What kind of nonsense is this, that you'd be chosen by the gods and favored by all the gods?

"Ah, sorry, it was just meaningless rambling."

"Just like divination, there are occasional misinterpretations."

Kevin didn't seem to care about the matter, and instead said:

"But this is a good sign, indicating that you will have a bright future in swordsmanship. Like water, you are ever-changing and can avoid the strong and strike the weak."

"Thank you for your kind words."

Lyle forced a smile, but a cold sweat broke out inside him.

Such a thing actually exists; one can discern a person's true nature simply by observing their swordplay.

Ha people...

"Alright, there's no point in saying all that. I'd rather teach you a trick or two."

"When the celebration is complete and we have an audience with Suenmozer, we'll see how we learn combat skills."

Ke Wen looked the boy up and down and felt that his body was still too thin.

However, even a thin frame can be used with weapons. Anyway, it's a simple, quick skill, so I'll teach it if I can.

So Lyle and Helena went to the training ground behind the church.

There are many scarecrows and wooden stakes here, and the grounds are covered with footprints.

Seemingly because of the previous test, Kevin taught the two of them according to their individual abilities, letting Helena practice basic steps in front of the straw man and teaching her simple postures.

"But you are different. I believe you have the ability to exert your full strength without harming yourself."

"Therefore, let's jump straight into the quick sparring session."

Each of them held a wooden sword, its strong blade capable of withstanding tremendous impact.

"bring it on!"

Ke Wen lowered his body, signaling the other party to attack at will.

Seeing this, Lyle had no intention of holding back and charged forward, carrying the sword on his shoulder.

Immediately afterwards, he swung his sword at Kevin with all his might.

"Come!"

With just one hand, Koven caught Lyle's attack with the blade of his sword. Compared to a seasoned knight, Lyle's attack was far too stiff.

"Keep your pace and think more about how to leverage your strengths!"

Cowen had to admit that Lyle did have some talent.

This talent isn't about skills; it doesn't mean that this person can quickly grasp any skill.

Instead, they can focus on two things at once: attacking while simultaneously analyzing the situation and changing strategies.

Lyle was indeed thinking about how to perform better.

My physical abilities are far inferior to my opponent's, both in terms of dexterity and strength.

...Just as I unleashed my furious attack, even using a stance that amplified my power, I still couldn't defeat this person's single hand.

To achieve better results, you have to use tricks.

With this in mind, he began to focus his attention on the revelation of fate.

Based on his strong intuition, he changed his footwork in the next attack.

"Um?"

With his extensive experience, Kevin could also tell that the other party had changed their strategy.

This filled him with intense anticipation.

However... getting me satisfied won't be an easy task.

He still aimed at the blade and swung his sword to block.

But at that moment, Lyle feinted, then bent over and stepped out, simultaneously thrusting his other leg into Kevin's stance like a tail, before turning around and drawing his sword.

"call out!"

Ke Wen looked at the wooden sword beside his face with considerable surprise, then quickly burst out laughing.

"A brilliant strike."

"It's a pity that it lacks staying power; it must be a desperate move to use."

"If your attack hadn't been erratic due to an unstable lower body and lack of experience, causing it to go astray, I would have had to dodge it as well."

Lyle was quite embarrassed when he heard this, because although he had seized the opportunity, he had really no experience and missed with his sword.

But Ke Wen saw it coming early on and was giving himself a way out.

"Thank you for your guidance."

"No need... Just review those moves now. Understanding them is much better than blindly practicing them."

"Or...are you planning to practice some more?"

Cowen gave the choice to Lyle.

After a moment of contemplation, Lyle looked up and said:

"I want to see the power of what you call 'combat skills,' which is the gift of Suenmozer."

"Oh? Is that so?"

Kevin was somewhat surprised, but he did not refuse.

"Alright, feel free to attack. I'll give you a simple demonstration of the most basic combat techniques."

Immediately afterwards, he reversed his grip on the wooden sword, seemingly no longer intending to retaliate.

Seeing this, Lyle seized the opportunity and thrust out his sword in an instant.

Unexpectedly, at this crucial moment, Kevin suddenly withdrew his imposing aura and then swung his sword, striking Lyle's arm heavily—

What—

Lyle first felt a heavy impact interrupt his offensive momentum, which happened at a critical moment when he was still in the middle of his momentum and had no way to continue.

That one move caused him to completely lose his balance, forcing him to kneel on one knee to avoid a worse situation.

However, when he looked up again, Koven's wooden sword was already in front of him.

"What's going on?"

"Combat Skill [Parry]".

"At the crucial moment, attack the opponent's weak point in their stance, causing them to lose their balance and fall to the ground, and then deliver the fatal blow."

Koven patiently sheathed his sword and explained carefully:

"This is the blessing of Suen Mozer to every warrior, although similar results can be achieved through long practice."

Lyle rubbed his head, feeling uncomfortable all over after being struck by that strange blow, unable to adjust his state.

"Hiss... Shouldn't this kind of combat technique be used with a shield?"

Kevin nodded: "Of course, logically speaking, a shield should indeed be used as a shield for blocking."

"but--"

His expression suddenly turned serious!

"Can't you parry with a sword or dagger? Are combat skills really so inconvenient?"

"?"

What the hell is this nonsense?!

Seeing Lyle's stunned expression, Kevin nodded with satisfaction.

"Okay, that's enough for today. We'll make other plans after you've fully digested this exercise."

After saying that, Cowen turned and walked towards Helena.

Helena was practicing very hard, but even Lyle could tell that her talent wasn't outstanding.

But as Cohen said, even without talent, one can still accumulate experience.

With diligent practice, one can always become an outstanding soldier.

He looked at Helena, swiftly swinging his sword in the sunlight, his short brown hair flowing behind him.

Self-reliance and continuous improvement are good.

Lyle.

Just then, a call brought Lyle back to his senses. He stood up and looked at the person behind him, who turned out to be Arthur.

"Everything has been arranged. Four or five people have decided to stay in this town, and their whereabouts have been found."

"However, some people were unwilling to accept our money and left very quickly... Here is the remaining money, and this is the account book."

Arthur walked up to Lyle and handed him the money.

Wow, they even have account books. That's quite responsible.

Money just doesn't last long...

After counting the numbers, Lyle couldn't help but sigh.

"What about the rest of the people?"

At this point, Arthur shook his head somewhat embarrassedly.

"They want to continue with us, mostly because they don't want to linger near the border to avoid getting involved in complicated matters again."

"So, you're still willing to come with us... but I still want to ask for your opinion."

Lyle didn't say much, he just looked at the money in his hand.

"Got it. Go tell them they can come with us, but they can't eat for free."

"Tell them to work and save money to pay me protection money. You can decide the amount yourself; you know this business well."

"it is good."

After speaking, the two fell silent for a moment. Then, Arthur looked at the longsword in Lyle's hand.

For some reason, Lyle noticed that the other person's eyes had become somewhat evasive.

"What's wrong?"

"No...it's nothing."