Chapter 44: Impressive As Always

The stone stairs of the Armory Peak loomed ahead...

"I can finally call myself a tactical fighter. From mastery to perfection."

Theo calculated the cost. He spent five years of combat insights from the system shop to master the blade technique. If Liana hadn’t taught him personally, the cost would have doubled. It felt like spending two months’ wages on a tool he barely used.

A perfected blade technique was undeniably more lethal than punching his way through obstacles.

"My reserve of system credits remains sufficient for now."

"With ten thousand credits left, I won’t scramble if I acquire new techniques."

After a brief mental tally, Theo dismissed the thought.

"When you enter the vault, look for the Crimson Edge," Liana said. She walked beside him.

"Alright."

Theo readily agreed.

He had already planned to try wielding the Crimson Edge. It wasn’t out of some petty grudge or dramatic rivalry. The blade’s heavy, dense nature complemented his Flawless Abyssal Physique. It amplified his kinetic output. It was an ideal match.

The boost might not be noticeable in the Body Cleansing realm, but once he reached the Inner Scenery realm, the difference would be undeniable.

The rhythmic clanging of forge hammers echoed across the peak.

Stepping into the plaza, Theo saw a bustling crowd gathered before the armory entrance.

The moment Liana arrived, the murmurs quieted. Awed gazes replaced the chatter.

She wasn’t just the sect’s prized prodigy. She was the future of the Silent Thunder Sect. Even across the sect’s history, her brilliance stood unmatched.

"Theo!"

A voice called from the crowd. Kaelen waved.

They had crossed paths during the wilderness trial. Kaelen survived thanks to Theo altering the patrol routes.

"You took first place. Impressive as always," Kaelen praised.

"I was shocked when I heard the news."

Kaelen’s aura had grown noticeably stronger. He had reclaimed his place as an inner disciple.

What astonished him was Theo’s aura. It surpassed his own. Theo’s progress was nothing short of astounding.

"What kind of weapon will you claim today?" Kaelen asked.

"My blade work saw some recent breakthroughs," Theo replied.

"You will have no trouble acquiring a named weapon."

After brief pleasantries, the two shared updates. Kaelen had caught the attention of an elder who might take him on as a personal disciple.

His future looked bright.

Seeing the people he invested in thriving, Theo couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride.

Clang.

A gong echoed from the entrance of the vault.

The overseeing deacon stepped forward.

"The forge cycle approaches. Enter and choose."

The crowd instinctively parted to make way.

Liana lowered her gaze and walked into the vault.

Yet, she stopped midway through the first hall. She raised a pale hand.

Zing.

A chorus of steel rang out. Over a dozen gleaming streaks shot through the air. They hovered before Liana for her to choose.

Every single one was a named weapon.

Theo watched. It felt like someone with a natural affinity for cats walking into a stray alley.

He wasn’t particularly surprised. The same couldn’t be said for everyone else.

Gasps erupted instantly.

"Named weapons! All of them!"

"Not only did they acknowledge her, they flew out from the third level to offer themselves!"

"Named weapons have pride. They barely glance at ordinary people. Why are they swarming her?"

"Look!"

Amid the uproar, two more streaks shot across the hall. One silver, one crimson.

The other named weapons hastily made way.

One radiated icy lightning. The other radiated scorching heat.

To Theo, both were familiar from the sect registry.

Frost-Bite.

Crimson Edge.

The crowd stopped breathing.

This was something they wouldn’t dare dream of. Even disciples of the Armory Peak grimaced. Many had trained for years yet only heard rumors of these Supreme Weapons. They were forged by the sect’s founding ancestor. Most had never seen them.

How did they recognize her?