Reincarnated as the Adopted Son of a Prestigious Swordsmanship Family

Chapter 47: Compatibility (2)

Compatibility exists.

So the theorists say.

It’s a statement that contradicts those who have experienced the front lines.

A Sword Master is called the natural enemy of a mage, but in the end, it becomes a meaningless statement. The ones called Archmages can ably face a Sword Master.

A mage is the flower of the battlefield? The same goes for a Sword Master. Right now, Bahab, a family of knights and a Hero Family, became a symbol of mass slaughter in the Doom War.

It’s prominent at the beginning, but at the end, the word compatibility fades. The same goes for phantasms. Though it’s an ability named a divine power, the Phantasm Jiaren cannot surpass the heroes.

‘It would be a different story if Jiaren also reached the end.’

But if I had to side with the theorists, compatibility does exist. That’s what Simurtr thinks.

It doesn’t fade even at the end. Even if it’s a subtle difference, it’s a clear gap.

‘For example, the Imperial Family.’

The Son of Heaven. Their unique nature, called the sons of god, is the reason why the theorists’ claims don't get crushed.

Simurtr used to think that the Star-Breaking Style should be added to that.

‘It’s a secret technique, but not just anyone can learn it.’

The Star-Breaking Style is a cultivation method that can only be embraced by those with a naturally gifted body.

It could be explained as another example to the theorists who use the Imperial Family as their basis. Since the Star-Breaking Style requires a physical nature as an essential foundation.

‘If he met me now, my master wouldn’t even be interested in me.’

The reason the past life’s Exa became a disciple was because he possessed a Strong Body that surpassed that of Dujeu.

The current Simurtr is struggling. It's the reason why he's always contemplating the distribution of output and magic power, and why he's stuck at the 4th stage.

If his master had seen him, he wouldn't have even considered him as a successor to the Star-Breaking Style. He would have just glanced at him and left.

‘No. He wouldn’t even look. Since this body can’t even use its full power a few times.’

The intense presence unique to the Star-Breaking Style.

The unique magic power, compared to the sun, could only be used when the physical nature was in place.

‘There is nothing superior to the Star-Breaking Style.’

His master’s teachings remained, and his conviction was passed down.

Simurtr had never doubted his master’s conviction. The death of his past life? That was because he himself was lacking, not the Star-Breaking Style.

Right now… Phantasmal Ability, the phantasm of Degrate.

If we were to talk about the compatibility that theorists love so much, the magic of the Star breaker surpasses that of Degrate.

What most Sword Masters can’t penetrate, Simurtr can easily break.

‘It would be a different story the higher you go.’

In the end, it’s the same for Simurtr too. As he progresses, the gap will widen again. Follow current novels on NoveI[F]ire.net

At that end, at the final point, the Star-Breaking Style certainly has the power to surpass the final points of other fields. His master’s conviction is that kind of conviction. The end of the Star breaker is different from other ends.

‘The compatibility is good.’

The path to the end of the Star breaker. On that path, Phantasmal Ability is a really good tool.

He had thought so even before obtaining it. Now that he had actually acquired it, that thought grew even stronger.

‘I didn’t know the presence of the Star-Breaking Style would be projected in this way.’

After seeing Jiaren’s reaction, he was finally convinced. The admiration Semenu had been showing him all this time was not favoritism, but the truth.

The magic of the Star breaker.

Its unique intensity was adding depth to his phantasms.

If Degrate’s were faint heat hazes, Simurtr’s Phantasmal Ability was a truly vivid typhoon.

‘It exists, but it doesn't exist, was it?’

Degrate’s phantasm exists, but it has no physical force. Therefore, it does not exist in reality.

But Simurtr’s phantasm is a clear attack. Until you are hit by it, it is judged as existing.

Jiaren’s blank expression is proof of that. From the opponent’s perspective, that’s how it looks.

Its presence is too dense to doubt it as a phantasm.

“Anything to improve?”

“…There’s nothing like that.”

Jiaren said honestly.

This sense of shame she was feeling now was not just Jiaren’s personally.

She couldn't distinguish between real and phantasm. Even without a Unique Phantasmal Realm.

It wasn't a matter of achievement. If we were to talk about achievement, it was a great level of proficiency. Only ten days had passed since he took Asha.

But when compared to the achievements of other bloodkin… well. It was great, but still at a disappointing level.

“Really?”

“Yes. I couldn't even distinguish it, so how could I find something like that.”

But the sense of shame stemmed from something more fundamental.

Simurtr’s achievement was lower than other Degrates, but it meant he was at a higher stage.

For example, on par with an elf.

“If anything, we should be the ones asking you to teach us.”

Dreaming of the elves and the elven realm they built.

Simurtr had shown the origin of the phantasm that Degrate had so desired and pursued.

“That’s… because my magic power is special.”

“I know. It’s the characteristic of your school. Degrate has its pride too. We won’t hope for that much.”

“Then?”

“You must be knowledgeable about magic power.”

Simurtr was slightly flustered.

It was the first time the always passive Jiaren had shown such open enthusiasm.

“Ways to increase the quality of magic power, or to increase the efficiency in the process of materializing it as a phantasm.”

“It’s only been ten days since I imprinted Asha.”

“What about the former?”

“Well… I can teach you the principle…”

He couldn't teach the Star-Breaking Style, but he could teach the subtleties of rotation. That alone would increase the power, if not the quality.

“I don’t really recommend it…”

But that required a naturally Strong Body. Or an excellent sense for magic power.

The current Simurtr was the latter. He had experience using the Star-Breaking Style, and his senses from his past life had carried over.

Semenu, whose eyes met his, also quietly shook her head. In the Baperr unit, the only one who had successfully applied that subtlety was Dujeu of the Sword Tower.

“Please!”

But Jiaren’s eyes had already gone wild.

***

I’ll send someone soon.

When they were saying their goodbyes, Jiaren had said so. It was a decision that considered Simurtr’s position of not being able to stay in Degrate for long.

“It’ll be tough.”

He had allowed it because of Semenu, but Simurtr thought negatively of it.

“I’ll give up if it seems impossible.”

“Right.”

At Semenu’s words, Simurtr nodded. Though she might seem that way, wasn't she a Phantasm? She had a brain and abilities. She would judge for herself.

It wasn't a loss for Simurtr either. A Degrate would be a pretty good errand runner.

“Can you go anywhere?”

Simurtr looked around with curious eyes. It was a world of green. When he took a step, ripples formed.

There was no tactile sensation. The only thing he felt was a vast amount of magic power.

The divine power materialized by it. A passage of phantasm. Leading from Degrate to Mectera.

“No. Only to places where the materializer has left a mark.”

“A mark?”

“Yes. But it doesn’t last long. It’s hard to explain. The Captain will be able to do it later too.”

It was a Phantasm’s movement technique through a Unique Phantasmal Realm.

What only the past life’s Nurmakan could do, Semenu could now freely materialize.

“What about the Unique Phantasmal Realm? Aren’t you going to show me?”

This movement technique passed through the Unique Phantasmal Realm. In the first place, it was a movement that could only be materialized that way. But Semenu did not show him the Phantasmal Realm.

“Next time, the Captain is busy.”

“How busy can I be.”

“I feel like I won’t want to let you go if we go.”

“Then well… when can we meet again.”

“I’ll come visit when my work is done.”

She had said she could freely choose her missions without interference from Degrate. But she was busy?

‘Then that means she doesn't have to do anything.’

The reason the past Semenu had made such a request and lived that way was to find Exa.

But now that she had achieved her goal, Semenu did not abandon what she was doing. She went back. Simurtr couldn't understand that.

‘…My mouth is itching.’

Simurtr walked in silence. He looked at Semenu’s back, walking ahead. Now that you’ve found me, what work is left?

He was dying of curiosity, but he wasn't in a position to ask. If he did, he might have to reveal many things himself.

“Don’t you have any thoughts of resting?”

What should I say? Simurtr thought and said. He thought it was a roundabout way of putting it.

“I do.”

“Then why don’t you rest.”

“Later. I’ll rest all at once later.”

“Do you have to?”

“That way I can rest with the Captain.”

If he had his way, he wanted to just let it go.

But every word Semenu said got stuck like a hook. To ignore it and move on would only reveal a vague anxiety.

‘But if I ask, she’ll ask me too.’

This was a certainty. A deduction and certainty based on experience.

If he first asked about her personal affairs, Semenu would definitely ask him back. Semenu had been like that since their past lives. If she received something, she would give something of equal value in return.

‘Let’s just pay attention. Just pay attention.’

Simurtr repeated to himself. If he was in a position where he couldn't ask, he could just keep watching. Jiaren had said she would send a Degrate soon.

He didn't know who it would be, but they could probably act as a contact. He planned to grasp Semenu’s movements through Jiaren.

‘I can also try to sound her out whenever Semenu visits.’

He lifted his head and saw that the Phantasmal Passage was almost at its end.

He felt so because the green light that had formed around them had been cut off at a certain point.

“Is Mectera just past there?”

“Yes.”

“Where in Mectera?”

“The Captain’s house.”

“My annex?”

“Yes. The Captain’s room.”

“…You said the mark doesn’t last long.”

“I left it a while ago.”

“When was a while ago.”

“That time. When Ael Mectera called the Captain Simyun.”

“Ah.”

Simurtr nodded. It meant she had secretly entered his room when she came to Mectera.

‘And I didn’t know.’

She had grown up a lot. That thought suddenly came to him. Maybe he had been worrying for nothing all this time.

Even though she said she was busy, she would probably manage it well on her own. Now that she had become so strong.

“Did you say you don’t know what the others are doing?”

He suddenly thought of the squad members and asked.

After the Doom War ended, Semenu had said she didn't have much contact with the other squad members.

“…Yes.”

“Aren’t you curious?”

“I’m not curious.”

“Still, find out for me. I’m curious.”

He had been curious ever since he was reincarnated. He had been holding back because of his priorities. But now that he had met Semenu, a crack had formed in his heart.

Wouldn't it be okay to at least know? That thought came to him. It was unlikely, but if they had gone astray, he was willing to go and find them.

“…Why? Are you going to tell them?”

“Are you crazy? Tell them? They’re probably living well. They’re not the type to die somewhere.”

Unless it was a very serious deviation, he had no intention of doing so. One was enough, and he wouldn't tell Semenu about the revenge either.

“Then why?”

“I should at least know. They’re my kids, after all.”

“…….”

No answer was heard. Simurtr looked at Semenu, who was biting her lip.

“Are you that busy?”

“…Probably.”

His curiosity grew even stronger.

How much work did she have?

“You don’t have to worry about it. It’s not urgent. I can ask Jiaren separately.”

Information is life to assassins. Degrate was a group with one of the best information networks on the continent.

It might be a much better option to borrow Jiaren’s power than for Semenu to obtain it on her own.

“…No. I’ll look into it. But it might take a long time.”

“You can take your time. Thanks.”

Simurtr nodded.

As expected, Semenu seemed to like Jiaren. She probably didn't want to cause any unnecessary trouble.

Come to think of it, it was better for the information to come slowly. So he wouldn't get unnecessarily anxious.

“Do you have to go right away?”

Simurtr stopped at the end of the green passage and said. Just one more step and he would arrive at Mectera. In his room in the annex, at that.

“No. I have something to tell them in Mectera.”

“To the old man? Or the Sword Master?”

“The Sword Master, and Aran Lubeil too.”

“What is it. If you’re busy, I’ll deliver it.”

“…You can give this to the Sword Master.”

Semenu took out a bundle of documents from her bosom.

“It’s the locations and contact methods of the imperial crows.”

Crows. It was a term for Degrate’s information gatherers who collected information for the hunting snakes.

“Jiaren is serious too.”

“Yes. Because the Captain said so.”

That was true, but the fact that the beast was a Phantasmal Ability user would have hit her harder. Since an outsider unrelated to Degrate possessed Phantasmal Ability.

“There are also areas where you can make contact with the Black Snake. You can go there when you need support.”

Black Snake. One of Degrate’s snake pits.

The opposite of the White Snake, specialized in assassination.

It was the snake that best suited the current objective. The Black Snake, specialized in assassination, were the most skilled trackers within Degrate.

“I’ll deliver it as is.”

Simurtr said and held out his other hand.

“…That’s all.”

Semenu looked at his hand with a puzzled expression.

“You said you had business with Aran too. I’ll deliver that too.”

“No. I’ll go for that one.”

“Do you have to?”

“Yes. It’s fine.”

“I’m doing it anyway, so I’ll do it for you. I’ll see Aran on my way to give this anyway.”

Simurtr tilted his head.

It was doing the same work twice. He had taken the Sword Master’s share so that Semenu wouldn't have to go to the trouble.

“It’s fine. The Captain is not my errand boy.”

“I already took it.”

“…Give it back.”

Semenu snatched the bundle of documents.

“What. What’s with you.”

That phantasm was something Simurtr couldn't react to. If he did, the documents would surely be torn.

“You’re suspicious, you know?”

“…I’m not suspicious.”

Simurtr narrowed his eyes.

She was too suspicious. He could guarantee it was related to Aran.

“What are you going to do with Aran.”

“I’m not doing anything.”

“Then why are you being like this?”

“What about me.”

Defiant. Simurtr looked at Semenu with an awkward expression. She had never been like this in their past lives. She had obediently listened to everything he said.

“You’ve changed.”

“The Captain has changed more.”

Semenu looked Simurtr up and down.

Unlike the slightly matured Semenu, Simurtr had completely changed as a person.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Me neither. I haven’t changed.”

Semenu was firm.

No matter how he approached it, she didn't seem to have any intention of telling him.

“Alright. I won’t ask.”

“Okay.”

“But let me ask just this one thing.”

Simurtr gave up on prying.

And then he recalled the night of the Selection Ceremony.

“At the Selection Ceremony. Why did you say Aran was crazy?”

Aran Lubeil is crazy.

That night, Semenu had said so. Simurtr still hadn't found the answer.

“…Just because.”

At those words, Semenu’s eyes darted around.

“Quickly.”

“Just. Because he kept saying the Captain was dead. I was annoyed.”

“You know that doesn't make sense. Have I only known you for a day or two?”

“…….”

Semenu bit her lip. It was obvious she didn't want to talk.

“Honestly.”

Simurtr urged her. He pressed her cheeks with his hands and opened her lips. He had no intention of letting it slide again. Once was enough.

“…Gerehk Mectera.”

“What?”

An unexpected name. That bastard is coming out here? Simurtr furrowed his brow.

“Did that bastard do something to you?”

“No.”

“Then.”

“Open Gerehk Mectera’s coffin. Then you’ll know.”

Simurtr recalled Gerehk Mectera’s death.

The end of the war. Gerehk had died as soon as the Doom War ended. The cause of death was injuries from the war, and he had been found dead at the west gate after going out on the anniversary of his death.

“…But I hope the Captain doesn’t find out.”

Gerehk’s grave was on Mectera’s Sacred Mountain.