Terminally-Ill Genius Dark Knight

Chapter 217

217. Academy Swordsmanship Festival [1]

“What emotion did you feel when you first experienced Devilization?”

That was Theo’s question.

Nox quietly reflected on the past. A formidable rival named Garen.

In a duel with the one who stirred up his past, what emotion did Nox feel? Soon, as he recalled fragments of the past, he answered.

“…It was an impulse.”

“Correct. Impulse. That is the greatest attribute of a demon… no, the dark magic we possess.”

It was certainly a correct statement.

Dark magic.

It is because they have many who can make cold, rational judgments and handle emotions well.

The four elements are water, fire, earth, and air.

Attributes like steel, mercury, and gold are born through attribute conversion.

In contrast, the element of darkness is characterized by its instability, swaying like a candle flame.

‘On the other hand, holy attribute, while difficult to unleash great power, is stable. So, the greater the initial amount of mana, the wider the limit becomes. Simply put, the expected growth value of the caster is high.’

Therefore, dark families avoid fighting holy families.

The high average expected growth value of casters works disadvantageously.

However, it is not entirely impossible to overcome.

Basically, the dark element deals the highest damage to all elements.

'What if one possesses overwhelming strength? Then it becomes the simplest and most convenient element.’

What is certain is that becoming overwhelmingly strong is crucial. If one can create a difference of more than two times in the total amount of mana compared to the opponent, there will be no one to rival them.

Therefore, Theo said. For Nox to become stronger, I must accumulate overwhelming strength, mana, and experience as a knight.

“You must first learn patience from now on.”

But the words that came out of Theo’s mouth instantly crushed Nox’s thoughts.

I furrowed my brow unknowingly.

Patience, in the current situation where he needs to quickly move to the fourth episode?

He knows that the process of asceticism is important for a knight, but he can’t help but feel that the timing is off.

“The magic possessed by demons and the dark magic we possess are slightly different in nature. You may already know this, but what demons possess is more impure and dangerous. It’s safe to say that they experience the unsettling impulse we felt during devilization every moment.” 𝖗åΝőᛒЕṡ

“Certainly. That makes it easier to understand.”

Nox nodded slightly.

He knew best what it meant to maintain devilization every moment.

The night when everything remained the same amidst the blood-red scenery.

He remembers standing alone, gradually accepting his changing self, with veins bulging and the whites of his eyes turning black, and the pupils turning red.

Mixed with this are the emotions called the basic desires of the seven deadly sins.

Like a stew made by boiling all sorts of ingredients in a pot, the blood becomes hot and boiling, making it difficult to control, and eventually, one gradually loses their sense of self.

Theo believed that the biggest factor in his defeat at Garen’s death was restraint, patience.

Objectively, he thought there was no reason for Garen to lose to Nox.

In fact, it wasn’t a wrong statement.

Nox could only win because he possessed skills and talents, including 'Genius’s Time.’

Moreover, Nox’s two 'Genius’ traits could create miracles, and the fact that Nox fortunately did not completely turn into a demon during the devilization stage also contributed to the victory.

What allows one to make rational judgments at the most critical moments is pure individual physical ability. In that sense, it wouldn’t be strange to say that Nox’s genius traits are unrivaled.

But can I expect such luck next time?

'No. I cannot.’

Theo accurately pointed this out and said.

“You are exceptional. Your genius surpasses anyone’s. Not because you are my son, not because you are a Reinhaver, but purely because of the talent you possess, which surpasses the seven stars of the continent.”

The seven stars of the continent. The three Sword Emperors and the four Sages.

To stand alongside them…

No, If someone else had said that I possessed such talent, would there have been anyone to believe it?

But Theo was the one who dared to make it possible.

Nox waited as if he knew what would come next. Theo immediately followed up.

“But that talent wasn’t enough to defeat Garen… that punk.”

Nox also knew this deep down.

Before defeating Garen, Nox had run several combat simulations, but he thought defeating him was nearly impossible.

The so-called talent is nothing more than potential that has not yet been realized through effort. Many factors come into play before it can be fully utilized.

Although there are occasionally geniuses who break this mold, it is clear that they too can reach their desired level faster depending on the presence of a master or the environment.

Moreover, what was the age difference between Nox and Garen?

For those still in their growth period, a year’s difference is overwhelmingly large.

Nox also had to admit this. Even Garen alone had used the Reinhaver family’s early form that Nox couldn’t use.

Third Form. Black Blade Falling Petals.

Not only that, but in the battle with Sword Emperor Ulysses, he had the help of Paracelsus, so it wasn’t solely due to his excellence that he achieved victory.

In short.

It’s hard to see it as a victory achieved solely by Nox alone.

“Using one’s origin, background, and talent is not bad… but relying on them is never good in any situation. Of course, I don’t mean to say you are foolish. But if you ask whether the decision to fight Garen, and even the prince, in the center of enemy territory was wise, I would say it was not.”

“I agree.”

“From now on, I will give you one task.”

Theo said so and gathered darkness, pulling up a unique spiritual energy from the ground. It didn’t take long for it to take shape.

A scarecrow dummy.

But the mana felt from it clearly resembled someone.

“…Garen von Reinhaver. The total amount of mana is the same as my brother’s. It’s like a toy modeled after him.”

Nox’s eyes narrowed coldly.

Theo in front of him readily admitted.

“That’s right.”

Theo said.

“From now on, you must win against this scarecrow without using devilization. If you do, I will teach you the three middle stage forms. The later stage will be taught later, after some more time has passed.”

“Alright.”

Nox nodded briskly.

He needed training to become stronger anyway, and Theo wouldn’t kill him in the process. He was the only human who could free him, so it was only natural.

There was no reason to refuse the offer in this situation.

“I’ll come back in the evening.”

Theo said so and left.

The time was already morning. It was just past noon.

“Huu….”

Nox thought for a moment.

'That bastard Garen is annoying even in his death.’

Just as Theo turned away.

Suddenly, his footsteps paused for a moment.

As if Theo had forgotten something, he stroked his beard and pondered. Soon, he gathered mana towards Nox.

Theo said indifferently.

“…Rodwell said it. If we only talk abstractly, communication won’t go well, so it’s better to show it through direct action.”

“What?”

Nox tilted his head, and suddenly Theo came down and drew a sword from his waist.

The sharp sword gleamed, and soon it absorbed mana to the fullest, turning into a deep red. Theo looked at Nox indifferently and spoke softly.

“I’ll show you the first middle stage form that I’ll teach if you pass the trial in advance”

Theo’s darkened sword disappeared in an instant. Unlike the initial stage form, the middle stage form gave Nox a feeling.

It was pure astonishment.

'Is this… a mirror?’

Right.

What unfolded before Nox was a deep red, transparent sword fragment reminiscent of dozens or hundreds of mirrors. It filled the surroundings, as if it would pour down on Nox at any moment. Nox barely stopped the goosebumps rising and firmly watched his father’s sword.

His mind seemed to fly away, but Nox forced himself to calm down. The deep red blade in the mirror accurately predicted Nox’s movements and began to move away from him.

Like a mirror reflecting the midday sun, swords stabbed at Nox from all directions.

It was hard to judge easily, but it was undoubtedly one of the best swords he had ever seen.

Nox thought to himself.

If Black Blade Falling Petals was a technique that bloomed a flower of death to cut down the enemy, this one was about deception. It pushed the mana of darkness to the extreme, dyeing the surroundings in pitch black, then materialized like a mirror and fell towards the enemy.

The dark energy surrounding it embroidered the opponent like flames.

Blades poured from dozens of mirrors.

Shwaaaat!

After the sword dance ended, Theo simply added indifferently.

“Black Blade of Supreme Sword. The first form of the middle stage. Black Blade Fire Mirror.”

“Fire Mirror…”

Fire Mirror.

Generally, it’s a type of convex lens that creates flames when exposed to sunlight. But surprisingly, Theo achieved this in complete darkness without a single light.

The dark attribute mana gathered like mayflies to a flame, forming sharp spears and shooting them.

That was all Nox saw.

Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!

His heart pounded as if it would go mad.

Nox smiled faintly.

'This is… the first form of the middle stage from three Sword Emperors. I’m feeling fired up now.’

Seeing his youngest son smiling unknowingly, Theo turned around and walked away, not forgetting to add a final word.

“I’ll be waiting.”

Until you learn all the middle stage forms. I will remain here.

Theo simply said so.

Without saying anything as a father, just like that.

**********

About a month passed.

Additionally, only one week remained until the Academy Swordsmanship Festival.

After receiving permission from Headmaster Noah, I had been holed up in the underground training ground of the Reinhaver family during the past time.

It was possible because there was still time before the main episode.

Of course, I was aware that something might happen and that I needed to protect the units accordingly, but fortunately, nothing major occurred.

'I consistently checked variables through Zitri. There shouldn’t be any problems. Probably.’

The Academy Swordsmanship Festival.

This was the episode right before the end of Part 1. That is, the fourth episode, so I couldn’t help but worry. Right before a major episode. I needed to learn Theo’s middle stage sword forms as much as possible.

The opportunity to train in swordsmanship with a Sword Emperor?

It’s not common.

Moreover, since Luna is also directly involved in the fourth main episode, it’s difficult for her to help me.

For now, Theo is the best master.

'There are some unclear parts though…’

“Are you leaving now?”

Theo, who had been training with me for a month, still called me coldly. I was also the same.

The question of whether I was leaving carried no regret.

And my answer was the same.

“Yes. I’m leaving.”

A conversation that seemed to run on parallel lines. But to achieve our respective goals, we did our best.

Theo to find the sword that would kill him.

Me to protect what is precious.

In this episode, my goal is only one.

'Survive.’

I repeated it again. In this tedious world, I am nothing but an insignificant existence.

But even in that soliloquy, I can’t help but think.

The end is truly approaching.

'There are two episodes left. The developments after that… I don’t know either.’

I don’t have much time to let go of the advantages I had in the past as Yoochan before becoming Nox von Reinhaver

**********

“I’m glad you returned safely, young master. I was very worried.”

“That’s right! You stayed at the mansion for so long, I even thought you might become the next family head after Theo, the family head! Oh my, if you became the family head, how much would you torment me… Well! That wouldn’t happen, though!”

Upon arriving at Eldain to attend the Academy Swordsmanship Festival, I was first greeted by two maids.

Among them, Rona had a subtly piercing way about her.

“First, I’m not hurt. Don’t worry. And Rona.”

“Yes?”

Rona quickly turned her head to look at me. I spoke in a very calm tone.

“I am going to become the family head. So you can look forward to it later. I didn’t know you liked being tormented by me. I can’t disappoint your expectations.”

“…Young master, you’re joking, right?”

“What? That cheeky guy is going to become the family head? Save me. This can’t be. I’ll really die from being overworked!”

When even Prim fainted, I thought about teasing them more but had to stop.

A very special guest. But for me, who knows the future, it was not a welcome guest who came to find me.

“Cell von Stiliner, the eldest daughter of the Stiliner family. I came after receiving a letter from Nox von Reinhaver.”

'She came.’

Cell von Stiliner.

Thalia’s older sister and the one who created her trauma. Additionally, she is the key to this fourth episode and…

'A character who will die to awaken Thalia.’

That’s right.

I must meet a character who does not fear death. Solely to fulfill my selfish desire to protect my unit.