Eyes of a Dragon and the Human Heart (36)
With a Clang, sparks flew.
The two blades clashed against each other.. Then, a series of attacks, fluid like water, once again scattered sharp shockwaves.
In just those few seconds, the number of sword paths drawn was beyond estimation.
However, following the burst of compressed air, my vision blurred. The blade weaved through the gap, moving fluidly like a buoy on water.
At first, I nimbly responded to each strike.
However, after a while, barely managing to keep up with the sword, I was ultimately forced to stagger back after a kick to the solar plexus.
Ugh, a choked groan escaped as I stumbled back.
Gritting my teeth, I endured, almost collapsing. I was sick and tired of fainting..
My opponent seed pleased.. A satisfied smile appeared on his lips.
He was a burly, middle-aged man with a striking red beard.
He held a greatsword in his hand that seed too heavy to lift, yet he freely swung the massive chunk of tal as if it were a re skewer, exuding an aura of intimidation.
His na was Derek, a full-ti professor in the Academys Knight Division, and a legendary demonic beast hunter.
I had thought my skills had improved significantly, but Professor Derek remained an opponent beyond my reach.
Well, he hunted countless demonic beasts in the wilderness for decades., so it made sense. He had much more practical experience than I could ever compare to..
Of course, I did not expect an easy win.. But finding myself unable to successfully land even a single strike was a bitter pill to swallow.
After calming my breathing by repeatedly thumping my solar plexus, I let out a deep sigh. It was an overt expression of disappointnt.
Professor Derek simply snorted in amusent.
Ian, no matter how many tis youve crossed the threshold of death, its still too early to go up against . While I acknowledge both your swordsmanship and quick thinking, the concentration of your aura is too low.
Advancing beyond that point isnt just about effort; its about innate talent. If you could beco an Expert just by wanting to, half of the Academy would already be full of them..
With lingering disappointnt, I reflexively grumbled. Yet, in response, Professor Derek simply shook his head.
After all, Professor Derek was a swordsman who had achieved a level of mastery rare even among Sword Experts. Boasting about talent in front of him would be utterly futile.
He was a man who had attained a level most can only dream of, without even undergoing formal swordsmanship training. His talent was indisputable.
Had he lacked such talent, he would have long since t his end, given the harsh life of a demonic beast hunter.
The fact he stood here alive was enough proof of Professor Dereks talent. Moreover, despite being a commoner, he had risen to the position of a professor at the Academy.
Perhaps due to his exceptional talent, Professor Derek didnt seem particularly empathetic to my grumbling.
Its easy to bla a lack of talent, Ian. Especially since you lack a substantial amount of mana But thats not whats required to beco an expert. Whats needed is the right state of mind.
My gaze turned to Professor Derek. My posture was sowhat hunched from the blow to my solar plexus.. Noticing my dubious look, he gave a bitter smile in response.
Even now, look at you. Your swordsmanship and combat experience have already surpassed the level of the average Expert.. But for so reason, your aura doesnt seem to progress. What do you think is the reason?
Because I lack mana?
He once again rejected my argunt.
Once more, Professor Derek shook his head and said.
No, its because your state of mind isnt yet settled. Aura is a manifestation of your state of mind, and the stronger your state of mind, the stronger it becos. But lately, I can feel a crack in your aura.
My mouth clamped shut at his words.
The mont I heard that my state of mind wasnt settled, it struck imdiately, just like tripping over a stone.
Lately, I often felt as if I was not myself.
My mories were disordered, I gradually acquired skills I had never learned, and when I ca to, my surroundings were drenched in blood.
It was possible that this confusion was affecting my aura.
Seeing silent and downcast, Professor Derek sighed as if he had expected this reaction.
He slowly approached and patted my shoulder twice.
His hand was so big that even a slight pressure caused pain. Naturally, my face grimaced, causing Professor Derek to laugh..
Dont overcomplicate things, Ian. You may still be wavering, but youre already on the threshold of becoming an expert Just rember one thing.
My gaze shifted back to Professor Derek, who now spoke to in a more solemn tone.
Adhihna1translated as decision, resolution, self-determination, will, strong determination and resolute determination. is an essential part of Buddhist practice. Essentially ans determination!
I paused montarily at his words, then couldnt help but ask in a puzzled voice.
Whats that?
When fighting, as you see, everything becos blurry, forgotten, and hazy From the crevice of unconsciousness, there indeed exists a will that suddenly pops out, like cutting through a curtain.
Professor Derek, who said this, had a playful smile on his face. It was similar to the expression of a father who was sending his son on his first errand.
Search well, I believe you have what it takes.
With those words of encouragent, Professor Derek started walking away, nonchalantly waving his hand a few tis to bid farewell.
It was then, as I briefly stood with my back to Professor Derek, that I spoke.
Professor Derek.
I sensed Professor Dereks gaze briefly turning towards . His sharp eyes testified that his wildness had not yet left him.
Instinctively, my eyes also turned towards him.
It was the mont when my gaze t that of the middle-aged swordsman in mid-air.
May I continue to seek your help? Im currently in the midst of a conflict with the Imperial Family.
Hmph, I wondered what you were going to say
Despite my cautious question, Professor Derek only swallowed a chuckle of disbelief.
He clicked his tongue and said,
Born a commoner and now teaching nobility, whats the big deal about it? Even nobles can dare to splash water on the Imperial Family.
It was an outrageous statent.
Anyone with even a slight understanding of the aristocratic society would know its a remark one should not make. If taken seriously he could be arrested for the charges of disrespecting the Imperial Family.
Such a perilously bold statent.
However, when it ca from Professor Dereks mouth, it felt like a casual banter and I suppressed a wry smile.
It was advice from a ntor who has overco countless life-and-death situations.
Resolving to etch the word Sati deep into my heart, I steadied my hands, still trembling from the shock.
Clutching the hilt of my sword, my gaze turned towards the descending twilight.
A lot had happened in the anti.
I had assigned Senior Delphine and Senior Elsie the task of guarding the procession, and advised non-combatants, including the Saintess and Emma, not to participate in the Hocoming Festival.
Of course, I also asked Professor Derek, who I t today, to pay special attention to the periter. A professional like him would be able to reduce many sacrifices.
All such roads ahead would continue, just to eventually et and diverge at the end.
The Hocoming Festival was tomorrow.
**
On the day of the Hocoming Festival, the Princess was anxiously waiting for soone.
Her steps, aimlessly pacing back and forth, appeared unsteady to anyone watching. The change in the usually composed Cien was such that even a few passerby stopped to pay attention.
However, today of all days, the princess was far too preoccupied to care about others eyes.
The preparations were complete.
The only thing left to do was to light the fuse. Although the Yurdina Familys army would take ti to arrive, the plan to ruin the Percus territory could be set in motion beforehand.
The first step was to strangle the finances of Ria Percuss trading company.
The reason the trading company had been able to withstand the termination of nurous contracts so far was due to the cash assets they had amassed over ti.
But if the companys debt repaynt ability is questionable, the creditors can request an ergency refund.. Although this usually happens under the strict supervision of the Imperial Family, it didnt matter.
Wasnt Cien herself a mber of the Imperial Family?
For the Percus territory, which had started to lose its connections with neighbouring territories, this would be a devastating blow.
Soon there would be a shortage of resources in the territory, and the support from the Imperial Family for such a situation would not co.
Not only that, but there were also a few asures in place for the Einstern and Hester territories. It was a perfect plan, devoid of any loophole.
Yet, there was only one reason why Cien was so anxious right now.
It was irreversible.
Once set in motion, reversing the damage required many tis the effort and ti. Moreover, it was particularly detrintal for a trading company to be labelled with uncertain debt repaynt capability within the trading sector.
It wouldnt take just a few years to reverse the distrust, it might take whole decades.
And inflicting irreversible damage on soone ans establishing an irreversible relationship with them.
In fact, Cien was scared.
She had to endure the fear and contempt of everyone alone in her childhood. It left an indelible scar deep within her psyche.
Thats why she had been trying so hard not to make a single person dislike her.
She knew better than anyone how painful it can be to have even a single persons hostility.
But if Cien made a decision today, at least one person in this world would hate her for the rest of their life.
That was terrifying to her.
Especially when she recalled the golden eyes staring at her with a hatchet in hand, Cien couldnt help but tremble. What a terrifying human to make an enemy of.
But it was better to be feared than to be looked down upon.
That was the conclusion Cien had reached after overcoming countless hatreds. Wasnt Ian Percus himself a pri example of this?
There were many who were hostile to him, but none who dared touch him.
Because Ian Percus was a terrifying existence.
The princess simply followed suit.
But no matter how often she repeated her resolve, the lingering hesitation did not disappear, so she was waiting for the man.
It wasnt just Cien who was anxious.
Irene, reluctantly brought along by the princess, also showed signs of unease. Although her guard had been strengthened following Ians previous threat, the nurous deceptions she had faced left her deeply disheartened.
Only a few of the newly dispatched Imperial Guards from the Imperial Family seed to be calm. The only other person maintaining composure was the head maid, who could be considered a non-combatant.
The man who had caused such worry for the two won made his appearance as soon as morning arrived.
A pouch, previously unseen, was now visible at his waistband. It appeared bulky, likely a pouch filled with potions. Also visible was the keen edge of his sharpened hatchet.
He seed fully prepared. It was unclear why he had to put so much effort for a procession of the Hocoming Festival.
Cien felt a montary suspicion, but the relief of finally facing the man was greater.
She carelessly called out the mans na.
Ian Percus!
The man, who had been walking silently, stopped in his tracks.
His golden eyes briefly glanced at the princess. Every ti she saw his burning gaze, the princess felt nervous, but she could no longer hold back.
She walked briskly and stood close to the man.
It was the mont the eyes of the two t.
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1
translated as decision, resolution, self-determination, will, strong determination and resolute determination. is an essential part of Buddhist practice. Essentially ans determination
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