A hologram floated before Ruin's eyes: "Laingrime Basic Swordsmanship – Seven Forms."
It was not merely a visual guide.
Moments later, thin glowing lines of neon light shot out around him—visible only to him—tracing elegant arcs through the air.
'I'm supposed to follow those lines, right?'
Without a moment's hesitation, Ruin moved as guided by the Insight of Interpretation, one of the powers granted by Heaven's Seamless Cloth (Cheonui Muboong).
He couldn't replicate the movements perfectly on the first try, but his motions were close enough to resemble the demonstrated form.
Then—
"W-what? How could you possibly absorb all of that after seeing it only once?!
Even if it's not perfect, this is…!"
The Sword Spirit's crimson eyes blazed as he shouted in disbelief.
"Uuuaaargh, Ruuuuuin!"
"…Yes?"
"You're a genius. No—'genius' isn't enough to describe you. You're a prodigy of the century, born with potential that surpasses even Belyon!"
The Sword Spirit trembled as if struck by lightning, overcome with awe and emotion.
"Is that so? Well… thank you for the compliment."
"This isn't just a compliment! It's not something you should react to so casually!"
The spirit's furious shouting and wild flailing made Ruin smile inwardly as he muttered to himself:
'I didn't mean to deceive you, but I guess it ended up that way.'
Silently, he offered an unspoken apology.
'Sorry about that. I didn't lie, but… it turned out a bit misleading.'
Just then—
Ding.
You have earned the recognition of the Sword Spirit, Black Shadow (Heuk-yeong).
You have completed an achievement within the time limit.
Achievement grade: Rare.
You have obtained the title "Recognized by the Sword Spirit."
Effect: Your connection with the Sword Spirit grows stronger.
You can absorb a portion of the Sword Spirit's power.
You can learn fragments of the Sword Spirit's swordsmanship.
Your understanding of the sword and your potential increase.
Affinity with swords improves.
Your understanding of the sword and your potential are already at the highest level. Further improvement is difficult.
Your affinity with swords has already reached its peak.
Some effects will be converted into special benefits.
Ding.
The power of any sword techniques you use will be further enhanced.
You have earned the right to seek your own Path of the Sword (Kendo).
Ding.
You have obtained the special title "One Who Walks the Path of the Sword."
This title links to other achievements.
A locked achievement has been unlocked.
Heroic Achievement: "One Who Overcame the Sword Spirit's Trial" discovered.
This is a time-limited achievement.
Achieve it before the time runs out to receive additional effects and rare rewards.
Remaining Time: 3,649 days, 20 hours, 48 minutes.
'…It really turned out like this? Incredible.'
As soon as the notifications from Heaven's Seamless Cloth ended, the Sword Spirit standing before him blazed with intense light, which then streamed directly into Ruin.
A surge of tremendous energy flooded through Ruin's entire body, leaving him with a profound sense of power and fullness.
Fragments of an extraordinary sword art began to seep into his mind.
The sudden phenomenon made the Sword Spirit thrash about in panic.
"W-what is this?! Why is my power flowing into you?!"
"Thank you. It seems you've finally acknowledged me. I'll gladly accept the strength and wisdom you've granted."
"N-no, I never acknowledged you!"
"But you just called me a 'prodigy of the century,' didn't you?"
"T-that was… Ugh! This is fraud! You tricked meee!"
While the Sword Spirit raged in despair, the mission linked to the title had already been completed through Heaven's Seamless Cloth, solidifying the bond between them.
Thanks to that, Ruin was able to absorb a portion of the Sword Spirit's power.
'So… the title's effect was to let me absorb his power?'
He hadn't yet unraveled all the secrets of Heaven's Seamless Cloth, but he was certain of one thing:
the greatest divine insight in all history would never grant him anything harmful.
'Looks like I'd better focus on these title-related quests even more.'
Holding such a thought—one that might make others seethe with envy—Ruin remained unaware of the Sword Spirit's pitiful wails echoing through his mental realm.
"Giiive it baaaack!"
The lament of the wronged Sword Spirit reverberated across Ruin's inner world.
While Ruin continued to train in the Laingrime Basic Swordsmanship under the Sword Spirit's guidance within his mental realm…
"Ruuuin."
A soft voice called his name. It was Silvia, the beloved daughter of Uncle Brion.
[Ohh, a cute girl has come to visit.]
Curiously, the Sword Spirit displayed an unusual fondness for Silvia, despite her doing nothing special.
"Ruin, I have something to ask…"
"Oh, Silvia. Good timing. Hold still for a moment."
"Huh? Like this?"
"Perfect. Just stay as you are."
Puzzled but obedient, Silvia stood still, her expression filled with confusion yet trusting the childhood friend before her.
Soon, in Ruin's vision:
Name: Silvia Felton
True Name: None
Title: (Cannot be interpreted)
Race: Human
Traits: (Cannot be interpreted)
Current Abilities: (Cannot be interpreted)
Potential Abilities: Cooking, Laundry, Cleaning, Environmental Sensing, Spirit Affinity, (Cannot be interpreted), (Cannot be interpreted)
Current Emotions: Anxiety, Confusion, Nervousness, Embarrassment
Due to the limits of Insight, further interpretation is not possible.
'Got it.'
The Insight of Interpretation, a power that could analyze not only objects and techniques but even the people of this world, revealed Silvia's information.
However, there was something different this time.
'Potential abilities?'
These were not currently manifested powers, but latent talents that might awaken under the right circumstances and actions.
If his assumption was correct…
'This could mean more than just personal growth—it could become the foundation of a powerful force.'
He imagined traveling across the continent, gathering children with exceptional latent abilities.
Reaching his ambitions might not be so difficult after all.
He let out a slow breath, calming his racing heart.
'Stay calm, Ruin. Nothing's certain yet.'
Like testing a bridge before crossing, he needed to verify his hypothesis first.
'When I tried this on Father and Mother, everything came up as "uninterpretable." That worried me…'
It seemed that his ability couldn't properly analyze beings of a higher order than himself.
But for now, that problem wasn't important.
What mattered was what he saw before him.
'Silvia's potential ability… Spirit Affinity, huh?'
A perfect test subject stood right in front of him.
He felt a twinge of guilt for regarding his childhood friend as such, but—
'It's not like this is a bad thing. In fact, it could be very good for her.'
Ruin still retained the memories of the original 1872, including some knowledge and usage of spirit arts.
If Silvia truly possessed Spirit Affinity, he could help her awaken and learn spirit magic.
'Yes… this could work.'
As he pondered, Silvia tilted her head and asked hesitantly:
"Ruin? Do I just keep standing like this?"
[Hey, Ruin. What are you doing to this kind and adorable girl? Stop bothering her.]
'What? I wasn't bothering her.'
"Sorry. That's all I needed. Thanks, Silvia."
"Oh, it's nothing. I didn't really do anything."
Her gentle smile drew a quiet, thoughtful gaze from Ruin.
[What a good child. Such a broad heart.]
The Sword Spirit continued to express affection toward Silvia.
Puzzled by this, Ruin soon realized the likely reason.
'Is it because of her Spirit Affinity?'
Recalling that the Sword Spirit was classified as a spirit in his status window, Ruin nodded in understanding.
It made sense that Silvia's latent gift drew the spirit's favor.
That realization only deepened his conviction.
'No need to hesitate. This will benefit both of us.'
He could test his hypothesis and broaden his future options,
while Silvia would gain the strength to protect herself and wield a rare and extraordinary power.
Silvia Felton—only daughter of a simple village hunter, cherished by all as a pure and innocent girl—
might otherwise have led a predictable life: growing into a beautiful woman, becoming a wife, a mother, living diligently yet ordinarily.
But—
'Things will change now.'
If she were to learn spirit arts—an ability beyond the reach of common village girls—her destiny could shift entirely.
'At the very least… I'll make sure it doesn't lead her to unhappiness, Silvia.'
Resolving so in his heart, Ruin smiled faintly and nodded.
"Alright. Let's do this."
"Do… what?"
Silvia blinked in confusion at his sudden declaration.
With a bright, confident expression, Ruin asked her:
"Silvia, do you remember what you once told me?"
"Huh? What was that?"
"That you wanted the strength to protect yourself—and to help others around you."
"…!"
At his gentle words, Silvia's eyes lit up.
She remembered well the fear and despair she had felt that day in the forest, when she had come face-to-face with an ogre—
a true predator and powerful monster—utterly helpless, unable even to flee.
She had been saved by a boy, and that moment had planted within her a new dream and goal.
"Yes. I want to be strong—like you, Ruin."
She smiled brightly, nodding with determination.
"I want to protect myself, my parents, you, and everyone in the village."
Ruin returned her smile with a firm nod.
"Good. I think you can gain that power."
"How?"
Having grown a little more mature, Silvia understood the weight of her words.
How could an ordinary village girl ever become strong?
Ruin asked with a grin:
"Silvia, have you heard of spirits before?"
"Spirits?"
"Yeah, spirits."
"I've heard of them… but I don't really know much."
Her wide-eyed innocence made Ruin chuckle softly.
"That's fine."
"Huh?"
"From now on, you're going to learn all about them."
"Wait… me? Spirits? All of a sudden?"
Her flustered reaction was met with a calm yet certain reply.
"Yes. Because you're going to become a fine spirit-user."
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T/N:
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