Just like the Simple Movement Technique, Apollo has to learn it to use it. He still hadn't really practiced the Simple Movement Technique, though, and his process with it only involved methods of jumping from here, increasing his speed, and keeping his balance.
And now, Apollo had to learn the Simple Sword Technique right here, right now!
But learning? Apollo smirked. In the first place, it's one of the reasons why he became the richest man in the world in his previous life. He was talented in every area he decided to dabble in. He could learn fast. That's why he was considered a genius.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. At the same time, he sorted out the knowledge inside his mind. Thrust, slice, deflect, cut… Apollo opened his eyes and a glint flashed by.
Holding the broadsword in front of him, a smile formed on his lips. "Come!"
With a strong roar, the Duskfang Shadowtails started running towards him.
Bel, who was watching all this, couldn't help but be nervous. If she were still at her peak, she could easily defeat them; however, her current strength had fallen to that of a 2nd-step foundation-building cultivator.
Suddenly, her worry turned into surprise when the kid in front of her moved with the sword.
The nearest Duskfang moaned in pain as it slid across the ground. The side of its stomach oozed blood. But the wolf still managed to stand up and pounce back on the beggar.
Apollo dodged to the side and slashed, his sword leaving a deep wound on the already wounded Duskfang. It wailed in pain while slowly backing off. With one of them unable to fight, he glanced at the other three, with one already on its way to shred him with a sharp claw.
This one was the other injured wolf that he had fought.
The broadsword pierced the wolf's neck, blood splattering on the ground and on Apollo's clothes.
This is nice! Apollo thought with amazement. Following the technique from the Simple Sword Technique in his mind, he felt like he was one with the sword. It was like an extension of his limbs. Furthermore, he was just following what was inside his mind, and his fighting abilities had already risen. What if he began to practice this technique to the fullest?
This thought excited the beggar, and his attacks became more forceful and swift!
"Take this!" Apollo shouted. Using both hands to hold the broadsword, he swung it around him, sending the Duskfangs to the ground while they howled in pain. "Hehe, who's the boss now?"
Apollo walked towards them with a smirk on his face. The four Duskfang Shadowtails tried to stand on their feet, but only two managed, while the other two lay on the ground, whimpering and howling.
"Stop growling and come at me," Apollo said to the two who were baring their teeth at him.
Seemingly understanding what he meant, they roared at him, but before they could take a step, Apollo dashed towards them and swung the broadsword! Their necks were pierced, and like a waterfall, red fell from their necks, forming a puddle of blood.
After killing them, he went to the remaining Duskfangs on the ground. He also pierced them, but this time in their heads.
"Finally done!" Apollo smirked. He then started walking towards Bel. "Eh? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Bel was woken from her surprise. This kid… his sword technique, strange… He only did simple slashes, but he managed to kill them all. It's too simple, there's no 'real' technique whatsoever. Anyone could do what he just did; in fact, even a toddler can do those slashes!
"Hey, I know I'm handsome, but we should go. These guys are cunning. Their brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, and neighbors will arrive here any time now. Let's go if you don't want to die," Apollo said while helping her to her feet.
"O-okay," Bel nodded as she realized the grave situation. Duskfang Shadowtails, a wolf-type monster, are cunning. Hearing their kin howling in pain must have alerted the others, especially since the scent of blood is so strong here.
While supporting Bel, they hurriedly went back to the city. Apollo remained vigilant, his eyes observing the forest while dragging the sword in his other hand.
Suddenly, a squishy sensation came from the side of his face. He couldn't help but turn to his left and saw the humongous work of mother earth. Because Bel was taller than him, she had to put her right arm around him, making their bodies very close to each other.
I have to focus! Apollo thought, but soon his face turned red and a foolish smile appeared. Every time they had to jump on a rock or take a wide step, the mountain beside his face moved, squishing him further.
"What are you… grinning at?" Bel asked. Due to the loss of blood, she felt quite dizzy, so she hadn't noticed what was happening.
"N-nothing," Apollo answered.
Suddenly, continuous howling came from behind them, making them look at each other with wide eyes.
"Let's hurry up!" Apollo shouted. He immediately forgot the squishy sensation on the side of his face as the threat to his life overcame it. Even so, their speed was still slow. "Hey! Is your sword important?"
Hearing the question, Bel was about to ask why when she realized what he was going to do. "Yes! It's… very important!"
"I have to carry you so we can run faster! Where's your scabbard?" Apollo asked hurriedly.
"I… I lost it," Bel answered with a sigh.
"Sh*t!" Apollo couldn't help but curse. Then an idea came to mind when he saw a crevice under a tree. "I'll hide it! You can just get it back after we get out of here and heal yourself!"
Bel frowned when she heard this, but looking at herself, having to be supported because of her injury, and hearing the howling from the Duskfang Shadowtails behind them, she didn't have a choice but to nod her head.
"Good," Apollo went to the tree with a crevice and put the broadsword inside. "Done, let's go!"
Bel nodded her head, then Apollo picked her up in a princess style. "Hold on!"
Using his Simple Movement Technique, he ran towards the woods and into the lights in the distance. Even with additional weight, Apollo's speed was still fast.
"I see it!" Apollo's eyes lit up seeing the wall of Klown in the distance.
Bel turned to the city and couldn't help but sigh in relief.
Apollo smiled, but it didn't last a second as he suddenly felt goosebumps all over him. That was when he heard the sound of air tearing behind him, then great pain came from his back.
"ARGH!" Apollo moaned in pain but gritted his teeth and held on. Without looking at his attacker, he continued towards the grassland.
Bel looked behind him when she heard him moaning in pain, and her eyes widened from what she saw. "That's!"
Suddenly, a strong wind came at them as they finally left the forest. As they hurriedly made their way to the city, Bel's eyes remained on the forest, her eyes shaking with fear.