Mushoku Tensei:The Successor Arc

For a while, I tried using a dual-wielding style. It could grant double the attack power, a very excellent sword style—or so the fantasy went. But after actually trying it, I discovered I was completely unsuited for it.

The Sword God Style's Sword of Light, in order to unleash that single strike at the limit, pours the entire body's strength into one sword. This kind of sword style is clearly not applicable to dual-wielding. At the same time, controlling the Touki in two swords is also extremely difficult. In the end, I found that the two swords combined were still weaker than me using a single-handed sword.

And I always feel like... my arm strength isn't quite enough...

"That dual-wielding stance of yours looks quite impressive," Lara sat on a tree branch nearby, resting her chin on her hand, commenting at a leisurely pace.

...

"It's just for show. It has no real attack power."

Do I really need to find a specialized North God Style teacher? Actually, more than the North God Style, I'd rather learn the Water God Style. A sword technique focused on defense feels more suitable for me than one focused purely on offense. However, without a dedicated teacher, it's almost impossible to learn the Water God Style's secret arts, so I can only give up on that.

The most powerful swordsman I've met so far is that old man from the Sword God Style I encountered by the lake. And because of that, my skill in the Sword God Style has been steadily increasing. I can clearly feel that the sword I swing today is faster than the one I swung yesterday.

If I keep getting stronger like this, I wonder when I'll reach that old man's level. It might take several years.

"Speaking of which, when my idiot little brother was practicing the North God Style, he seemed to mention that innate arm strength had a big impact on him..."

My ears perked up.

"Hmm? Lara's little brother?"

"Mhm... Huh? You're quite proactive, aren't you? Just sitting right down to listen... You think I'm a storyteller machine, don't you?"

"Am I wrong?"

The most common part of our travels is listening to Lara's stories. She has lived long enough and hasn't lost her memory. I, on the other hand, only have memories from the last few months and really have nothing to say, so most of the time, it's Lara sharing her experiences.

"Let me think... What should I say about that idiot little brother..." Lara closed her eyes and began to think, seemingly having accepted her status as a storyteller machine.

...

After a short while, she opened her eyes, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Mmm... let's talk about his 'heroic deeds' back then. At the time, he called himself the 'Moonlight Knight,' and his goal was to punish the good and praise the evil—"

"Whose kid was that?"

"Mine." Lara wore a helpless expression.

I see. No wonder she calls him an idiot. But actually, if someone with real strength did that in a fitting scenario, it might even feel quite cool. The prerequisite is having the right occasion; otherwise, it's just cringe.

...

"He could occasionally accomplish some good things, although just using force to solve the problem of criminal organizations isn't very effective... But from an overall perspective, it probably had some positive promotional effect. Of course, most of it was just to the extent of 'as long as he's happy'..."

"Sounds like just a kid."

"That's just how he is... But in terms of strength, he's definitely qualified." When playing the hero, he was using King-Rank or even Emperor-Rank swordsmanship. His talent is indeed very strong. But being strong doesn't necessarily mean you'll do things well. Sometimes, decision-making ability is more important.

...

"Who does he wield his sword for now? I feel like that kind of disposition is easily exploited."

Why am I worried about a guy I've never met...

"You don't have to worry too much about that. The master he follows is pretty decent... He won't send him into a fiery pit. —But the killing in war will definitely bring about a change in mentality."

Lara, however, was calm. It seems she's quite reassured. But a guy who sounds so dumb, is he really okay?

...

But looking at Lara's expression, it seems an outsider like me doesn't need to worry too much. As if remembering something, she suddenly added, "By the way, he's currently ranked fifth among the Seven Great Powers, with the codename 'Death God'..."

"Huh?"

Cold sweat broke out on my forehead. He's one of the Seven Great Powers—then I should change my evaluation of him.

Ahem!

My deepest apologies. His Lordship, the Death God, is not dumb; he should be called a man of upright character. It's a very excellent quality. Yes, that's it. I definitely did not speak ill of him.

...

...

After a period of experimentation, I still think it's better to continue training in the Sword God Style. After all, I haven't been guided by a master in the other two styles, so I don't know how to improve.

Now, swinging a Sword of Light has become a very common thing for me. I can be considered a Sword Saint. As for the realm beyond that—it's still the Sword of Light. The strongest secret art of the Sword God Style is the Sword of Light. From Sword Saint down to Sword God, they all use this one move without exception. But at different realms, the sword they swing is different. Faster, more precise, more stable. The so-called Sword God Style is the ultimate offense.

With each passing day of swinging the sword, I can feel my sword speed getting faster and faster. Compared to when I could first swing the Sword of Light, it's almost a world of difference. But it's still not enough... I need to be faster...

I wonder what my limit will be. I hope that old man's words about me being a genius have some weight to them. Do I... do I have the potential to reach King-Rank? I don't know. In any case, I'll just work hard.

...

"Big Sis Lara, what's your magic level?"

"Hmm?... Mmm... for common types of magic, probably all King-Rank..." Lara thought for a moment, then answered me.

"All King-Rank?"

Does that mean a four-element King-Rank magician? My mouth couldn't help but hang open. So you mean when you fought me, you weren't using your full strength at all???

"Well... I have my preferences, though. I'm currently better at Earth, followed by Water... Oh, and I'm not very proficient in healing magic."

No wonder she often uses Earth and Water for offense... But, Lara, is it really okay for you to tell me this kind of information so casually? Although I was the one who asked... But normally, you'd hide it a little, right?

Oh, right. Lara has divination, so she doesn't worry too much about things like betrayal happening.

...

"Speaking of which, Lug, that Quagmire magic of yours is practically cheating..." Lara was already resting her chin on her hand, her expression very helpless.

"Is it? Your 'Quagmire' casting speed is also quite fast, Lara." As a fellow chantless caster, Lara's speed in forming Quagmire is second only to mine.

"Can't compare to you, and the control strength is also a notch weaker... And I'm supposed to be the best at 'Quagmire' among the six kids..."

The best at Quagmire control among your siblings... that's because you have Leo protecting you, allowing you to specialize as a mage. The others seem to have some swordsmanship—

"I'm kidding. As my father's orthodox successor, my signature magic was actually beaten by you... some guy who popped out of nowhere." Speaking of this, her expression became a bit gloomy.

Sorry about that. When it comes to Quagmire magic, I'm really not afraid at all. Maybe I could even go toe-to-toe with the original Quagmire himself.

...

Mmm... speaking of which, without realizing it, Lara has told me quite a lot of things. I guess I've gotten to know Lara.

...

But, I still know nothing about myself.