Chapter 227: Feasibility of Sword Aura Fusion
"Dual sword auras?" Edgar echoed thoughtfully, stroking his chin. "Young Master, to answer your question simply: no, it's not common at all. In fact, it's an extraordinarily rare feat. To use two swords effectively is already a significant challenge. It demands exceptional spatial awareness, flawless coordination, and extraordinary reflexes."
Orion nodded slowly, his eyes reflecting keen interest. "So, just mastering dual-wielding swordsmanship alone is that demanding?"
Edgar nodded firmly. "Precisely. But once you add sword aura into the equation, the complexity grows exponentially. Sword aura isn't just a technique—it's the fusion of deep elemental comprehension and swordsmanship mastery."
"To simultaneously wield two different elemental sword auras, the practitioner must split their mental focus perfectly between both elements, synchronizing their physical movements seamlessly. Only a scant few whom I know have successfully accomplished such mastery."
Orion absorbed Edgar's words silently, considering their implications carefully. He imagined again the Echo's fluid, elegant movements, wielding contrasting yet complementary sword auras with near-perfect harmony.
"What about… Sword Aura Fusion?" Orion suddenly asked, his voice slightly more hesitant yet deeply intrigued. "Would it be more difficult than wielding dual sword auras?"
Edgar's eyes widened momentarily before a gentle chuckle escaped his lips. Lucan leaned back curiously, clearly intrigued by Orion's ambitious question.
"Sword Aura Fusion," Edgar began slowly, his tone calm yet deeply knowledgeable, "falls under the broader category of Elemental Fusion itself. And Elemental Fusion is considered hundreds, perhaps even thousands of times harder than simply using two sword auras separately."
"Thousands of times harder?" Orion asked softly, clearly surprised despite his expectations.
Edgar nodded gravely, his eyes reflecting genuine seriousness. "Indeed, Young Master. Elemental Fusion demands not only profound understanding of each individual element but also requires the physical and spiritual strength to withstand the immense backlash resulting from the clashing elements."
"Merely controlling one sword aura is strenuous enough—forcing two different sword auras into harmony is practically impossible for anyone below the Ninth Tier. In fact, even those who've transcended the Ninth Tier most of the time fail disastrously when attempting fusion."
Lucan leaned back dramatically, letting out a low whistle. "In other words, it's madness to even try. Few historical records speak of successful fusions, and those who succeeded were often exceptional existences—geniuses among geniuses."
Orion listened intently, thoughtful silence filling the carriage briefly. "And what exactly happens if someone attempts Elemental Fusion without being prepared?"
Edgar's expression darkened slightly, his voice solemn. "The best outcome is severe injury, lasting damage to one's mana channels and Sea of Consciousness. The worst—complete annihilation from elemental backlash, destruction of one's Sea of Consciousness, and even death."
The gravity of Edgar's words settled over them quietly. Orion exhaled deeply, yet his eyes retained a spark of slight excitement. "I see… then such a path truly isn't something lightly considered."
[Don't even think about it. (ಠ_ಠ)]
Edgar nodded, his gaze softening as he noticed Orion's serious yet curious expression. "Precisely. However, Young Master, with your talent and unparalleled potential, if anyone might grasp such a fusion in the distant future, it might just be you."
"Nevertheless, it mustn't be rushed, and solid foundational comprehension of each element individually is essential first."
Orion smiled appreciatively at Edgar's careful advice. "I understand, Uncle Edgar. I'll focus on mastering my current elements deeply before even contemplating something so dangerous."
Lucan chuckled, breaking the solemn mood, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Honestly, Young Master, only you could seriously contemplate something as absurdly difficult as Elemental Fusion with a straight face."
Orion laughed lightly, shaking his head with amused resignation. "Perhaps you're right, Brother Lucan. But ambition is part of what drives improvement. Even if it's currently impossible, setting ambitious goals can still guide my path forward."
Edgar's eyes filled with pride, offering Orion a gentle nod. "Well said, Young Master. Such unwavering resolve and ambition are precisely what define truly great individuals. And I believe you indeed possess the potential to accomplish unprecedented feats."
Orion's expression brightened at Edgar's praise, his determination solidifying further. The gentle rumbling of the carriage wheels continued steadily, carrying them smoothly toward the Helstorm Estate.
The obsidian carriage smoothly came to a halt before the grand entrance of the Helstorm Estate.
Orion stepped out first, breathing in the fresh, crisp air that lingered pleasantly with the scent of meticulously tended gardens.
Edgar calmly descended afterward, straightening his posture, while Lucan hopped down with a theatrical stretch and yawn.
Orion turned toward the two of them, a glint of enthusiasm in his clear eyes. "Uncle Edgar, Brother Lucan, let's head to the training ground—I'd like you both to train with me again."
Edgar nodded immediately, his demeanor composed and professional as always. "Certainly, Young Master. Regular practice is always beneficial."
Lucan, however, dramatically feigned exhaustion, letting out an exaggerated groan. "Training again? Didn't you already have enough exercise in that damn tower today, Young Master? Must you always torment poor Lucan?"
Orion smiled lightly, giving Lucan a mildly amused glance. "Oh? And here I thought a Demon as strong as you would enjoy some healthy exercise."
Lucan clutched his chest dramatically, eyes wide in mock offense. "Healthy exercise? You're clearly trying to kill me slowly! Ah, the cruelty of youth!"
Edgar chuckled softly, shaking his head gently at Lucan's theatrics. "Enough drama, Lucan. The Young Master wishes to practice, and it's our duty to help him."
Lucan let out a resigned sigh, shoulders drooping exaggeratedly. "Very well. Since I accepted the payment, then I must see it through!"
Orion chuckled lightly, leading them toward the training grounds situated behind the Helstorm Mansion.
The training area was an expansive space, well-kept with smooth stone flooring etched subtly with runic designs that shimmered faintly beneath the late-afternoon sunlight.
Ornate weapon racks lined the edges, holding an impressive variety of polished blades and practice equipment.
Taking his position calmly in the center of the training ground, Orion drew his obsidian sword, its dark blade gleaming softly.
Edgar and Lucan took their positions opposite him, each wielding training swords that mirrored their preferred fighting styles.
"Let's begin," Orion said calmly, eyes sharpening instantly with intense focus.
In a synchronized movement, Edgar and Lucan surged forward, their attacks seamless and coordinated, reflecting years of combat experience.
Orion met their combined assault with measured precision, his swordsmanship fluid and steady, calmly analyzing and adapting to their tactics.
Each strike, parry, and dodge was executed cleanly and thoughtfully, showcasing his remarkable growth in combat instinct and spatial awareness.
After a prolonged exchange, Orion saw an ideal moment to reveal the fruits of his recent training.
His mana surged subtly, quickly enveloping his obsidian blade in a vivid crimson aura—the unmistakable power of his newly mastered Fire Sword Aura.
Edgar's eyes widened sharply in genuine astonishment. Lucan nearly stumbled backward, blurting out, "Holy shit! You already learned Fire Sword Aura, Young Master?!"
Orion merely smiled faintly, pressing forward with renewed vigor. His strikes became noticeably fiercer, each blow infused with controlled flames that left faint, lingering warmth in the air.
"Remarkable!" Edgar praised earnestly, admiration evident in his voice. "Young Master, the speed of your progress never ceases to amaze me."
Lucan recovered quickly, laughing incredulously. "Seriously, Young Master, are you even human at this point? I barely finished complaining about your training frequency, and here you are with another ridiculous breakthrough!"
"Just wait and watch." Orion said with a smirk.
The exchange continued with even greater intensity. Orion skillfully utilized his Fire Sword Aura to withstand their combined offense, continually pushing his own limits.