Kirish's gaze shifted across the training grounds, eventually landing on a style that looked deceptively slow yet radiated a chilling sense of lethality.
A tall boy, nearly two meters in height, was swinging a massive, heavy greatsword. The sheer weight of the blade was staggering, yet the boy wielded it with rhythmic, calculated precision.
Kirish was intrigued. His 'Light Axe' was built on explosive speed, but this 'Hard Sword' technique offered something different—the power of sudden, heavy impact and the art of baiting an opponent.
'System, scan it!'
The System analyzed the heavy swings and projected the data: [Style: Hard Sword]
["To be blunt, Owner, you cannot perform this yet,"] the System clarified. ["This style requires Mana to reinforce the user's muscles. Your body needs significant strengthening first.
I can put it on your 'Waiting List,' or you can buy the theory now for future use."]
Kirish wasn't in the habit of wasting money on things he couldn't use immediately. "Put it on the waiting list.
I need a sword art I can actually practice right now." He had always had a fascination with blades; to him, a sword was the ultimate extension of a warrior's soul.
His eyes then caught a girl practicing with a thin, light blade. Her movements were unpredictable, dancing in a strange, hypnotic pattern that seemed to defy the standard laws of physics.
'System, scan this one.'
[Scanning Report:]
Name: Seven Steps to Death
Type: Range-Based Sword Style (Domain Art)
Description: Upon mastering this art, you can fight even without sight.
It centers on a seven-step radius around the user. It is considered one of the most complex sword styles in existence.
'Seven Steps' is merely the first form; its true name is the 'Heart of the Sword.' At its peak, you create a domain where a single breath from an enemy invites instant death.
Kirish's ears perked up. The name alone was intimidating.
"Can I learn this?"
The System paused for a millisecond. ["Certainly! Just hand over 20 Million W and I'll teach you the full course. Since you'll become an instant expert through me, the total price is 35 Million W. Oh, and you'll need a 'Spirit Body'—at least Mid-Level, which costs 100 Million—and a high-grade Silver Tachi sword for 2 Million. Total: 137 Million W. So, do you have the cash?"]
Kirish nearly choked. "System, stop attacking my dignity!
Just tell me about the first step. We'll worry about the Spirit Body and the Tachi later."
["Fine. The first step normally costs 10,000 W. But since I'm in a good mood today, I'll give it to you for 7,500 W!"] At this 'generosity,' Kirish could only manage a sarcastic, "Oh."
"Should I actually learn this?" Kirish mused.
["If you're asking just to save money,
remember: no art is perfect for everyone. But this style will be your greatest asset in the future,"] the System advised.
Kirish wanted a discount, but he wasn't about to beg. ["If you want a real discount, finish that 100,000 W Mission quickly.
The faster the mission ends, the bigger the bonus I might give!"] the System issued an informal challenge.
Kirish realized he needed to accelerate his earnings. 'I need a little help.' He pulled up his device and navigated to Priyanka's contact.
Elsewhere, Priyanka was anxiously awaiting Ruan's call. When the connection finally clicked, Ruan's voice sounded unusually defeated. "Hello, Priya."
After a heavy silence, Ruan admitted, "I tried everything.
I can't find a single scrap of info on this guy. His profile in the government registry is buried behind a Level-4 Security Wall. Even a hacker of my caliber can't crack it yet. Who exactly is this person?"
Priyanka was stunned. Her cousin was one of the most elite hackers in the city. If he failed, it meant Kirish had a terrifying power backing him.
She realized Kirish might not be rich himself, but his 'Teacher' or 'Guardian' was powerful enough to mask his existence from the world's best digital hunters.
Bound by her contract, Priyanka didn't reveal the details of her training. "Ruan, he is my Teacher. He's teaching me a secret martial art, so I can't give you his info. Just... keep this a secret."
Ruan was a professional. "As your brother and as a businessman, I won't speak a word of this unless my life depends on it," he said solemnly.
Just then, Priyanka's device lit up with an incoming call from Kirish.
What favor is Kirish about to ask? Will Ruan truly give up, or will he dig deeper into the mystery?
[To Be Continued...]
Technical Breakdown:
Science vs. Magic: In Blue Orbit, magic and high-end technology exist side-by-side. While warriors use Qi, hackers like Ruan use digital warfare to control the flow of
information.
Instant Mastery: When Kirish buys a skill from the System, he doesn't just learn the moves—he understands the fundamental "root" of the art. This allows him to adapt, modify, and even find flaws in modern versions used by others.
Current Mission: Earn 100,000 W (40% Complete).
If you were Kirish, would you save up for the 137 Million W full version or keep buying the cheap "First Steps"? Let us know in the comments!