Chapter Thirty: The Virtue of a Knight

Salvador hesitated, words caught in his throat. After a long pause, he finally followed and asked, “Langie, could you teach me Mind Blade?”

I asked, “Why do you want to learn it? To be honest, this skill is far less practical than firearms.”

Salvador replied, “I just want another skill to rely on. I want to become stronger, so I can help you and my sister.”

The principles of Mind Blade are easy to grasp, but applying them is not so simple—just as some are born adept at chess, while others can never grasp its basics. That is the unpredictable nature of fate.

I smiled. “As long as your sister doesn’t object, I’ll find time to teach you a move.”

Salvador said, “It’s settled, then.”

We were standing in the exorcist’s courtyard. The old man who called himself “Ghost” seemed to have granted us entry; the barrier he set with Mind Blade had disappeared.

We walked toward the manor. I asked, “His swordsmanship is stronger than Orchid’s. What do you think?”

Mirse nodded. “He must be a senior of the Sword and Shield Guild, though I wonder what his background is.”

I recalled the Sword and Shield Guild’s unyielding rule: only the Guild itself can expel you; you can never leave on your own. Those who do are traitors. Orchid had lived in our village for years, but in truth, he was a Guild agent.

If it was certain the old man had once been part of the Sword and Shield Guild, Mirse would have no choice but to report to Vasilisa. Vasilisa likely wouldn’t arrest anyone in the Black Coffin, but it would certainly spark conflict, and the Guild would not let it go easily.

In a clean and modest room, we saw an elderly woman with hair as white as silver. Time could not conceal her beauty; though very old, her bright eyes, high nose, and lean cheeks still hinted at the charm of her youth.

The old woman said, “Helsing didn’t frighten you, did he, children?” Her tone was gentle, reminding me of Aunt Ole back in our village.

The old man sat nearby, head held high, sipping tea. I thought, “His name is Helsing?” Now I remembered that Jiu Nan had once mentioned a Sword and Shield Guild hermit living in the lower levels—he must be the one.

I said, “Madam, I’ve come on behalf of Marquis Michael to deliver a letter. He wishes to request an exorcist. Is that you?”

The old woman replied, “I once served the Marquis, but since then my husband has steadfastly opposed me using my skills.”

Helsing raised his voice, “Your body can’t take such exertion! You should rest!”

The old woman smiled at Helsing. “If iron is left unused, it rusts; people fall ill if idle. I must use my powers from time to time.”

She turned to us. “The Marquis has sent envoys many times, but each was scared off by my husband’s Mind Blade. This time, he finally found the right people.”

I didn’t expect Helsing to have the courage to defy the Marquis’s summons.

The old woman bowed to me. “My name is Jade Lake. Please inform the Marquis that I accept his request and will visit him the day after tomorrow.”

Mirse looked at Helsing and said, “Sir, you were once of the Sword and Shield Guild.” It was not a question, but a statement.

Helsing replied, “And if I was?”

Mirse asked, “Do you reside here for the Guild’s mission?”

Helsing said, “If I were a spy, would the Black Coffin let me live until today? No, I am here of my own volition.”

Mirse said, “Then your actions violate the Guild’s laws. I cannot ignore that.”

I knew he was stubborn and inflexible, so I whispered, “You’ve seen how formidable he is. Don’t provoke him.”

Mirse said, “But he’s a traitor to the Guild.”

I said, “He’s a permanent resident of the Black Coffin. Let it go—turn a blind eye.”

Helsing frowned deeply. “I knew Orchid. I was his teacher.”

We were stunned, our respect growing. Mirse said, “Then you are our ancestor. But... even so, you can’t break the Guild’s rules.”

Helsing said, “As for the Eight Virtues Sword, it’s not just the ‘Stone Fir’ technique. I possess moves even Orchid never had time to learn, which I can now teach you.”

I have always believed that unexpected benefits are never too many. I said, “Really? Thank you, sir.”

Mirse said, “I’m sorry, I can’t accept your favor. I cannot conceal your presence from the organization.”

Helsing said, “Report me if you wish. I expect nothing in return and care nothing for the Guild. I only wish to fulfill my duty to Orchid.”

Salvador gathered his courage and called out, “May I... may I also become your apprentice?”

Helsing said, “Of course. Follow me.”

He stood and led us toward the rear room. Jade Lake smiled, “Please be gentle with these children. Don’t go too far.”

Helsing said loudly, “Women should mind their own ailments and not meddle in men’s affairs!” Jade Lake smiled, untroubled, as though it was a routine exchange between husband and wife.

Salvador and I followed Helsing, with Mirse helplessly trailing behind. We entered a spacious, spotless room lined with weapon racks and the Guild’s armor. The armor was clearly damaged, with no insignia denoting rank, but its form was imposing.

Helsing spoke, “The Eight Virtues Sword originates from the eight virtues of medieval knights: humility, honor, sacrifice, courage, compassion, spirit, honesty, and justice. These virtues, united, elevate the knight, granting him heaven’s blessing, making him God’s sword.”

Salvador recited them repeatedly, as the most diligent student would. I looked at Mirse, knowing he had admired these virtues since childhood, shaping him into who he was. Though his actions appeared rigid, they were not false; he had always been this way, and it was integral to his character.

Helsing continued, “Corresponding to these virtues are eight moves. I believe Mirse has only taught you three or four. Am I right?”

I said, “Father admitted he never mastered them all. I only know ‘Stone Fir’ and ‘Iron Lotus’.”

Mirse, having resolved himself, said, “So do I.”

Helsing said, “Then you have much to learn.” He approached Salvador and tapped his brow with a wooden staff. Salvador knelt involuntarily before him. Helsing was testing Salvador’s willpower, much as Orchid once chose his disciples among orphans.

After half an hour, Salvador collapsed in a sweat, breathing heavily and weeping. Helsing said, “He’s a beginner, but shows promise. I want you to come here weekly for instruction.”

Salvador struggled to reply, “Yes... Master, as you wish.”

Helsing then demonstrated “Cherry Blossom Drift.” He summoned his will, and a circle of light like cherry blossoms surrounded him. The glow traveled to his legs, and he leapt upward, reaching the ceiling and walking upside down like a bat. When he landed, the light gathered in his fingers and he shouted, “Use Iron Lotus!”

I hurried to use the move. His finger pointed at me, and I felt as if I’d been struck by Yune, shooting backward like a flying arrow. I cried out in fright, but Helsing brought down his staff, and a soft wall stopped me.

Mirse quickly asked, “Langie, are you alright?”

I managed, “I’m... I’m fine.”

Helsing said, “The secret of Cherry Blossom Drift is to focus Mind Blade within your body, drastically enhancing your physical abilities, making you swifter and stronger than ordinary bloodkind. If you focus it into your fists, your strength increases tenfold; into your legs, you gain three or four times greater speed and seven or eight times higher jumps. If you focus it on your waist and abdomen, you can perform any movement in the air, as if walking on solid ground. You are all beginners—do not rush.”

I saw that Helsing’s arms were as hard as iron. I asked, “Will the body be unable to withstand Cherry Blossom Drift?”

Helsing said, “It’s possible, but practicing the move also strengthens the body’s foundation.”

He waved his staff again, and I felt the soft wall surround me once more. I tried to push it, but it would not budge.

Helsing said, “This move is ‘Shepherding.’ Mind Blade becomes a shield, trapping your opponent so they cannot move. Of course, I usually use it to rescue people.”

He explained the incantation in detail. “You are all young. No need to hurry. Each move of the Eight Virtues Sword is practical. If you master all eight but lack proficiency, it’s as if you’re knighted without virtue, earning only contempt. But even if you uphold a single virtue steadfastly, that is worthy of praise. The Eight Virtues Sword is called Mind Blade because it is intimately connected to your spirit.”

He taught us with earnestness, making us believe he truly believed in these virtues. I could only feel regret, for in this era, those who follow these tenets likely won’t live long. No wonder I sensed in him a melancholy at odds with the times, a faded heroism.

Mirse knelt in repentance. “Master, I have learned your secret and received your favor. I do not know what to do for my own peace, or to maintain the balance of the eight virtues.”

Helsing replied, “The eight virtues are not a prison, but profound philosophy. Let them guide your actions, not hinder them. Follow your heart and decide for yourself.”

In an instant, Mirse raised his head, his gaze clear. “Very well. I will never reveal your whereabouts to anyone.”

Helsing said, “Thank you, though I do not mind.”

I thought, “Mirse the stubborn actually figured it out? That’s strange.”

Perhaps the new Mind Blade changed Mirse.

Mind Blade is the embodiment of human nature. Different people manifest its effects differently. My Mind Blade is a shadow, Orchid and Mirse’s nearly invisible, and practicing certain Mind Blades may affect one’s mind.

I saw a faint smile flicker in Helsing’s eyes.

Perhaps, as he taught Mind Blade, he also set a barrier in our minds, preventing us from revealing his secret. Otherwise, why was he so eager to impart his wisdom to strangers?

But maybe it was just my imagination. I have endured many psychic intrusions; this time I felt nothing. Yes, I was overthinking it. Mirse was simply won over by Helsing.

I looked at Salvador, sitting limp on the floor, and for a moment, could not be sure of anything. So I chose not to think further.