Surviving the Dungeon with an EX-Rank Trait

It’s great to have the opportunity to learn.

But isn’t this a bit sudden?

First, I quietly drew out Lehaegen.

Seeing that, Ivelyn whistled.

“Huh. I did ask you to take it out, but I’m more drawn to those gloves than the Great Sword. They said it’s unique equipment, right? Exactly what abilities does it have?”

“It can store up to five weapons for spatial storage, and its wearing effects are always applied. When using registered weapons, it adds a beginner-level correction…”

It’s not like a special trait appears for beginner Great Swordsmanship or anything.

I still hadn’t had the time to swing it around, so it felt like I wasn’t getting a grasp on it.

Scratching my cheek, I said, “Beginner-level correction, huh? I don’t feel it yet.”

“When that happens, it’s important to just swing it around and get your body moving. Just swinging that one-handed sword, whatever its name was, will definitely feel different without the gloves.”

Ivelyn gave me an answer as if it’s common sense, noting that gear’s honesty.

“Let’s swing the Great Sword first. This should probably qualify as a large sword or something. It’s a sword with a very clear purpose.”

If she’s suggesting we swing it, surely…

“You did train for two weeks, right? I’ll adjust to your level, so tell me what your stats are roughly at now.”

I thought to myself, couldn’t she just teach me feedback on my movements or some techniques regarding the Great Sword?

But eventually, I steeled my resolve and said my stats were roughly D in everything with agility at C-.

As soon as I finished speaking, Ivelyn gave me a shocked expression.

“You already have C-class stats? Did you eat some kind of miracle potion? Your growth is way too fast… Are you sure you’re not a divine-grade being?”

Not that sort of thing; I had absorbed traits from Isaac.

“Well, in any case, let’s start off with a target of all C-class. Got it?”

Not D?

“If I want to swing a sword, shouldn’t I aim for around D?”

“Don’t talk like a coward! Since this is a defense-oriented weapon, fighting against something just a bit stronger would be better. Would you just avoid fighting C or B-class opponents?”

‘Right. Even if a powerful foe appears that I can’t beat alone anymore… I should at least make an effort.’

If she’s adjusting to a level I could handle, I might as well just go for it.

Nodding, I got into position.

Seeing that, Ivelyn quickly jumped back to create some distance.

“Now that we’re starting, consider it a real fight!”

Ivelyn made a serious face, waved her hand in the air, and summoned a two-handed iron sword.

“Now then, get your act together and hold on!”

Whoosh!

Thud!

“Cough.”

My right hand holding the hilt went up.

My left hand, not to falter, stabilized the sword at its center.

Like lifting a shield, I absorbed the impact with the blade.

Well, I tried to.

I managed to withstand the strike, but that was about it.

The moment I thought I’d blocked it, my feet, firmly planted on the ground, unconsciously scraped backward, and the unrelieved shock made me exhale sharply.

“Adventurers with an average C-class or so have some sort of tailored traits and skills, you know?”

Thud!

Thud!

“Ugh!”

Even though it was just a simple downward strike, it felt incredibly heavy.

“Among them, there are plenty of adventurers who can output destruction beyond their own capabilities.”

Thud! Thud! Boom!

I kept getting pushed back.

Thanks to the sword’s capabilities, I could somehow block it, but that was it.

I had no initiative at all.

Ivelyn shouted at me.

“Don’t just rely on the sword’s abilities; you need to use them! Can you only defend? Are you some kind of front-line shield bearer?”

Bang! Boom!!!

“Huff, huh.”

…After taking a few hits, it felt like I was finally getting the hang of it.

Believing blindly in the sword’s abilities and only thinking about blocking with the blade while maintaining a defensive stance was truly foolish.

I could see all the attacks clearly in my eyes, red and marked. So what should I do?

‘What I need to do now is not only block. Every time a strike comes my way, adjust my posture to meet its trajectory!’

Reacting perfectly, thrusting forward first to break the attacker’s rhythm, parrying, deflecting, and finding openings to counter.

“Ah, now your gaze is more respectable. Let’s keep going!”

Ivelyn came at me with her sword, clearly pleased.

Clang! Clash!

Once I focused and got serious, even the sound I made while blocking felt different.

From below to above.

Clang!

As the attack missed, she continued with a string of strikes.

A sickening overhead slash that felt like it could split me in two.

A sharp diagonal cut that could just as easily split my torso.

She swiftly turned half a rotation, gathering strength at the tip of her sword to thrust.

“Haah!”

Slam! Clang.

Ring—!

Blocking the successive strikes and deflecting, before the stabbing point even reached me.

I thrust the Great Sword forward towards the contact point before it struck.

“Huff!”

In that brief opening.

Without thinking of what was behind me, I swung the firmly held sword with both hands.

Whoosh!

‘Damn it. That should have been a decisive strike.’

She barely evaded and made my attack look worthless.

Seeing my misaligned posture, she continued teaching.

“Don’t let the weapon dictate your rhythm; you must be the one who swings the weapon! Whether it’s a Great Sword or a one-handed sword, maintain calm as if every sword were an extension of your arm and cut through!”

Right. I’ve seen that somewhere before.

At first glance, the Great Sword may seem slow, but it’s actually a weapon that quickly swings using centrifugal motion.

‘Of course, there is a huge difference between modern two-handed swords and this bizarrely wide Great Sword I’m wielding. But…’

The difference in strength is just as significant.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Clang!

As I strode forward with determination, I concentrated on swinging and slicing through the space.

“Hah! The Great Sword relies entirely on strength, and there are plenty of users who just mash with the weight or slash down vertically. But you, you’re different!”

I heard the praise, but I had no time to reply.

Out of nowhere, Ivelyn’s crimson eyes sparkled sharply.

“Got a general idea now. Let’s finish this.”

“Kuh!”

Swish.

“Hah, huh.”

What’s wrong? That speed was definitely avoidable with my eyes.

That movement was on a completely different level.

In the moment the world slowed down, I couldn’t react as her sword smoothly glided toward me.

It came to a stop, lightly grazing my neck.

If I were to call aggressive swordsmanship forcing an attack to bend off-course, this was… I didn’t know how to describe it.

One thing was clear, though: at my current level, I was nowhere close.

After she retrieved her sword, she spoke to me.

“It definitely has an effect. For a total novice who’s wielded a Great Sword for the first time to maintain such balance and apply movement, it wouldn’t happen without some benefits unless they were a rare genius.”

“Huff, huff. Uh… it’s hard to breathe. Is that true? I definitely felt less difficulty displaying the movements that came to mind as I’d like.”

“Good. Take a breather. Let’s keep going. You didn’t think this was the end, did you?”

Of course not. How much could I have swung that thing? Naturally, this wasn’t the end.

“Phew. Let’s go again.”

*

After that, I swung the sword like a madman, receiving various pieces of advice and corrections.

By the time the sun began to set, I collapsed on the floor, completely exhausted from the training.

After a brief rest, Ivelyn asked me to share about my experiences in the Great Labyrinth since it was my first trip, so…

As we exchanged stories, I felt wrath when we heard about the human hunter ambushing us.

I clicked my tongue recalling how pathetic Isaac was and listened to everything from the emergence of the hierarchy alterers to how things had unfolded, even receiving a pat on my back for doing well.

In the midst of that, I even found myself discussing Yeriell’s complaints and worries after our return.

“Yeriell… said that?”

Ivelyn washed her face with a small splash of water.

Then she sighed lightly.

“Honestly, as an older sister, I just wanted to wrap her in only the best and most special things. I wanted to make sure she wouldn’t face any dangerous situations. But…”

She paused for a moment.

“I thought that by being too overprotective, I might end up making her miss challenges she needs to overcome by herself.”

She continued while gazing as if to say, “You know what I mean.”

“Just relying on equipment and consumables without effort to keep climbing levels would eventually ruin one’s self. It’s obvious if you think about it, right?”

I understood.

Even if you stuffed them full of high-end gear.

If you filled the backpack with unusual magical tools or high-level spell scrolls each time you went into the labyrinth.

When faced with strong monsters or hostile adventurers, would anyone even attempt to confront them using the skills they possessed?

Or would they whip out the scrolls to get a freebie from their backpack?

Naturally, I’d be the latter.

“So I just provided solid priest equipment support and some spare funds…”

Ivelyn’s voice solidified, as if she had made a decision.

“I might have been too indecisive just because she’s my only younger sister.”

With tightly closed eyes, she nodded.

“I still maintain the belief that living as an adventurer rather than just a mere priest of the Light Church should entail facing some degree of risk. However…”

“But?”

“If she said that, then I must ensure she has the foundation to follow after, without feeling hopeless.”

Ivelyn’s red eyes ignited fiercely.

…Did I say something I shouldn’t have?

‘No, I can’t think that way. I promised yesterday that I’d strive to do my best, and this is an opportunity for Yeriell as well. A chance that others wish they could have but can’t.’

This was a perfect party enhancement event.

“From tomorrow, before we enter the labyrinth, have her come speak to me first.”

The sacred teachings? Faithfulness? They’re all important, but she insists on having things to teach her before sending Yeriell to the cathedral.

“Understood. I—”

Before I could finish.

Ivelyn flicked my nose lightly upon seeing my expression.

“Thinking of handling Yeriell already makes me hurt a bit, but… Don’t worry. Who do you think I am?”

“Of course! The teacher knows exactly what to do.”

I nodded in agreement. She would handle it well. No need to worry.

“Then I’ll need to have a serious talk with Yeriell tomorrow. Ah, how many days will you be gone? There’s quite some time before the labyrinth opens.”

“Understood. I’ll make sure to tell Yeriell that the teacher wishes to see her tomorrow, and I’ll return a few days later.”

“Yes, yes. Promise?”

With sore muscles, I moved to bid farewell to Ivelyn before stepping outside the building.

Having wrapped up the most important task of my return,

I was now feeling relieved enough to handle other matters.

‘For instance, making a contract with the wind spirit possessing the trait gained by eliminating Isaac. Or maybe…’

—You can contract a low-level wind spirit. Upon successful contracting, the spirit will grow according to the user’s level.

‘I’m sure Rotten, if we can smoothly navigate this next labyrinth, said he’d teach us some useful skills.’

Seeing the way he cherished Lumia like a granddaughter, that offhand remark seemed most likely genuine.

I should probably bring that up when I return to the inn tonight or when I greet him in the morning.

‘Of course, I’d prefer it if he would casually offer to teach me on his own instead of me awkwardly bringing it up. But…’

Whatever. Let’s just go. Get washed up, eat with the two of them, and so on.

Yawning due to the sudden exhaustion, I left the Knights’ building.

Lifting my head, I glanced at the sky gradually darkening with the sun setting as I moved toward the carriage station.

*

“In my adventurer days, they used to call me the name of the pinnacle: ‘The Pinnacle Rotten’. That’s the name I proved myself with in this city and the Great Labyrinth.”

He said that with a hearty laugh.

“Of course… Now I’m nothing but an old man forgotten for not reaching the depths, but still.”

He looked at me with eyes sharper than his age suggested.

“Focused training. I will pass down one of the roots that made me who I am today.”

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