Deon stood in the courtyard of the Grayson Family Mansion, holding a rusted steel sword in his hand. Sweat dripped down his body as he continually swung the sword multiple times without pause. Suddenly, his body released a burst of yellow Energy, yelling as he stabbed the sword at the orichalcum dummy. Instantly, three yellow copies of the same sword, condensed from Deon's Energy, converged on the point the original sword was aiming at. There was an explosion as everything around the dummy, except for Deon, was blown away from the impact. The rusted steel sword shattered as it made contact with the orichalcum dummy.

"Illusion Sword Arts, Foundation Technique: Sword Cloning."

A loud clapping sound came from the hallway directly opposite the training courtyard as Gaige and Leo walked over. Their faces were covered with surprised looks, as they examined the orichalcum dummy. There was a small scratch where Deon's four swords had collided with it.

"It seems that you have not been slacking around this past half year, having already broken through to the yellow level of Battle Energy. In addition, you are already able to condense three Energy Swords and make a scratch on the orichalcum dummy. This achievement signifies that you are ready to continue onto the next step of the Illusion Sword Arts. Truly outstanding. Even for someone with Godly talent."

Unknown to Gaige and Leo, Deon had also broken through to the second level of Furious Energy: Frustration. If Deon had infused Furious Energy into his sword, he probably could have left a large gash on the orichalcum dummy, a feat only berserkers two levels above him could perform. Leo gestured at Deon to follow him.

"Since you have mastered the foundation technique of the Illusion Sword Arts, you are qualified to learn the next technique. Come with me to the library. I will allow you to view the next stage. Let me warn you though. Even though the Illusion Sword Arts are extremely powerful, it is extremely difficult to master. At the last stage, you will likely be able to condense close to one thousand energy swords. But with each increase in the number of swords, you will have to work harder to control them. Controlling one thousand energy swords is an extremely difficult feat. The last person to actually master this technique was a gold level expert three hundred years ago. Are you sure you want to continue instead of switching?"

Deon nodded. Even though his mind felt the strain from controlling just three Energy Swords, he felt that he could succeed if he persevered.

"This technique seems to suit me. My body is quite slim so the majority of the techniques, which require brute strength, do not fit me. The only thing that I possess is an enormously large amount of Battle Energy, more than ten times the average amount. In the entire library, I think this technique is the best one for me as it trades a huge amount of energy for massive power."

Leo gazed thoughtfully at Deon. Over the past few months, he had grown to like the boy. Ever since Deon had corrected his habit of misjudging himself, Leo had begun to trust in his decisions more.

"Then come along, I'll show you the next stage."

Leo led Deon to the huge Grayson Family library at the back of the estate. With regards to the amount of books, this library was the second largest of its kind in the Mord Empire, only surpassed by the Royal Library. It possessed close to two thousand different types of sword arts. Sword Arts are separated into two different types: Strength and Control. In general, strength type arts are more popular, as most berserkers are usually born with particularly robust bodies. Control type arts are not only extremely rare, but almost nobody uses them. Even though they generate enormous power, a few usages of the most basic technique is enough to exhaust an average berserker to the point where they cannot even move anymore. The library only contained a total of five types of Control Sword Arts.

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As the two walked in through the huge double doors, the stooped, old librarian greeted them politely.

"Master Leo and Young Master Deon. Welcome back to the Grayson Library. How can I help you today?"

Leo smiled kindly back to the old librarian.

"Please lead Deon to the place where you keep the Illusion Sword Art Manuals. I have something important to do, so I will be back later to pick him up. Go along, Deon."

The librarian led Deon to an obscure part of the library, where only the main family members had access to. He directed Deon to the bookshelf that was labeled Control. There were only a few manuals on the shelf, most of them covered with dust. Only the Illusion Sword Art manual was dust-free.

"Here is what you are looking for. If you need me, please feel free to call me over."

With these words, the librarian hobbled back to the front of the library, in his original position.

Deon opened the book and turned to the page describing the first technique after the foundation stage. It was labeled Illusion Sword Arts, First Technique: Heaven's Ring. This technique surrounds the opponent with a ring of the Energy Swords created and stabs inward, with all the swords converging on the center. The attack power increases as the number of swords increases. Deon excitedly began reading the instructions.

Suddenly, Deon heard a commotion from outside the library. Curious, while holding the Illusion Sword Art Manual, he walked outside to a chaotic scene.

There was a burly man, with a greatsword strapped to his back, that stood at the center of the Grayson Family Estate, surrounded by the Grayson Family guards, with all of their weapons drawn. Despite being outnumbered, the man was quite calm. He exuded the presence of someone overwhelmingly powerful. However, the guards did not retreat. At the head of the guards was Gaige, holding his broadsword so  tightly, his knuckles turning white.

With an slightly alarmed expression, Gaige questioned the man, "Now what would the General of the Northern Frontier, Anders, be doing at the Grayson Family Estate."

With an indignant expression, Anders frowned.

"You know what I'm here for. In fact, I'm here at the king's command. Bring out the boys named Deon and Dell immediately! His Majesty knows the secret you have been keeping!"