Gabriel couldn't help but reminisce at how much Lowell had grown. It had been three months since he came here, and his techniques had jumped by leaps and bounds.
His own body also changed; though his skin still stayed the same, his mana was at a much higher level than before. His body was no longer as skinny as before.
He was able to circulate mana at a much better pace thanks to an elixir he had in his inventory—Silverleaf Extract—a potion made from the leaves of the ancient Silverleaf tree, known for its restorative properties.
Though his inventory had been empty when he first opened it, once he came back from what had seemed to be a nightmare, he had everything he once had in his past life.
But for some reason, he could not get them from his inventory, as if someone had purposely forbidden him to.
He could get some elixirs, weapons, artifacts, and skills, but he could not get his high-ranking ones. His mana was also a limiting factor, as it was too weak.
Speaking of his inventory, he saw a weapon that seemed perfect for Lowell.
Everything had changed, except for one thing. A certain entity he had met three months ago did not seem to have any intention of leaving.
It was a good thing Lowell was not able to see him, because Gabriel would not want to explain anything to him at all.
"So, what is going to happen today? Training, a beating for that kid, or are you just going to watch him from afar break his body? You know if you keep doing this, that kid is not going to like you anymore," the entity said as he lazily leaned on a tree branch.
Gabriel could not say anything as he watched him. Ever since he met this entity, it seemed as if his emotions kept fading away.
He realized this when he was training with Lowell. No matter how much he tried, his face wouldn't move.
His body did not feel any pain, and it was as if it moved on its own. Gabriel could not understand the reason behind this.
Ignoring the entity, Gabriel called out, "Inventory."
'Swoosh' A bright screen appeared before him. Gabriel then took out a long weapon.
"Lowell!" Lowell heard his master's call from afar with his heightened senses. He got up from the tree and went to his master.
"Yes, master?" Lowell called out in confusion. He did not remember having anything planned for today.
Suddenly, he saw a weapon appear in his master's hands. Lowell's footsteps stopped, and he couldn't help but flinch at the sight.
One thing Lowell couldn't agree more on was that his master and a weapon were not a good combination. 'Was his master going to attack him with a weapon this time? But that was not necessary, as he could beat him without one.' Lowell then looked at the weapon in his master's hands and could not help but marvel at its design.
In his hands, Gabriel held a finely crafted naginata, its presence commanding attention and respect.
The weapon's shaft was made of the finest, dark blue steel, which shimmered with an almost ethereal glow under the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy.
The blade of the naginata was a work of art. Forged with a masterful blend of metals, it gleamed with a brilliant blue hue that seemed to capture the essence of a clear, cloudless sky. Intricate patterns, reminiscent of flowing water and swirling winds, adorned the surface of the blade, giving it an air of both elegance and power.
The hilt of the naginata was wrapped in deep blue leather, providing a secure and comfortable grip.
Silver accents and filigree adorned the hilt, adding a touch of sophistication to the weapon's overall design. At the base of the hilt, a small, azure gemstone was embedded, its surface reflecting the light in mesmerizing patterns.
Lowell then looked at his wooden sword.
The wooden sword, once a proud training weapon, had seen better days. Its once smooth and polished surface was now marred by countless nicks and scratches, each one a testament to the countless hours of rigorous practice it had endured. The wood had aged over time, its color fading to a dull, weathered gray.
The hilt of the sword was wrapped in fraying, sweat-stained cloth, barely providing any comfort or grip. The rough texture of the wood underneath the cloth could be felt with every swing, reminding Lowell of the sword's worn and battered condition. Splinters occasionally poked through the wrapping, adding to the discomfort of wielding it.
The blade itself was uneven and chipped in several places, the result of numerous clashes and impacts.
The edges were no longer sharp, having dulled over time from repeated use. Despite its shabby appearance, the wooden sword still held a certain resilience, refusing to break even after enduring so much.
As Lowell gripped the sword, he could feel the weight of its history and the dedication it symbolized. It was a humble weapon, but it had been his constant companion throughout his training. Every swing, every strike, carried the memories of his struggles and triumphs.
Though the wooden sword lacked the elegance and power of the blue naginata, it had served Lowell well.
It was a reminder of his journey, his perseverance, and the lessons he had learned along the way. The shabby wooden sword was more than just a tool; it was a symbol of his growth and determination.
"Here," Gabriel said, presenting the naginata to Lowell.