The Failed Swordmaster - Chapter 155

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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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Chapter 155 59. What’s Needed to Become a Hero (4)

‘Just how confident is he to make such bold claims?’

Thomas, one of the people following Hero-nim and the most experienced director among them, thought with gleaming eyes.

He couldn’t help but feel anticipation. And for good reason – the presence that Hero-nim had just displayed was something tremendous that he had never seen before in his life.

‘It’s different from simply having sword masters emanate their aura.’

Being a world-famous director, there were countless celebrities who came to see his plays. Among them were quite a few knights, and he had seen Sword Masters several times.

However, the aura they showed was clearly different from the presence that Hero-nim displayed.

The atmosphere that Hero-nim created was intense and brilliant like the sun, yet there was no tingling aggression or threat felt on the skin.

‘He truly possesses the presence most needed by an actor, stage dominance, and that unique aura…’

If only he weren’t a hero, Thomas would want to recruit him into his theater troupe immediately.

While acting skills could be taught to a certain level, talents born with star quality were hard to find even if you searched the entire continent.

‘But this Cal Krone fellow is supposed to be even more amazing than Hero-nim?’

Thomas also knew who Cal Krone was. One of the hero candidates. He had come to watch the Hero practice appointment ceremonies several times.

‘He certainly had handsome looks. Comparable to Hero-nim’s.’

He hadn’t received a particularly impressive feeling though. After all, handsome people were a dime a dozen in this business.

But Hero-nim wouldn’t have praised him so highly based on looks alone.

There must be something more.

Just as the Hero had suddenly revealed tremendous presence, he too must be a ‘genius’ who could freely control his atmosphere depending on his mood.

Gulp.

Saliva went down his throat unconsciously from anticipation. Just then, the person he wanted to see appeared before his eyes.

“Hey, Cal Krone.”

“What? Not practicing? No, who are all these people behind you…”

“Ah, were you training? Could you spare us a moment?”

“What? What’s going on?”

Cal Krone and the other three showed puzzled expressions at the sudden appearance of a large group. Though only Bumer asked the question, they all felt the same way.

After clearing his throat briefly, Lumian approached Cal Krone and explained the current situation in a whisper.

After hearing the whole story, Cal Krone made an incredulous expression.

“Are you crazy? Over something like that…”

“No, it’s annoying. People who aren’t even half as good as you are looking down on you…”

“Of course they’d look down on me. It’s not like I have any experience taking acting lessons…”

“Lumian’s not wrong though.”

Teoro suddenly interjected.

Both their gazes whipped around. He added one more comment.

“All that posing you do in front of girls – if that’s not acting, what is it?”

“Why is this bastard suddenly picking a fight…”

“Hey, don’t suddenly start fighting among yourselves.”

Lumian mediated. These guys had been hanging around together for a year now and still fought whenever they got the chance. Bumer actually got along better with both of them.

Of course, the problem right now wasn’t between those two.

What was important was proving Cal Krone’s unparalleled attention-seeking ability – no, his presence – in front of these people.

‘I wonder if I really need to go this far, but…’

Having made up his mind, Lumian said to Cal Krone.

“Just show them once, and I’ll ask His Majesty the Knight King to arrange a sparring session for you.”

“What? Really?”

“What, with Cal Krone?”

Cal Krone and Teoro both shouted loudly at the same time.

It was a natural reaction.

Knight King Philip III was the idol of all swordsmen on the continent and a living legend.

Being able to cross swords with such a person would be a family honor. Their eyes couldn’t help but go wild.

“I’ll do it.”

“Good.”

“Should I do it now?”

When Cal Krone showed an enthusiastic attitude, Lumian’s face brightened.

Watching this, Tania clicked her tongue, Bumer made an envious expression, and though Teoro didn’t show it, he felt similarly to Bumer.

‘That bastard, getting to spar with the Knight King all by himself…’

It was incredibly galling.

Of course, regardless of his feelings, Lumian and Cal Krone paid no attention.

“Ah, but suddenly doing this is a bit embarrassing.”

“What do you mean? You like getting people’s attention.”

“…I won’t deny it, but that was last year’s story. I gave all that up after the Swordsmanship Competition ended.”

His words were true.

After meeting Lumian, the sword genius, Cal Krone’s life had changed 180 degrees.

The reason he had sought others’ attention until now was because he had no rival worthy of crossing swords with, and once that was fulfilled, he no longer acted like he had on the stage of the Swordsmanship Competition.

‘…Why am I getting nervous over something like this?’

Cal Krone glanced over the people behind Lumian.

Every single one was looking at him with bright, sparkling eyes. It was incredibly burdensome.

‘But I have to do it.’

It was a one-on-one sparring session with the Knight King himself.

Having grown up reading his biographies and hearing of his fame, there could be no greater reward than this.

Cal Krone quietly closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

And the moment he opened his eyes again.

Flash-!

An illusion that time in the world had briefly stopped swept through the area.

No one dared to make a sound.

People could only widen their eyes and swallow their amazement inwardly.

‘This… this isn’t an atmosphere a human can create!’

‘Like a rose… no, something far more splendid and noble comes to mind…’

Images naturally arose in people’s minds.

Like a rose crafted from gold, yet still retaining its fragrance. It was as if they could actually smell flower scent lingering in their noses.

Even Lumian, who had been confident in Cal Krone’s abilities, was startled.

He thought.

‘Wait, what has this guy been doing all this time to become even more splendid?’

Had he aged like wine while keeping his power sealed?

He couldn’t tell.

In any case, the presence Cal Krone was emanating right now was absolutely tremendous. Like the cap of a perfume bottle being opened, everyone lost their composure and kept staring at him.

Even if he used his aura image at full power, having surpassed even Sword Master level, it would probably fall slightly short of this.

And he was doing this without even using aura!

He couldn’t help but be amazed.

Whoosh-!

“Uh… is this enough?”

A moment later, Cal Krone, having withdrawn his presence, made an awkward expression.

When the Knight King was mentioned, he had acted without thinking it through, but honestly, it was a bit embarrassing.

However, the reaction was far more explosive than he had expected.

“This is insane!”

“He’s a god! A god of acting!”

“Even the greatest actors in history wouldn’t be able to compete! How is this possible!”

“Acting ability doesn’t matter! The role doesn’t matter! He is acting itself! Even if he just stood still on stage for an hour, the audience would be satisfied!”

“Oh, how can this be…”

The director, actors, and other theater industry professionals all spoke at once.

They were like priests who had witnessed the descent of their patron deity. Some even knelt down and shed tears.

Seeing this, Teoro, Bumer, and Tania shook their heads back and forth.

It was certainly an impressive sight, but perhaps because he knew them, it didn’t move him as much as it did the others.

‘Or maybe those people are just particularly sensitive… Either way, I’m envious.’

Teoro made a wistful expression.

A sparring match with the Knight King. He was terribly envious of Cal Krone.

But at the same time, he wasn’t envious at all.

He was the type who didn’t like actions that drew many people’s attention.

‘Honestly, I could do it if I tried, but no matter what, this kind of atmosphere is too embarrassing. Let’s just give up.’

Teoro shook his head back and forth.

Turning away from the people who were still in an uproar. Just as he was about to leave his spot.

“Magnificent!”

“Y-Your Majesty?”

“Your Majesty!”

Teoro’s head whipped around as if it might snap.

Philip III, who had just revealed himself, entered his line of sight. He was approaching Cal Krone with an admiring expression.

“That aura just now, splendid!”

“I-I’m honored, Your Majesty! But this is just a trick to catch people’s attention…”

Cal Krone bowed his head with a flustered face at the Knight King’s sudden intrusion.

No matter how arrogant he was, he couldn’t remain stiff even in front of Philip III. Not knowing why the other was praising him, he rattled off humble words.

However, the Knight King shook his head.

He continued speaking.

“No. It’s a sufficiently splendid technique. I’ve seen many use Aura to build up momentum, but to emit an aura that influences so many people without such help. Hmm… Indeed, there’s a reason the Patron Deity chose you as a hero candidate.”

“Your praise is too generous, Your Majesty!”

“I’ll say it again, it’s by no means excessive praise. Think about it – if you were to use that mysterious aura of yours offensively. And on top of that, if you layered threatening momentum through Aura. It would create tremendous synergy. Meaning it would be of great help in battle.”

The Knight King seemed pleased that a young talent had surprised him, continuing his explanation. Cal Krone stood before him like a young man in love.

And seeing this, Teoro Shutgarn trembled all over.

Because he couldn’t bear how envious he was of his friend.

‘…What should I do?’

He fell into internal conflict for a moment.

As he had thought earlier, Teoro truly had confidence.

In reality, the moment he was alone with a woman, he displayed his unique atmosphere to the fullest like Cal Krone.

He simply didn’t show such a side in front of many people. Because it felt like becoming a clown.

However, if he could draw the Knight King’s attention through such techniques.

If he could have a conversation with the one he respected so much!

‘I have no choice but to do it too!’

Finally making up his mind, Teoro stepped forward several paces.

Naturally, people’s gazes focused in that direction.

At that moment.

Faaaaa-!

From his body too, something called presence began to explode.

“Oh…”

“Ohhh…!”

Groaning sounds flowed from people’s mouths.

They had no choice.

A flower too cold to grasp in one’s hands, yet containing a subtle charm that made one desperately want to seize it.

At his atmosphere like a bouquet of hydrangeas sculpted from ice, tears began flowing from several people’s eyes once again.

“This is crazy, all the treasures of the continent were gathered in this place!”

“Not only the Hero but even all the hero candidates possess such presence. It’s like they could dominate the stage just by standing there?”

“Ah! What a shame, such a shame! If only they weren’t the Hero’s people, I would have grabbed their trouser legs right now to recruit them…”

A tremendous reaction similar to Cal Krone’s time. Teoro’s face reddened.

But it was fine. Because Knight King Philip III was also showing interest in him.

“You are also magnificent.”

“Y-You flatter me, Your Majesty.”

“Stop saying the same thing over and over. You’re both talented individuals with tremendous abilities. Haha, I’m in a very good mood. Shall I explain how to form images using Aura and utilize them in battle… Are you interested in listening?”

“Yes!”

“Of course!”

Cal Krone and Teoro Shutgarn answered simultaneously.

It wasn’t just them. The benevolent Knight King also offered seats to Tania and Bumer, who had been standing like borrowed barley sacks.

“Would the other hero candidates also like to join?”

“Thank you!”

“Thank you!”

The two hurriedly bowed.

When their lip movements weren’t visible to the Knight King as they bowed their heads, Tania asked Bumer in a small voice.

“Can’t you do that kind of thing?”

“I can’t.”

“I see.”

“…Yes.”

Bumer, feeling unnecessarily hurt, approached Philip III first. Tania followed behind him.

Lumian, who had been watching all of this, scratched his head and thought.

‘It worked out well in the end.’

A light incident that occurred just before the hero appointment ceremony.

Chuckling, he returned to practice once again.

Three days later.

The appointment ceremony began in the Sacred Land Overseen by the Deity.

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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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