Chapter 104: Tae-Ryung Divine Art (7)

Chapter 104: Tae-Ryung Divine Art (7)

As the days went by, Tae-Ryung Breathing Techniques proficiency rapidly increased.

At first, Baek Yu-Seol had to sit quietly and concentrate for a while to use it, but now he could use it with some ease even while running.

Of course, using it while running still required more time for focus, so it was still difficult to use during urgent battles.

In martial arts novels, he thought of it as a passive ability that could be used automatically, similar to the techniques or spells, but it required considerable effort and practice.

Furthermore, using both Tae-Ryung Breathing Technique and Magic Concentration simultaneously in practical combat was almost impossible.

However, its power was undeniable.

He was confident that if one could focus mana on a sword, he could easily shred through shields of at least the Class 3.

However, he was still far from catching up to the protagonists.

The three female protagonists once displayed Class 4 magic in the Divine Realm.

Even achieving the Class 3 was no easy feat.

Since they experienced magic a step higher than themselves, they would likely reach the Class 4 level soon.

Due to the influence of the previous setback, Hae Won-ryang was pushing himself to the limits, and would also reach Class 4 in no time.

It was the same for Mayuseong.

Despite various reasons, Baek Yu-Seol continued to train diligently, as becoming stronger was a sure way to secure the future.

The magical training curriculum conducted directly by Instructor Lee Hanwol was tough, but such lessons were hard to come by anywhere else, so he participated enthusiastically.

They were an extremely great aid in practicing Tae-Ryung Breathing Technique.

It was extremely rare to find someone who could both fight well and teach as well as Lee Hanwol.

Well, that was why he was probably in charge of Class S.

The magical combat training covered a wide range of tutorials, starting with sensing the scope of Target Magic, finding advantageous positions in unfavorable situations, and employing magic that pierced the opponent's vulnerabilities.

Honestly, Baek Yu-Seol already knew everything.

Well, not exactly, but he developed those techniques in his own way in the game and even posted his strategies on the community several times. T/his chapter is updated by nov(ê(l)biin.co/m

So, the content of the lessons wasn't particularly new for him.

Only the fact that he could train was important to him.

After finishing his daily work, he headed straight to the training ground.

Hed significantly reduced strength training to about an hour a day.

Now, breathing technique was more important than strength.

"Inhale!"

**Thud!**

When the heavy barbell was set down on the floor, a loud noise reverberated through the training facility.

"You seem lively these days.

Eisel was covered in sweat, and her hair was neatly tied up in a ponytail as she inquired with a sly smile.

"Oh, you know, health is paramount. If you exercise when your back and neck hurt later, it's too late."

"Are you an old man?"

"More appropriate would be mature and experienced."

"Oh... right...."

Baek Yu-Seol replied as he lifted the barbell with all his strength.

"Huff! This is how health should be maintained... for a long, healthy life!"

**Thud!**

"Whew, I'm exhausted."

Slowly, the muscles had been properly worked out. As Baek Yu-Seol wiped sweat with a towel, Eisel lowered her head with a dark expression.

"What now?"

"... Huh? Oh, no. Nothing at all. I'll just go now."

"Fine."

Baek Yu-Seol gulped down a protein shake and shook his hands, but she remained unresponsive, and the subdued atmosphere lingered.

*Why is she acting like that again...?*

*Women's psychology is beyond comprehension.*

* * *

Once one had learned the basics of magical theory, they could engage in practical sparring with other students.

Different classes come together for these lessons, and sometimes Class F and Class S sparred, while Class D and Class C engaged in prideful battles.

Today, Class S and Class A had a joint session.

While Class S students didn't pay much attention to meeting other classes, Class A was different. They discreetly cared about Class S.

This was because some Class S students had lower grades and ranks than Class A, which led to a number of them not standing out, and Class A nobles found this unfair, and felt that they were in Class S due to their low status.

It was not hard to understand.

Summoning water from nothingness was an impressive feat for a Class 3 mage, but the attack held little significance for him.

**[Mana Concentration]**

Focusing mana into the Argento Sword, he could normally only handle Class 3 or lower shooting-type spells.

But now, Baek Yu-Seol could attempt something different.

Waves surged toward him, resembling a minor natural disaster.

Baek Yu-Seol extended his sword towards the waves.

What he was about to do was a simple: Ignorantly slashing down without any sword techniques.

From below, upwards, a vertical cut.

Yet, the impact of this simple move was far from ordinary.

Aaargh!!

**Swish!!**

As if a miracle like Moses', the frontal wave split, extending nearly 4 meters.

He didnt just split the wave, he had severed the circuit connecting the structure of the magic itself, causing the wave to lose power and dissipate.

"Wha-what...!"

Now Baek Yu-Seol had a rough idea of his capabilities. Handling Class 3 magic was manageable with proper concentration.

*'Impressive...'*

He was somewhat surprised by his own abilities, but the training wasn't over yet.

**[Flash]**

As he darted within Yusleks range, water droplets burst out of thin air.

Deliberately entering his target magic range, Baek Yu-Seol aimed to exploit the advantage of quick casting but also the vulnerability of delayed follow-up attacks.

Guiding the target magic intentionally, he sidestepped and swung his sword.

*'Dragon Cascade Strike'*

**Bam!**

The flat ground churned as water resembling a dragon's form shot out, attempting to engulf Baek Yu-Seol.

It, too, was easily deflected.

"Ugh!"

Yuslek retreated slowly, and a blue magic circle appeared and disappeared as it rushed towards him.

The whip of water could slice through armor, yet it couldn't touch Baek Yu-Seol; the water cannon could shatter rocks, but upon contact with his sword, it exploded harmlessly like a water balloon.

As all his attacks were thwarted, Yuslek grew uneasy and he began unleashing stronger spells. While his magic was undoubtedly skilled, it also led to his downfall.

'Never lose composure no matter how dire the situation' - a key principle of magic combat, and his aggressive tactics rattled Baek Yu-Seol.

However, It worked to Baek Yu-Seols advantage. Unfortunately, maintaining Tae-Ryung Breathing Technique while using Flash had been a challenge, so leading to a prolonged battle might result in his defeat.

So, he had to make the most of Yusleks mistake.

**[Flash]**

"Smile...!"

As he teleported behind him, Yuslek hastily summoned a water shield.

The shield could only block in one direction since it maintained a flat shape, but creating a protective barrier with elemental magic made it weak in defense and that form became meaningless.

However, the water barrier was effective against fire or wind types, but it didnt have much effect on a physical type like Baek Yu-Seol.

Without hesitation, he rushed towards Yusleks back, swung his sword heavily, and the water shield split into two by the Argento Sword enhanced with Magic Concentration, allowing Baek Yu-Seol to strike his back.

"Gah!"

The match ended with Argento Sword aimed at his neck.

"Practice over, both sides should retrieve their staff."

Following the instructor's orders, Baek Yu-Seol deactivated Argento.

"Damn..."

Frustrated, Baek Yu-Seol clenched the sand and turned away from Yuslek, who was gritting his teeth in frustration.

Baek Yu-Seol realized his shortcomings through this duel. He had become pitifully complacent with the increase in swordsmanship power.

It was fortunate that Yuslek, a novice in magical combat, was the opponent.

If he had faced someone attacking him systematically from the start, he might have lost.

Maintaining the Tae-Ryung Breathing Technique was already challenging, and it took considerable time to concentrate on using it, making it difficult to pull off in actual combat.

**Thunk!**

Baek Yu-Seol lightly tapped Yusleks shoulder, acknowledging his shortcomings, and walked past him.

"Thank you."

"........ What?"

He looked utterly baffled, but Baek Yu-Seols gratitude was sincere.

Magic users like Yuslek provided enough insight for him to reflect upon and serve as excellent sparring partners.