Even though the Entry-Level Sword Skills were more advanced than the Basic Level, the difference between the two was not revolutionary. Fundamentally, the skill set remained the same. The techniques were identical. The real difference lay in experience, precision, and damage output.
If the Basic Level sword skills could deliver roughly four out of ten in damage output, then the Entry-Level sword skills could reach six out of ten. Along with this increase, Ethan noticed improvements in sword movement speed, reaction time, and overall fluidity. His reflexes were sharper, his motions more stable, and his attacks carried more weight.
Still, Ethan wasn't satisfied.
He wanted certainty.
He wanted safety.
He checked his remaining Skill Points. Thirty points were still available. He wasn't sure whether that amount was enough to push his sword mastery to the Ordinary Level, but he hoped it might be sufficient.
"System! Upgrade my sword skills to the next level," Ethan said.
[Command Accepted]
[User requires 50 Skill Points to upgrade Sword Skills to Ordinary Level]
[User does not have sufficient Skill Points]
[Request Terminated]
Ethan let out a slow sigh.
Despite the failure, he wasn't discouraged. He knew better than anyone that mastery could not be achieved in an instant. Becoming a swordsman within a minute was already absurdly unrealistic. If it weren't for the system, he would have left this mountain empty-handed.
With his current talent pool, even years of training might not have allowed him to reach this level of sword mastery so quickly.
Entry-Level Swordsman.
That alone was already an achievement.
Still, a troubling thought lingered in his mind.
"Entry-Level sword skills might be enough to deal with these monsters… but what if I have to face all twenty-six of them at the same time?" Ethan thought.
That scenario made his scalp tingle.
Even though the monsters were low-level, numbers could overwhelm any individual. No matter how confident he was in his attributes, facing twenty-six enemies simultaneously was far from ideal.
Yet despite the risks, he decided to move forward.
He had already stepped into danger.
Turning back now would only delay the inevitable.
Moreover, the monsters were all in the early stages of the Elementary Stage. Compared to them, his attributes were far superior. Strength, speed, endurance, agility—he had the advantage.
If things went wrong, he could always escape.
That was his fallback plan.
Ethan briefly recalled the structure of sword mastery.
There were twelve levels in total:
Basic Level SwordsmanEntry-Level SwordsmanOrdinary Level SwordsmanExpert Level SwordsmanProfessional Level SwordsmanSword MasterSword GrandmasterSword KingSword EmperorSword SaintSword GodSupreme
Each level represented a qualitative leap. With every upgrade, swordsmanship reached new heights, and overall combat power increased drastically.
However, the required Skill Points also rose sharply.
At later stages, the cost might reach thousands—or even millions.
That was a concern for the future.
Right now, he had a more urgent problem.
This would be his first true life-and-death battle.
Back on Earth, he had only experienced such scenarios through novels, games, and imagination. But imagination was comforting because it was safe. Reality was different.
Killing was not common on Earth.
Facing death directly was terrifying.
No matter how much he once dreamed of entering the cultivation world, standing at the edge of an actual battle stirred fear deep within him.
He didn't know how things would end.
But he had no other choice.
He placed his trust in his upgraded attributes and the system.
"Now that I've become a swordsman, it's time to get a proper sword," Ethan thought.
Then he spoke aloud, "System! Show me available swords. I want to purchase one."
[Command Accepted]
[Displaying available swords based on System's current level]
The system possessed its own progression mechanism. For every ten levels, the System Marketplace unlocked new features. With each upgrade, rarer materials, weapons, and equipment became available.
The only requirements were simple:
The item must exist in the marketplace
The user must have enough System Currency
Ethan carefully browsed through the displayed swords.
His system level was currently Level 4, which limited his options. Advanced weapons with special effects were unavailable. Only basic swords could be purchased.
Several options appeared before him.
[Name: Tremor Sword]Attack: 5Speed: 3Defense: 6Price: 2,000 System Currency
…
[Name: Morgan's Sword]Attack: 4Speed: 4Defense: 4Price: 3,000 System Currency
…
[Name: Stalwart Sword]Attack: 7Speed: 5Defense: 3Price: 5,000 System Currency
…
Numerous swords filled the marketplace, each with different stats and prices. Ethan recognized many of the names. They were NPC names from the game he used to play. When he defeated those NPCs, their weapons had often dropped as rewards.
Back in the game, Ethan would have hesitated.
He currently had 50,020 System Currency. Spending a significant portion on a low-tier sword would normally be considered wasteful.
But this was not a game.
There were no respawns.
No second chances.
If he died here, it would be the end.
Understanding the gravity of his situation, Ethan made his decision.
He spent 5,000 System Currency and purchased the [Stalwart Sword].
Among all available swords, it had the highest attack power. Given his already enhanced physical attributes and the low cultivation level of the monsters, damage output was his priority.
Speed and agility were already covered.
What he needed was power.
After confirming the purchase, the sword appeared inside the system inventory. Ethan didn't even need to inspect it. He knew exactly what it was.
Without hesitation, he summoned the sword.
The weapon materialized in his hand.
He tightened his grip.
Countless scenes from novels and manga flashed through his mind—heroes standing atop piles of enemies, triumphant and unyielding.
But reality was different.
This was not fantasy.
This was his first real battle, where death was permanent.
Fear was natural.
The unknown was terrifying.
Knowing this, Ethan chose not to rush.
He sat down and entered meditation, calming his breathing and steadying his heart. He let the anxiety settle, then fade.
Half an hour passed.
Only when his mind was completely calm did he open his eyes.
They were no longer filled with hesitation.
Only resolve remained.