Chapter 129: Splitting A Moving Object
Splitting Fixed Objects.
I perfectly coNovelFirepleted the first task given by Godwin: splitting logs.
After splitting 100 logs in half and then each of those pieces again, it amounted to splitting logs 300 times.
It was a skill that consumed much more strength and stamina than the Imperial Style 8, so I felt muscle pain coming on and collapsed, utterly exhausted, on the floor.
If I hadn't received a vitality infusion from Hiresia, I wouldn't have been able to finish it all in one day.
This is why it's good to have connections.
Anyway, after finishing the first step, my proficiency increased exactly by 3%.
Considering that proficiency increases quickly at the beginning and becomes harder as one progresses to the mid and late stages, this wasn't a significant increase.
But there's a reason for that. I trained with a fixed object, an easy target.
In terms of martial arts, it's like only hitting a sandbag vigorously.
Of course, there's no way proficiency would increase much with that. Eventually, I have to practice with a moving target.
'That's exactly the second step,' the second task given by Godwin: splitting a moving object, not a fixed one.
For that, I needed an assistant.
"Let's get this over with quickly. It's going to be boring."
Hiresia yawned openly and said.
If it had been before, she would have been too bothered to even listen to the request, but thanks to the power of favorability, I was able to get her help.
Of course, as a token of gratitude, I decided to buy her a melt-in-the-mouth tenderloin steak.
"Ready anytime. Let's start."
I said, taking my stance.
"Yeah, yeah."
Yesterday, Hiresia threw a piece of log that had been cut three times and was easy to handle.
It seemed carelessly thrown, but it was just within the reach of my sword.
Whoosh!
Thwack!
However, my sword cut only the empty air, and the piece of log fell to the ground intact.
I stood there awkwardly, feeling embarrassed.
"Hmm... As expected, it's not easy to cut a moving object."
I said, as if I knew this would happen, and corrected my awkward posture.
It's not strange to fail at first since I'm not familiar with this technique. Of course.
"Well, it's the first time, after all."
I confidently cracked my neck from side to side.
I failed, but I roughly grasped it—the trajectory and timing.
Now, even if it comes at a tricky position, I felt like I could slice it cleanly.
"Ah, really? Okay, try again."
It seemed like Hiresia was teasing me with a playful expression, or maybe it was just my imagination.
Swoosh.
She threw the log piece again.
Oh.
Good, good.
This time, the piece of log came flying in a position that was very easy to cut, right in front of the center of my body.
This is it.
"Haap!"
With a powerful shout, I delivered a decisive blow like an executioner.
But then.
What? What?
The piece of log that seemed to come straight suddenly curved outward like a slider.
Whoosh!
Thwack! m|vl|e|mp|y|r article
Damn.
"Come on, even so, a curveball? How long have we known each other that you're being too harsh?"
I protested immediately, too flabbergasted.
Throwing a slider with a piece of log... Where in the world would you find an elf doing that?
"What's a curveball?"
Hiresia asked, her eyes wide with confusion.
Ah, right, there's no baseball here.
"I mean, the log piece you threw that curved outward. Isn't that a bit too much?"
"Huh? I believed in you."
She blinked in confusion, not understanding.
In front of that expression, I didn't have the energy to protest further.
"Even if I'm second-best in our grade, you shouldn't trust me too much and should adjust a little."
"Disappointing."
"Ugh."
"Kidding. I will adjust it impressively."
Wow, now she's handling it well. Impressive.
"As expected of my senior, I always had faith in you."
"Doesn't that sound soulless?"
"Hey, don't worry about it. I'm counting on you."
I took my stance again.
"Here it goes."
Swoosh.
Hiresia threw the log piece.
This time, it also came towards the center, a perfect position to cut.
Surely it wouldn't swerve at a dog-like angle this time.
If it did, she's really not human... no, not even an elf.
I concentrated and put strength into my sword.
Crack!
Finally, the log piece was cleanly split in half.
Yes, this is the feeling.
I sheathed my sword with a slightly refreshed expression, but Hiresia was about to throw the next piece.
"Wait, wait."
I waved my hand.
"Why?"
"There's a delay. Let's take a break."
"So many conditions."
"I've just mentioned one..."
"Fine. Now I clearly know your level. You're lacking enough to need to be nurtured."
Her look was like that of someone watching a newbie on his first day at a labor site, and I was taken aback.
But it wasn't just that.
"I will spoon-feed you the technique, so keep your eyes open."
Like a dependable and warm-hearted senior looking after a clueless newbie.
That kind of senior elf looking at me was precious.
Unknowingly, a strange emotion welled up within me—an emotion of wanting to rely on her fully.
This is why there are men who openly like being led by a capable older woman.
"Uh... um... yes."
I mumbled, and my face must have turned red because she reacted immediately.
"Why are you blushing?"
Her ears twitched.
That one was definitely easier to read than humans.
"I'm embarrassed."
I scratched the back of my head, trying to recuperate.
"Hmm... Ah, as long as you know. Work hard."
"Yes, I will do my best."
The atmosphere settled again, and my gaze became serious.
Hiresia seemed to like that attitude and smiled faintly.
"The beginning is just a warm-up."
Swoosh.
Hiresia began throwing the log pieces again.
Just as she said, the pieces flew from the front, the easiest position to cut.
Crack!
Of course, I split it easily.
"How long is the delay?"
"10 seconds."
Although the technique is simple, it has a skill delay time because it's a powerful strike.
It's a skill that can't be used consecutively.