The Failed Swordmaster - Chapter 159

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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 159 61. Rapid Growth (1)

 

A space filled with colorful clouds that could never be seen in the Human Realm, the Divine Realm.

 

Lumian, standing at its center, spread his energy in all directions.

 

He sensed Bumer 1-4 watching him from the four cardinal directions—north, south, east, and west.

 

Each of them possessed strength incomparable to ordinary Demon Kings. There were four of them at the level of the final great warrior that Lumian had barely managed to defeat half a year ago.

 

“Whew.”

 

He let out a light breath.

 

Usually, to fight a many-against-one battle with ease, one had to utilize terrain advantages or positional differences to face fewer numbers at once. Fighting 4 against 1 was the worst strategy, while fighting 1 against 1 four times was the best strategy.

 

Nevertheless, Lumian had no intention of moving his body. He looked as if he didn’t mind fighting all four simultaneously in this open space.

 

When the Bumers showed displeased expressions at such an arrogant attitude, energy like Mount Tai surged from his dantian.

 

Zzzzzzzing!

 

The energy that burst out through his hands and feet instantly covered Lumian’s body. Another layer of armor formed over his full-body armor.

 

The four Bumers sensed the gravity of the situation and charged simultaneously. All their swords were imbued with sinister energy that could split a body in half with just a graze.

 

However, Lumian’s mind was as calm as a tranquil water surface.

 

He stomped his foot hard with a battle cry.

 

“Haap!”

 

Kwaaaaang!

 

The ground shook and the sky trembled. The charging Bumers momentarily lost their balance.

 

But that wasn’t what mattered. The aura surrounding Lumian’s body began to crack and burst out in all directions.

 

Peoooong!

 

Kwagagagagak!

 

The four moved frantically to block the aura fragments shooting like thousands of glass shards. Someone raised their sword to form a barrier, while someone else quickly stopped and retreated backward.

 

Naturally, gaps appeared. Lumian launched the remaining aura fragments on his body at the closest opponent. The enemy was horrified by the attack flying at much faster speed.

 

“Ueup!”

 

Most were blocked. Two fragments grazed his clothes, and only one hit his body. However, it wasn’t unbearable.

 

The problem was that while blocking them, Lumian had approached right in front of him.

 

The startled Bumer hastily took a defensive stance. Lumian instantly passed by him and swung his sword at the Bumer behind.

 

Seogeogek-

 

“Keueoeoek!”

 

The careless one was split in half without proper resistance. Alertness rose on the faces of the remaining Bumers.

 

However, Lumian’s follow-up actions were much faster than their preparations. And stronger.

 

His combat experience and quick thinking were incomparable. He bewildered the three with all sorts of tactics and bit mercilessly when gaps appeared.

 

Eventually, the four Bumers were defeated. They scattered into smoke without landing a single effective hit.

 

However, Lumian’s condition wasn’t entirely intact either.

 

He took a meditation posture while breathing heavily as if his heart would burst out.

 

“Heok, huk, heok!”

 

The rapidly depleted Human aura tormented Lumian. The aftereffects of giving his all hit him hard.

 

He quickly entered aura meditation, and soon a massive mountain range rose in his mind.

 

Kuuuuuuuu-

 

A cross-shaped mountain range centered around a giant mountain. And vast plains spread between them.

 

Massive aura like an entire world supported Lumian.

 

But its size was on a different dimension from before.

 

It had expanded noticeably compared to half a year ago. The mountain range had also grown taller, and the vegetation growing everywhere displayed more vivid green colors.

 

‘Now I can say the World aura is almost complete.’

 

Lumian showed a satisfied expression.

 

Quantitative growth wasn’t important. Aura reserves could be rapidly increased by devouring Demon Stones and purifying them with Semu’s help.

 

However, he couldn’t do that until now because the vessel to withstand it wasn’t complete. Forcing in unmanageable power would only damage the body, not raise one’s level.

 

‘Conversely, the current me who can digest this much aura without strain has definitely risen in level. Amazing. Such results in just 6 months…’

 

The Patron Deity’s face naturally came to Lumian’s mind.

 

It was all thanks to her help.

 

Of course, he had also made blood-curdling efforts to quickly descend to the Human Realm, but if effort alone guaranteed excellent results, the world would be crawling with Swordmasters.

 

Knowing the importance of a proper teacher better than anyone, he couldn’t help but acknowledge Allia’s help.

 

‘If only her personality wasn’t so eccentric… if she were even half like Lord Armion.’

 

As he had such thoughts, changes occurred in Lumian’s body.

 

As the World aura forming the vessel stabilized, the second power, Human aura, began to bloom softly.

 

Uuuuuung!

 

Just as humans are born from the world’s embrace to form families and societies, Human aura rapidly filled Lumian’s body.

 

Then power incomparable to when he started meditation surged forth. Omnipotence that felt like he could crush anyone dominated his mind. Just like before the 4-against-1 sparring match.

 

However, Lumian’s expression wasn’t good.

 

After finishing meditation, he clicked his tongue. His face was full of regret.

 

Then, Allia appeared on a palanquin carried by Teoro Shutgarn and Cal Krone.

 

“Hey, working hard I see.”

 

“Respected Allia.”

 

“You, are you slacking off lately? You weren’t like this when you first came. Isn’t just one ‘respected’ too bland?”

 

“Shouldn’t it be time to move to the next stage now?”

 

Lumian ignored the Patron Deity’s nitpicking and said what he wanted to say. He now knew well that more than half of what she said was nonsense. They had also become quite close.

 

After grumbling briefly, Allia shook her head.

 

Her expression was utterly resolute.

 

“No, not yet.”

 

“Why do you keep saying that? It’s already been over two weeks since I stagnated.”

 

“That’s because you got strong too quickly, you crazy bastard.”

 

“It’s a compliment, so why doesn’t it sound like one?”

 

“It’s not a compliment, you crazy virgin. You’re not being this eager because you want to have sex as soon as possible, are you?”

 

“N-no.”

 

“No my ass. What’s the first thing you want to do when you go down to the Human Realm?”

 

“…Meet my girlfriend?”

 

“What do you want to do after meeting her?”

 

“Passionate hugging, kissing?”

 

“Stop right there. Never go to the next stage for the rest of your life.”

 

“I’m sorry. I misspoke.”

 

“This bastard always tells ridiculous lies. I’m right, aren’t I, kids?”

 

Nod nod. Two Teoros and two Cal Krones nodded simultaneously.

 

Lumian sighed watching that scene.

 

For some unknown reason, it was always like this. For the past two weeks, Lumian had continuously requested guidance on the next stage, especially ‘Human aura.’ And the Patron Deity rejected it every time.

 

‘This is frustratingly maddening.’

 

The World aura was complete, and he had mastered the utilization of Human aura.

 

However, his endurance was lacking. Because the total amount of Human aura accumulated in his body was woefully insufficient, the time he could exert full power was extremely short.

 

‘Unlike World aura, it can’t be increased by eating Demon Stones. There are no acquaintances to empathize with either. What should I do?’

 

Of course, even if he had precious connections including Tania, the situation wouldn’t have changed much. There were limits to the aura obtainable from connections totaling less than twenty people. And he couldn’t feel bonds with people he didn’t care about.

 

That’s why Allia’s advice and help were desperately needed, but she only repeated “the time hasn’t come” like a parrot.

 

He sighed once more.

 

“Sigh.”

 

“Hey, you’ll make the ground cave in.”

 

“It doesn’t break even when I give my all, so how would it cave in from a sigh? Unless I had sufficient Human aura.”

 

“This bastard is really vicious. Listen to me when I tell you to wait.”

 

“Sigh.”

 

“Nasty brat. As expected, my kids are the best. Good personalities and obedient. Put down the palanquin and give me a massage, kids.”

 

“Yes, Allia who possesses brilliance more radiant than the sun!”

 

“Yes, Allia who harbors charm more deadly than roses!”

 

“Yes, Allia who has a heart as vast and deep as the ocean!”

 

“Yes, the great being incomparable to anything else, Lady Allia!”

 

The palanquin bearers who had finished their flattery in an instant set down the palanquin.

 

And before he knew it, they began carefully massaging the Patron Deity’s body as she lay face down on the bed.

 

Seeing this, Lumian shook his head in disbelief.

 

Looking at it positively, it was comfortable as if he had gained an older sister, but speaking negatively, she lacked too much dignity for a Patron Deity.

 

‘Still, the former is better than the latter. Since I can at least exchange jokes, training feels somewhat less stifling…’

 

It was while he was having such idle thoughts.

 

Allia, who had been receiving a massage with a comfortable expression, suddenly bolted upright. Teoro and Cal Krone, who had been bustling around nearby, disappeared like smoke.

 

The atmosphere suggested something important had happened.

 

Lumian’s expression also became serious in response. After swallowing nervously, he asked.

 

“Has something happened in the Human Realm?”

 

“Yeah. I got word from Abram Russo.”

 

“Perhaps a new Demon King has invaded the Human Realm…”

 

“No. It’s not something bad. It’s something good. Mm, yes. I can feel it. Haha, this seems like it’ll be quite effective?”

 

A bright smile spread across Allia’s face. Lumian watched this silently.

 

He was afraid that if he rushed her unnecessarily, her playful side might activate and she’d delay telling him.

 

Fortunately, she didn’t do that and opened her mouth right away.

 

“Do you know what’s needed for a deity to maintain and grow their power?”

 

“Um… people’s prayers?”

 

“That’s right. While the qualification needed to become a deity must be obtained by oneself, maintaining divinity and growing it further requires people’s faithful hearts.”

 

“I see.”

 

“Heroes are similar. Of course, you don’t have the ability to consider the hearts of countless people one by one and form bonds with them.”

 

Lumian nodded.

 

It was true. He wasn’t a deity. Therefore, except for a few with whom he had deep connections, he couldn’t feel strong bonds. It meant he couldn’t commune with just anyone and draw up aura.

 

The Patron Deity’s words continued.

 

“Understanding and embracing people’s complex emotions, thoughts, and hearts is impossible as a human.”

 

“That’s correct.”

 

“But if it’s just a portion, if it’s just one or two emotions that people feel especially strongly toward you… wouldn’t it be quite possible to feel them completely?”

 

“What do you mean…”

 

“Just now, the Hero appointment ceremony video has been screening across the entire continent. Through countless mages and priests.”

 

“…”

 

“What kind of feelings do you think people who watched the Hero appointment ceremony have toward the Hero?”

 

Lumian’s mouth fell open.

 

He thought he understood. What Allia was talking about.

 

And now he also understood why she had put so much effort into the Hero appointment ceremony.

 

The Patron Deity had wanted people to give stronger trust, stronger faith to the Hero.

 

If it was something like that, he could fully understand it too. He could fully empathize with it.

 

How could he, as a knight, not feel the hearts of people who wished for the safety of individuals, families, nations, and the continent?

 

“I kept telling you, didn’t I? To wait. And now the time has come.”

 

“…”

 

“It won’t be as tremendous as the power you gain through communion with your connections. The difference in bonds is incomparable. But if that number is most of the continent’s population…”

 

“Certainly, I could gather tremendous energy.”

 

“Well, properly absorbing that depends on you. You might not be able to digest even one ten-thousandth of it, or you might do much better than that.”

 

“I’ll do well.”

 

“I’ll help you too. Hmm, first let’s hear what people’s reactions are like? Looking at the situation through that subordinate Abram Russo’s eyes… Oh.”

 

Allia’s eyes widened slightly. Then they became thin crescent shapes.

 

She turned her head sharply toward Lumian and said.

 

“The reaction is much more intense than I thought?”

 

It was the moment the Patron Deity finished speaking.

 

Tremendous energy that he had never felt before began rushing into Lumian’s body.

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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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