Chapitre 7: Chapter 7: The Swordmaster
Liam wasn't wrong—this was just the beginning. The Sakoku Decree had just been issued, the Vision Hunt Decree hadn't started yet, the wards on Yashiori Island hadn't been destroyed, the Tatarigami hadn't turned the island into a ghost town, and the mini-nuke on Tatarasuna hadn't exploded.
However, the Sakoku Decree was already in place. It wouldn't be long before the Vision Hunt Decree followed. Even if Liam couldn't stop it, his current status might give him some room to maneuver.
His strength wasn't enough yet. If it were, he could directly challenge the Shogun to a duel. But for now, these thoughts remained private, unvoiced in front of Raiden Makoto.
"Liam, do you have any way to stop Ei?" Raiden Makoto asked, looking at Liam. She wanted to wake her sister up with harsh words, but as a mere soul residing in another's consciousness, she had no means to intervene.
"Honestly, no. You know your sister's temperament. Besides, there's the even more stubborn Shogun. Trying to change their minds with words alone is like dreaming," Liam shook his head helplessly. The gentle Ei and the straightforward Shogun were both endearing, but only if you didn't oppose them. When they fought, they didn't hold back.
Hearing this, and recalling her sister's personality, Raiden Makoto sighed.
She then remembered what Liam had said about resolving her physical form and asked, "Liam, you mentioned you could help me with my body. When can you do that?"
"I'm not sure either. I brought your soul back by chance. I can't say when your body issue will be resolved," Liam shook his head, then added, "I know you're anxious, but don't worry. I mentioned earlier that Inazuma hasn't hit rock bottom yet. As long as I'm here, it won't completely fall apart."
"Alright then. I'll leave Inazuma in your hands," Raiden Makoto calmed down, bowing to Liam.
Liam stopped her and looked around the white, blank consciousness space. With a thought, the space transformed into a sunny meadow with chirping birds and blooming flowers. A small villa appeared, fully furnished with all modern conveniences.
"What is this?" Raiden Makoto asked in confusion.
"This is my consciousness space. Isn't it normal to change its form a bit? You don't know how long you'll be staying here. That blank space could drive anyone mad after a while," Liam said with a smile. He liked the gentle Makoto and thought it wouldn't hurt to make her stay more comfortable.
"Thank you," Raiden Makoto said gratefully, sensing the kindness in Liam.
"No need to thank me. If you want to see the outside world, just share my vision. I won't restrict you. I still have some things to take care of, so I'll leave now. You can rest here," Liam said with a smile.
"Thank you very much," Raiden Makoto replied.
Liam nodded and left the consciousness space, slowly opening his eyes in the real world.
"I can put off the real task for now. I still have a reward to check," Liam muttered, opening his system panel.
"The system said this reward wouldn't disappoint. I hope it doesn't let me down," he thought, summoning a silver, diamond-shaped crystal.
Without hesitation, Liam pressed the crystal to his forehead. In an instant, he fell unconscious.
In his daze, Liam felt like he was living another life. He became a wandering swordmaster with unparalleled sword skills, facing few equals.
When he finally woke up, his eyes were still a bit dazed, but there was a newfound sharpness in them.
Rubbing his temples, he asked tiredly, "System, what just happened?"
[Ding~! Transferring knowledge directly isn't beneficial for your development, so I put you through an illusion where you became a swordmaster. This way, the sword skills and experiences are truly yours. It's exhausting, but it won't harm you, so I didn't inform you beforehand.]
"Ah, you're really something, system!" Liam exclaimed, holding his head in exasperation.
"So, this is what you meant by a full set of sword skills and experience?"
[Ding~! If you don't like it, I can cancel such bonuses in the future.]
"Uh, no! Don't say that, system!" Liam quickly changed his tone. Comparing the lifetime of sword skills and combat experience he gained, the secret technique Blade Reversal seemed like a bonus. If he missed out on such benefits in the future, he'd regret it deeply.
"System, open my personal panel!" Liam commanded. Instantly, a light screen appeared before him.
[Host: Liam Norville]
[Age: 20 (Fixed)]
[Items: Judgment of Shamash, Seven Thunders of Retribution: Rumble, Gem of the End, Herrscher Core of the Void, Nectar of the Eternal Garden]
[Identities: Herrscher of the Void, Herrscher of the End (Unawakened)]
[Skills: Swordsmanship: Instant One Heart Style]
[Herrscher Core of the Void: 20/100, Gem of the End: 0/100]
[Strength Evaluation: Stronger than most Vision holders, with the ability to power up anytime!]
"My strength has improved a lot! Especially this Instant One Heart Style, it's taken me from a complete novice to a master swordsman!" Liam mused, rubbing his chin. Gaining new skills was indeed the fastest way to grow stronger!
Now, he had a means of self-defense. Even if he encountered someone he couldn't defeat, as the Herrscher of the Void, he could always escape. Who could stop him?
Liam then took out Seven Thunders of Retribution, a magnificent purple katana, just like in the game, though unfortunately without a sheath.
He knew the lore behind Seven Thunders of Retribution and felt a faint connection with it. It seemed that this willful lady was quite compatible with him!
After examining Seven Thunders of Retribution for a while, Liam placed it beside him and immediately went to sleep. The illusion created by the system had drained him completely, and he was utterly exhausted. All he wanted was a good night's rest.
Liam ended up sleeping until the next day.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
A series of knocks on the door abruptly woke him. Frowning in annoyance, Liam slowly opened his eyes.
"Who's there?" he called out.
"It's me. The Shogun has summoned you," came a stern female voice.
"This voice... Kujou Sara? And she said the Shogun wants to see me?" Liam instantly snapped awake and responded, "Got it, I'll be there soon. Sara, you can go back now."
"Alright, but hurry. The Shogun is waiting for you," Kujou Sara replied before leaving. Listening to the sound of her wooden clogs clicking away, Liam quickly got up, freshened up a bit, and vanished from his spot in a flash.
At the Shogun's residence,
"Master, Sara told me you were looking for me. Is there something you need?" Liam asked directly upon arriving in front of Raiden Shogun.
Raiden Shogun looked at him with a hint of curiosity. "Strange. When you left yesterday, you were just an ordinary person. How did you change so much overnight? You now seem like a seasoned warrior with decades of experience."
Liam was secretly amazed at her keen perception. "Actually, I awakened some memories last night, which is why I overslept today," he explained. Strictly speaking, he wasn't lying. Though it was an illusion, the experiences were indeed his own, and he had indeed slept in because of it.
"If that's the case, I won't inquire further. However, I will test your swordsmanship shortly," Raiden Shogun said, showing her understanding.
"Master, is there another reason you called me here?" Liam asked.
"Yes. Yesterday, the Kujou Clan came to me. Following their advice, I have issued the 'Vision Hunt Decree' to confiscate Visions and build the Statue of a Thousand Arms and Hundred Eyes to establish the foundation of eternity. I want you to oversee this matter," Raiden Shogun said calmly.
"What! The Vision Hunt Decree?" Liam was shocked.
"Do you have any questions?" Raiden Shogun asked, noticing his sudden agitation.
"Master, if Visions are granted by the gods in response to people's strong desires, taking them away is akin to stripping people of their dreams. Is this really a good idea?" Liam didn't expect the decree to come so soon. He had only just arrived in Inazuma, and now the Vision Hunt Decree was here. Despite knowing it might be futile, he still tried to persuade her. As expected, his efforts were in vain.
"This is for eternity! It is also her will," Raiden Shogun replied coolly.
Liam knew she was referring to Raiden Ei, the true Electro Archon of Inazuma.
"Very well. If it is your will, Master, I won't disappoint you," Liam said, seemingly resolute.
Raiden Shogun nodded slightly. Internally, Liam decided that if he couldn't change her mind, he would find another way to handle it, perhaps by replacing the Visions with glass beads.
"That's all. Let's go test your strength," Raiden Shogun said, leading the way.
Curious about his current swordsmanship level, Liam followed her without hesitation.
Soon, they arrived at a spacious training ground.
"Show me your strength," Raiden Shogun said, drawing her sword, Musou Isshin. Immediately, the surrounding Electro elements became more active.
"Master, isn't this just a spar? Why are you getting serious?" Liam quipped, but he didn't hesitate either. He drew Seven Thunders of Retribution and faced her.
"This sword!" Raiden Shogun's gaze was instantly drawn to Seven Thunders of Retribution, sensing its danger.
"What is this sword called?" she asked.
"It's called Seven Thunders of Retribution: Rumble, another work of the creator of Judgment of Shamash," Liam explained.
"Impressive. Let's begin," Raiden Shogun said, praising the sword and then assuming an attacking stance. Liam took a deep breath and prepared himself.
The next moment, they both moved.
"Clang! Clang!"
The sound of Musou Isshin and Seven Thunders of Retribution clashing filled the air, accompanied by flashes of lightning. Though their initial exchanges were simple, the entire training ground was soon awash with Electro energy.
Liam's attacks grew faster, and Raiden Shogun met each one without fail.
Their speed and power escalated, turning the training ground into a landscape of scattered debris and craters.
Raiden Shogun spotted a flaw in Liam's defense and thrust forward. Liam blocked with his sword but was sent flying. He quickly assumed a sheathing stance, despite lacking a scabbard, preparing for Blade Reversal.
Sensing danger, Raiden Shogun adopted a defensive stance.
"Boom!"
A fierce sword aura exploded, sending debris flying and raising a cloud of dust.
As the dust settled, Raiden Shogun still stood, unscathed.
Liam noticed a tear in her clothing, likely caused by the sudden burst of sword energy.
Raiden Shogun sheathed Musou Isshin and approached him.
"Impressive swordsmanship. Purely in terms of sword skills, you are worthy of the title 'swordmaster.' What is this style called?" she asked, her expression impassive but her eyes showing approval.
"Instant One Heart Style," Liam replied, sheathing Seven Thunders of Retribution at his waist.
"Good. With such strength, I am reassured. However, if you encounter any insurmountable danger, you can call for me directly. You are my only disciple, and I will naturally protect you. The enforcement of the Vision Hunt Decree is entirely in your hands," Raiden Shogun said, gently patting his head.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone