Dimensions - Chapter 28 Unnecessary Attachment

Veins throbbed violently on the side of Dark Rollo’s forehead as he held out one empty hand, gesturing mockingly—come at me, bitch.

Seeing how he didn’t draw his sword, Jan grinned broadly, barely keeping his irritation in check.

“Using my moves on me now, huh?! Even the real Rollo used his sword when we trained, you damn clone!”

Dark Rollo didn’t answer. Instead, he let out a silent, sinister snicker, his eyes glinting with malice.

Jan scowled. “Alright! Bring it on!”

*Whoosh—*

Channeling all his strength into his legs, Jan exploded forward, gripping his sword tightly with both hands. As he closed in, he raised his blade, aiming straight for Dark Rollo’s head.

He wasn’t just being reckless—he knew this wouldn’t be easy. Thus, as he entered the striking zone, he slowed just enough to read any sudden movement, ready to switch tactics on the fly.

But his opponent didn’t budge.

Not a twitch.

But then—

Just as Jan committed to the strike, Dark Rollo casually stepped aside and swept his leg.

*Wham—*

Jan tripped hard, tumbling through the air and crashing into a tree with a painful thud.

[-20]

Clutching his head, he writhed on the ground in pain.

Dark Rollo silently snickered behind one hand, shaking with amusement.

“Stop laughing!” Jan growled.

That only made it worse.

The clone’s shoulders shook harder, like a mime choking on his own laugh—silent, exaggerated, and very maddening.

Jan glared at him for a moment, then sighed deeply.

“I know exactly what you’re trying to do,” he muttered. “And I’m telling you, it won’t work.”

With slow, steady steps, Jan walked back again.

‘Even if it’s a clone, he’s still Rollo. Rushing in won’t work—even if he’s not using his sword.’

He took a deep, relaxing breath, and managed to keep his emotions in check. Then he glanced up—

Dark Rollo was now shaking his booty in the most ridiculous, over-the-top way imaginable!

Jan blinked. ‘Is he—? Is he shaking his ass at me?’

He gritted his teeth.

‘Fine. If I can get him to draw his sword, I’ll call that a win. But at the very least, I’m landing a hit on that smug face.’

The challenge was set.

Jan continued forward cautiously. When he was only about three meters away, he shifted sideways, circling Dark Rollo. The shadow clone mirrored his movements, turning smoothly to keep him in sight.

‘No openings… of course not.’

Jan picked up speed, sprinting in an arc to try and catch him off-angle—but Dark Rollo matched him with ease, never breaking form.

Even when Jan faked a direction change, he got nothing. So far, he’d had all the initiative in the fight, yet it still felt like he was the one being toyed with.

‘This won’t work, but still, he’s unarmed. I need to try again, if I pressure him with many quick strikes, he would have to change his strategy.’

Jan stepped in again, more carefully this time, keeping a close eye on Dark Rollo’s legs to avoid another trip.

But the moment he looked back up—

*Bam—*

His foe slammed into him shoulder-first, knocking him flat.

“Damn it!” He groaned, scrambling to his feet.

He turned just in time to see his opponent stomping on the ground over and over, clearly frustrated.

“What the hell are you doing now?!”

Dark Rollo pointed at his own eyes, then at Jan’s. Then he mimicked Jan’s earlier movement—stepping in, glancing down at the legs. He started drooling like a cartoon character before stomping again with exaggerated fury.

“…Are you trying to correct me?” Jan stared at him curiously.

The clone recoiled like he’d been slapped. His expression twisted with mock disgust, and he dramatically pulled down one lower eyelid while sticking his tongue out in defiance.

Jan smiled. ‘That answers it, you idiot.’

He picked up his sword again and said, “Alright, let’s go again. I’m ready.”

At that, Dark Rollo turned back to face him, taking his stance once more.

In most swordsmanship styles—especially Kendo—masters recommend always keeping your eyes on the center of the opponent’s body, usually the chest or upper torso. You could glance at the feet, the blade, even the eyes—but only for a brief moment. Any longer, and you’d leave yourself wide open.

‘I guess that’s what he was trying to say…’

Jan stepped into the striking zone again. This time, he didn’t overthink it. No analysis. No doubts.

He gripped his sword tightly with both hands, and with a smooth, natural movement, slashed toward Rollo’s waist.

Dark Rollo evaded with a single sidestep.

Jan twisted, swinging again toward the opposite side—but again, Rollo easily stepped back, dodging the attack.

‘Figured as much… but I’m not done yet!’

Jan pushed forward, thrusting his blade straight at Dark Rollo’s throat—a move considered the most advanced in Kendo, rarely used in junior matches due to its danger and the precision it demanded.

But Rollo leaned back fluidly, letting the blade pass harmlessly in front of his face.

And then—

Thud!

A foot shot up and nailed Jan square in the crotch.

Jan crumpled to the ground in agony.

“AAARGH—! You damn liar!” Jan howled, rolling on the ground. “You told me not to look at your feet, and now you’re using them?!”

Dark Rollo didn’t say a word.

He just bowed politely.

Then flipped Jan off.

Jan stood up, fuming with fury and ready for a brawl, but Dark Rollo suddenly halted him, pointing at his sword still lying on the floor.

He glanced back and sighed, “Fine.”

With him now armed and ready, the clone pointed at him, then magically pulled out a book and a pair of glasses, acting like he was reading it.

“You—you can read me like a book?!” Jan barely contained his anger.

Dark Rollo shook his head, then flipped the book around to show Jan… It was a children’s picture book.

Jan twitched. “You damn—! I didn’t earn my 2nd Dan for nothing, you know!”

Dark Rollo dramatically slapped his forehead. He then sighed—his face finally wearing a more serious expression—and motioned for Jan to come at him.

Jan didn’t hesitate.

He launched forward with everything he had, slashing toward Dark Rollo’s side.

*Whoosh—!* *Thunk—*

This time, Rollo stopped the blade with one finger.

“What th—AAARGH!!”

Jan, furious, pushed forward, unleashing a flurry of sharp, rapid strikes.

*Thunk—* *Thunk—* *Thunk—*
Blow after blow—each one was blocked with just that single finger.

Out of breath but not wanting to give his opponent a chance to counter, Jan pressed forward, driving his blade against Rollo’s finger—a common Kendo stance used to hold pressure while recovering.

*Huff—* *Huff—* *Huff—*

Meanwhile, Dark Rollo leaned behind his finger as if it were a wall, shifting his face side to side to make funny faces.

“Knock it off!!”

Out of pure frustration, Jan threw a punch straight at his face.

*Boom—*

The clone caught his fist effortlessly before it landed, redirecting the strike. He then yanked him in and slammed a headbutt.

He was knocked to the ground again, clutching his forehead in pain.

But this time, Jan felt something—

A towering presence above him.

He looked up to find Dark Rollo standing there—arm extended, giving him a firm “good” gesture. He opened his palm into a handshake, helping him up.

Without wasting a second, the shadow clone motioned him to attack again.

Jan paused, watching him. Slowly, realization dawned.

“…You’re trying to tell me to let go of Kendo, aren’t you?”

Dark Rollo nodded, firmly and repeatedly.

“But…”

Dark Rollo exhaled heavily and gestured once more—come at me.

Jan stared back, heart pounding, sword in hand. And then—

“Hero!”

“Hey, Hero! Are you okay?”

“Whoa!”

Startled, Jan jolted upright, stumbling slightly as he snapped out of his stance.

His eyes darted toward the voice—landing on a familiar face.

“Sorry! Did I startle you?”

Jan let out a small laugh, still catching his breath. “You’re the training ground instructor, right?”

The man nodded. “I see that you’re training. From one swordsman to another, I salute your dedication.”

Jan smiled sheepishly, scratching his cheek. “Ah, thanks. So, what brings you here? Were you heading to the inn?”

The man shook his head. “No, actually, I came looking for you. Princess Maria asked to see you.”

“Maria?” Jan blinked. “What for?”

“I honestly don’t know. She’s at the council hall. Since you probably don’t know where it is, she asked me to guide you.”

“Can’t she wait a bit? I was planning to find her myself later.”

“She insisted. Said it was important.”

“…Alright then. Lead the way.”

Jan exhaled and sheathed his sword, following the man through the quiet streets of Valkeries.

After the chaos of the wave attack, the town felt oddly peaceful. The morning sun flickered gently over the stone paths, casting a soft golden glow across the empty streets.

‘I spent more time training than I meant to… but I really wanted to keep going. Guess I’ll have to finish later.’

The decision to let go of Kendo wasn’t one he could take lightly. It wasn’t just the years of training—it was a part of who he was.

‘I know it has its flaws. I can’t deny what he was trying to show me…’

In Kendo, there were only four legal target zones—head, wrist, torso, and throat. Since Jan instinctively focused only on those, it made his movements predictable.

‘I can’t deny it—it’s not ideal in real combat. But still…’

“Hero!”

“Y-Yes?!”

“You spaced out again. Are you alright?”

“Y-Yeah, sorry mister. I’m fine.”

The man chuckled. “I wanted to thank you personally for saving our town.”

“Ah, you’re welcome, sir. I didn’t really do much…”

“You don’t need to be formal with me, my name is Darick.”

Jan glanced at him. “Right, I never caught your name before. I’m Jan.”

Darick paused mid-step, then burst out laughing.

Jan frowned. “What’s so funny?”

Darick grinned. “Sorry—it’s just funny hearing you introduce yourself. You don’t need to. Not to me, not to anyone in this town.”

Jan blinked. “R-Really?”

“Of course! Everyone knows who you are, Hero. You’re the Guardian of Valkeries—the guy who fought alongside The Three Counselors during the wave!”

Jan rubbed the back of his neck, his face warming. “Like I said… I didn’t really do much…”

Darick gave him a knowing look. “I’d argue otherwise. But even if that were true, your courage alone is admirable.”

Jan coughed awkwardly. “T-Thanks.”

Darick smirked. “Anyway, here we are.”

Jan looked up, and his breath caught.

In front of them stood an imposing structure, easily rivaling the size of the adventurer’s guild.

The stone facade was adorned with intricate carvings, its towering pillars displaying the town’s insignia.

Guarding the entrance were two magnificent statues of female knights on horseback, their swords crossed in an eternal duel.

Jan swallowed. “Are you sure I can just walk in?”

Darick clapped a hand on his shoulder, laughing. “What are you talking about? Of course, you can, hero!”

‘He asked me not to be formal, yet he still calls me “Hero”,’ Jan groaned inwardly.

*BOOM—*

A sudden explosion rocked the building.

Jan’s instincts flared. His body tensed.

“What the—?!”

His head snapped toward the source—inside the council hall.

Without hesitation, he bolted forward, flinging the doors open.

Light flooded his vision, and a strange pressure thickened the air around him.

‘Huh?! The sun…?!’

*BOOM—*

TSO

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