NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: Knight Training
After she made her apology, the girl ran off like a startled little fawn, leaving behind her sweet fragrance.
Once he was alone in the carriage, Leylin scoffed.
'I'm anticipating this flask to contain some kind of deadly poison. Otherwise, I would've judged her too highly.'
As he opened the bottle cap, a medicinal fragrance wafted out. He stared at it in aloof observation.
Following the habits of their past life, Aralis didn't even wait for her Master's command: [Beginning scan... Discovered unknown components... *Sigh* It's gonna be a while till I have a sufficient database for this world.]
[Starting simulated experiments... 1024 processes on standby...]
After a minute, the A.I. spoke again: [Experiments complete. This compound has the effects of strong itching and burning sensations upon contact with human skin. Its approximate duration is of seven days and is presumably unwashable by conventional means. Categorization: F-Class poison.]
'Eh...?' -Looking at the results of the experiment, Leylin was struck with disappointment: 'And here I was, thinking I would have some fun with that girl... Oh well, she is still a child after all. She isn't quite there yet.'
'But that doesn't mean we give her carte blanche to be near me like that again. Remember to monitor her location and add her to the list of potential B-Class+ hazards, together with the Magi and the black robes.'
[Already done, Doctor.]
'Good.'
Looking at the bottle in his left hand, Leylin thought about it and decided to keep it: 'And I thank her for the gift. Who knows when this might come in handy in the future.'
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After Bessita left, no one else would come to disturb Leylin's morning. He cuddled back down on his corner seat.
Although he appeared as if he were sleeping yet again, his mind was working in overdrive as he reflected through things with his assistant.
'There shouldn't be any risks of you getting found out by going to a Magus academy. I have walked by those white-robed Magi a few times without problems yesterday. Even if you were hibernating, it's not like you weren't functioning at the time... It also appears like they are unable to detect anything strange about me. Summing up: entering a Magus academy is relatively safe in regards to my reincarnation and your existence...'
[Sounds nice. And here comes the but.]
'However, Magi are all secretive and cruel. At least, according to what Viscount John told Leylin. It also seems that in the academies, there is extremely fierce competition amongst the acolytes of the same level, despite it being against the rules to kill one another... In other words, back to problem number 1: I need to be able to protect my sorry ass.'
As he thought about that, Leylin once again touched the ring dangled around his neck and held it between his thumb and index finger.
The ring was jet black and uninteresting. Within the inner ring, there was a small 'Y' inscribed, along with elaborate runes around it, which were the only elements that distinguished it from a cheap object.
'With the technological advancements of the Middle Ages, to be able to inscribe such a complicated pattern onto the inner ring is utterly incomprehensible. But that's only if judged by Earth's standards...'
Leylin quickly issued another command: 'Hey Aralis, scan the ring in my hands.'
[Task established. Beginning scan...]
[Hmph, you already know the answer. Discovered unknown metallic components. Unable to analyze due to lack of data.] -Said the A.I. in annoyance at her limitations.
'As I thought, you're still inadequate to analyze something that a Magus left behind... Don't worry, as soon as I can go out scavenging without risking my death at every step, I'll get you your data.' -Leylin sighed and stored the ring.
'Anyway, how could I increase my power? This body of mine is too vulnerable. It cannot even compare to those of the same age. That will not do...'
'If it were my past life, I could still undergo genetic modification. Alas, there is no such option here... Perhaps I should explore this Leylin's memory once again, and see if there are any methods...'
Leylin spoke in his mind once more: 'Aralis, I have the perfect job for you. Scan the entirety of Leylin's memory and arrange it.'
[Let me get right on that. Establishing task...]
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In Leylin's former world, the world of science had always believed that the majority of the human brain's power was not being harnessed. Amongst that power was the ability to access every memory since birth.
Most if not all memories, even if the person in question could not recall them, were actually still stored somewhere in the brain. Leylin knew this and initially created Aralis to exploit the potential in the human brain to the fullest.
Thus, her first and main feature was to compile, analyze, and catalog all accessible memories of her Master. Fundamentally, she provided him an artificial eidetic memory; all within the practical UI of a hologram display.
The memories of Leylin's entire life; from his birth to his going on this journey, down to what was eaten in every meal. They were all shown in front of current Leylin's eyes in an orderly fashion.
Such a large mass of remembrance was just too confusing and was also full of worthless information. In the past, Aralis had only taken what her Master had urgently needed and ignored the rest.
At this point, with her aid, Leylin was arranging and sorting everything out neatly and without missing a single detail.
[Data sorting has been finally completed. Creating a new folder named 'Leylin Farlier'.] -Aralis' notification sounded out.
Leylin smirked.
'Excellent. New task, search the folder for all possible methods to improve my strength quickly.'
[Task established. Beginning search...]
In front of Leylin, innumerable amounts of data flashed past, seemingly forming a beautiful picture.
[Search complete. I've got 453 methods, Doctor.]
'So many?' -Leylin paused a while as he thought. 'Remove those with an estimated success rate of 50% and below. Also, add another requirement: I must be able to carry out the strengthening method immediately.'
[Filter complete. I got only this one.]
The holographic display blinked and in front of Leylin appeared the words: Method 1 - Begin Knight training.
As Leylin pondered some things himself, he immediately assigned a new task: 'Knight training? Assemble all memories concerning that. Once it has been arranged properly, transfer it into my recent memory.'
[On it.]
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This task took the A.I. practically all day. Once the data was directly transmitted to his brain, Leylin began to understand what a so-called Knight was and how they compared to a Magus.
In this world, there were several mysterious forces. However, the ones non-Magi had the most experience with, were Knights.
Magi were both rare and feared existences. A specific kind of gift was required to grow into one: the ability to perceive and interact with the mystical energy of the universe. In other words, to be able to feel and manipulate Mana. Amongst tens of thousands of people, it was possible that there wasn't even one such person.
Nevertheless, being a Knight was different. As long as they were willing to put in the effort and had enough resources, anyone could in theory become a Knight.
They were warriors whose physical attributes were way beyond that of a normal human, thanks to the awakening of their inner life energy. To reach this status, one would require a special technique to cultivate, linked with rigorous training and combat experience.
For these elite warriors, not only were their physical attributes several times that of normal humans; they were also well versed in using various types of weaponry. They also possessed knowledge in the killing arts.
Some Knights of higher ranking even had access to secret skills that could unleash a sudden burst of power, translated into raised stats or devastating assassination moves. These phenomena would often be mistaken as 'low magic' by the common folk.
Given the obvious limitations for such people to engage in the training required, it was mostly the officials of the non-Magi kingdoms, along with the nobility, that made up the Knight population.
Leylin's House Farlier was also a Knight family. It possessed a short lineage but made up for it in honor and deeds.
The original founder of the family had fought in various wars together with their King and had accomplished meritorious service in and outside the battlefield. Thus, he was eventually awarded the Viscount title by His Majesty, as well the corresponding lands and riches.
It is worth mentioning that this ancestor started out as a mere companion-at-arms that crawled his way up the ladder with blood and sweat. This meant that he had made quite the leap from a mere peasant to a distinguished lord.
It was also rumored that after his promotion, he desired nothing more than to finally put down the sword and live a peaceful life; and that it was his early retirement that prevented him from being named Count. The King allegedly regretted the loss of his best commander.
After an overall sweep of the information, finishing with that final note on his great grandfather, Leylin remembered a scene from the past...
//
It was a small jungle in Viscount John's holdings. The man was wearing a silver-plated armor that appeared to have been restored and refitted numerous times, and also had a golden cross blade by his side. The stern expression on his face gave him an air of nobility and strength.
Facing the 7-year-old Leylin, he said: "Listen well, my son. Today, I will teach you the secret skill that has been passed down in the Farlier family since its founding... The Cross Blade Technique! You must remember that you can never teach this to anyone outside our family...!" -At that moment, Viscount John's face held an unprecedented strict look, whilst the kid barely held back a yawn.
Fast-forwarding a couple of hours of instruction, the memory finally ended with Viscount John emitting white mist from his mouth as he slashed down with his golden cross blade elegantly, splitting a rock as large as a millstone in two.
//
Leylin was just a child at that point and obviously did not put much thought into the matter; hence eventually forgetting everything. This had not deterred his father, though.
Viscount John tried to force him into training a few times, but Leylin was so afraid of suffering and getting fatigued that after a while even Viscount John had to give up.
'An overly compassionate father will irrevocably lead to a failure of a son. Disgusting.' -Only now did Leylin realize how the previous body's owner had become such a spoilt brat.
Despite that the old Leylin only knew how to act like a playboy and had entirely forgotten everything about the Knight training for the family's secret skill, the new one had managed to recover all of it with the help of Aralis.
'Cross Blade Basic Sword Style: Horizontal Slash, Vertical Slash, Piercing Attack, Slanted Slash...'
'Footwork: Advance, Retreat, Dodge...'
Among the knowledge appearing in Leylin's holo display, were also the accompanying breathing techniques needed to cultivate the body. In an additional file, the various pieces of wisdom imparted by Viscount John had been set apart by Aralis for easy access.
'Hmm... a Knight is considered the lowest mysterious power, yet they are already so strong... I can't wait to be a Magus! I'll have the world at my feet, hahaha!'
Leylin's eyes burned with a fiery passion. He then let out a deep breath.
'Regardless, I have to take things step by step. I had better concentrate on this Knight's Breathing Technique first. Luckily, the Knight training does not clash with Magus training. At least I'll have some measure of self-defense for now...'
A detailed analysis later, Leylin discovered that the so-called breathing technique of this world was very similar to the internal qigong of his previous world, but was a lot cruder. It was very dependant on external stimulations to activate the inner life energy.
'According to the Viscount's teachings, if a warrior goes through the Knight training and is still unable to activate their inner life energy, they must enter the battlefield and go through fierce and bloody struggles. This is the only other way to spark their inner life energy, and become a true Knight...'
'Aralis, transfer the knowledge of the Cross Blade Technique to me.' -Leylin issued his next order.
Soon after, a large amount of knowledge regarding the technique was conveyed directly into his mind. It was etched deeply into his brain as if he had been training in it since he was young.
[Saved new file: 'Cross Blade Technique basics']
Whilst the A.I.'s notification sounded out in his mind, Leylin's lips curved into a sinisterly dazzling smile. With the help of the A.I. Chip, his learning speed was unbelievably quick; fast enough to make any so-called genius fling themselves off a cliff in shame!
'Now that I have all the memories of it, it is just a matter of finding a cross blade and going through some actual practice. If all goes well, I have confidence in mastering it within ten days, bringing myself to Viscount John's level. At least on the technical side... It'll be like riding a bike after years of taking the bus. Then I'll see where I can go from there.'
All these weapon techniques were merely killing arts. The most important thing for Knight training was the accompanying breathing technique. This was essentially the cultivation method that allowed a Knight to 'reforge' his body into a living weapon.
'Aralis, create and simulate the best breathing exercise model suitable to my stats.'
[Task established. Necessary body patterns established. Beginning simulation...]
As the slightly digitized female voice sounded out, a 3D representation of a human figure appeared in front of Leylin's eyes. It was transparent and shimmering in blue light and appeared exactly the same as him: a 13-year-old youth with Western features, brown hair, big eyes, and bushy eyebrows.
The 3D figure repeatedly started training the breathing technique, constantly adjusting the frequency and intensity. Slowly, a red line could be seen moving around in the 3D figure's body.
After a few minutes, the simulation ended, and Aralis' voice sounded out once more.
[Simulation ended. Cross Blade accompanying breathing technique... The time required for one revolution is 30 Minutes. 10 revolutions will improve your body by 0.05 strength, 0.06 agility, and 0.03 vitality. The improvements will gradually lessen as the stats improve though.]
[And there's something else: If you go through long-term training of this technique, it will result in lingering damage to your organs due to the imbalance of your inner energy.]
'This is indeed an impressive Knight training technique. So long as I don't die, I will quickly be able to improve my physique with minimum effort. Oh, and those residual effects? Get rid of them. Anything less than 100% effectiveness won't do...' -Leylin said with an implied smirk.
[I knew you'd say that... Optimization already underway, estimated time remaining: 155 minutes.] -If Aralis had a face, she would probably be grinning victoriously.
'Excellent work. I'll take a long nap and let the medicine heal my wounds. Wake me up if someone comes or if it gets too late.'
[Understood. Good night, Doctor.]