Chapter 25: First Lesson (2)

‘Has the other class already started?’

On our way from the classroom to the sparring grounds, I heard the sound of multiple shouts and the clashing of swords in the hallway.

Knowing that the other class had already begun made everyone, including the teacher, walk a bit faster.

Soon, we arrived at the sparring grounds, which, coincidentally, was the same place where I had practiced non-lethal Baldo the day before.

A quick glance at the floor revealed that the bloodstains from yesterday had been thoroughly cleaned.

“Now, before we begin sparring, let me briefly explain the rules.”

The teacher, who had lined up the students, cleared his throat and began to speak.

First, it is forbidden to inflict serious injuries by attacking important points.

Second, if your opponent surrenders, you must immediately stop your attack.

Third, dishonorable actions such as pretending to surrender are prohibited.

Fourth, regardless of the outcome, you must accept the result without objection.

These are the main rules, but if any problematic behavior occurs without violating these rules, it will be handled at the teacher’s discretion.

Seeing everyone nod in understanding, the teacher looked around at each face and added,

“If any student breaks the rules, they will be immediately disqualified and penalized. Please remember, this is a sparring match, not a real fight.”

Since it wasn’t a real fight, safety was the top priority.

Therefore, the weapons used in sparring were relatively safe, non-lethal versions.

“Now that you all understand, go ahead and choose a weapon you prefer from over there.”

Following the teacher’s instruction, the students lined up in front of the weapon rack, hesitated briefly, and then began to pick up swords or spears.

As they were all from knight or noble families, they naturally had their preferred weapons already decided.

Since I already had my reverse-edged practice sword at my waist, I leaned against the wall and watched them choose their weapons.

However, the teacher, who was unaware of my situation, seemed puzzled and spoke to me.

“Hmm? Ian, aren’t you going to choose a weapon?”

“I already have a sword ordered specifically for sparring.”

“You’re well-prepared. As long as it’s not sharpened, using your own weapon is fine.”

Soon after, as everyone returned with their chosen weapons, the teacher looked around and spoke.

“We will proceed with the sparring in groups of ten, according to your numbers. Numbers 1 to 10, step forward.”

Our class had about 30 students, so we would spar in three groups.

‘My number is 27, so I’ll be in the last group.’

Since my turn was still far off, I decided to sit back and watch the sparring matches.

Although some students had started forming small groups and chatting since yesterday, no one was near me.

I didn’t feel lonely, though. I had my reverse-edged sword, Shadowstrike, who understood me better than anyone else.

Clap!

A sudden clapping sound made me turn my head, and I saw five glowing circles drawn on the sparring ground.

‘This was also in the original story.’

Those glowing circles were special magic circles from which you couldn’t leave until a match was decided or someone surrendered.

Sparring would take place within those circles, and once a match ended, partners would switch clockwise and start another match.

Explaining this, the teacher spoke to the students lined up from numbers 1 to 10.

“These magic circles also have spells for physical recovery and impact reduction, but that doesn’t mean you should overexert yourselves.”

“Do you understand?”

“Yes!!”

“You all seem very enthusiastic, which pleases me. Now, everyone, go inside with the next numbered student.”

With that, the sparring began. Everyone, including the teacher, focused on the matches, but honestly, I found it extremely boring.

Though their stances and swings suggested they had learned swordsmanship from their families, none of them had anything special.

Some occasionally used aura, but it was so basic that it was honestly disappointing.

Despite my feelings, the teacher and other students seemed to evaluate their skills positively.

In the original story, the skills of the non-named characters weren’t described in detail, so maybe this was just normal?

‘Is this the future of our country?’

No matter what happened, the protagonist always solved everything, but this was too much.

If demons attacked the academy, many ordinary students and civilians would die just from the aftermath.

To prevent such a disaster, I needed to spread Baldo quickly and raise the students’ skills.

‘When will it be my turn?’

Once it was my turn and they saw my impressive Baldo, everyone would surely be captivated.

That’s why I desperately practiced visible Baldo against Hawkins and his gang yesterday.

‘There might be a bit of an accident…’

There could be minor accidents like broken ribs or semi-permanent internal injuries, but so what?

A man who uses Baldo must sometimes show the boldness to sacrifice the small for the greater good.

‘Come on, hurry up!!’

As I waited, soothing Shadowstrike at my waist who was eager to break bones, several hours passed.

“Finally, numbers 21 to 30! Step forward!!”

When the teacher called out, I couldn’t hide my excitement and stepped forward with a grin.

I entered the magic circle with student number 28, who was paired with me.

“Phew…”

His weapon was a shield and a short spear. Even though we hadn’t started yet, he was already holding his shield up.

‘Lucky guy.’

He was honored to be the first official target of Baldo at the academy.

Though he might gain a disability along with that honor, isn’t a scar a badge of honor for a man? He would bear it.

Standing on the magic circle, I placed my hand on my sword’s hilt, ready to draw at any moment.

And then, just as I waited for the teacher’s signal…

“Everyone seems to be inside, so let’s get started soon. Everyone, take your stances…! Ian?”

Before signaling the start, the teacher suddenly called my name, and I asked him.

“Is something wrong?”

Looking around, I realized it wasn’t just the teacher who was staring at me.

Everyone was looking at me with trembling eyes as if they had made some prior agreement.

‘What’s going on? Is my zipper down?’

Not understanding what was happening, I stood there in confusion as the whole sparring ground fell into a cold, icy silence.

“Teacher, is there a problem?”

Unable to bear the strange atmosphere, I asked, and the teacher finally snapped out of it and spoke.

“N-No… nothing. But before we begin, let me remind you all of one more thing. If you feel it’s too much, surrender immediately! Do you understand!!”

“Yes!!!”

Everyone inside the magic circle shouted louder than ever before.

Still bewildered by the situation, I barely had time to process it when the teacher signaled the start of the match.

‘Fuck, let’s crush those ribs!’

With that in mind, I placed my hand on the hilt again, adjusting to a visible speed…

“I surrender!!!”

“…What the f*ck?”

Suddenly, my opponent threw his spear and shield to the ground and ran out of the magic circle.

“Hey, what the hell are you talking about?! Get back in here!”

“I surrender! I won’t fight!!”

I was dumbfounded and tried to drag him back into the magic circle to strike with Baldo, but the teacher intervened.

“Ian! Attacking an opponent who has surrendered is against the rules! Step back immediately!!”

“No, but still…!!”

I considered forcing a strike, but defying the teacher might get me expelled from the sparring grounds.

That would ruin my grand plan of spreading Baldo.

‘I’ll hold back here!’

There were still many students left to strike with Baldo. I waited in the magic circle, ready for the next student…

“Surrenderrrrrrr!!”

But every single student I faced threw their weapon to the ground and surrendered as soon as the match started.

‘What the hell? Why are they so scared….’

As I pondered the cause, I slowly looked around at the faces of the surrounding students and finally realized the reason.

‘…Oh, I was leaking killing intent.’

I didn’t intend to kill, but the excitement of demonstrating Baldo must have made my killing intent leak out.

This won’t do.

Someone who can’t control their emotions has no business using Baldo.

Calming my mind and suppressing my killing intent, I looked at the last opponent who entered the magic circle.

He was trembling with fear.

Seeing a burly man, about my height, shaking in terror made me feel a bit sorry, so I spoke more gently than usual.

“Calm down.”

“…What?”

He seemed a bit surprised that I said that.

“Calm down and listen, I don’t intend to kill you.”

“Well, of course not… it’s just a sparring match….”

“Yes, you’re right. I’ll just crush your ribs, not kill you…”

“Surrender!! I surrender!!!”

Before I could finish, he threw his sword to the ground.

Sighing deeply, I turned to the teacher who had been watching the whole process.

“Teacher, why don’t you come up instead?”

“……Ian Barthow, one demerit point.”

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