Possessing Nothing Novel (쥐뿔도 없는 회귀)

Chapter 74 - Sword Dragon

Come to think of it, Sung-Min didn't have much experience dealing with swordsmen. Rather, it would be precise to say he didn't have much experience coming across masters who have perfectly mastered their arts like Namgoong Heewon in the first place.

The lineage of Namgoong is acknowledged by everyone for their use of swords. There are many martial arts lineages that are famous for their sword arts, but the Namgoong lineage is the first to start their family line based off these skills. Sung-Min, who lacked in experience, had never encountered such a skilled swordsman.

'I've rarely had experience fighting with swordsmen in the first place.'

He wondered what Namgoong Heewon's skills would be like. Judging from his nickname 'Sword Dragon', he was at least over the Peak Level for sure. Of course. That would be the minimum. Namgong Heewon had understood Sung-Min to be on the verge of reaching the High Peak level, so that could mean Namgoong was about to reach the High Peak level as well.

Of course, that is not to say they are on the same level. Even if two are at the same High Peak level, they have completely different skills. Heewon was born of a prominent lineage and had grown under the care and instructions of a variety of the best martial artists and masters. The amount of experience he had was more superior than what Sung-Min had experienced in quality and quantity.

Oh sure, Sung-Min had experience. The only 'experience' he had, however, was being a Class C mercenary for 13 years. Being summoned back to his past life and having four years of experience was not enough. He had never even gotten close to the Peak Level in his previous life.

Therefore, Sung-Min was nervous.

Spear in hand, Sung-Min lowered his knees, feeling as if time had stopped. It seemed like forever, but not even a minute had passed. His consciousness weakened, feeling like taffy and his breathing roughened. He could hear his heart pounding in his ears and his sight narrowed. Everything else blurred away, and only the figure of Namgoong, with his sword in hand, cleared in Sung-Min's vision.

Namgoong made the first move.

Sung-Min didn't know what Step Method he was using. It was uniquely strange, and just made him dizzy. Sung-Min responded automatically and used the No Shadow-Spirit Stealing Steps. Namgoong Heewon had consistency in his Step Method, while Sungmin's steps were quick and nimble.

The Leaving No Tracks Step is a Step Method that requires top speed among the No Shadow-Spirit Stealing Steps. One Step is a step that endeavors high consistency. Sungmin disappeared in a flash and appeared right in front of Namgoong.

Namgoong grinned.

He liked how Sung-Min was reckless enough to appear him to closely even with such a long weapon in hand.

Namgoong's wooden sword moved. Its seemed to move slowly, but the semi-circle Namgoong drew in the air had the power of sucking in everything in the vicinity by force. Sungmin gripped his rod that was squirming in his hand and countered back against Namgoong's sword using a 'Na' method.

POW!

Their weapons met with a clang and deflected.

Sung-Min readjusted his rod in hand and pulled back his weapon over his head.

The first few seconds in a fight are to see one's distance and speed.

He had a long weapon in hand but wasn't willing to submit to keeping the distance.

if Namgoong was a lower level, it wouldn't be a problem, but Sung-Min felt Namgoong was definitely stronger than himself.

Sung-Min stepped back as he thrust his rod forward. Once he stretched out the rod in both arms, he thrust out his body, giving him twice the distance Namgoong would be able to use. This was the advantage of using a long weapon like a rod or spear. Once a clear distance is made and maintained, it would be difficult for the opponent to break in.