Chapter 10 (1/2)

Chapter 10. The Beginning of Kurotan’s Training (2)

TL: Warriormonk

Editor: Isleidir

Luke’s complexion paled. He did not remember exactly how many, but he had seen reports of the death of multiple Aura Experts among the knights that had been sent to fight the Orcs in the Eastern mountain ranges.

“How shocking to think of an Aura Expert among the Orcs. I wonder whether the commanders were aware of this?”

Luke frowned as if he had a headache. Up until the level of Aura Expert, it was impossible to tell a person’s achievement in Aura. Only the visible Aura being expelled by an Aura Master made it clear.

“Are there any Aura Masters among the Orcs?”

“Master?”

“Any Orcs that could use Maal’s blessing through weapons or armor.”

Kurotan slowly shook his head.

“I have never seen any such warriors.”

“It seems that Aura Expert is the limit for Orcs. Of course, the Orcs that don’t even have sword arts wouldn’t have any Aura cultivation techniques. And their lifespans are shorter than a human’s…”

Luke looked at Kurotan with a new light in his eyes. It was true that Luke had achieved the level of an Aura User, but that was because he was born in a prestigious House. The Esteban House had its own unique Aura cultivation technique, the most valuable heirloom of the House.

The Aura cultivation technique of the Esteban House was a high level method that had given birth to many Aura Experts. Kurotan, however, had reached the level of Aura Expert with effort and perseverance alone.

Luke looked at Kurotan with conflicting feelings.

‘What would happen If I taught this b.a.s.t.a.r.d an Aura cultivation technique?’

Luke smiled bitterly after pondering for a while. Not even branch families of the House would be taught the Aura cultivation technique, so it was impossible to teach it to Kurotan.

‘It’s a shame, but nothing I can do about it. I am still curious though, as to the level Kurotan could achieve if he had a proper Aura cultivation technique.’

The longer Luke thought, he couldn’t help but get a bit jealous as well. Luke had trained extremely hard in order to reach the level of Aura Expert, but had yet to reach the level of controlling his Aura.

‘My talent is inferior to an Orc’s…’

Luke suddenly stopped thinking and stood up.

“Let’s get started on our way. You’ll be running like before.”

Kurotan stopped swinging his sword and put on his chain mail.

“Then let’s start.”

Kurotan began running again after tying the rope to his waist himself.

Luke followed in a relaxed manner on horseback.

“Your posture has improved, but it’s still awkward. Your back is still hunched, straighten up.”

Luke’s guidance did not stop, and Kurotan ran and ran following Luke’s orders.

Because Kurotan continued to run without rest, they were able to arrive at a village ahead of schedule.

“This is Holden Village. I’m glad we don’t have to sleep outdoors.”

Luke glanced up at the quickly darkening sky. Kurotan was heaving heavy breaths besides the horse.

Luke untied Kurotan and rented a room in the village inn. The scale of the village was small, and there was only one inn in the village.

Luke nodded silently as he ate the dishes he had ordered.

‘Kurotan has improved a lot.’

Kurotan was dining on his meal like a human. He was using a fork and knife to cut his bread and meat, as Luke had trained him to do. It was a surprising change from the disturbance they had caused in Lactel City.

‘There’s still a lot to teach him.’

Luke frowned when he entered the room with Kurotan. It was because of the stench emanating from Kurotan’s body.

“d.a.m.n. Looks like you’ll have to wash up before we sleep.”

Kurotan’s face turned ugly.

“What do you mean wash up.”

“Listen well. The human body needs to be washed for it to not get sick.”

“No. It will feel weird if I wash up.”

Luke frowned as he recalled the stench of the Orc hideout.

Of course, Luke had a surefire way of convincing Kurotan.

“You want to wash up after I beat you up? Or just wash up.”

“Keuuu…”

Kurotan’s face turned even uglier. His choice was obvious.

“I will just wash up. I do not want to get hit.”

“Let’s go together. I’ve gotten dusty after a day of riding.”

Luke grabbed Kurotan’s arm and dragged him to a nearby well.

Luke hadn’t actually sweated that much, but he didn’t want to leave Kurotan to wash by himself.

‘I have to make sure he washes up properly.’

The rest of their travel was fairly smooth. The public peace was highly maintained as they approached the center of Hansel Kingdom. They were examined at the borderlines of all territories, but Luke’s status as a retiring officer ensured quick pa.s.sage.

Kurotan was also able to get by thanks to Luke’s efficient business skills.

Kurotan couldn’t stop from exclaiming in amazement.

“Humans are very strict about enforcing their borders. I would never have made it this far alone.”

“Forget ‘this far’. You wouldn’t even have made it out of the Orc hideout.”

“I agree. It’s thanks to you that I can now put up a decent front as a human.”

Kurotan looked down at his hands. Hardened flesh studded the once soft palms.