chapter 34-Banter Between a Fox and a Sword
Forging the Path Forward
Alden stepped into the academy's advanced training hall, exhaling slowly as he rolled his shoulders. The vast chamber was mostly empty at this early hour—only the most dedicated students, those aiming to surpass their limits, had dragged themselves out of bed for morning training.
He belonged among them.
His body had begun adjusting to the rapid growth in his stats, but his movements still felt off. Power without control was a weakness—and he refused to let his strength go to waste.
Today's focus?
Improve his dagger proficiency and refine his mana circulation.
As he entered the training zone, an all-too-familiar voice echoed in his mind.
[Hmph. You are getting sloppy, boy.]
Alden sighed, already regretting waking up early.
"Good morning to you too, old man."
The voice belonged to Kurenai, his sentient katana—a blade forged in an era lost to history, imbued with wisdom and a questionable attitude.
[Your footwork was lacking during yesterday's spar. If you keep relying on brute force, you will never unlock the second form of my art.]
Alden groaned. "I know, I know. I was busy not dying, okay?"
Before Kurenai could retort, another voice joined the conversation.
[You should listen to the sword, human. At least it has wisdom, unlike you.]
Alden stopped walking, clenched his jaw, and forced himself to not throw his head back in frustration.
"Oh, fantastic. Now both of you are here to ruin my morning."
The second voice belonged to Shiranui, the newly hatched Celestial Nine-Tailed Fox currently curled around his shoulders, tail flicking in amusement.
[It is not our fault you require constant supervision.]
Alden rubbed his temples. "I should've tamed a mute beast and picked a normal sword."
[Too late for regrets now, fool.] Both voices chimed in unison.
He was beginning to question his life choices.
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Sharpening the Blade
Shoving aside his growing irritation, Alden stepped onto the training platform, swiping through the VR combat interface.
He selected a Rank D- swordsman AI, an opponent that would push his skills to the limit while still being manageable. A perfect test for his growth.
"Alright, let's see if all this training is paying off."
The simulation activated, the air shimmering as a digital warrior materialized before him. The AI opponent—a swordsman clad in light armor—gripped a steel longsword, its stance balanced and precise.
The moment the match began, it lunged forward.
Alden sidestepped, flicking his wrist. His dagger glided in a controlled arc, aiming for the AI's ribs.
Clang!
The AI reacted instantly, twisting its blade to parry.
Alden's feet skidded slightly against the polished floor. His agility had improved, but his movements still lacked refinement.
[You hesitate too much,] Kurenai observed. [Your dagger art is incomplete. Adjust your footwork.]
Alden exhaled sharply, resetting his stance. No distractions. No hesitation.
He sank into the movements of the Shadow Fang Dagger Art, his focus sharpening.
---
Dagger Against Sword
The battle intensified.
The AI pressed forward, launching a flurry of rapid slashes. Alden weaved through the attacks, countering with quick thrusts and deceptive feints.
His Eclipse Vision activated, subtly enhancing his perception of movement. Time slowed, letting him analyze the AI's attack pattern in real time.
The AI raised its sword for an overhead slash—
A perfect opening.
Alden ducked, pivoted sharply, and drove his dagger into the AI's exposed side.
[Proficiency increased: Shadow Fang Dagger Art – 8%]
[Excellent,] Kurenai praised.
Shiranui yawned. [About time you did something right.]
Alden wiped sweat from his brow. "Remind me again why I put up with you two?"
[Because you'd be lost without us.]
He chose to ignore them.
---
Pushing the Limits
For the next hour, Alden fought relentlessly, pushing his dagger proficiency to its limit.
By the time he finished, his arms burned from exhaustion, and his uniform clung to his skin. He collapsed onto a training bench, grabbing a mana recovery potion from his belt and chugging it down.
[Your speed has improved,] Kurenai admitted.
[Barely,] Shiranui corrected.
Alden smirked. "You two should start a comedy show."
[Only if you are the joke,] Shiranui quipped.
Alden sighed. This was going to be a long day.
---
Status Update
[Status Window]
Name: Alden Blackwood
Race: Human
Rank: E
Mana Capacity: E+
Affinities: None
Physique: Enhanced (Due to Purification)
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Basic Stats
Strength: E+
Agility: E+
Intelligence: C
Mana: E+
Stamina: E
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Skills
⟪ Eclipse Vision ⟫
Illusions & Mind Control – Can trap enemies in illusions or briefly control weak minds.
Enhanced Perception – Slows down time perception, improving reaction speed and battle awareness.
⟪ Mana Manipulation (Beginner) ⟫
Allows basic control over mana flow and circulation.
⟪ Stealth (Basic) ⟫
Reduces presence and sound of movement.
⟪ Voidstep (Trait) ⟫
Phasing: Allows the user to phase through objects and enter a personal pocket dimension.
Teleportation: The user can step through space itself, vanishing and reappearing at will.
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Weapon Arts
⟪ Five Forms of the Crimson Moon (5-Star) ⟫ [1/5 Unlocked]
First Form: Lunar Severance – A devastating single slash that cuts through mana defenses.
⟪ Shadow Fang Dagger Art (3-Star) ⟫ [8% Proficiency] (Improved!)
A fast, deceptive dagger art specialized in speed and misdirection.
⟪ Phantom Edge Sword (2-Star) ⟫ [35% Proficiency]
A technique focused on precise, unpredictable slashes.
⟪ Swift Blade Style (2-Star) ⟫ [30% Proficiency]
A quick, balanced sword art designed for rapid attacks.
⟪ Shadow Step Footwork (2-Star) ⟫ [45% Proficiency] (Copied using Eclipse Vision)
Enhances movement speed and allows seamless dodges.
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Alden clenched his fists. Progress was steady, but not enough.
His dagger art was improving, but unlocking the Crimson Moon's second form was still far off.
Soon.
He exhaled deeply, rolling his shoulders before standing.
Another training session awaited.
No rest. No hesitation.
The path to power demanded everything.