Ch.3838. Fraud

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People don’t seem to react as intensely as you’d expect when they’re completely dumbfounded.

Judging by Gideon’s poker face not showing even the slightest movement, that must be true.

“…”

No, is he just speechless?

Say something, at least.

“…”

But the silence continues.

He keeps staring at me with eyes devoid of any emotion, then begins tracing his fingers through the air.

Through empty space.

“…?”

What is he doing?

I don’t understand his actions, so I just stay still.

“Learning swordsmanship from you.”

That statement suddenly broke through the prolonged silence.

“My master requested it, he said.”

“Yes.”

“…”

Gideon fell silent again.

As if trying to measure something, he continues to stare at me with slightly narrowed eyes.

“…You don’t appear to have the capability.”

Again, after a long silence, those words flowed out.

No. That’s obviously a reasonable reaction—

“You’re already dead.”

Gideon said that and flicked his finger once.

And simultaneously.

-!

The space right in front of me was ‘cut.’

In empty space, as if someone had planted a slash beforehand.

‘…Formless Blade?’

A skill that allows one to use slashes without a sword. When mastery reaches the level of a natural phenomenon, one can cut opponents with just their body.

It’s not on the level of the First Grand Duke Tristan who could slice through space itself, but even this skill, when used with a sword, can penetrate most armor. Records say it even pierced dragon scales.

‘…He really is insane, isn’t he?’

No, isn’t this almost at the final tier of knight skills?

It suddenly hits me that the title of the Empire’s strongest knight wasn’t earned through some card game.

Considering that the current Sword Saint is essentially missing, this guy is practically the only one in the Empire who can use this technique. That’s the level he’s at.

And right now, I’m trying to pull a scam on someone like him.

“To teach me, you should be more capable than I am. But you couldn’t even react.”

Gideon continued with his expressionless face.

“If you’re going to make an absurd proposal, at least make it somewhat believable.”

“I didn’t think I needed to react to an incomplete technique.”

But.

‘…Got him.’

I smile inwardly.

If I had shown something because I was moderately strong, I would have revealed all my cards.

Instead, because I showed no reaction at all, there’s room to maneuver.

“What did you say?”

“If it were a complete technique, the ‘motion’ itself would have been omitted. Isn’t that right?”

“…”

Normally, this should be information that no one knows.

It’s a technique that even the current head of the Tristan Dukedom, that renowned swordsmanship family, can only imitate at best. There shouldn’t be anyone who knows its complete form.

‘…Except me.’

Yeah, really.

Although it was a movement used by a character in the game, I perfectly understand this technique’s goal, completion, and application.

I can certainly ‘pretend to know’ about it.

“…”

Indeed, Gideon’s eyes widened slightly after hearing my words.

He should be able to agree with what I said.

He knows better than anyone that this is incomplete.

“…”

“…”

Silence continues.

Gideon glares at me with a slightly furrowed expression.

‘…’

But it’s different from before.

I clearly feel that I have the upper hand now. So I can just wait comfortably.

Right now, Gideon’s mind must be racing with calculations.

Who is this person? What is his identity?

He used his strongest technique, yet I saw through it while sitting in place.

So, the next reaction would be…

“…You have quite the silver tongue.”

First, he retreats and observes his opponent a bit more.

That’s a relief.

I’ve passed the most difficult hurdle.

The worst-case scenario would have been him saying “Are you mocking me?” and stabbing my neck without further discussion, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

It seems the points I scored in our previous duel are working quite effectively.

Then, one more thing here.

“Try rotating it a bit more strongly.”

“What?”

“When the mental image forms, the line isn’t drawn perfectly. Try adding a stronger rotation at that moment.”

Honestly, I don’t even know what I’m saying.

But these are words that he will ‘directly record’ in the future.

‘Gideon’s diary.’

In that item, which Elnore will obtain after Gideon’s death during the story progression, everything about how this guy trained in swordsmanship is written down.

Elnore also grows rapidly based on that. Later on, Elnore’s combat ability to single-handedly cut down dozens of regular knights is largely established by this person.

And I remember all the contents of that precious diary.

I inwardly smile bitterly.

‘…Some master I am.’

In other words, I’m just.

Simply passing on to him the realm he will pioneer in the future.

I’m just packaging it as ‘teaching’ him.

“…”

Gideon, who frowned at what I just said, fell silent for a moment and closed his eyes.

And this time.

Without any motion at all, a slash was created above the space.

“…”

And seeing that, Gideon’s eyes widened.

“…What.”

As a slightly trembling voice flowed from Gideon, several windows appeared before my eyes.

[ Skill: Fatal Charm has been activated! ]

[ The villain is astonished by your profound achievement! ]

[ Reward has been added to the Gift tab! ]

[ The number of villains who feel emotions other than ‘liking’ towards you has exceeded a certain range! ]

[ Gift enhancement condition met! ]

[ ‘Gift #1: Fateful Attraction’ is being enhanced! ]

…This can be enhanced too?

While I was silently blinking at that content, a voice flew in from the front.

“You.”

What’s on Gideon’s face is not the icy expression from earlier.

“…What is your identity?”

What’s underlying it is unmistakable ‘tension.’

The Empire’s strongest knight has just acknowledged me as a ‘formidable opponent.’

‘…But I’m not.’

No joke, you could kill me with just one finger.

But making him acknowledge me like this is already a success.

“I told you.”

So this time, I respond with composure.

“I was asked. To teach you.”

“…”

I continue speaking to Gideon, who remains silent.

“I heard you have a goal you want to achieve.”

I choose my words carefully.

“I heard there’s something you want to cut.”

This time there was a reaction.

Seeing his brow twitch, he seems somewhat surprised.

Probably the only person he directly revealed this to was the Sword Saint himself.

“…”

The problem is that the one he wants to cut is a madman comparable to a natural phenomenon.

The reason Gideon wants to reach the realm of the First Grand Duke Tristan is because of that.

The madness that has been passed down through generations in the Tristan Dukedom is all a product of the curse derived from that being. This guy wants to break that.

Finally, after a long silence, Gideon opened his mouth.

“…Even my master couldn’t do it.”

I smile inwardly at those words.

“Are you confident that you can do it?”

The Empire’s strongest knight.

Was agreeing to receive ‘teachings’ from me.

So, I should answer sincerely.

“It’s possible.”

Gideon’s expression became serious.

Yes, it’s possible. Considering how much Elnore will be strengthened, I can grow this person similarly.

And if that’s the case, he can definitely do it.

He can break the family curse.

‘And if I strengthen this side…’

I can greatly reduce the possibility of Elnore’s corruption.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the catalyst for the Grey Demon’s revival depends on whether this person lives or dies.

“However.”

But it would be a waste to end it there.

Gideon’s expression momentarily blanked at my addition.

“I haven’t said I’ll do it for you yet, have I?”

“…”

I smile brightly at Gideon, whose expression has gone from blank to dumbfounded.

“…What do you mean…?”

I answer with a grin despite his voice conveying disbelief.

“Honestly, it would be a bit much to teach something like this for free, wouldn’t it?”

“…”

“Let’s negotiate first, shall we?”

Sir.

I will do it for you.

But I never said I’d do it for free.

Give me my reward.

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I look down at the piece of parchment in my hand with a grin.

When I demanded this, Gideon responded that it was too burdensome, but I sank that argument with a single “So you don’t want to learn swordsmanship?” I can’t help but smile.

[ Letter of Immunity ]

[ Item: Special ]

[ A document granting the immunity privilege of the Tristan Dukedom for one time use. ]

The immunity privilege, in a word, means that no matter what incident you cause, you will never face legal judgment.

Even for someone of Grand Duke status, possessing such a thing would be scandalous—an extralegal authority.

But this aligns with why Gideon is assigned as a ‘villain.’

‘The Empire’s Executioner.’

The hidden aspect of the Tristan Dukedom is that they take on all sorts of dirty work from the Imperial Family.

They appear to be a dukedom with absolute power, but ultimately, the Imperial Family holds their leash.

“…”

And when I think of certain trash in the Imperial Palace related to that, I can’t help but sigh.

I’d prefer not to get involved with them if possible.

Anyway, obtaining this for even one use is a great achievement.

‘…The midterm exams are coming up soon, right?’

Looking at the timeline in my head, that’s exactly when such an event will occur.

It’s also the turning point that marks the beginning of Chapter 2, where the Holy Maiden Lucien and the Boy King become entangled.

It’s also when the ‘Pope,’ one of the major villains in the scenario, makes his appearance.

And there, I.

Plan to cause a major incident.

Because that’s the only way to mess with both the Boy King and the Pope.

“…”

Hmm.

Originally, committing such an act would be suicidal, but the Tristan Dukedom, which provided this document, will handle the aftermath. That’s enough.

‘Ah, there was one more thing.’

Come to think of it, I gained something else besides this.

<Special Gift>

Gift #1- Fateful Attraction

[ As the favorability of individuals with evil tendencies increases, you acquire various rewards. ]

□ First Enhancement

[ As individuals with evil tendencies acknowledge you more, you acquire various rewards. ]

▼ Related Individuals

<Crescent Moon> Hasmed

Galdier Riverback

Gideon Gaelstard La Tristan

[ Rewards available for collection! ]

‘Acknowledge?’

The meaning is a bit vague, but I get the general nuance.

Probably means that the more they fear me, respect me, revere me, or treat me specially, the more rewards I get.

Then what rewards are available?

<System Message>

[ You have acquired ‘Skill: Enlightenment’! ]

< Skill Info >

[ Skill: Enlightenment ] [ Grade: E ]

[ When you awaken the abilities of individuals with evil tendencies, the same abilities are added to your skill. You can temporarily use the added abilities in the same way. ]

“…”

I stop walking as soon as I see the explanation.

‘…Isn’t this insane?’

You gain the same ability when you help others grow?

Although there’s a limitation that it’s temporary, I just established a master-disciple relationship with the Empire’s strongest knight.

I can only say the timing is incredibly perfect.

“…”

And additionally.

It’s an ability that will add wings to what I’m about to do.

I walk straight to the student council room.

I’m looking for Elnore, of course.

We have something to do together.

‘The ability I need to develop right now is…’

After swordsmanship, the next thing to develop is divine power.

It won’t be long before awakening the consciousness of the spirit dwelling in the amulet, and divine power itself plays a big role in the incident I’m going to cause during the midterm exams.

And I’m about to use one of the easy ways to develop it.

“I’m looking for Professor Griever Ranfeldt. Is he in right now?”

“Oh, that bas… I mean, that professor is currently under disciplinary action, so he’s mostly staying in the Divine Studies Faculty building. You should find him there anytime.”

“I see. Thank you.”

I can’t help but smile when I hear such an answer from a staff member while walking.

Professor Griever Ranfeldt is that guy.

During the monster incident at the freshman welcome party, he was the priest affiliated with Marquis Riverback’s faction who refused to deploy protection for the sake of making Elnore suffer.

I still remember how he stood his ground for political reasons while people were dying. If I hadn’t stopped him, he would have been killed by Elia and Elnore on the spot.

The reason for his disciplinary action is obvious too. Since Marquis Riverback was revealed to be a Cultist of the Demon, all related individuals are being punished. His reputation within the academy has also plummeted.

“…”

A wry smile escapes me.

In other words.

No one would really care if something happened to him now.

‘It wasn’t for nothing that I spared him before.’

Now it’s time to make good use of him.

A bit, cruelly.

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