Chapter 160

160: Joint Martial Arts Practice [2]

Next up is [Black Blade Chain of Flashes]. Now that it’s been upgraded to the advanced level. Naturally it’s quite different from when I spar with the head of the family, Theo.

Swoosh—! Swoosh—! Swoosh! Swoosh—!

The crossing black sword slices not only through flesh but also cleanly cuts through the enemy’s bones. Before Eleanor’s eyes, the black blade dances gracefully. It was a beautiful sword, as if it stole people’s hearts, slowly leaving them in a daze. It was the scene where she figured out why the black sword of the Reinhaver family was considered immense.

“Beautiful....”

Therefore, Eleanor unintentionally blurted it out. It was irresistible.

With each step the sword cut lightly, it carved shallow, and sometimes deep, scars into the enemy.

And who was wielding the sword?

Second to none in bringing bad luck, but a man who lives off his own sense of superiority. Nox von Reinhaver. His appearance naturally fit the word beautiful. His snow-white hair and mysterious lavender eyes enchanted people, and his sharp nose seemed like it would slice through. Recently, his features had become even more striking. Even the sight of his breath turning white in the cold seemed like an art piece. Eleanor realized for the first time that swordsmanship could be so beautiful like this.

“Finished watching? Then we should get out of here. If we stay, more dangerous foes will come.”

“Huh... That...”

Eleanor snapped out of her daze and quickly returned to her senses. She spoke curtly. Quickly assessing the situation and predicting the next move was one of her forte. Her title as [Genius of Acting] was well-earned.

“This seems to be the north. Near Winter Bridge, I’d say.”

“Fortunately you recognize it.”

“What do you see me for”

“More specifically [The Frozen Frostwood Forest].”

“Yes?”

“That’s the name of this place.”

When Eleanor asking back, Nox calmly explained as he finished off a troll still writhing on the ground.

Squelch! Blood spurted up. And a drop trickled down his face. Nox wiped it off as if it were nothing and turned away.

“Follow me. I’ll find the way.”

As if bewitched by his words, Eleanor followed his back while stealing a sideways glance for a moment. Why is it?

‘What is the reason he’s not leaving me behind, even though I’m clearly much weaker than him?“

Even in moments like this, Eleanor couldn’t break her habit and thought like that. In this place, if we borrow Nox’s word [The Frozen Frostwood Forest]. She was nothing but a hindrance and couldn’t be any help. As a merchant who always pursued profit and never allowed losses, she found his actions puzzling.

What was Nox’s intention?

Eventually, she sorted her thoughts. There’s no doubt he’s going to get his share from me later. Eleanor kept repeating that to herself, just trying to hide the strange and difficult emotions within her. A white snowstorm engulfed the two of them.

—————————————————

Noah von Trinity and Astrid von Kaliud. Not many people knew that two of the four sages were in here at Eldain. If you had to count, perhaps just one when Lars found out by accident? Other than that, no one including the professors, knew that Astrid had come here and taken Nox as her disciple.

Aleph was also the same.

‘Sure, Nox von Reinhaver has been involved in various incidents, from Paimon-nim, Jagan-nim, to Gremory-nim. That’s a fact. But if asked is it a big deal? Naturally not. He’s just a rookie who still reeks of her mother’s milk.’

Basically, Aleph is arrogant. While he only served demons, if they weren’t Grand Duke class, he considered them beneath him. That was Aleph von Dastein’s true nature.

He didn’t acknowledge Nox’s existence. Though he did recognize Theo von Reinhaver’s strength, as for the family’s disgrace and youngest son? Aleph dismissed Nox von Reinhaver’s deeds until yesterday as nothing more than showmanship.

‘Maybe, the family head, Theo von Reinhaver thought that the position of the heir was shaken when Garen joined the demons. That’s why he’s pushing Nox out into the public, making him seem like a genius.’

[You really need to protect me properly. Then no matter what, I’ll figure out to reward...]

[I already told you, I don’t need a reward.]

[But...]

It’s a bit annoying how she keeps sending telepathic messages like this. It’s like trying to text someone while fighting. You can imagine how bothersome and distracting that is.

“We can’t even use our spatial pouch right now. It feels like someone intentionally dropped us here with hostile intent.”

Eleanor shivered slightly as she spoke. As expected, she has sharp instincts.

I stepped into the small cave, barely big enough for the two of us, only fit if we were glued closely, and used [Ignite]. The flames lit up the interior, illuminating the space. Next, after putting the sword with my opposite hand, I condensed my mana into a small orb, tossing it inside. It was a kind of small fireball, meant to check if there were any monsters inside the cave.

Unless I’m really unlucky, it should only be small wild animals or little monsters...

[What the...? You are...?]

Crap. Crazy. I knew it. It’s obvious that I am unlucky.

The questioning voice that echoed from inside the cave continued.

[Human... yes, humans!]

“Damn. This is the worst. Get ready.”

I said, drawing my sword. I had already dispelled the fire magic. Then, with a rough roar, what appeared before us was none other than a monster with a large build.

...it was still pitch black, I wasn’t able to confirm what was right in front of me clearly.

I had already sensed their size and identity through my magic though.

“But I can’t see the front clearly...”

“Feel it with your magic. Don’t say you can’t. Unless you want to die here with me.”

Then, a giant with brown skin revealed itself. Each of them had patches of green here and there, giving it a somewhat grotesque appearance. I could explain easily what they are.

Ents.

People usually think they’re just big trees, but that’s not the case. Ents are actually giants who protect the trees, and over time, their appearance changes to resemble the trees. So, not only do they have the strength of giants.

‘They have regenerative abilities, like trolls.’

On top of that, they have high intelligence and a long lifespan, they live for a long time. Therefore, they are mainly forming groups to fend off enemies.

[There is a human who has invaded our home! Everyone listen! Eliminate the intruder who threatens the trees!]

[Eliminate the intruder who threatens the trees!]

Damn. Things just got a lot more serious.

I sighed.

Then as I blocked a massive fist headed for Eleanor with my sword, I shouted at her.

“Focus”

Eleanor quickly responded to my voice, nodding. She then started casting magic, creating a wall to keep the Ents away.

It probably wouldn’t hold for long, but it would buy me enough time to think.

Now then, I’ll have to think again.

How to deal with these damn giants.