Kaneff rarely acknowledged someone, but this time he did. Naturally, the farm member's eyes were drawn to him.
"Boss, what just happened? Wasn't Elaine constantly being pushed back?"
"Looks like the Booze Thief Master must have taught him a thing or two."
Kaneff was talkin' about the Booze Thief Master,' aka Master Bellion.
"Master only practiced with him using a tree branch, so what did he teach him exactly? Please explain more clearly."
"Yes, Mr. Kaneff. Don't keep it to yourself, let us know too."
"Uncle Kaneff, tell us quickly!"
Lia and Lilia also urged Kaneff. His face was full of annoyance, but he eventually gave in and began to explain.
"The Booze Thief Master has experienced more of the Verdi swordsmanship than anyone else."Findd new stories at novel35.com
Kaneff glanced at Kael while he spoke.
Because he was called a match for the old geezer monster over there. And having experienced the highest level of Verdi swordsmanship, he must have seen through the weaknesses and countermeasures."
Bellion and Kael.
Both are legends in the demon world. It's only natural they'd want to understand each other's swordsmanship.
"He taught Elaine the weak spots of Verdi swordsmanship by actually giving a hands-on approach."
"Master is amazing!"
Everyone nodded in agreement while Andras spoke with a puzzled expression.
"I understand that he taught Elaine the weaknesses of Verdi swordsmanship. But why did he use such a method? There had to be better ways to teach him, right?"
"You're right, there are many ways to teach him the weaknesses. But to find a way to win, there was no other method."
"Really?"
Kaneff shrugged as he answered.
"I mean, think about it. Weaknesses only matter when both sides are equally skilled. If I were to tell you my weaknesses, do you think you could beat me?"
"No, even if I came back to life, I don't think I could beat you."
Andras replied immediately with a calm expression.
"That's right. It's not just about knowing the weak points; it's about how you use that knowledge."
"So, Mr. Kaneff, are you saying that Elaine knows how to use his opponent's weaknesses against him?"
"Yes. He's utilizing them quite well."
-Clang! Clang!
Alfred and Claudion's swords rang out with sharp metallic sounds, without pause. The fierce battle continued, with neither side easily gaining an advantage.
Claudion was in control, but every time he tried to attack using his advantage, Alfred would strike his weak spots effectively.
Alfred's persistence began to wear down Claudion, who was initially confident. His way of disrupting his opponent's rhythm was similar to what Bellion had demonstrated.
Despite being pleased with Alfred's performance, a question popped into my head.
"Boss."
"What?"
"Master said it's almost impossible to break the rhythm of a stronger opponent. So how is Elaine doing it?"
My question grabbed everyone's attention, and Kaneff responded with a hint of irritation in his tone.
"Like the Booze Thief Master said, understanding your opponent's rhythm and hitting their weak spots is no easy task. So, it looks like Elaine chose a simpler approach."
"A simpler approach?"
"Yep, instead of understanding his opponent's rhythm, Elaine is matching his own rhythm."
I was surprised and asked, "Really? Can you do that?"
"Usually, it's not recommended. Forcing yourself to match your opponent's rhythm can hinder your performance. But in rare cases, it can work."
He pointed towards Alfred and Claudion. "These two siblings trained in the same swordsmanship, under the same roof. Can you see what's special now?"
Claudion quickly reached out and grabbed his brother's arm. Fortunately, he was able to prevent him from falling flat on the ground.
"Ugh, Elaine!"
"Elaine!"
"Brother Elaine!"
Screams erupted from behind them, and the owners of those voices quickly gathered around Alfred.
""
Claudion wanted to check on his brother's condition, but the farm members whisked Alfred away before he had a chance.
"Hm, you did well."
"Grandfather?"
Kael encouraged Claudion with a satisfied smile.
"How was it, facing Alfred after a long time?"
"I was quite surprised too. I didn't expect him to face me like that. He must have gotten help."
"I was really surprised as well."
Claudion nodded in agreement
"He matched my rhythm and persistently exploited my weaknesses. The prepared strategy itself wasn't bad, but his attitude in executing it was impressive as well. He didn't lose his focus even when his strength was waning."
"You were a little flustered at first too."
"That calmness and tenacity those were things I couldn't feel from Alfred before."
Kael asked with a deep smile.
"If Alfred had stayed in the family, would he have been able to grow like this?"
"Probably not."
Before leaving the family, Alfred was excessively fixated on improving his skills and the outcome of battles.
He relentlessly trained himself just for the sake of winning.
If it had been the past Alfred who was trapped in his own world, he would never have imagined a strategy like adapting to the opponent's rhythm' that he showed today.
Moreover, showing such a bright smile even in defeat
Everything Alfred demonstrated in today's duel was a series of shocks for Claudion.
"How about it, Claudion?"
""
"Do you still think Alfred wasted his time here?"
""
Claudion turned his head to look at where Alfred was.
"Elaine, Elaine! Can you hear me? Are you alright?"
"Ugh, Mr. Kaneff! Don't pour so much potion on him like that!"
"Ahhh Brother Elaine will drown in the potion!"
Alfred was being showered with the utmost care by the farm members. A hint of loneliness appeared on Claudion's face as he watched the scene.
Then he turned his head again and said with a hint of resignation.