The Boundless Necromancer

at has no possibility of development.

What goes up even if you use a skill is an imaginary number called proficiency, and what changes even if the rank goes up is only the content of the ability.

So he thought that skills were fake and martial arts were real.

“…”

Until he saw Han Sungyeun right in front of him.

「 Activating the skill ‘Ashen Blood.’ 」 

「 All pain inflicted on the user is reduced by 31%.
」 

The man in front of him, whose whole body was full of slashes, was different from the others.

He wasn't still at a level where he could just conclude that something was different, but…

'His eyes are different.'

Even though he was driven to the brink of death, Han Sungyeun shone his eyes even more.

As if there was still a chance for him to turn the tables in this hell-like situation.

Of course, in reality, almost one-sided violence continued, so Namgung Hyuk also thought it was just his imagination.

There was nothing special about this man, and he just came this far by relying on fake powers like traits and skills.

But that wasn't it.

'Why…? Why is he not dying…?'

He suffered several fatal wounds, and he should've lost his will a long time ago.

But Han Sungyeun was struggling to react to Namgung Hyuk's Sword.

As Namgung Hyuk felt annoyed about this, he further maximized his swordsmanship and fired an attack from a blind spot where Han Sungyeun could never react to it.

Skills are mostly just inferior abilities of martial arts.

Namgung Hyuk tried to overwhelm Han Sungyeun with his swordsmanship under such an extremely Murim-like mindset.

In order to drive Han Sungyeun to the point where he wouldn't be able to recover, even with witchcraft, using an attack that he wouldn't be able to see.

Then something surprising happened.

Claaang!

“…!?”

Han Sungyeun easily blocked the Sword Ki that flew from the blind spot instantaneously.

Namgung Hyuk immediately realized how he did it.

「 Activating the skill ‘Mind’s Eye.’ 」 

Han Sungyeun had a skill that could be used in this situation.

'This is ridiculous…'

But what was even more ridiculous was Han Sungyeun, who blocked the Sword Ki flying from the blind spot.

He immediately blocked the Sword Ki and fluttered as if he was lost, and he slowly closed his eyes.

Namgung Hyuk realized it was an opportunity and collided with Han Sungyeun while scattering around his Sword Ki.

As Namgung Hyuk felt it, Han Sungyeun, with his eyes closed, was driven toward death with more wounds than before.

Until then, Namgung Hyuk thought Han Sungyeun had made a foolish choice because he relied on his skills.

But starting from some point, things suddenly started to change.

“…?”

Before he knew it, Han Sungyeun blocked Namgung Hyuk's sword as if he could read it while closing his eyes.

And as time passed, his movements were unrestrained, as if he had attained enlightenment, moving like he was dancing.

Even more serious changes occurred around the time when Namgung Hyuk began to feel impatient.

Pssshk!

In an instant, Han Sungyeun's sword bent and made a piercing wound on Namgung Hyuk's arm.

This wasn't only related to skill but clearly an improvement in skill as well.

'How can an imitation of martial arts do up to this extent…?'

With Namgung Hyuk's common sense, he couldn't accept the current situation.

As to why this man could endure his sword and his movements were getting better while getting wounded.

As to why this man could grow so fast while relying on the witchcraft called skills.

As to why this man could match a real power with his fake power.

None of these were things that Namgung Hyuk could accept.

Because this wasn't a skill but closer to the realm of martial arts.

Enlightenment.

Han Sungyeun has reached the realm of some kind of growth acceleration experienced only by those who have reached the realm of martial arts.

And—

“…”

Namgung Hyuk recognized Han Sungyeun, who was making an arc with the corners of his mouth.

This man wasn't just someone who depended on fake things, but he turned fake things into real ones.

A ghost blade.

 

***

 

The world was dark.

As though walking on the road in a hazy state, my body was heavy, and my sense of balance was breaking down.

It was natural.

Not only did I consume a lot of stamina with the Ashen Blood skill, but I also pushed my mana to the limit.

Moreover, I had to keep my eyes closed to activate the Mind's Eye skill, causing more dizziness.

But there was nothing I could do.

The Mind's Eye, which allowed me to perceive attacks flying from out of sight, could perceive all directions if I closed my eyes.

I couldn't survive without relying on my Mind's Eye skill.

I didn't know that just 10 minutes could be this painful.

But—

If you were to ask me if this time was just all about pain for me, it wasn't.

「 …You've realized what the true Mind's Eye is.
」

「 Skill 'Mind's eye(D-)' ranked up to B.
」

Was it because I was closing my eyes to block Namgung Hyuk's bizarre swordsmanship?

At some point, I could use the Mind's Eye skill as though I really had a third eye.

The ability allowed me to recognize attacks from invisible areas.

Now I could see the barrier of light within thirty meters and the remains of buildings scattered in it.

That wasn't the end of it.

「…You purely relied on your senses to fight for your life.」

「…Skill 'Sixth Sense (C+)' ranked up to B.」

As the Sixth Sense skill that I had almost forgotten existed ranked up, the senses became clearer.

「…In the decisive battle with the one who has mastered the Sword, you succeeded in enduring their sword without dying.」

「…Skill 'Demon Slayer (C)' ranked up to B.」

And my swordsmanship, which I thought felt shabby, grew unbelievably in a short period.

「…Your body has experienced regeneration beyond its limits through numerous crises in a short period.」

「…Skill 'Ashen Blood (B-) ranked up to B+.」

While sensing that most of the skills I mainly use had grown, I opened my eyes.

“…”

And soon, I could see Namgung Hyuk staring at me while quietly holding his curved Sword with both hands.

'What?'

I wasn't sure how much time was left for the duel, but I was certain that it'd be over soon.

But Namgung Hyuk didn't use his sword anymore.
He just looked at me while holding his sword with both hands.

It was then that I narrowed my eyes as I tensed up.

“Do you think you can surpass martial arts… when you're just borrowing the power from the Tower?”

Namgung Hyuk said so all of a sudden and then raised his sword upwards.

I was startled when I saw Namgung Hyuk, who was calm although he was in a situation where he should be impatient.

It was understandable.

Unlike a while ago, Namgung Hyuk's eyes didn't see me as a simple opponent to get rid of.

A whole different level of hostility was revealed in his eyes than when he was talking about vulgarity or such.

“Your tenacious will, and even that borrowed ability that's nothing more than a fake, I'll put an end to it right here.”

And…

Soon, I could see why Namgung Hyuk was able to declare an end to me so calmly.

Before I knew it, the fire that covered Namgung Hyuk's upper body visibly decreased.

What that meant was simple.

'The duration of the Suppression of Fire is about to end…!?'

But even before I, in shock, could prepare myself.

“This is the true Sword Ki that can't be caught up with fake Sword Ki, and…”

The fire on Namgung Hyuk's upper body was completely extinguished.

And—

“This is the realm beyond Sword Ki, Sword Flame.”

The Sword Flame, which surpassed the Sword Ki, swept over me.

——