[HI3] Protocol Stigmata

Chapter 70 - The Mentor and Apprentice

"If you want to survive and become stronger, you have to face me with everything you have. This is the only way."

"As if!"

Hokushin's gaze hardened. "Is that... your answer?"

"Yeah."

"...I'm disappointed."

"Why...?"

"Because a weakling like you wouldn't survive out there."

"...Weakling..."

That's right, I'm a weakling. But do I have to kill someone just to become stronger? There are other ways.

"No... That's wrong," Hokushin said, her voice cutting through my thoughts as if she could hear them. "To become strong, you have to experience hardship. A true swordsman never stops swinging, even when their body is exhausted."

Hokushin's eyes bore into mine, "The woman and the blade are one, unparalleled in the world. The heart of a warrior is forged through birth and death, suffering and perseverance. All beings are equal in this struggle."

As she spoke, her expression shifted, as if she was recalling something from long ago. Her voice softened, echoing a memory. "Annihilation is the way of human beings, the way of heaven, and the way of all living beings. The ultimate end of all things is the way of Houkai."

"That's right... Master," Hokushin murmured to herself, then dashed forward, her blade poised to strike.

"Wait!–" I barely had time to react. I clasped my hands and unsheathed my purple katana, blocking her attack just in time. "You're serious...?"

Hokushin didn't respond. Her attacks came faster, each strike a test of my resolve. The clash of our blades echoed through the forest, each impact a reminder of the brutal reality I faced.

"Fine... It looks like I'll have to give you everything I've got," I muttered, steeling myself for the onslaught.

Hokushin's eyes flashed with a mixture of determination and something that almost looked like pride. She pressed her attack, her blade moving with lethal precision.

I dodged a downward slash, feeling the wind from her blade whip past my face. I countered with a swift upward strike, aiming for her exposed side, but she deflected it with ease, her movements fluid and effortless.

"You're improving, But you need more than just skill. You need to understand the essence of the blade."

I gritted my teeth, pushing back against her relentless assault.

"Good," Hokushin said, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Now, let's see how far you can go."

As exhaustion crept through my body, I stumbled back, gasping for breath.

Hokushin's eyes were sharp, her blade unwavering. "Oh? Running away? Hmph... Go ahead... Run."

I shook my head, panting heavily. "No... I'm not running. Just... catching my breath."

Her gaze remained intense, "If you show weakness now, the enemy will show no mercy. You must push through."

My grip tightened on my katana, "You don't have to say that twice..."

But if I don't take a moment to breathe, I won't last much longer.

"Very well. But know this: in the real battle, there are no pauses. You must learn to endure, to push past your limits even when every muscle screams in protest."

I'm starting to get frustrated... It's like I'm fighting a boss without an element break bar.

It also reminds me of that one boss where you have to destroy the swords before breaking his element break bar... Ugh...!