I Can See the Sword’s Memories

Chapter 10

Saeorin’s next opponent was a girl who looked to be about the same age—or more precisely, about the age of Saeorin’s younger sister.

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Fel Flora.”

The girl introduced herself as Fel Flora. From the noble family name preceding Flora’s given name, Saeorin could infer her social status.

Among the civilized people, there existed a special class called nobles. Those whose names included a family name were members of the nobility. That meant Flora was a noble as well.

Indeed, Flora seemed different from ordinary people. Her attire, the air she exuded, and even the faint scent that drifted on the breeze—everything about her was unusual.

“Saeorin.”

“You said you came from beyond the snowy mountains, didn’t you? Does everyone in your tribe have such beautiful hair?”

‘Curious, isn’t she.’

Instead of answering, Saeorin unsheathed his sword. This wasn’t a place for idle chatter. It was a place for combat.

“You’re impatient.”

Flora radiated composure in everything she did. Her gaze carried the weight of someone who looked down on all things, her calm demeanor remained intact even when facing an opponent’s drawn sword, and her commanding presence seemed at odds with her petite frame.

Everything about her seemed natural, as if she had been born with it.

‘Are all nobles like this?’

“Begin!”

As Saeorin pondered the question, the signal to start was given. Immediately, he pushed all thoughts aside and swung his sword.

He began lightly, with a tentative strike to gauge his opponent’s skill. The attack carried minimal force, allowing an easy transition into a defensive stance if needed.

Swoosh—!

Saeorin’s attack missed completely. Flora sidestepped backward, evading the strike without even drawing her sword.

Her lack of a drawn weapon indicated that her turn had not yet begun. Saeorin spun his blade and unleashed a series of consecutive thrusts targeting Flora’s upper and middle sections, followed by a sweeping slash aimed at her torso. The silver blade caught the moonlight, scattering a faint blue glow as it traced a long, elegant arc.

Flora’s sword emerged at that precise moment. It seemed as though she had been waiting for the right moment to counter. The blade struck Saeorin’s sword with immense force.

Clang—!

The clash of metal sent tiny sparks dancing in the air. Saeorin winced as a sharp pain radiated from his wrist.

The impact had been heavy—like striking an immovable boulder.

Despite Saeorin’s destabilized stance, Flora didn’t press her advantage. Instead, she halted and smiled, as if granting him time to recover.

A single breath.

That was all the time Flora gave him. Enough for Saeorin to regain his footing and ready his sword once more.

Swoosh—!

Her sword sliced through the air with precision. Saeorin hurriedly retreated, narrowly avoiding the blade’s path.

Her strength was overwhelming. Engaging her directly wasn’t an option—circling to find an opening was the better strategy.

Just as Saeorin began to execute his plan, Flora’s sword abruptly changed direction. The reflected moonlight left a faint, trailing glow as her blade curved sharply.

There was no way to avoid it. He had to block it.

Saeorin swung his sword to meet the attack.

Clang—!

“Ugh!”

A groan escaped through clenched teeth as another powerful shock reverberated through his body. Saeorin continued to parry her relentless strikes while stepping back repeatedly.

Clang! Clang—!

The more attacks he absorbed, the more the toll accumulated. His wrist trembled, and he retreated further, clutching his shaking hand.

“Hah…”

Despite her barrage of strikes, Flora showed no signs of exhaustion. On the contrary, she smiled lightly as if to demonstrate her continued ease, swinging her sword elegantly in the air.

Her movements were light, graceful, and refined.

“Not bad. I thought you’d drop your sword.”

Saeorin bit his lip at Flora’s comment. He had nearly lost his grip. If he hadn’t held on tightly, the sword would’ve slipped from his hand.

“If that’s all you can show me, let’s end this here. I have dinner plans with my father.”

The moment Flora finished speaking, the atmosphere shifted. It felt as though a perfectly honed blade had been pointed directly at him.

Saeorin exhaled slowly, steadying his nerves.

The faster the sword moved, the more power it required. Conversely, wielding great force necessitated speed.

Strength came from muscle. Yet, Flora’s arms were slender.

‘It’s that power.’

Saeorin finally understood the source of Flora’s immense strength. It was a mysterious energy, the kind that could be felt deep within the forest. 

Occasionally unleashed, it enhanced physical abilities. Flora was undoubtedly channeling this energy.

‘It’s a power she can control.’

A smile crept across Saeorin’s lips. The stinging pain in his wrist was no longer noticeable.

Life has been a series of lessons. Ever since crossing the mountains, Saeorin had constantly encountered new experiences. His once narrow world had crumbled, replaced by towering new walls of knowledge.

It felt as though his perspective was expanding. Embracing this broadening world, Saeorin raised his sword toward his opponent.

“Oh…”

Sensing a shift in Saeorin’s aura, Flora’s lips curled into an intrigued smile. That smile was the signal.

Taah—!

Flora kicked off the ground, her body becoming a blur. Her swift movement resembled someone gliding effortlessly across an icy surface.

Saeorin calmed his breathing and waited for an opportunity—just like the predators of the snowy plains, who only revealed themselves at the very last moment. Holding his breath, Saeorin moved the faint energy within his body.

Flora’s blade swung a half-beat slower than expected, carving an unusual trajectory through the air. Unlike before, her sword’s wavering motion seemed designed to distract Saeorin’s focus.

Saeorin locked his gaze onto her movements. What he needed was sheer power. Anything else was unnecessary.

No matter where her blade aimed, he would meet it head-on with raw strength.

Swoosh—!

The moment he had been waiting for arrived. Reacting to the faint sound of her blade, Saeorin swung his sword.

His held breath exploded outward in a burst, and his previously subdued presence swelled instantaneously.

Flora, however, was unfazed. She had anticipated that her opponent was hiding a trump card. What caught her off guard was not Saeorin’s attack itself, but the intensity of his gaze in that instant.

Her vision faltered. As her eyes met Saeorin’s, the shadowy form of a massive wolf appeared behind him, fangs bared in a feral snarl.

Her breath hitched. Simultaneously, the flow of mana that had been coursing through her body was disrupted, and the strength augmenting her movements dissipated.

For a brief moment, her mind went blank, overwhelmed by the sudden hallucination.

Quickly realizing her mistake, Flora exhaled sharply and forced her mana to flow once more.

I was half a breath too slow, she thought. There’s not enough power in this strike.

Claaang—!

The clash of their swords erupted with a sharp, resonating sound. The mana-infused blades screamed as they collided, sending out strange, rippling waves.

Crack—!

The first sword to fracture was Saeorin’s. Seeing this, Flora smiled, certain of her victory.

But the next moment, something unexpected occurred. The pressure forcing her sword back vanished in an instant, and Saeorin ducked low, slipping directly into her personal space.

For a fleeting moment, Flora entertained the thought: Is she acknowledging defeat and coming to embrace me in admiration of my skill?

Thwack—!

That was until a small fist collided with her face.

“What the…!”

Thwack—!

‘This barbaric…!’

Saeorin’s punches didn’t stop. Clutching her small fists tightly, she repeatedly struck Flora’s face.

Caught completely off guard, Flora allowed two consecutive hits before staggering backward and dropping her sword. Immediately, another punch landed squarely on her face.

Smack—!

This time, the sound was sharper, almost satisfying in its clarity. Flora’s body quivered for a moment before collapsing entirely.

Saeorin climbed on top of Flora and delivered two more punches to her face.

Thud—! Thud—!

“Stop! That’s enough!”

Had someone not intervened, Saeorin likely would have delivered at least five more blows to Flora’s face.

Hoo…

Saeorin obediently stepped back. Her opponent was unconscious—she had won. Blood dripped from her clenched fists, staining the ground below.

Still filled with adrenaline and excitement, Saeorin raised her bloodied fist high. It was a reflexive action, a behavior ingrained from her tribe’s traditions.

This fight was a dedication to the wolf god and a testament to the honor of a warrior of the tribe.

But there were no brothers, no tribespeople, nor her younger sister here to celebrate her victory. Only silence and the eyes of strangers.

Letting out a deep sigh, Saeorin turned to the judges.

“Th-the winner is… Saeorin!”

After the winner was decided, the unconscious Flora was carried out of the arena on a stretcher. Her face, swollen beyond recognition, was a testament to the brutal fight.

Saeorin stood still, facing Flora as she was taken away, and struck her chest twice with her right fist. 

This was a traditional gesture of respect among the White Frost Tribe, used to acknowledge a worthy opponent.

‘Fel Flora. She was a strong adversary.’

If Flora hadn’t held back, Saeorin knew the fight would have ended in her own defeat. She collected her fractured sword and returned to her tent.

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