The next morning arrived too quickly. Every muscle in my body protested as I dragged myself out of bed, the aftermath of yesterday's training making itself known. I had forgotten how brutal physical exercise could be—in my previous life as Kazuma, the most strenuous activity I did was walking to the convenience store.
But I couldn't afford to slow down. Three months wasn't much time, and I had a lot of ground to cover.
After a quick breakfast, I made my way back to the training courtyard. Marcus was already there, running through a series of sword forms with immense skill. I stopped at the edge of the courtyard, watching him move.
Each strike was perfect. Not in the way a trained fighter moves, but with an almost supernatural exactness, as if he had been born holding that blade. The longsword flowed through hard techniques, switching from aggressive slashes to defensive parries to quick thrusts, making each transition seamless.
This was Weapon Saint in action.
I felt Usurper stir, with a predatory awareness sharpening in my mind. It was like a sixth sense awakening, focusing entirely on Marcus's movements. Information began flooding into my consciousness,the angle of his strikes, the precise footwork, the weight distribution, even the subtle muscle movements that preceded each action.
---
[USURPER ACTIVATED]
Analyzing technique: Advanced Longsword Forms (Rank B)
Analysis Progress: 15%... 34%... 58%...
---
My heart raced slightly. It was working. Usurper was actively analyzing Marcus's technique in real-time. I kept watching, forcing myself to remain still and observe every detail.
---
Analysis Progress: 73%... 91%... 100%
[TECHNIQUE ACQUIRED]
Advanced Longsword Forms (Rank B) → Enhanced Longsword Forms (Rank A)
Technique automatically improved through Usurpation.
Stored in Technique Library: [1/∞]
---
A rush of knowledge slammed into my mind. Suddenly, I knew the longsword forms Marcus was performing—not just intellectually, but instinctively. My muscles remembered movements I have never made. And more than that, I understood the inefficiencies in the original technique, the places where it could be improved, optimized, and perfected.
My version was far better, with faster transitions, more deceptive angles and better recovery positions. It was the same foundation but elevated to something greater.
'Holy shit. Usurper really worked.'
Marcus finished his forms and noticed me standing there. "Young Master. You're early. And you look like you've seen a ghost."
I shook my head, trying to compose myself. "I am just impressed by your technique. I've never seen swordwork like that."
"That is twenty years of practice," Marcus said, sheathing his blade. "Though Weapon Saint certainly helps. Once I achieve mastery with a weapon, it's like it becomes an extension of my body." He gestured to the weapon rack. "I can demonstrate with others if you'd like. It might help you understand what to expect from Authority users at the academy."
This was perfect. "I'd appreciate that."
Marcus moved to the rack and selected a spear. The moment his hands closed around the shaft, his entire posture shifted. He went through a series of spear techniques—thrusts, sweeps, defensive spins—with the same supernatural precision as the sword.
---
[USURPER ACTIVATED]
Analyzing technique: Advanced Spear Forms (Rank B)
Analysis Progress: 18%... 45%... 79%... 100%
[TECHNIQUE ACQUIRED]
Advanced Spear Forms (Rank B) → Enhanced Spear Forms (Rank A)
Stored in Technique Library: [2/∞]
---
Another flood of knowledge. I now understood spear combat at a level that should have taken years to achieve.
"The spear is underrated," Marcus commented, returning it to the rack. "Most nobles prefer swords for the prestige, but spears have superior reach and are excellent for mounted combat." He picked up a war hammer next. "This one's quite different—all about timing and momentum rather than finesse."
He demonstrated, and Usurper hungrily absorbed the technique.
---
[TECHNIQUE ACQUIRED]
Advanced War Hammer Forms (Rank B) → Enhanced War Hammer Forms (Rank A)
Stored in Technique Library: [3/∞]
---
"Would you mind showing me how Arsenal Shift works?" I asked, trying to keep the eagerness out of my voice.
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "That's my sub-skill. Most people don't think to ask about those." He grabbed both a sword and a dagger. "Watch closely. Arsenal Shift allows me to transition between weapon styles without the usual adjustment period."
He began with his sword forms, then mid-swing, dropped into a dagger stance without breaking momentum. The switch was instantaneous, with no hesitation or recalibration. He flowed from one weapon to another like water, even tossing the sword aside to fight with bare hands before retrieving it seamlessly.
---
[USURPER ACTIVATED]
Analyzing sub-skill: Arsenal Shift
WARNING: Sub-skill analysis requires higher Authority comprehension.
Analysis Progress: 31%... 47%... 62%...
Analysis incomplete. Requires multiple observations to fully copy sub-skills.
Current Understanding: 62%
---
Interesting. So regular techniques copied instantly, but Authority sub-skills needed more exposure. That made sense—they were fundamentally different from normal combat techniques.
"Impressive," I said honestly. "The transitions are flawless."
"That's the advantage of Weapon Saint," Marcus said, setting the weapons down. "Now then, let's see what you learned from watching. Pick up Shadow and show me what you can do."
I summoned my dagger, the familiar weight settling into my palm. "I thought we were focusing on dagger work?"
"We are. But understanding multiple weapon types makes you a better fighter overall. You learn to recognize attack patterns, anticipate movements, defend against varied styles." He moved to the center of the courtyard. "Come at me. Don't hold back."
I hesitated. "You're unarmed."
"I'm also significantly more experienced and have an Authority. You won't hurt me, Young Master. Now attack."
I settled into a combat stance, Shadow held in a standard grip. Thanks to Usurper, I had three different weapon techniques in my head, plus the basic dagger work from yesterday. The knowledge was there, but could my body execute it?
'Only one way to find out.'
I lunged forward, going for a quick thrust. Marcus sidestepped easily, his hand snapping out to tap my wrist—not hard enough to hurt, but enough to show he could have disarmed me.
"That was too obvious. Your shoulders tensed before you moved."
I tried again, this time using one of the enhanced longsword principles I had copied, I made a feint to the left before striking right. Marcus blocked with his forearm, but I saw his eyebrows rise slightly.
"This is better. That was a sword technique adapted for the dagger. Very creative."
We continued for several minutes. I attacked and he countered, offering corrections each time. But something strange was happening, the more I fought, the more my body began to remember. The techniques Usurper had copied were integrating with my muscle memory, becoming more natural with each repetition.
"Hold," Marcus said suddenly. "Young Master, where did you learn that combination? The feint into the low sweep?"
I had just executed a sequence from the enhanced spear forms, adapted for close-range dagger work. "I... I'm not sure. It just felt right."
Marcus studied me with an intensity that made me uncomfortable. "You've been watching me very carefully this morning. And now you're using techniques similar to what I demonstrated, but modified for your weapon." He crossed his arms. "Young Master, have you awakened your Authority?"
My mind raced. Denying it outright would be suspicious given what he'd just seen. But revealing Usurper was out of the question.
"I think so," I said carefully. "But I'm not entirely sure what it is yet. It seems to help me learn by observation."
Not quite a lie. Usurper did help me learn by observation—it just did so by copying techniques and making them better.
Marcus's expression shifted to something like excitement. "A learning-type Authority? Those are rare. Most Authorities are combat or utility focused, but learning-types can be incredibly powerful long-term." He paused. "Does it have a name?"
"I haven't confirmed it yet," I deflected. "The system interface is still somewhat unclear."
"System interface?" Marcus looked confused.
Right. Normal people didn't have game-like systems. That was unique to me.
"I mean, the way I perceive my Authority," I corrected quickly. "It's hard to explain. Still getting used to it."
Marcus nodded slowly, seeming to accept that. "Authority manifestations are deeply personal. No two people experience them the same way." He clapped me on the shoulder. "This is excellent news, Young Master. An Authority, even a newly awakened one, puts you on much better footing for the academy entrance exams. We should adjust your training to help you develop it further."
"What would you suggest?"
"Exposure to varied techniques and fighting styles. If your Authority helps you learn through observation, then you need to observe as much as possible." He gestured around the courtyard. "I can show you different weapon forms, but you'd benefit from seeing diverse combat approaches. The guards might be willing to spar where you can watch. And there are combat demonstrations in the city occasionally—traveling fighters, mercenary exhibitions, that sort of thing."
Every word was gold. More techniques to copy, more skills to enhance and store in my Technique Library.
"That sounds perfect," I said. "When can we start?"
"Eager, are we?" Marcus smiled. "That's good. Motivation is half the battle. We'll continue your basic training this morning, then this afternoon I'll arrange for some of the guards to run drills. You can observe and practice. And tomorrow—" He paused, considering. "Tomorrow I'll take you into Arendale City. There's a mercenary guild there that hosts regular sparring matches. It's a good place to see real combat."
Arendale City. According to Zane's memories, it was the nearest major city, about an hour's carriage ride from the estate. I had been planning to go there anyway—it was where I could start gathering information, making connections, and possibly finding ways to increase my resources.
"That sounds excellent."
We trained for another two hours. Marcus drilled me relentlessly on footwork and basic strikes, while I secretly tested the techniques Usurper had copied. My body was still too weak to fully execute the enhanced forms, but I could feel the foundation building.
---
[TRAINING COMPLETE]
+2 Strength
+1 Agility
+2 Endurance
Basic Dagger Arts (Rank F) → Basic Dagger Arts (Rank E)
Progress to Next Level: 85/100 EXP
---
When we finally broke for lunch, I was drenched in sweat but grinning. Real progress. Measurable, systematic progress.
"You're smiling," Marcus observed. "I thought you would hate training this intensive."
"I have a goal worth reaching," I replied.
That seemed to please him. "Rest this afternoon, then meet me here at three. I'll have the guards ready."
I nodded and headed back to the mansion, my mind already racing with possibilities. If I could copy techniques from the guards, then from the mercenaries in the city, I'd build an arsenal of skills before I even reached the academy.
And if I could figure out how to copy Authority sub-skills completely...
The possibilities were staggering.
Elise was waiting with lunch when I arrived—a substantial meal of roasted chicken, fresh bread, and vegetables. I ate ravenously, my body demanding fuel after the morning's exertion.
"Young Master," Elise said hesitantly as she refilled my water. "The staff wanted me to tell you... we appreciate the changes you're making. It means a lot to us."
I looked up at her, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. "You don't have to thank me for treating you like people, Elise. That should be the baseline."
She blinked back tears. "The previous Young Master we knew never saw it that way."
"Well, I'm not him anymore," I said quietly.
More true than she realized.
After lunch, I spent some time in the library, reviewing combat manuals and books on Authority theory. Most of it was basic information I already knew from the novel, but a few texts mentioned historical Authority users that might give me ideas for techniques to watch for.
At three sharp, I returned to the courtyard. Marcus had gathered six of the estate guards—men and women in light armor, carrying various weapons. They looked curious but disciplined.
"Alright everyone," Marcus announced. "Young Master Zane has awakened an observation-based Authority. He'll be watching you run combat drills. Treat this as standard training, but be aware you're helping him develop his abilities. Understood?"
A chorus of "Yes, Captain" followed.
For the next two hours, I watched the guards spar, drill, and demonstrate techniques. Usurper worked overtime, analyzing and copying everything.
---
[TECHNIQUES ACQUIRED]
Basic Sword and Shield Combat (Rank C) → Enhanced Sword and Shield Combat (Rank B)
Basic Archery (Rank D) → Enhanced Archery (Rank C)
Unarmed Combat - Military Style (Rank C) → Enhanced Unarmed Combat (Rank B)
Dual Wielding Basics (Rank D) → Enhanced Dual Wielding (Rank C)
Stored in Technique Library: [7/∞]
---
By the end of the session, my Technique Library had nearly doubled. And more importantly, I had gained insight into how normal fighters without Authorities approached combat—practical, efficient, focused on fundamentals.
"How do you feel?" Marcus asked as the guards dispersed.
"Overwhelmed," I admitted. "There's so much to process."
"That's normal for newly awakened Authority users. Your brain is adapting to new capabilities." He studied me thoughtfully. "Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow we go to the city, and the fighters there will be significantly more skilled than my guards. If your Authority works the way I think it does, you'll want to be fresh."
I nodded, dismissing Shadow and heading inside. My legs felt like jelly, my mind buzzed with new knowledge, but I was exhilarated.
---
[DAILY QUEST COMPLETE: Train for at least 1 hour]
Rewards: +50 EXP, +1 Free Stat Point
LEVEL UP!
You are now Level 2
All stats +1
New Free Stat Points: +5
Progress to Next Level: 35/200 EXP
---
I pulled up my status window, examining the changes.
---
[STATUS WINDOW]
Name: Zane Morgenstern
Level: 2
Authority: Usurper (Unique - Growth Type)
Stats:
- Strength: 11
- Agility: 11
- Endurance: 11
- Mana: 13
- Intelligence: 15
- Luck: 9
Skills:
- Basic Weapon Mastery (Rank E)
- Basic Dagger Arts (Rank E)
Unique Items:
- Shadow (Growth-Type Weapon - Rank F)
Technique Library: [7/∞]
- Enhanced Longsword Forms (Rank A)
- Enhanced Spear Forms (Rank A)
- Enhanced War Hammer Forms (Rank A)
- Enhanced Sword and Shield Combat (Rank B)
- Enhanced Archery (Rank C)
- Enhanced Unarmed Combat (Rank B)
- Enhanced Dual Wielding (Rank C)
Free Stat Points: 7
---
Seven techniques in one day. Seven enhanced combat styles that I could access at will. And tomorrow I'd see real mercenaries, fighters who made their living through combat skill.
I allocated my stat points carefully—two into Strength, two into Agility, two into Endurance, and one into Mana. I needed to build a balanced foundation before specializing.
As I prepared for bed that night, one thought kept circling in my mind.
The original Zane Morgenstern was meant to be a throwaway character, a brief obstacle for the protagonist to overcome in thirty seconds.
But I wasn't the original Zane anymore.
And with Usurper, I was going to become something this world had never seen before.