Lord of the Time: I Can Reincarnate Infinitely

As the creaking gate opened, revealing the figures of Caleb (Johan) and Rozho, the old man in the fox mask observed with a sense of mild curiosity. He stood near the tree, maintaining an air of quirkiness and charm, the mask atop his face concealing the subtle play of shadows in his eyes.

"Well, well. Looks like my disciple has brought a friend," the old man muttered to himself, his cane tapping rhythmically on the cobblestone ground. His temperament, a mix of ordinariness and mystery, was hidden beneath the fox mask and the layers of the black kimono.

Rozho, oblivious to his master's silent wishes, introduced Caleb casually. "Hey, master, this is Johan. Johan, meet my master. He's a bit weird, but he's the best when it comes to the sword."

Johan, who had no previous knowledge of Rozho's master, looked at the old man with a blend of respect and curiosity. The fox mask, though odd, added a touch of intrigue to the encounter. The old man, in turn, studied Johan from behind the mask, his expression unreadable.

'So this is Rozho's master? Well, he certainly looks like those hidden experts I've read in certain novels in the past.'

Caleb felt excited inwardly, although he didn't show it to his exterior. No one could blame him, though. After all, the one in front of him was potentially a Sword King! Although he doesn't know how strong a Sword King is when compared to the Destiny power system. He estimates that it must be even stronger than David! Not to mention, there was also Sword Grandmaster and Sword Saint above the Sword King, which were far more powerful.

The upper body of the old man, wrapped in a well-worn black kimono adorned with cherry blossoms and swirling clouds, hinted at years gone by. The silver threads shimmered, winking sporadically as if sharing silent tales of ancient times. The crimson obi, tied with precision, added a touch of flair, silently declaring a blend of fashion and purpose.

The lower body attire continued the theme of unconventional style. Loose-fitting black hakama pants swayed with comfort and readiness as if prepared for an unexpected dance-off. The wooden cane tapped against the ground, emphasizing a peculiar sense of rhythm.

Behind the fox mask, the old man's eyes remained hidden, allowing only a subtle play of shadows. Johan felt a sense of enigma, unsure of the intentions behind the mask. The old man's temperament, seemingly ordinary, hinted at a deeper mystery.

"So, Johan, my disciple here has been singing your praises. A talented destiny and a fighter, he says. But you know how these youngsters exaggerate. Let me see it for myself." the old man said with a chuckle, his tone light yet shrouded in the wisdom of years.

Johan, equally nonchalant, replied, "Well, Rozho is no slouch himself. A swordmaster at his age is quite a feat."

The fox mask seemed to convey a sly grin as the old man responded, "True, true. But let's see if you live up to the hype. How about a friendly spar? My way of testing potential recruits."

Johan, intrigued by the proposition, agreed with a nod. The prospect of facing Rozho's master in combat added a new layer of excitement to the unexpected meeting. The old man, hidden behind the fox mask, seemed to relish the anticipation of the clash between past and present swordsmanship.

...

As the trio ventured into the courtyard, the air crackled with an unspoken anticipation. Johan, still unfamiliar with the mysterious old man, clutched the hilt of his sword, eyeing the seasoned swordsman cautiously.

"So, only a sword, huh?" Johan commented, his tone laced with a mix of curiosity and readiness.

The old man chuckled behind the fox mask, the sound echoing enigmatically. "A sword is all you need for a true test of skill. No flashy tricks, just the pure essence of the blade."

Rozho, observing the exchange, wore an intrigued expression. He knew firsthand the prowess of his master's swordsmanship, a blend of tradition and innovation.
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The clash began, the clash of steel against steel resonating in the courtyard. Johan launched a series of consecutive slashes, the movements fluid and precise. However, the old man, with a calm demeanor, effortlessly parried each strike with a minimalistic yet effective style.

"You're quick, but you lack finesse. Your strikes are like a storm, powerful yet predictable," the old man remarked, his voice carrying the weight of years spent mastering the art of the sword.

Johan, absorbing the critique, adjusted his stance. The dance of blades continued, the courtyard witnessing the meeting of different generations and styles.

In a sudden shift, the old man's swordplay transitioned into a seamless, single move. Johan, momentarily lost in the elegance of the motion, felt a sharp metallic sensation on his neck. The only visible trace was a blur of sword light.

"Admit defeat," the old man's voice, calm yet authoritative, cut through the courtyard. Johan, realizing the speed and precision that outmatched his own, sheathed his sword with a nod.

"Good. You have a sharp eye to acknowledge your limits. A valuable trait in a swordsman," the old man praised, the fox mask giving nothing away.

Rozho, watching the exchange, couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and respect. His master's swordsmanship was as formidable as ever, a timeless art passed down through generations.

Johan, catching his breath, looked at the old man with respect. The courtyard, once echoing with clashes, now held a sense of belief.

"Your disciple has chosen his friends well," the old man remarked, a nod towards Rozho.

Johan, appreciating the lesson in humility, replied, "Indeed, he has. A wise choice."

The old man nodded, his eyes hidden behind the mask. "You've got potential, kid. I noticed your dormant sword aura—it's just waiting to be awakened."

Caleb's eyes widened. "Dormant sword aura? How do I wake it up?"

'Fuck... I can wake it now?'

Anticipation surged towards his heart at this moment. This is the main reason why he wants to meet Rozho's master in the first place. As for his defeat just now... He doesn't mind it since he can't really do anything about sword fight since he's like a kid against an adult fighting a Sword King.