Reincarnation Of A Swordsman: The Omni Mage

Chapter 104: Secret Library

Kyle's eyes shone with a newfound determination. He had faced impossible odds before, but this felt different. It felt like a challenge that would shape him not just as a fighter, but as a person.

"I want to learn, Instructor," Kyle said with his fists cupped and a light bow. "I want to master it. Would you lend me that book? I promise I'll dedicate myself to it."

Dan's expression softened into something unreadable—pride, perhaps, or admiration. He placed a hand on Kyle's shoulder and looked at him squarely.

"You've proven your dedication time and time again, Kyle. I can't deny you a martial art technique at your current skill level, you're more than ready to take this step.

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But before I hand you that book, I need you to know that the techniques will challenge you beyond anything you've faced."

Kyle nodded without hesitation. "I understand. I'm ready for it."

A pause stretched between them before Dan nodded with satisfaction. "Good. But it's not as simple as reading a book and mimicking the movements.

You need to choose the path that resonates with you the most."

Kyle's brow furrowed in confusion, but before he could voice his question, Dan continued.

"There are different schools of martial arts, each of them with their own philosophy and techniques. Your task is to choose the one that fits you best."

"Schools of martial arts?" Kyle repeated. "Do you mean a place where martial arts are taught?"

Dan's mouth twitched into a small smile, and he chuckled. "Not quite, but you're close."

A martial arts school isn't just a place, Kyle. It's an entire discipline—a path chosen by practitioners that embodies their core techniques, philosophies, and combat styles.

Some schools focus on offensive might, teaching their followers how to overwhelm their opponents with crushing force.

Others are defensive, emphasizing unyielding stances and counterattacks that make their user as solid as a fortress."

There are schools that emulate the flow of water, always moving, adapting to their opponent's moves with ease and grace.

Then, there are schools inspired by the untamable wind, emphasizing speed, precision, and unpredictability.

The most ancient and revered schools merge physical combat with spiritual teachings, demanding that their students master their inner energies to unleash techniques that border on mystical."

Kyle's breath quickened as Dan spoke, painting vivid images of powerful martial artists whose abilities transcended anything he had imagined.

Dan continued, "To choose a school means to commit to a way of life. It's not something to be taken lightly.

Your mastery of the sword and your elemental prowess can only benefit from this path if you understand that it will require a complete shift in how you view combat and yourself."

Kyle nodded his head quickly. "I'm willing to take that step."

"Then it's time you see something that few have ever laid eyes on. Follow me."

Kyle's heart skipped a beat as Dan walked toward the far wall of the dojo. For as long as he had been training here, this wall had always seemed unremarkable.

Yet now, Dan reached out and pressed his palm on it, chanelling his mana through it, a section of the wall began to part, only to reveal a narrow stone passageway.

Kyle widened his eyes in surprise. "You have a secret chamber?... Damn!"

Dan laughed at Kyle's remark. "Cool, right?"

Kyle simply nodded his head as he followed Dan while they walked deeper until they reached a large iron door. Pushing the door open, Kyle witnessed a sight that stole the breath from his lungs.

Before him stretched a library unlike any he had ever seen. It was colossal, far larger than even the Year-1 section of the academy's library.

It was filled with shelves that bore books of different sizes and age. To the right, a section of the room was devoted to research—desks equipped with magnifying glasses, alchemical instruments, and mana detectors. On observing closely, one could even notice that it had just been used recently.

Kyle's jaw dropped as he took it all in. He turned to Dan and said in surprise.

"This… this is incredible. How do you even—"

"Welcome to my sanctum, Kyle."

Dan watched Kyle take in the scene for some moments before beckoning him him to follow.

Kyle followed after Dan as they weaved through the towering shelves, until they stopped before a section where books were arranged according to their respective martial art schools.

The section was divided into tiers—Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.

"Woah!" Kyle couldn't help but gasp as he read the overbearing names of the martial techniques.

"How do I know which one to pick?" he finally asked, breaking the silence.

"You won't be picking from any of these, Kyle." Dan replied with a smile, making Kyle look at him in surprise.

"Then… why are we here?"

Dan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took a step back and placed his hand on a specific point on the shelf, one that looked indistinguishable from the others.

With a soft click, he pulled out a book unlike any Kyle had seen. IThe title read: Martial Arts: Fundamentals.

Dan's expression turned serious as he held out the book. "This will teach you the origins and philosophies of most revered schools. It will also teach you what each path stands for and how to find the one that resonates with your very essence."

Kyle's breath caught as he took the book, feeling the weight settle in his hands. The book was quite heavy in his hands, but Kyle had already made up his mind to do justice to it.

"I'll do more than read it—I'll study it."

"That's what I want to hear." Dan said wiyj a soft voice. "The knowledge in that book is not a casual read. You need to understand it, because knly then will you be ready to choose a school, and only then will I allow you to learn your first technique."

Kyle nodded his head in approval to his instructor's words. "I will."

"Great! Now, let me show you out."

Kyle followed as Dan led him back through the maze of towering shelves until they got to the Library's entrance.

"Find your way home from here, Kyle. Remember, School resumes on Monday. I expect you to be in Homeroom on time and ready."

The reminder pulled Kyle back to the reality that school was resuming soon.. "I'll be there, Instructor," Kyle said with a wry smile.

"I'm counting on it. Now go."

Kyle stepped out of the library, making his way to the entrance of the secret passage.

He glanced back as he exited, just in time to see Dan press his palm against the stone wall and watch the secret entrance seal itself shut, leaving no trace of the vast library behind.

For a moment, Kyle marveled at the flawless mechanism, wondering what kind of magic or craftsmanship made that.

With a shrug, he placed the matter at the back of his head and made his way to the dojo door.

As Kyle entered the living room, he set his eyes on how clean it looked compared to when he had arrived and couldn't help but marvel at what a good job he had done in such a limited time.

He didn't linger in the house for too long and soon made his way for the door, making sure to slam it shut.

'Today was one hell of a day,' Kyle sighed as he remembered all the events that had all taken place before making his way home, planning how he'll narrate his experiences to Void.