The optimized low-level strength potion formula had replaced several materials and halved the cost. According to the chip's analysis, the enhancement effect on strength had now increased threefold compared to the original formula. Luciel's excitement was palpable as he thought, "This optimized formula is truly a golden key, and my subsequent practice will rely heavily on it…"
Over the next few days, Luciel dedicated himself completely to perfecting his basic swordsmanship, footwork, and self-training. His entire focus was on improving his physical abilities and mastering his skills.
Of course, he also made sure to purchase large quantities of blue orange fruit.
A week later, Luciel found himself in a secluded corner of the Orland Knight Academy, practicing his swordsmanship with intensity. Holding a long wooden sword, he executed his moves with precision: slashing, thrusting, stabbing, and sweeping. Each strike sliced through the air with a sharp sound, the blade cutting like an iron sword. His footwork matched the grace of a lone wolf, agile and deadly.
Slash… Thrust… Swipe…
Luciel's focus was unwavering as his movements grew sharper, more fluid, and more dangerous. His body had adapted to the rhythm of the strikes, and with every movement, he felt the sword becoming a part of him. The sharp wind generated by his wooden sword showed that his practice was paying off. Sweat beaded on his forehead, dampening his chestnut hair, but his face was calm and composed.
"1034 basic swordsmanship drills have been completed... possibly even two thousand by now…"
Luciel had thrown himself into his training this past week with incredible dedication. He had pushed himself beyond limits, completing over two thousand drills. The repetition was wearing him down physically, but the results were undeniable. The number of times he had practiced basic swordsmanship and footwork had led to a significant improvement in his overall physical attributes.
His current physical stats were vastly different from when he first started.
[Power: 3.4
Speed: 1.5
Physique: 1.2
Will: 2.2]
The increase in his physique was due to the high-intensity training regimen, while the willpower boost was a result of the blue orange fruit he had consumed.
"The taste of blue orange fruit is so sour... After eating several hundred kilograms of it, my teeth feel like they're going to fall out," Luciel thought, grimacing. "If it weren't for my strong will, I would have given up on this training long ago."
He had initially thought that the 2-point strength enhancement limit of the blue orange fruit would feel more pronounced, but after consuming so much, he no longer felt the effect as strongly. "This enhancement process is more like painful torture than anything else," Luciel muttered, shaking his head.
Aside from physical attributes, Luciel had perfected both basic swordsmanship and basic footwork. Reaching 100% perfection with basic swordsmanship had brought him a profound connection to his weapon. It felt as though the long sword had become an extension of his own arm.
"The sword feels like it's part of my body now," Luciel thought.
He drew the sword in a straight line, and as it cut through the air, it produced a sharp sound, followed by a faint "buzzing." Luciel could see the tip of the sword trembling with a high frequency as it cut through the air. "Incredible. A wooden sword shouldn't be able to do this."
After completing the movement, Luciel reflected, "Based on the analysis of the chip, when my basic swordsmanship reached 100% perfection, it was the first state. Now... I think I'm in the second state."
With that, Luciel sheathed the sword and stood still, considering his progress. "I wonder how much combat power I can exert in actual combat? My strength is likely far beyond that of a level two apprentice knight. I might even be at level three or four…"
However, Luciel knew his speed and physique were still lacking. He needed to find the appropriate enhancement materials for these attributes.
"I'll need to buy low-level speed and physique potions to analyze them," Luciel thought, but the 40 gold coins required to purchase both potions presented a challenge.
"The optimized low-level strength potions could help me earn a lot of gold coins…" Luciel mused. He had a plan to sell his own strength potions, but before he could begin, he would need to learn about magical pharmacy and purchase the necessary tools and materials.
The latter part of the plan required at least twenty gold coins, which Luciel currently didn't have. He only had five gold coins left, and the intense training had taken a toll on his resources. Without the expensive blue orange fruit to fuel his diet, he wouldn't have been able to keep up the pace.
"I need sixteen more gold coins to make this happen," Luciel thought. Sending a letter home to Baron Ruf, asking for money, would take too long. The carriage would take at least a month to deliver the money, and Luciel was reluctant to ask Baron Ruf for more financial support. After all, the Baron had already been generous enough to allow him to stay in the Cavalier Academy for three years despite his underperformance.
"Bellis? She might have some savings," Luciel briefly entertained the idea, but quickly dismissed it. The academic gap between him and his sister was too wide, and her sharp personality made Luciel feel uncomfortable. He also knew that magicians spent a great deal of money on their education, so Bellis was likely stretched thin financially despite her genius status.
"The noble sword on the wall may be worth something, but it's Baron Ruf's most beloved sword… I'm not about to sell that unless it's a last resort."
A sudden thought struck Luciel, and he froze. "Scholarships!"
His eyes lit up with realization. If Bellis could get a scholarship, then why couldn't he? With his current abilities, Luciel was sure he could prove himself worthy of one. The prospect of a scholarship was exactly what he needed.
"I should have thought of this sooner," Luciel thought, a smile forming at the corner of his mouth.
With a plan now in mind, Luciel was more determined than ever to push forward, confident that the next chapter of his journey was already beginning to unfold.