episode_0020

While promising to stay with Principal Iris and take swordsmanship classes in the Department of Magic, I chose only one class in swordsmanship.

There is no particular reason for selecting only one class in the Department of Swordsmanship.

Most of the front-line students find this class good for building camaraderie, as it mainly focuses on sparring or individual training and occasionally includes lectures.

Without bringing any textbooks or my wooden sword, I headed towards the back field of the Department of Swordsmanship. They wouldn’t be needed anyway.

Even though it was a front-line class, I thought the first class would be a simple orientation, but some students seemed confused when suddenly asked to come outside.

“Of course it’s an outdoor class from the first day. It makes sense given the professor’s personality.”

Despite being informed that it was an outdoor class, the students diligently brought their textbooks, but unfortunately, they wouldn’t be used.

After all the students arrived, a man carrying a large greatsword on his back approached, causing the ground to tremble slightly with each step.

He was wearing armor, not the light leather clothes from the Academy entrance exam, and his muscular figure, not covered by the armor, once again proved how much of a trained warrior he was.

“Welcome, everyone. I am Professor Chris Kyle. I served as the commander of the 7th Guard Division of the Imperial Capital Guards for five years after spending ten years on the Northern Frontline of the Empire. Currently, I am in charge of the introductory swordsmanship class at Ardent Academy. I believe many of you may have seen me at the entrance exam.”

“Many students must be curious why we were called outside on the first day. Most first classes usually involve a brief introduction in the classroom, outlining the curriculum ahead, and sometimes a short additional lecture at most.”

As he slowly scanned the students, his gaze landed on me specifically, or rather, on my lack of belongings.

“Eucal student. While other students diligently brought their textbooks, it seems you didn’t bring yours. Do you have an explanation for this?”

When Professor Chris asked this, not bringing textbooks to the first swordsmanship class always led to a certain event.

If you respond well to the professor, it can show a good image, increase favorability, and be a cost-effective event. It could be helpful for additional training during class time or in case you miss a class.

“Still, since it’s a swordsmanship class, I didn’t think I would just sit quietly outdoors and read a book, so I didn’t bring it.”

In response to my answer, Chris, who had been laughing heartily until then, finally spoke up.

“That’s correct. Such books are of no use in the Department of Swordsmanship.”

The professor himself tore apart the textbook he had brought in front of the students.

Although the students were taken aback by his actions, he continued as if it didn’t matter.

“As aspiring swordsmen entering the front lines, reading such books is meaningless. If you think studying hard and getting good grades in written exams at Ardent Academy will lead to success and a good life, you are mistaken. I haven’t seen anyone among those types survive on the front lines for more than a year.”

“As swordsmen, the most important thing for you is to embody and train your body to the point where it remembers. This will help you save your life at a critical moment and transcend boundaries. And to prevent you from meeting a dog-like death, I have completely excluded written exams from the grading weight of this introductory swordsmanship course, so keep that in mind.”

The students, subdued by Professor Chris’s momentum, quietly shut their mouths as Professor Chris looked at me and continued with his questioning.

“But why didn’t you bring a sword, Yukal student? Based on your previous answers, you implied that you would do something other than quietly reading a book outdoors, so if the Swordsmanship Department has outdoor activities, is there anything other than carrying a sword to consider?”

“As you know, Professor, I am from the Department of Magic. Apart from this class, I have to take magic classes, so I hesitated to carry a sword. Also, since it’s the first outdoor class, I thought you would have prepared something for students like me.”

Naturally, in preparation for any unforeseen circumstances, I brought a practice sword to all classes except this one, but since Professor Chris couldn’t possibly know about it.

“Similarly, that’s correct. Behind me, there are training swords in the academy for students who didn’t bring swords. There are more than your group, so those who are not currently carrying swords can pick one up later. Return them after the class.”

“And Yukal student, although you belong to the Department of Magic, as long as you are taking the Swordsmanship Fundamentals class, you are also my student. You may carry a sword in future classes.”

“Yes, understood.”

Stopping the students who were about to go get training swords, the professor stood and spoke to the students.

“It’s the first class, and wouldn’t it be a shame to just do a little training and finish? Some students might be curious about whether the instructor teaching you has the skill. Who knows? Someone who briefly leaned towards the Department of Magic might switch to the Swordsmanship Department because of this.”

The final words were probably aimed at me. He must be trying to show me the swordsmanship he has built up so far to make me reconsider, but as someone who needs to protect Claire in case of any unforeseen situation, that won’t happen.

Quietly gripping the greatsword on his back with one hand, the instructor closed his eyes for a moment.

“That greatsword is probably heavier than me.”

To effortlessly handle that weight with one hand is truly admirable strength.

He then grasped the greatsword with both hands, opened his eyes with a grunt, and began to demonstrate swordsmanship with the greatsword.

As the powerful sword cut through the air, students hurriedly retreated.

By demonstrating swordsmanship without imbuing magic or physical enhancement, he probably wanted to show me and suggest a transfer to the Swordsmanship Department, but that won’t happen.

More than that, ever since his unique ability “Sword Mastery” was restored, things that were not visible at the entrance exam came to mind.

Chris Kyle belongs to the ranks of clear strong individuals. A warrior who, through innate strength and steady effort, freely wields such a large sword is rare.

However, the limitations of that sword are clear. If he were to utilize that power along with magic, he would appear truly formidable, but facing a similar level opponent, he would likely fall behind.

Even if his seemingly powerful attacks don’t reach the opponent, they are meaningless, and due to his relative slowness compared to regular swordsmen, he would slowly be worn down or exposed due to his weaknesses.

Since strength is at the core, when faced with greater strength, he will break, and against faster foes, he won’t be able to endure.

Having served on the Northern Front of the Empire for ten years, his fighting style was similar to that of Professor Chris, which may have helped him survive. Of course, his strength played a part as well.

If it were elsewhere, he might not have been able to teach us here.

After the professor’s demonstration ended and my analysis was completed, I heard a familiar notification.

【You have fully understood Professor ‘Chris Kyle’s sword.】

【Your understanding of swordsmanship increases.】

【Swordsmanship Lv.3 > Lv.4】

Having been completely analyzed by me for one reason that his lifelong accumulated sword skills were good, it was somewhat bittersweet that it was dismantled.

As I was about to take out my training sword to clear my mind, someone handed me a sword.

“This sword looks to be in good condition. My name is Victor.”

“Thank you. Thanks to you, I got a decent sword.”

“If you’re thankful, how about having a meal together?”

His refreshing smile was none other than Victor, known as the courtyard genius of swordsmanship department, who was very familiar to me.

With his unique friendliness and diligent personality combined, there were hardly any people who disliked him.

“Alright. Let’s have lunch together right after class.”

I immediately accepted his offer and headed to the restaurant with him after class.

While dining together at the campus cafeteria with Victor, there was a small commotion when Claire scolded why they were eating separately, but it passed by uneventfully.