After Crimson Blade Slash, Altaïr did not immediately exit Demon Mode.
Instead, he continued using the loop of Crimson Blade Slash and fade slash he had "grasped" during hunting Kecha Wacha. Amid the sound of cutting wind, the wooden Long Sword almost blurred into a shadow.
This time, even Isis showed surprise on her face; this move was something she had never seen before.
After swinging continuously for nearly half a minute, Altaïr finally stopped and exited Demon Mode. "I didn't refine the Spirit Gauge earlier. Actually, if the first strike of spirit blade replaces the ordinary fade slash, it would be smoother."
Before he could finish speaking, Amos had already picked up another wooden Long Sword from the weapon rack nearby and stepped onto the field.
"I'll try it."
Under Isis's astonished gaze, Amos, with his only remaining left hand holding the sword single-handed, activated Demon Mode.
He mimicked Altaïr's movements, swinging the sword several times consecutively, paused, thought for a few seconds, then swung again, his brow furrowing deeper.
"Not right."
Amos exited Demon Mode, staring at Altaïr, whose age could be considered his grandson's. "How exactly did you do it? "The muscles in Demon Mode are still too active; I can't synchronize them with the rhythm of swinging the Long Sword."
"Well..." Altaïr also found this question difficult, organizing his words before explaining:
"My coordination is very good; that probably relates to it. Demon Mode isn't so uncontrollable for me. For example... I can use Sword and Shield's sword and shield to perform Blade Dance."
After hearing this, Amos remained silent for a long time, sighing slightly disappointedly. "Personal talent, huh? So that's it..."
The world is so vast; there are always some people with special talents. But this meant Demon Mode remained a dead end for Long Sword users, making Amos, who thought he had found a breakthrough, unable to hide his disappointment.
"Red Blade! Red Blade can also perform that!" Isis reminded from the side.
Amos paused momentarily upon hearing this, then immediately understood.
Single-handedly holding his sword, he quickly approached the training dummy, activated Red Blade at the fastest speed, and then tried again the sword technique Altaïr had named "Crimson Blade Slash."
This time, he quickly grasped the trick; the Long Sword in his hand swung faster and faster, the transitions between movements even smoother and more fluid than Altaïr's.
"Ha! So that's how it is!" The old hunter's face regained a smile.
If Crimson Blade Slash could only be used in Demon Mode, then it would inevitably be Altaïr's unique technique. But since it could also be performed in Red Blade state, it held significance for widespread adoption.
"It can somewhat replace the basic sword moves in Red Blade state." Amos turned his wrist, putting down the wooden Long Sword.
If Long Sword Demon Mode was a treasure only existing in legend, untouchable, then this special sword technique named "Crimson Blade Slash" was gold placed before them.
Though its value couldn't compare to the former, it was tangible, a treasure that could be held.
"Your 'Crimson Blade Slash' is very good, extremely good."
Amos looked at Altaïr as if seeing a gold mine. "During your time in Dundorma, if you have no other matters, you can come here often to practice. "Both your Long Sword swordsmanship and your special talent still have much room to explore. "Although an old fellow like me has retired for many years, some things regarding experience should still be able to help you."
Altaïr nodded rapidly; he was waiting for this sentence.
"I have a question right now I want to ask!" Altaïr couldn't bother with politeness; he had been troubled by this problem for months.
Amos smiled, not feeling the slightest disrespect from this. As a teacher, who would dislike helping younger generations solve puzzles?
"Whatever question, ask boldly."
"It's like this..." Altaïr originally wanted to describe with words, but reconsidering, directly demonstrating might be more intuitive.
After Amos agreed, he took the wooden Long Sword, approached the training dummy, carried the sword, and entered Charged Slash stance.
Should I find a Great Sword user for this kid?
While Amos was pondering, Altaïr had already adjusted his movements, switching to Strongarm Stance. At the moment Charged Slash reached its limit, he swung the wooden Long Sword in his hand toward the training dummy.
"Bang!"
The dull impact sound made Amos's eyelids twitch.
This wasn't the sound a Long Sword should make!
Altaïr put away the Long Sword and ran to Amos. "I can use Long Sword to perform Charged Slash, even Draw Style feels quite smooth."
Child, you might have some misunderstanding about Draw Style.
"But I feel this isn't right. Compared to Great Sword, Long Sword is too light, too thin. Although it cuts more powerfully than Sword and Shield Charged Slash, it ultimately doesn't leverage the advantages of Long Sword."
Did I just hear Sword and Shield Charged Slash?
"So I'm thinking, is it possible to combine Charged Slash more deeply with Long Sword, rather than simply using Long Sword to perform Great Sword moves. "Compared to heavy chopping, Long Sword should still be more suited for slicing, right?"
Amos remained silent again, but this time not because of inner thoughts, but because he was pondering.
After a moment, he spoke: "You're right. There's an evaluation about Long Sword: sever tendons, not bones. "No Long Sword user would wield a Long Sword to smash directly against a monster's bones; at worst, they would seek joints, cut weak points, not like you just did, hacking and smashing fiercely. "As for how to combine Long Sword with Charged Slash... honestly, I have no clue right now. Perhaps we can discuss it together."
"Discussing is too..." Altaïr hurriedly wanted to shake his hand.
"I'm not speaking politely to you." Amos interrupted him. "I've practiced Long Sword for fifty years; in sword technique skills, I certainly surpass you far.
But my thinking has solidified under existing Long Sword moves. Just like Crimson Blade Slash, originally not some profound sword technique, but everyone thinks, how to utilize Spirit Gauge to the greatest extent, release more powerful attacks, like Sacred Sheathe Combo, Spirit Helm Breaker, Sakura Slash; all products of this mindset.
Or else, through seeing through flaws, counter opponents in one breath; these counter moves are even more numerous: Foresight Slash, Iai, Tempered Spirit Blade from the west, Serene Pose, Critical Juncture from the east, etc., etc.
It's been a long time since anyone pondered much on basic sword moves. These most fundamental moves, polished by generations of Long Sword users, have long approached perfection; this has almost become consensus for everyone.
Who could have thought breakthroughs would come from a weirdo like you who's only studied Long Sword for a few months..."
"Listening to your meaning, it's actually novices like me who are easier to create new moves? Because thinking is more flexible?"
"Not the same." Amos placed the Long Sword in his hand back onto the weapon rack. "You perhaps haven't realized the importance of your talent yet. "This talent isn't only for yourself; it even benefits the entire Hunter community."
"It's not that serious, I just learn things more broadly, plus like to fantasize..." Altaïr laughed dryly.
"Do you think only you are someone mastering multiple weapon techniques?" Amos suddenly asked. Without waiting for Altaïr's answer, he directly replied: "Tell you, actually many. "Even though most Hunters choose to specialize in one weapon, many Hunters also master one or two additional weapon usages.
Take myself as example: from age twenty, I've always hunted with Long Sword, but I can also use Dual Blades and Great Sword, just not as proficient as Long Sword, and now I don't have the conditions."
As Amos spoke, he moved his incomplete right arm.
Isis blinked beside; this was the first time she knew Amos could also use weapons besides Long Sword.
"You think, since I know Great Sword, also Dual Blades, over these many years, would I never once consider integrating Great Sword charging techniques and Dual Blades demonic techniques into Long Sword techniques? "Those who know broadly, think much, aren't only you." Amos smiled.
Altaïr remained silent; these words spoken from a sword master like Amos seemed particularly persuasive.
"Demon Mode, Charged Slash, I tried many times, ultimately got the answer 'cannot integrate.' Just like earlier, Crimson Blade Slash under Demon Mode, I couldn't perform it.
But you, you're different. You not only can smoothly perform it, but can also carefully feel on this basis, compare different sensations performing Crimson Blade Slash under Demon Mode and Red Blade state.
Long Sword Charged Slash too, because you can perform it, so you consider what shortcomings exist, think how it should be improved. "But countless so-called sword masters, including me, are stuck at the first step.
You're simply a natural move-testing machine. Crimson Blade Slash, Long Sword Charged Slash, or whatever other peculiar fusion moves.
Feel free, boldly try. Whether success or failure, your attempts, your feelings and insights, can inspire other Hunters, thereby creating more unprecedented moves."
Speaking here, Amos's face showed a trace of confident smile. "Just like that Crimson Blade Slash move earlier, about how to perform 'Crimson Blade Slash II' even 'III,' I already have a bit of clue."
(Translated by yourtl.app)
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TL NOTES — LORE SECTION
Some terms and creatures referenced in this story may be unfamiliar to readers new to the Monster Hunter universe. The following entries provide additional context.
SKILLS & TECHNIQUES
Sacred Sheathe Combo — A Long Sword technique introduced in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne. The hunter sheathes their blade briefly to build energy, then unleashes a rapid sequence of powerful slashes. Considered one of the signature offensive finishers of the Long Sword in that era.
Sakura Slash — A Long Sword technique appearing in Monster Hunter Rise. A sweeping aerial slash that deals multiple hits and generates Spirit Gauge, valued for its elegance and reach.
Foresight Slash — A Long Sword counter technique introduced in Monster Hunter World. By timing a dodge into an incoming attack, the hunter can absorb the hit and immediately retaliate with a powerful slash, also restoring Spirit Gauge.
Iai — Refers to the Iai Slash and Iai Spirit Slash, Long Sword techniques introduced in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne inspired by the Japanese sword-drawing art of iaido. The hunter sheathes mid-combo and draws in a single fluid motion to counter or attack.
Serene Pose — A Long Sword counter technique from Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. The hunter assumes a calm stance, and a perfectly timed activation negates an incoming hit and triggers a powerful counterattack.
Critical Juncture — A Long Sword counter technique also from MHGU. Similar to Serene Pose but oriented around a sweeping deflection rather than a stationary stance.
Charged Slash / Draw Style — Charged Slash is a technique borrowed from the Great Sword, involving a slow wind-up strike that releases enormous impact force on contact. Draw Style refers to executing a powerful slash directly from the sheathed position, a technique common in Great Sword play. Altaïr's experimentation involves adapting these heavy-impact techniques to the Long Sword's slicing nature.
Strongarm Stance — A Great Sword technique from Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak that allows the hunter to absorb a hit during a Charged Slash, converting it into a more powerful follow-up strike.