Sword could withstand more power through Erend's authority, allowing him to execute stronger sword skills.
If Erend had used an ordinary Heavy Colour weapon, he would not have been able to display his current sword skill level and would not have been able to defeat Kane with sword skills alone.
Of course, that was only regarding sword skills.
During this month, Erend also asked Claudia to provide him with a batch of new Ten Thousand Responding Mines.
By absorbing these Ten Thousand Responding Mines, Erend's strength improved significantly. His physical ability and star power now far exceeded Kane's, making it possible for him to defeat her even with an ordinary Heavy Colour weapon.
Unfortunately…
"At this point, ordinary Ten Thousand Responding Mines have completely lost their effect on me and can no longer provide any help."
While Erend was discussing training experiences with Kane, he thought about this.
"Now, if I want to continue increasing my strength this way, I will need to use Clean instead."
The purity of ordinary Ten Thousand Responding Mines was too low, and the Ten Thousand Responding Elements they contained were insufficient. No matter how many he absorbed, they would be useless to him now.
Clean was different.
"The purity of Clean is extremely high, and it contains far more Ten Thousand Responding Elements than ordinary Ten Thousand Responding Mines. If I can absorb Clean, my strength should continue to improve."
But it would not be easy.
Unlike ordinary Ten Thousand Responding Mines, Clean was highly valuable and almost entirely controlled by the Integrated Enterprise Consortium. Acquiring Clean through other channels was extremely difficult.
Even obtaining it through the Integrated Enterprise Consortium required a legitimate reason.
For example, the Alekante Research Institute at Livermorny Academy gathered many talented students with strong scientific research capabilities. If they produced significant results, they could apply for Clean from either the academy or the Integrated Enterprise Consortium as research material.
Erend was unsure if Durmstrang Academy had a similar system, but even if it did, he could not obtain Clean that way.
"I don't think Claudia can help me either. Even if she could, it would be costly."
Erend thought silently.
"Fortunately, the Phoenix Star Martial Festival is about to begin."
If he could win, Erend could request the Integrated Enterprise Consortium to provide him with enough Clean.
"It looks like there's another reason to participate in the Phoenix Star Martial Festival and win the championship."
While Erend was thinking, Natasha, who was next to him, suddenly spoke.
"Speaking of which, the academy is about to have a holiday."
Hearing this, Erend came back to his senses and nodded.
"Yes, it's summer vacation. Our homeroom teacher mentioned it in class yesterday."
Even now, Erend was still attending classes. However, he was getting bored.
He had already learned what he needed to and satisfied his curiosity about history and world events. Attending classes now was merely a formality. Lately, he had been considering focusing entirely on training instead of coursework.
But…
"Since the holiday is here, our training should be almost over, right, Senior?"
Natasha lowered her voice slightly.
"Yeah." Erend understood what she meant, nodded, and said, "The time has finally come."
The Phoenix Star Martial Festival was set to begin during summer vacation.
More precisely, next week would mark the official opening day of the Phoenix Star Martial Festival.
"Claudia sent me a message yesterday, asking us to come to the Student Union Office today. I assume it's about the Phoenix Star Martial Festival, right?"
Erend opened the floating message window in front of Natasha.
"Then now…?"
Natasha looked at Erend.
"Yeah." Erend smiled. "Let's go now."
—
The Student Union Office – Top Floor of Beauxbaton Academy
When Erend and Natasha arrived, chatting and laughing, they found that they were not the only ones summoned.
"Senior Anderson? And Jenni Ortega?"
Natasha spoke in surprise.
"Hmm?"
A man and a woman standing in front of Claudia's desk turned around to face them.
To their surprise, it was Butler and Jenni Ortega.
"You're here, Stuart, Younger Brother."
Butler greeted them with a relaxed smile.
"You seem to have just finished training, right?" Jenni Ortega examined them carefully, then asked provocatively, "How was it? Did your training go well?"
Her expression seemed to say, "If not, we'll be the ones winning the championship."
"What about you?" Erend replied nonchalantly. "You look confident. Did it go well on your side?"
Jenni Ortega and Butler exchanged a knowing smile.
Clearly, they had undergone rigorous training as well and had developed strong teamwork.
"If we meet on stage, we won't go easy on you."
"Of course. We'll all give it our best."
Jenni Ortega and Butler declared.
"Yes."
Erend and Natasha responded in unison, showing no less confidence.
Claudia, who had been watching silently, chuckled.
"Seeing you four now, I have even more confidence in Beauxbaton Academy winning the championship this time."
Among the teams participating in the Phoenix Star Martial Festival, the two groups in front of her were the most likely to win.
Therefore, Claudia had called them all here.
"The competition starts next week, and the organizers have released the group list. I've received it already. Let me show it to you."
With that, Claudia extended her hand and opened the floating space window.
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