Crash!
The resounding clash of metal reverberated across the training ground.
Swish!
Noah deftly flipped the sword that had recoiled slightly, preparing to strike once more. Alderman's sword veered to the right, forming an impenetrable defense. Noah had no choice but to attempt to pierce it as he had done before.
But this time, Noah tapped into the power of the Flame Art. His swordsmanship remained fierce, but his mind became calm and focused.
In that moment, Noah, who had been solely focused on offense, noticed a slight vulnerability on the left side of Alderman's waist. It wasn't a blatant opening, as it was well-guarded.
"However..."
Noah had a premonition that he could exploit this weakness and create an opportunity.
Whoosh!
With a swift diagonal slash, Noah unleashed his sword. Alderman effortlessly adjusted his posture, meeting the ferocious attack with the grace of a waterfall.
Clang!
As their swords clashed, Noah's wrist was jolted, creating a momentary opening on the left side of Alderman's waist.
Reacting swiftly, Noah pivoted on his ankle, altering the trajectory of his sword. Utilizing the rotational force generated from his calf and extending to his thigh, he swung his blade.
"Gasp!"
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For the first time, panic flashed in his teacher's eyes. He stumbled backward and hastily redirected his sword.
Clang!
Unable to withstand the force of Noah's powerful strike, Alderman retreated three steps.
"W-what was that just now? Why did you change your trajectory..."
"I saw it."
"You saw it?"
"Yes."
By calming his mind, which had previously been consumed by the offensive nature of the Fangs of Insanity, Noah gained the ability to perceive his opponent's openings.
Or rather, he could anticipate the creation of an opening. In other words, he had acquired the skill to predict Alderman's next move.
"How did you do that?" Alderman asked, astonishment evident in his voice.
Noah smirked, mirroring Alderman's earlier response. "I can't divulge all the details."
"I wasn't teaching you how to speak," Noah continued. "Kids learn by observing."
Noah tapped the ground with his feet and swiftly charged towards Rimmer, who was still recovering his stance. "I'm coming again!"
Alderman whistled, watching Raon approach with his sword swinging.
"You still have a long way to go," Alderman remarked, preparing to defend by holding his sword horizontally.
But Noah's movement suddenly changed. He lifted his waist, twisting his sword that was about to rise and aiming for Alderman's left wrist.
'Damn it!'
Alderman furrowed his brows and shifted his body. He formed an aura at the tip of his sword, readying himself for a counterattack.
Clang!
However, Noah's sword had already descended. It was not just an instinctual move; it resembled the calculated precision of a seasoned beast that sought out its opponent's weaknesses through experience.
'Seriously, this guy...'
Alderman could hardly contain his astonishment. He had only given Noah a small hint, and yet the young swordsman was already beginning to grasp the true essence of the Fangs of Insanity. It was enough to make Alderman's hair stand on end.
Whoosh!
Alderman unleashed a violent slash, causing green energy to radiate from his blade and defend against attacks from all directions, except for one hidden opening.
Noah's golden eyes glimmered with a touch of crimson as he twisted his sword, aligning it with that elusive opening.
'He's done it!'
"Don't do it just yet."
Alderman glanced at Noah and noticed his golden eyes were dilated.
"A trance?"
It seemed that Noah had experienced a moment of enlightenment while fighting against the Wind Spirit Stab.
"What in the world...?"
Alderman couldn't comprehend how Noah was able to achieve such enlightenment. If only he knew that Noah had the ability to master any weapon, he would have been utterly shocked.
Meanwhile, Lilith let go of Alderman's arm and left the training ground. It appeared that she intended to prevent anyone from entering.
"How did she notice it?"
Alderman himself hadn't realized Noah's trance state. He couldn't fathom how Lilith had spotted it from a distance.
"He truly is a fortunate individual."
Alderman shook his head and took a seat on the ground. It seemed he had no choice but to keep watch over Noah.
"I had planned to go out and have a drink once this was over."
He licked his lips, gazing at the setting sun.
Noah's eyes fluttered open, his breath escaping in a long exhale. Darkness surrounded him, the once bright sun replaced by the gentle glow of the moon. He wasn't surprised, though.
"I must have fallen into a trance," he muttered to himself, the realization hitting him as he stared at his teacher's powerful sword at the end.
"It must be nice," Alderman grumbled, lying on the ground.
Noah sheathed his sword and offered a polite bow. "Thank you."
Despite his calm demeanor, Alderman's energy filled the area, a clear sign that he had been guarding Noah throughout his trance.
"You should say that to her too," Alderman pointed behind him, his finger directing Noah's attention to the white-haired figure standing near the training ground's entrance.
"Are you finished?"
Lilith opened the door and stepped inside.
"She noticed your trance before me," Alderman explained.
Noah nodded, then positioned himself in front of Lilith.
"Thank you," he said sincerely.
"Did you become stronger?" she asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"Yes," Noah replied confidently.
A smile tugged at Lilith's lips, her expression brightening slightly. "So, we don't need to spar anymore?"
Noah nodded, returning her smile. "That's right. I've gained enough strength."
"You must have received some incredible enlightenment," Alderman chimed in, dusting off his clothes as he stood up.
"Fangs of Insanity can be a wild beast's fang, but it can also be a moment of clarity. It's not just about ferocity and violence, but about finding openings through experience and the mind."
Noah knew he still had a long way to go, but he felt like he had taken the first step towards mastering the true Fangs of Insanity.
"It was worth the time," Alderman said with a contented smile, heading towards the training ground's exit.
"The liquor is going to taste great today."
"Thank you," Noah called out one last time, expressing his gratitude as Alderman waved his hand and left.
"Noah, let's continue training," Lilith said, stepping closer to him and drawing her sword. It wasn't about sparring anymore, but about honing their skills.
"Okay," Noah agreed.
He owed Lilith a debt of gratitude, and he was more than willing to help her train as much as she desired.
Noah observed Lilith's swordsmanship, his knowledge of the Fangs of Insanity allowing him to quickly identify areas for improvement.
"During your second technique, extend your feet by about a knuckle's length and straighten your knee a bit more," he advised.
Lilith's sword movements became sharper and more intricate, her talent shining through as she absorbed his advice. But Noah couldn't help but feel that there was something more to her, something dangerous and untamed that she hadn't fully grasped.
He offered a few more pointers, then raised his head to gaze at the moon illuminating the training ground.
"It's time to leave," he whispered to himself.