Only I Am A Reader

"This is…"

"It's almost impossible to encounter one these days, but this is made from the claw of an actual White Tiger."

Considering its obvious name, Leo expected something as grand from the weapon once used by the Heavenly Demon, but it still felt unreal. The sharpness it was exuding was totally understandable.

The mythical beast known as the White Tiger was the most simple one among its relatives, and so was its ability. Compared to a Dragon's lightning or a Phoenix's flames, 'metal' just seemed too basic. However, the White Tiger was actually known as the strongest beast when it came to close combat!

The more simple a concept was, the greater its power once properly elevated. When the sharpness and toughness of 'metal' reached the level of a mythical beast, it only made sense for it to be extraordinary.

'This is probably Sword Breath's best match.'

The Sword Continent's Sword Breath was restricted to a singular weapon, but its concept was closely similar. Considering this 'White Tiger' was a sword, Leo couldn't help wondering what kind of synergy they would achieve…

Although it wasn't possible to do so now, Leo awaited the day he could absorb this sword by his main body. Absorbing a mythical item like that was something worth looking forward to… As long as his 'Sword Body' didn't reject it to the difference in fantasy level.

"Ready to give them a go?"

Leo was even more curious about the 'Black Dragon' in Cheon Chang's possession, but he only held a metal spear as he waited for Leo's amazement to wear off.

Would he be unable to restrict his ability once he used it? Or did he simply care for Leo's feelings? Either way, Cheon Chang was doing it for Leo's sake, so he had to hold off his greed.

'...Maybe in the future.'

"Yeah."

Putting away his best gain so far, Leo held the Silver Dragon sparkling with black lightning. His excitement to test their effect was at its peak.

"Good. Now that you have already grown to this point, the chances you will stay here for long isn't much…"

As someone who only used training weapons up until now, Leo understood the necessity of getting used to actual weapons. Their weight, flexibility, movement habits, getting used to all of that required time to build it up.

"So, I will try my best to teach you everything I can within whatever time you have left."

Just like that, Leo's even more intensive training regime started.

`~~~`~~~`~~~`

After making another grand appearance, Leo's face disappeared once again from the monthly meeting. At this point, however, one could no longer doubt his performance. The instructors understood best what an opportunity it was to have the Absolute Spear as a teacher, even among the four pillars, Cheon Chang was a special case.

Four months later, Cheon Yong managed to make a comeback, grasping the position of the third 1st rate Martial Artist to emerge within this Heavenly Furnace's generation. Unfortunately, he was a bit too late.

As if he had only done so to highlight Yeon even more. Yeon showed her full strength once again, easily beating Cheon Yong during her last appearance in the monthly meeting. Just like Leo, she exercised the freedom not to participate given to her by Cheon Jeong.

Rather than spending a day watching battles, Yeon focused her attention on two things, training and… Leo. Other than being together at certain times of the day, Yeon often came to Leo's cave with her food to share a meal. Leo wondered about it before, but he actually found it quite helpful during this period of time!

'This keeps getting harder.'

Originally, Leo believed that he would finally have some sort of advantage for using a superior weapon. However, reality was simply too cruel! The only 'experience' that he managed to get was the horror of Cheon Chang holding an actual weapon!

An iron spear's parameters were certainly lacking when compared with a weapon like the Silver Dragon, but that was only true if the holders were the same! The Absolute Spear didn't tarnish his moniker by keeping a performance equal to the one Leo achieved with a greater weapon. Although his strikes weren't fatal, they hurt the most!

It was obvious that he aimed for the right places so that Leo's painful memory wouldn't let him fall in the same mistake. Still, Leo was brought to a new edge. Something like the Silver Dragon's great conductivity paled in comparison to Cheon Chang's slightly unleashed Black Dragon Energy…

On the other hand, the sword spars somehow still maintained the same pace. The White Tiger was definitely a greater advantage in front of a normal iron sword, but all that Cheon Chang had to do was enhance the sword with more Internal Energy to bring it to Leo's level. Regardless of how magical an item was, the wielder still decided the degree of ability that it could exert.

Leo understood well enough that only battles like this could push him forward, but it wasn't that easy to accept. Although Cheon Chang gave him more breaks in the middle of the day to make up for the intensity, it was only when Yeon joined him that it became slightly easier to handle.

'This is still better.'

Their slightly advancing relationship had been nothing but an improvement for him. Emerging from the familiarity in their hearts, spending time together was a great emotional support during a last stretch like the one they were going through. It was like eating snacks after a long period of dieting!

No longer with a certain target on sight, Leo spent his time in preparation for the events to come. Cheon Chang faithfully gave extra guidance, giving him the chance to firmly step forward on the path he had chosen. Even with all the stress, Leo couldn't deny the greatness of this chance that was soon to slip away from his hands…

While everything was silently progressing, a new round of change had already started brewing…