Sword Master With One Strike Kill - Chapter 122

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

One-Strike Kill Swordmaster Episode 122

 

Episode 122. The Anvil of Single Flame (3)

 

* * *

 

“What…?”

 

Pause-.

 

The first to notice Adelia’s change was the Tyrant Dragon.

 

His clenched fist trembled slightly. His expression clearly showed he couldn’t comprehend this situation at all.

 

Soon after, Heukgol reacted as well.

 

Bewilderment spread across his face as he looked down at the Arena.

 

Well, an absolutely unbelievable situation was unfolding before our eyes.

 

Kugugugugugu-!

 

The air began to tremble.

 

Simply by facing her opponent, Adelia’s level had risen.

 

‘Growth from level 88 to 89…’

 

As I’ve said many times, the higher the level, the exponentially harder it becomes to grow to the next stage.

 

Moreover, level 88 was already a realm that could be called a master.

 

A level that most swordsmen in this world could hardly reach even if they devoted their entire lives.

 

To advance one more stage from here required blood-spitting training and enlightenment combined.

 

‘But…’

 

Adelia was different.

 

She had succeeded in leveling up far too easily.

 

As if she had gained enlightenment simply by facing Pean’s clone.

 

“…”

 

…Of course, I had already expected these events to unfold to some degree.

 

‘Pean’s characteristic, and Adelia’s [Reflective Surface].’

 

It was the inevitable result created by the combination of those two.

 

Pean is an observer.

 

His gaze was piercing through Adelia.

 

Adelia’s stance, the direction of her toes, and even the strength in the hand gripping her sword.

 

He was dissecting his opponent completely by observing all these ‘elements’.

 

And…

 

‘…Adelia is responding to this.’

 

Special skill, [Reflective Surface].

 

Originally, this ability was a memory replay skill that recalled one’s own battles.

 

An ability obtained through Haewolsumo’s blessing, capable of vividly recreating past moments as if reflected on water.

 

But now.

 

Adelia wasn’t simply reflecting past memories, but the ‘gaze’ that was penetrating through her.

 

Like seeing her own reflection in a mirror, she had become able to view herself objectively through Pean’s eyes.

 

…And that through the perspective of the strongest Sword Master who lived an eternal life.

 

Kugugugugugu──!

 

Something began to change within Adelia.

 

Reflective Surface.

 

She realized that this ability, which she thought only replayed her memories, had a deeper structure hidden within.

 

‘She’s finally realized it.’

 

The ability to review past battles.

 

It wasn’t simply looking back at events… it was the act of reviving how she perceived the world at that time, the sensations and judgments of that moment.

 

In other words, what [Reflective Surface] truly recreated wasn’t ‘what happened’.

 

It meant the impression of the world that she felt and observed in that moment.

 

‘This ability isn’t simple memory replay.’

 

A special skill that reflects the ‘gaze’ of a specific target looking at oneself.

 

Whether it’s oneself or others.

 

An ability that reflects back how someone viewed me.

 

A technique that accepts another’s gaze and reflects that gaze back upon oneself.

 

Then what if…

 

‘…another’s gaze is directed at me?’

 

In this moment when Pean’s transcendent observational power pierces through Adelia.

 

That those sensations could also be reflected on the surface was an all too natural conclusion.

 

Gooooo-!

 

The moment Pean ‘observed’ Adelia.

 

Thousands of years of insight were projected onto [Reflective Surface] and perfectly reflected.

 

Though it was an instant, Adelia shared Pean’s gaze.

 

Like moonlight reflecting on a lake, Adelia had become able to view herself objectively through Pean’s eyes.

 

‘The moment one perfectly recognizes their own shortcomings, growth inevitably follows.’

 

This was especially true for a talented swordsman like Adelia.

 

When she looked back at herself through the eyes of a Sword Master with thousands of years of experience, gaps that were usually invisible became clearly apparent.

 

Habits she had unconsciously overlooked. Postures that needed improvement. Better choices became visible in an instant.

 

And that enlightenment led to immediate growth.

 

“Whew…”

 

Adelia exhaled.

 

Leveling up without fighting was generally impossible.

 

But right now, Adelia was an exception.

 

…The true ability of a swordsman with genius talent had blossomed.

 

Kaaaaaang-!

 

As soon as the probing ended, the real fight began.

 

The first sword strike.

 

Adelia barely managed to block Pean’s attack, but the recoil greatly disrupted her stance.

 

It couldn’t be helped.

 

Even if it was Pean in his youth, he was already a Sword Master who had lived for over a thousand years.

 

However…

 

【Lv. 89】

 

Tick-.

 

【Lv. 90】

 

…Through that single sword strike, Adelia realized her shortcomings even more clearly and achieved growth once again.

 

“What the hell…!”

 

The Tyrant Dragon let out an exclamation with an expression of disbelief.

 

“…In such a short time, she’s breaking through barriers consecutively?”

 

His voice had lost its usual arrogance, leaving only pure shock.

 

Kugugugugugu-!

 

The wall of level 90 had been shattered.

 

A wall that even geniuses born with outstanding talent could rarely overcome…

 

Adelia had broken through it with just a single sword strike.

 

“….”

 

“….”

 

“….”

 

Silence flowed through the spectator seats.

 

Heukgol and Arwen beside me were also unable to hide their shock.

 

Once before crossing swords.

 

And once more after crossing swords.

 

Everyone was left speechless seeing Adelia achieve tremendous growth in just a few minutes.

 

Clang, claaang-!

 

The sound of metal echoed through the circular arena.

 

Adelia’s sword was becoming increasingly sharp.

 

She who had barely managed to block Pean’s strikes at first was now beginning to respond with composure.

 

No, beyond that….

 

Chaeng-!

 

“…!”

 

…she made Pean’s clone retreat for the first time.

 

Adelia’s counterattack broke through his defense. Though it was only a shallow wound, its significance was by no means small.

 

Heh-.

 

I smiled inwardly.

 

The more complex swordsmanship Pean displayed, the more ‘observation’ took place.

 

And all that observation returned to Adelia, allowing her to refine her swordsmanship even more precisely.

 

A vicious cycle.

 

Yes. From Pean’s perspective facing Adelia, it was truly a vicious cycle.

 

“…Huu.”

 

Shing-!

 

Pean in the arena let out a sigh.

 

An emotion mixed with irritation rose on the face that had been expressionless.

 

‘He’s noticed.’

 

Pean had surely realized it. The fact that the more he observed Adelia, the more she grew.

 

Shing-!

 

The very next moment, Pean’s stance changed.

 

“What…?”

 

The Tyrant Dragon let out a surprised voice.

 

“That bastard… taking such a stance…?”

 

It was an appearance unlike Pean’s usual self.

 

He was the type to observe his opponent, analyze them, and only press forward after perfectly grasping their characteristics.

 

A calculated, meticulous combat style that never made mistakes.

 

But now….

 

Kuung-!

 

…fierce sword strikes began pouring toward Adelia.

 

There was no observation, no analysis. Only primitive attacks relying on instinct and experience.

 

“He’s going mad.”

 

Ha-.

 

The Tyrant Dragon let out a hollow laugh.

 

His voice mixed shock with strange excitement.

 

“That boring bastard could fight like that too?”

 

Pean the Sword Master.

 

A transcendent who had lived for over a thousand years even at the time his clone was created.

 

Such a being was completely abandoning his style and fighting like a beast.

 

And that was….

 

Also proof that Adelia was that threatening an opponent.

 

“…!”

 

Clang-! Claang-!

 

The sound of clashing swords grew increasingly fierce.

 

Adelia’s eyes widened.

 

She was flustered by Pean’s sudden change in combat style.

 

For her who had been growing through observation, combat that entrusted everything to instinct was a new challenge.

 

But….

 

Chaeaeaeng-!

 

…as expected, the difference in experience and mastery was unavoidable.

 

“Ah.”

 

Adelia let out a sigh.

 

Because Pean’s strike had sent her sword flying far away.

 

Shing-!

 

A cold sword tip touched her neck.

 

Slowly lowering her sword, Adelia acknowledged defeat.

 

However, there was no frustration on her face. Rather, only satisfaction as if she had gained something.

 

【Lv. 91】

 

It was understandable.

 

With just one trial, Adelia had achieved growth surpassing level 90.

 

Slowly-.

 

Pean’s form began to gradually scatter.

 

The body made of molten metal seeped back into the floor. But just before losing his physical form and disappearing, an unknowable smile hung on his lips.

 

Clap- clap- clap-!

 

Right then, a chilling sound echoed.

 

Looking back, I could see Heukgol clapping with an admiring expression.

 

Since only bones remained on his hands, it only made clicking collision sounds.

 

“Amazing! Though you lost the match, it was an incredible fight!”

 

Nod-.

 

The Tyrant Dragon and Arwen also nodded as if in agreement.

 

Adelia wore a bitter smile.

 

While she was satisfied with gaining enlightenment, she seemed unable to let go of the disappointment of defeat.

 

“I’m grateful for your generous evaluation, Lord Heukgol. However, the fact that I failed to complete the trial is still regret….”

 

[No.]

 

“…?”

 

Whoosh-!

 

At the sudden voice, everyone looked up.

 

The Guardian floating in the air looked down at Adelia with a smile.

 

[You have passed the trial, child.]

 

“…!”

 

Shock filled the arena.

 

Heukgol was the first to react.

 

“What…?”

 

The guy who had been sitting on the ground shot up from his spot.

 

“No, what do you mean! She lost but passed the trial?”

 

[That’s right.]

 

“Then what about me! What am I? I completely dominated my opponent but still failed! What exactly are the passing criteria!”

 

The Guardian answered with a gentle smile.

 

[Child, that is something you must realize on your own.]

 

“Stop speaking in riddles and tell me clearly! Why did I fail while he succeeded!”

 

…There it is again, that explosive temper of his.

 

Heukgol raged and thrashed about, but the Guardian gave no answer. He only showed a meaningful smile.

 

Watching this scene, the Tyrant Dragon suddenly burst into mocking laughter.

 

“Tsk, hundreds of years have passed and you still haven’t realized the reason?”

 

“…What?”

 

“Did you think the Forge of the Single Flame was simply a place to determine victory or defeat in battle? If it were that simple, it wouldn’t have been called a ‘trial’ in the first place.”

 

“…!”

 

Heukgol ground his teeth. He wanted to argue back but couldn’t bring himself to do it. The Tyrant Dragon’s words weren’t wrong.

 

“Grrrk, grrrrk…!”

 

[Silence.]

 

Swoosh-.

 

As the Guardian slowly raised his hand, everyone fell silent.

 

His red eyes began to sweep over the entire group.

 

[Congratulating the first challenger is all well and good, but…]

 

And finally.

 

That gaze fixed on me.

 

[It seems there’s still someone who hasn’t stated their reason for seeking this sanctuary.]

 

A heavy silence flowed.

 

The Guardian’s blazing furnace-like eyes stared directly at me. Those eyes contained expectation, curiosity, and various other unreadable emotions.

 

After a long silence, the Guardian called out to me in his deep voice.

 

[Thirteenth Sword Master, Gaon.]

 

“…”

 

[Will you also challenge this trial?]

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