He tried to analyze his movements, looking for gaps, looking for shortcuts. Every time he tried to "outsmart" the test, the punishment came faster and harder. Kenshi Bisu seemed to know his intentions.
Yuki, who had been watching anxiously from the edge of the room, let out a sad whimper.
Through their familiar bond, Ars felt a wave of emotion from the little fox: not disappointment, but pure encouragement and unwavering faith in him.
That feeling, so simple and sincere, cut through the fog of his anger and frustration. He looked at Yuki, then at Kenshi Bisu, who was waiting patiently. He had completely misunderstood this test.
This was not a battle. This was not a logic puzzle. The Kenshi was not trying to defeat him; he was trying to teach him. And he, with the arrogance of a gamer who thought he knew everything, kept trying to find the "easy solution."
He remembered the calligraphy on the wal
空 - Emptiness.
He had to empty his cup. He had to forget that he was Nael the gamer. He had to forget the search for tricks and patterns.
He had to stop *thinking* and start *feeling*. He had to become a perfect mirror, without ego, without analysis, just pure reflection.
He took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and released all the tension in his body. He closed his eyes for a moment, calming his mind until it was like the surface of a calm lake.
He opened his eyes, looking at the Kenshi not as an opponent, but as his teacher. He raised his *bokken*, no longer trying to force his body into the "correct" position, but allowing it to find the position that felt natural.
The automaton began its *kata* once more.
This time, Ars didn't try to memorize. He didn't analyze. He just... watched. He let the movements flow into him. His muscles moved as if of their own volition, mirroring the Kenshi's movements with incredible fidelity.
When the Kenshi swung, he swung. When the Kenshi stepped, he stepped. His world narrowed to just himself, his teacher, and the space between them.
There was no sound, no pain, only the pure flow of movement. He was no longer imitating; he was resonating. He and the automaton moved in perfect synchronization, two shadows dancing in the silence of the dojo.
The *kata*, which had once felt long and complicated, now felt short and elegant. The final movement was a downward vertical swing that stopped just above the floor, followed by a return to the ready position. Ars completed the movement at the same time as the Kenshi.
For a few seconds, they both stood frozen in that position, mirror images of each other.
Then, the Kenshi Bisu lowered his weapon. With a solemn movement, he sheathed his *bokken* back at his waist. Then, the ancient automaton did something Ars did not expect.
He bowed deeply, a sign of respect from a teacher to a student who had successfully learned his lesson.
Ars, who was still panting and feeling a strange rush of adrenaline inside him, instinctively returned the bow.
As he straightened up, the Kenshi Bisu held out his empty hand. The *bokken* in Ars's hand trembled. Thin cracks began to appear on its surface, emitting a white light from within.
The worn wood began to peel away on its own and crumble into fragments of light, revealing what was hidden inside.
In his hand was now a real Katana.
The blade was long and slightly curved, forged with a beautiful wavy *hamon* pattern along its edge, glistening like ripples of water under the light.
The handguard (*tsuba*) was a simple circle of black iron without decoration. The handle (*tsuka*) was wrapped in clean white stingray skin and tied with dark blue silk that matched the Kenshi's armor. It was a masterpiece of simplicity and deadly beauty.
A system panel appeared before him.
> [You have completed the Second Trial: Reflection of the Disciple.]
> [You have demonstrated humility and a willingness to learn.]
> [New Sword Art acquired: [Way of the Wanderer]]
> [New weapon acquired: Katana [Muga]]
Ars examined the details with bated breath.
> [Sword Art: Way of the Wanderer (Basic Level)]
> Type: Passive/Active Sword Art
> Description: A sword style without a fixed form, born from the philosophy of The Fool. It has no set moves, but allows its user to adapt and mimic the movements they see, as well as intuitively create new movements.
> Passive Effect: Gradually improves body coordination and reflexes.
> Active Effect: Allows the use of newly learned basic *kata*. Effectiveness depends on the user's understanding.
> Growth Potential: Unlimited. This sword art will grow and evolve alongside the user's journey and experiences.
And the sword...
> [Muga (無我)]
> Type: Katana
> Quality: Mystical (Developing)
> Description: "Without Self". A blade born from a void of thought. It has no will of its own, but becomes a perfect reflection of its user's intentions and potential.
> Unique Ability [Resonance]: This sword will grow stronger as the soul and sword skills of its owner grow. Its current status is tied to your potential.
> Attack: ???
> Defense: ???
Its attack and defense stats are undetermined. Like itself, the sword is a blank canvas, a potential waiting to be filled.
Ars gripped the hilt of Muga, feeling its perfect balance. This was his weapon. Not a weapon he had found or seized, but one he had *earned* through sweat, pain, and enlightenment.
The Silent Kenshi retreated back into the shadows and became motionless, his task complete. Across the dojo, behind the 空 calligraphy, a new door slowly opened, revealing a staircase leading upwards to the next floor.
Ars sheathed Muga in his improvised belt. He walked over to Yuki and stroked her gently.
"Thank you, little friend."
With a new weapon at his side and a new sword art lodged in his memory, Ars felt more prepared than ever. He might still be a Wanderer, but he was no longer a helpless prey.
He was a Wanderer with unlimited potential. And now, he was also a novice swordsman at the beginning of his journey.
Carrying Yuki, he stepped toward the stairs, ready to face the third trial of the Arcana Tower.