Completed

Hard Carried by My Sword

Leveling Up with the Sword, 검빨로 레벨업

Native Language Korean

Released 2022

Author메켄로

TypeWeb Novel (KR)

Original Ch.: 303

Translated Ch.: 159

Rank: #753

Last Update: March 2, 2026

Original Pub.: 인타임

English Pub.: Wuxiaworld

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7.4

Hard Carried by My Sword is a popular novel that blends Action, Adventure, Fantasy and more. Written by the author 메켄로. A total of 159 chapters have been translated and the novel is complete.

Synopsis

The main character is already decided from the very beginning.

No matter how hard a background character tries, that’s all they’ll ever be—just a background character.

Having finally accepted that, Leon was about to give up everything when he heard a voice.

—Leon, do you believe you are worthy of it?

The Holy Sword, destined to descend upon the Hero of Prophecy, came to him instead.

No talent? No money? Not even a noble background?

Fret not!

Here comes a Hero who will overcome anything with just his Holy Sword!

“There was a time when I used to think that way too.”

And so, the tale of a Hero named Leon began.

📂 System Interface: The “Background” Hero

Leon is a commoner trainee with zero talent, zero money, and zero prospects. In a world where “Hero of Prophecy” is a pre-destined title for the elite, Leon is the ultimate background character. That is, until the Holy Sword—which was supposed to go to the perfect Prince Lyon—decides to choose the hardworking underdog instead.

Component	Classification	Tactical Implication
The Holy Sword	Sentient Guide	Not just a weapon, but a mentor (Rodrick) that provides tactical advice, monster weaknesses, and training regimens.
Background Character	Starting Class	Leon lacks “innate” mana or noble techniques, forcing him to rely on extreme physical conditioning and the Sword’s “Hard Carry.”
Prince Lyon	The “Original” Hero	Leon’s rival/nemesis. Unlike most villains, he is competent and broad-minded, creating a complex “what if” dynamic for the prophecy.
Training Realism	Martial Logic	The novel focuses heavily on the mechanics of swordsmanship, footwork, and aura theory rather than just “leveling up” via stats.

📂 System Interface: The Status Window (Leon)

Attribute	Classification	Description
Identity	The “Struggling” Successor	Unlike many OP protagonists, Leon earns his power through “astonishing willpower” and agonizing training arcs.
Weapon	Elsid (Holy Sword)	A legendary blade that can temporarily take over Leon’s body to perform high-level feats, though it leaves him exhausted.
Social Standing	Commoner	His primary motivation is a “chip on his shoulder”—proving that a background character can defy destiny.
Party Dynamic	Subverting Tropes	Features a “Healer” who is a tank in full plate armor with a flail, and a heroine (Karen) who breaks the “annoying” cliche.

Action Adventure Fantasy

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Editor's Note

💡 The "Hard Carry" Debate. The title is literal. Critics argue that Leon is too reliant on the Sword for exposition and emergency "auto-battle" saves. However, fans argue that Leon’s "perseverance for pain" is what makes him worthy of being the sword's vessel in the first place.

Typical vs. Exceptional. On the surface, it’s a standard Good vs. Evil fantasy. It shines in its execution and flow. The banter between Leon and the sentient Holy Sword provides a "buddy-cop" dynamic that keeps the long training arcs engaging.

Manhwa vs. Novel. If you’re coming from the manhwa (Overpowered Sword / Disciple of the Holy Sword), the novel version of Leon is noted to have "more of a spine" and is less cowardly early on.

*303 chapters of swordsmanship, sword-bants, and a commoner who proves that willpower beats destiny. Complete — and ready to cleanse your palate.*

Experience Curve

Ch. 1–20 (The Choice): ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – The pivotal duel with Prince Lyon and the acquisition of the Holy Sword.

Ch. 21–100 (The Grind): ⭐⭐⭐ – Heavy focus on training and "believable theory." Some readers find the lack of a "Big Bad" motivation slow, while others love the detailed martial arts.

Ch. 101–303 (The Hero's Path): ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – The world expands, the "Evil" is fleshed out, and the hero party solidifies.

WebNovelDB Review

7 /10

A solid, well-paced "Zero-to-Hero" story that doesn't reinvent the wheel but polishes it to a mirror finish.

Martial Arts Detail: 9/10. If you like reading about how aura actually flows through a blade, this is for you.

Character Chemistry: 8/10. The interaction between Leon and his sword (Rodrick) is the soul of the book.

Pacing: 8/10. The story flows smoothly without getting bogged down in too much "status window" clutter.

Originality: 6/10. It hits many generic fantasy beats, but subverts enough character tropes to stay fresh.

The Good: Subversion of the "Healer" trope and the "Rival" trope. Prince Lyon remains an interesting figure rather than a cardboard cutout villain.

The Bad: Can feel "stale" if you dislike "Exposition-heavy" mentors. Leon can occasionally feel like a passenger in his own body when the Sword takes over.

For Fans Of: The Lazy Lord Masters the Sword, Overgeared, Infinite Level Up in Murim.

Not For You If: You want a protagonist who is a genius from birth or a plot with high-stakes mystery from Chapter 1.

Sword Note: Rodrick (the Holy Sword) is essentially a second protagonist. If you dislike exposition-heavy mentors or characters who occasionally take over the MC's body, this may frustrate you. If you love buddy-cop dynamics, you'll adore him.

Verdict: If you are tired of "Apathetic/Dark" MCs and want a classic, hardworking hero who earns his stripes through blood and sweat (with a side of legendary-grade help), this is a must-read. It’s the perfect "palate cleanser" novel—reliable, well-translated, and deeply satisfying. Read it if you like the Manhwa (Overpowered Sword) or stories where "Hard Work > Talent."

WebNovelDB Team

Key Information

Main Characters: Leon (The Commoner Hero), Rodrick (The Sentient Holy Sword), Karen (The "Best Girl" Ally).

Power System: Aura & Martial Techniques: Focuses on "Eye," "Foot," and "Aura" techniques taught by the sword to bridge the talent gap.

Themes: Defying Destiny, Hard Work vs. Innate Talent, Classic Good vs. Evil.

Similar To: Overgeared

Reading Progress

Not Started Chapters: 0 Rating: -

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