Chapter 8: The First Step Toward Power
The academy library was a monument to knowledge—three towering floors of endless bookshelves, filled with ancient tomes and scrolls gathered from across the world.
A sanctuary for scholars. A treasure trove for mages. A battleground for the ambitious.
Most students came here to study magic theory, history, or combat techniques, poring over dusty volumes in pursuit of mastery.
I was here for one reason only.
A Proper Sword Style.
In the game, there was a hidden combat manual stored somewhere within these walls. It wasn't a legendary technique, nor was it one of the academy's officially taught arts. But for a beginner like me, it was an absolute game-changer.
And unlike the protagonist—who wouldn't discover it until much later—I was here now.
I just had to find it first.
---
The Hidden Manual
I moved swiftly, weaving between rows of towering bookshelves. The library was nearly empty—most students were in class or at the training fields.
The book wasn't in the official records. It had been placed in the wrong section on purpose, buried among useless theoretical texts that no one ever read.
I made my way toward the Advanced Magic Theory section, scanning the shelves.
Dusty tomes. Research papers. Spellcraft dissertations.
And then—there.
A thin, brown book wedged between two massive, leather-bound tomes. No title. No markings. Just an unassuming, worn-out cover.
I pulled it free and flipped through the pages.
---
[Phantom Edge Sword Style – Beginner Manual]
A sword technique focused on speed, unpredictability, and precise strikes.
Designed for fighters who rely on deception and agility rather than brute force.
---
A slow grin spread across my lips.
Found it.
This technique was perfect for me.
I was still physically weak, so I couldn't rely on brute strength. But I had Eclipse Vision, a perception ability that heightened my reaction speed.
A speed-based style would be the perfect fit.
Quick counters. Misleading movements. Deception and precision.
It aligned with my fighting philosophy—stay hidden, strike fast, and never let them see the real threat.
In the game, the protagonist only discovered this manual much later. But now?
It was mine.
I carefully tucked the book into my jacket and left the library.
Time to put this to use.
---
Training Begins
Back in the training yard, I pulled out the manual and turned to the first page.
Basic Principles of Phantom Edge:
1. Flow Like Water – No rigid stances. Every movement should be fluid and unpredictable.
2. Strike Without Warning – Attack from unexpected angles to disrupt the opponent's defense.
3. Speed Over Power – A fast, well-placed strike can be deadlier than a strong but slow one.
This wasn't like the Basic Swordsmanship I had trained in before.
That style was rigid—structured forms, predictable swings, step-by-step techniques.
This?
This was different.
I took a deep breath and stepped forward.
But instead of a straightforward movement, I twisted slightly to the side, adding a subtle feint to my approach.
Then, I slashed in a smooth arc, making it look slower than it actually was—only to snap forward at the last moment.
The difference was immediate.
If this had been a real fight, my opponent would have reacted to the initial slow movement, only to be caught off guard by the hidden acceleration.
A deceptive strike.
I repeated the motions, refining them.
Step. Twist. Slash.
Step. Fake. Lunge.
Retreat. Counter. Pivot.
My breathing grew heavy. Sweat dripped down my forehead. My body struggled to keep up with the complex footwork and rapid changes in movement.
But I forced myself to adapt.
I had to.
And then—
---
[New Art Acquired!]
Phantom Edge Sword Style (Beginner) [2-Star]
---
I exhaled sharply, a smirk tugging at my lips.
A 2-star sword style.
Far better than the D-rank Basic Swordsmanship I had before.
This was real progress.
---
An Unexpected Visitor
Just as I was about to take a break, I heard footsteps approaching.
I turned quickly, muscles tensed—only to freeze when I saw her.
Standing at the entrance of the training yard was a girl with long crimson hair and piercing golden eyes.
She wore the academy's high-class uniform, her stance flawless, her presence imposing.
Alicia von Rosenheim.
One of the main heroines of the game.
A sword prodigy. The heir to the powerful Rosenheim family. One of the strongest students in the academy.
…And someone I really didn't want to deal with right now.
Her golden eyes flicked over me, mild curiosity in her gaze.
"You. What are you doing here?"
I wiped the sweat from my brow and forced a casual tone.
"Training. Same as you, I assume?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "I don't recall seeing you here before."
Ah. Right.
The real Alden Blackwood had never trained seriously before. He was a disgraced noble, someone who had barely scraped into the academy. A failure.
Someone like him shouldn't be here, sweating through intense solo training.
I needed to stay in character.
I shrugged. "Got tired of being weak. Figured I should do something about it."
Alicia raised an eyebrow, then crossed her arms.
"At least you understand your own weakness."
I forced a polite smile. "Nice of you to notice."
Her gaze flickered to the wooden sword in my hand.
"Your movements just now… they weren't basic strikes."
Crap.
She was too sharp.
I had been so focused on training that I forgot—a prodigy like her would instantly recognize that I wasn't just swinging a sword randomly.
She took a step closer. "Where did you learn that?"
I needed an excuse—fast.
"Saw some seniors practicing. Copied what I could."
A brief silence. Her sharp golden eyes studied me, as if searching for a lie.
Then, she let out a soft huff.
"Copying others won't take you far. If you're serious about improving, you need proper instruction."
Without another word, she turned and walked toward the training dummies, drawing her sword.
I let out a silent breath of relief.
That was close.
---
Final Thoughts
Today was a success.
✔ I found a real sword style.
✔ I started adapting to it.
✔ I avoided suspicion—barely.
But this was just the beginning.
Now that I had a proper foundation, I needed to push myself further.
Because if I wanted to survive in this world—
I needed to get stronger. Fast.