Liang Yue deactivated the sword-energy effect of the Hidden Oni Sword Technique.
While normal attacks enhanced with slashing power did indeed boost real combat capability, for long-term growth—especially in the realm of battle technique—such a "slice-through-anything" PvE style was too straightforward.
Against lower-level adventurers, this approach could still be effective.
But when facing opponents who not only out-leveled him but also possessed overwhelming strength, an over-reliance on sword-energy could result in a lack of real combat skill…
And that might cost him the ability to truly dominate a fight.
At last, he found a worthy challenge—the Hellhounds.
With defense, speed, and strength all on par with Level 2 monsters, they were the perfect whetstones for honing his edge.
"Yes… this is the feeling!"
"A real battle…"
The second-tier weapon's sharp blade shimmered with a faint glow as it swept toward the charging beast.
With devastating force, the blade cut clean through the Hellhound's massive body.
When the monster didn't recklessly pounce but instead prepared a "magical offensive," a primal sense of danger in Liang Yue's heart triggered an instant reaction.
With a quick backstep to dodge, he followed up with a downward slash. The glowing strike tore through the rising dust, sweeping forward with irresistible force!
[Exp +201]
How to evade a monster's ranged attack?
Simple—be faster than it.
That's exactly what Liang Yue did.
A backward upward-slash with accompanying sword-energy shredded the Hellhounds in front, while the ones lunging from the sides were met with two moonlit slashes that seemed like afterimages.
"Uh… does he even need our help?"
Kashima and Chigusa, wanting to offer assistance but finding no opportunity to act, exchanged looks filled with a sense of absurdity.
Once again, the question arose—why had Hestia Familia hired them in the first place?
"At this rate, with Liang Yue's current strength, our role in a Familia expedition… is probably just to take over after he gets tired," Kashima remarked.
The earlier battle in the mist-shrouded zone had been nothing like this—now they had a crystal-clear view of Liang Yue's overwhelming display.
Witnessing it firsthand, Kashima couldn't deny—Liang Yue was absolutely no weaker than himself.
"Um…"
"I… don't really know the exact reason either…"
The shy Chigusa glanced up at Kashima before asking tentatively, "Mikoto, what do you think?"
"…"
From a swordsman's perspective, the simple motions of the Hidden Oni Sword Technique, combined with Liang Yue's agile body, were a sight to behold.
Compared to the swordsmanship Mikoto had learned from Takemikazuchi, she could find no similarities at all.
With a wry smile and a shake of her head, she said, "I'm not sure why we were hired, but what I can see is…"
She paused briefly before adding:
"Liang Yue is walking a path of swordsmanship he created himself—
a sword path that abandons defense in pursuit of ultimate offense!"
With the gods' assembly concluded, it was no surprise that the news of Hestia Familia's "Sword Soul" Liang Yue spread among Orario's adventurers—
"Broke the record of Ais Wallenstein as the fastest adventurer to reach Level 2."
"Shortened the time to just 10 days…"
This world-shaking miracle, created by Liang Yue, set Orario ablaze.
In every alley and on every street, adventurers who'd heard the news discussed it at least occasionally.
Of course, there were also other rumors—
"Liang Yue is the one responsible for the destruction of Soma Familia."
Such talk circulated here and there.
As the city's most famous information hub, The Hostess of Fertility had naturally picked up on all of it.
By evening, countless adventurers had mentioned the name "Liang Yue," this blazing-hot rookie.
Even Ryuu Lion—her short green hair brushing her cheeks under her leaf-colored maid uniform—knew the gist of the matter without trying.
She faintly recalled the boy who had come to the tavern the other night with the goddess Hestia.
That boy… was the one who had created this miracle.
Her evaluation?
No longer being an adventurer herself, she felt she had no right to judge others—
especially a genius who had surpassed Ais Wallenstein.
She didn't wish to bring it up, but that didn't mean others would ignore it.
Placing a plate in front of Bell, Syr smiled brightly and turned to Ryuu:
"Ryuu, do you remember the adventurer who came to eat at our tavern the other day?"
"…Yes."
"Of course I remember."
Normally, Ryuu wouldn't take part in such gossip—but since Syr was a close friend who had saved her life, she made an exception.
"That adventurer has just created a miracle that shook the world!" Syr said cheerfully.
"…."
The casual chatter struck directly at Bell.
He looked at the plate in front of him but made no move to eat.
He had always respected this senior adventurer who had once helped him—
especially knowing that Liang Yue had registered as an adventurer just one day before him, yet had achieved such a feat.
But instead of feeling defeated…
Bell's admiration only grew stronger.
A world-renowned adventurer who had written his name into history…
Bell didn't know if he could ever reach such heights, but now that his role model was right in front of him, there was no reason not to try.
During a rare moment of leisure, Bell turned to his companions and said cautiously:
"Mr. Pan, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
"What now?"
The blue-haired half-prum, about Bell's height, crossed his arms and frowned impatiently.
"It might be a bit of a bother…"
After some hesitation, Bell finally made his request:
"I want to start training in the Dungeon. I hope you'll allow it."
"You'll have to ask Lady Freya. And if it's just some upper-floor scuffles, the training effect is nowhere near as good as a baptism," Pan replied bluntly.
Though still impatient, he took the time to explain—not only because it was Freya's order, but also out of genuine advice for a junior.
He then pressed further:
"Also, you'd better tell me your target for this training. And don't expect me to tag along—answer only if you're ready to face death!"
The fact that his request might even be considered was already surprising to Bell.
It wasn't that he thought "baptism" was ineffective for improving one's stats—
but witnessing comrades in the Familia fighting to the death, even as part of training, was something he struggled to accept.
Liang Yue's miracle—breaking Orario's record and setting a world one—had shown him another path.
This is what a true adventurer should be like.
Bell's long-standing resolve only grew stronger.
The Dungeon was dangerous, yes—but the senior who had created a miracle had walked this road himself.
Was he really incapable of doing the same?
No—there was no reason to believe that.
"Just because of a physical defect… must I bow to fate?"
Bell recalled these words.
Facing Pan's stern questioning, he didn't back down.
His tone was firm:
"The Dungeon's Middle Floors.
I… have someone I need to catch up to.
I hope you'll agree, Mr. Pan!"