CHAPTER 66: CHAPTER 66- A DUEL WITH THE COMMANDER (2)

Not only was he not good at manipulating mana, but even until now, when all other recruits had at least picked up one or two basic skills, he was yet to successfully learn any.

Yet today, he displayed a skill that shouldn’t have been possible for someone of his level without acquiring the previous basic skills.

"You..."

"I’ll take it from here."

Just as Bob was about to say something, Reinhardt pulled up and placed his attention on the boy.

"Looks like you are quite good with the sword. You have been practicing the [Holy Blade Art] that I taught, haven’t you?"

The [Holy Blade] skill was more of a technique rather than a skill. So it was no wonder that Kevin, who was inherently gifted when it came to swordsmanship, quickly grasped the concept of [Holy Blade].

The boy nodded his head.

"Good, my [Holy Blade Art] uses the [Holy Blade] as the foundation to execute all of the techniques. You are progressing in the right direction. Be proud of it".

The boy nodded once again. Reinhardt, who was paying close attention to the other party, was starting to now understand some of the problems and troubles plaguing their heart.

"Well, since you are practising the [Holy Blade Art ], come show me how much you have progressed".

When everyone heard that, all eyes immediately went wide. Who was Reinhardt? He was the commander of one of the Seven Great Knight Orders, the Order of the Temple of Light, and one of the three Level 10s currently alive in the kingdom.

Not only was he a Divine Paladin class, but his many exploits and tales of valor while on the frontline against the demons are still being sung like a heroic tale by the bards. He was in fact, a living hero that everyone in the Order of the Temple of Light aspired to be.

For that person to personally spar with someone, and a new recruit at that, how can they not be shocked?

That said, more than shock, the emotion they felt was jealousy. To receive private pointers from the commander, how great of an honour was that?

Even Gwen, who was considered the most talented genius out of all the recruits and even some squires, pouted her face when she saw Kevin receiving such high praise from the commander.

"I-Is it alright for someone like me to spar with you?" Kevin spoke in a low voice that was devoid of any confidence.

"Like I said, you have practiced my [Holy Blade Art] that alone makes you worthy to keep your head high. Come, let me see how deep of an understanding you have of the technique".

The boy nodded and readied his crimson heavy sword. As he brandished the sword in a profound way, the aura around him completely changed. Veins pulsed from his hands and muscles, a faint white mist released from his body.

This was an indication that the boy had a good grasp of the first technique of the [Holy Blade Art].

"Hmm, not bad. The [Holy Blade Art] is also known as the Divine Testament of Sword. This art is not merely about wielding a blade— it is about becoming the will of the very heaven. It is sacred, radiant, and terrifyingly absolute. Each strike carved from its style carries a portion of divine authority, and those who master it can cut anything."

Reinhardt picked up a twig from the ground and took on a casual pose "Now come at me".

Everyone was once again surprised. Was the commander planning on fighting that huge crimson sword with that twig? Absolutely insane!!

Kevin who thought he was being slighted, clenched his teeth and charged at the former with all of his speed and strength.

As someone who had climbed his way to the magic knight exam using solely his physical stats, one could imagine the explosive strength that resided within his body.

Thanks to the Spartan training he had received since joining the order, his Strength and Agility stats had grown even further. Ground cracked where he stepped, his figure was so fast that even some level 5 knights had difficulty perceiving him.

"His physical stats might just be the highest out of all the new recruits. Just his physical stats that is.."...

"Yeah, you are right. His other stats are severely lacking, especially mana. On the other hand, the Commander does not plan to use any of his strength at all"...

Bob, Marcus and the other high ranking paladins discussed.

At this moment, Kevin came smashing his sword at his opponent at an insane speed. Just as the heavy sword was about to connect with the unguarded body of Reinhardt, the latter moved his hands and used the side of the twig to block and deflect the attack.

A small twig the size of a toothbrush stopping a heavy sword that could be said to be the biggest category of sword out of all swords. The scene was disbelieving, yet that was what actually transpired right in front of their eyes.

"The first two techniques that I showed you build the foundation for the sword art. Each technique is not merely learned — it must be understood, meditated upon, and earned through combat, belief, and clarity of purpose. The first technique solidifies the stance and heart of a person".

Reinhardt brandished the twig, his footwork and stance impeccable. No one could find any gaps or weaknesses in it.

"When the holy sword is drawn, it must never falter... You must channel the energy within you with absolute trust and without having any doubt in mind. Your belief and hard work shall become your stance, and your heart the blade that will destroy all evil. Even if I stand here all day with just this twig, you will not be able to make a single scratch on me".

He was not speaking this as hubris; it was the truth. In fact, everyone could see it. That seamless swordplay that was more beautiful and profound than anything they had ever seen or witnessed.