51 – Crevice (3)
The brilliant blue darkness, boasting a dazzling light, scattered and disappeared into the air, leaving only the black sword with a white body.
Krkrkr……
The wolf saw the sight and let out a low howl.
I don’t know if it was because of my mood, but I felt a sense of curiosity in the wolf’s howl.
Perhaps the wolf also perceived the darkness as quite threatening.
If that were indeed the case, it would mean that the wolf’s intelligence is higher than I thought.
Brushing off that thought in a corner of my mind, I focused my consciousness on the sword.
And then.
Concentrating my consciousness, I began to infuse determination.
Even the darkness that was already present in the sword had determination mixed in.
However, that was simply added to enhance the efficiency of magic, not becoming the main component.
But now, I was infusing pure determination into the sword.
Moreover, a quantity of determination so dense and abundant that I wouldn’t normally use.
I condensed the determination infused into the sword strongly.
Like shaping intangible will into something tangible, I compressed it meticulously.
Ooong─
Without infusing a single point of magic, the sword emitted a clear sound in response to the dense determination.
And as time passed, when a considerable amount of determination was infused into the sword.
An invisible blade made of determination appeared around the sword.
Not visible to the eye, and the culprit couldn’t feel it either, but there was clearly a blade present.
Confirming that the blade made of determination had fully formed, I finally infused magic into the sword.
Ooong!
The sound of the sword grew deeper.
And, an amount of magic that was incomparable to when creating the darkness flowed into the sword.
The magic that flowed in was absorbed directly by the blade made of determination.
As if pouring water into a bottomless pit, I poured magic like that for a while.
Sss─
Finally, a bluish light bloomed from the sword.
However, the form of that light was different from the darkness that had scattered before.
While the darkness had taken the form of a sword, the newly formed light gave the impression of another blade made of light.
Truly, a feeling of a sword newly born out of light.
“…….”
I gazed at the light blade that was successfully created with fresh eyes.
This was a technique I had newly created after reaching the realm of determination.
The darkness itself, in reality, was not so rare to create a sword that could be used.
As long as you reach a certain level, you can create it.
However, depending on one’s skill, the concentration, power, and sustainability may vary.
But what I held in my hand now was a technique that couldn’t even be attempted without using determination.
It was not about creating but about the minimum requirement for attempting, which was reaching the realm of determination.
At first glance, it might appear to be just a sharper form of swordsmanship, but the reality is different.
It could be considered a technique entirely distinct from swordsmanship.
I didn’t learn it from anyone, and it’s a technique I developed myself, so there isn’t exactly a name for it, but if I had to give it a name… yes, calling it Geomgang Sword Qi would be appropriate.
Suddenly, recalling the martial arts novels I read back on Earth, I let out a small laugh incongruous with the situation.
Although I created this technique, there’s no guarantee that others have mastered it.
Perhaps, there’s even a possibility that the warriors of the Ten Swords have already mastered it.
However, I didn’t see that possibility as very likely.
This technique, even in my eyes which have reached the pinnacle of enlightenment, is alien and difficult.
While I don’t intend to boast, it’s a technique I barely managed to create with the talent that Edan praised.
Even if someone else has learned it, I doubt there are many.
I think those who have surpassed me in the ranks of the Ten Swords are the ones most likely to have mastered it.
“…Well, it’s not important right now.”
Now is not the time to discuss the originality of this technique.
There’s simply no room for such leisure.
“As expected… the mana consumption is no joke.”
There’s a reason why I haven’t used this technique, Geomgang, until now.
The serious mana consumption compared to swordsmanship is the main reason.
It’s hard to say that swordsmanship itself is highly efficient, and Geomgang takes it a few steps further.
It feels like pouring water into a leaking bucket, and that’s not an exaggeration.
While Edan or the other warriors of the Ten Swords might manage it, I can’t sustain such high mana consumption for long.
Primarily because I have a low amount of mana to begin with.
Compared to my enlightenment, I likely have a significantly low amount of mana.
The reason being, paradoxically, that my enlightenment rose too quickly.
Unlike the enlightenment that can progress rapidly depending on one’s skills and talents, mana is truly cultivated over time.
Those who have spent a long time honing their skills naturally possess more mana.
While there are methods like alchemy, coming from a commoner background, I can’t even speak of such things.
I tried to find something akin to alchemy by wandering the mountains since I was young, but it seemed like alchemy was just that, elusive, as I couldn’t even find similar items.
The speed of mana accumulation varies from person to person, and I’m quite confident that I accumulate it quickly, but even with just around ten years of accumulation without alchemy, I am far behind the mana levels of other Ten Swords-level warriors.
…Well, anyway, the point is, I need to make a quick decision.
Because I can’t sustain Geomgang for long.
That’s why I.
Blame!
Swiftly struck my position.
Crunch!
The wolf once again missed my movement.
However, this time, I didn’t feel as flustered by its howl as before.
It must have realized that my attack wouldn’t cause it significant harm.
It would probably think it’s just a nuisance to drive me away with its tentacles again.
I decided to make it regret that arrogance.
With that determination, I swung my sword towards the legs that had approached me unnoticed.
If it were in the past, the attack would have ended with a long-lasting wound and a bit of blood.
Swish!
In an instant, I cut off half of his leg.
─────!
With a loud sound never heard before, the wolf howled in agony.
“I should not have let my guard down.”
No, even if I hadn’t let my guard down, the outcome would have been the same.
He could never keep up with my speed, and whether I was careless or not, cutting him was a done deal.
Anyway, I seized the opportunity.
So, rather than filling my head with unnecessary thoughts, it’s important to make the most of this chance.
Before the wolf could regain its composure and take action, I swung my sword again.
Towards the half-cut, limp leg.
Due to his frantic movements, the position of the leg kept changing, but aiming for it was no big deal.
In the end, my sword once again swung towards his leg.
Swish!
With a clean cutting sound.
This time, I completely severed his leg.
Kraaah!
He screamed again.
And at the same time, the tentacles swelled up and began attacking wildly around.
It seemed that due to the pain, he couldn’t accurately pinpoint my location.
But even so, the tentacles were a significant threat.
Given their immense size and number, just swinging them around drastically limited my range of movement.
In fact, not long ago, I had to keep my distance because of those tentacles.
But now, the situation is different.
“Suck!”
Temporarily adjusting the sword’s strength, I lengthen it long and thin. And in that state, I swing it broadly horizontally.
Chwack!
With that one swing, all the indiscriminately swinging tentacles were cut down.
Of course, this doesn’t completely solve the tentacle issue.
Before long, those tentacles will grow back intact.
It’s just that a momentary gap has opened up.
However, I didn’t despair.
After all, that was my plan from the start.
Creating that momentary gap was my goal.
Now that he’s lost his tentacles, he has no way to resist.
With his senses unable to keep up with my speed, and with one foot lost and his balance compromised, he can’t even struggle and resist.
In other words.
It’s the perfect timing to go for the throat.
Before my eyes, I saw the massive head of the wolf, and I laughed.
Roar!
As if the beast finally recognized me, it let out a furious roar.
Without even glancing at the creature, I swung my sword straight towards its neck.
Roar!
Perhaps realizing the imminent danger, the wolf let out a desperate roar.
Simultaneously, something unpleasant, resembling tentacles in texture, covered its body.
Initially squirming like tentacles, the unpleasant entity soon stiffened and firmly took its place.
As if it were armor protecting itself from enemies.
This might be another ability the creature possessed.
It may appear unassuming, but it was a monstrous ability comparable to calamitous demons.
Even the creature’s bare body wouldn’t withstand armor made with such determination.
It could be so sturdy that even a sword might barely scratch it.
However.
Even faced with such a sight, my expression remained unchanged.
Without hesitation, I swung my sword towards the wolf’s neck.
The blade, forged with determination and magic, met the tough armor.
Like a sword cutting through water, it penetrated the armor effortlessly.
Crunch?!
The wolf, realizing the anomaly, tried to twist its body with a short cry, but it was too late.
Beyond the armor, the blade pierced the creature’s flesh, and I held it there.
Swoosh—
A soft cutting sound reverberated.
Thud!
The giant head, now detached, fell onto the ice with a resounding crash.
Pshoo!
Belatedly, blue blood gushed out from the severed neck like a geyser.
And then.
Thud!
Losing balance, the massive body collapsed onto the thick ice.
I watched the scene, about to sheathe my sword slowly, when I abruptly stopped and urgently rolled on the ground.
Thud!
The spot where I stood moments ago was struck by the tentacles.
“…Ha.”
Regaining composure, I stood up, bewildered, and gazed ahead.
Through the drifting ice particles, tentacles emerged from the severed neck and headless body, squirming towards each other.
Without needing much thought, I knew what it meant.
The creature was not dead yet.
I tilted my head in awe at its tenacious vitality and dodged the tentacles coming at me, getting closer to the creature’s head.
The strength of this bastard’s vitality, what it takes to kill him, I can’t tell in this state.
There is no way to investigate.
So.
I decided to try the first method that came to mind.
If cutting off his head doesn’t kill him, what if I turn his head into powder.
With that thought, I firmly gripped my sword again.
Whether it was reading my thoughts or not, the tentacles glowed even brighter, threatening me.
Unfortunately for him, I was much faster from the start.
Before those tentacles could reach me, I swung my sword.
Not just once, but twice, thrice, four times, and eventually beyond two digits.
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When my sword finally stopped.
The wolf’s head was nowhere to be seen, leaving only blue blood and flesh scattered around.
The vital spot and center of the organism, the head, was severed, and further fragmented.
For an ordinary creature, even three deaths wouldn’t leave such a peculiar wound.
But.
Crack!
Thud!
The tentacles didn’t stop moving.
“…It’s really unbelievable.”
Even though the head was severed and further shattered without any form, he still clung to life.
I felt a sense that couldn’t be expressed even with the words “unbelievable.”
This is a level of vitality that defies logic.
Even among calamity-grade monsters, there might not be one as tenacious as this.
Considering that, it definitely feels like a monster from another realm.
In the end, unless I figure out how to deal with that body, he won’t die.
So, what should I do?
Chopping up his body one by one like I did with his head is time-consuming.
And the absurd amount of magical power consumption from the sword is still strangling my throat.
If I keep doing that, my magic will run out before his neck is severed.
Then I really won’t be able to kill him.
That’s why.
I made a decision.
To finish it in one blow.
“Hoo….”
I reluctantly switched from holding the sword with one hand to gripping it with both hands.
And, in an awkward stance, I spread my legs and adjusted my posture.
As if someone learning to swing a sword for the first time.
If I could just extend the sword like a yardstick and cut him down in one go, it would be easier, but I don’t have that kind of magical power.
No, maintaining the sword’s magical power is now a precarious situation.
So, I have to try a different approach.
Easily!
Without getting tired, I activated my determination and mana to the maximum while looking at the tentacles trying to attack me.
Fortunately, there was one technique suitable for this situation.
The technique I used to block Edan’s powerful attack the day before.
In a way, this technique is similar to Geomgang.
It’s a technique where determination, not mana, is the main focus.
I raise my determination, my will.
And pull it out of my body.
Determination is will, will is intent.
The state of bringing that out and creating miracles is the state of determination.
The will embeds itself in my body.
Ben’s will.
A will that solely aims to cut down the opponent in front of me.
The strongly concentrated will not only affects the world but also transcends to a world one step ahead.
Literally, aiming to create miracles.
And that will, through mana as a medium, finally manifests in the world.
Whoosh—
From top to bottom, the sword was swung.
Just calmly.
Without sharpness or fierceness.
A gentle and ordinary swing that makes you wonder if it can properly cut through a single tentacle.
Crunch!
Splitting the ice of the lake to the ground, the body of the grotesque monster thrashing grotesquely was soon split into two.