episode_0030

“What? But I think it’s not bad that you’re also working hard on strength training to handle the greatsword. Maybe someday, you could become a master of the greatsword surpassing Professor Chris.”

Suddenly taken aback by my words, Victor seemed bewildered but slowly expressed his thoughts.

“I’m sorry, Victor, but that seems difficult.”

He seemed like someone who wanted to say more in addition to my denial, but he seemed to have agreed to listen for now.

“I can roughly guess why you chose the greatsword. Perhaps it was because you were impressed by that sword Professor Chris showed in the first class of Swordsmanship Theory?”

“…Yes.”

“Professor Chris’s greatsword technique is a combination of innate physical abilities and effort. I think you would know this since you attended that class, but the professor demonstrated such swordsmanship without magically enhancing physical strength. The weight of that greatsword could exceed the combined weight of you and me. Do you think you can handle such weight so lightly?”

Continuing to listen, Victor, uncharacteristically, remained silent with an expressionless face, looking in my direction.

“I’ve observed you training from the side, and you lack both innate strength and potential in that direction, unlike Professor Chris. If you continue to handle the greatsword like this, you might regret it later.”

Contemplating slowly, Victor finally spoke softly.

“I understand that you believe you can understand and handle the sword better than me. However, it’s a bit hard to believe that you’ve grasped everything about me in such a short time and lack talent. People can change significantly through effort.”

“Well, sometimes there are situations that cannot be overcome with effort alone. I’m trying to say that’s who you are right now.”

“….”

“Shall I tell you more objectively? Even the limits of Professor Chris’s greatsword technique that you currently aspire to are clear. If you were to engage in combat by channeling power into the greatsword and enhancing your body with magic, it may seem powerful, but facing a similar level opponent, you are likely to fall behind.”

“Let’s assume you deliver a powerful attack by infusing magic into the greatsword. If it hits, the opponent will either be severely injured or at least reveal a momentary weakness. However, if such a powerful attack doesn’t reach the opponent, it’s meaningless. Moreover, compared to a typical swordsman, Chris, who is relatively slow, might slowly be worn down or exploited due to that weakness. If the opponent has the speed to avoid Chris’s attacks and counterattack, they can easily prevail.”

“Since greatsword techniques are centered around strength, encountering a force stronger than yours can break you, and facing an opponent with superior speed can be challenging. If we must point out advantages, perhaps fighting in confined spaces or seizing opportunities where the opponent cannot evade could be considered strengths.”

Clearly distressed by my words, Victor shouted as if he couldn’t bear to listen any longer.

“But Professor survived for over ten years on the Empire’s northern frontlines. How can you be so certain!”

For a brief moment, a small sigh escaped as attention briefly turned towards the sudden loud voice.

“I have never denied that the professor is a strong individual. Those who have survived for over ten years on the Empire’s frontlines have proven their skills beyond mere luck. However, when you mentioned that he fought on the northern frontlines for over ten years, it’s likely that he survived because the fighting style of the northern barbarians was similar to that of Professor Chris, allowing him to endure. He prefers to fight robustly and not retreat, just like the professor.”

Victor made a disappointed expression at my words. I persistently pointed out the weaknesses of Professor Chris and Victor, revealing their limits.

“Don’t misunderstand me. I want to say you lack talent in greatswords, not that you lack talent in swords.”

“Why keep criticizing suddenly?”

It was rather pitiful to see Victor respond crookedly when his goals and efforts were denied. I would do the same if I were in his shoes.

“Your body may not have innate strength like Professor Chris, but it is well balanced overall. If you train to unleash your body’s potential, it would be even better. Using a one-handed sword and shield would be great. You can block moderate attacks with the shield and evade attacks that need to be avoided. Of course, if you don’t give up your greatsword, it will slow you down, making it impossible.”

After closing his eyes and contemplating my words for a while, Victor quietly asked, “Let me ask just one thing. If I follow your advice, could I defeat you?”

“No. Instead, you could make a name for yourself as a swordsman.”

“I might need more time to think. Your advice is truly appreciated.”

Although it pained me to see him pick up the greatsword and return his gear to its place before leaving the training ground, I believe Victor would make the right choice, just as he did in the game.

Otherwise, it would be a shame, especially considering his unique abilities.

Victor’s unique ability is ‘Unyielding Passion,’ a typical latent ability that allows gradual growth by persevering even in challenging situations where one’s efforts seem futile. The true value of this ability lies in pushing oneself to the limit through relentless effort in a short period.

Despite the harsh words, I conveyed what I wanted to tell Victor, so now it’s time for me to reflect on myself.

“I’ve never examined myself with keen senses and swordsmanship.”

I aim to focus solely on my own body using these two characteristics and unique abilities.

Just as I did with Professor Chris and Victor.

Sitting quietly to meditate, I ignored the incoming notification and continued to concentrate.

While maximizing my keen senses, I restricted the scope to my body and received information about my body influenced by swordsmanship in my mind.

“Overall, my body is incredibly elastic and flexible.”

Actions like drawing intricate sword patterns or darting out at incredible speeds that others find impossible might be achievable.

“And my bones are remarkably sturdy compared to others, yet not heavy.”

This might be helpful in situations where I have to confront bare-handed. Being light could provide a significant advantage in maintaining speed.

“Fundamentally, my eyesight is excellent.”

With this level of eyesight, perhaps I could count the grains of sand flowing through my fingers using only my keen senses and eyes, without resorting to magical body enhancements.

I was amazed to discover that such potential was inherent in my body itself, not just in my unique abilities.

Driven by the desire to delve deeper, I began to explore inwardly, but—

My focus shattered as someone lightly tapped me.

Opening my eyes, I saw Rachel standing in front of me, likely the one who woke me up.

“I was deeply focused. May I ask why you interrupted me, Rachel?”

She sighed and gestured outside.

“Look outside. We’ve already exceeded the time to close the training ground, but you, Yukal, showed no signs of waking up, so I had to wake you.”

Following her hand, I looked outside and saw that the new darkness had already descended, and it was true that the magic lanterns were lit.

Inside the training ground, there was no one except Rachel.

“Has so much time passed? It felt like I had just started concentrating.”

“I’m sorry. I made Rachel wait because of me.”

“It’s okay. While waiting for you, I was able to train more than usual.”

I was grateful to Rachel, who didn’t show any displeasure even though she waited for me.

“By the way, a student who stays in the Swordsmanship Department training ground until the end is from the Magic Department… It’s surprising.”

“What does it matter which department they belong to? As long as they wield a sword, we are all on the same path as swordsmen.”

Rachel chuckled at my words.

“In that case, how about advancing from the Swordsmanship Department as a swordsman? I might be able to receive help from you as a student who once received advice from you. There may come a time when I can help you as well.”

“That might be difficult. There is a reason I should stay in the Magic Department.”

Because preparation against Claire is not yet perfect. If this is resolved, transferring seriously to the Swordsmanship Department wouldn’t be a bad idea.

“Alright. You must be tired too, and it will be tough if I keep you any longer. I’ll take care of the final cleanup, so you go rest first.”

Although Rachel told me to rest first, despite her objections, we cleared the training ground together until the end, closed the door, and returned the keys to the duty professor of the Swordsmanship Department.