Ch.136136. Richard Henry Infractus

Gilbert sank quietly into his inner self through meditation.

The sword technique he had displayed during his duel with Ian in Briana’s swordsmanship class today floated in his mind like a reflection on water.

The single strike he had shown today was lacking compared to the sword technique he had demonstrated at the Slaves’ central branch. He hadn’t drawn upon all his mana, nor had he used his limit break.

Despite not putting everything into that single draw cut, he had easily split Ian’s sword in half. He couldn’t understand how it was possible. He had simply thought he could do it, and he did.

People often divided swordsmanship into two main categories.

As one’s mana cultivation skill improved, more precise and detailed control became possible. This was the realm that martial arts novels referred to as mastery of internal energy cultivation, reaching states like “hidden realm” or “village realm.”

Conversely, if one extremely honed the techniques of swordsmanship itself, one could reach a state where the sword could be wielded more sharply and powerfully with just intent, without mana flow.

Taking this to the extreme was a stage where will or intent could be used like mana.

Talkative enthusiasts called it “heart sword”—reaching a state where one carries the sword in one’s heart.

But Gilbert didn’t think he had reached such a realm.

He didn’t even know if “heart sword” actually existed, and wasn’t Tactical Combat, the foundation of this world, not the kind of game where you improved by honing your swordsmanship and powering through?

However, since he had contracted with an artificial spirit to control Geshin, the culmination of magical engineering, there was a strong possibility that advancing in swordsmanship could help with control techniques.

After all, the power of will was essential to control techniques.

Gilbert refocused his scattered concentration. Whatever the reason, he was meditating to revisit the drawing technique he had used in the duel.

During the duel, he had moderately elevated his skills to gauge Ian’s abilities. Even without Briana’s words before the match, he had planned to do so.

The gap between Gilbert and Ian’s growth rates was already too wide to be bridged, even with the ultra-artificial spirit Fresia. Moreover, Gilbert’s character had been designed with physical talents that had nearly reached the limits of human capability.

With such a solid foundation honed through an insane training schedule for nearly half a year, it was beyond Ian’s reach no matter how hard he tried.

In such a situation, how could Gilbert demonstrate his full power?

That’s why he had planned to adjust his mana output for the duel.

But when the duel began and he saw Ian charging at him, Gilbert realized the gap was far too wide. Instead of gauging his opponent’s skill and analyzing his movement patterns, Ian had rushed in recklessly.

Of course, it might have been because Gilbert was in a stance for a drawing technique, but that was fine. Gilbert’s ridiculous physical abilities had pushed his human reflexes to their limits.

Any stat at 95 was essentially in the superhuman category.

If he hadn’t achieved a stat of 95 in the Slaves’ armory, he wouldn’t have been able to perform the insane feat of slicing through a Geshin, even with all the luck in the world. The difference between 94 and 95 was that significant.

Looking at it differently, Ian might have attacked first because he knew stalling wouldn’t help. It was commendable that he didn’t freeze before a stronger opponent, but Ian’s eyes had shown disdain for Gilbert’s drawing stance.

While drawing techniques were conventionally considered vulnerable in duels, what did that matter in the realm of superhumans?

When one reaches the superhuman realm by focusing solely on that one aspect, even that ceases to be an issue.

It simply becomes a matter of consciousness. Once you’ve trained enough to draw your sword faster than the speed of perception, that becomes a prerequisite for stepping into the superhuman realm.

In reality, this would be nonsense, but so what? This was the world Gilbert had seen as a game. A traditional fantasy world mixed with sci-fi, where systems, magic, magical engineering, and Geshin existed.

What can be done, will be done. And this was a world where drawing techniques and power slashes could exist as practical skills.

To make Ian realize this fact, Gilbert had swung his sword. He concentrated to the maximum, stretching time and extending his perception.

With only intent, a bit of mana, and swordsmanship technique, he had split the steel sword.

Through meditation, Gilbert could recall that sensation again.

If asked whether he could do it again, the answer was yes.

His eyes suddenly opened.

So this is what enlightenment feels like, he thought.

But amusingly, the system remained silent. He wondered why but dismissed it. There must be some reason.

Gilbert realized how late it had gotten and rose from his seat. He hadn’t expected time to pass so quickly while trying to meditate quietly.

In truth, meditation had never been his strong suit. Whether his body was in good condition or not, he would often doze off during meditation when he couldn’t fall into a deep sleep. Otherwise, he had to force himself to sleep with sleeping pills.

The bitter reason behind this brought a bitter smile to Gilbert’s lips. He felt he had been thinking unnecessarily.

“Excuse me, are you Cadet Gilbert?”

As he left the training room, a middle-aged man with a stylishly groomed beard was looking at him.

Gilbert wiped the smile off his face and returned to his usual stoic expression at the sudden appearance.

“Who are you?”

He wasn’t an academy staff member. The clothes he wore were different from the uniforms worn by academy personnel.

Moreover, the neatly tailored charcoal gray outfit looked expensive even to Gilbert, who knew little about clothing value.

“Someone wishes to see you. Would you kindly spare a moment of your time?”

Gilbert realized that the man didn’t want to reveal his identity here. Glancing around, he noticed that all the nearby recording magic devices were not functioning properly.

I see.

Gilbert had a pretty good idea of who these people were.

“Lead the way.”

“I’ve only heard rumors about you, but this is interesting. Aren’t you curious about whom I serve?”

“I’m not one for unnecessary talk. If you’re trying to test me, you’ve come to the wrong person.”

“Indeed, that was out of line. I understand. Please follow me.”

Gilbert followed the chuckling man.

He was too exasperated to laugh at the question about whether he was curious. It seemed ridiculous to act like some secret organization while so blatantly giving away information.

If someone had disabled the academy’s recording devices and an outsider was freely walking around the academy, there was only one possibility that came to mind.

The person who had recently caused the biggest stir at the academy.

Prince Richard.

He was looking for Gilbert.

***

Prince Richard sat with his legs crossed, deep in thought, in a place provided by the academy. He was reflecting on Ian, who had just left after an audience with him.

So that’s why that talent scout had his eye on him—he was indeed a remarkable individual. He had accumulated much despite his young age, and was filled with ambition to succeed and desire for recognition.

Frankly speaking, Richard didn’t dislike such individuals. Ambition was the only fuel that could drive humans to improve and the driving force that kept them from settling for the status quo.

In that sense, Ian was talented.

The kind of talent his sister Seraphina would have her eye on.

But at the same time, he had a question. According to reports from his intelligence department, Seraphina’s top recruitment target wasn’t Ian but the recently renowned “Rogue Hero” Gilbert.

“Rogue” and “hero” were not words that typically went together, but it was true that no better words existed to define Gilbert. Just half a year ago, Gilbert had been called the shame of the Count’s family, but now he was hailed as a hero of the Empire.

The mark he had made shone brightly in the long history of the Empire, but that didn’t erase his past conduct. While politics might emphasize the present, it didn’t completely cover the past.

If one were to embrace him, there was no guarantee that his past wouldn’t become a liability someday. Above all, what could have happened in those six months to change a person’s behavior so drastically?

Richard fundamentally didn’t believe in human nature. He himself was an advocate for human wickedness. All his tactics began by touching on the base nature of humans.

Hence his question.

If one looked at Gilbert with the premise that human nature is evil and unchangeable, there were numerous suspicious points.

Although they were now rivals competing for the imperial throne, Richard genuinely held Seraphina in high regard. She appeared compassionate but was cold and calculating, always thinking of the Empire first.

The fact that such a Seraphina had Gilbert, full of suspicious elements, as her top recruitment target was unexpected for Richard.

Richard tapped his face with his index finger. He tried to find what he was missing, but he had too little information.

– Knock knock

“Your Highness, as ordered, I’ve brought Cadet Gilbert.”

“Enter.”

His retainer and the Gilbert he had been looking for entered the room.

He habitually observed Gilbert, gathering information.

His trained body and the aura he exuded were extraordinary.

He had seen many knights before, but Gilbert’s physical condition seemed to be among the best.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness.”

Gilbert knelt on one knee in greeting. Richard’s eyes sparkled at his unwavering demeanor.

“You may rise. I don’t care for excessive formalities. It would be courteous to offer a guest something to drink.”

“I’ll have herbal tea.”

With Richard’s permission, Gilbert sat across from him.

“It seems you’ve willingly accepted my invitation.”

“I thought Your Highness had summoned me.”

“You already knew… I see.”

He had quite a keen eye.

With limited information, he had quickly deduced and arrived at a conclusion close to the truth, which deserved high marks.

He was an imperial prince, but also a field commander.

Known as the Mysterious Mountain.

For this reason, knights with exceptional insight were always at the top of his recruitment list.

On the battlefield, insight was the greatest ability that could save allies.

“Then do you also know why I’ve summoned you, Cadet Gilbert?”

“I believe it’s a recruitment offer.”

“You seem to think it was a predictable question.”

“I think it would be strange not to know.”

His calm demeanor as he answered and drank his herbal tea was impressive.

Richard couldn’t shake the feeling that he had met an intriguing opponent after a long time.

“If you already know everything, there’s no need to drag this out. Cadet Gilbert, I want you to become my subordinate.”

“The loyalty of House Hart has always been directed toward the imperial family.”

“I know. That’s why I’m saying this.”

Richard didn’t beat around the bush.

Ian’s recruitment was already halfway complete. Richard, planning to declare all-out war on Seraphina by bringing either Ian or Gilbert under his wing, didn’t bother hiding his intentions.

This was a method Richard often used when recruiting retainers.

Showing sincerity to reassure the other party.

Even if there was something hidden behind it, the other party couldn’t know. Showing sincerity didn’t mean showing everything.

“So you never intended to yield.”

“What can I say? I never had such thoughts from the beginning. I have lived in struggle, and this time will be no different. I may retreat strategically, but I never face defeat.”

The undefeated commander, Richard Henry Infractus.

He was making a declaration to fully enter the imperial succession battle, which was like a battlefield.

Gilbert looked down at his cooling herbal tea.

He already knew the main scenario was progressing quickly, but he hadn’t expected it to advance this rapidly.

He needed time to think.

“Therefore, I command you. Become my subordinate promptly.”

“I must decline.”

“Why?”

“I’ve already told you. The loyalty of House Hart has always been directed toward the imperial family.”

“Should I understand that as saying I should become the crown prince?”

“That is all I have to say to Your Highness.”

Gilbert didn’t give a definitive answer. With signs of the main scenario progressing, he also needed time to organize his thoughts.

His rejection of Seraphina’s offer until now had been for this moment. It was insurance to clear the main scenario more comfortably.

Richard clicked his tongue as he watched Gilbert flatly reject his offer. He had anticipated this, given that Gilbert had also coldly rejected Seraphina’s advances.

Nevertheless, he felt disappointed because Gilbert had impressed him more than expected. As a commander, Gilbert was an attractive chess piece.

Richard quickly put aside his disappointment and nodded.

“I understand. But know that my door is always open. You may go now, Cadet Gilbert.”

“I shall take my leave.”

Gilbert maintained his careful demeanor until the end and left Richard’s room.

“Is it alright to let him go like this?”

“It doesn’t matter. It was expected, wasn’t it? The merchandise was just better than I thought.”

Richard tapped the table with his index finger, recalling his brief meeting with Gilbert.

Remembering Gilbert’s dignified demeanor from beginning to end, he found himself looking forward to what was to come.