Chapter 29

Klaus stood amidst Ludovic's training ground, marveling at the newfound power coursing through his veins, courtesy of the Sword Ink Of Destruction. The seven-chaptered technique, composed of five stances each, had initially seemed daunting. However, against Greed's expectations, Klaus had not only absorbed but flawlessly replicated each intricate movement.

The first chapter unfolded vividly in Klaus's mind as he closed his eyes, mentally navigating through the five stances. With a determined glint in his shining blue eyes, he clutched Greed tightly, the eccentric sword that held the essence of an ancient power. Rotating his legs with precision, Klaus initiated the 'Ink Mountain' stance, a downward slash that, even without the infusion of natural mana, thickened the air around him, simulating the weight of a mountain.

Undeterred, Klaus transitioned seamlessly to the 'Ink Crescent Slash.' The arc of his slash crafted a tangible crescent blade in the air, crashing into training dummies with a force that nearly cleaved them in half. Satisfaction gleamed in Klaus's eyes as he prepared for the third stance. However, an unexpected hurdle materialized.

His body rebelled, muscles screaming with violent pain, and his lungs gasping for air. It was a stark reminder that the Sword Ink Of Destruction demanded more than just memorization—it required a body conditioned for the immense toll it exacted.

'I didn't even add mana into this slash, but the toll on my body is already this high,' Klaus thought, gasping for breath.

{It's a formidable swordsmanship, unsuitable for your current abilities. Impressive that you managed two consecutive stances, though embedding mana might challenge your precision,} acknowledged Greed, revealing a hint of genuine astonishment. Klaus, recognizing the need for improvement, contemplated ways to elevate his performance.

'If I enhance my body magically, I can execute all five stances flawlessly. Adding natural mana might elevate the first three stances,' Klaus reflected, determination overshadowing any disappointment. 'All I need is to improve my stats further,' he thought, a faint grin playing on his lips.

"I'm beat; I need a good rest," Klaus admitted, allowing his body to sink to the ground, the eccentric sword dropped beside him.

"But first, I need some food."

***

Days unfolded in a disciplined routine of rigorous training, magical recovery, and relentless repetition. Klaus subjected his body to the grueling demands of the Sword Ink Of Destruction, pushing his muscles to the brink, only to mend them with the soothing embrace of magic. This unyielding cycle persisted until fatigue and dizziness took over. A hearty meal, magically assimilated for quicker recovery, punctuated the process, preparing Klaus for the next bout of training.

The nights, however, were dedicated to a different kind of refinement. Klaus absorbed mana into his body, converting it into arcane energy—a process that not only fueled his physical growth but also enriched his Mind realm. With the third Eye of the Ten Eyes Mantra open, he crafted a third magic circle, marking his ascension to the rank of a Third-circle Mage. The newfound power translated into more potent spells, accelerating his overall training.

Greed, a witness to Klaus's unprecedented growth, couldn't help but be astonished. It was a rare spectacle, a human evolving at such a staggering pace, defying the conventional limits of magical prowess.

***

As Klaus prepared to bid Ludovic's mansion farewell, he stood at the zenith of his Sword Ink Of Destruction mastery. All five stances of the first chapter seamlessly flowed from his movements without the need for magical enhancements. Natural mana infusion granted him mastery over the first four stances, and with magical aid, the first three stances of the second chapter became second nature.

For the grand finale, Klaus decided to intertwine the Sword Ink Of Destruction with arcane energy. The result was nothing short of spectacular—the utter destruction of Ludovic's training ground. The ground trembled, and debris scattered as Klaus unleashed a torrent of power, demonstrating the true potential of his newly acquired skill.

"Now I'm ready," Klaus declared, a sense of accomplishment in his voice. He left Ludovic's training ground, returning to the annex residence with a newfound confidence. The next chapter of his journey awaited—the Lionhart Youth mandatory training.