The Old Man Tells You The Strategy

Chapter 6

When Killian first began moving his sword, his expression was quite tense.

He had realized that his movements were far from matching the sword dance the Underworld King had just shown him.

‘…What’s going on?’

This made it impossible for him to ask the question burning in his mind. He wanted to demonstrate what he had understood first, then ask about the final clue he couldn’t quite grasp.

‘Why isn’t it working as I imagined?’

This feeling was unfamiliar to Killian. Up until now, whenever he learned something, he had always been able to execute it as he had envisioned.

He had thought this time would be no different.

The swordsmanship the Underworld King had shown was filled with intricate and fascinating subtleties Killian had never encountered before. Understanding it wasn’t easy… but eventually, he thought he had.

‘The weight carried at the tip of the sword… shifts in real-time, creating an illusion that the offensive continues.’

Yet no matter how much he swung his sword, it only felt like a poor imitation of the Underworld King’s moves, and he wasn’t satisfied.

‘Something’s missing… What’s different?’

Lost in thought, Killian soon entered a state of deep concentration, forgetting even the question he initially wanted to ask.

He sharpened all his senses, replaying the Underworld King’s movements slowly in his mind.

Whoong-!

With each swing, distractions faded from Killian’s vision. The image of the Underworld King, the kobold corpses in the cave, even the noisy ring—everything disappeared.

All that remained in his view was the rusted longsword.

Crack!

The rusted sword moved as if to sweep the ground, then sharply ascended to strike down upon it.

‘No, not like this. Faster…’

Swish!

The sword moved as if splitting into multiple directions before converging, piercing through the air.

‘More smoothly.’

Whooong!!!

With fierce momentum, the sword deflected an imaginary attack, transitioning fluidly to the next move. Each motion mirrored the ones the Underworld King had shown.

Clang!

And yet, while in this trance, a thought suddenly struck Killian like a bolt of lightning.

‘Wait… maybe the trick isn’t the entire point?’

Each seemingly pointless slash carried its own purpose. The side-to-side movements allowed for faster circulation of power, and even the seemingly erratic sword paths were necessary to maintain balance.

‘So… if I swing like this…’

Swish!

Now that he understood the intent behind the moves, the sword swung far more naturally.

“…This is it.”

A sense of fulfillment and exhilaration swelled within his chest, emotions he hadn’t felt since he was a child forced to learn the sword.

‘Back then, it was just tedious…’

Whoosh! Swish!

For the first time in his life, Killian experienced the thrill of swordsmanship, drawing him deeper into the flow.

Swish! Whoosh! Swoosh!

「…Is he insane?」

Even Jun-hyuk’s astonished voice barely registered for Killian. He was too absorbed in following his instincts toward better, more refined movements.

‘I only saw the surface… The reason for the constant shifting of weight is…’

To circulate the body’s entire force, transforming what was previously a single fatal strike into a continuous barrage of attacks.

‘A sword designed for one-hit kills… to become relentless…!’

His movements changed immediately upon realizing this.

Finally, Killian’s technique began to resemble the Underworld King’s.

Was that why?

Suddenly, Killian felt a surge of energy within him, and the weight of the sword in his hand vanished. Around him, a radiant white aura began to swirl.

—

Jun-hyuk was stunned.

No, he was utterly shocked.

‘Is this… even possible?’

One of the most fundamental truths he had accepted during his endless wandering through the world of Endless Saga had just been completely overturned.

‘I can’t believe it.’

The white mist rising from Killian’s body… It was unmistakably “mana.”

‘He just… obtained mana that easily?’

In the world of Endless Saga, “mana” was a power reserved for the chosen few. To perceive and awaken mana was an incredibly difficult feat, yet Killian had done it in a moment.

Although the fortuitous encounter with the Underworld King played a role, obtaining mana without any significant trigger was unheard of.

“This can’t be.”

Even the Underworld King was shocked.

Not just because of the mana.

“The claim that you understood… It was true.”

What astonished the Underworld King was the fact that the mist Killian had summoned was identical to the signature aura of the Underworld King Sword.

The appearance of the pure white aura was undeniable proof that Killian truly understood the essence of the Underworld King Sword.

This was beyond extraordinary, even by the standards of someone as talented as the Underworld King himself.

‘…Such an incredible talent.’

The King was now certain.

The boy standing before him possessed a talent far greater than any swordsman he had ever encountered.

“Never forget that your body and your sword are one.”

There was little else for the Underworld King to say.

Of course, if someone asked if Killian’s mastery of the Underworld King Sword was complete, the answer would be no.

But the only thing missing from Killian’s swordsmanship was time. With time, his body would naturally adapt to the movements his mind had already understood.

‘For such a young body to achieve this level… his swordsmanship is truly flawless.’

But while the Underworld King had nothing more to add, Killian wasn’t done.

“I think I’m ready to ask my question now.”

“…Hmm?”

The Underworld King’s eyes widened even more at Killian’s next words.

“What comes next?”

“What?”

“This sword style… it’s incomplete, isn’t it? Am I right?”

“…”

“It feels like there’s no conclusion to it. Could I ask what that is?”

The Underworld King remained silent.

Killian’s observation was both correct and not.

So, the King couldn’t give a straightforward answer.

This was… something Killian had to discover on his own.

“Continue to strive. That’s the only answer.”

“Hmm.”

If there had been more time, the King might have helped Killian further. But he could feel the magic in the pendant fading fast. Regretfully, he had no choice but to share his final words.

“My disciple, there is one last thing I must impart to you.”

The King stepped closer to Killian, slowly extending his hand toward him.

Vwoooong-

A pale white mist emerged from the King’s fingertips and was drawn into Killian’s chest. In the next instant…

Thump

Killian’s expression shifted to one of surprise as he felt something stir inside his body.

Whoooosh…

A sensation began to spin within his chest, deep inside his heart.

“What is this…?”

Seeing Killian’s alarm, the King spoke.

“Do not worry. I haven’t implanted anything in you. I’ve simply confirmed something.”

“Confirmed… what?”

“It appears the Soul Flame Technique has already settled into your body.”

“Soul Flame… what?”

“I’ll explain briefly; we don’t have much time.”

As the King began to explain, Jun-hyuk was taken aback.

‘Soul Flame Technique?’

In all of Jun-hyuk’s experience, the King had only ever taught three techniques: Sun Flame, Destruction Flame, and Annihilation Flame.

These were advanced techniques one could earn based on their comprehension of the Severance Sword.

Jun-hyuk had been certain Killian would receive the Annihilation Flame, the most powerful technique.

Given that the King had been willing to personally instruct Killian, it seemed like the natural conclusion.

But that assumption was wrong.

“…And so, after three failed attempts, the Soul Flame Technique was created, a technique only for those who fully understand the Underworld King Sword.”

‘The three flame techniques were all by-products of trial and error?’

Jun-hyuk’s long-held belief was being completely overturned.

Yet this newfound revelation only excited him more.

The idea that there were still secrets in this world, things Jun-hyuk hadn’t yet uncovered, hinted at new possibilities.

Discovering an untapped path was one of the most significant motivations for him.

While Jun-hyuk mulled over these thoughts, Killian and the King continued their conversation.

“So, by replicating the sword dance, I managed to awaken mana in my body?”

“Indeed. As you continue to practice with your sword, the Soul Flame Technique will also grow. Do not neglect your training.”

More time passed as Killian and the King exchanged many words.

Yet even as they talked, the King’s body grew more transparent by the minute.

And before long…

Shhhhh-

“Unfortunately, our time has run out.”

“Huh? What do you mean by that…?”

Fading sounds…

With those final words, the Underworld King’s body vanished from the air.

“…Seek out the Hilt family in the Imperial Capital of the Isnal Empire. There… you will find a clue to your question…”

The King’s body faded rapidly, disappearing into thin air before he could even finish his sentence.

Killian, genuinely disappointed, couldn’t help but mull over the King’s last clue.

“The Isnal Empire, huh…”

Jun-hyuk cautiously broke the silence, addressing Killian.

「Hmm… How about checking it out when you have time? As the Underworld King’s successor, you’d likely be treated well.」

“Hmm.”

「Besides, it could help you solve some problems. It wouldn’t hurt to visit at least once.」

Traveling to a foreign country just to learn more about swordsmanship? Normally, Killian would’ve refused such a suggestion outright.

But this time was a bit different.

For the first time in his life, Killian had found something genuinely enjoyable.

‘I don’t like leaving things unfinished… Especially something fun.’

This was a new feeling for him.

As Killian pondered, the corner of his mouth curled up slightly.

“Maybe I’ll check it out when I have some free time.”

—

Having received the Underworld King’s teachings, Killian immediately set off for home. By now, dawn was just beginning to break.

He had spent over half a day in the mines.

For Killian, it felt like he had done months’ worth of physical labor all in one day. And yet, his expression wasn’t bad.

In fact, he looked much brighter than he had the day before, as he made his way to the mines.

According to Killian, it was because he had learned something “fun.”

Of course, that didn’t mean he wasn’t exhausted.

「So, what are you going to do once you get back?」

Jun-hyuk’s question held a bit of anxiety. Killian responded in a casual tone.

“I’m going to sleep. I’m tired.”

「Obviously, you’re going to sleep. I mean, what are you going to do after you wake up?」

Discovering new secrets through Killian was exciting, but Jun-hyuk’s anxiety remained.

Now that the lure of his mother’s keepsake had been resolved, how was he supposed to motivate this lazy guy?

Sure, the Underworld King had left a lead about the Hilt family, but…

「How about going to the Empire to complete the Underworld King Sword?」

Judging by Killian’s nonchalant attitude, it didn’t seem like he’d be interested in pursuing that anytime soon.

“I’ll go when I have time.”

「But you’ll have time after you wake up, right?」

“No, I won’t. I’m busy.”

「…」

“Believe it or not, I have a lot on my plate.”

「Oh, sure you do.」

Jun-hyuk assumed Killian’s response was just lazy nonsense.

Despite Killian’s exceptional swordsmanship talent, the sheer laziness he’d shown before was just as remarkable.

But then Killian said something that left Jun-hyuk stunned once again.

“Did I not mention it?”

「Mention what?」

“After next weekend, I have to attend something called the Lineage Ceremony.”

「What… did you just say?」

“I’d love to visit the Hilt family, but I can’t skip out on this Lineage Ceremony.”

Jun-hyuk felt like he’d heard more unbelievable things today than ever before.

The Lineage Ceremony?

Why would Killian be involved with something like that?

「…Lineage Ceremony? Why do you have to go to that?」

“They called me. What else am I supposed to do? I have to go.”

「Called you? Wait, hold on.」

As the realization hit him, Jun-hyuk’s voice began to tremble with disbelief.

「You’re not telling me… you’re from the Pablo family, are you?」