23 True Swordsman

Minutes ticked by as I waited, scrutinizing the surreal white expanse around me with [Observation] and [Sixth Sense]. The eerie stillness prompted me to a singular conclusion—I needed to pull out the sword to unravel the mystery.

Approaching it cautiously, the moment my hand touched the hilt, an inexplicable connection sparked.

Through this connection, information was transferred to me as I understood what this sword was, and why I was here in the first place.

This sword is a crystallized version of my [Sword] Talent, but not only that. When it allowed Skills and Talents to influence and communicate with it, this Sword had quite literally fused itself with a part of every single skill, and Talent, which is also the reason why part of my limits can either be completely or partially ignored, along with their general strengthening.

My speculation proved correct—the path of a Swordsman was to cut through anything, even the constructs of the System were not exempted to this.

I didn't fully grasp how to manipulate this abstract concept, as I could only cause it 'indirectly' thus far, but a clear understanding of what needed to be done settled in my mind.

With my grip over the handle tightening, I tried to pull it as much as possible, but even with all the strength I had ammassed so far, I was barely able to pull it out of the ground by a few centimeters.

It was clear to completely extract it out of the ground, my current strength was insufficient...

No, it felt like there was more than strength as a factor to consider here. Perhaps, it's also because I am lacking in achievements and Talent level, to do that.

This conclusion made me realize, this was not a physical realm at all. This was most likely... my own consciousness.

Before I could delve deeper into my theories, a cascade of prompts interrupted my thoughts.

[Your dormant Talent [Sword] will now commence its awakening phase. This is a process which duration will only depend on yourself]

[As a result, your Talent [Sword] will surpass the absolute limits of the First Trial]

[Note: To ensure fairness, your Sword will not be able to #?!#_! until it's allowed by the rules]

[Your Talent [Sword] has leveled up]

[As a result of your actions, your Class, [Swordsman] will evolve into [True Swordsman]]

[True Swordsman]

[Description: a True Swordsman is but the first step towards [Awakening]. While the Sword has acknowledged you, the path to awaken is an arduous one. Only the Strongest can dream to reach this stage]

[Effect: You will be able to enter your own consciousness once every 180 days to release the chains binding your companion. In addition, your overall Skills and Talents will grow stronger the more their connection with the Sword solidifies]

[Note: The more the Sword is pulled out, the more it will be able to communicate with you]

[You have managed to pull the Sword out by 2,3 cm]

[All your Talents and Skills will be slightly strengthened]

[Your Talent [Sword] will have more freedom to interfere with your growth to maximize it]

[Orc Body is strongly reacting to your Talent [Sword]. They will now work together to ensure your Body, Mind, and Soul will be properly strengthened for what is to come]

[Your [Determination] has deeply embedded itself into the Talent [Sword]. Your [Determination] will resemble the characteristics of a [Sword]]

[As a consequence, your [Determination] will grow much stronger over time]

[Your [Sky Sword Art] will be strengthened dramatically as a result of your class change]

The stream of prompts continued endlessly, outlining the transformations taking place within me.

This time, a swift check of the skills revealed that their descriptions and effects remained unchanged. It appeared the System struggled to quantify these changes, a detail I found reassuring.

I can just test them on my own and understand what changed.

Yet, the realization dawned that I couldn't linger in this space indefinitely.

"Thanks for everything you've done for me, Sword. Although I don't know if you're listening to me, I deeply appreciate you for always being on my side"

It may be an object, but in reality, it possessed a will. Although right now it was pretty much a dormant Sword Spirit of some sort, I felt compelled to express my gratitude, considering that without it, I might have fallen prey to the System's machinations and likely lost the fight.

Even with my own intellect, I couldn't predict in any way that for example, the Sky Sword Technique would have a cost of 30 skill points.

Thus, after letting out those feelings, I decided it was time to return.

Since I understood I was within my own consciousness, the rest was easy as I could just will myself to wake up.

---

Opening my eyes, the first sensation was a wave of pain coursing through my entire body. No surprise there. The kind of brawl we indulged in tends to leave a mark.

I couldn't help but wonder why people didn't question the sheer brutality of the fight. It was bloody, to say the least. But, questions could wait.

I was afraid the headaches might come back if I pondered too hard over things at the moment.

Ignoring the queries in my mind, I realized I was in a hospital, likely the closest to the Arena, not the familiar Berlint General Hospital.

Glancing around, the hushed conversations of nurses just outside my room caught my attention.

"How is he?"

"Still sleeping. His body was completely spent when he first came in here; in my opinion, it's a miracle he's even alive..."

Sure, it's a miracle. But maybe tone it down when you're standing outside the patient's room.

Truth be told, I was more aware of my sorry state than anyone else. Right now, leaving the hospital wasn't an option, or I'd have left immediately.

I needed some time to heal.

While I was absorbed in my thoughts, a woman in her mid twenties entered the room, probably to check over me.

"Oh! You're awake! I'm glad..."

Rather than responding, I cut to the chase.

"How is she?"

I harbored no ill will toward Nightfall, almost regretting putting her through this ordeal. While I couldn't do anything for her, I just wanted to ensure she was alright.

The nurse's smile eased some concern.

Yeah, you have no business being this beautiful, miss.

"She's alright! She woke up a few hours ago. Do you want to go see her?"

"Please don't gaze at me like I'm a worried lover; it's not like that. I don't think she'd like to see me; I'm the one who made her in that state. I just wished to know for my own selfish satisfaction."

It was as simple as that, no more, no less.

She accepted my reasons, and did not press me further.

"I see. Anyway! do you feel like eating something?"

My stomach chimed in, grumbling, and I sighed.

"...Do take that as an answer."

No embarrassment here; I'm still human, after all.

She chuckled, leaving to fetch what I assumed would be lunch, given the position of the sun in the sky.

'...I wonder how much time has passed.'

My second identity was no longer a pressing concern, as I didn't have an use for it anymore, but I needed to regain my strength before facing Yor Forger.

The thought of how much I've grown lingered, and she was the perfect opponent to put it to the test.

This time, things would unfold differently.

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