30 Years After Reincarnating, It Turns Out This World Was A Rofan?! novel Chapter 132

“This... has more potential than I expected.”

The technique he mimicked from that guy Maximus, a concentration of power. The foundation was based on the sword's resonance, but the way it could be utilized seemed to vary infinitely depending on the individual's capabilities.

Whether it was pulling lightning, threading energy, or even—

“—harboring starlight.”

Ihan found the method he copied from that man unexpectedly enjoyable.

Somehow...

“I could probably come up with even more interesting techniques.”

It seemed like the possibilities for crafting fun new methods were endless.

Well...

...Whoooosh...

Not right away, though.

“Hmm. I guess I’m not used to it yet—it’s tricky to maintain. Hey, Blackie, how do you manage to sustain something this complicated? Is this just another talent gap?”

“...Just insult me instead.”

“Why?”

“The fact that you can genuinely say you don’t know is infuriating.”

Roen was at a loss for words. Creating a technique that was clearly a superior version of his sword aura, all while claiming to lack talent—how was he supposed to feel about that?

“I understand now why others curse me so much...”

As he reflected on his past, Roen realized why both his allies and enemies always glared at him during fights. He had been a terrible leader and, frankly, a terrible person back then.

This is excellent mirror therapy.

Despite everything, the sparring session lasted over 80 minutes. Though it seemed excessively long for a duel, it wasn’t just about swinging swords and axes at each other.

What they were doing could be called a "debate of swords."

Ihan and Roen not only clashed physically but also verbally, pointing out each other’s flaws and seeking new directions for improvement.

“If someone attacks you with a quick strike, I’ll block it and bring my axe down on their head.”

“I’d deflect it and aim for the throat immediately.”

“...Hmm. Want to try it out for real?”

“...Is this still considered a debate?”

“It’s a practical debate.”

“Calling something a debate doesn’t make it one.”

And so, they fiercely discussed and tested techniques, pushing each other just far enough without causing real harm. Time passed in a flash.

After the sparring session, naturally—

“The energy drain from sword aura comes from indiscriminate power expenditure. If you could control it as precisely as you do your Diamond Body technique, you’d extend its duration significantly. If you’re willing, I could teach you the basics of energy control. With your skills, you’d master it in no time....”

“No, thanks. If I try to learn something like that now, I’ll end up spreading myself too thin.”

“...That’s fair.”

The two reviewed their sparring session and exchanged meaningful advice.

“You don’t have any major weaknesses. Your swordsmanship is already at a master’s level, and your movements and judgment are top-tier. If there’s one flaw, it’s that your focus is too narrow. In a one-on-one fight, that can be a strength, but it also means you don’t pay attention to your surroundings.”

“Should I fix it, or leave it as is?”

“Learn to switch it on and off. If you can do that, you’ll be nearly flawless. Although... there is one more issue—you’re ‘too perfect.’”

“...Is that a joke?”

“No, it’s serious. You try too hard to be perfect, and that’s a problem.”

“Trying to be perfect is a problem?”

“Being perfect means you’re following a set path—one that others have already walked. It makes you predictable. And predictability is easy to exploit.”

“......”

“Unless you become some godlike monster who can cleave the sea with a single strike, this will catch up to you one day.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

For some, such words might sound like an insult, but Roen took them seriously. He seemed to have grasped something significant.

“That’s true. If I ever face someone like you, I’d probably panic and lose.”

“Me?”

“There’s no one else with such unconventional methods and thinking.”

“I’m pretty normal.”

“...Please don’t say that in public.”

“?”

The two shared a meaningful exchange and, as the night descended, set their weapons aside.

“How about it? Want to stay the night?”

“No, I’d rather not be the unwelcome guest.”

“Since when do you care about such things?”

“...What do you think of me, really?”

“Can you handle the answer without being hurt?”

“...I think I’d rather not know.”

“Haha!”

Teasing him was enjoyable in its own way.

Despite his cold exterior, Roen had a strangely human side to him.

He’s not a bad guy.

He was surprisingly relatable—making mistakes, showing vulnerability, and even fumbling here and there.

And—

“Next time, I’d like to see ‘it.’ That beast roaring inside you.”

“!!!!”

He was unnecessarily kind, too.

Roen’s eyes widened in shock as if to say, How could you know that?

“I just guessed.”

“You guessed?”

“I’m already shackled by one leash; I don’t need another.”

“...Maybe I should’ve asked for just 500.”

Growl!

“So, this is the Black King?”

“Maybe its weakened state is a penalty of some kind?”

Sizzle!