Chapter 22: Swordmaster Kain (5)

“Feel everything around you,” Kain said calmly. “To sense Myst is to awaken a new sense that you have never experienced before. Expand your perception as much as you can.” Following Kain’s instruction, Ketal extended his senses.

“Feel the sensation of the passing wind,” Kain instructed.

Ketal began to sense the strength and angle of the wind. How it collided with his body, how its trajectory shifted and flowed around him—he noticed it all. The wind brushing against his arms was slightly stronger than elsewhere. He perceived every subtle fluctuation in the gentle breeze.

“Feel the texture of the earth,” Kain instructed again.

The floor of the training ground beneath him, pressing against his legs and hips, carried the roughness of countless grains of sand. Ketal discerned the shape of each individual grain.

“And sense it—sense the distinct feeling hidden within.”

Ketal pushed his senses further outward. An immeasurable flood of information rushed into Ketal’s awareness.

Kain, observing this, frowned slightly.

“Hm?” Kain instinctively stepped back. For a brief moment, he felt as though his entire body had been scanned. He quickly understood why.

Is this... just from expanding his senses?

Kain was stunned. Ketal hadn’t used Myst to enhance his perception—he had simply expanded his natural senses. Yet, even that was enough to produce a change Kain could distinctly feel.

What a monster,

Kain thought.

He wondered how far the barbarian’s perception could extend. Perhaps beyond this estate, reaching the outside world. Even Kain, with the refined senses of a Swordmaster, couldn’t fully grasp its extent. And yet, despite all this, Ketal couldn’t wield Myst. The thought alone sent chills down Kain’s spine.

Moments later, Ketal opened his eyes. “I feel... nothing.”

“I-Is that so?” Kain replied, hastily regaining his composure. “For someone of your strength, I thought you’d sense it easily...”

Though not an absolute rule, those with exceptional physical strength often had a higher likelihood of sensing Myst. Yet, Ketal seemed to be an exception.

“Is this another peculiarity of the White Snowfield?” Kain asked.

“I wouldn’t know. No one around me has ever spoken of something like the Myst.”

The barbarians of the White Snowfield... they’re unaware of mana or Myst.

Kain quickly committed the observation to memory and continued. “Well, it’s not that unusual. Sensing Myst isn’t easy, especially for beginners. It’s like trying to understand the sensation of flying when you’ve never had wings. It’s nearly impossible.”

“So, what’s next?” Ketal asked eagerly.

“The next step involves someone who can sense Myst channeling their power into you, opening the path.”

“Oh, so you’ll transmit Aura to me?”

“Something like that.”

Ketal was visibly moved by the idea. He had always loved fantasy. But his interest extended beyond fantasy—it encompassed all the mysteries of the world. Naturally, he had also read wuxia novels, which often featured masters passing their qi directly to the disciples.

This felt like a quintessential wuxia moment, and Ketal couldn’t have been more pleased.

“Well, then, let’s get to it!” he exclaimed.

“R-right,” Kain replied, slightly overwhelmed by Ketal’s enthusiasm as he cautiously approached. “This time, relax your entire body and focus your senses inward. Feel the Aura I channel into you.”

Without a word, Ketal nodded. Kain slowly placed his hand on Ketal’s back and froze in shock.

What is this body...?

Kain thought.

Ketal’s physique was as solid as marble. It felt unyielding, as though any steel weapon striking it would shatter on impact. It was also heavy—not metaphorically, but in the purest sense. The density of his muscles was beyond anything Kain could imagine.

Is this even human? Can someone like this truly be categorized as human?

“Kain?” Ketal’s voice snapped him out of his daze.

“S-sorry about that. Let’s begin.” Kain began channeling his Aura. Simply transmitting Aura wouldn’t accomplish anything by itself. The goal was to awaken the dormant Myst within Ketal.

The key was finding the path. For Kain, this wasn’t particularly challenging. As a Swordmaster, he was more than capable of discerning the intricacies of the human body.

This was why he was more perplexed than expected.

What is going on here?

Kain thought. He couldn’t locate the path of Myst within Ketal. Or more accurately, he couldn’t even reach it. No matter how far he extended his Aura, it touched nothing, saw nothing. It was like drifting aimlessly in an open sea.

No, it’s more than that.

It felt less like a vast ocean and more like swimming in the depths of a dark abyss. Nothing was visible, and the crushing pressure made it seem as if he could be crushed at any moment.

Kain withdrew his hand, his expression tense. Ketal titled his head in confusion. “Kain? I didn’t feel anything unusual.”

“This is not going to work...”

“What?” Ketal’s expression shifted drastically, as if his entire world was crumbling. He stared at Kain with disbelief. “What do you mean it’s not going to work? Are you saying I have no talent/”

“No, that’s not it. It’s just...” Kain paused, choosing his words carefully before explaining.

Simply transferring Aura isn’t going to be enough. To awaken Myst, you need to stir the dormant power within yourself.” “I already understand that.”

Transferring Aura was similar to a blood transfusion—it required finding the proper channels within the body to direct the flow. Simply injecting it randomly wouldn’t accomplish anything. The same applied to Aura. It wasn’t just about channeling it but also about finding the path of Myst.

Kain frowned, his tone puzzled. “But I can’t find your path of Myst.”

“Are you saying you can’t sense Myst at all?” Ketal’s face hardened, despair threatening to overtake him.

But Kain quickly shook his head. “No, that’s not it. I couldn’t even confirm anything.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your body is different. It’s... alien.” Kain regarded Ketal with a look that seemed to pierce through him, as though he were an enigma beyond comprehension. “To find the path of Myst, Aura must be deeply infused into the body. But your body... it’s too dense, too heavy. The Aura can’t penetrate properly.”

This was an entirely new experience for Kain. Pure physical strength was effectively blocking the flow of Aura.

“So, you’re saying you don’t know what to do?” Ketal clarified.

Kain grasped the meaning behind his words. Finding veins in an overweight person was harder due to fat obstructing the way. In Ketal’s case, it wasn’t fat but an overwhelming density of muscle—an extreme version of the same concept.

“At least for me, it’s impossible,” Kain replied. Even for a Swordmaster, it couldn’t be done.

Ketal’s expression darkened with disappointment. “Does that mean I can’t awaken the Myst within me?”

“I wouldn’t say that. I couldn’t even confirm if you have the path of Myst, after all,” Kain replied.

He himself didn’t know whether the path of Myst existed within Ketal. In other words, if someone more skilled in handling Aura examined him, Ketal could be able to sense Myst. “There are others more adept with Aura than I am. You could seek out other Swordmasters, or even visit the Mage Tower. You might also find answers through alchemy.”

“Alchemy? Is that a viable option?” “There have been cases where people used alchemy to artificially awaken Myst and ascend to Transcendent levels. So yes, it’s possible.” “I see,” Ketal replied. It seemed alchemy had significant value in this world. Ketal’s face lit up with growing curiosity. Kain shook his head lightly. “In any case, I’m afraid I can’t help you. I apologize.”

“It’s fine,” Ketal replied. He was just happy that there was another way for him to sense the Myst. The potential was there, and that was enough for him. Besides, he was already interested in Mage Tower and alchemy. He could save those pursuits for later and look forward to them as future adventures.

There was no shortage of things to enjoy. This was the fantasy world he had always dreamed of—a land brimming with mystery and wonder.

“Hm, then may I ask for one favor?” Ketal asked.

“What is it?” Kain asked, his expression tinged with a hint of guilt. He felt bad for giving Ketal hope only to admit he couldn’t deliver. If Ketal asked for something like money, he was ready to oblige. But Ketal’s request took him by surprise.

“Could you explain how Aura moves and how it’s used in swordsmanship?” Ketal asked.

“I can..., but it likely won’t mean much to you since you can’t wield Aura yet.”

“I’d still like to hear it. I want to understand how that power is used.”

“Well, if that’s what you want.” Kain nodded reluctantly, his tone hesitant but willing.

***

Kain began his explanation without much thought. What he explained was simple theory, akin to a professor lecturing on history at an academy—dry and lacking any excitement. Especially since his audience was a barbarian who operated purely on the logic of strength, Kain was certain Ketal would quickly lose interest.

However, Ketal listened intently, as though every word Kain uttered was utterly fascinating.

“Oh, so controlling Aura begins with that kind of foundation. Interesting. I will have to try it out later,” Ketal said with genuine enthusiasm.

Amused by Ketal’s reaction, Kain found himself continuing the explanation. Time passed without notice, and eventually, night had fallen. A maid, sent by Lord Barcan, cautiously approached.

“Excuse me, Swordmaster. It’s getting late...” the maid said.

“Oh, look at the time,” Kain said, glancing at the darkened sky.

“Do you have any other appointments?” Ketal inquired.

“Yes, I came here on business, but this has taken more time than I expected.”

“I see.”

This marked the end of their encounter. Ketal’s face reflected a trace of regret. Despite a few unmet expectations, he had thoroughly enjoyed meeting the Swordmaster.

“Thank you. I’ve learned so much from you. You could even say you are my teacher at heart.”

Ketal had gained knowledge about Aura, levels, and control—though not swordsmanship itself. “If anyone asks who my teacher is, I will proudly name you, Kain the Swordmaster.”

“No, that’s not necessary...” Kain stammered.

The barbarian, who was stronger than most yet unable to wield Aura, was willing to call him his teacher. Kain enjoyed enhancing his reputation, but even he understood the danger in Ketal proclaiming him as a master. If Ketal, a monstrous force of nature, went around calling him his teacher, it could invite trouble beyond imagination.

“I’d appreciate it if you refrained from that. I haven’t taught you enough to deserve such a title,” Kain said.

“Hm... if that’s what you want,” Ketal replied with a slight smile. He decided to only mention Kain as his teacher if directly asked.

Watching Ketal so easily accept his request, Kain felt a strange emotion. Every barbarian he had encountered so far had been uncontrollable. They lived for booze, violence, and death, rejecting the concept of negotiation. If they desired something, they took it by force.

Even the strongest among them were no exception. That was why barbarians were universally shunned.

However, the barbarian in front of him was different. This one was controllable. A barbarian this incomprehensibly strong could be reasoned with.

A glint of ambition shone in Kain’s eyes.

“Have you considered settling down in this land?” Kain asked.

“What do you mean?” Ketal replied, his tone curious.

“Exactly what I said. Swear loyalty to the Kingdom and receive a title. With your strength, you could rise to a prestigious position. I’d personally vouch for you.”

“That does sound intriguing, but..” Ketal shook his head. “I will have to decline. I have no desire to be bound to anything.”

“A title would grant you many things—gold, treasure, women,” Kain pressed.

“But I’d also belong to the Kingdom. I wouldn’t be free to act as I wish and would have to follow orders, wouldn’t I?”

“Well, that’s true, but—” Kain hastily continued, his greed plain to see. If he could bring Ketal into the Kingdom’s fold, it could be enough to free them from the Empire’s shadow. His attempt to persuade Ketal was fueled by this ambition. “Even so, you’d gain noble status. Surely that’s appealing.”

“Hm...” Ketal regarded Kain for a moment, noticing his persistence. Then, he smiled softly. “I will do as I please.”

A chill ran down Kain’s spine. Though Ketal’s words carried no malice, the sheer conviction behind them was overwhelming, leaving Kain no room to argue. He nodded slowly, accepting that this was the best response he could give. “I see... very well.”

“In any case, thank you. I won’t forget this favor.”

“Think of it as repayment for sparing my life,” Kain replied.

“Is that so? Then perhaps we will meet again someday.” With a broad grin, Ketal saw Kain off.

What an absurd thought I had,

Kain thought. He was shocked to think he could control a barbarian like that.

Ketal was a being who acted solely according to his own will. While he showed consideration for others and could integrate into a group, that was the extent of it. At his core, his actions were entirely on his own.

In that sense, Ketal was even more troublesome than other barbarians, whose intentions, while brutal, were at least predictable.

The barbarian of the White Snowfield...

Kain thought. This was the true nature of a being from the Demon Realm. He sighed deeply. “To think we’re planning an expedition into the Demon Realms... What could the emperor possibly be thinking?”