Chapter 131: The Knight Is Trying to Become Stronger (4)

Irene Windler blinked.

“What are they doing all of a sudden?”

The two men had been talking amicably, but suddenly they started preparing for a spar. To her—who had just been enjoying her dessert—it was a bewildering situation.

In contrast to her, Levy…

“They’re knights, Miss Irene. It’s not strange for knights to suddenly want to spar with each other.”

Responded in a rather childish manner, focusing on their movements, as if she was a model student trying to learn as many things as she could learn. At the same time, this was proof that she had accepted herself as a proud knight candidate who was walking the path of the sword.

“I-Is that so?”

[If you don’t understand, just shut up, Arin. Knights don’t need any particular reason to spar with each other.]

“…Ugh.”

It was a barbaric culture that was difficult for a mage—no, for a modern folk like her to understand.

But…

“…W-Well, it isn’t a bad thing. Slurrrp…”

[So you like backs, huh, Arin? I like arms more!]

This sparring wasn’t a bad thing to indulge her eyes in, so there was no way that she’d hate it. If anything, she—and the ghost—was the one who was watching the spar more intensely than other people there.

“…Miss Irene is giving you a burdensome look, Instructor.”

“She does that sometimes. I’m used to it now.”

“And you’re okay with that? You’re such a tease, Instructor.”

“A tease? What? Do you think there’s anything worth seeing in me?”

“…”

I swear, I’ve never seen anyone as dense as him.

Warriors who had reached a certain level would know, the level of physical training varied depending on the individual’s personality and the weapon they used. If they used a simple longsword-type straight sword like Roen, their bodies would be on a thinner side, while those who used spears or broadswords would have large upper bodies that resembled wild boars or bears.

That was why one could say that physical development wasn’t something that they should prioritize. After all, the most important thing was to have a body that was perfect for oneself, not to compare one’s own body to someone else.

However…

This is something else…

There was just something about Lee Han’s body that made others admire it. A ‘uniqueness’ that overwhelmed every other advantage such as disposition, and weapon compatibility.

Just what kind of training did it take to have a body like that?

Those are not muscles anymore, but armor.

Whoosh-!

Lee Han’s muscles twitched, showing their dynamic movements. Roen couldn’t even guess how much strength was compressed in it, but he was sure that even arrows would be deflected if they were to hit those muscles.

A perfect body, similar to Uncle’s—no, it’s something else entirely.

If his uncle, Maximus’ body could be said to be a work of art created by a craftsman called the heavens, then the instructor’s body was akin to a cast iron that had endured pressure more than hundreds of millions of times.

It was hard to say for sure which one was better, but one thing was certain. Both were equally dangerous.

Moreover…

He’s still able to grow even stronger than he currently is…

…It was hard to believe, but he felt that the instructor’s body had grown even more than the last time he saw him. Last time, it was already like a highly compressed ingot, but now, its ‘quality’ had further improved.

“Just what kind of training have you done, Instructor?”

“Nothing special. I just fought a lot and ate some good things.”

“…I want to call bullshit on that, but I don’t think you’re lying.”

“If you’re jealous, why don’t I help you train?”

“No. I have my own path to walk.”

Unlike his uncle or the instructor, Roen had already chosen his path, the path of a pure swordsman. Hence why he deemed it to be important to focus on steadily growing his physical condition and not look elsewhere.

Everyone had a different path suitable for them.

Sreung-!

And as if to prove that the path he took was the right one for him, he pulled out his sword from its sheath. At that instant, the atmosphere changed.

Whoosh-!

The moment he pulled out his sword, a gust of wind blew. It wasn’t just a figure of speech, a sharp aura actually came out from his sword and created wind blades that cut the branches and other things lying around in half. Not only that, the cut was completely smooth, as if they were cut by a sword.

Sword Body Unification.

Roen casually showed the realm of swordsmanship that was known as the realm where people become swords and swords become people as if he was breathing.

Turning into a sword. Even if he didn’t hold a sword, he showed that his entire body could become a sword armed with sharp blades. It was something that was leagues above Sword Resonance.

“What do you think, Instructor? Do you think the path I walk is lacking compared to the path you walk?”

“No. I believe that a guy who focuses on digging a single well is scarier than a guy who does multiple. Those sorts of people aren’t people I can look down upon.”

“I appreciate your evaluation, then…”

Whoosh!

“Excuse me for making the first move.”

Roen formed Sword Energy with his sword. The Human-Shaped Sword Energy, the same one that he used to bring the so-called a new era of Combat Technique. He unfolded it, threatening his opponent.

If his opponent was just a normal opponent, they wouldn’t be able to respond properly the moment they faced the Sword Energy and would have their entire body cut down by him. The Sword Energy he emitted was just that sharp—it was as if it could cut down anything in the world.

However…

Bang-!

“We’re barely starting and you already made a scary move. Fuck, just blocking it makes my bones ache.”

“…The fact that you blocked the Sword Energy barehanded is even scarier, Instructor.”

“Nah, I just did that because I wanted to try it at least once. I won’t do it again though, my hand will just disappear if I do.”

“…”

Roen watched his Sword Energy being blocked like it was nothing, dumbfounded.

The same thought as he always had sprung out in his head. Indeed, the man in front of him was…

An amazing person…

In a lot of ways…

Is this the second time since the first class?

Lee Han thought of how many times he had fought against this guy.

It was the first time in a long while that he fought Blackie. The last time he did was on the first day of class, the same day when he sparred with those arrogant cadets. He had sparred with other cadets quite a lot, but for whatever reason, he barely had the chance to spar against this guy.

Because he kept avoiding me.

It was a big shame. He finally met a worthwhile opponent, but he never had a chance to spar with him. However, right now, Blackie was holding a sword, and that fact gave him as much joy as someone who was finally able to play around with the prickly stray cat he brought home.

Because of that…

Sreung-!

“…You are using a hatchet instead of a wooden sword?”

“Because I think highly of you.”

“…Please lower your evaluation of me.”

Blackie was someone he acknowledged. So instead of using a wooden sword like when he sparred against the other cadets, he took out a blade. This was probably the first time that he didn’t use a wooden or a blunt sword against a cadet, but it was only natural. After all, he didn’t see this guy as a mere cadet, but as a proud swordsman.

This guy is not at the level of a cadet. I can’t take him lightly.

When he first fought against him, he could only guess it, but now he could clearly feel it.

The nobles call him the ‘Young Lion’?

That’s a wrong nickname. This punk…

Is already an adult lion.

If he had to borrow the status window guy’s way to evaluate him…

He’s around Level 7?

Blackie was probably someone who could be described as a Hero-class. He was stronger than the average knight commander, hence why Lee Han wouldn’t underestimate him at all.

And then…

Whoosh-!

“…”

“…Hoo.”

They paused for a moment, glaring at each other, maintaining their silence. Right now, they were testing the water, acknowledging each other’s skills. No one showed an opening, and there was no opening for any of them to dish out the first strike.

Since that was the case…

Thud-!

They stepped forward simultaneously, not to find an opening, but to force the other to make one.

“…This is driving me insane.”

Jack—whose presence was so faint that no one noticed him—trembled as he watched the spar between his lord and his instructor.

Though he was merely a spectator, not a participant, his whole body still trembled.

That was how terrifying the battle was.

Can I become like that someday?

Ever since he became Roen’s subordinate, Jack had lived with the goal of becoming a knight. Even though he had the natural talent of an assassin, he suppressed his talent because he wanted to walk the path of a knight more than an assassin…

Can I even get there?

But, seeing the sight in front of him, he became doubtful that he could even reach the same level as them.

Because of that, the thought of giving up to go back to his original pat—

“Please enjoy these while watching the fight!”

“Ah… T-Thank you.”

Just as negative thoughts were about to contaminate his mind, the maid handed him a drink and some fruits, making his body flinch for a whole different reason.

I-I couldn’t sense her at all…!

Even his master, Roen, couldn’t escape his deception, yet this maid…

“Um, I don’t know much about fighting, so, can I ask you who’s winning right now?”

“P-Pardon?”

“Hehehe, I don’t know who has the advantage over the others!”

“Ah, t-that…”

However, before he could continue his thoughts, Jack had completely lost the initiative. Somehow, he found it hard to resist her request, and without even realizing it, he had already opened his mouth.

“T-The one who’s on the attack is my lord—no, Young Master Roen. He’s using his quick and precise combo, trying to overwhelm the instructor so he doesn’t have any time to attack.”

“Oh… Then, is Sir Knight at a disadvantage?”

“…That’s not it either. The instructor is blocking all those attacks…leisurely…”

Jack’s mouth gradually fell open as he continued his explanation.

The instructor was blocking all of his lord’s combos that flowed like water. Every single blow of his lord was threatening. If it were him, he would count himself lucky if he could roll around on the ground to avoid it, let alone block it.

But if someone were to ask if the instructor found it hard to block it…

He’s blocking them too easily.

Jack was surprised.

No words could describe his surprise. The attack of his master was like a swarm of bees, but the instructor was like an iron wall. It looked like a classic scene(?) or something like that.

By its nature, Sword Energy is already dangerous enough…

Sword Energy wasn’t something that would just increase the cutting power of a sword. It was a cheat technique that increased its power, speed, strength, and penetration.

However, even all that didn’t work against the instructor. Jack could only tip his hat for him.

Vajra Body…

Before he was a subordinate of his master he was one of the instructor’s disciples. He had formally learned Martial Power, and thanks to that, he could roughly guess what kind of technique the instructor was using to block his master’s Sword Energy.

Not a normal one too, it’s an applied technique using the Vajra Body…

Woah…

He couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

From his perspective, the instructor’s techniques were already perfect, that was why he was so surprised to find that there were still rooms for further development.

This was a different kind of admiration from the one he felt when looking at his lord.

If he admired his lord for his talent, what he felt from the instructor was…

Something like admiration for those who pave the way for others…?

Admiration towards someone who showed others that they too, could become stronger, and they too, could become the kind of knight they wanted as long as they put in the effort.

It will take time, but one day…!

“I really hope you become a great knight.”

“!!?”

“Do your best!”

“…”

The maid disappeared with a brisk pace after saying those words, as if saying that her work was over.

With a feeling as if he had been pranked by a fairy, Jack muttered to himself.

“…That person is not ordinary.”

Really, there’s no ordinary person around the instructor.

Jack let out a wry laugh as he realized this.

However, unlike before, a refreshing smile appeared on his face.

Baaaang-!

Woooong-!

The ground turned upside down as the dust filled the area.

This time, the shockwave by the Sword Energy Roen had thrown was particularly powerful. It was on a whole different level than the small blows he had dished out before.

And yet…

“…Couldn’t you be nicer to me? At least show a pained expression a little.”

“What’s the big deal? That one just has a more lasting impact than the others. More importantly, what kind of technique is that?”

“…”

The man in front of him was perfectly fine. Roen even began to suspect that he was fighting a giant, not a human.

Even a Frost Giant wouldn’t be this strong, though…

It was so absurd that it actually made him sick.

As he was about to let out a bitter smile…

“…You should pay more attention to that Average Joe.”

“?”

“That guy. He’s fine now because the maid consoled him, but just now, his state was a little dangerous. It seems like he was about to reach the stage before turning dark.”

“What does turning dark mean?”

“Becoming crooked.”

“…First of all, it’s surprising and degrading that you have the time to listen to other people’s conversation while fighting me.”

“That’s not it. I was just fighting while being mindful of my surroundings. If anything, you’re the one who has a bad habit. Focusing on your opponent too much is dangerous. You should always spread your concentration throughout the surroundings.”

“…”

“Focusing on one thing is good and all, but you can’t neglect everything else. If you do, you’ll come to regret it later.”

“…I’ll keep that in mind.”

Roen nodded.

He intuitively felt that this was the lecture that he needed right now.

Was I about to make a mistake again…?

He didn’t have the time to look around and lacked the ability to see his surroundings proper. Someone had pointed out this shortcoming of his once before.

Not in this lifetime, but before he went back in time.

He thought he had fixed that shortcoming, he no longer had that kind of tunnel vision unlike in the past, but… It seemed like he was still immature.

Jack could definitely go astray.

In the first place, he was the one who suppressed Jack’s original talent and encouraged him to become a knight. He did all that to prevent the guy from becoming the ‘Hidden Dagger of the Temple’ like he was supposed to be.

But, he had only been suppressing it, never giving the guy any more attention. It wouldn’t be surprising if he’d return to his ‘old self’.

So, he reflected on his actions.

I put in the effort to not make the same mistakes as I did in the past. It would be stupid of me to neglect all the efforts I put in afterwards…

“Whew… People always repeat stupid mistakes, it seems.”

“That’s why you always need to have someone around you to give you advice.”

“I agree.”

Roen already had one right in front of him. A teacher who pointed out his mistakes.

Haa… And here I thought I’d never have a teacher in my whole life…

This fact reminded him again that he had been arrogant.

“I know it’s too late to say this, but entering the Academy was a good decision.”

“Why are you saying that so suddenly?”

“Because I am grateful I’m able to meet the best teacher.”

“…You rascal. Flattering me in a way that doesn’t suit you…”

Seeing how he made a face that didn’t seem to mind his compliment, the man really seemed to not mind it.

Then, suddenly…

“The technique you used earlier, that was condensed Sword Energy, right? It’s a bit like [Lightning Strike].”

“…I was inspired by his technique, yes.”

I know he had a duel with Uncle, but I never expected that Uncle would use Lightning Strike against him…

That means Uncle took the duel quite seriously. What’s the result of that duel, I wonder…?

As far as he knew, Maximus was the strongest knight in the entire continent, so he never doubted his victory. But the fact that the instructor was still standing here even after seeing Lightning Strike…

It could be a draw…

…Roen tried to guess, but unfortunately he couldn’t continue.

“…”

It was only natural. His train of thought was stopped by a huge surprise. Because of that, he just opened his mouth blankly. For the first time, his composure broke and he gawked like an idiot, but who could blame him?

Crackle-!

“-I can’t use my Sword Energy so casually like you, I’m not that talented, and I don’t have the finesse that you possess. But, I can still use Sword Energy. I learned how to back when I was fighting your uncle or whoever he was.”

After all, anyone would act like an idiot after seeing this spectacle.

The light from his axe was brighter while the heat was hotter than the Sword Energy Roen had created.

“Turning Sword Energy into Intent. Let’s call it ‘Sword Force’ for short, the one you use.”

“…”

“Not a bad name, right?”

“…Ha.”

Sword Force, placing intent at the tip of your sword?

Though he was unable to take his eyes off the crystallization of power emanating from the axe, it didn’t stop his mind from continuing his thought.

Maybe…

The fight between him and Uncle didn’t end in a draw…