Bear School Astartes

The sun rose higher as Lann returned to the base of the Ranger Group.

When he first came back, the bag of supplies belonging to the Demon Hunter was firmly guarded by Kotaro, a foot soldier barely over five feet tall. His face was full of fear, yet he never moved away from his spot, preventing the bag from being taken.

His already comically simple armor showed signs of being pulled and shoved.

In front of him was a group of restless ronin, their hands almost reaching for their sword hilts.

But when Lann returned unharmed and smelling of blood, the ronin instantly became docile.

Especially when he grabbed the skulls of the two ronin who were pressuring Kotaro the most, smiling as he lifted them off the ground, pressing them to kneel in front of Kotaro.

"Boom" *2

The two bloodthirsty ronin were pressed against the wooden floor by an irresistible force.

The rough and frictional fingertips of the leather gloves tugged at their scalps under Lann's grip, making their eyes pull into comically narrow slanted ovals.

They wanted to resist, but each wriggle only made the grip on their heads tighten, seemingly with no limit to the increase.

Or rather, before the grip reached its limit, their skulls might be crushed first.

The entire longhouse became quiet and orderly.

"The bag only contains some worthless bad wine, salted meat, and herbs. You're my subordinates now; if you ask, I might even give you some for a feast. But..."

Lann spoke in a calm voice, but the two men under his hand shivered like rabbits.

"But you tried to rob me. You even wanted to lay hands on someone who loyally protects my property."

"I'm not a fan of kneeling, but for people like you, you'd better give him a respectful bow."

"Is there a problem?"

The weight of seven ronin's lives was indeed a deterrent.

At least at that moment, everyone in the house seemed to vaguely hear the sound of those two's skulls creaking under the grip.

Thus, the ronin bowing to a foot soldier appeared reasonable.

-----------------

Lann held a modified copy of the "Ninja Techniques Book of the Lonely Shadow Group" and felt quite satisfied for a moment.

He didn't expect to obtain a local martial arts book on his second day in this other world.

And one that allows for incredible movement!

As the wolves said, this manual indeed covers the basic techniques of the Lonely Shadow Group.

The signer, Oshibu Shogoro, is the founder of the Lonely Shadow Group, whose seventeen adopted sons are renowned formidable ninja of East Japan.

Lann thought this person was probably an 'Hattori Hanzo'-like figure under the Inner Mansion.

This book recorded the basic qualities of the Lonely Shadow Group's ninja—

Light Body Skill, Silent Breath Technique, Assassination Technique, and some nameless distinctive martial arts.

These techniques may differ in detail from local Iwami ninja schools, but the final effects are similar.

Because within East Japan, the uses and requirements for ninjas are not much different. To meet usage standards, these ninjas have to hone their skills to meet the demands.

"Well, the Assassination Technique is fine. I understand after reading the precautions twice. Silent Breath Technique requires eliminating sound and breath, which can be achieved with practice. But this Light Body Skill..."

Lann was very confident about the first two. They mostly are compilations of experience, integrated into a skill.

Such as where to stab to make someone quickly lose resistance, what steps to use on different surfaces for silent movement...

With Mentos' study mode, he estimated he could master these basics in less than two days.

But Light Body Skill truly involves reaching beyond human limits through a cultivation mode.

It's an advanced and long-term cultivation method.

From Lann's analysis, the main theory is similar to how an iron ship floats on the sea.

The mass isn't the key to whether it can float; the form and properties are.

The goal of Light Body Skill is to let the body 'float' in the air like an iron ship on the sea when needed.

So when the wolf and the Lonely Shadow Group member jumped off the cliff, they were as light as leaves.

The tolerable falling height significantly increased, with the damage from falling significantly reduced.

A lightweight body is also key for the wolf to use a grappling hook and arm strength to propel his weight.

But when the wolf wanted to step on Lann's knee to kick him out, the weight could return to normal, not hindering the lethality and stability of the stance.

This is a very comprehensive technique; in Lann's eyes, it's the most valuable technique of ninjas.

Other 'secret techniques' like ninja tools, techniques, poisons, and ninja beasts are only valuable due to their unique styles.

"So, the focus is on breathing and [Jin Power]..."

Lann pondered over the technique book in the Ranger Group base in the castle town.

Mentos in his mind was also analyzing the knowledge in the technique book intently.

"Yes, sir, [Jin Power] is the key to turning the Light Body Skill's theory into usable technology."

[Jin Power], in the Eastern cultural sphere's martial arts content, this term always seems essential.

In this technique book's account, [Jin Power] is neither Lann's Chaos Magic Power nor any uncertain existence of [Inner Strength].

It's the muscle power already present in the human body, consumed in a special way different from usual exercise.

Essentially, it's kinetic and thermal energy converted from biological energy within muscles and bones.

Even regular folks practicing boxing, slightly concentrating their punch's impact, can be a form of [Jin Power].

It's just that in this world, humans have deeply and effectively explored this aspect.

"Sir, the effects of learning this technique currently cannot reach the pinnacle. Your weight and physique will progressively increase with surgeries, eventually reaching the two-point-five-meter, several-hundred-kilogram form in memories."

"At least until you undergo [Multiple Lungs] modification, your original lungs won't support the Light Body Skill's breathing required for your weight at that time."

Lann's expression didn't change much; he was fully aware of his body's gradual enlargement.

Thus, he was psychologically prepared for the difficulties in learning the Light Body Skill.

"But it remains very valuable, Mentos. Even before [Multiple Lungs] modification, it allows me to fall safely from about fifteen meters high and enhances my combat agility by fifty percent."

"Understood. The progress of [Light Body Skill] analysis is online. Once the analysis is complete, an initial training plan will be released. If you consult experienced ninjas, the progress will accelerate."

"Got it. I'll try my best."

With a "clap," the technique book closed in his hand and was placed inside his supply bag.