Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 72

Chapter 72

Episode 72

Haap!

With a robust yell, a force of a fiery orange hue that differed from the usual red emitted from the tip of his sword, creating two layers of waves that cascaded forward.

The range of the energy waves was a mere 2 meters.

However,

Kwaagwang!

Three training dummies made of ironwood were pulverized and scattered like dust, demonstrating the remarkable power of the attack.

Haak. Haak.

But the look in the eyes of Ronian McLain, the man responsible for that spectacle, was far from satisfied.

Staggering slightly, Ronian steadied his breathing and lifted his sword once more.

His brothers voice still echoed clearly in his mind.

The war will be over soon. Theres no need for you to join in. You still need to hone your skills. Times are uncertain; never let your guard down and train hard.

Because of those words, he hadnt been able to participate in the last war.

Despite being a Force user and even mastering that incredible secret technique.

I cant let my brother treat me like a child forever. Im a McLain too. Im the sword that will protect our family.

The image of his brother returning home the day before yesterday, covered in dirt and looking miserable, surfaced in his mind again.

He had said he fell off a horse while sleeping, but everyone knew that excuse was nonsensical.

Ronian might not understand the specifics, but he could guess the underlying reason.

Our family still lacks power

He tasted a faint hint of blood as he bit his lip.

His brother insisted he was doing well, but Ronian could sense the urgency.

At that moment, that repeatedly recited advice was heard from right behind him.

Youre training hard, Ronian. Take a break, I have someone to introduce to you, someone who will train with you from today.

Brother?!

Turning around, he saw his brothers smiling face and next to him stood a boy awkwardly touching a knights armor engraved with a flame emblem.

With blue hair, and red and blue heterochromatic eyes.

Even more distinctive than the red eyes of McLain, it was impossible not to be drawn to him.

Hes recently awakened and has spent some time gathering and adapting to his Force. Since hes the same age as you, youll be good stimuli for each other.

Pushed by his brother, the boy took a step forward with an awkward smile and bowed his head.

New knight, Victor.

The words seemed awkward even as they left his lips, causing a slight blush on his face.

Same age, and similar build.

Even his height felt slightly shorter than the average 16-year-old.

A Force user, though?

Ronian was keenly aware of his own exceptional talents.

And now to think someone his age was a Force user, and with that distinct appearance, perhaps

Is he the one? The one brother brought back, the slave?

Yes. He was a slave. I granted him his freedom as promised and even knighted him, so treat him with due respect.

Of course. But training together means

A duel. What else could it be?

Even the composed Ronian was surprised at this.

His solo training wasnt without reason.

He was far better than the average knight in swordsmanship, and even with force-enhanced intermediate knights, he could compensate for the difference in output with his skills.

Hence he trained alone, fearing he might ruin the other knights swordsmanship.

If this boys talent in swordsmanship was truly as great as his ability to wield the Force

His brother seemed to answer the unspoken question with a smile.

Shall we have a light spar to start?

Ronian had no reason to refuse.

One guys exhausted, and the others still raw, so it seems like the perfect time for a match. Ill intervene if it gets serious, so go all out. Ready, begin!

As his brother finished speaking, the awkward boys eyes filled with fighting spirit.

The moment Ronian saw the boys unique grey Force, his own grip instinctively tightened.

Thump.

As the opponents right foot stomped firmly into the ground, a wooden sword seemed to spring forth from behind his fully extended body.

Although it felt less powerful than the weapon enhancements of an intermediate knight, the wooden sword bathed in a grey hue was intimidating enough by its force alone.

The cruel intent of the sword mirrored a secret technique that had become a McLain knights specialty.

Iron Blood Sword!

Supposedly inexperienced, but that strike showed no sign of it.

Whissh!

A gust passed over Ronians slightly lowered head.

And then,

Ill return the favor.

A similar slash aimed at the opponents waist swept forward.

A full-force strike missed, and a counterattack came in its place.

Expecting the opponent to crumble or at best barely block and retreat

What?

Instead, the boy leaped high, rotated in midair to avoid the offensive, then capitalized on that momentum to bring his sword slashing down.

In the air?!

Jumping into the air during combat was foolish, exposing every vulnerability.

No ordinary knight would ever do such a thing, but the timing here was too perfect.

Eek!

With all his might, Ronian dodged the blow and swung his sword again.

Boom! Bang!

One wooden sword was sent flying into the air.

Thump. Bang! Thud!

Ugh.

The two steps back from the collisions recoil and the aching pain in Ronians hands felt unfamiliar.

Yet, the opponent who had been knocked back even harder managed to catch his own wooden sword on the rebound.

He even accounted for that?

The opponents face was slightly pale, but Ronian was not pleased.

Even after just a few exchanges, it was clear to see.

You youre a monster.

Puhaha. Hey, pot! Kettle!

Ronians impromptu exclamation elicited a hearty laugh from his observing brother.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, recalling thats what he often said to other knights, his face warmed up, but a sense of satisfaction outweighed that.

Lets do this properly.

To have a peer with whom he could engage in such close combat.

He had never felt such competitive spirit since he learned swordsmanship.

That feeling must have been mutual, as the grinning boy rushed forward once more.

Ronian liked that belligerent spirit.

At least for this moment, the frustrations and hasty feelings evaporated.

Unbeknownst to Ronian, he, too, was smiling just as brightly.