Chapter 78: Level up The follow-up attacks came naturally, dismantling the beetle’s defences, each cut building toward inevitable victory. Noah’s footwork kept him constantly in advantageous positions while his blade work prevented any meaningful counterattack. The final stroke marked the Beetle’s death. There it is. The notification brought immediate satisfaction mixed with tangible improvement. Noah could feel the difference; he suddenly felt that his previous attacks were nothing but childish swings. His sword awareness increased substantially, and he gained more intuitive understanding of combat timing and distance. Level 5 swordsmanship. That puts me in the competent territory. Three dead beetles lay scattered across the hunting ground. Other newbie demons in the area had taken notice of his kills, several nodding with respect. They had seen the way he had improved, from his first beetle kill to his third kill. Not bad for someone who started with wooden practice swords a few weeks ago. I wonder how Alissa and Kip are doing. Kip is probably casting large fireballs, and Alissa...she has probably become an apprentice swordsman...Whilst I’m out here celebrating that I finally became a Novice swordsman. The system’s voice sounded in his mind, completely shattering his happiness. [Sorry to break it to you, host. But you are not a Novice Swordsman. Whilst you have reached level 5, and indeed you do have the skillset of a Novice Swordsman. You do not have their combat power, simply because you cannot control your aura. Therefore, you are nowhere near as threatening as a Novice Swordsman.] Noah’s smile stiffened upon hearing the system’s words. ’Does that mean I can’t kill tier 1 monsters now?’ [No host. More like you can’t survive against tier 1 monsters...let alone kill.] ’System...you know you can answer without being sassy...right?’ He thought rolling his eyes. [Host...I can hear you...] "Ahem," He coughed before continuing. ’So what do I do now? How can I control the so-called aura you are talking about?’ [To control aura, you need to be able to have magic. Aura is an extension of magic made manifest with weapons. It’s not a separate energy by itself. So, to answer your question. You would be able to control your aura by simply levelling up your Mana Control skill to level 5.] [Once you level it up, you will then have the ability to start controlling your aura.] ’Ahh, I see.’ Noah had a look of understanding on his face as he listened to the system’s explanation. He had thought that he would need to start from the beginning once again to try and control his aura, but it seemed like he was close. As long as I level up my Mana Control skill...I will then be able to finally control magic and aura. That will make me a Novice Mage and a Novice Swordsman. Noah focused inward, feeling for the mana that supposedly flowed through his body. It was there, but he was unable to harness its powers. Level 4 Mana Control. Just one more level. ’Time to test my new power.’ He thought, a grin forming on his face. A lone beetle approached from the treeline. Tier 0, same as the others he’d been fighting. Noah approached the lone beetle with more confidence than before, his stance instinctively changing into good form. His feet found the optimal distance, his sword arm extended at the perfect angle. The beetle noticed his approach and immediately went into combat mode. Its mandibles clicked menacingly as it prepared to charge. Come on then. The creature lunged forward with surprising speed, but Noah’s eyes tracked its movement effortlessly. His sword swept upward in a perfect arc, meeting the beetle’s trajectory at precisely the right moment. Swish! The attack cut through the air before making contact with the beetle. The blade sliced through chitin like butter, opening a devastating wound across the beetle’s belly. Black ichor sprayed across the ground as the creature’s momentum carried it past Noah’s position. One clean strike. That would have taken me more attempts before. The beetle collapsed, its legs twitching briefly before going still. Noah stared at his sword, amazement flooding through him. The improvement was significant; he had gained a lot of power from the recent level up that which made him feel incredibly excited. Noah stared at his sword, amazement flooding through him. "Impressive," called a voice from nearby. Noah turned to see a demoness walking towards him with a smile on her face. "You made that look easy," she continued, nodding toward the dead beetle. "I’m still struggling with single targets." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮 "Thank yo—LOOK OUT!" Noah moved instinctively, stepping between the demoness and two beetles that had emerged from the tall grass. Their close proximity didn’t give him a chance to think. Two at once. The first beetle launched its aerial attack while the second flanked from ground level. Noah’s blade found the airborne creature’s neck, immediately killing it, but focusing on one opponent left him vulnerable to the other due to his lack of experience in fighting groups. Shit! I made a mistake. I should have positioned better. Pain ran through his left arm as the second beetle’s mandibles found their target. S harp chitin pierced cloth and skin, drawing blood while the creature’s grip tightened. "Argh!" Noah grunted, more from surprise than agony. Get off. He shook off the beetle and yanked it away from his arm, feeling fabric and skin tear in the process. The creature hit the ground hard, momentarily stunned by the violent separation. Noah’s blade ended its confusion permanently. "Oh no! I’m so sorry!" The demoness rushed forward, guilt written across her face. "I should have been paying attention! I’ll pay for your treatment—" "It’s fine," Noah interrupted, reaching into his jacket pocket. "Really, don’t worry about it." He withdrew one of the wrapped loaves he’d brought as emergency supplies. "Bread?" she tilted her head, confusion replacing her concerned look.