Anime: Fight Sukuna at the beginning?.

Chapter 502 Me and 'Lone Shadow' on the Twenty-First Day of Training

However, he stood still, pretending to ponder the swordsman's words.

Digest the [elements], 'extraordinary' and other definitions.

In reality, they were looking forward to the emergence of the mission requirements.

Waited for a while.

However, the familiar task panel did not appear before my eyes as I had hoped.

Instead, I heard this sentence.

It was a question that made me, unusually, hesitate, unsure how to answer it.

"So, what is your strongest skill?"
"Or rather, what is the skill you are most confident in and most eager to hone?"

The silver light in his eyes faded.

He reached out and grasped the longsword floating in front of him.

With a single wave of his hand, it was as if he were brushing off willow catkins that had gotten stuck to his clothes.

It dispersed the silver sword energy that was flying wildly in the empty training ground.

The person no longer possessed the divine power they had when the [Element Manifestation] occurred.

A swordsman who has returned to the form of a 'mortal'.

She simply gazed calmly at the man before her.

He presented a multiple-choice question.

"I, who succeeded by chance, know very little about this 'path' and can only share some potentially useful experiences with you."

"If you want to follow the path I've explored and reap the [Elements]..."

"You must first understand your own 'desire' for skill."

The swordsman raised his longsword.

It pointed at the man again.

"My greatest confidence lies in swordsmanship, and the skill I have honed through persistent practice is the [Silk Binding] technique that originated from swordsmanship."

"This is my 'desire' to transform into [elements]."

"So, what about your 'desire'?"

"You need to give your answer before you accept my training."
-
Looking at the swordsman who had returned to an ordinary life.

The man lowered his head.

He looked at his own hands.

An unusual silence fell.

Clearly, this Q&A session is the final hurdle before triggering the mission.

As long as the answer is provided.

This should trigger the so-called "chain quests," leading to the process of becoming 'extraordinary'.

But he understands.

He seemed unable to provide an answer.

Besides, he possessed so many skills and techniques.

There are so many that they could be listed out.

It would take several thousand words to finish writing.

There are so many that, once listed out, any reincarnator would find them somewhat chaotic.

He understood this fact perfectly clearly.

Just like before, it prevented him from obtaining Command Seals to summon Servants in the normal way.

The same fact applies to Fang Yi, who is a person without desires.

A man named Fang Yi.

In terms of skill, there is really nothing that can be called 'desire'.
-
Unlike the swordsman in front of him.

The man never shared the same 'desire' as the other man—the desire to improve his swordsmanship by any means necessary.

Whether it's the half of the "White Eyebrow Fist Manual" that was dug out from the martial arts school that had been reduced to rubble, and which had been completed over ten years.

Or perhaps it was the [Black Flash] that brought him back from the brink of death.

Or perhaps one could learn swordsmanship in twenty days through 'sword forging'.

Or, within seven days, the 'momentum' and 'circumstance' that evolve from an undefeated battle.

They all just happened to come into the hands of men and be used by them.

In turn, the goal is achieved.

Continue climbing upwards to complete your revenge.

It's simply a tool that allows him to execute the choices he wants.

Since it is a tool.

Naturally, no 'desire' would arise from that.

It's just cold, hard data about whether something is easy or difficult to use in a particular scenario, and whether the return on investment is high or low.

The boxing style you practice is a martial art.

Martial arts is a skill, a skill that allows the weak to seize an opportunity to strike at the strong.

Therefore, martial arts are neither related to good nor evil, nor do they have any real meaning.

The echoes in my ears are both familiar and distant.

The word 'mountain' was uttered from the other person's mouth upon first meeting them.

These words now sound like a curse.

But the man didn't say those words.

After a long time, I brought out [California Kiyomitsu].

The experiences of the past twenty days flashed before my eyes.

He has subtly changed, and has developed a certain 'desire'.

He stroked the Five Emperors Coins at his waist.

Thinking of the people whose fates were changed because of his boxing and swordsmanship.

The man who vaguely sensed 'desire'.

The answer was provided.

"Knife and fist."

[And the 'options' they offered me to defy 'fate'.]

Fang Yi slowly uttered these words.

I feel like something about me has changed.

"How could it be that fast? It must be your imagination."

The man made a self-deprecating remark to himself.

He looked toward Woyin.
-
It seems that he has sensed something.

A rare smile appeared on Wo Yin's face.

"I thought it would take you a long time, like Corey, to find the answer."

"But it seems I underestimated you."

The swordsman glanced at the veteran beside him, whose eyes were wide open, seemingly unable to accept reality.

Some confusion was overlooked.

Miss Kanroji, with a blank expression, repeated, "The 'desire' for skill, what is that?"

Add the three skill scrolls placed on the bookshelf at the edge of the training ground to your [Identity Badge].

"Originally, I wanted you to choose one of the three skills: [One Line Slash], [Warp Leap], and [Falling Blade Stream].

"But since you have extraordinary talent, these things are unnecessary."

"If you want to obtain the [Element], let me improve your swordsmanship first."

Before Fang Yi could finish his internal monologue, he thought, "I think it's necessary. I can use these skills too." and "Why haven't they issued any quests yet?"

Wo Yin then took out a somewhat worn-out notebook and tossed it to Fang Yi.

"I am not a master swordsman. In terms of swordsmanship alone, I am probably no match for some of the Murloc Sword Saints in the [Bay].

"There are many differences in the techniques used to wield a double-edged sword and a single-edged knife."

"I can't make your swordsmanship stronger immediately, nor can I offer any guidance or advice."

"But I also have things I can teach you."

That is the 'foundation of the battle'.

I opened the journal and looked at the densely packed handwriting on it.

I flipped through a few pages.

Fang Yi then saw the text with many corrections.
-
Different weapons of different lengths require different grip methods. The best grip for a long sword, when facing this type of enemy, is...

This is knowledge for dealing with enemies armed with different weapons.

When facing large monsters, the combat strategy should be...

[Additional note after defeating the [Champion-level] [Death Knight]: Some monsters require this.]

These are tips for dealing with different monsters.

There are even updates.

When slashing, you need to adjust your body's center of gravity according to the strength difference between yourself and your opponent, as well as your objective, to exert force correctly and conserve energy. If you...

This is when you're chopping and want to achieve different goals.

Techniques for using wrist strength and adjusting the center of gravity.
-
I only flipped through a few pages.

Fang Yi then understood that this document was titled "Combat Guide".

The only way to learn is through reading.

However, the 'Collector's Edition' skill scrolls no longer have any descriptions of their effects.

This is an exceptionally detailed and comprehensive combat manual.

[This is also the 'fundamentals' accumulated over many years by the swordsman known as 'Silver Light Slash'.]

This manual doesn't offer any groundbreaking or miraculous techniques that make you feel like you've achieved a great deal with minimal effort.

There is nothing like the "Nine Swords of Dugu".

It taught you an unparalleled, invincible technique.

All that remains are insights gained through step-by-step exploration and accumulation, relying on the swordsman before them.

The resulting set of fundamental skills—how to fight, how to wield a sword, and how to exert force—is a simple yet profound set of basic techniques.

It is also the 'secret' of the other party's [simple yet powerful] strength.

Reading it will not improve your 'stats' or 'skills' in any way.

But there is no doubt about it.

It will definitely make you stronger.

Wow, some people have really honed their fundamentals to this level!

Fang Yi closed the journal.

He cast a respectful glance at the swordsman before him.
-
His response was the 'binding' that Woyin imposed on the man.

And some 'shameless' remarks.

"Then let's start exercising."

"Do not break free from the 'restraints,' do not use sword energy, and do not use explosive force."

"And don't use the technique you just used."

The figure moved.

It had already transformed into a 'silver thread' and was approaching Fang Yi's body.

He slashed down with his longsword.

After easily reducing the man's room to maneuver.

Then, a horizontal stroke resembling an antelope's horns.

The simple and unadorned design blocked the man's path to swing the knife.

After forcing the man to make the expected change of tactics.

Watching the man's swordsmanship, which had become somewhat 'unstable' after the skill points were added, the flaws were revealed in his slightly sluggish changes of moves.

Wo Yin casually hurled the longsword in his hand at the long knife in the man's hand.

"boom!"

A loud crash was heard.

Fang Yi was already finding it difficult to hold onto the [Kiriichimonji] in his hand.

Woyin did not give the man a chance to adjust.

With a deft twist of his longsword, he flicked it upwards.

"Bang!"

With a crisp sound.

Seeing the long sword fall to the ground, Fang Yi, who had already surrendered, was captured.

Having demonstrated the power of his [Master-level Swordsmanship] and [Combat Mastery], Woyin finally uttered the second half of his sentence.

"Use your swordsmanship to experience the charm of 'basics' and become stronger."

"With your 'talent,' you should be able to do it, right?"

Looking at Fang Yi, who picked up the long knife again, his eyes gleaming with fighting spirit.

Woyin did not swing his sword again.

Instead, he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

He inwardly marveled at the other party's 'monster' qualities.

I initially thought he would crumble easily, and that our first encounter would be a swift victory.

[But unexpectedly, despite so many unfavorable conditions, it took me four moves to knock his sword away.]

It seems the time needed for basic training will be shortened to one week.

However, Woyin did not express this appreciation.

Instead, he began to criticize Fang Yi in a serious manner.

He began teaching himself the basics.

Turn to pages seven and nine of the journal.

"You just made these mistakes."

"There's a problem with how you use your wrists and choose your footwork; you're not generating power from your wrists."

After spending several minutes explaining the key points, I was moved and quickly corrected my mistakes.

Fang Yi's weaknesses have diminished considerably.

Woyin nodded approvingly.

They were very satisfied with Fang Yi's growth.

[Excellent, amazing learning speed; you've basically avoided repeating the same mistakes.]

But he did not express approval; instead, he raised his sword again.

"Then, let's do it again!"

"We're going to increase the difficulty!"

"To become stronger, you must constantly accept challenges and face up to and improve your shortcomings!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the 'silver thread' once again approached Fang Yi's body.

At a speed far exceeding that of before.

Fang Yi, dragging his heavy body, swung his long sword.

"Cang! Cang!"

The crisp sound produced by the clash of knives and swords.

It echoed in the air once more.

But the result was completely different from before.

Facing Woyin, whose sword speed was even faster.

Fang Yi's longsword had been clashed seven times.

He was sent flying with unusual 'resentment'.

The second sparring session has officially ended.

After the error was corrected.

Besides making the grip on the knife more stable.

The man suddenly realized something.

The stiffness when swinging the knife is decreasing at an astonishing rate.

He became stronger again.

In an exceptionally solid manner.

Woyin watched as he picked up the longsword again.

Without waiting for his explanation, he assumed a fighting stance.

Fang Yi seemed to have gained some insight.

Then they began to recount their recent exchange.

"Your grip on the knife was good the first few times, but the shift in your center of gravity was lacking."

A few minutes later.

Your [Mastery of Swordsmanship] [Practical Level] has been increased to [lv7].

Your understanding of the [Combat Generalization] has deepened.

I listened to the notification sound echoing in my ears.

The training phase has been completed.

He experienced a 'leap' in his swordsmanship and even his understanding of combat.

They now have a completely new understanding of combat.

Having learned how to reduce energy consumption in battle, Fang Yi could vaguely detect flaws in the opponent's moves.

He wiped the sweat from his temples.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

He raised his long sword again toward Woyin, who was standing to the side.

"To practice other 'chapters'?"

He looked somewhat tired.

Her lips were slightly pale.

Wo Yin, leaning on his longsword and panting heavily, waved to Fang Yi.

That's all for today.

The use of the "[Element]" has reached its limit.

"Without the support of 'restraints', the effect of exercise will be greatly reduced."

"At the same time, the period for enhancing perception [elements] in the venue has also passed."

As he spoke, Wo Yin took out two bottles of medicine from his waist pouch and gave one to Fang Yi.

After drinking the medicine in his hand in one gulp.

He then explained what triggered the spatial notification sound.

There are techniques to exercising.

"We must proceed step by step and in a planned manner."

"At the same time, after honing your skills, you also need to set aside time for 'rest' and reflection."

You have unlocked the [Mod: Skill Refinement].
-
After mastering certain skills or techniques.

You can acquire relevant skills and have a deep understanding and knowledge of them by regularly contacting people.

Accept the other party's guidance and explanation.

Rapidly improve your mastery and understanding of skills.
-
Woyin, whose lips had regained their color, stood up.

Looking at the pocket watch in his hand.

The task was 'officially' issued to Fang Yi.

"I have half an hour of free time every noon."

I will wait for you here.

"I hope that at this time every day, you can show me your progress."

As he spoke, Woyin sheathed his longsword.

"At the same time, you need to find ways to improve your mental strength and physical fitness."

"A weak body cannot withstand [the elements]."

Woyin took out a handkerchief and wiped away the sweat.

A solution is provided.

"Ms. Heidi has some good medicine."

"But you need to exchange items from the dungeon for the items she needs."

"She has her own rules, and I can't offer you that kind of convenience."

Woyin added, looking slightly embarrassed, as he spoke.

You'll have to figure it out yourself.

"It's the same with boxing; there's no one in this small town who knows boxing."
-
You have triggered the prerequisite quest for "Different Boundaries": "Towards the Extraordinary I: Midday Exercise".

Mission requirements:

1. Physical fitness increased to 30 points, and mental fitness increased to 30 points.

2. [Specialized Swordsmanship] [Practical Skill Level] upgraded to [lv9].

Additional requirements:

[Fangzheng Fist] upgraded to [lv7].

[Fist Techniques] Skill mastery deepened.

mission rewards:

1. 10000 points, 2000 [old gold coins].

2. [Elements] Related knowledge.

3. The perfection level of 【境·舍我其谁】 has been increased.

Bonus task rewards vary depending on the extent to which additional requirements are met.
-
And capture the meaning of the keywords.

Then, seizing the opportunity, he added a sentence.

"The 'book' concerning [ritual studies]."

"Can the choice of a suitable dungeon provide convenience?"
"Didn't you just say that there's a 'Murloc Swordsman' who's skilled in swordsmanship in the 'dungeon' related to the 'Gulf'?"

Fang Yi was determined to find an opportunity to witness the swordsmanship of these [Fishman Sword Saints].

See if there's anything worth 'learning'.

With the support of the [Module: Monster Elite],

There should also be some strong individuals with learning value in the [Murloc Sword Saint] category.

But apart from the first 'dungeon', there are no other 'dungeons'.

All of them require an application to be submitted promptly after they appear in order to obtain the 'runestone' for access.

There is competition.

At the same time, time is limited.

I don't want to do the errand 'unclogging the toilet' to meet the 'mysterious scholar' anymore.

I accepted the other party's request to obtain the 'book'.
-
Wo Yin heard Fang Yi's question.

He was taken aback at first, then realized that the other party wanted to improve his swordsmanship by learning skills from others.

He then smiled and gave a reply.

"That's quite an 'impolite' way of asking for things."

"But you have the right to make the rules work!"
"How many more of the four teammates are needed to enter the 'dungeon'?"

Fang Yi smiled and replied.

"I just wanted to save time."

“I am Vaughn, and this is the young lady.”

"One person is missing."

Upon hearing the name Vaughn.

Woyin quickly looked at Corey beside him.

He unusually uttered a somewhat domineering command.

"Tomorrow, have that 'mystical scholar' take the best 'book' of this stage and leave it with Love for safekeeping, then let him go and collect it."

"As for the dungeon."

If any elite-level dungeons related to the Gulf appear, I will have the guild inform you.

"Go and collect the 'Runestone,' preferably choose the [Large] one, as this will increase your chances of encountering the [Murloc Sword Saint]."
-
Heeding Woyin's instructions.

The veteran pointed incredulously at himself.

"Should I go collect the 'Rune Stone'?"
"That?"

Turning around, Woyin gave its response as it walked away.

"Isn't it because we're short one person?"
“I think you are very suitable. These are three precious ‘newcomers’.”

"We can take them away from here now."

Corey glanced at the departing Woyin.

And Fang Yi, who was standing to the side, smiling and saying, "Shall we go to the camp together? I have someone else to see."

The old man sighed helplessly.

[A boring and unchallenging task, but considering the wine, I might as well go with him.]

"Let's go, I'll tell you about the rules for using the camp's private training room while we're at it."

"Although most of these rules are merely symbolic."

"However, considering that someone yesterday smashed a target equivalent to a [Champion-level Monster] with their bare fist, violating the rules..."

Listening to the old man's story.

Fang Yi's heart skipped a beat.

[Beat the target to pieces?]

Are there any characters skilled in martial arts, or reincarnated individuals?

[Could it be Wu Zhong?]

I remembered the meeting I had arranged with the other party.

And the other person's words that "can make me stronger".

Fang Yi was vaguely looking forward to this meeting.

Perhaps my boxing skills can be improved with his help?

Minutes later, in the town, at the [camp] where skills were being honed.

We haven't gotten close yet.

With just one glance, Fang Yi saw the burly figure he had expected.

It was the man who had previously called himself Wu Zhong, who was standing in the shadows drinking water.

And it seemed that he noticed Fang Yi's gaze.

Chen Qi put down the pink water glass in his hand.

Looking at the 'arrow' that had been spinning wildly in his palm since it was taken out.

He looked up at Fang Yi, who had appeared at the entrance of the camp.

I waved to them from a distance.

"As expected, you came here."

"It seems that the sir was right, 'gravity' does indeed exist."
-
same moment.

After settling the gambling debts, Li Zhi, a businessman who had made a fortune, stood in front of the smart house.

Before his hand could even touch the handle.

Then a familiar voice rang in my ears.

“Ronghui, I need to talk to you.”

Li Zhi turned his head away.

He looked at Chen Qi, whose eyes appeared even more eerie in the shadows.

After thinking it over for a while, he tentatively asked a question.

"Lord Chen Qi.

"Is it about Wu Zhong, the one who hasn't contacted us and whose code name is 'Lone Shadow'?"

(End of this chapter)