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.

wasn't enough to rival the strongest students in the class,

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

only been classmates, and that

at Shang with a polite expression while Sarah looked

is him!" Astor said with a bright

Shang and performed a small, polite bow as a greeting. "Nice to meet you. My name's Elver, and

while Astor tried to

didn't tell

recognize me. Well, I can't fault him. I changed a lot over the last year. Even Sword gained a couple hundred

at Astor, who acted

of the way as Sarah stopped in front of Shang, looking deeply into his eyes with an evaluating

the

she offered her hand

had been on Earth, the reflex of shaking an offered hand was still ingrained in

own hand

tighten her grip with what seemed to be all

it

of my strength?" Shang

later, Sarah pulled her hand back. "Not anymore," she said. "I apologize for my rude behavior, but I became doubtful of your strength when I saw how young you were. You should understand that this concerns our lives, and we can't take any

"Understandable. You always

furrowed her brows in a displeased expression while Elver

a bright smile as he leaned

Sarah asked with

"I'm Shang," Shang said.

second, Elver and

had heard that name

remembered that young kid that had become incredibly powerful in only

from the academy?" Elver asked from the

there a second person in this world with

One year ago, we saw each other nearly every day

looked a bit awkward since he smiled so rarely. "I've been busy with one mission