Chapter 32: Genius

"David, did you really memorize everything?" Garen asked, equally unconvinced. He had seen many prodigies in his life, but the Storm Warhammer technique was not some ordinary foundational skill. While David's physique met the requirements for practicing the Storm Warhammer technique, its complexity—the intricate use and transformation of various forces—made it difficult even for those who had studied basic warhammer techniques to remember it all.

From what Garen knew, David, like Myron, had never learned how to use a warhammer before.

"Uncle Garen, I remember everything!" David replied with certainty.

"Then practice it once!" Garen, still harboring doubts despite David’s assurance, demanded directly.

David nodded and took the warhammer from Garen’s hand.

The moment he grasped the warhammer, David's aura changed. A fierce, unstoppable momentum erupted from him. Garen sensed David’s new aura and was stunned; the warhammer was a weapon of pure offense, and it demanded such relentless drive.

Had he not known David had never learned the warhammer before, he would have believed David had been practicing since childhood. But who had ever seen someone train in the warhammer at home without even owning one? Was he supposed to practice with the longsword hanging on the wall?

David paid no heed to Garen’s probing gaze or Myron’s expectant look. As he lifted the warhammer, he seemed to fuse with it, as if the weapon had become an extension of his body.

Though this particular warhammer wasn't his preferred style, with his mastery level at an impressive 82%, any warhammer would suffice.

As he began practicing the Storm Warhammer technique, he realized the true value of his previous training in advanced physical arts. Mastery over bone and muscle control, honed through those exercises, made learning the Storm Warhammer technique much easier than he had anticipated.

Myron watched, eyes wide, as David flawlessly executed each move of the Storm Warhammer technique. He began to doubt his own intelligence. How could two people learning together, with Myron’s physical aptitude even surpassing David’s, have such different outcomes? Myron had only memorized the first six moves, while David practiced each move fluidly, without hesitation.

Garen, unlike Myron, saw much more. David was not merely mimicking the technique he had just demonstrated; he was infusing it with his own understanding. In Garen’s perception, David seemed like a seasoned warrior deeply immersed in the craft.

With each practice, David’s relentless aura gained a tinge of brutal killing intent. Though this murderous intent was unstable, Garen couldn't fathom how David had achieved it.

There was only one explanation: David was a genius—an unparalleled prodigy in both physical arts and the use of the warhammer.

In truth, David’s rapid mastery of the warhammer was entirely due to Garen’s instruction. The methodical demonstration of each detail in the powerful technique was exactly what David needed. Had David sought out videos or learned from less skilled teachers, he could never have reached such proficiency on his first attempt.

"Myron, demonstrate the first six moves you’ve learned," Garen said, handing Myron another warhammer.

Myron glanced at David, who had already completed his practice. He didn't want to be compared in this moment, but he had to comply with Garen’s request.

"Begin quickly. Don’t compare yourself to David—just focus on doing your best," Garen said sternly.

Myron picked up the warhammer, ready to begin, but Garen interrupted him before he started.

"You're gripping the warhammer incorrectly—like this!" Garen said, correcting Myron’s mistake.

After the adjustment, Myron started practicing the first move. Garen immediately spotted another error, but this time he chose not to correct it, watching as Myron continued.

When Myron finished the six moves he’d memorized, Garen was certain: Myron’s performance was normal, whereas David’s was the mark of a true prodigy.

"David, take that warhammer and practice by yourself. I’ll instruct Myron for a while," Garen waved to David.

While talented students relieved a teacher’s burden, those too gifted could leave their instructors at a loss. Garen’s skill was enough to teach David, but to have a student reach near-mastery on their first lesson was unexpected. Beyond this point, it was no longer about instruction—David would need real combat experience to forge his own style.

David responded, took the warhammer, and moved to the side to practice alone.

He was like a child with a new toy. Starting again from the first move of the Storm Warhammer technique, he continually deepened his familiarity with the weapon. What he needed now was practice.

Garen began with Myron, correcting every mistake from the first move onward. Fortunately, Myron was not lacking in intelligence; Mayor Bernard had invested in sending him here, confident in Myron’s talent.

Myron, new to the warhammer, was slowly entering the stage of understanding. Garen didn’t expect him to master everything immediately, but aimed to give him the proper method. If Myron worked hard, his proficiency would naturally improve.

Garen initially had the same expectations for David, but David’s talent had caught him off guard, disrupting his plans.

Myron focused intently on Garen’s guidance; both the Storm Warhammer technique and Garen’s instruction were rare opportunities, and he didn’t want to waste a moment.

But as Myron concentrated, David’s solo practice was increasingly distracting him.

Of course, David was not intentionally disturbing him. It was simply that David’s practice grew ever deeper, his Storm Warhammer technique and 82% mastery resonating ever more strongly.

As he practiced, Myron occasionally felt a chilling aura emanating from David. As a student, Myron, despite his notable background in Perlan City, was unable to comprehend this menacing presence.

But Garen was deeply astonished. In less than two hours, David had intensified his once faint killing intent to a palpable degree.

At this point, aside from not being an armored warrior, David’s warhammer mastery was already at the level of an experienced professional.

Garen looked at David, then at Myron, sensing the gap between them.

Myron caught Garen’s gaze and felt deeply discouraged.

He had always considered himself a prodigy—top of his class and a standout in his social circle. Yet today, compared to David, he felt like a fool.

"Myron, stand aside and watch," Garen said, taking the warhammer from his hands. Then he smiled at David, saying, "David, let’s spar!"

With that, Garen raised his warhammer and struck toward David’s chest. Of course, with his control, he would never harm David and could stop the blow at the moment of contact.

He wanted to give David some pressure; otherwise, a prodigy who advanced too smoothly might not develop properly. Fear was necessary for true growth.

Garen expected David to panic, perhaps unable to handle even this simple strike. No matter how talented, David was still a beginner, and there was a vast difference between mere mastery and real combat.

But David’s response took him by surprise. David’s warhammer traced an arc, using its momentum to allow his body to sidestep Garen’s blow. At the same time, David’s warhammer spun in midair and struck toward Garen’s arm.

Though surprised, Garen’s own skill far surpassed David’s. With a slight movement, he flipped his warhammer and avoided David’s attack.

"Excellent!" Garen shouted, now raising his own standards, launching a barrage of rapid attacks at David.