In ancient times, there existed an extremely advanced magical civilization.
Both magic and martial arts had reached their peak.
Although it was eventually destroyed in internal strife, it left behind ancient relics like the ancient Mage Tower and ancient armories, becoming important treasures for future generations.
The “Perfect Tactical Advisor System” was a top-tier creation even among the ancient civilization’s inventions.
It was an artificial intelligence based on magical engineering, possessing absolutely rational and perfect tactical planning capabilities, and it stored a vast amount of information and locations of ancient civilization’s heritage.
It could be said to be the ultimate cheat; with it, following its plans, other cheats would eventually be in one’s grasp.
However, its new owner, Milora, started from a very low point.
Like the original Protagonist, she came from a humble background with mediocre talent.
She had some basic sword skills but not much, no magical talent, and not even startup capital… Therefore, the system and she reached a consensus: before obtaining the first cheat that could bring a qualitative change, she must endure, solidify her foundation, learn what needs to be learned in advance, and then make a stunning impact.
Based on this strategy, the system, after being picked up by Milora, immediately taught her an ancient martial art: the Tartaglia-style swordsmanship.
This was a powerful swordsmanship style that had long been lost, with unpredictable sword moves combined with formidable magic release, allowing physical and magical attack panels to multiply in effect.
Once mastered, defeating enemies of higher levels would be as easy as pie, unstoppable by gods or demons, overwhelmingly powerful!
However, to unleash its true power, the user needed to have a very high level of physical and magical prowess.
Otherwise, it was just a set of incomprehensible strange sword moves.
For example, like this ↓
“Ha!!!”
Milora attacked the monster “Mildew Ape” with a somewhat comical posture, slashing at its neck with a one-handed sword at a tricky angle, but the speed and force felt mysteriously off, easily dodged by the Mildew Ape.
“Chirp chirp chirp chirp~!”
The Mildew Ape screeched and picked up a rock to smash Milora.
Milora immediately used a peculiar angle to reverse grip the one-handed sword, trying to deflect the flying rock back, but failed, her wrist swelling from the impact.
Thus, Milora and the not-so-strong little monster Mildew Ape went back and forth, fighting back and forth.
Beads of sweat appeared on her forehead as the one-handed sword clashed with the Mildew Ape’s crude stone knife… Finally, she seized an opportunity to knock down the Mildew Ape, pinning it down and finally slitting its throat with a sword.
“Huff… huff… huff…”
Even though it was just a small monster, she felt like she had fought a long and arduous battle.
Teammates exchanged glances, Ji Xue awkwardly looked away, and the others almost had “you’re so slow” written on their faces.
Milora felt uncomfortable under their gaze, feeling like a monkey performing on a circus stage…
“Your swordsmanship is terrible,” Anna-veil bluntly criticized.
“…Mind your own business.”
“Just stating the facts.
You can’t even use a sword properly, and what kind of swordsmanship is this anyway? Even a roadside swordsmanship training class is better than this.”
“………”
Milora wanted to retort but couldn’t reveal the truth about the swordsmanship, so she chose to remain silent.
The Tartaglia-style swordsmanship required a strong physique and magic to support it, and she couldn’t unleash its power now.
It was like a child wielding a heavy sword; if you don’t even have the strength to swing it, no matter how strong the weapon is, it’s meaningless and even a hindrance.
【Endure, Milora Sistema, you must endure.
This swordsmanship is for future preparation, don’t mind others’ opinions】 the system conversed with her in her mind.
(I know… I have the patience for this.
Once I open the Cedron Mage Tower and complete the physical and magical transformation, this swordsmanship will suit me perfectly.)
【Exactly, so just maintain your own pace】
(I would do that even without you saying it)
【And don’t be swayed by Torina Deville’s sweet words.
No good deed goes unpunished】
(But besides my body, there’s nothing else she could covet.
Could it be she’s really interested in… my body?)
【It’s also possible she sees your potential and, to avoid increasing competition, uses a soft approach to make you indulge and lose your fighting spirit】
(Is that so!? Now that you mention it, it could be…)
【Exactly, so just trust me.
I’m your only companion, and I’ll guide you on the shortcut to becoming stronger】
(Um…)
Milora was conflicted.
All of this was observed by Torina from the side.
(As expected, she’s definitely conflicted about the system…)
In the original work, the system was not only a guide and database but also a suspicious advisor, constantly reminding the Protagonist to be wary of everything in the outside world.
As long as there was a one percent chance that someone approaching the Protagonist was an enemy, it would prepare for a hundred percent response.
It was fine when reading from the Protagonist’s perspective, but from an outsider’s perspective—
(It’s basically a paranoid control freak…)
Torina couldn’t help but comment.
…
…
The team moved forward a bit more, and the deeper they went, the stronger the monsters became.
Monsters called “Leechmen” appeared in groups.
Laxis and Anna-veil used wide-range attacks to scatter them, and the other team members then took them down one by one.
Milora focused intensely on dealing with a Leechman.
Its body was soft, and slashing it felt like cutting through cotton, but its claws were sharp, making it an ugly and comical yet tough opponent with both defense and attack capabilities.
Naturally, Milora, whose swordsmanship was not yet complete, found herself in another tough battle.
But this time—
“Slash from the side.”
“!”
A hand reached out from the side—Torina’s hand helped her hold the sword, swinging it forcefully, slicing through the Leechman’s relatively weak abdomen, causing it to screech and retreat.
“Are you okay, Milora-chan?” Torina asked with concern.
“Uh, I’m fine, but I don’t need your help…” Milora’s expression was a bit troubled.
“Fighting it like this is inefficient.
Let me teach you how to use the sword.”
Torina didn’t use runes, relying solely on swordsmanship.
In just a few moves, she cut through all the Leechman’s weak points on its limbs.
Her swordsmanship was swift, powerful, and quite impressive.
“After destroying its limbs, it will fall.
I remember… oh right, stabbing here will destroy its heart.”
She delivered a finishing blow to the Leechman’s back, and it twitched a few times before dying completely.
Milora couldn’t help but be a little mesmerized.
She had to admit, although the captain was an inexplicable meat-eating, straightforward, silver-haired party-loving witch, her swordsmanship was indeed exquisite.
At this moment, another Leechman lunged at them.
“Want to give it a try? Look, hold the sword like I do, dodge, then stab its shoulder.”
“Uh…”
“Hurry!”
In just a few seconds, the Leechman was already in front of them.
If it were the Tartaglia style, it would be parry → magic release → create a large opening → execute, but with Milora’s current stats, it was just for show with no real killing power; however, if she followed Torina’s teaching—
“…Hey!”
Milora did as Torina instructed, dodge → find an opening → weak point attack → weaken, and the Leechman’s movements immediately slowed after its shoulder was injured.
“See, you can do it!” Torina praised while finishing it off by striking its heart from behind, ending the battle.
“Uh, ah, thank you…?” Milora was startled, reflexively wanting to thank—
【What are you doing, Milora! I taught you the best, why are you using her rustic swordsmanship?】
(Huh, huh huh…)
“Stop using your current swordsmanship.
Let me teach you mine, hand in hand.
Guaranteed success.”
“Huh huh huh huh…”
