Corwin put up his hands in a fighting stance. He tried his best to recall the martial arts he had stopped practicing what now seems like a lifetime ago. Corwin had taken martial arts until 18, so his body remembered it better than his older mind. He didn’t have time to reflect on what he knew before the attacks started coming.

A roundhouse kick was blocked by his arms and with his high strength Corwin was not pushed back. The blow was a fierce opener and Corwin knew he was in for a difficult fight. Corwin executed a sequence of punches that he remembered from the Kata Jion. The sequence included a kata-zuki (hook punch) and ura-zuki (uppercut), both of which would let Corwin demonstrate his extreme agility and strength. The motions were too fast to dodge and the spirit was forced into blocking. With each block the spirit was pushed back, and its HP declined. Corwin had successfully taken the offensive. Immediately at the end of the sequence the spirit came back and Corwin was again forced to defend. He did so rather haphazardly, and took some damage when a kick landed. Fortunately his high constitution was equal to the task. Corwin found an opportunity to seize the offensive and attacked with a knee to the stomach. The spirit barely dodged, but in doing so found itself off balance. Corwin pursued his advantage with his fists. Each block took a little HP from the spirit and fairly soon it was in critical health. Corwin continued until the spirit yielded. He had defeated the spirit yet he had failed to land a single blow.

“Your attributes are overwhelming yet your technique is sloppy. Nonetheless you have defeated me,” the spirit said.

“You fought well brave spirit. I found myself learning as we fought. Perhaps in time I’ll equal your technique,” Corwin replied.

The spirit began to fade and a treasure chest appeared. This treasure chest was not a standard treasure chest, containing no markings of tier or type. Corwin inspected it carefully and was convinced it was untrapped when he opened it. Inside were two things of great value: the first volume of the autobiography and a martial arts skill book. The skill book contained the powerful skill Dragon Fist, which unfortunately was an unarmed skill. Corwin nonetheless learnt it. Perhaps he could use it if the challenges continued to be unarmed.

After Corwin had opened the chest, a door appeared in the wall of the dojo. It lead to a long hallway. Drawn on the hallway was the life story of the martial artist. Corwin paid attention, taking particular note of the important battles he had fought and the achievements the artist had chosen to emphasize. Corwin was delighted to see that the martial artist fought primarily with two swords, just like Corwin did.

Eventually the hallway ended at another dojo. Inside was another spirit, this one had two scabbards at their hips and a powerful set of armor that radiated a fierce presence. Whatever this spirit was it wasn’t simple.

“I am Itaro Kenshi, brother of the great sword saint Hoshi Kenshi. You must defeat me to be worthy of facing him.”

“It is an honor to challenge you brave spirit. Your brother’s legacy will find a worthy successor in me.”

Corwin fought much more comfortably in the sword battle. His skills and techniques came back to him and were useful. Nonetheless, he lacked martial techniques and martial skills so he didn’t use his Qi or Soul to fight. The spirit unleashed a powerful domain skill, the Spirit World. Corwin would have been suppressed if not for his high Soul attribute. Nonetheless, the surroundings changed and the faint echoes of ethereal entities that surrounded the battle made a great impression upon Corwin. When the battle was over, Corwin was once again convinced he was plodding through relying on high stats to outperform better skill. He nonetheless achieved victory.

“Itaro Kenshi, you have served your duty faithfully to your brother and guarded his legacy well. Enjoy your time in the afterlife.”

“Corwin Swordborn, you have great power. I hope that by combining it with the techniques of my brother you will become a worthy inheritor.”

The spirit of Itaro faded and a chest appeared. In the chest was the 2nd volume of the autobiography and another martial skill. This one was a sword technique which excited Corwin greatly. Qi Blade, allowed Corwin to make a ranged attack with each of his swords that would slice through the air. It did 50% of Strength-based damage but added 100% of Qi to damage. While this was weaker than a regular attack for Corwin, Corwin’s range attacked could still one-shot many players and he could imagine using this to take out healers and mages in PvE. Sword light was also a ranged attack but had a much smaller range.

After the chest opened, a door once again appeared. Another hallway, this one had a mural outlining the story of Miyoto’s downfall. He lost a battle with a greater demon and used a teleport skill to flee to this cave. His wounds were unrecoverable but he used his last days to write his autobiography and establish his legacy. Finally, the hallway ended in another door.

This one opened into a room that was more like a Sensei’s quarters. Inside was a spirit with a commanding presence that fought with two impressive swords. Even if Corwin wasn’t in the tomb of this warriors legacy Corwin would know Miyoto Kenshi was a great warrior. Corwin looked at the spirit blades and was convinced they were legendary weapons. How was he possibly going to beat this spirit? Corwin tried to calm his racing thoughts as the spirit turned towards him.

“Corwin Swordborn, you have proved yourself worthy in defeating my brother. I wish to assess if you are a worthy inheritor. I want a young student to take my legacy and do great things with it afterwards. I will suppress my strength to what it was when I was your age. If you defeat me the last of my legacy is yours,” the spirit spoke in a regal voice.

Corwin smiled as he thought about his reply. “I know I am not yet your equal but my heart aspires to great things. I will prove myself worthy of your legacy and shall always remember how Miyoto Kenshi influenced my achievements,” he said boldly as if he knew he’d win.

The spirit transformed and the glow emitted by the legendary weapons disappeared. The armor became less impressive as well. Most notably the aged features of the spirits face became much younger, although the wisdom remained present in its eyes.

Corwin was glad he was 20 instead of 35. The task before him was nonetheless daunting. He committed to battle with a wind charge. The charge was met easily and the spirit before him moved with near perfect technique. Corwin was completely suppressed and on the defensive, getting off maybe 1 out of 10 attacks while Miyoto took the other nine. Fortunately, Corwin could still rely on attributes, and that one attack carried with it such power that even through blocks it was dealing damage. Meanwhile Miyoto’s attacks only did damage when they hit, which some did. Corwin’s high HP meant he could keep up with the spirit who was only taking block damage. Their HP slowly dropped in tandem and when Corwin’s got low he used an intermediate health potion. Corwin’s HP surged and he was convinced he would win the fight. Spirits did not have HP drop abilities or berserker abilities. When the spirit got down to 5% HP Corwin stopped attacking and went full defensive. He was using the spirit to train, improving his abilities with dodging and parrying. After 30 minutes Corwin had stabilized with his HP at 20%, the spirit could no longer hit him. Corwin had not gained a new skill or ability, but his body control got that much better. Finally, he saluted Miyoto and resumed attacking, quickly ending things. Unfortunately, Corwin never landed an attack, instead defeating Miyoto only through block damage.

“You have earned my legacy Corwin Swordborn. Treat it well and become a person worthy of it.”

“I will sensei. I am honored to be chosen.”

Corwin saluted the spirit until it faded out. He ignored the chest for the moment, reflecting on the fight. Attributes can only take me so far; my control must get greater. I have a long way to go. Corwin then opened the chest and his jaw hit the floor. The third and final volume of the autobiography was expected. What was surprising was the other item. It was an unlock item for the peak legendary Tier 1 class Sword Saint.

In Eternity’s wake, players would get a different but related class to their primary class at every single tier. Corwin had never heard of a peak legendary Tier 1 class. Divine classes started at Tier 3, and Celestial classes started at Tier 2. This made legendary the very best quality of Tier 1 class. As a peak legendary class, this class would be the best of the best. Corwin was extremely excited. He didn’t know about this reward from the quest.

Corwin proceeded by looking through the autobiography volumes. The first book contained the entire life story, while the 2nd detailed his training regimen throughout his life. The 3rd book described all his skills and techniques. Corwin stopped to read the first book and understand more of his sensei’s life. This first book he was willing to turn over to the library. If they wanted the 2nd and 3rd book as well he’d have to accept failing the quest.

Finally, Corwin headed back to the capital. He collected the gains of his item auctions, which was only 8000 gold, and 98 magic crystals. He kept the remaining items to supply his guild warehouse.

Lastly, Corwin turned in the quest. He was happy that the 1st volume was sufficient and excitedly checked his personal notifications.

You have completed a hidden quest. You receive 150 verdure kingdom reputation.

You have reached 250 or more Verdure kingdom reputation. You have become a knight of the Verdure kingdom. This is the lowest class of noble. You may purchase land.

Corwin smiled as he achieved what he had aimed at all along. He then thought about founding his guild.

Corwin Swordborn

Spoiler : Level 10: 99% of level 11

Str: 1945(base:25)

Agi: 2011 (base:70)

Con:1945 (base:25)

Int: 601 (base:25)

Cha: 601 (base:25)

Lck: 217 (base:25)

Cnc: 217 (base:25)

Sta: 217 (base: 25)

Qi: 217 (base: 20)

Soul: 217 (base:20)

Air Affinity: 217 (base:20)

Fire Affinity: 217 (base:20)

Def: 6313

MDef: 4827

HP:21450/21450 (base: 1000)

MP:8110/8110 (base: 1000)

Gear:

MW: Epic Tier Level 12 Longsword, +192Str +192Agi +192Con

Base Damage: 240-288, Def 288 MDef 240 Durability 384/384, Requirements: 386 Str

OW: Epic Tier Level 12 Shortsword +192Str, +192Agi, +192 Con

Base Damage 196-240, Def 240 MDef 196, Durability 384/384, Requirements: 386 Str

MA: Epic Tier Level 12 Plate, +192 Str, +192 Agi, +192 Con

768Def,768MDef, Durability 384/384, Requirements:384 Str

LA: Epic Tier Level 12 Plate Cuisse, +192Str, +192Agi, +192Con

768Def, 768MDef Durability: 384/384 Requirements: 384 Str

G: Currently Epic, Level 12 +192Str, +192 Agi, +192 Con

768Def, 768MDef, Durability 384/384 Requirements: 384 Str

B:Epic Tier Level 12 Plate Boots +192Str +202Agi(10 Gemstone) +192Con

768 Def, 768MDef Durability 384/384 Requirements: 384Str

H: Epic Tier Level 12 Helm, +192 Str, +202(10 Gemstone) Agi, +192 Con

768 Def, 768MDef Durability 384/384, Requirements: 384Str

RR: Epic Tier, Level 12 Ring of Hidden Attributes (+192 All base attributes, +192 All Hidden Attributes)

LR: Epic Tier, Level 12 Ring of Elements (+192 All base attributes,

Ignore 2.4 Levels, Ignore 2.4 Equip Levels

AM: Epic Tier, Level 12 Amulet (+192 All base attributes)

Skills:

Spatial Slash, Legacy, Tier 0 Level 0

Haste of the Warrior, Legacy, Tier 0 Level 0

Time Manipulation, Special, Tier 0, Level 9

Space Manipulation, Special, Tier 0, Level 9

Air Manipulation, Special, Tier 0, Level 9

Earth Manipulation, Special, Tier 0 Level 9

Fire Manipulation, Special, Tier 0, Level 8

Water Manipulation, Special, Tier 0, Level 8

Dragon First, Martial, Tier 0 Level 0

Qi Blade, Martial, Tier 0 Level 0

Thunder Slash, Rare, Tier 0, Level 1

Wave Chop, Rare, Tier 0, Level 0

Wind Charge, Rare, Tier 0, Level 1

Disrupting Blow, Rare, Tier 0, Level 1

Double Slash, Uncommon, Tier 0, Level 2

Slash, Common, Tier 0, Level 2

Pierce, Common, Tier 0, Level 2

Parry, Common, Tier 0, Level 2