episode_0023

“He said he wanted to be taught.”

After the end of the class, in the empty training ground,

Virsus and Naber stood facing each other, each holding a sheathed sword.

Naber had agreed to live as Virsus’s disciple.

It was an unexpected proposal, but it was also proof of his recognition of Virsus.

On the other hand, Virsus accepted the proposal, thinking that if Naber became his comrade, it would be easier to prevent “destruction” and survive in the future.

“Once I decide to teach, I won’t take it lightly.”

Of course, Virsus had never properly trained anyone in swordsmanship.

But perhaps because of a dream he had last night, he felt confident about teaching Naber.

“I’ll go easy on you. Come on in for now.”

“Then don’t hold back.”

Naber rushed towards Virsus at a rapid speed.

Clang

“That attack was quite sharp.”

Virsus easily evaded Naber’s attack.

Ching Clang

Naber continued to pour out relentless attacks.

“But…”

Thud

Virsus didn’t miss the momentary opening in Naber’s defense and tripped him.

“Ugh!”

Naber fell over.

“You exposed a vulnerability by focusing too much on your attack.”

Virsus reached out his hand to help Naber up.

“I have some idea of your level.”

“My level?”

“Yes. It’s definitely outstanding swordsmanship. Not only talent, but there are also traces of considerable effort behind it. If you continue to grow like this, becoming a Sword Master is not just a dream. The only thing lacking might be practical experience. You haven’t had proper combat experience so far; you’ve only sparred with knights, right?”

Virsus’s tone had suddenly changed to that of Mercenary V.

“Experience…,” Naber pondered.

“It’s not particularly problematic. It’s actually strange for someone your age to have extensive practical experience.”

“…You speak as if you’re not the same age as me.”

“Huh, I guess so. Why am I… without realizing it…”

Vyrn felt uncomfortable with the remarks that came out unintentionally.

“Real-life experience. If I gain a lot of that kind of experience, then can I become as strong as you?”

“Like me? Hm… well, thinking back to when I was active as a mercenary, I think it’s quite possible for you to be stronger than I was back then… Oops.”

What am I saying?

A mercenary? The past?

That’s not my past.

It was the past of Vyrn’s mentor and legendary mercenary V, experienced in a dream.

Why am I speaking like that Vyrn?

Is it because I lived Vyrn’s life in my dream, that I partially inherited his memories and personality?

“I see. A mercenary. I can understand your strength to some extent.”

“Uh? W-well, that’s…”

Mercenary!

I’m not even an Iron Mercenary, the lowest rank!

“Perhaps you covered it up halfway because you don’t want others to know? Don’t worry. I will never tell anyone.”

Naver lightly smiled and tapped his left chest with his right hand.

“I swear by the honor of Naver Shraig. I will not reveal anything about your past to anyone.”

Seems like he’s completely mistaken.

But it’s too ambiguous to make excuses.

Maybe I should say I was a mercenary in a dream.

Or that I was someone else in the dream and their personality remains.

Both are just delusions.

“I used to think all mercenaries were trash.”

Those who do not know honor.

Those who boast about fighting unfairly.

Those who have no respect for their opponents and live only for today.

But Vyrn was different.

He respected himself for challenging him and even gave him guidance.

More honorable and merciful than any knights I’ve met so far.

“I guess it’s because I’ve never met an honorable mercenary like you before.”

Honorable mercenary?

Versed was taken aback by Naber’s words.

What are you talking about?

What’s this about an honorable mercenary?

“He lived as a mercenary from a young age. And not just any mercenary, but the nephew of a viscount. It was because he had such a spirit of adventure that he was able to reach his current status.”

I don’t know about that.

What nonsense.

“I respect you, Versed.”

He’s seriously mistaken.

…I don’t get it.

Good is good.

Got it.

“Hmm. Anyway, now that I know your skills, I will teach you practical swordsmanship that cannot be obtained through mere practice.”

I will listen.

“First, regarding the use of swordsmanship…”

“Thank you, Versed. No, my master. I will never forget this favor.”

Oh, yeah. Don’t forget and help me prevent ‘destruction’ later.

It’s good for me if he becomes stronger.

After teaching Naber for a long time, Versed approached two women who were waiting in a corner of the training ground after parting with him.

“Sorry for making you wait!”

Sophia greeted Versed first.

“Is it all over, Versed? Making someone as valuable as me wait. I will make sure to charge you appropriately for this.”

Sophia said with a smile.

“More importantly, as expected, your teaching ability was outstanding, just like the hero you used to be. I never thought you could develop a swordsman to that extent.”

Teaching someone was possible not because of memories as a hero, but because of memories as a mercenary.

Versed decided not to explain, finding it too complicated to put into words.

“Your Highness, you were so cool!”

Arthoria hugged Versed from behind.

“Huh?”

Why is she acting like this today?

Has she become more bold since healing his injured finger?

“Young lady, do you intend to break the agreement we made?”

Sophia rebuked her upon seeing her behavior.

“No, I’m just healing the tired hero, aren’t I?”

Arthoria then released her divine power to relieve Versed’s fatigue.

“Ahh…”

Artoria looked at Sophia with a questioning expression.

“…This woman.”

As it was work for the secretary, she couldn’t say anything.

“Oh, Artoria. I just finished training, so I’m sweating. I’m stepping back because I smell.”

“Smell? …Sniff, sniff.”

Hearing Vaserius’ words, Artoria chuckled and rested her head on Vaserius’ neck.

“Hey!”

“The scent of my lord is fragrant. …I like it very much.”

“I can’t stand this.”

Sophia lifted Artoria’s head by the neck.

“Eek!”

“What are you doing right now?”

“W-what?”

“What kind of perverted behavior is this?”

“P-perverted…”

Artoria realized that she had done something that seemed strange even to herself.

“Uh… My lord, this isn’t strange… It’s an angelic expression of affection!”

“Angelic expression of affection?”

“Yes…hehe. Angels usually bury their faces in the necks of people they like and smell them. Didn’t my lord and I do that often?”

This lie is real!

Artoria spat out whatever came to mind.

What if my lord regains his memory?

Even if my lord regains his memory, wouldn’t he forgive this lie?

“…Angels were truly filthy and lewd beings.”

“Oh, no! We don’t have as pure and clean souls as you think! Why don’t you try smelling yourself!”

“Me?”

“Yes!”

Gulp

Sophia unconsciously swallowed her saliva.

“T-then, just to check.”

Then she brought her nose to Vaserius’ neck.

“…It really is a n-nice scent.”

Sophia’s face turned as red as a beet.

“Oh, don’t misunderstand, Vaserius! I’m just curious without any ulterior motives!”

“Enough from both of you.”

Vaserius seemed like he might develop some strange tastes himself.

At this rate, tonight might be a very perverted dream.

…I might be a little curious about that kind of dream.

* **

Student Council Room

Diabel and Robina were the only ones left in the room.

“The first step, huh.”

Robina muttered as she looked at the box Diabel had taken out.

“Yeah. It’s the preparation for the first step.”

The first step towards the destruction of the world.

Infecting the students within the academy.

To make them controllable when needed.

‘Don’t hesitate to use any means and methods to survive. Honor? That’s what stupid knights care about. Would you rather die honorably? It’s better to live dishonorably. Got it?’

Diabel recalled the words of his past mentor who taught him.

Honor…

It’s better to live than to have honor.

No.

Living is hell.

If only the covenant engraved in this soul didn’t exist, I could have met you.

I’ll go meet you without hesitating to use any means and methods.

‘Did I really teach you that way? When did I say that?’

I miss you.

Diabel chuckled at the thought of how his mentor would react to his actions in the afterlife.

“Uh… President?”

“Ah. I had a funny thought for a moment. Don’t worry about it.”

“Okay.”

“The execution of the plan will be next week. We’ll encourage club enrollment during the week.”

Thud

Diabel closed the box on the desk.