Hellmode ~A Hardcore Gamer Becomes Peerless in Another World with Retro Game Settings~

Chapter 563: Meditation and Divine Swordsmanship

A bald angel that looked like he was in his fifties and wearing martial arts robes rushed to Allen.

He had a thorny ring on his head, and two pairs of wings on his back, but other than that he looked like any old man that would be in a dojo.

'You there, why are you raising your voice like that!!'

(He kinda looks like a samurai and he's called Murai… I guess he's an Archangel.)

The angel was likely an Archangel, having stats in line with a Demon General.

He breathed heavily and the wooden floor creaked as he ran over.

[Appearance of different angels]

-Angels: have a donut-like ring on their heads and 1 pair of wings

-Archangels: have a thorny ring on their heads and 2 pairs of wings

-First Angels (or Second Angels): have two rings on their heads, and 3 pairs of wings

Allen was able to determine the features of the different types of angels after being guided there by a First Angel, and now seeing the Archangel named Murai.

Merus had once been the First Angel, but without Kingship he just had a donut-like ring and 1 pair of wings.

"What are you doing, Allen!"

Helmios also raised his voice, and the others there also began to mumble to each other.

'S-so you're that Allen…'

Murai held his hands near his hips, ready to unsheathe his sword.

Both Carne and Querubin had been really wary of Allen, which made sense since they knew Allen had destroyed the mountain that served as the Great Spirit God's Shrine.

(I guess that's how they react to that then.)

"Yes, I'm Allen. Thank you for training all my friends, Lord Murai."

Allen bowed deeply and thanked him.

'Huh? Hm, alright… So, what are you making such a fuss about?'

Murai kept a low stance, ready to attack if needed, but some of his rage calmed down.

"Hey! Kurena!! Lord Murai is working so hard to teach you, why are you sleeping!!"

"Hieee, I'm sorry."

'Mama…'

Allen scolded her loud enough for the entire dojo to hear, so Kurena was on the verge of tears.

That also startled Haku, who tried to stand in front of Kurena to protect her.

'I-I see. They're currently learning to Meditate, which is necessary to learn Divine Swordsmanship. Please try to be quiet.'

(So the [Meditate] Skill in Kurena's stats is there for her to move on to the next phase. I really want her to learn Divine Swordsmanship as soon as possible though.)

Around a month passed since Allen went to the Spirit Paradise, and all that time Kurena and Haku had been training there.

That Skill was a Normal Skill, so it did not show any Skill Experience.

There were Normal Skills, Talent Skills, True Skills from Extra Mode, and Divine Techniques.

Allen doubted that month had been meaningless, but it was still excessive time for no result.

"I'm really sorry. I realize I'm being selfish, but our world is currently being threatened by the Demon King, so we came here to hopefully gain divine help to fight back…"

Allen tried to explain as politely as he could, mentioning how they were short in time and needed to get stronger as soon as possible. He did not know how useful the Meditate Skill was, but humans could not train for as long as angels who lived for millenia.

'I'm the Divine Swordsmanship assistant instructor Murai. I understand you came here trying to fight for your survival, but that doesn't automatically mean you deserve special treatment…'

Allen carefully analyzed Murai's response, trying to figure out how worthwhile that training was.

(He's calling it Divine Swordsmanship, not a style or attack. Maybe they're just more stuck up because they're learning from a god?)

Murai's words seemed to suggest it was not just a branch of swordsmanship.

"So are there some conditions we have to meet?"

Allen tried to prod a bit deeper.

'C-conditions, you say…'

(Nice, I think this is going to work.)

Allen started his usual scheming, and Cecile sighed like always. Helmios grimaced knowing Allen's antics, and Kurena looked excited that the boring part was going to be over.

"I'm fully aware that training properly is usually the best."

He was basically asking for a shortcut, skipping the initial training.

Murai replied almost instantly, likely because they already had set way to respond to that.

'I see. Then try to strike a hit on me, the assistant instructor of Divine Swordsmanship. After Meditation comes Divine Swordsmanship, I'll show you the effects of that.'

"Thank you very much!"

(I'm glad he gave in so fast. This is nothing compared to the Great Spirit God's drying lake.)

Allen bowed deeply to hide his grin.

'Alright then, we should…'

"Go Kurena, strike Lord Murai once!"

The conversation was moving on without his consent, but Murai did not say anything.

"Okay!! Thanks Allen."

"You should be thanking Lord Murai and his unending kindness to listen to our request."

"Right. Thank you Lord Murai!"

(Good, good, the stats are fully on Kurena's favor, let's see what happens.)

Hearing what was going to happen, the other angels opened the door to a circular room.

The angels were also mumbling, discussing who would win.

Allen used Kuwatoro's [Appraiser Eyes], and saw that Murai's stats were similar to a Demon General, which meant he was likely an Archangel.

[Name] Murai

[Age] 30681

[Species] Angel

[Strength] 28000

[Mana] 37000

[Spiritual Power] 36000

[Attack] 33000

[Endurance] 29000

[Agility] 30000

[Intelligence] 28000

[Luck] 33000

[Attack Element] None

[Endurance Element] None

[Name] Kurena

[Age] 16

[Talent] Dragoon Emperor

[Blessings] Arbiter God (Medium)

[Level] 99

[Strength] 15328 + 6000 (True Dragon Soul) + 12000 (True Heroism)

[Mana] 9766 + 6000 + 12000

[Spiritual Power] 27766

[Attack] 16094 + 6000 + 12000

[Endurance] 14181 + 6000 + 12000

[Agility] 15201 + 6000 + 12000

[Intelligence] 9425 + 6000 + 6000

[Luck] 10309 + 3000 + 12000

[Divine Technique] Dragon Aura (3), Combined Dragoon Attack (3), Deep Impact (6)

[Skills] Dragoon Emperor (3), True Dragon Riding (3), True Dragon Sword (3), True Dragon Soul (1), True Dragon Smash (7), True Dragon Blazing Slash (7), True Killing Slash (7), True Phoenix Blast (7), True Healing Sword (7), True Supreme Sword (7), True Heroism (2), Limit Break (7), Swordsmanship (7), Divine Technique Activation, Meditation (3)

-Equipment

[Weapon] Orichalcum greatsword: Attack 12000, Attack 6000

[Armor] Orichalcum armor: Endurance 10000, Endurance 5000

[Ring 1] Attack +5000, Attack +5000

[Ring 2] Attack +5000, Attack +5000

[Bracelet 1] Strength +5000, Endurance +5000, Cooldowns halved, Armor Pierce +10%

[Bracelet 2] Attack +5000, Endurance +5000, Armor Pierce +10%

[Necklace] Attack + 3000, Attack + 3000

[Earring 1] Strength +2000, Attack +2000, Physical Attack Damage +10%

[Earring 2] Strength +2000, Attack +2000, Physical Attack Damage +10%

[Belt] Light Element, Strength +10000

[Anklet 1] Agility +5000, Quickstep, Dodge Chance +20%

[Anklet 2] Agility +5000, Quickstep, Dodge Chance +20%

(Now I wonder what Angel Knights are.)

Apparently Angel Knights was a better version of Dragoons.

Kurena's Talent did not change even after a month of training in the Divine Arena though.

"Alright, Sophie, use the Great Spirits' Blessings on Kurena."

'Wha-?!'

"U-umm, Master Allen…"

Murai looked shocked hearing that, and even Sophie was bewildered.

Many of the angels also began to call them out, calling them cowards.

(Is this what they call the correct environment to learn Divine Swordsmanship?)

"I-is that not allowed..?"

'Of course not! She has to fight with her own power!'

"I see."

(Hmm, I have to be careful then. He might demand they use the same weapons if I say too much.)

Allen decided it was best to give up on that.

'You really need to learn some manners… But whatever.'

While he did not approve of Allen's intentions, the match would still go on.

"Kurena, it seems you can use your own Skills then. Don't hold back."

"O-okay."

Murai unsheathed his adamantite sword and held it ready, like in a kendo match.

His sword was around the same size as Allen's, looking small compared to Kurena's greatsword, and he did not wear any visible armor either.

Kurena seemed a bit hesitant, but Allen told her to go all out.

One of the angel trainees walked up between the two.

'Master, allow me to give the starting signal.'

'Please do so.'

Kurena's face became more serious.

'Start!'

'Let's do it.'

Murai instantly jumped forward and closed in on Kurena.

"Mm!!"

Kurena swung down her orichalcum greatsword with all her might, as if trying to split Murai in two.

(That's a good attack considering the difference in blade size.)

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Their blades met with a metallic sound, but Murai quickly pulled back. He also understood the reach of their weapons, and their stats.

"Kuh!"

He quickly lunged around, wasting no movements as he swung at Kurena's throat.

She tilted her body to avoid the hit, and before she could regain her balance Murai had already made three movements.

He was nimble and wasted no energy, always moving in to strike.

"What's wrong! I thought you crossed the Gates of Trials!!"

"Orya!!"

'I can see you hesitate! Horya!!'

Kurena's wide swings were dodged without issue, or parried by Murai's blade.

As she tried to get back on her feet, she felt the edge of his sword against her neck.

"I lost…"

'Do you understand now? Go back and Medit-'

"That was really close, Kurena. My turn next!!"

"Hm?!"

Kurena lost, and Murai was about to send her back to train, but Allen stepped forward.