The Terminally Ill Young Master is the Mad Dog of the Underworld

[Translator - Pot]

[Proofreader - Kawaii]

Chapter 160: Creating the Third Technique

“The first technique I showed you earlier is called Shadow Flowing Phantom Sword, and the second is Lonely Wave Yearning Moon.”

I clapped my hands.

“Wow, those are impressive names.”

“The essence of Shadow Flowing Phantom Sword is the dance of shadows, moving in a dazzling manner. Just as you cannot grasp a shadow, this technique confuses the enemy with an elusive sword that cannot be pinned down.”

Venion explained.

“To be more specific, it’s a sword style that strikes, slashes, and cuts through the enemy’s defenses amidst a flurry of rapid attacks.”

“Ah, I see.”

I nodded.

“I think I’ve got the gist of it.”

To connect Venion’s explanation with the actual movements, I mentally rehearsed the sequence of stances.

“The second technique, Lonely Wave Yearning Moon, is simpler in principle. Imagine a lonely wave reaching out toward the distant moon in longing.”

I closed my eyes and pictured it.

‘If a lonely wave yearns for the moon…’

The outstretched hand never reaches the moon, and the towering wave eventually crashes heavily back into the water.

“……It’s probably a heavy strike. A powerful, weighty slash.”

“How did you know?”

“Just a thought. It seemed that way.”

“Well, you’re as sharp as ever. You absorb everything so well that explanations are hardly necessary.”

I nodded without modesty at Venion’s praise.

“By the way, I’ve noticed this before, but the ancestors of Grunewald seem to have had a poet’s soul.”

“I’d agree. Compared to other martial arts, ours has a particularly poetic tendency.”

Indeed, these were people who spent their lives gazing at the harbor where the sea, sky, and land met, wielding their swords and cultivating their minds and bodies.

It’s only natural that a bold verse would arise in their hearts, and that they’d want to infuse that verse into the sword techniques they’d spent their lives perfecting.

“Now, let’s start learning the first technique. Remember, it’s more important to understand the principle than to perfectly mimic the stances.”

“Ah, but before that…”

I suddenly thought of something and asked Venion.

“What if we added the lightness and footwork of Scarlet Cloud Ghost Path and the stealth of Whispering Snow in the Night to Shadow Flowing Phantom Sword? Wouldn’t that make it much more powerful?”

“Hmm.”

Venion nodded.

“Your perspective is truly unique. Of course, depending on how you train, such an application is possible.”

“Right?”

“However, if you can simultaneously wield three martial arts and elevate them to a higher level, it would be more accurate to call it a completely new technique.”

In other words, easier said than done.

But to me, it didn’t seem that difficult. I had already grasped the martial principles of those three techniques perfectly.

“I think I’ll get it if I see it one more time.”

“Please watch closely.”

Venion demonstrated Shadow Flowing Phantom Sword once more.

‘I see it.’

I carefully observed how Venion used his waist, feet, and shoulders, mixing irregular and regular rhythms, shifting angles, and pushing forward in straight lines to disrupt the enemy’s reactions.

Perhaps due to my heightened concentration, it even felt like time had slowed down for a moment.

“……Indeed.”

I nodded.

“I think I’ve got it.”

“Really?”

Though the movements were complex, they weren’t too difficult once you understood the essence.

In fact, I could probably replicate about 70% of it just from watching once…

‘But when learning a technique, perfection is key.’

“Now, it’s your turn to try it out.”

“Alright.”

I executed the stances of Shadow Flowing Phantom Sword with smooth, flowing movements.

“……Impressive.”

Venion nodded solemnly after watching my performance.

“I can confidently say that your execution demonstrates a true understanding of Shadow Flowing Phantom Sword—”

“No, not yet.”

My thoughts were already racing ahead.

“Not yet?”

I didn’t answer and closed my eyes.

‘If I add the footwork of Scarlet Cloud Ghost Path to make it even more dazzling, the flexibility of its body techniques, and the lightness of movement…’

And then…

‘If I add the stealth of Whispering Snow in the Night…’

Who could possibly catch the shadow of a sword dance under the moonlight?

“What?”

Even Venion seemed momentarily stunned.

The new Shadow Flowing Phantom Sword I had envisioned had already disrupted the imaginary enemy and returned to slash their neck.

“……!”

A small shiver ran from the soles of my feet up my spine to my brain.

I realized that the sword technique I had just performed had already transcended Shadow Flowing Phantom Sword.

“……Young Master, did you just create something?”

Venion asked, his face filled with astonishment.

“A new technique, I mean.”

“……It seems so.”

I replied, feeling a bit dazed myself.

“Huh, I don’t even know what to say… This is absurd.”

“Venion.”

Feeling as if I had received a divine revelation, I declared.

“I will make this the third technique of the Allenvert-style Azure Sea Moon Shadow Swordsmanship.”

“……And what will you call this technique?”

To the man who had just witnessed something extraordinary, I answered.

“Moon Dance.”

A technique that embodied extreme complexity within simplicity.

* * *

“We’re supposed to train Young Master Allenvert?”

Ulbhild was briefing the members of the 2nd Battalion on their new mission.

“Yes. Specifically, we’ll be responsible for him for two weeks.”

“But doesn’t the Young Master already have a swordsmanship instructor?”

“Well, about that…”

Ulbhild, struggling to explain the complicated higher-level discussions, finally settled on a phrase that resonated with them.

“He got sidelined.”

“Ah.”

The magical phrase that explained most of the absurdities in the military made the members nod in understanding.

“He’s busy with a mission assigned by Father.”

“What kind of mission is that?”

“I don’t know either.”

The members whispered among themselves.

“What kind of man is this Venion?”

“To dare sideline the daughter of Grunewald…”

“I don’t know the details, but he probably holds a position where he receives direct orders from Father.”

Even Count Aiden, the head butler, seemed strangely wary and uneasy around him.

Venion was truly a ghost-like figure, formless and elusive.

“I’ve even wondered if he might be from a branch clan of Grunewald.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Didn’t he wander around foreign countries? If you listen to his accent, it’s oddly—”

Just then.

“Huh?”

From a distance, the very subject of their conversation, Venion, was approaching.

“Venion. What brings you here?”

Ulbhild asked, puzzled.

“My lady.”

“Speak.”

“If someone were to witness a marvel, wouldn’t they be desperate to explain it to someone?”

“Huh?”

Ignoring Ulbhild’s confusion, Venion continued.

“That person would be itching to share that marvel, wouldn’t they?”

“So what are you trying to say—”

“……Just now.”

Venion let out a hollow laugh.

“A new technique of the Azure Sea Moon Shadow Swordsmanship has been born.”

“……?”

Ulbhild tilted her head.

“By whom, and how?”

“After watching Shadow Flowing Phantom Sword just twice, Young Master Allenvert combined it with Scarlet Cloud Ghost Path and Whispering Snow in the Night.”

Venion replied.

“He created a third technique called Moon Dance.”

“What kind of insane—”

Harold, the adjutant, blurted out a curse but quickly covered his mouth. However, no one could blame him. Everyone was thinking the same thing.

“Literally, Adjutant Harold.”

Venion smirked as he watched Harold’s astonishment.

“A boy who hasn’t even had his coming-of-age ceremony has perfected the foundational martial art of Grunewald, the very root of our techniques. That’s what I’m saying.”

“How is that possible?”

“It’s precisely because it’s impossible that it’s a marvel and a miracle.”

Venion turned to Ulbhild.

“My lady, even I was caught off guard by what I witnessed. And to think, he only learned Whispering Snow in the Night from a book just a day ago.”

“……Huh.”

“It seems he has a natural affinity for it. Still, to have trained to that level in such a short time is nothing short of absurd.”

Venion shook his head and resumed his steps.

“I must report this to the clan head.”

“…….”

“My lady, you should go and witness it for yourself. By now, he’s probably mastered the second technique as well. He’ll need someone to fully showcase the Azure Sea Moon Shadow Swordsmanship and its techniques.”

With that, Venion left.

“Did he come all the way here just to say that?”

Harold muttered.

‘That man, who always seemed so detached and aloof, was so shocked he couldn’t even hide his disbelief.’

Ulbhild watched Venion’s retreating figure before turning back.

“It seems Allen has really outdone himself this time. Let’s go.”

* * *

When they arrived at the training grounds, Allenvert was sitting in meditation.

“……!”

Was he trying to grasp something even greater? A heat haze seemed to rise from his body.

“Second Commander, what should we do?”

Harold asked.

“For now—”

Ulbhild didn’t want to disturb her brother’s enlightenment.

“Stand guard.”

“Yes.”

Allenvert finally opened his eyes several dozen minutes later.

“Huh? Sister.”

“You seemed to be in deep contemplation, so we stood guard.”

“Ah, thank you.”

He grinned.

“What were you doing?”

“Hmm, I was refining a new technique I developed. I think I got a bit too absorbed in it, so I couldn’t replicate the feeling from the first time.”

“I see.”

Dismissing Allenvert’s genius as mere natural talent would be a half-baked conclusion. He had the thoroughness to strive for perfection.

“Venion told me that a new technique of the Azure Sea Moon Shadow Swordsmanship was just born.”

“Well, that sounds too grandiose. I just applied a few martial arts in my own way.”

“Not many people in the world can say that so casually.”

Ulbhild shook her head.

“He also said you mastered Whispering Snow in the Night in a day?”

“I think stealth techniques suit me.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Ulbhild nodded.

“Allen, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but starting tomorrow, you’ll be training with me.”

“I know.”

“But I was curious about this new technique you created, so I came to see it first.”

Ulbhild, being a martial arts enthusiast herself, was eager to see it.

“Well, alright. I owe you for the training, after all.”

Ulbhild laughed at his straightforward response.

“I appreciate that.”

She quickly composed herself and looked around at the members.

“We’re here to witness the technique Allen has created. Who will step forward?”

“…….”

Normally, the members would have eagerly raised their hands to catch Ulbhild’s attention, but this time, they avoided eye contact. They were afraid of being humiliated if things went wrong.

“Chase, how about you give it a try?”

Harold asked.

“No, I’ll pass.”

“Why?”

“I have a feeling I’ll get completely wrecked.”

“You pathetic fool.”

“Why are you cursing at me?”

In the end, Harold stepped forward.

“Commander, I’ll do it.”

“Hmm.”

He had faced Shadow Flowing Phantom Sword several times in sparring matches with Ulbhild.

‘He added Scarlet Cloud Ghost Path and Whispering Snow in the Night?’

How would that play out?

Harold’s mind raced.

“Hmm, then let’s go.”

Allenvert infused his sword with aura.

“Come at me seriously. Only then can I gauge its true power.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m not so weak that the Young Master would doubt me.”

Harold was one of the top ten strongest in the Special Operations Division, which was filled with elites.

“Then I won’t hold back.”

Allenvert quickly closed the distance and unleashed his sword technique.

Swish!

The first move was the original Shadow Flowing Phantom Sword, without any added applications.

‘Sharp.’

The Azure Sea Moon Shadow Swordsmanship, interpreted from a completely different perspective than Ulbhild’s, overwhelmed and bewildered Harold.

‘It’s different from the Commander’s technique.’

Allenvert’s strikes carried a ferocity and freedom reminiscent of the masters of the underworld.

‘This won’t be easy.’

Just as Harold was about to tense up at the unusual technique, Allenvert’s movements incorporated the subtleties of Scarlet Cloud Ghost Path.

‘This!’

Leaving behind dazzling afterimages, he advanced, retreated, and feinted to draw out reactions.

‘What the hell is this?’

With the addition of proper footwork, the power of the technique seemed to multiply.

‘I need to create distance.’

Feeling immense pressure, Harold stepped back forcefully to push Allenvert away.

Boom!

A fierce wave of energy erupted, dispersing the petal-like afterimages. At that very moment—

“!”

As if waiting for this exact moment of counterattack, Allenvert’s figure vanished from sight.

‘Behind? No, above!’

Harold immediately relied on his heightened senses.

But even with his second sight, Harold struggled to pinpoint Allenvert’s presence, which was expertly concealed—

Clang!

Harold barely managed to block the sword that came piercing through the gap in his awareness, but a few strands of his hair were cut.

“Huh……”

Harold stared blankly at the strands of hair fluttering to the ground, then clicked his tongue.

“That’s an extraordinary martial art. It’s truly worthy of being called a technique.”

“You flatter me. There are still some parts I’m not fully adept at.”

“If you were any more skilled, my head would’ve been gone.”

“Haha, you’re exaggerating.”

As Allenvert sheathed his sword and stepped back, Ulbhild asked.

“……Allen, what’s the name of this technique?”

“Moon Dance.”

“Moon Dance.”

Harold muttered the name. It was a technique so refined that even a top-tier expert would struggle to avoid a fatal injury if caught off guard.

“Young Master, did you really just create this?”

“Yes.”

Allenvert nodded as if it were nothing unusual.

“This is insane……”

Harold was so shocked and bewildered that his thoughts and words came out in reverse.

‘You’re incredible, Young Master.’

[Translator - Pot]

[Proofreader - Kawaii]