Chapter 87: Transmission, Slicing the Sunset
No matter how strong someone might be, everyone has limits. No individual can overcome thousands of soldiers using sheer strength alone.
There’s only so much a person can do with their power. Once that power is spent, they become vulnerable. This is the essence of being considered third-rate.
“Everyone starts as third-rate. The first step is learning to understand yourself.”
Focusing solely on building your strength was a third-rate approach. Anyone who hasn’t reached expert level was deemed third-rate.
People saw “third-rate” as bad, but it was necessary.
“Only by establishing a strong foundation can you truly connect with the world. Third-rate is about knowing yourself; second-rate is about understanding the world. No matter how powerful you become, you can never overcome nature.”
“The goal isn’t just to make yourself stronger. Once you have it, you must learn how to harness the power of the world.”
Concentrating solely on personal strength leaves you confined to third-rate status.
Second-rate is about connecting with the world and utilizing its power. Heron grasped the sword and swung it with a gentle, deliberate motion. His swing was so slight that it resembled a butcher’s minimal slice. The sword moved with the sluggishness of a worm.
“Watch closely. This is how you use the world’s energy. You don’t need to waste your strength when there’s power in the air itself.”
Just as Roka believed she could block the strike, the sword accelerated. Mana from all directions swirled around it, causing the sword to vibrate and hum with magical energy.