CHAPTER 224: PATH OF DUAL SWORD AURA

Viren’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a contemplative look. "Ah, the Dual-Aura Blade Dancer. She was once an extraordinary prodigy from this academy, millennia ago. Such mastery of dual sword auras is incredibly rare, Orion. Even among peak talents, it takes profound comprehension, immense natural talent, and relentless discipline. The number of demons she killed with her dual blades is enough to scare some people to death."

Orion exhaled slowly, feeling renewed admiration for the tower’s profound legacy. "Her skill was beyond anything I’ve encountered. It made me realize how vast the path of swordsmanship truly is."

Viren placed a reassuring hand on Orion’s shoulder, nodding appreciatively. "Precisely. You’ve only just begun your journey. Remember today, Orion—it marks the first step into a world much greater and far more fascinating than most could ever imagine."

Feeling inspired, Orion offered Viren a respectful nod. "Thank you for your guidance, Instructor. You’ve given me a lot to think about."

Viren grinned again, lightly patting Orion’s shoulder before stepping back. "Go rest and recover, Young Helstorm. You’ve earned it."

Orion offered him a small smile. "Actually, I’ll head to the library first. There’s something I need to look into."

Viren raised a curious brow, chuckling softly. "Ever the diligent student, eh? Very well. Just remember to pace yourself. Excellence is commendable, but balance ensures longevity."

Orion laughed lightly, shaking his head as he stepped away from Viren. "I’ll keep that in mind, Instructor."

Turning towards the library, Orion slowly walked toward it. Surrounding students whispered and stared, parting subtly to allow his passage, awe and curiosity lingering in their eyes.

Orion, however, paid them little heed, his thoughts already shifting toward his next goal:

’I need to research more about dual sword auras and mana techniques,’ Orion thought determinedly.

[Master, are you planning to learn Dual Sword Wielding?

Orion shook his head, ’Not yet. I will first ask Uncle Edgar how feasible fusing elements is. If it’s something nearly impossible, then I’ll consider learning Dual Swordsmanship, as that will suit my multiple elements much more.’

[I think it would be hard, Master. I tried looking into the Inheritance, but it doesn’t have many details regarding human training methods. But even inside for dragons, the fusion of elements seems pretty impossible at the current level.]

Orion walked slowly along the cobblestone path, immersed deeply in thought. The gentle sunlight streaming through the rustling leaves overhead cast playful shadows on the ground, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

Students passed by, casting curious, admiring glances in Orion’s direction, some whispering animatedly to their friends about the incredible feat he had accomplished in the Tower of Myths.

Ignoring their murmurs, Orion continued walking steadily, his obsidian longsword safely sheathed at his waist.

The quiet tranquility of the academy’s inner grounds provided him with the calm he needed to mentally sort through his recent experiences and consider his next moves.

’Lumi, even if fusing elements seems impossible, there should at least be someone who tried it, right?’ Orion asked mentally, his brows furrowing slightly.

[Hmm, probably! But Master, your elements are already so strong individually! Combining them would be super complicated! (๑•́ ₃ •̀๑)]

Lumi replied thoughtfully.

Orion chuckled softly, shaking his head. ’That’s exactly why I’m interested. Complexity usually leads to strength. Imagine combining Thunder’s destructive power with Fire’s intensity, or Wood’s adaptability with Thunder’s speed. I can’t ignore such possibilities.’

[Ohhh, that sounds incredible! Master, you’re amazing to think so far ahead! Lumi believes in you! (ง •̀_•́)ง]

Lumi said cheerfully, her enthusiasm clear in her voice.

Orion smiled gently, amused at how quickly she folded. ’Thanks, Lumi. But still, if fusion is truly impossible at this stage, I need to think about alternative paths to strengthen myself—like dual swordsmanship.’

Lumi fell momentarily silent, considering the idea. After a brief pause, she replied,

[But Master, wouldn’t dual wielding be complicated too? You would need twice the focus and mana control!]

’True,’ Orion agreed thoughtfully, nodding to himself as he walked. ’But seeing that Echo wield dual elements so effortlessly made me realize it’s a viable path for multi-element users like myself. Besides, complexity has never deterred me before.’

[You’re right, Master! I’ve always admired your determination!

Orion continued his leisurely pace toward the library, enjoying the pleasant atmosphere and his ongoing conversation with Lumi.

Approaching the massive wooden doors again, Orion lightly pushed them open and entered the quiet sanctuary within.

The vast library remained unchanged—shelves upon shelves filled with countless books stretched endlessly throughout the chamber. Soft mana lamps illuminated the surroundings gently, casting a comforting glow upon the polished wooden floors and ornate shelves.

At the large wooden desk near the entrance sat the elderly librarian Orion recognized from his previous visit. The librarian’s sharp eyes brightened in recognition as Orion approached, an appreciative smile forming on his usually stern face.

"Ah, Young Helstorm! Back so soon?" the librarian asked warmly, adjusting his thin spectacles. "Not many students frequent the library as often as you, especially after such an extraordinary climb through the Tower of Myths."

Orion smiled politely, offering a respectful bow. "Good afternoon, sir. It seems my visits might become even more frequent in the future."

The librarian laughed softly, clearly pleased by Orion’s scholarly attitude. "And I will always welcome diligent students like yourself. How may I assist you today?"

Orion’s expression grew serious, his voice calm and clear. "I’d like to broaden my foundational understanding further, specifically in the fields of Alchemy, Runesmithing, and Spirit Arts. Could you guide me to some good introductory resources?"

The librarian raised an eyebrow, visibly impressed by Orion’s broad range of interests. "Ah, now those are indeed profound disciplines, Young Helstorm. Pursuing such paths simultaneously is idiotic. I’m sure you won’t try to master all of them and are only trying to see what they are."

Orion smiled lightly. "Of course, I’m not a madman. I still have to master my multiple elements, so I won’t even have time to learn other things extensively."

The librarian chuckled appreciatively, scribbling a few notes carefully onto a small parchment. "Very well. Let me clarify the resources available to you: for these disciplines, we have Basic Level texts priced at 500 RP each, Intermediate Level volumes at 2,000 RP each, and Advanced Level tomes costing 5,000 RP each."

Orion paused briefly, silently calculating. "I think starting at the Basic Level will be most suitable for me at the moment. May I purchase all three Basic Level texts for Alchemy, Runesmithing, and Spirit Arts?"

The librarian nodded approvingly, clearly pleased with Orion’s decision. "An excellent choice. Building a strong foundation is key, especially in such complex arts."

Orion handed over his student badge without hesitation. "Oh? You have around 3,000 RP now? 1,000 from last time and 2,000 from this climb? Quite impressive."

He then swiftly scanned it, deducting 1,500 RP from Orion’s remaining balance.

"You now have 1,400 RP remaining," the librarian informed him, handing back the badge. "Use these resources wisely, young Helstorm. I expect great things from someone of your caliber."

Orion accepted the three foundational books, storing them safely in his spatial ring. "I will, sir. Thank you again for your guidance."

As Orion stepped away from the desk, Lumi chimed excitedly in his mind once more,

[Hehe, you really fooled that old guy, Master. He really thinks that you can’t master so many things at once.]

Orion chuckled while exiting the library, ’We can’t blame them for their ignorance. They haven’t seen a genius of my caliber yet.’