Chapter 18: A Sword at His Fingertip
Elliott immersed himself in the technique like a madman.
Divide. Twist. Release.
Failure. Headache.
Divide again. Twist again.
Failure. Headache.
[Acquisition failed!]
[Acquisition failed!]
[Acquisition failed!]
He lost track of how much time had passed.
By the time pale blue dawn light began seeping through the windows of the Old Bookshop, a clear notification rang inside his head.
Ding!
[Congratulations!]
[You have comprehended the circulation principles of Intangible Sword.]
[Rank increased: Novice → Skilled]
Elliott's eyes snapped open.
The throbbing headache remained, but beyond the pain, a single clear image had been carved into his mind.
A sharp current of Mana gathering at his fingertip.
It had not yet taken the form of a true sword, but it was still a keen edge capable of cutting whatever it touched.
Elliott raised his trembling hand and extended his index finger.
He drew in a slow breath, twisted his Mana according to the sensation he had grown familiar with, and guided it toward his fingertip.
Crackle.
The effect was faint, but the air around his finger seemed to tear as a dim distortion appeared.
"It worked."
It was far from perfect.
Still, it looked sharp enough to peel an apple with his bare hand.
'To reach this point in a single night.'
The system was completely compensating for his lack of talent.
Elliott rose from his seat.
After sitting there throughout the night, his back had become stiff.
He looked around.
Most of the Mercenaries who had been eagerly copying manuals were now sleeping in corners between the shelves.
Elliott returned the three manuals to their original places.
Finger Bolt was already memorized.
Intangible Sword had been learned through direct practice.
Iron Palm Art required too much preparation, so he decided to leave it for later.
'Time to go.'
Elliott headed toward the entrance of the Old Bookshop without hesitation.
The woman from the previous day sat behind the counter, her chin resting on one hand as she dozed.
Perhaps sensing his presence, she slowly opened her eyes.
"Leaving?"
"The sun has risen."
"We are not that strict. What about the books? Are you buying any?"
The woman asked through a yawn.
Elliott shook his head.
"No."
At his answer, she closed her eyes again as though she had lost all interest.
She did not even offer a brief farewell.
'This place truly has no sense of service.'
Elliott, who still understood basic courtesy, gave her a light nod before stepping outside.
He had gained a basic grasp of Intangible Sword and Finger Bolt.
'Now I need to prepare the ingredients for alchemy.'
With more confidence in his eyes than before, Elliott continued on his way.