41.The Hidden Preparations

Lee Do-Hyun practiced the enhancement magic taught to him by the will of his sword, contemplating the new possibilities before him. The prospect of walking the path of a Swordmage ignited a new fire within him, but at the same time, he couldn't shake the realization that he still lacked a proper understanding of inner energy.

As the sword's will had explained, a Swordmage combined swordsmanship and magic, but that alone wasn't enough. Do-Hyun understood that without a solid foundation in internal energy, his power would remain limited.

Even though he had started to harness enhancement magic, he felt that he was missing something crucial. If he had proper control over inner energy, he could integrate his sword techniques and magic far more effectively. But right now, he only understood the theoretical aspects of inner energy—he lacked practical knowledge on how to apply it in battle.

Thus, Do-Hyun decided to train in secret.

Without telling even the will of his sword, he had set a hidden goal—to deepen his understanding of inner energy while continuing his swordsmanship and magic training. He knew that if others found out, they might try to stop him or interfere, so he chose to keep his training a secret.

Every night, he ventured deep into the forest, away from prying eyes, where he focused solely on feeling the flow of energy within his body.

At first, the energy was weak and elusive, but over time, he began to sense a growing power within him. He could feel how inner energy moved through his body, how it gathered and dispersed, and how it interacted with his sword and magic.

As he continued his training, he realized that enhancement magic alone wasn't enough. The true key to mastering the path of the Swordmage lay in finding a balance between inner energy and mana, allowing them to work in harmony rather than as separate forces.

His progress was slow, but he remained patient.

One night, after completing his training, he tested his new understanding. As he swung his sword, he felt his inner energy naturally merge with his mana. His sword no longer relied solely on magic—his body itself had begun to channel energy like a martial artist.

At that moment, Do-Hyun knew he had taken his first true step toward becoming a Swordmage.

Now, all he needed was time and practice.

The path ahead was still long, but he was determined. If he could master this fusion of power, he would surpass his current limitations and become something greater

*********

The Trial Battle

Yoon Seol-Hwa stood silently, watching Do-Hyun finish his training. His progress was evident, but she knew that he was still far from complete.

"You've improved," she said, stepping forward. "But you're not ready yet."

Do-Hyun raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting a spar?"

She smiled. "No. A test. I need to see for myself how much you've truly grown."

Without warning, she launched into the air, moving swiftly through the trees with Gyeonggong (Korean Lightness Technique). Her speed and precision were unmatched, and in an instant, she closed the distance, striking at Do-Hyun with her sword infused with inner energy.

Do-Hyun raised his sword just in time, blocking her strike—but the sheer force sent vibrations through his entire body. It wasn't just her speed—it was the pressure of her inner energy, something he still hadn't fully mastered.

As he braced himself, Seol-Hwa's eyes glinted with amusement.

"Are you planning to match my martial arts with just magic?"

Do-Hyun smirked. "My power may come from mana, but my foundation is still swordsmanship."

With those words, his sword flared with both fire and lightning, merging magic with his sword techniques. The blade burned with power, moving as an extension of his will.

Seol-Hwa hesitated for just a moment, taken aback by the sight.

"You use magic as if it were inner energy," she mused. "Interesting."

Do-Hyun, emboldened by her reaction, pushed forward, matching her speed with his enhanced movements. Their swords clashed rapidly, sending sparks flying in all directions.

"Your speed is impressive," she admitted, dodging his strike. "But magic alone won't surpass martial arts."

She intensified her attacks, using both Gyeonggong and refined sword techniques to push him back.

But Do-Hyun wasn't retreating.

His mana-infused swordsmanship allowed him to fight on equal footing. He wasn't merely relying on magic as a crutch—he was integrating it into his martial skills.

"You're stronger than I expected," Seol-Hwa admitted. "But you're still not at my level."

Her next strike was so fast that Do-Hyun barely dodged in time. She was pushing him to his absolute limits, forcing him to find a way to match her martial skills without purely relying on magic.

Do-Hyun gritted his teeth.

"I can't fight her with magic alone. I need to rely on my swordsmanship."

He focused.

Instead of just channeling raw mana, he directed it like inner energy, controlling it in a refined, martial manner. His movements became smoother, more efficient, and as Seol-Hwa lunged for her final strike—

He countered.

His sword, now infused with a perfect blend of magic and martial energy, redirected her attack, pushing her backward. A streak of fire and lightning erupted from his blade, forcing her to retreat.

She landed, taking a deep breath, before breaking into a smirk.

"I underestimated you."

Do-Hyun exhaled, lowering his sword. "So? Did I pass?"

She studied him carefully before answering.

"You still have a long way to go," she said. "But... you've proven yourself."

Then, her tone shifted.

"I wasn't here just to test you. I came on Han So-Yeon's request, to see if you were capable of handling what lies ahead."

Do-Hyun's expression turned serious. "What do you mean?"

"My mission was to ensure that you were strong enough to lead the Black Cloud Pavilion. And now that I've seen your abilities..."

She turned away.

"My role here is done. I will be leaving soon."

Do-Hyun felt a strange weight in his chest. "So... this is goodbye?"

She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she activated Gyeonggong, rising into the air.

Before disappearing into the sky, she spoke one final time.

"Your journey is only beginning, Do-Hyun. Grow stronger—not just for yourself, but for those you wish to protect."

And with that, she was gone.

As he watched her vanish into the clouds, Do-Hyun clenched his fist.

"I must become stronger."

"Not just for myself... but for So-Yeon, and for everyone who believes in me."

The path of the Swordmage was far from over—but now, he had truly taken his first step.