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"That's enough, isn't it?"

Tovan's words broke the cheers of the onlookers, and the surroundings fell silent for a moment, but soon some people began to boo.

"That's it? You gave up way too quickly."

"What's the point of this? Why all this fuss just to show me this?"

Seeing that the atmosphere was getting tense, Old Toth raised his voice and announced, "Everyone, quiet down, everyone. Let's leave it at that. This match will end in a draw for now!"

Linsel sheathed his wooden sword. He naturally found his opponent's suggestion strange, but looking at the sweat on Tovan's forehead and his pale face, he seemed to understand something.

That charge attack from the opponent just now must have been a combat technique, and it must have consumed a lot of their stamina.

Most of the adventurers around, having lost interest after the instructor's advice, dispersed, leaving only a few still interested in observing the reactions of the remaining two.

"Broken Arrow" walked up to Linsel: "Captain, your performance just now was truly amazing. That charge from the enemy was clearly no ordinary one; it must have been a particularly brutal combat technique, yet you caught it all."

Claire nodded slightly in agreement.

"Yeah?"

Since the opponent possesses this combat skill, and "Broken Arrow" was able to detect it, it indicates that this combat skill is relatively common. However, I can learn it myself if I have the opportunity.

"Round Face" Tovan took a deep breath, seemingly having recovered. The way he looked at Lindsay now was quite different from before.

"You must be wondering why I stopped. Actually, being able to withstand my [Greatsword Assault] with your agility and extraordinary strength shows that you are no ordinary person. I underestimated you."

Continuing the competition would leave the outcome uncertain, and it wouldn't be good if neither of them were satisfied with the result. So, do you understand what I mean?

Tovan's change of attitude left Linsset somewhat bewildered.

First he arrogantly shouted and raised the atmosphere, then he ruined it all. This guy is really a bit neurotic.

He calmly replied, "I see. However, I think you've missed the point from the start. This competition isn't about who wins or loses; the focus is on the contest and learning swordsmanship."

Therefore, after you've rested, we'll have another practice session. Don't use combat techniques; just a swordsmanship spar. Do you want to practice?

Tovan then collapsed to the ground.

"Since that's what you think, then let me rest for a bit, and then I'll practice some more."

The veteran instructor witnessed the entire simulated battle, and Lindsay noticed his gaze when he made the suggestion to "Round Face".

Thoth's face showed admiration: "You've truly impressed me, 'Wolf Slayer' Linsel. While your greatsword skills are average, your movement techniques are top-notch."

As a Bronze-level adventurer, being proficient in using two-handed weapons is already quite impressive. And given that you just parried your opponent's attack, it's only a matter of time before your feat level improves to the next tier. At this rate, you might even improve before the tournament begins.

"Instructor, you think too highly of me. My two-handed swordsmanship is still at the basic level, and I still need your continued careful guidance."

Linsset behaved rather modestly, an attitude that pleased the old instructor.

"Okay, are you going to practice again? I'll watch a little longer."

After the student, Tofan, had rested, the two sparred again under the watchful eye of the old instructor.

This time, the commotion wasn't as big as before, and Tofan also abandoned his previous dismissive attitude, his expression becoming serious and earnest.

The two practiced for more than ten minutes. Linsel realized that Tovan had not exaggerated his swordsmanship level. He was probably one level below Tovan in terms of expertise, but this was only temporary.

Under the guidance of old Toth, his swordsmanship has corrected some mistakes and inaccuracies, and he has mastered new key points.

For the next six days, Lince spent all his time at the training camp, attending training classes with the old instructors and occasionally practicing simulated battles with the adventurer Tovan.

Linsel was well aware of his improved strength, and this was clearly reflected on the panel.

His two-handed swordsmanship has reached the proficiency level.

[Two-handed swords: Proficiency]: When using two-handed swords, hit rate increases by 10%, stamina consumption decreases by 10%, and parry rate increases by 20%.

Lindsay noticed that the Greatsword feat for the Proficient level had an additional parry chance, and that the value was higher than that of his one-handed sword.

After all, two-handed swords are longer than short swords, making it easier to block and dodge when defending.

During these six days, since there were no missions, "Broken Arrow" and Claire didn't stay entirely at the training camp, but this was their personal freedom, and Lindsay wasn't interested.

His current focus is on his two-handed swordsmanship, and he keeps in mind old Thoth's advice after he improved his skills.

"You're improving much faster than I expected. You're extremely talented, much faster than that 'round-faced' Tovan. He's been training for almost half a year and his progress is very slow."

But you still need to carefully hone your swordsmanship, otherwise, your skill level could very well decline.

……

Six days later, at the training camp in the morning.

Lindsay arrived at the camp around the same time as the previous days, a little earlier than his two teammates.

Old Toth was already waiting for him inside the pergola.

"Linse, you've finished all my courses. To be honest, it only took you a week. Don't you feel like the tuition wasn't worth it?"

"No, instructor. If you may, regarding the question I asked you yesterday afternoon, has anyone else signed up today?"

Linssey's question was naturally whether Thoth had a two-handed sword mastery course. He received the answer yesterday afternoon that it did, but on the condition of a high registration fee and the need to gather 3 students before the course could start.

Old Toth: "You're too impatient. You want to advance further from my level? Putting aside the 2 gold coin tuition, students with greatsword proficiency are hard to find anyway."

Teaching one person at once is exhausting and not worthwhile for me.

Although the other party refused, Lindsay was still quite happy.

It seems the old instructor doesn't mean he can't teach, but rather that the money is too little. However, I don't have that much money right now either. To be honest, I've spent the whole week practicing swordsmanship. Although I've been frugal with my food and drink every day, it's still cost me more than 3 silver coins.

Seeing that Lindsay was just smiling and not saying anything more, old Toth changed the subject.

"In a few days, to be precise, three days from now, on the 30th, the tournament will officially begin. I wonder if you're ready?"

"I've signed up, and I'm all ready."

A few days ago, while practicing his swordsmanship, Linsel took the time to register at the Adventurers' Guild. He figured that the various weapon specializations he had learned would come in handy for the upcoming tournament.