Sword God in a World of Magic

The lesson was over faster than Shang had anticipated. He had felt like only a couple of minutes had passed, but, apparently, Shang had fought Astor for nearly three hours.

After the first two fights, Shang hadn't won another one. Astor had perfectly countered all of Shang's attacks after knowing what he could do.

Surprisingly, nearly every fight, Shang felt like he had Astor on the ropes. Astor was always so close to losing every single time.

Yet, for some reason, Astor managed to somehow wiggle out of his disadvantaged state.

At that point, Shang had already committed too much, making it harder for him to resist Astor's offensive.

The closest Shang had gotten was when he had loaded his sword with an Ice Blast. He had struck upwards against Astor's sword, completely destroying the attack.

However, Astor managed to block Shang's killing blow by, ironically, jumping into the attack with his chest. The defenses of his uniform activated, and Shang's attack was stopped.

Sure, that only worked once, but it had stopped Shang's most dangerous attack.

Teacher Loran gave his feedback to all the students, including Shang. This time, teacher Loran had actually seen Shang's swordsmanship, which meant that he could give actual feedback.

Surprisingly, teacher Loran didn't criticize Shang's swordsmanship much.

He said that he could already see an initial fighting style forming, which was a good thing.

He said that Shang obviously preferred a very fast and explosive fighting style and that he should focus on that.

One sentence in particular rang true in Shang's mind.

"Don't focus on your weaknesses. Focus on your strengths and make them even stronger."

Shang's weakness was obviously defense. He had no shield or great weapon that could act as a shield. Because of that, Shang had to parry or evade attacks, which wasn't easy.

Shang could work on his defense, but that might take too much work, and it might even ruin his already established fighting style.

Working on his defenses would essentially count as a plan B. If his opponent managed to get through Shang's speed and dodges, Shang would need to defend himself.

That sounded like a good idea, but there was another way forward.

the "if"

so

was what teacher Loran meant by working

managed to hit Shang, his defense wouldn't

Shang lots of feedback,

get boring since we know each other's moves perfectly. I'm glad you

Shang nodded. "Thanks."

he looked at the ground. "However, there is still a long way to go. After all, I am a full level

Astor said. "We students of the Caterpillar Class can't learn real techniques, which means that our powers are always lower

are you in comparison to other students?" Shang

Magic. That puts me at above-average for normal students. I'm still a bit short when it comes to talented students, and I'm a long way away from rivaling the actually

average, huh?"

Astor nodded.

strong am I in comparison to other students?" Shang

the Caterpillar Class, you are a bit below average. In comparison to students in general, you are on the lower side. If you were in the Preparation Grade, you could fight with the weaker half of the students in

took a

was still so weak when it came to

I don't get why you seem so troubled," Astor said with a raised eyebrow. "You just came here like one

"Give it time."

to the

but he still felt a bit ashamed of his power when it came

that he was incredibly outstanding in

humans? Not so

more, fighting Mages was probably even

point,

there a form of practical exam or something like

be fighting other

gathered some experience in fighting warriors, but he hadn't

the same time,

said. "What are these quotas the teachers have for

his quota while referencing the next practical exam

Everyone basically wants them," Astor