The World Rekindled

To be fair.

Even if he was unwilling to believe the truth, Karg had to admit that Ian had not merely pointed out the problem—he had provided a solution. And that solution sounded... damnably reasonable!

It was even more exquisite than the insights Karg himself had painstakingly developed over years of contemplation!

"How could this be..." Karg stood rooted to the spot, his mind utterly blank, as though a thunderbolt from the highest heavens had struck his soul. Even his thoughts had ceased to function.

The other party... the other party had not merely learned the swordsmanship Karg had spent decades honing during this absurdly brief exchange... He had thoroughly understood it, completely mastered it, and then... surpassed Karg's swordsmanship from a height Karg could not even imagine! Yes, he had not only learned every move! He had also seen through the principles behind each one, the hidden flaws, and the possibilities for improvement! He could even view them from a perspective that Karg himself had never reached!

Then he had "annotated" and "upgraded" the sum of Karg's life's work!

This could no longer be described as "exceptional talent" or "combat genius."

This was an inhuman ability to learn and analyze, one that nearly touched the level of rules themselves! It was the despairing gulf between mortal intelligence and transcendent wisdom!

A chill and despair deeper and more bone-piercing than facing death itself, or being annihilated by legendary magic, instantly flooded Karg's heart like icy venom and spread through every limb and bone.

"I... I... I..." The hand gripping his nearly numb greatsword began to tremble uncontrollably. It was not a physical reaction to exhaustion, but an uncontrollable shudder and helplessness arising from the depths of his soul after his worldview had been utterly crushed and his convictions torn out