Sword God in a World of Magic

Shang and Astor spent the day together, and when evening arrived, they split apart.

Shang went back to the academy and trained in his mastery over his Affinity, which was different from training in mastery over Mana.

Mastery over Mana was more of a general, all-encompassing mastery, while mastery over an Affinity referred to the specifics. When compared to Spells, one could say that mastery over Mana would increase one's ability in regards to all Spells, while mastery over an Affinity referred to one's ability in regards to only Spells of a specific category.

When dawn arrived, Shang left the academy and went to one of the walls on the eastern side of Warrior's Paradise. This was where the group was supposed to meet.

Shang could see a couple of hunters walking around in teams.

Everyone was getting ready for a day of hunting.

It took a couple of minutes, but eventually, Astor arrived with his team.

Surprisingly, Shang recognized all of them.

The team consisted of three people, with Astor being the leader.

The second person on the team was a smaller man with long green hair and two long rapiers. He wore one of the black sets of leather armor that the Hunting Guild sold.

Shang knew this guy.

Back when Shang had taken part in his first lesson in the Caterpillar Class, he had been the one that had insulted him several times. Later, it came to light that he was simply envious of Shang since he had assumed that Shang was some progeny of a rich family. He even apologized for his treatment of Shang later.

It was Elver.

Sadly, judging by his getup, Elver didn't manage to enter the General Stage grade in the Warrior's Academy.

Shang also knew the third person.

It was a tall woman with short, grey hair. She carried a huge hammer on her back and also wore the typical set of black leather armor that the Hunting Guild sold.

Shang remembered how they had made a deal. In exchange for helping her adapt to fighting beasts, she gave Shang information about different metals. Sadly, the deal hadn't been relevant for very long since Shang had managed to upgrade his sword very soon after their first meeting.

It was Sarah.

met them occasionally about a year ago during class, but their power wasn't enough to rival the strongest students in the class, which was why Shang hadn't fought

they hadn't talked much anymore. Shang's refusal to spend time with others also didn't

end, they had only been classmates, and that

Shang with a polite expression while

is him!" Astor said with a bright

meet you. My name's Elver, and I'm the runner of the team. Thank you for

while Astor

didn't tell them,

Elver. 'I guess he didn't recognize me. Well, I can't fault him. I changed a lot

threw a look at Astor, who acted like he didn't see

the way as Sarah stopped in front of Shang,

the flex,"

offered her hand

though it had been years since Shang had been on Earth, the reflex of shaking an offered hand was still ingrained in him. As a professional athlete, Shang had needed to shake so many hands of so many managers, promoters, clerks,

hand into

tighten her grip with what seemed to be all of

Sarah was doing this, and it also explained why she had looked at

Shang asked as they

of your strength when I saw

"Understandable. You always

displeased expression while Elver looked at Shang with a

don't you introduce yourself?" Astor asked with a bright smile as he leaned on Shang's

I know you?" Sarah asked with an annoyed

"I'm Shang," Shang said.

a second, Elver and Sarah

had heard

become

academy?" Elver

this world with such a weird name?"

that moment, Elver chuckled. "No, I guess not," he said. "Man, it's been forever since we saw each other. One year ago, we saw each other nearly every

a smile, which looked a bit awkward since he smiled so rarely. "I've been busy with one mission after the other. I returned to the academy just yesterday, which was