Chapter 15.1: ???????????? ???????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????????????? (????????)

Chapter 15.1: The End of Childhood (15)

Karamaf drew his weapon, a drab, dark-colored longsword without any decoration. It seemed too plain for a knight of Karamaf’s stature.

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━Do you know why secret techniques in swordsmanship aren’t taught to just anyone?”

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━Isn’t it because if everyone knew them, people wouldn’t pay expensive fees to join swordsmanship guilds?

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━. . .Are you really the son of a knight? Sure, that’s one reason, but more importantly, the secrecy itself becomes a weapon.”

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Ordinary swordsmanship didn’t mean instant death for someone unfamiliar with the technique.

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Swordsmanship is ultimately about how one wields the sword in combat. It’s about how to stab, slash, and parry. It’s not about suddenly unleashing an unthinkable move. A master of one technique could somewhat counter an unfamiliar one.

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However, the technique’s vision was different.

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If you don’t know them, you’re at a disadvantage!

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They’re skills that defy conventional wisdom, leaving first-timers vulnerable. Knowing even one or two of these could mean the difference between life and death in a split second.

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━Especially my sword technique, it’s advantageous in a preemptive strike. When the opponent knows nothing about you, when they’re ignorant of your swordsmanship. That ignorance is a key advantage.”

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Fitting for an assassin, Kaegal’s swordsmanship specialized in ending the fight with a first strike. This was fortunate for Johan.

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‘End it with one hit in a prolonged battle.’

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One step further.

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Karamaf raised his longsword, immediately creating an overwhelming pressure. It seemed ready to respond instantly in any direction.

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━How do you fight someone in armor? Avoid them. The thicker the armor, the more you should avoid. No matter how strong you are, a well-armored opponent is too much of a disadvantage.”

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It’s said that a first-class swordsman senses their defeat before it happens. The trained mind and senses make the judgment before the blade even touches the body. That’s what Karamaf was experiencing now.

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For him to lose track of his opponent in a duel between swordsmen was unbelievable.

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‘Was he more of a monster than I thought. . .!’

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Though defeated in the bout, Karamaf did not panic. This wasn’t a duel under equal conditions. It was a fight where lives were at stake.

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From the beginning, Johan couldn’t win against Karamaf, no matter how many times he probed his weaknesses.

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As long as this armor remains intact.

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Karamaf only needed one hit to win, but for Johan, a win was impossible without striking several times to penetrate vital spots. The fight was so uneven it could hardly be called a fight. Karamaf never thought he would lose.

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‘I admit you’re a monster. So, what will you do? Wherever you hit, one part of your body will be severed next. No matter how fast, you can’t just hit and run away immediately.’

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Karamaf guarded his neck and face, waiting for Johan’s attack. It didn’t matter where Johan struck. The moment he did, his feet would be stopped, and Karamaf’s counterattack would begin.

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Sssshk!

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There was a heavy sound of air being sliced. Johan swung his sword with tremendous force, aiming for the side. He was attempting a horizontal slash. Karamaf scoffed at Johan.

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Trying to cut plate armor with a longsword. Such a foolish act, not even a fool would attempt. His lack of proper knightly training was his downfall here. Once his meaningless sword strike ended, his neck would be severed.

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‘Farewell.’

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Then there was a sound.

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It was the sound of Karamaf’s armor being ripped apart.