Cataclysm Hunter: I Have an Experience Points System - Chapter 23 - Because It Looks Cooler

[Meteor Hammer – Lv0 >>> Meteor Hammer – Lv1! Potential points +1]

[Nunchaku – Lv0 >>> Nunchaku – Lv1! Potential points +1]

[Trident – Lv0 >>> Trident – Lv1! Potential points +1]

[Giant Bow – Lv0 >>> Giant Bow – Lv1! Potential points +1]

[Knight’s Spear – Lv0 >>> Knight’s Spear – Lv1! Potential points +1]

…

“Wow, he really knows everything!”

“See, I told you he’s a Big Shot!”

“How does he train? I find learning just one weapon exhausting…”

“He’s a monster… even the teachers don’t know this much.”

“Isn’t he from our class? Why are you all watching him?”

“Is he really that strong?”

“He wasn’t much before, but now I’m not sure how strong he is…”

…

“Sigh…”

Lin Xiao let out a soft sigh, glancing somewhat helplessly at the crowd of onlookers.

He came here in the morning to practice, only to be surrounded by them unexpectedly.

Though they kept their distance and didn’t interrupt his practice, their comments were a bit too blatant, weren’t they?

He could hear everything!

He tried to explain that he was just an ordinary student and asked them not to follow him around.

They nodded in understanding, assuring him not to worry, but as soon as he moved to a new classroom, within ten minutes, another group gathered behind him, their stares making his scalp tingle.

Don’t they need to train themselves?

Otherwise, why come here on a day off!?

Never mind… I’ll just earn another potential point and leave.

He spent some time on the Giant Bow today. It seemed to overlap with the “Shooting” skill, triggering a slight experience penalty.

But it wasn’t too much, and Lin Xiao found it acceptable, so he continued.

The Knight’s Spear wasn’t classified under the Spear category, which was a pleasant surprise. Perhaps because its usage was so different.

After putting away the weapons, Lin Xiao headed to the single-handed sword classroom.

This classroom boasted a wide variety of weapons: single-handed broadswords, longswords, rapiers, military knives, miao knives, katanas, and more.

Maybe because these weapons looked so cool, everyone wanted to live out their swordsman fantasies, making this the most crowded classroom.

He casually picked up a couple of swords and swung them.

Whoosh-! Whoosh-!

[Single-Handed Sword – Lv0: Experience points +2]

[Single-Handed Sword – Lv0: Experience points +1]

Hmm… as expected, the system categorized them together, just like his Two-Handed Sword skill.

There was also a slight experience penalty, though Lin Xiao wasn’t sure which weapon triggered it, given that he knew the most about swords and knives.

Never mind, like with the Giant Bow, it’s still acceptable. I’ll finish up and slip away!

Following his preference, Lin Xiao selected a sword with a longer blade. Whether it was a miao knife or something else, he wasn’t sure.

Since they were all made from Wim Alloy with similar craftsmanship, the weapons only differed in shape and length. He just picked one that felt comfortable to use.

Due to the high foot traffic in this classroom, with students practicing swordplay everywhere, Lin Xiao had to put in some effort to find an open space where he could practice.

There was a man sitting cross-legged on the ground, with a long sword resting on his legs, seemingly meditating with his eyes closed.

“Hey, can I practice my sword skills here?”

The man opened his eyes, revealing sharp eyebrows and bright eyes. His handsome features, coupled with his waist-length hair tied with a ribbon, gave him the aura of a Sword Immortal.

“Sure.”

His voice was indifferent, carrying the air of a reclusive master.

“Thanks.”

Lin Xiao nodded to himself. This guy must really love those pre-cataclysm fantasy dramas; his cosplay was spot on.

Better finish practicing quickly and return this “Sword Immortal” his peaceful meditation spot.

Whoosh-! Whoosh-!

Since Lin Xiao was familiar with various swords and blades, his handling of the single-handed sword was not as amateurish as with other weapons; it was quite decent.

However, because of this, gaining experience points wasn’t as smooth.

[Single-handed Sword-Lv0: Experience Points +1]

[Single-handed Sword-Lv0: Experience Points +2]

[Single-handed Sword-Lv0: Experience Points +1]

As expected, mastering more skills made earning potential points harder.

Unexpectedly, the Sword Immortal next to him stood up and approached him.

Lin Xiao paused, puzzled.

What’s up? Got a cramp from sitting?

“Your sword swing is decent, but your stabbing technique needs work.”

The Long-haired Sword Immortal crossed his arms, the sword nestled in the crook of his arm, and spoke calmly:

“You must be new to single-handed swords, having used blades more suited for slashing.”

Oh my, this guy’s actually helpful!

Indeed, Lin Xiao’s experience with greatswords and single-handed war blades was mostly slashing, with little stabbing technique.

Though spears involve thrusting, the technique feels different from a single-handed sword.

“Mind if I ask for some pointers?”

Lin Xiao humbly sought guidance, having learned the value of asking questions from his teachers.

The Sword Immortal nodded slightly, picked up his sword, and performed a beautiful set of sword moves.

Swift as the wind, the sword’s momentum was like a rainbow, its cold gleam as precise as an eagle’s strike, yet as calm as still water.

This cosplayer had real skills; from Lin Xiao’s perspective, his single-handed sword was at least Lv1.

Whoosh-!

The Sword Immortal’s left hand rested on his back, while his right hand thrust the sword forward, the tip steady and powerful.

This must be a finishing move meant for Lin Xiao to see.

After holding the pose for a few seconds, the Long-haired Man twirled the sword, sheathing it behind him, and said coolly:

“Did you get it?”

“Uh… I think so.”

Lin Xiao pondered the details of the man’s wrist and torso movements, nodded, and picked up his sword.

Whoosh-!

[Single-handed Sword-Lv0: Experience Points +4]

Not bad, he definitely learned something; the experience points were quite generous.

Lin Xiao was satisfied, but the man across from him suddenly spoke:

“That’s not right, try again.”

What’s wrong? I thought I did well!

Confused, Lin Xiao followed his instruction and repeated the move.

Whoosh-!

[Single-handed Sword-Lv0: Experience Points +3]

“Not right, your details are off.”

This shook Lin Xiao’s confidence. Was he really that dull?

“Could you tell me what I’m doing wrong?”

The Long-haired Man turned his back, showing Lin Xiao his left hand clenched at his waist.

“When you thrust, your left hand should be at your waist.”

Does this relate to stabbing technique? Some special power technique?

Not sure, but trying it out would reveal the truth.

Whoosh-!

[Single-handed Sword-Lv0: Experience Points +3]

No difference!

Lin Xiao was bewildered.

“Uh… why do I need to put my left hand behind me?”

The Long-haired Man frowned, puzzled by Lin Xiao’s question, then sighed and explained earnestly:

“Because it looks cooler.”

“……”

Seriously!

Lin Xiao felt like he had a lump in his throat, unable to spit it out or swallow it.