239 - The Sword That Would Not Break

Subin left Redhaven two days after the expedition into the eastern hills. The Association had reopened the main trade road under armed escort, and a patrol had begun observing the Stonehorn Behemoth from a safe distance. There was no reason for his group to remain while the local authorities handled the situation.

Their next destination was Highcrest, a settlement nearly three days east of Redhaven. It stood at the junction of several mountain roads and was known for its blacksmiths, equipment merchants, and Awakener training grounds. According to Ara, Highcrest also maintained a public combat arena where registered Awakeners could test their abilities against one another.

That last detail had caught Subin's attention.

“You want to enter a tournament?” Yerin asked as they walked through the highlands.

“Not necessarily.”

“Then why have you asked Ara about the arena three times?”

“Because she keeps giving incomplete answers.”

Ara glanced back at him. “I told you that the arena hosts regular duels, ranking matches, and occasional team competitions. I don't know what else you want.”

“I want to know whether the strongest people there are actually strong.”

Jae-hyun laughed. “You could simply ask whether there are opponents you might enjoy fighting.”

“That is what I asked.”

“Your social skills remain extraordinary.”

Subin ignored him.

The road climbed through a series of rocky hills, then crossed a broad plateau where the wind carried the scent of pine and cold stone. They encountered several ordinary monsters along the way, but none posed a serious threat. Jae-hyun and Liu Wei handled most of them, while Subin used the quieter stretches of travel to practise his sword movements.

He had been thinking about the Stonehorn Behemoth since their encounter in Red Valley. Its enormous frame and reinforced horns would have made a direct confrontation dangerous, but its movements had also revealed a clear pattern. It relied on momentum, weight, and the reach of its head. A swordsman who tried to overpower it would waste energy against its strongest points.

The better approach would be to control the angle of engagement and strike when the creature committed its weight.

He repeated the movement with his sword drawn, cutting through the air in a short diagonal arc before returning the blade to its starting position.

Yerin watched him for several steps.

“You're still working on that?”

“I'm improving it.”

“You've been practising the same cut since yesterday.”

“The cut is simple. The timing isn't.”

She considered that, then nodded. She understood the distinction. A technique could be easy to describe and difficult to execute under pressure. Subin's extraordinary comprehension allowed him to recognize flaws quickly, but he still had to turn that understanding into movements he could perform against a living opponent.

They reached Highcrest late on the third afternoon.

The settlement was built along a sloping valley between two mountain ranges. Stone buildings climbed the hillsides, while workshops and equipment stalls occupied the lower streets. The sound of hammering echoed from several smithies, and the main square was crowded with Awakeners carrying weapons, armour, and monster materials.

Unlike Redhaven, Highcrest had the atmosphere of a place where combat was part of everyday business. Groups of fighters gathered outside the Association branch, discussing contracts and comparing equipment. Several training grounds stood behind the market, their walls marked by years of weapon strikes.

Subin looked around with obvious interest.

“Now this place looks useful.”

Ara led them to the local Association branch, where a clerk named Della confirmed their arrival and updated their travel records. When Subin asked about the arena, she pointed toward a large circular building on the northern side of the settlement.

“Open duels are held every afternoon. Registered Awakeners can challenge opponents within an appropriate rank range. The arena also hosts private matches for people who want to test specific techniques.”

“Can visitors participate?” Subin asked.

“If they have a valid Association registration and agree to the rules. Lethal attacks are prohibited unless both participants enter a separately authorized high-risk match, and even then the medical staff must approve it.”

“Good.”

Della looked at him with mild amusement. “You seem eager.”

“I've had a few days without a proper fight.”

“You were in Red Valley three days ago,” Yerin reminded him.

“Those were monsters.”

“You say that as though monsters don't count.”

“They count. People fight differently.”

That answer made sense to Yerin. Monsters relied on instinct, physical traits, and their own forms of mana reinforcement. Human Awakeners could adapt their techniques, deliberately change their rhythm, and exploit an opponent's habits. Fighting another skilled swordsman offered lessons that even a difficult monster could not provide.

The group settled into an inn near the northern market. After a meal, Subin went to the arena with Jae-hyun, Liu Wei, and Yerin. Ara stayed behind to gather information about regional contracts and equipment merchants.

The arena was larger than it appeared from outside. A stone wall surrounded a circular combat floor, and several tiers of seating overlooked the centre. At one end, a board displayed the day's matches and the ranks of registered participants.

Several duels were already underway.

A shield user was trying to force a spear fighter out of the ring, while another match involved two sword users exchanging rapid cuts. The audience responded enthusiastically whenever someone landed a clean strike or executed a clever counter.

Subin watched the sword match from the railing.

The two fighters were both B-rank, and their swordsmanship was competent. One favoured broad, powerful attacks, while the other relied on narrow thrusts and quick retreats. The match continued for several minutes before the second fighter exploited a mistake and knocked his opponent's sword from his hand.

“Decent,” Subin said.

Jae-hyun folded his arms. “You make everyone sound mediocre.”

“They're good enough for their rank.”

“And you?”

Subin looked at him. “Do you want to find out?”

Jae-hyun smiled. “Eventually.”

A bell rang, announcing the next set of matches. A tall man in dark training armour entered the arena, carrying a straight sword with a broad guard. His black hair was tied behind his head, and a pale scar crossed one cheek.

The display above the ring identified him as Gareth Voss — Level 329 — A-rank.

His opponent was a swordsman several levels lower, who greeted him with a respectful bow before taking his stance.

The match began.

Gareth did not rush forward. He moved in a measured circle, watching his opponent's feet and shoulders. When the other swordsman attacked, Gareth redirected the blade with a short movement of his wrist and countered with a strike that stopped just short of the man's chest.

The exchange lasted only seconds.

The defeated swordsman stepped back, bowed again, and left the ring.

Gareth sheathed his weapon and looked toward the waiting participants.

“Anyone else?”

Subin moved away from the railing.

Yerin caught his sleeve before he reached the registration desk. “Don't injure someone just because you're bored.”

“I know the rules.”

“That wasn't what I said.”

“I'll be careful.”

She released him, unconvinced.

Subin registered for an open duel. The clerk examined his Association credentials, then looked up when the system confirmed his rank.

“Subin Vans. S-rank?”

Several nearby Awakeners turned toward the desk.

The name had become known in parts of the Great Passage after his previous expeditions, although Highcrest had received little direct news about his movements. A few people recognized him immediately. Others stared at his sword, apparently expecting something more elaborate from an S-rank fighter.

The clerk entered his name on the board.

Gareth noticed the change and approached the registration area.

“You're the swordsman who cleared the Ironfang Ravager territory,” he said.

“Some of it,” Subin replied.

“I heard you killed an Ironcrest Devourer and an Ironback.”

“Those reports are accurate.”

Gareth studied him with open interest. “Then I would like to fight you.”

“You're challenging me?”

“If you're willing.”

Subin glanced toward the arena floor. “I'm willing.”

The match was arranged for the next available slot. Word spread quickly, and the seating around the ring began to fill. An S-rank swordsman from outside Highcrest facing a Level 329 A-rank specialist was enough to draw attention, particularly because Gareth was known for his defensive technique.

Jae-hyun found a place near the front.

“If he wins,” Liu Wei said, “you'll never hear the end of it.”

“If he loses, he'll blame the arena floor,” Yerin replied.

“I can hear you,” Jae-hyun said.

“You were meant to.”

Subin entered the ring carrying his usual sword. Gareth waited opposite him, his posture relaxed but his attention fixed on Subin's hands.

The referee explained the rules. Victory would be awarded when one fighter surrendered, was unable to continue, or received a clear disarming or controlled strike that would have ended the fight. Killing blows were prohibited.

Both swordsmen acknowledged the instructions.

The bell rang.

Gareth attacked first.

His opening strike was fast and direct, aimed at Subin's shoulder. Subin turned his blade and deflected it, but Gareth immediately changed the angle and cut toward his ribs. Subin stepped back, avoiding the second strike by a narrow margin.

Gareth pressed forward.

His swordsmanship was efficient, with very little wasted motion. Each attack flowed into the next, and he rarely left his body exposed while changing direction. He was not trying to overpower Subin. Instead, he controlled the distance and forced his opponent to respond to a steady sequence of threats.

Subin parried three strikes before recognizing the pattern.

Gareth favoured attacks that ended near the centre line, allowing him to recover quickly and protect his chest. His defence was strongest when an opponent tried to break through with a heavy cut, because the broad guard and compact movements redirected much of the force.

Subin changed his approach.

Instead of attacking the sword directly, he cut toward Gareth's wrist. Gareth turned the strike aside, but Subin's next movement targeted the space just beyond the guard. Their blades met with a sharp ring, and Gareth retreated half a step.

The audience grew quieter.

Gareth smiled faintly. “You've understood the guard.”

“It's not complicated.”

“Then let's see how you deal with the rest.”

He increased his speed.

The next exchange was much faster. Gareth attacked high, changed to a low cut, then reversed the movement into a thrust. Subin avoided the first two strikes and redirected the third, but Gareth used the contact between their blades to close the distance and strike with the pommel.

Subin leaned aside, letting the blow pass his cheek.

He countered with a short cut that stopped a finger's width from Gareth's shoulder.

The referee watched closely but did not interrupt. Neither fighter had landed a decisive blow.

Gareth stepped away and adjusted his grip.

“Your reactions are extraordinary.”

“Your timing is good.”

“That sounded almost like a compliment.”

“It was one.”

They resumed.

Gareth's defence remained disciplined, but Subin began changing his rhythm. He shortened some attacks, delayed others, and occasionally abandoned a promising opening rather than follow a predictable sequence. Gareth adapted quickly, yet each adjustment forced him to reconsider the timing of his counters.

Subin was not simply moving faster. He was reading the relationship between Gareth's guard, his feet, and the direction of his sword. The more they exchanged attacks, the clearer the structure of Gareth's style became.

Gareth attempted to exploit a brief pause, stepping forward with a thrust aimed at Subin's chest.

Subin shifted his body to the left and guided the blade past him. His own sword moved in a small arc, striking Gareth's weapon near the guard. The impact twisted Gareth's wrist, opening the centre line for a fraction of a second.

Subin's sword stopped against Gareth's throat.

The arena fell silent.

The referee raised his hand. “Point to Subin Vans. The match is over.”

Subin withdrew his sword immediately.

Gareth remained still for a moment, then lowered his weapon and laughed under his breath.

“I thought I understood your timing,” he said. “I was wrong.”

“You adjusted well,” Subin replied. “Your defence made it difficult to create a clean opening.”

“But you found one.”

“Eventually.”

Gareth sheathed his sword and offered his hand. Subin accepted it.

The audience erupted into applause. Some spectators were surprised by how quickly the match had ended; others had noticed the gradual shift in control during the final exchanges. Gareth had been a formidable opponent, but Subin's ability to understand and adapt to another swordsman's technique had decided the result.

Jae-hyun met Subin near the exit.

“You could have made it last longer.”

“Why?”

“To give the audience a better show.”

“I wasn't performing for them.”

“That's exactly why you're terrible at tournaments.”

Yerin approached with a pleased expression. “You fought well.”

“So did he.”

“I noticed. You actually had to think.”

Subin looked at her. “I always think.”

“Not when you fight monsters.”

“Monsters don't usually offer useful conversation.”

Gareth joined them before Yerin could answer. He had changed out of his training armour and carried his sword in one hand.

“I'd like another match sometime,” he said. “Not today. I need to work on a few things.”

“Anytime,” Subin replied.

Gareth glanced toward Jae-hyun and Liu Wei. “Are your friends entering the arena?”

“Not yet,” Jae-hyun said. “But I might.”

“Good. Highcrest needs more strong fighters willing to test themselves against one another.”

He gave them a respectful nod before returning to the arena office.

Subin watched him go, considering the match. Gareth's style was not the most powerful he had encountered, but it had forced him to make several adjustments under pressure. The duel had also revealed small flaws in his own approach. He sometimes committed too much attention to the opponent's weapon, allowing skilled fighters to exploit the space around it.

It was a useful lesson, and one he would remember.

As the group left the arena, a crowd had gathered around the match board. Several Awakeners were discussing the result, while others were already asking when Subin might fight again.

Jae-hyun looked at the growing crowd and sighed dramatically.

“Congratulations. You've been here for less than an afternoon, and you've already made yourself the centre of attention.”

“I came to fight.”

“And now everyone will want to fight you.”

Subin smiled. “That sounds convenient.”

Yerin shook her head, but she was smiling too.

The evening sun cast long shadows across Highcrest's streets as the group returned to the market. They had arrived looking for information about the surrounding region, but Subin had found something else worth his time: a place where skilled fighters gathered, tested their abilities, and improved through direct competition.

He intended to return to the arena.

Not for fame, and not for a title.

He wanted to discover how far his swordsmanship could advance when the opponent across from him understood the blade as well as he did.