Chapter 164

“Sssip, hoo!”

Baek Jinwoo sat with his legs crossed and initiated his regulated breathing patterns.

Positioned right beside him, side by side.

Rachel and Aso were also in position.

The Holy King had yet to send any word, seemingly still unready to face them.

Sigh.

We need to launch the assault on the city already.

Just how much longer are they going to make us wait……

Did I really thrash them that severely?

Honestly, it was baffling.

This location wasn’t just some random outpost—it was the primary citadel of the Holy Kingdom.

Could they not simply apply some high-tier restoration magic to those men and mend them instantly?!

Regardless.

Having this extra windows of time secured for preparation was a positive outcome.

The upcoming challenge is no joke, after all.

He had been reminded of that reality once more during this encounter.

The Paladin Commander (S-rank), the Royal Guardian, and the Champion (S-rank).

Engaging them had been grueling enough, yet the legions commanded by Asmodeus possessed strength far eclipsing any of these defenders.

Innumerable demonic aristocrats and exceptionally rare beasts.

And above all.

Asmodeus.

The mere anticipation of confronting that terrifying Demon King face-to-face was enough to send a cold shiver down his spine.

He had to maximize his progress through rigorous practice while this window remained open.

As a point of reference, Drill Sarge had recently introduced blade mastery into their regimen.

Pacheon Divine Art (破天神功).

A discipline whose originators remained anonymous, and whose practitioners were shrouded in equal obscurity.

It existed purely within the recollections of Drill Sarge, and it was apparently an absolute match for Aso’s natural talents.

• My lord, this specific martial discipline is exceptionally well-suited. You may operate under the assumption that whatever Aso is capable of executing, you can replicate as well.

Seriously.

Baek Jinwoo gave his head a dismissive shake.

This fellow consistently overestimates my capabilities.

He recognized that his skills were notably superior to a certain degree, but comparing himself to Aso was a stretch.

Aso was……

An absolute anomaly of nature.

“By the way.”

• I am listening, my lord.

“This style is completely separate from the techniques of that Mugeuk Seonin fellow, correct?”

Mugeuk Seonin.

The legendary master who created the very Geoncheongsimgong they had been utilizing in their routines!

• That is accurate, my lord. The specialized martial arts of Mugeuk Seonin remain far too sophisticated for your current level of comprehension. Let us commence instead with the Pacheon Divine Art, which serves as a slightly more accessible alternative.

Huh.

The secret arts of Mugeuk Seonin were so impossibly advanced that even Aso lacked the readiness to absorb them?

• My lord. And Aso. Both of you may conclude your breathing exercises at this juncture and take up the training swords.

• Understood.

“Right.”

Baek Jinwoo and Aso rose to their feet.

Rachel, however, remained in her seated posture.

She had been directed toward a foundational cultivation method by Drill Sarge—the Jeongsimgong (靜心功).

Jeongja (靜坐).

Settle into a relaxed posture and bring equilibrium to both your physique and consciousness.

Jeongheup (靜吸).

Draw breath gradually through the nasal passages and disperse the vital essence across the entire physical frame.

“Sssssip……!”

Following that.

Sunhwan (循環).

Retain the intake, gently circulate that internal power, and quiet the intellect.

Jeongbae (靜排).

Lastly, release the breath gradually with the explicit intent of purging all internal pollutants from the physical form.

“Phwoooo……!”

Ordinarily, Drill Sarge reserved this Jeongsimgong regimen for typical modern individuals who lacked any background in martial combat.

It was uncomplicated to master, highly advantageous for physical well-being, and, above all, it was reportedly phenomenal for emotional and mental regulation.

• Your execution is precise.

Drill Sarge offered a word of approval to Rachel.

• While I redirect my attention to instructing my lord and Aso, sustain your internal focus without intermission.

“……Understood.”

Rachel lowered her eyelids and signaled her assent with a nod.

Well.

I never anticipated a day would arrive where I would be receiving instruction from a summoned entity.

Existence truly is unpredictable.

• The individual who formulated the Pacheon Divine Art remains completely unidentified.

The EX-rank Drill Sarge carried an immense repository of understanding regarding martial methodologies.

As a consequence of this, he maintained a routine of clarifying a style’s origins, historical lineage, and defining traits before initiating any practical lessons.

In the past, he had merely been imparting fragmented elements of it to Aso.

Yet on this day.

It marked the initial occasion where Baek Jinwoo would be participating in the learning process as well.

• Nonetheless, evaluating the core components…… it strains credulity to think a mere mortal conceived this system. It functions literally as a divine art. The probability is exceptionally high that it was forged by a celestial entity.

“Oh.”

Baek Jinwoo let out an appreciative murmur as he took in the explanation.

The Heavenly Demon Divine Art (天魔神功), Supreme Boundless Power (無上大能力), and Pure Yang Infinite Art (純陽無極功) that Aso had previously dedicated time to studying.

This methodology appeared vastly superior to that entire trio combined!

Regardless of how mythic the Heavenly Demon, Bodhidharma, or Zhang Sanfeng were considered, they would inevitably pale in comparison to a literal deity.

What provided an even greater jolt of excitement?

The secret techniques of Mugeuk Seonin were reputedly even more majestic than this.

• Additionally, this particular art cannot be transcribed into any written form. The underlying cause for this restriction is unknown to me. It functions seemingly as a traditional singular-transmission system…… However, because the framework resides within my memory, I shall perform to the utmost of my ability to impart it to you.

• To establish the baseline, the Pacheon Divine Art is a discipline centered on the blade.

Whoosh.

Drill Sarge brought the training sword upward.

• It comprises a total of five esoteric techniques. Be that as it may, I am only capable of providing a physical manifestation for three of them.

First.

World Annihilation (滅世).

This was the identical martial manifestation Drill Sarge had previously deployed during the clash with Rachel’s Baekho.

Microscopic, delicate strands aligning the heavens with the earth.

Ultimately consuming the entire cosmos.

Bladed essence radiating outward from the physical vessel like an expansive arachnid web, a wide-area strike designed to obliterate everything spanning all directions!

KA-KRAAAASH!

Even though it was executed with a mere wooden practice weapon, the immense energy reverberated violently through the surrounding environment.

• It brings me some chagrin that I can only manifest a 2-star output, yet…… this is the essence of World Annihilation.

“That massive display is merely 2-star?”

• That is correct.

“What constitutes the absolute pinnacle? How many stars does it generally encompass? Nine? Ten?”

• It spans nine stars. Universally, up to 3-star is categorized as the foundational threshold, up to 6-star represents the proficient tier, and past that boundary, the heights an individual attains diverge drastically based on personal epiphany.

“Wow.”

So this staggering exhibition was nothing more than an elementary phase?

It sent a chill straight through him.

He had operated under the assumption that with every graduation rune fitted and all mystical decoctions consumed, everyone had pushed their strength to its absolute boundary. Yet there remained an unfathomable depth of potential left to explore……

Well.

That specific element was precisely what rendered Battle of Summoners so profoundly alluring.

It also explained why Drill Sarge, who possessed the unique capacity to unlock dormant capabilities and attributes, had been so utterly game-breaking during that era.

If relying solely on graduation runes had sufficed to beat the game, the Tower of Trials would never have earned such a terrifying reputation.

The big-spending, pay-to-win demographic would have simply steamrolled the entire challenge.

Drill Sarge proceeded to display each form sequentially.

Second.

Thousand Blades Tempest (千劍亂舞).

He had witnessed Aso executing this particular form previously.

The exact method Aso had employed to utterly pulverize the Paladin Commander.

• No, Drill Sarge, that lacks the proper execution. The thousand blades must flow in a manner where they appear to be performing a collective dance.

Aso provided his critique on the form, prompting Drill Sarge to offer a slightly embarrassed grin.

As anticipated.

He possessed the theoretical knowledge to teach it, but when the moment demanded real physical execution, his body simply could not match the pace of Aso.

Our dependable Drill Sarge.

Already being outpaced by his own pupil?

• Moving forward, we have Cheongwangcham.

Cheongwangcham (天光斬).

A specialized strike that even Aso had not been introduced to yet.

A concentrated, single-target maneuver designed to cleave through an adversary in a lone motion at the velocity of light!

If integrated flawlessly, it appeared it could effectively operate as an absolute, instant-death strike.

• The fourth and fifth components are…… manifestations that any martial discipline would position as its ultimate absolute pinnacle. I am incapable of demonstrating these physically, so I shall convey them through verbal explanation alone.

Fourth.

Cheongi Eogeom (天氣御劍).

The art of telekinetic blade manipulation.

A methodology that detaches the blade from physical contact, allowing the wielder to direct its movements fluidly through thin air.

Because it granted the capacity to guide the weapon as though it possessed its own consciousness, the moment you achieved proficiency, a close-range combatant was effectively transformed into a long-range threat.

The final manifestation.

Cheongeom (天劍).

Translated literally, the Heavenly Sword.

Do not the vast majority of martial doctrines establish the Heart Sword (心劍) as their ultimate zenith?

The Heavenly Sword operated on a parallel concept.

Striking an opponent utilizing nothing short of the swordsman’s internal spirit and intent alone.

It also signified that to completely demolish the firmament, an individual must fundamentally transform into the firmament itself.

• Once you achieve complete mastery over all five esoteric forms at their absolute peak star value, that represents the entirety of the path. Naturally, my lord, merely achieving a 1-star proficiency would be more than sufficient for your needs.

“For what reason?”

• Even at that modest tier, no contemporary human would possess the capacity to withstand your assault.

Ah.

That assessment was accurate.

It is not as though I am transforming into a literal summon or anything of the sort.

If viewed purely from a physical fitness standpoint, a 1-star rating would be perfectly adequate.

Yet I cannot allow myself to halt there.

Once an individual initiates a path, is it not mandatory to pursue it until the absolute conclusion is reached?

Even if he found himself incapable of matching the unnatural progression of Aso, he fully resolved to apply every ounce of effort he could muster.

• Consequently, for today, we shall initiate our practice with the elemental postures of World Annihilation.

And with that.

The specialized, dual-student instruction under Drill Sarge commenced.

Swish, swi-swish!

The Champion, Eila, was currently driving her polearm through the air across the training grounds.

SHREEEE!

The path of the spear slicing through the atmosphere accompanied by that sharp, whistling resonance was fundamentally distinct from anything a common soldier could produce.

The pinnacle combatant of the Holy Kingdom, the absolute singular savior of the land!

The figure who occupied the highest position above every existing Paladin—the Champion!

And yet.

It was deeply aggravating.

She remained entirely unfulfilled.

Her polearm was infused with a massive reservoir of sacred energy, yet the internal alignment felt disrupted, as though the power was failing to transition smoothly through her movements.

She was required to confront demons.

She was obligated to engage the Demon King who hungered for the subjugation of the entire land, Asmodeus, in direct personal combat.

Should she suffer defeat?

The entire continent would collapse into ruin.

The human race would exist merely as bound thralls to demonic masters for thousands of years, trapped within an enduring nightmare.

Creak.

Eila locked her jaw tightly.

Swish, swi-swish, swish.

She refused to halt the movement of her weapon.

Because if she allowed herself to pause, the sheer magnitude of her responsibilities would utterly crush her spirit.

If she possessed even a shred of weakness.

If she proved incapable of elevating her combat threshold past this current point.

Her kin would perish.

The Holy King would fall, and the divine protection of the gods would fail to encompass the land any longer.

The burden resting upon her shoulders was immense.

“Haah.”

Following a succession of additional thrusts, Eila hurled her polearm forward with a sharp, resentful thud!

The sensation was entirely suffocating, her internal energy patterns kept fracturing, and despite everything, she remained unable to isolate the underlying flaw.

Because she held the status of the absolute strongest warrior across the continent, there was no living soul capable of offering her guidance.

Resting her palms firmly against her kneecaps, drawing ragged breaths, she eventually reached out to retrieve her canteen.

Gulp, gulp.

As the refreshing fluid drained down her throat, the fog in her mind began to lift.

And then, the circumstances from earlier resurfaced within her consciousness.

An anomaly of a man.

The individual who held sway over a multitude of distinct entities whose biological origins she couldn’t even determine—his martial capability was indisputably immense.

The Paladin Commander, Arno Villian, was a master of the blade whom even she held in high regard.

And yet?

He had been utterly dismantled by their power.

They had even gone so far as to mobilize the Royal Guardian in response to the threat.

The Holy King had not distributed those sacred relics without severe justification.

They were.

That profoundly cornered.

With the conflict against the demonic hordes looming immediately upon their horizon.

“……”

An intense inquisitiveness began to brew within her.

The Commander had engaged them in direct warfare.

However, she had not.

The Holy King had intervened prematurely, causing her to miss her window of opportunity.

According to the accounts brought to her, they engaged in highly unconventional training exercises in front of the residential structure every single day.

Regulated breathing, weapon drills, routines of that nature.

Perhaps it would be wise to go observe them?

Her independent practice session was yielding zero progress regardless.

She desired to witness it with her own eyes.

Whoosh!

Baek Jinwoo executed a sweep with his weapon.

The unwieldy weight of the blade still felt unnatural to his grip.

To characterize his current proficiency—he was an absolute novice.

A total blade beginner.

A common, low-tier martial practitioner.

“This is far from simple.”

• How could any individual display mastery right at the inception? Even taking that into account, this particular velocity of advancement is truly astonishing.

Drill Sarge possessed a consistent habit of sugarcoating his commentary.

He would remorselessly push other summons and active participants through a grueling meat grinder without a second thought, yet when it came to Baek Jinwoo, he offered nothing short of high validation.

Was this bias born simply because he was his designated master?

No.

Drill Sarge was a fundamentally transparent individual, and he approached martial development with absolute gravity.

If he chose to express admiration, it meant the progression was genuinely tracking exceptionally well.

• Father, execute it precisely like this, right at this angle!

The instructional block did not rely on a lone tutor.

Drill Sarge and Aso.

Both individuals simultaneously refined and reset Baek Jinwoo’s structural alignment.

Man.

It provided such an immense sense of security.

A handful of minutes drifted by in that exact fashion.

• ……?

Drill Sarge abruptly went rigid and shifted his gaze slightly toward the side.

SHREEEE!

Aso, who had been fully immersed in his repetitions, must have identified an external presence simultaneously—he propelled his training weapon directly toward the perimeter barrier of the structure.

What?

Before the realization could fully manifest.

CLANG!

The resonance of the wooden implement impacting a solid object reverberated across the space.

“Hm?”

Baek Jinwoo reoriented his gaze.

Stationed at that spot was a woman with tresses of silver, gripping a flawless, ivory-toned spear, clothed in casual attire.

That is.

The Champion?

Eila Lunares, if his memory served him correctly regarding her identity.

She had previously been clad in blinding white, heavy defensive plating.

Yet currently, she was dressed in a streamlined, lightweight leather outfit meant for physical exertion.

That provides quite a altered impression.

• Secretly monitoring another party’s private training regimen displays a distinct deficiency in proper decorum, wouldn’t you agree.

Just as Drill Sarge prepared to deliver a frosty reprimand.

“Wait a moment.”

Baek Jinwoo extended an arm to check his companion’s advance.

Then he closed the distance toward her as she remained rooted to the spot, clutching her polearm with an expression of sudden alarm.

“What brings you around to this quarter?”

His interest was genuinely piqued.

Reflecting on the circumstances now.

She was the designated warrior who would ultimately be forced to square off against Asmodeus—would it not be mutually advantageous to engage in joint training? The concept surfaced within his mind.

“……My apologies.”

Whoosh!

Before he could even articulate a follow-up remark, she cleared the perimeter barrier and retreated like a propelled bolt.

Incredible velocity.

It appeared as though she simply dissolved from view in a fraction of a second.

Wow, what in the world.

That is certainly a first.

“A bit on the reserved side, I take it?”

Baek Jinwoo tilted his head in mild perplexity.