전생검신 84권 11화

The champion of the arena, the warrior in a blue mask, paused for a moment before replying to my words.

[What are you talking about? Are you saying you want to challenge me?]

“You don’t know about the Divine Realm?”

[You’re quite talkative.]

Swoosh!

He pulled out one of his five broadswords and held it in his hand. Upon closer inspection, one of his six arms was stretching out from beneath his cloak, filled with wrinkles and veins, yet packed with solid muscle that was any wasted.

[This is instead of a greeting.]

Whoosh!

At that moment, it seemed like his broadsword had vanished.

‘No…’

It wasn’t gone; it was sliced through the space itself with intent.

Before I could comprehend it, I felt his sword strike approaching near my chest, sending a slight chill down my spine.

‘Just like the Supreme Slash!’

Smack!!

At nearly the same time, I successfully countered his blow with intent. It was an attack that exceeded human reaction speeds by leaps and bounds, many times faster than a bullet, but among experts handling intent, this much was standard. When our swords clashed, the sword energy rippled, and in that flow, I saw him draw another sword into his hand.

Is it the Dual Sword Technique?

I sensed his eyes shining faintly as an overwhelming technique unfolded.

Argel’s Sword Emperor, Immortal Beyond All Instruments.

First Hundred and Ninety-First Move: Naphala Cut.

With two swords held in each of his two arms, he swept across my upper half in an instant, and I could feel the threat of that sword energy.

‘An incredible transformation of sword techniques!!’

Especially with the strong aura of illusion, I felt that if I responded even slightly wrong, I might be pierced through the heart and ribs in one go by that sword technique. I had never seen such swordplay among mortals, so I felt a sense of unfamiliarity.

But it wasn’t to the point that I couldn’t respond.

I quickly dodged out of the dangerous range and countered with the Thunder God Lineage’s Ten Thousand Success Sword Technique. As I executed this extremely stable technique, I was able to protect myself easily from that horrifying sword energy.

Boom!

And at that moment of impact, I felt a chilling intuition along with the sensation of the Invincible Sword flying from a distance. It was the same move I had just used to take down the single-eyed giant.

But… right now, I can block this without even seeing it.

‘Here it comes.’

Whoosh!

In the next moment, intent concentrated vigorously in my hand, and the blade of the Invincible Sword was caught between my fingers.

[……!!]

“Phew.”

I displayed a somewhat miraculous maneuver and smiled.

“Does this prove my qualifications enough?”

This was the pinnacle of the Blade-less Technique.

While practicing sword techniques, my martial senses became sharper, and the techniques that I had originally relied on became even more precise. No matter how skilled I was, I wouldn’t easily catch the Eye’s Control Sword with the Blade-less Technique, but years of training had made such a feat possible.

The opponent tried to move his Invincible Sword captured between my fingers with intent, but when it stayed gripped as firmly as steel, he muttered in admiration.

[A master worthy of glory! You’re the second strongest I’ve met in my life.]

“Huh?”

I felt a little pride hurt at that remark and raised an eyebrow.

“Did you already judge my skill without even ten seconds of exchanging blows? Was there really a stronger master than me?”

I’ve trained for years in martial arts, who decided to rank me second?

The opponent slightly lowered his broadsword at my rebuttal and said.

[You might recognize the name. His name is Yu Mang.]

“…….”

Oh damn.

I have nothing to say…

As soon as I heard that, I felt my spirit drop, letting out a hollow laugh.

“Ah… ahem. I admit it.”

[Hmm?]

“I’ve met him too.”

[…… Is that so.]

Whoosh!

Just then, while my focus wavered for a moment, he slipped his Invincible Sword out of my grasp and drew it back into his hand. With five broadswords equipped again, he calmly sheathed his sword and proclaimed.

[Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Ajidahaka, the Sword Saint of the Great Argel’s lineage, the Sword Emperor, and a Grand Master! Are you challenging the Argel lineage or the champion of this arena that is me?]

“……!!”

Ajidahaka of the Argel Sword lineage!

Hearing his true name for the first time, I pondered over his words for a moment before speaking.

“I get the Grand Master part, but what does it mean to be both a Sword Saint and Sword Emperor?”

[Sword Saint is a title given to the strongest swordsman in our galaxy. And Sword Emperor is awarded to one who has mastered all techniques of our lineage.]

“…… So, you’re saying you’re the strongest. Got it.”

I grinned and spoke to Ajidahaka.

“Ajidahaka, I don’t care if you’re a Sword Saint, Sword Emperor, or the champion. What I’m interested in is that you’re one of the Hundred Seats of the Divine Skills!! I want to compete with you in martial arts.”

[…….]

Ajidahaka’s eyes shimmered faintly for a moment. He parted his lips after a brief pause.

[Is that because you want to become one of the Hundred Seats?]

“Hmm… well…”

I stuttered at the unexpected question. For some reason, it poked at the heart of the matter.

After some deliberation, I replied.

“…… I don’t particularly want to be one of the Hundred Seats. But since the Divine Realm seems like a halfway point to the ultimate martial arts, I guess I have no choice.”

[Is that so… You aren’t so different from Yu Mang.]

“What did Yu Mang say?”

[He said almost the same thing as you. Just much more arrogant.]

Muttering these words, Ajidahaka slowly raised his sword.

[But to be clear, I am not one of the Hundred Seats.]

“What…? That can’t be true. You surely are…”

Didn’t I see you as a master of the Divine Realm in the future?!

When the words nearly escaped my throat, I managed to swallow them as I saw Ajidahaka smile lightly.

[Does the realm of martial arts mean anything?]

“…….”

[If you’re a warrior, let your sword do the talking. More words will only cloud the mind.]

His words hit me like a cold splash of water. My excited emotions dimmed slightly, and I steadied myself, maintaining distance from Ajidahaka while adopting a combat posture.

“Sounds good.”

Swoosh…

I exchanged sword intents with Ajidahaka, maintaining a distance of three steps between us. An intangible area existed only between high-level experts, one where we gauged each other’s attacks and defenses! In this space, the goal was to seize the initiative and win, easily determined by who could grasp the sword territory first. During a significant period of face-off against Ajidahaka, I realized.

‘This guy’s sword style is completely unreadable.’

Even though he was a master, the martial arts he accumulated must have a specific character. The masters of the Thunder God Lineage showcased their unique aura, and those of the Wudang Sect radiated their own distinct spirit. It’s hard to describe, but just facing each other, I could sense what martial arts the other focused on and their nature. It wasn’t fundamentally different even when facing masters of the Absolute Realm.

However, Ajidahaka was different. Despite facing each other, I couldn’t get a grip on what martial arts he was wielding and couldn’t identify the primary martial art he practiced.

Could it be because he reached absolute formlessness?

As I whispered this to myself, I soon realized that wasn’t the case. There was a distinctly dense energy emanating from him, impossible to claim it was pure emptiness. Then what was causing me this confusion?

And in a very brief moment, I felt a faint killing intent leak from Ajidahaka. After sensing that hunger, I finally understood what had thrown me off.

‘…It was the opposite!!’

In the next moment, our swords intersected. I executed a single stroke of the Infinite Slash, slicing at Ajidahaka’s waist, while his sword released a trajectory of sword energy that pierced my heart. However, that wasn’t reality; it was merely a mental exchange, and the moment we felt the conclusion of our simultaneous attack, our states once again shifted.

Swish, swish, swish!

Countless sword blades hummed through the messy autumn wind, crossing in all directions. While I continuously avoided lethal blows from him, I sought a way to strike back at the opponent, yet every time, Ajidahaka blocked my techniques with ghostly intent. Though it was a mere fraction of a breath’s time, hundreds of exchanges had already occurred between us.

This is so deep…

I found myself confused, as if playing Go. We sat across from each other at the game board; when I attacked, the opponent countered. I kept mounting my offense, yet Ajidahaka deftly cut off my attacks at the waist each time, effectively blocking them. Although it was impossible for me to be seated across from him in a Go match, I was so deeply immersed in martial arts that I nearly forgot I was currently playing with swords.

Only the efforts etched into my spine and muscles reflexively maintained the flow of martial arts.

Clang!

Finally, our first moves clashed in real combat. After hundreds of mental exchanges, we finally determined our first offense. I opted for a stroke that embodied illusion and speed with my steel sword, while the opponent responded by combining his three broadswords into a wall of defense using the Invincible Sword technique.

Boom!!

It was a stroke so clear it was almost serene, yet the destructive power was immense, sending a bomb-like noise echoing through the arena. Even faced with that explosion, I remained focused, deciphering my opponent’s strengths.

‘This guy is definitely not reaching for absolute formlessness… rather… his sword flow is so pronounced…!!’

Swish—!!

A fatal killing intent arched towards my left arm, spinning in a deadly spiral! I realized the breadth of sword techniques hidden within that single attack numbered as many as five, and no matter how I responded, it might ricochet in unpredictable directions. An average warrior couldn’t manage such an attack, yet my opponent was capable of it.

So, did this also explain why he could block my Infinite Slash earlier?

I shook off the spiral sword strike lightly while casting my Infinite Slash forward. And it was the moment the absolute speed stroke flew that no one, even the Master of the White Lotus Sect, could evade.

Whack!!

I succeeded in slicing Ajidahaka’s torso from the front, yet the attack lacked depth. Simultaneously, his broadsword impaled my forearm at a right angle, blood spraying from my arm. Though I had only guessed at the scenario based on my predictions, the reality matched nothing less, allowing me to confidently ascertain I’d reached a high level of skill in my readings.

Clang!

As soon as we exchanged strikes, I instinctively stepped back three paces. Ajidahaka coughed up blood and stated.

[That technique truly is threatening… Even if I used all my skills, it would merely amount to a mutual strike… ]

“You’re saying that like it’s another person’s problem.”

I grimaced, enduring the pain as I slowly pulled the broadsword from my forearm and continued speaking.

“How many sword techniques do you even know? It’s getting confusing, there are so many!”

In response to my question, Ajidahaka replied in a nonchalant tone.

[The Immortal Beyond All Instruments of our lineage consists of nine hundred ninety-nine techniques, while the number of sword techniques I’ve mastered from other schools over many years adds up to about ten times that.]

“…….”

Exactly.

Ajidahaka had reached the extreme of form!

In terms of forms, he could almost be regarded as the ultimate in the universe, having acquired so many techniques that even I, with my extensive practical experience, couldn’t hope to predict Ajidahaka’s attacks.

Moreover, because he knew so many forms, it seemed he could anticipate the [flow] of my Infinite Slash before it gained strength and minimize its impact. Normally, it would sound ridiculous, but I had seen a similar level before.

‘Asura…’

Of course, Asura was several ranks above Ajidahaka and could effortlessly toy with me while dodging my Infinite Slash, but Ajidahaka wasn’t at that level; he simply read my movements and aimed to intercept. Yet even still, he stood leagues above anyone else I’d encountered so far.

Swish—!

Ajidahaka seemed to possess regenerative abilities, easily healing the wound from my blade as he spoke.

[You’re motivated. It’s been a long time since I’ve fought someone like you.]

“Me too…”

It really had been quite a while.

It wasn’t merely about facing divine beings, but to find joy in battle through my own will!

Especially since it felt like my swordsmanship was currently on par with Ajidahaka’s made it all the more exciting.

I tightened my grip on my sword, and blood surged up momentarily before quickly stopping the flow. Ajidahaka quietly observed me and remarked.

[But I can’t have you going any further.]

“What?”

Boom!!

Suddenly, a translucent black barrier sprung up between Ajidahaka and me. There was no doubt; this barrier was forged using some sort of advanced alien technology and likely possessed the ability to restrain combatants. As I stared at the barrier, Ajidahaka explained.

[This Demigorgos Reden has its rules. As the number 1 champion, if you want to challenge me, you must earn points as a contender. No matter how exceptional your skills, doing otherwise wouldn’t be fair to the other contenders.]

“Huh? Are you saying I should participate in the arena?”

[Don’t like the idea?]

I responded bluntly.

“Of course, I don’t. What’s in it for me to play gladiator in the arena?”

I had even received a request from the Emperor of Lemuria to protect Lemuria!

Seeing my unenthusiastic reaction, Ajidahaka appeared to expect it and replied.

[Then I cannot engage with you.]

“Let’s take this outside the arena for a personal duel. Wouldn’t that work?”

[No can do. Many have tried that trick and have faced punishment.]

“Damn. Who cares about punishment…”

[Of course, a contender of your caliber wouldn’t be easily restricted by this arena. But it seems like you’re still a bit rusty.]

Ajidahaka glanced at me steadily.

[Why not have some fun in this arena, finding the feel of it again?]

“…… Hmmm….”

[I also need time to refine my techniques against you.]

Ajidahaka’s words triggered a sense of realization in me.

‘It’s true; it’s been a long time since I properly used my martial skills, so certain techniques seem like they aren’t coming out in time…’

Having relied too much on divine powers, it was indeed true that my skills had dulled, just as Ajidahaka said.

I deliberated and then said to Ajidahaka.

“…I have about ten days left for my stay. Do you think I could gather enough points to challenge the champion in that time?”

[It’s possible. If you tackle each tier with seemingly impossible options and succeed, three days should suffice.]

“Three days? Alright.”

I can manage that!

Resolving to regain my touch by engaging in combat within the Demigorgos Reden, I spoke to Ajidahaka.

“And you, were you lying?”

[What lie did I tell?]

I stared at Ajidahaka intently.

“You can use the Divine Skill, can’t you?”

[…….]

“I felt it while we fought.”

I was certain of it. Something deep within Ajidahaka hinted at a hidden strong move, and I’d felt this nagging sensation in my mind for a while. From my own experience taking on the Divine Skills, it certainly had to be a Divine Skill! No way my hunch could be wrong!

At my words, Ajidahaka seemed to chuckle lightly.

[It’s not a lie. You’ll find out why if we have a rematch.]

“Come on, you’re really pumping me up… Alright.”

I smiled.

“Just wait for me.”

[Looking forward to it.]

Swish!

In the next moment, I was forcefully teleported back to the spectator’s seat by magical force. Honestly, I could have resisted with divine powers, but I found it too bothersome to bother. When I returned to my seat, Lee Hwan-woong looked at me incredulously.

“Are you too impulsive? You just dashed out and challenged the champion…”

“What’s so wrong with it? And you heard, I might play around in the arena a bit.”

“Sure, go have fun.”

“Why do you make it sound like I’m the only one playing?”

“…… You don’t mean…”

As Lee Hwan-woong looked flustered, I smiled mischievously.

“Of course, you’ll fight too.”

“Why should I do that?”

“Isn’t it my duty as your master to see how well you trained in the Training World? I want to see how well Shim Su-ryeok taught you.”

“Ha… if only you could say something more sensible.”

After a sigh, Lee Hwan-woong replied.

“Show me your achievements right now.”

“Hmm?”

Crack—!!

In the next moment, the Cosmic Fragment Lee Hwan-woong was holding flew towards me like a missile. It was an unannounced ambush, but I lightly deflected the fragment and struck back at Lee Hwan-woong.

‘If it were the original, this guy would end here…’

Lee Hwan-woong’s skills were barely at the Peak Expert level. At most, with a single counterattack, he’d fall! I was eager to see how much he improved after decades of training. And just as I lunged towards Lee Hwan-woong’s chest, a strange déjà vu washed over me.

‘…Huh?’

He’s already blocked it.

Lee Hwan-woong’s speed was considerably slower than mine, and he hadn’t detected my attack at all.

Typically in this scenario, anyone would end up on the receiving end of a hit.

However — Lee Hwan-woong’s Cosmic Fragment precisely read the trajectory of my attack, blocking it almost instantly.

Clang!!

Even after being deflected by the Cosmic Fragment, I unleashed about five consecutive attacks indiscriminately. Nevertheless, Lee Hwan-woong managed to block each one despite his differing speeds with various techniques.

Clang, clank!!

Seeing Lee Hwan-woong’s defense, I was slightly startled.

“You…”

“How’s it?”

Lee Hwan-woong grinned.

“I use the computational power of the artificial intelligence Mephisto to predict my opponent’s attacks in advance and block them. Well, since I haven’t reached the Absolute Realm, using it has its limits due to the intense mental drain, but… If I perfect it, I could probably fight against you.”

“…….”

“The downside is synchronizing this mental realm with computing power, which will require at least several centuries of training to adapt the rhythm of martial arts while exhaling inside Mephisto’s computations. It’s an eternity away…”

“…… Did you come up with that technique by yourself?”

Lee Hwan-woong shrugged his shoulders.

“Do you think Shim Su-ryeok taught me? By the way, I barely trained in the Soul of the Evil God.”

“Is that so… Have you named that technique yet?”

“Hmm. I’ve thought of several options, but……”

Finally, he touched his fingers together and said.

“How about Heavenly Unrestrained Technique?”

“`

 

---