episode_0061

After finishing the conversation with Claire, I separately approached Rachel and Helena, expressing my desire to team up with them.

Rachel seemed a bit disappointed when I arrived, thinking that I was suggesting we team up, but she readily accepted the proposal despite this.

Although I mentioned that it would be fine to end things there after granting her previous request, she refused, saying it wasn’t something she could ask for.

“Rachel’s consideration actually worked out well for me. If there’s another opportunity to ask for her help, it will be beneficial next time.”

Though she still looked at me like a rejected puppy, she assured me of her commitment, so I also need to stick to the plan as intended.

I proposed forming a team with the two individuals I had in mind and successfully secured their acceptance yesterday.

Today, we agreed to gather at the training ground for a practice session to assess each other’s skills and synchronize our teamwork.

Among those lost in thought, Victor was the first to arrive, demonstrating his punctuality similar to Claire’s.

“Good morning. Looks like the other person hasn’t arrived yet.”

“You came incredibly early. Since there’s still plenty of time left, let’s wait.”

Given his character, he would probably show up right on time for the appointment, so we had some time until then.

“I didn’t expect you to be the one to suggest teaming up with me first. I was surprised by the team composition. You didn’t fight with Claire, did you?”

“That’s not the case, so don’t worry about it.”

“I shouldn’t have meddled in someone else’s love life. I’m sorry.”

Considering Victor has often seen Claire and me together, it’s reasonable for him to assume that everyone except himself would think of Claire as a teammate. However, this time, it’s necessary for the three of us to synchronize for the future.

“I also need to confirm both of you.”

“If you’re here early and have spare time, how about warming up with a simple sparring match?”

Seemingly understanding my intentions, Victor, feeling eager himself, suggested we spar, making me smile too.

“Let’s go.”

Without giving Victor much time to prepare, I immediately rushed in, attempting a light kick, which startled him into stepping back.

“You should give time to prepare! Where’s the honor in attacking without warning?”

I refrained from using full force to avoid injuring Victor, but I managed to evade better than expected.

“Don’t make excuses after being the one to initiate the fight. Dealing with such situations is essential for training.”

While reducing the options for Victor to evade, I swung my fists and legs, eventually succeeding in creating a momentary opening to equip a shield and sword on my back.

“At least draw your sword! Let’s try again properly.”

This time, Victor initiated the attack, and I calmly drew my sword to block.

-Clang!

“Not bad in terms of power.”

It seemed like he anticipated his sword being blocked, noticing that I only had one weapon, showcasing a sense of pushing forward with his shield.

“However, if I can knock the sword away, that’s it.”

Momentarily releasing the pressure from our clashed swords, I pushed his shield away with the sword handle, expecting a brief imbalance, which I managed to withstand.

While I heard that Victor protected students during the Academy Demon attack, his skill level proved to be much higher than expected.

As I mentioned before, Victor is training in a direction suitable for his body, smoothly transitioning between offense and defense using a one-handed sword and shield during the battle.

Using the shield not just to block or deflect attacks but also to stab at the opponent’s weak points as seen earlier is an idea that appeals to me.

“Typically, when holding a sword, one would expect the opponent to attack using a shield, so I can afford to be relatively less vigilant.”

Moreover, the fact that my balance did not falter from the recent attack shows the considerable effort I have put in so far.

Both speed and strength are well-balanced without significant deficiencies on either side.

“At this level, I might have to reconsider Rachel’s overwhelming first place ranking in swordsmanship class.”

At least, unless utilizing unique abilities, Rachel will undoubtedly struggle significantly.

To assess how far Victor can handle, he attempted to swing his sword, but stopped upon sensing something with his heightened senses.

Since our team’s final member has arrived almost on time,

“If we agreed to train together, why waste energy like this even before starting?”

One hand holding a book and the other adjusting his glasses, the last team member was James, perennial third place in the School of Magic.

“Sorry, I arrived early thinking we could do some light stretching, but couldn’t resist when I saw you guys.”

Victor, taking it lightly, apologized to James, who seemed to imply no intention of making a big deal out of it.

“So, I told you yesterday that we would meet at the training ground, but there are only three of us here. If there’s no opponent, isn’t it pointless?”

James’ point is valid.

Even if the three of us practice together, entering real combat could pose various problems due to lack of experience.

“If we’re just practicing without an opponent, I’ll finish shortly and return to my studies. I can invest about two hours here.”

“Why isn’t there an opponent? They’re right here.”

Confused by my words, James retorted, raising an eyebrow.

“Are you suggesting that Yukal will spar with both of us? Then it wouldn’t be the three of us working together. I do have some doubts about your ability to handle both of us simultaneously, though.”

Perhaps I need to give James a reason to proceed.

As Victor took a sip of water and turned away from me for a moment, he utilized physical enhancement to explosively strike towards James, pointing a blade directly at him.

“If this were a real fight, you’d be dead by now.”

Shocked by his inability to respond adequately to my speed, James dropped the book he was holding and hesitantly backed away.

“Would this level of doubt suffice as an answer? As a swordsman in the front lines, I am confident in fulfilling my role better than anyone within the Ardent Academy.”

As I raised my sword, preparing to cast the azure-glowing Aura Blade, James, swallowing nervously, caught my eye.

“I will rank first in the upcoming group test. It’s a personal goal I must achieve. However, we will solve it ‘together as three,’ without using Aura Blade. So, I hope for your cooperation.”

Instantly dominating all other teams alone to secure first place is easy.

Even if Victor and James interfere with the opposing team, disrupting them 1 vs. 5, the outcome remains the same.

“However, the main objective here is for Claire, Victor, and James to experience combining their strengths beforehand, check and enhance their skills.”

In order to do so, it is necessary to refrain from exerting myself too much unless a situation arises where I cannot win without giving my all.

Holding James’s hand, brushing off the dust behind him, I further opened my mouth.

“I want to prioritize individual skill improvement first. If your skills are solid, you can naturally keep up with tactics and adapt as needed.”

Victor also picked up the book James dropped beside him.

“First, Victor, we will proceed with training on handling Ora together. Apart from that, you’re doing well enough as it is. If you continue like this, you should be able to reach the level of competing for top and second place in the Swordsmanship Department.”

Victor cheered happily at my words.

Using Ora as a knight and not using it makes a significant difference in itself.

Having already seen me handle Ora Blade proficiently, he would passionately strive until mastering it even more.

Given the short time frame, handling Ora might be challenging.

“And James, unfortunately, I can’t teach you magic. However, I can offer advice on knights facing magicians or how magicians deal with situations, considering their discomfort in dealing with knights. Let’s prepare for that.”

James’s magical skills are not bad enough to rank third, but his straightforward fighting style has always been a hindrance.

By advising him on this aspect and prompting a change, significant progress can be made.

I don’t think it’s a great expression, but as a magician, one must fight cunningly like Helena…

“I would like to apologize for saying we would finish practice and return in two hours earlier. I was the frog in the well.”

Apologizing to me, James, with determination in his eyes, immediately delved into rigorous training to prepare for the test.