Sword Master With One Strike Kill - Chapter 121

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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One-Strike Kill Swordmaster Episode 121

Episode 121. Forge of the Single Flame (2)

The respect and faith that Adelia showed was too great to simply dismiss as a mere teacher-student relationship.

Rather than a master-disciple bond, it felt more like the relationship between a fanatic and a cult leader.

‘Of course, Adelia was always a character with strong loyalty, but…’

Even so, this was too much. In all 200 playthroughs, this was the first time I’d seen her display such extreme behavior.

‘…I don’t know.’

Perhaps my actions in this playthrough had been that impressive.

Overturning seemingly impossible situations one after another, breaking through desperate crises like miracles each time.

Having witnessed all these moments by my side, Adelia might well see me as an omnipotent being.

‘Whatever the case, it’s a good thing.’

At first I thought it would be enough to gain a bus driver, but somehow I ended up with a reliable subordinate.

By publicly declaring her as my disciple at Middle Temple, Adelia and I had become inseparably connected.

The stronger she becomes, the greater help she’ll be to me. Adelia’s growth is directly proportional to my survival rate.

In that sense, this trial would also be an important turning point.

With dangerous scenarios lined up ahead, Adelia equipped with her exclusive weapon would become the most reliable shield protecting my side.

‘Anyway.’

Swoosh-.

Having finished my thoughts, I slowly turned around.

Arwen and Adelia, along with the two Sword Masters, stared at me intently, waiting for my next words.

“Now let’s enter the trial.”

“…Yes.”

Nod-.

Adelia nodded firmly with an expression full of determination.

I opened the tightly closed door with both hands.

At the same time, a new notification window appeared before my eyes.

Ding-!

〔You have entered the domain of ‘The Forge and the Flame’.〕

* * *

Rumble rumble rumble-!

Intense light that made me squint involuntarily. And scorching heat that enveloped my entire body.

Beyond the wide-open door lay a completely different world.

A massive forge that giants might use.

The ceiling was so high I couldn’t see the end, and molten metal flowed down the walls like lava.

“Go inside.”

“Yes.”

As I began walking without hesitation, the group slowly followed behind me.

Creak, whooom-!

As soon as the door closed, the cold air from outside was instantly cut off.

The interior of the forge was more vast than I had imagined.

Massive anvils and hammers embedded everywhere, and constantly burning furnaces showed that this was still a living, breathing workshop.

‘It’s much more overwhelming than when I saw it through the monitor.’

It wasn’t just about the visual aspect.

The metallic smell that stung my nose and the suffocating heat transmitted directly through my five senses doubled the sense of intimidation.

Of course, the biggest reason for feeling such overwhelming presence was…

[Visitors after such a long time.]

…precisely because of ‘that being’.

“…”

“…”

“…”

Slowly-.

The moment someone’s deep voice echoed through the forge.

Arwen and Adelia reflexively lowered their posture and knelt on one knee. Even the proud Heukgol and Tyrant Dragon bowed their heads deeply in respect.

I also followed them, lowering my posture and showing a respectful attitude.

Indeed, the owner of that voice was…

“We pay our respects to the Guardian who protects the legacy of The Great Ones.”

…precisely the Guardian of this domain left behind by The Forge and the Flame.

【Lv. ??】

A level marked with question marks.

Below that, a white-haired old man floated in mid-air.

In his eyes burned a furnace-like red light, and burn scars were clearly visible on his muscular body.

[I see several familiar faces.]

“…”

“…”

“…”

Slowly-.

The Guardian slowly looked around at the group.

Soon, spotting the Tyrant Dragon, a gentle smile appeared on his lips.

[Ah, yes. Pokryeomdo. A masterpiece created hundreds of years ago.]

“…”

[Seeing that it’s in very good condition, it seems you’ve diligently maintained the reward bestowed by the Great One.]

The Tyrant Dragon silently bowed his head deeply. No matter how willful his personality, he had no choice but to show maximum respect before a Guardian left by a Great Being.

[And Heukgol.]

The Guardian smiled warmly while carefully examining the blood-red zweihander.

[I see you’ve sought out another blacksmith to craft a new sword.]

“…”

[A very well-made famous sword. Whoever crafted it must surely have been a skilled master craftsman.]

Slowly-.

Heukgol also respectfully paid his respects.

However, his shoulders seemed somewhat drooped.

The reason was simple. In the past, Heukgol had challenged this trial and failed.

‘Heukgol wasn’t the only one who failed.’

Besides Heukgol, there were three other Sword Masters who couldn’t pass the trial.

This clearly showed that the Forge of the Single Flame wasn’t simply a place to test the challenger’s strength and skill.

If that were all, there would be no reason for Sword Masters who had reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship to taste defeat.

‘No one knows the clear conditions of this trial.’

Ah, of course.

I knew the hidden ‘clear conditions’ of this trial all too well.

‘And if it’s Adelia…’

…even without me telling her, she would naturally fulfill those conditions.

It was while I was having such thoughts.

[And….]

The Guardian trailed off and turned his gaze toward Arwen.

[Arwen von Goldhart. When I last saw you, you were certainly a boy, but now you’ve become quite a dignified young man.]

“…I am honored that you remember me.”

[Have you come to face the trial yourself this time? Or have you visited the Sanctuary of Flames as an observer again today?]

Arwen placed his hand on his chest and carefully bowed his head.

“My training is still shallow in depth. Today I have come here with a learning attitude. I will face the trial with a reverent heart when the time is ripe.”

The Guardian nodded with a generous expression, as if understanding Arwen’s intention.

[Ah, I see. If that is your will….]

Swoosh-.

Then the Guardian’s gaze alternately examined me and Adelia.

Meeting his brilliantly burning eyes, Adelia unconsciously swallowed her dry saliva.

[…Who is the one who wishes to challenge the trial today?]

Step-.

As soon as his words ended, Adelia stepped forward.

Then she placed her hand on her chest and declared in a confident voice.

“It is me. I will challenge the Forge of the Single Flame.”

[Oh ho….]

The Guardian raised his eyebrows with an interested expression.

[A child of the Noble Families? Judging by the nature flowing in that bloodline, you are certainly a descendant of House of Goldhart.]

“….”

[Are you sufficiently prepared, child.]

“Yes.”

[Good. Then I will begin the test immediately.]

Kuuuuung-!

The Guardian spread both arms wide.

Then the form of the massive forge began to change in an instant.

The walls curved into a circle, transforming into the shape of a circular arena. Molten metal flowed across the floor, carving complex magic circles.

When all preparations were complete, the Guardian pointed to the center of the arena and spoke.

[Enter the trial.]

“…Yes.”

Adelia walked to the center of the circular arena without hesitation.

* * *

Ding-!

〔Hidden Message: Party member ‘Adelia von Goldhart’ has entered the trial arranged by ‘The Forge and the Flame’.〕

〔Hidden Message: Beginning the trial.〕

* * *

Whoo-.

Adelia exhaled a breath.

There was not an inch of wavering in her eyes as she stood in the center of the arena.

Outside the trial.

The expressions of the companions watching her were varied.

Arwen couldn’t hide his inwardly worried expression, while Heukgol and Tyrant Dragon watched her every move with serious faces.

‘Everyone is incredibly focused.’

Only I was watching Adelia with a relaxed mind.

[I will explain the content of the test.]

Just then, the Guardian’s voice echoed in all directions.

[Your task is to choose an opponent from among the past challengers who have passed this trial and battle them.]

“….”

[The Sanctuary of Flames is based on the 「Spiritual Realm」. In other words, wounds received here have no effect on reality, so you may fight with all your strength.]

Adelia nodded.

It meant she completely understood the Guardian’s explanation.

Since observation was permitted for this trial, her reaction suggested she already knew the content of the trial.

[Now then, choose the opponent you desire.]

Swoosh-.

As the Guardian’s words ended, Adelia quietly closed both eyes.

In the game, countless silhouettes of figures would appear in a rush. Depending on which choice was made from those options, the success or failure of clearing could be determined.

Probably those choices were visible before Adelia’s eyes right now as well.

How much time had passed like that? Slowly opening her eyes, Adelia chose her opponent in a clear voice.

“From among all these challengers… I choose the opponent from whom I would learn the most when facing them.”

Grin-.

Hearing that answer, I smiled.

The Guardian also nodded with a pleased expression.

‘…As expected, it’s flowing according to the original scenario.’

It was a choice befitting Adelia.

She neither chose the weakest opponent to pass easily, nor recklessly selected the strongest opponent.

She had chosen only the opponent who would be most helpful for her growth.

[A wise choice.]

Wuuuung-!

The Guardian raised both hands toward the sky.

At the same time, changes began to occur in the arena.

Kugugugugugu-!

The molten metal flowing on the floor gathered in one place and gradually began to form a human shape.

First, two legs were created.

Then the torso, arms, and finally the head. The completed silhouette was a man with a slender build.

Bandages covering both eyes were wrapped around his face, and both ears pointed sharply upward. Even his characteristic meaningful yet cynical smile was perfectly reproduced.

“Ah, shit….”

Witnessing this, Tyrant Dragon muttered in an annoyed voice.

“…Damn it. Why of all the many opponents did that boring bastard have to appear.”

That’s right.

The one who revealed himself on the opposite side of the arena was none other than ‘Pean’.

His appearance was much younger than now.

If the original was a young man who had reached adulthood, the clone looked young enough that calling him a boy in his mid-to-late teens wouldn’t be awkward.

The sword hanging at his waist was also not Seorineul but a long, slender sword. That was natural. He had obtained Seorineul by passing this trial.

Just then, the Guardian added a supplementary explanation.

[The opponent is reproduced in the state they were in when they challenged the trial.]

“….”

[That is, the opponent now standing before you is a clone of one who visited this place thousands of years ago… that is, in ancient times before Middletemple, the Holy City, even existed.]

Shing-!

Pean’s clone slowly drew his long sword.

Adelia also raised her sword while gazing at that figure.

Her eyes were filled with awe and determination rather than fear.

At the very next moment.

【Lv. 88】

Tick-.

【Lv. 89】

…Even before crossing swords, Adelia’s level had risen.

* * *

Ding-!

〔Hidden Message: Party member ‘Adelia von Goldhart’ has fulfilled specific conditions.〕

〔Hidden Message: Special skill 【Sleep of Reflection】 will be enhanced.〕

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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