Sword Art Online: Moonlight Swordman.

Thanks to the system's support and Klein's guidance, Ren quickly mastered his new weapon.

Panting heavily, Ren stopped, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He couldn't believe his eyes, how could his Weapon Mastery system progress so quickly with the sword?

He stared at the faint blue text hovering before him.

The number "8/100" blinked, as if confirming that what had just happened wasn't an illusion.

Weapon Mastery: Sword Art

Beginner (8/100)

In such a short time, he had already reached this number… an astonishing growth rate compared to when he was using the spear.

Ren looked at the sword in his hands. The faint blue glow on its blade gradually faded, returning to its normal appearance yet it carried an inexplicable power.

"Why... does this feel... so easy?" he whispered in disbelief.

Before, wielding a spear felt heavy and unnatural, as if he were fighting against his own body with every strike.

But now, with this sword, every movement felt smooth and effortless.

He didn't need to force himself to follow any technique rigidly.

His swordplay flowed freely, moving by instinct.

Ren closed his eyes, replaying his previous swings in his mind.

Moving lightly around the wooden dummy, he attacked from every angle at incredible speed.

Each strike was precise and fluid, without excess movement or imbalance.

A crisp thud thud echoed through the silent night as his blade struck the wood.

And finally, that perfect downward slash.

A burst of blue light flashed, splitting the dummy into two flawless halves.

A series of bright red damage numbers flickered above the dummy before vanishing completely.

Ren opened his eyes, still breathing hard. He could feel his heartbeat pounding in his chest.

Never before… had he felt this powerful.

Never before… had he felt so connected to a weapon.

The sword in his hand felt like an extension of his body, as if it had always been there.

A faint smile tugged at Ren's lips, excitement coursing through him.

For the first time, he didn't feel weak and useless.

Maybe… this was what he needed.

Maybe… this sword was his path.

Clap. Clap.

Klein's applause broke through the stillness of the training grounds.

It felt as though his claps shattered the night's silence, stirring the atmosphere like a warm glow spreading through the cold, empty space.

Ren flinched slightly at the sound, then turned his gaze to Klein, who stood there with a smug smile.

"Now you've found what suits you best. Am I wrong?" Klein said confidently, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

His words rang out like a declaration, as if he had foreseen this outcome all along.

It sounded like a compliment, but there was also a challenge hidden within, a statement that lifted a weight from Ren's chest.

Ren stood still, gripping his sword tightly, his mind adrift in an indescribable feeling.

He looked down at the sword in his hands, sensing the familiarity it carried.

It was no longer a foreign, rigid weapon like the spear. It was something fluid, something he could control with ease.

Ren let out a small chuckle. It was fleeting, barely noticeable, but it carried a tiny spark of joy, a quiet recognition of himself.

"Th… thank you, Klein. If it weren't for you… I'd probably still be struggling with that damn spear," Ren admitted, his voice hesitant but sincere.

The words left his lips, and for the first time, he realized how fulfilling it felt to find something that truly fit him, even if it was just for a fleeting moment.

Klein didn't respond immediately. He simply stood there, as if waiting for Ren to process everything.

Then, he smirked, his eyes gleaming with an unmistakable sense of triumph.

"You wouldn't believe it. A true master is standing right in front of you."

Klein spoke, then immediately pointed to his own chest with a self-satisfied grin.

Ren stared at him skeptically, feeling as if he was dealing with someone far more unpredictable than he had initially thought.

Especially with the way he always teased Dynamm.

"Not to brag, but I was the reigning national champion of the youth swordsmanship tournament… three times. Katana-style swordsmanship. Ever heard of it?"

Klein continued, his words carrying an air of performance, filled with confidence and pride.

Ren raised an eyebrow, doubt flashing in his eyes.

He stood there, scrutinizing Klein, trying not to let his skepticism show too much. But a part of him couldn't fully believe what he had just heard.

"I don't know if that's true or not… but honestly… I don't think a champion would look as shabby as you do."

Ren smirked, his expression playful. His skepticism made his words sound less like ridicule and more like a lighthearted jab at Klein.

But Klein wasn't offended. Instead, he burst into laughter, his voice ringing out into the night, full of amusement.

"You've got a point. I don't exactly look like a traditional champion. But hey… at the end of the day, I'm still the one who helped you find your path, right?"

Klein said, completely unfazed, as if Ren's remark was just another part of their amusing conversation.

He patted Ren's shoulder casually, as if to affirm that, despite the jokes, they had grown closer.

Ren looked at Klein, saying nothing, just nodding slightly.

There was a faint sense of camaraderie growing within him, yet he couldn't shake off the strange feeling of standing before someone so mysterious and self-assured.

He glanced down at his sword once more, then back at Klein, silently grateful for his presence.

"Alright, Ren. So… what have you learned?" Klein suddenly asked.

His tone was no longer playful, it was serious, as if he was about to test everything Ren had just experienced.

Ren met his gaze, and in that moment, he realized something important.

He had not only learned how to wield a sword but had also gained a lesson in patience, self-trust, and accepting change. 

"I learned that… sometimes, as long as you find the right thing, everything becomes easier." Ren answered, his voice low, carrying a small yet steady confidence. 

Klein smiled, satisfied with Ren's response. 

"You're right. But remember, a sword is not just a weapon,it's a part of who you are. 

When you hold a sword, you're not just fighting against an enemy, but also against yourself," Klein said, his voice serious yet laced with gentle encouragement. 

Ren didn't respond immediately, but Klein's words lit up something in his mind. 

He realized that his journey was not just about fighting but about discovering himself, finding out who he truly was in this challenging world. 

That feeling was indescribable, but Ren knew he was moving forward, no matter how difficult the road ahead might be. 

"Well… it's getting late. Let's head back. We have another hunt tomorrow," Klein said, his eyes filled with quiet concern as he glanced up at the night sky before turning back toward the inn. 

A strange warmth spread through Ren at those words. 

He had grown used to facing everything alone, but Klein had a way of making things feel lighter at least with words like these. 

They walked down the deserted street, their footsteps merging with the quiet sounds of the night, the only noise breaking the stillness. 

The streets were empty, with only a few street lamps flickering faintly. The houses around them were dark, closed off in the embrace of the night. 

This feeling was not unfamiliar to Ren. 

He had spent many nights wandering alone like this, but now, with someone walking beside him, the loneliness in his heart gradually faded. 

Klein didn't say anything more, simply walking alongside Ren, his eyes bright under the dim streetlights. Occasionally, he glanced at Ren, as if checking to see if he was okay. 

Though unspoken, Ren could feel the concern. 

It was different from before, different from all the times he had faced challenges alone. 

"What will you do tomorrow?" Klein suddenly asked, breaking the silence, though his voice remained calm and unhurried. 

Ren frowned slightly, his eyes flickering with hesitation. "I think I'll keep practicing… try to improve my skills. But I don't know if I'll have enough strength to hunt." 

There was worry in Ren's tone. Even though he had leveled up and started feeling more confident, every step in this world was filled with danger. 

Klein watched Ren for a long moment before chuckling softly. "You're overthinking it. Don't push yourself too hard. Sometimes, you need to stop. You don't always have to fight. You've already made great progress, just keep this up, and you'll be fine." 

Ren pressed his lips together, his gaze fixed straight ahead. 

The anxiety was still there, but Klein's words calmed him, if only a little. 

He knew that no matter what happened, at least now, he was no longer alone. 

The challenges ahead would surely continue, but he was better prepared, not just physically but mentally as well. 

They walked in silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts. 

After some time, they reached the inn, where warm light spilled from the windows, welcoming them back after a long day. 

Klein paused for a moment, turning to Ren. "Tomorrow, we continue, but remember....don't put too much pressure on yourself. Let things happen naturally." 

He smiled, then stepped inside first, leaving Ren standing still for a moment, watching him. 

Ren remained there, lost in thought for a brief moment, before following inside. 

He said nothing more, but within him, a quiet resolve had taken root. 

This journey, whether long or short, he was ready to face it. 

'I wonder what it feels like to sleep in a proper bed,' Ren thought.