"Stay behind me!"
Suddenly, a tall, slender man appeared, raising a black steel shield before Hilo.
"Clang!!"
The heavy sword striking the shield created a deafening clang; Layton and Hilo were sent flying.
Ferdinand ignored them, his eyes darting around, bewildered.
Where was that man?!
Where was the man who'd injured him?!
The woman had been a decoy; they'd planned a surprise attack to severely injure him!
The man's killing intent had lowered his guard.
But the second attack was silent and swift!
By the time he reacted, it was too late!
Recalling that unpredictable attack, a profound sense of pressure overwhelmed Ferdinand.
Then, another killing intent arrived—
"Clang!"
He raised his sword, a metallic clang, but felt almost no force, like a grain of sand striking his blade.
"Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang!!"
Repeated attacks; Ferdinand only saw a fleeting black shadow, almost imperceptible, impossible to predict.
He could only see something striking his sword.
Not a weapon or defense, but…
Fingers?
The opponent seemed to be attacking his sword with fingernails.
Tedious theatrics!
Using human fingers to pierce a demon's defenses?!
"Get lost!"
Ferdinand roared, ignoring the attacks, swinging three swords towards the crowd.
But a black shadow flashed before him—
The man… appeared!
He assumed a stance Ferdinand had seen Audrey use.
Anyi, his body poised, gripping his longsword, stared at the charging Ferdinand.
「Sword of the Rage, Fourth Form: Gale Step.」
Chaotic wind condensed beneath his feet; [Gale Step] boosted speed by 30%; with [Wind's Protection], he gained an unlisted 30% Agility boost.
Sisrine timed it perfectly; [Courage] provided 5 Strength for 30 seconds; [Lightness], triple cast, added 15% Agility.
This attack had 65 Strength and over 50 Agility!
Ferdinand was wary but, distracted by Miruku's flash, missed his best chance to dodge!
If he took this attack directly… he'd likely die!
「At this point…!」
Escape was impossible!
But as a lord! As the Sword Demon! He couldn't die without a fight!
At least…
He'd kill one!
Suddenly, his aura shifted; he violently plunged his three swords into the ground, abruptly halting his charge!
"Boom——!!"
The training ground's floor violently cracked; Anyi's impending attack was disrupted.
As he tried to retreat, the environment changed.
The training ground was the same, but the ground was covered in blood.
Numerous swords were randomly planted, like a post-battlefield; swords served as tombstones.
The perspective suddenly shifted; Ariana's and Hilo's teams vanished.
From their perspective, Anyi and Sword Demon had suddenly stopped.
They stood facing each other, weapons drawn, eyes closed, enveloped in a semi-transparent purple barrier.
"What's happening?!" Layton exclaimed.
"Who cares! Just break it!!" Hilo, wielding her twin swords, charged—
"Boom!!"
The fierce impact hit the barrier, her short hair fluttering in the wind, yet the barrier remained intact.
"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!!"
More strikes; Hilo's strength diminished, indicating stamina loss.
"Why can't we break it?!" Hilo angrily pounded the barrier.
Ariana approached: "My [Encourage] is cut off; the Goblin equipment's stat boost is also reduced."
Sisrine also spoke: "Mine too; [Courage] and [Lightness] are disconnected."
Ariana fired a Holy Judge at the barrier; the golden light exploded into sparks; she shook her head: "Magic attacks are ineffective."
"Perhaps not enough mana?" Eira frowned.
He condensed flames, unleashing his strongest piercing attack—
"Hum!"
Like the Holy Judge, the attack dispersed upon contact, not piercing the barrier but heating the area.
Miruku knelt, digging at the ground with her dagger; the dagger embedded in the Sword Demon had returned.
Finding the ground beneath also covered by the barrier, she gave up.
"Bang! Bang!" Layton struck the barrier with his shield; it remained unmoved. "What the hell is this?!"
"Damn it!" Hilo struck the barrier with her sword; it flew from her hand, but she ignored it.
Why?!
Victory was within reach! What was happening?!
"Hey!!" Hilo pounded the barrier, shouting, "Don't let me die here!! Do you hear me?! Hey!!"
Sephie tried using her skill to break the barrier, but it was useless.
She stood beside Ariana, glancing at her.
"Aren't you worried about him?" Sephie asked.
Ariana seemed calmer than the others.
Even the usually anxious Miruku was kneeling, nervously scratching at the mud.
Ariana, usually closest to Anyi, showed no worry.
Ariana placed her hand on the barrier, smiling wryly: "Worrying's useless; it won't break this thing.
But the opponent isn't attacking Anyi; he's fine, so it's not the worst situation, right?"
Sephie looked at the barrier, closed her eyes, and nodded: "Yes, Your Highness is right."
Worrying was pointless.
Ariana looked at Anyi, whispering: "If something irreversible happens…
I'll find a way to save him."
Sephie didn't reply.
...
"A domain, right," Anyi said calmly.
"Ha ha, a human knows this term; Phoenix-sama taught you well.
Yes, it's a domain, isolating us; only you and I are within.
I can sense that the various mana enhancing you has dissipated; you're weaker than before," Sword Demon Ferdinand sneered.
"Then why trap me here?
Once the domain is active, you can't use mana against those outside.
Killing me would be pointless," Anyi continued.
"No! Of course not!
As the Sword Demon, I can't die without killing an enemy!
Even in death, I'll take one with me!"
Ferdinand pointed his sword at Anyi, his voice vicious:
"You, are a good choice!"
"I don't think I'm a good choice," Anyi said, "Rather…
You have no choice but to choose me."
"Ah," Ferdinand sneered.
He'd been exposed.
Indeed, compared to Anyi, others were better choices.
But within Ferdinand's attack range, only Anyi was visible.
Besides, with an attack imminent, inaction would result in severe injury.
It wasn't that he chose Anyi; he had no other choice.
Sensing the dissipation of the mana around Anyi, Ferdinand felt reassured.
Why was Anyi surrounded by mana?
Simple.
Without that mana, he wouldn't be able to kill him.
The prerequisite was Anyi's insufficient strength.
Ferdinand neither confirmed nor denied Anyi's statement, continuing:
"This domain is called the [One Sword Domain]; as the name suggests…
One sword.
Only one swordsman can remain.
One of us must die.
Otherwise, this domain will never end.
So, trying to wait for my mana to deplete is futile."
"Why would I stall?" Anyi asked incredulously. "If I die, you'll leave the domain and be killed by others.
The more you talk, the closer your death becomes.
You need to stall until your subordinates arrive; then you kill me and eliminate the others outside.
So, you need to stall, not me."
"Ah…" Ferdinand chuckled.
He… hadn't considered that!
He'd only wanted to die with Anyi, reclaiming a warrior's glory.
But hearing Anyi's words…
Wait?
That makes sense!
Anyi spoke again: "But whether you stall or not, your subordinates won't rescue you.
Their only fate is death outside your mansion; rescue is impossible.
As a PS, your good fortune helped me remember something.
Therefore…"
In his past life, Hilo might not have died with the Sword Demon.
She might have used a special ability to corner him, then fought within the domain.
After killing the Sword Demon, she was killed by other monsters.
There were nearly twenty Class 6 monsters hidden in the city; even with multiple arms, Hilo couldn't escape.
Restoring some details from his past life…
"Therefore, I'll let you choose your death," Anyi said, "Let me introduce myself.
I am Sword Hero, Anyi Carl.
Do you want to die directly, or…
As the Sword Demon, challenge me with your proudest strike, then die?"
Ferdinand was stunned, then erupted in laughter: "Ha ha ha ha ha ha—!!
Challenge? Challenge who? Challenge you?!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha—!!"
It was the most amusing thing he'd heard before dying.
Sword Hero?
What was that?
Just because he won with magic doesn't mean he doesn't understand the difference between humans and demons?
Anyi said calmly: "Yes, challenge me.
At your level, I'd usually kill you directly.
You should feel honored."
He wasn't worried about being overheard.
He'd entered a similar domain in his past life.
Fighting a King-level Sword Demon, one of the seventy-two Servants.
That was during the late-stage monster conquest, involving numerous Heroes.
He'd been trapped in the [Demon Sword King]'s domain; it was impossible to enter or leave; one of them had to die.
The Demon Sword King's domain wasn't called [One Sword Domain] but [King Sword Domain]; it contained legendary high-tier swords; Anyi had coveted them in his past life.
Sadly, he only obtained a [Demon Sword].
Yes, the [Demon Sword King], with eighteen arms like a Thousand-Armed Guanyin, was defeated by Anyi.
After the battle, he learned from other Heroes that he and the Demon Sword King had stood facing each other with their eyes closed in the domain.
They'd stood there, then fought silently.
Anyi ultimately killed the Demon Sword King.
That was all.
Ferdinand drew a sword from the ground, tossing it to Anyi: "Who do you think I am?
I'm the Sword Demon! Baron Ferdinand!
The strongest lord in this land!
You think you can surpass me in swordsmanship after learning from Audrey Celeste?!
Ridiculous!"
Anyi picked up the sword, nodding slightly: "In terms of pure swordsmanship, I'm sorry.
I'm far stronger than my Master.
You have three arms; how shall I fight you with two swords?"
Ferdinand laughed uproariously: "Ha ha ha ha—!!
Two? How else? With your mouth?!"
Anyi, carrying the sword, lightly stroked the swords on the ground, saying calmly: "No.
Even I wouldn't use such simplistic moves.
But…"
"Hum hum hum hum hum—"
Suddenly, the swords on the ground…
Moved!
One after another, swords levitated, pointing at Ferdinand; dozens of swords aimed at him simultaneously!
Ferdinand froze, eyes wide.
No… impossible!
What was happening to these swords?!
This was his domain!
Why could the opponent freely control these swords?!
"I'm not controlling your domain; don't misunderstand.
I'm merely manipulating these swords,"
Anyi, as if reading his mind, stopped, pointed his sword at Ferdinand, emotionless;
"So… have you decided? Will you fight two swords with three arms, or thirty swords with three arms?"
Both could freely use the swords within the domain.
Conveniently, Anyi's [Sword Control Mastery] was Max.
Touching the swords allowed him to control them.
This domain was less his than the Sword Demon's!
The Sword Demon relied on his multiple arms for multi-directional attacks, leaving the opponent defenseless.
But even the eighteen-armed [Demon Sword King] was insignificant before Anyi's Sword Control!
"Pfft!"
Ferdinand severed his upper left arm, discarding it; blood gushed!
Then he stopped the bleeding.
He also discarded his upper right sword, leaving only his lower left hand wielding a sword: "Only one sword; we'll both use our left hands; how about that?!"
"Fine."
Anyi's levitating swords descended; he switched his right-hand sword to his left.
...
"They've moved!" Sephie suddenly exclaimed.
Hilo, Layton, and Eira guarded the exit, preventing other monsters from entering.
Ariana, Sephie, and Miruku watched the barrier.
Sisrine stood between them, ready to use skills.
Hearing Sephie, everyone looked.
They had moved!
Ferdinand, initially wielding three swords, discarded two, leaving only his lower left-hand sword.
Anyi, who'd been using his right hand, switched to his left.
Both closed their eyes, swords pointed at each other, then paused.
"What… are they doing?" Layton asked, "Preparing to fight?"
"It's a duel!" Hilo interjected, "One-on-one! Left hand vs. left hand!
Woohoo!! I want a one-on-one duel with the Sword Demon too!"
"But didn't you lose just now?" Eira reminded, chuckling.
Hilo, arms crossed, snorted: "Lose?! I didn't lose! He didn't win!"
Layton also chuckled: "But wouldn't you have died if I hadn't saved you?"
"Nonsense! The plan was to stall! I only seriously fought when you arrived!" Hilo retorted.
The initial plan was to use the [Dagger of the Undead] to weaken the Sword Demon's stamina and mana, then steadily attack.
The initial plan was to exploit Anyi's damage output to kill the Sword Demon after severing an arm.
The "attrition" strategy was to counter any hidden abilities.
Now, those abilities were being used!
The strategy had been sound.
The current situation involved wearing down the opponent before forcing out their trump card.
Even with slightly inferior stats, Anyi could win.
As for Hilo's intentions…
"It was," Layton shrugged.
"It wasn't 'it was'! It was! Everyone thinks so, right?!"
Hilo looked at the others.
Everyone avoided her gaze.
"Answer me!!" Hilo yelled.
"Stop, they've started," Sephie said.
"Ah?"
Hilo looked; the duel between Anyi and the Sword Demon had begun!
To most, the outcome was obvious.
Both used swords, but the 3-meter-tall Sword Demon wielded a greatsword; even his arm length was intimidating.
Anyi, at 1.79 meters, seemed like a child; their physiques were vastly different.
Though the Sword Demon was weakened, the outcome was uncertain.
Their blades clashed, like chopsticks against toothpicks.
Though large, the Sword Demon's Agility was around 30; his attacks…
Were like a raging storm!
Sisrine, watching from the side, worried about Anyi.
Given the opponent's speed and strength, it seemed difficult for Anyi to inflict damage…
...
"Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!!"
The clashing blades echoed like cannon fire; Anyi, facing the massive blade and incredible speed, seemed defenseless.
Ferdinand swung his sword, sneering: "Is this all you've got?!
Want to switch to your right hand?!"
"Using my left hand is already unfair; switching to my right would be letting you die quickly," Anyi replied calmly.
"Arrogant words!" Ferdinand sneered.
He didn't understand how a human could possess such Strength, but it couldn't compare to his Demon Lord power.
Moreover, he was stronger in his territory, receiving further buffs within the domain.
This human's death was only a matter of time!
But…
After two minutes, he began to show signs of difficulty.
...
"Mr. Anyi will be alright… right…?" Sisrine worried, standing before the barrier.
From Anyi's perspective, he was retreating, but from the outside, he was circling the barrier, retreating repeatedly.
It appeared he was barely defending, unable to counterattack.
Ariana wanted to say something, but…
"It's impossible to see their movements clearly…" she sighed.
Layton said: "But isn't Mr. Anyi constantly retreating? And the opponent has high Endurance; continuing like this will be dangerous!"
Miruku frantically shook her head.
Hilo, arms crossed, said seriously: "No, the opponent is consuming more stamina.
Conversely, Anyi Carl is not only defending but using the opponent's force to retreat.
And… he's taking no damage.
The Sword Demon's attacks are ineffective.
Essentially, all style, no substance."
Miruku nodded vigorously.
Only Hilo and Miruku could clearly see Anyi and Ferdinand's movements.
Their combat experience allowed them to see that Anyi wasn't at a disadvantage.
Hilo frowned, wondering if she could skillfully parry each strike like Anyi under such attacks.
Her Durability was low; even minor injuries could significantly reduce her health.
Could she completely avoid the Sword Demon's attacks?
Hilo, though unwilling to admit it, had to acknowledge Anyi's superior swordsmanship.
...
Within the domain, Ferdinand frowned; his attacks grew labored.
Anyi parried rhythmically; the clash of metal echoed; he seemed to be constantly retreating under the relentless assault.
He was actually probing the opponent's rhythm, seeking an opening.
His stats were slightly inferior, but not overwhelmingly so; he had room to maneuver.
Ferdinand, though seemingly dominant, found Anyi increasingly difficult to deal with.
Because none of his attacks landed!
All were parried!
The opponent's parry technique was masterful; it seemed to put immense pressure on him, but he hadn't expended much stamina!
His furious attack seemed futile.
Constant retreat and defense held the advantage.
Ferdinand gritted his teeth.
He had to… break through his defenses!!
"Hmph!"
Suddenly, the veins in Ferdinand's left arm bulged, swelling rapidly!
His greatsword descended, about to strike Anyi—
"Bang!!"
A violent gust of wind erupted beneath Anyi's feet; he flew back several meters: "So you had another trick."
Ferdinand's heavy blow landed on empty air; his arm returned to normal; his heart pounded; he stared at Anyi, drenched in sweat.
Based on the opponent's defensive rhythm, he would parry; that attack had been a mid-strike…
He needed to strike unexpectedly!
That attack had consumed a large amount of stamina and mana, doubling his Strength momentarily.
Technique was useless against overwhelming Strength!
If it landed, Anyi would be killed instantly!
But…
He'd dodged!
He hadn't parried but stepped outside the attack range!
Ferdinand knew Anyi was prepared, but he hadn't expected such a swift reaction!
Unbelievably fast.
Why?!
This human's Strength and speed were inferior, yet he'd parried all his attacks?!
As if anticipating his attacks, instantly devising optimal countermeasures!
Suddenly, Ferdinand felt a chill.
「…Impossible?」
Images of this human fighting the Sword Demon countless times flashed through his mind.
This human was intimately familiar with the Sword Demon's fighting style, understanding all his techniques.
He'd likely already anticipated all his attacks!
Ferdinand laughed: "Ha ha… So that's it… so that's it!
Phoenix-sama, to prevent chaos, sent these weaklings to kill me; quite a clever strategy!"
He understood!
He understood everything!!
This human was a specially trained assassin targeting Sword Demons!
He'd undergone countless training sessions against Sword Demons, and countless had died at his hands!
Ha ha, Sword Hero…
Ferdinand finally understood the meaning of those words.
A seemingly weak human assassinating Sword Demons; worthy of the title Hero!
"So… I'll use three swords!!!"
Ferdinand roared, extending his empty arm; two longswords flew from behind.
Even with his upper left arm severed, a sword levitated there.
Anyi realized this was a mental space; though he appeared to sever his arm, it still existed physically.
Severing his arm in the mental space made it impossible for Anyi to predict its movement.
Perhaps… the opponent had intended this ambush?
Anyi shook his head in disappointment: "Monsters are monsters; there's no such thing as a swordsman's path; it's all about survival.
For monsters, deception isn't shameful.
And neither is it for me.
At least, it can kill monsters."
Ferdinand, wielding three swords, laughed at Anyi: "Ha ha… Hahahahaha—!!
I was wrong! I was wrong from the start!
We can't be considered equals!
My only advantage is my physical strength to kill you quickly!
Too late! It ends!
Everything ends!
Come! Sword Hero! Let me witness it!
Let me witness how you…
Will kill me!!"
"Boom!!"
Ferdinand's powerful step shook the training ground, creating a deep crater.
His muscles bulged; veins popped; his eyes glowed red; he seemed to have activated some technique, dramatically boosting his Strength and speed!
Anyi narrowed his eyes: "I needed two swords to kill you before; now… one will suffice."
"DIE!!"
Ferdinand roared.
...
Outside the barrier, the seven watched Ferdinand's muscles bulge.
"What's happening?!" Hilo slammed her hands on the barrier, "The Sword Demon has a hidden technique?!"
Ariana also tightened her grip on her staff, her brow furrowed.
Undoubtedly, it was some kind of physical enhancement magic, similar to [Encourage].
Goblins also experienced muscle growth and reddened eyes when using [Encourage].
"Hum!"
Ferdinand stepped; the sound didn't reach them, but the ground trembled.
He instantly closed the distance, appearing before Anyi.
And most importantly… he had three swords!
Everyone watched in shock.
When?!
When had the Sword Demon picked up two more swords?!
Simultaneous attacks from three directions would almost certainly kill Anyi!
The next moment…
Blood mist exploded within the barrier.
Not human blood, but monster blood, spreading in concentric rings, like a nauseating crimson flower.
...
"Bang!"
Anyi swung his sword; a fierce wind blade shredded Ferdinand's lower left arm; a gust of wind propelled him forward.
Those with high enough Agility saw his preemptive strike; those with lower Agility only saw him step forward before shredding Ferdinand's arm.
But Anyi's attack continued!
Ferdinand quickly swung his sword backward, trying to block Anyi's next attack.
But another gust of wind lifted Anyi, who leaped onto Ferdinand's back, slashing from his lower abdomen to his shoulder!
「Wind Fury.」
"Boom!!"
Dense wind blades erupted, blood spraying; a wound appeared on Ferdinand's arm.
Another blow landed on the wound; compressed wind exploded, creating a horrifyingly deep wound!
Anyi leaped into the air: "Why would I, who can manipulate wind, be slower than you?
Understand this, this is how to use wind.
Let me show you…"
Anyi, airborne, swung his sword, aiming for Ferdinand's head—
"Hmph!" Ferdinand sneered.
This human had surprised him, but…
Didn't he know that hesitation was fatal?!
Before such overwhelming Strength, what did weight matter?!
Ferdinand raised his two upper great swords, poised to strike.
He aimed to sever Anyi in three pieces the moment he entered range!
Outside the barrier, everyone saw this.
Hilo didn't speak but cursed inwardly—
「Idiot!」
Why hesitate?!
Entering the opponent's range meant certain death?!
Anyi's only option was to use wind to change direction; otherwise…
He was a fish on a chopping block!
Given the attack range, the chance of killing the opponent before being killed was zero!
But at that moment.
Anyi moved; he reversed his longsword, pointing the hilt forward, gripping the blade.
"?"
Hilo, Miruku, and even the Sword Demon were stunned.
In that instant of shock!
"Bang!"
The sword hilt struck the Sword Demon's head, momentarily stunning him.
A hilt strike!
"Ah?!!" Hilo, digging at the barrier, gasped.
There was such a technique?!
A hilt strike like a meteor hammer to the opponent's head!
The sword, recoiling, returned to Anyi's hand; he stood on Ferdinand's shoulder and slashed downwards!
"Pfft!"
The Sword Demon's head flew off; the domain instantly dissipated.
...
If you asked the deceased Sword Demon if he'd seen such a "technique," he'd undoubtedly say…
Never. Never before.
What kind of unorthodox move was that?
Ferdinand had anticipated a sword attack but was killed by a simple reversed throw.
If he were to comment on his death, he'd say…
I died like a fool!
Distracted by an unimaginable technique!
"Ha ha ha ha ha——!!"
Ariana's melodious laughter echoed; she held her stomach, a hand over her mouth.
"Anyi, you're so wicked! Ha ha ha!!"
Anyi replied calmly: "There's nothing worse than death."
Fighting monsters required both skill and courage; Anyi wasn't a glorious hero in the conventional sense.
Although using a sword hilt as a weapon was unconventional.
If he had to fight monsters honorably, without underhanded tactics, he would have died long ago in his previous life.
He could respect his opponents and uphold his principles.
But monsters lacked moral boundaries; when facing imminent death, they'd break agreements and use any means necessary.
As just happened.
If the Sword Demon hadn't broken the unspoken agreement, Anyi would have killed him fairly.
Even then, he could have thrown more swords, or used wind to change direction as Hilo suggested.
He could have used [Sword Control] to move his body and pierce the opponent's head.
Anyi hadn't used many skills; using the hilt was merciful.
Sisrine rushed over: "Mr. Anyi… Are you alright?!"
Anyi pointed to his head: "As you see."
His health was full!
Unharmed!
He'd defeated the Sword Demon unharmed in a one-on-one duel!
"Waaaaaaaa!!" Hilo frantically pulled her hair, "You monster! You were hit twice!!
I was seriously injured!!"
Anyi: "You need more training."
Hilo froze, then dejectedly nodded: "Okay…"
The others: "?"
They'd expected her to argue, but not this reaction.
Was this… maturity?
Noticing their surprised gazes, Hilo grumbled: "What?!
Anyi Carl is clearly stronger! What's wrong with him saying I need more training?!"
Eira twitched her mouth: "No… it's not that…"
She'd admitted Anyi was stronger than her?!
This was too strange!
"Sister… need a checkup? Are you feeling unwell?" Sisrine asked.
Sephie considered a terrifying possibility: "Could it be… that monster disguised as Hilo?!"
Hilo: "What's wrong with all of you?!"
After watching Anyi fight, she genuinely wondered if she could have done as well.
It was highly unlikely.
She fought directly, killing or fleeing.
If she were fighting, she would have been suppressed from the start.
But after a round of fighting, the Sword Demon could counterattack.
There wasn't much space to maneuver; Hilo couldn't wait behind Sephie to recover.
She had no choice but to use her special abilities.
But Anyi…
Hadn't used any special abilities.
He'd killed the opponent after the Sword Demon used his enhancement magic.
Killing the opponent at his peak.
"I… I…" Hilo bowed her head, clenching her fists, then suddenly looked at Anyi, "I want to become Audrey's disciple!!"
...
"I refuse," Audrey raised her hands, forming an X.
Deep within the spacious training ground, Audrey sat, rejecting Hilo's request.
Hilo: "Why?!"
Audrey shrugged: "You lack the talent for Sword of the Rage; you're too impetuous.
You're better suited for storm-based swordsmanship.
I don't know if that old man is dead, but even if he wasn't killed by monsters, he's probably dead of old age."
"But those two lower-level Heroes learned it!" Hilo pointed at the two girls behind Audrey.
"Anyi recommended them, and they possess the necessary aptitude; they're suitable disciples," Audrey smiled faintly.
Anyi recommended two Heroes suitable for Audrey's tutelage.
One was the [Wind Hero], Mala Nalu.
The other was the [Agile Hero], Philia Blast.
[Wind Hero] possessed a natural wind affinity comparable to [Wind's Blessing]; though she hadn't received it, she had a significant advantage in learning wind magic.
[Agile Hero] had an innate Agility advantage.
Philia Blast was a noblewoman; the "Blast family" practiced a speed-enhancing technique; she was a once-in-a-century genius.
According to Anyi, she was one of the only Heroes with base Agility 5.
One point higher than Miruku's base Agility.
If Miruku was talented, Philia was a natural speedster.
Anyi had the Theocracy help screen candidates; the outcome would be these two.
There were other suitable candidates, but Audrey didn't need many disciples yet.
Hilo turned to Anyi: "Anyi Carl! Why didn't you recommend me?!"
Anyi: "You seeing Master was the result of my recommendation.
Master dislikes you; I can't do anything about it."
Audrey chuckled: "Instead of shouting here, why not read my "Intelligence 0 Can Learn Wind Magic Guide"?
If you can't grasp even basic wind magic, how can you learn Sword of the Rage?"
Hilo froze, silent for a long time.
Then, yelling "I don't understand magic!!", she left.
Watching Hilo leave, Mala, the [Wind Hero], in a white Hero uniform, her hair in a single braid, breathed a sigh of relief:
"Not to speak ill of her, but if she became our junior sister, training would be incredibly noisy…"
Beside her, Philia, the [Agile Hero], also in a Hero uniform, elegant and tall, nodded:
"I prefer quiet; someone like Senior Brother is fine.
Oh, congratulations, Senior Brother Anyi, on conquering the city and slaying the Class 6 Sword Demon."
Mala was surprised: "Ah? Philia, how did you know…"
Audrey smiled: "Although it's not public, Anyi's return means the city's conquest is complete."
Mala realized: "Ah! Right! Congratulations, Senior Brother Anyi!!"