Wizard: Starting With the Knights Breathing Method Chapter 5: [Swordsman Dawn] and [Wild Boar Rider]
Previously on Wizard: Starting With the Knights Breathing Method...
Levi Snyder
Black Snake Breathing Method: Level 2 (1/5000)
Shield: Level 1 (Max)
Reaching the second level had been much smoother than Levi anticipated, likely due to his solid foundation and the constant guidance of Knight Fred.
As for his shielding technique, he had already pushed it to its peak; mastering it was far less taxing than his training in archery or basic swordsmanship.
As of today, he had officially stepped into the second rank of a Squire—the Sword Squire.
His next objective was to ascend to the rank of a Quasi-Knight.
However, with a requirement of 5,000 proficiency points, he calculated that achieving this milestone would take at least six months.
Since he had been pushing his Breathing Method nearly every single day, he recognized the need to let his mind and body recover to avoid the risk of cultivation deviation or madness.
Having attained the rank of Sword Squire, his physical strength was now double that of an average man. In a street fight, he could easily overpower five grown adults with nothing but his bare hands.
Nevertheless, he still lacked practical experience in real combat.
Another vital requirement for a Sword Squire is mastery over the sword and various other armaments.
It would be foolish to rely on fists and kicks when weapons exist; Knights almost never engage in unarmed combat.
To master the blade, he would need to seek instruction from Knight Fred. Even Levi's own father had once confessed that Fred’s skill with a sword far surpassed his own.
During his younger years of wandering the Kingdom, Knight Fred had earned the title "Swordsman Dawn."
It was a truly impressive moniker.
There was no immediate rush, however. Since it was the New Year, Levi decided to grant himself a rest day to indulge in the luxuries of his noble status.
At the festive banquet, Levi occupied the Lord’s seat with Knight Fred positioned at his side.
No other noble guests attended; the harsh winter had buried the roads under thick snow, and the valley remained a secluded, distant location. While territories like the Land of Rocks, the Land of Frosted Winds, and the Land of the Silver Moon were neighbors, the travel distance remained significant.
Trade and social visits only resumed once the summer heat arrived.
Essentially, the various Barons of Blackwater Valley led meager lives. This was why Levi’s father was considered such a legend—he had built his legacy from nothing to rule three prosperous regions.
Levi had little interest in socializing with other lords, preferring a peaceful coexistence where everyone minded their own business.
The serfs sat at the far end of the hall, looking timid and frail. Though they were served the same feast as their master, they huddled together, terrified of accidentally provoking the Lord's temper.
At the same time, they were stunned to see that their generous and powerful ruler was so young. He hardly looked like a thirteen-year-old boy.
After three rounds of drinks, Levi focused on his meal while his maids worked to soothe his aching, overtrained muscles. As they massaged his thick, hardened physique, the young women couldn't help but blush intensely.
These maids were merely peasant girls who enjoyed gossiping, yet they remained incredibly disciplined in Levi's presence.
Suddenly, a stout, short boy approached and fell to his knees with a heavy thud. He placed a cloth bundle on the floor. Levi recognized him as Milan, the son of the veteran blacksmith, Toby.
"Little Blacksmith Milan, what is the meaning of this?" Levi inquired.
Milan unwrapped the cloth to reveal a blade that glinted with a chilling luster.
"My Lord, this is the finest sword I forged this past year. I wish to present it to you," he said, bowing his head in tribute.
"Oh?" Levi took the weapon in his hand. The steel was remarkably pure, marking it as a blade of superior craftsmanship.
"This is a fine piece of work," Levi complimented, gesturing for the boy to stand. "Is your father doing well?"
Milan's head dropped again as he began to sob, kneeling once more in desperation. "My Lord, while my father and I were transporting ore from the mountains, we were ambushed by the Wild Boar Gang. I managed to escape, but they took my father... I have no one else to turn to but you."
Levi’s expression instantly turned frigid. "The Wild Boar Gang? The very thing I feared has happened. Do not worry, I will handle this. Return home and wait for my word."
The news immediately soured Levi's festive mood.
Following the banquet, Knight Fred sought out Levi, only to find the young lord's eyes burning with murderous intent.
"The Wild Boar Gang dared to kidnap Toby? They have the audacity to target my blacksmith!" he hissed. "Their leader is that 'Pig' the Hog Rider. With the power of my Breathing Method, they won't stand a chance."