Chapter 48-1: - Divine Spirit Gate Key (3)

Chapter 48-1: - Divine Spirit Gate Key (3)

After clearing the path so that he could easily enter the resting place of the spirit in the future, Baek Yu-Seol went out and headed to the academy.

Although Instructor Lee Hanwol gave him a suspicious look, he couldn't help it.

"I should take Eisel to some authentic restaurants soon to clear suspicion..."

Ill have to go back.

With that decision in mind, he rushed back to the World Tree, and diligently trained for several weeks.

[The level of the attribute 'Mana Accumulation Retardation has risen!]

Finally, he was able to see the proper results.

[Mana Accumulation Retardation Lv.3]

[Strength increased by 08%]

[Agility increased by 12%]

[Senses enhanced by 20%]

[Intuition: Activated by consuming the user's 'mental strength,' it moderately detects mana phenomena within a radius of 24m and cognitive acceleration is activated. Automatically triggered when the user is deemed in danger.]

[Blood Mana Circulation Rate: 2%]

He hurriedly checked it out, and the effects were indeed amazing.

The enhancement was immense. Aside from other effects, Baek Yu-Seol was particularly pleased with the slight increase in the circulation rate.

[Baek Yu-Seol]

[Stats]

[Strength: 2 stars (49%)]

[Sense: 2 stars (34%)]

[Agility: 2 stars (33%)]

[Stamina: 2 stars (07%)]

[Ability: 0 stars (97%)]

[Personality: 1 star (59%)]

[Mana: ~]

Baek Yu-Seols ability stats also rose rapidly, nearly reaching the midpoint of 2 stars.

However, it was far from being an impressive level.

On average, first-year Stella students had physical strength and agility of around 1 star or higher, and mental strength, senses, and mana stats touched around 3 stars or higher.

Even the main characters would have several 4-star or higher stats.

On the other hand, Baek Yu-Seols abilities were terribly low, and he still had a long way to go.

While other students prioritized mana as their crucial ability, for him, strength held the utmost importance.

Yet, he hadnt even reached halfway till 2 stars in that regard.

He needed to push himself further and strive relentlessly, sacrifice both flesh and bone, and shed blood in his pursuit of improvement.

Conquering the pressure of the spirit, he drew out Argento Sword and took a deep breath, unleashing the full force of his blade.

Ziiiiing!!

Although its length hadnt increased, the density of the beam had intensified, making it slightly but noticeably more robust and unyielding.

"Huff...!"

The pressure within this space remained challenging to withstand, but thanks to his heightened control over mana leakage, he had now become capable of wielding the sword with confidence.

Up, down, left, right - he maneuvered his sword without any foundational style or technique.

It was not a joke.

The whole concept of "swordsmanship" was built on the assumption of clashing blades, so there was no meaning for him to learn it.

He would hardly ever engage in sword fights like other swordsmen. What he truly needed to learn was how to confront magic attacks with the weapon called as sword.

Unfortunately, there was no master who could teach him such swordsmanship in that world.

While most characters would meet a master and learn something enlightening later on, he had to train on his own.

It was a daunting task.

He still didnt know what suited the advantage of Flash the best. In the game, he could simply teleport and thrust or slash his sword, but reality was different.

Now that he thought about it... a message did appear.

[Breath of the Spirit Lv.1]

[Description: Through the breath of the spirits, one can harmonize with nature. However, the exchange rate of mana in the bloodstream amplifies tremendously, leading to the occurrence of "Divine Erosion."]

[Effects]

[1: Strength enhancement by 107%]

[2: Agility enhancement by 125%]

[3: Sensory enhancement by 147%]

[4: Endurance enhancement by 101%]

[Maximum duration: 15 seconds]

[Divine erosion rate: 1%]

"What is this...?"

He gained an incredible skill.

Although the duration was short, it was an immense skill that instantly elevated his divine abilities to the level of a 4-star rating from a 3-star.

However, the penalty was too severe.

It was called Divine Erosion.

It was closely related to losing his human body.

The spirits could maintain their form with their own magical power. But for him, leaking mana and losing his physical body... signified death.

It was great, but the more he used it, the shorter his lifespan would become due to this skill.

Its fascinating. This is the second time a human had exhaled the breath of the spirits. You, too, have such a faint presence.

There seems to be no mana within you, as if you don't exist in this world.

"What does that mean...?"

It would be best not to stay here for too long. You are currently harmonizing with me. If you continue like this, we might eventually become one. I dislike that. You will dislike it too.

"... I had a rough idea, though."

There was not a trace of mana within his body.

Which meant that his existence itself was faint in a world where everything was made of mana. That was why his lifespan was short.

All objects and life forms must possess mana. Therefore, even if other mana from the surroundings surges in, one can maintain a sense of presence with their own mana as their identity.

But, he didnt have that ability. When the mana of the meadow rushes into him, he becomes the meadow. When the mana of the sea rushes into him, he becomes the sea.

It was a condition in which he would be swept away by the environment, known as mana leakage.

He was aware of it, but experiencing it firsthand felt quite strange.

"... Anyway, it's true that I gained a good skill that can be used in emergencies. Let's think of it positively.

It's what they call a decisive blow.

He met with the spirit, Leafannel. She was still in a state where she couldn't open her eyes or move, but somehow, he felt like she was looking at him.

"So, why did you suddenly start talking?"

"Well, I have about 1,269 things I want to say, but where should I start?"

"Start with what you need to say to me."

"Well, that's a shame. Then, here's the first question! Why do you wriggle on the floor like that?"

What?

"Exercise."

"Exercise?"

"I can't use magic. I have Mana Accumulation Retardation. So, I practice swordsmanship."

"But why do you do it so messily?"

"... And what do you know?"

"I know everything! I've seen someone just like you before. That person was skilled with a sword. They could cut through magic and spirits alike."

"W-What...?"

What? Hed never heard such a story. Even in the game, there was no mention of a 'swordsman.' If they were skilled enough to cut through magic, they must have been quite powerful.

Was it possible for such a person to exist?