Chapter 7: The Blade Forged in Gravity
A sharp jolt of pain shot through Ariz's body as he collapsed to his knees. His breath came in ragged gasps under the crushing pressure of the system's training ground.
The air felt thick—heavier than anything he had ever experienced. His muscles screamed in protest, yet he pushed himself to his feet again, sweat pouring down his face.
This pain... he thought, teeth clenched. It's nothing compared to the shame I've endured.
He tightened his fists until his nails dug into his palms, grounding himself in the pain.
A cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
Ding! Second task completed.
Reward: Intermediate-grade sword manual — Flowing Shadow
Stat Points Earned: 2
System:Host, would you like to know the description of the sword manual?
Yes / No
Ariz: Hmm, yes.
System:Flowing Shadow: This manual refines footwork, enhances lightness, and increases sword speed. When mastered, the user moves like a shadow—unpredictable and untouchable.
Host, would you like to learn it?
A flicker of excitement lit up in Ariz's eyes.
Yes.
As soon as he responded, a tattered manual materialized in front of him, hovering mid-air. It shimmered briefly before dissolving into a stream of radiant light that surged into his head. A rush of foreign energy exploded within him, and the knowledge of the technique carved itself into his mind like fire.
Ding!Congratulations, Host. You have learned "Flowing Shadow" (Level 0). To level up this skill, you must train it.
Would you like to begin training now?
Ariz was eager, but a question lingered in his mind.
Ariz: Sebas, what exactly does "intermediate-level manual" mean?
System:Host, training manuals and personal power are ranked separately. Manuals do not increase in rank, but the user's mastery of them does. Currently, your classification is:
Swordsman Rank: 1 (Beginner)
Warlock Rank: Locked
Manual/Grimoire Ranks:
Low
Intermediate
High
General
King
Emperor
Saint
Demi-God
God
Supreme
Power Ranks:
Beginner
Novice
Apprentice
Adept
Expert
Master
Grandmaster
King Realm
Emperor Realm
Saint Realm
Demi-God
God
Supreme
Ariz took a moment to digest it all.
Ariz: So... what is my current rank?
System:Host, you are at Rank 1: Beginner.
Disappointment crept across his face, but only for a moment. Then he clenched his fists, eyes burning with determination.
Ariz: Sebas, what are stat points?
System:Stat points are used to improve your core attributes.
Current Attributes:
Strength: 5
Agility: 4
Vitality: 6
Wisdom: 7
Magic Power: (???) [Sealed]
Luck: 5
Stat Points Available: 2
Skill:Flowing Shadow (Level 0)
Skill Points Available: 2
Ariz thought for a moment, then gave his command.
Ariz: Allocate 1 stat point to Strength and 1 to Agility. Save the skill points for later.
System:Confirmed. Allocation complete.
Strength: 6
Agility: 5
Vitality: 6
Wisdom: 7
Magic Power: (???) [Sealed]
Luck: 5
Stat Points: 0
Skill: Flowing Shadow (Level 0)
Skill Points: 2
Ariz: Alright. Let's begin training.
System:Training initiated.
A weapon rack materialized before him, filled with basic weapons—swords, daggers, maces, bows, and spears.
Ariz stepped forward and, after a brief consideration, chose a wooden longsword. The moment he grasped it, the other weapons vanished.
He held the sword, feeling its balance, the grain of the wood against his callused palms. Then, following the instructions of the Flowing Shadow technique, he began.
But it wasn't easy.
Though the knowledge of the technique was burned into his mind, executing it under the double gravity of the training ground was another matter entirely.
Ariz staggered, the oppressive weight pulling at every fiber of his body. His stance was shaky. His swings—too slow, too soft.
He fell.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Each time, the system's voice reminded him coldly:
[Reminder: Swordplay under stress enhances real battle instincts.]
His hands bled. His bones ached. But he refused to stop.
He swung at invisible enemies. Dodged phantom blows. Repeated forms until they etched themselves into muscle memory. His breathing aligned with his movement. His eyes began to read patterns in the air.
Even with gravity weighing him down, he moved like flowing water—silent, sharp, unstoppable.
When he could no longer lift his arms, Ariz collapsed to the stone floor. His body trembled violently, every nerve screaming.
But the gravity eased—just slightly—allowing him to breathe for the first time in hours.
Lying on the cold ground, he stared into the void of the system's simulated sky.
His body was battered. But inside him, something had been forged anew.
"They wanted to bury me."
"They'll soon learn… I am the blade they cannot break."
[Notice: Next task will be issued soon.]
A faint smirk formed on Ariz's lips.
No words were needed. His resolve was unshakable.
This is only the beginning.