episode_0025

‘I may have been showing off, but…’

What should I do now?

[Warning) Side effects occur every 10 seconds]

I really don’t like using this skill.

The risk of exceeding the maximum time of 2 minutes is already significant, and there’s another risk on top of that.

As much as the privilege of returning is great…the hypothesis was correct.

The limit of her nullification is drawing a line that uses mana.

So, it means that even this ability to use the devil’s privilege cannot be blocked.

Now, there is a way to win.

How can I break through that momentum?

Even when using my original body, there didn’t seem to be any perfect openings. I’m just waiting for the right moment now.

“Even a light warrior eventually feels fear, huh?”

“What?”

“Look. In the end, didn’t you hesitate and run away without attacking me?”

“…”

Even though I know I shouldn’t provoke, I couldn’t help it.

If I don’t do this, she might attack me first. But can I endure this?

I don’t know much about Kadira. Unlike Sara, there’s not much change in appearance.

But one thing I can be sure of.

Her determination and focus are on par with a master swordsman. And her basics are flawless.

‘She doesn’t intend to come in first.’

The more I think about it, the faster time passes. The more urgent I feel.

‘Is that the embodiment of pure effort? Or is it talent?’

Either way is fine.

I don’t have time now.

I need to finish this quickly.

I don’t know if I can defeat Kadira.

But still.

Thud!

I won’t lose in effort alone!

Crash!

Kadira was not easily defeated as expected.

Crash! Roar!

[10 seconds elapsed]

[Side effects occur]

-The Lord said he would protect us.

[Your physical abilities increase proportionally]

‘Ugh…!’

If this is the side effect, I want to stop it right now.

The fact that this guy pops up in my head itself is uncomfortable. I need to finish this quickly.

I increased my attack speed.

At the same time, Kadira’s expression changed. Yeah, enduring this much is quite impressive.

Let’s stop now.

Thud!

But Kadira’s eyes blazed.

With the belief that she can’t lose.

She blocked my attack.

The longer the fight went on, the words of that guy in my head started to come up.

The length of his words grew longer as time passed.

[20 seconds elapsed]

-We lack sacrifices! If this continues, the Lord will abandon us!!

Roar!!

[30 seconds elapsed]

-Did you skip sword training today? You are currently under the devil’s spell.

‘Damn…’

It’s a fucking memory.

My expression was more mixed than Kadira’s expression.

Even though I’m in a more advantageous situation, if I make a mistake, I might fall first.

“Is it tough?”

“It’s quite tough.”

“Yeah, I thought the first thing you said was just showing off!!”

Kadira’s sword flew sideways.

Thud!

“Half of it was showing off.”

“The rest is also showing off!!”

Kadira attacked again. I blocked her attack once again.

“Right. Most of what I said was showing off.”

And smoothly, I used her strength to push the sword away.

“But saying I’ll beat you wasn’t showing off.”

[40 seconds elapsed]

“I promised my friend.”

-Are you also going to betray me!!

‘Ah…shit.’

This memory is already here.

It was a single word shorter than any other, but it was perfect for attacking my mind.

“Huff…huff…”

I didn’t even make any attacks, but Kadira was also surprised by my sudden seizure.

‘Is it not her.’

She doesn’t seem like the type to be surprised by that…

Then why are my hands shaking…?

I lowered my head.

If I waste time with distractions here, I might faint before 2 minutes have passed.

Fainting doesn’t matter. Well, it does matter.

In the end, it means losing.

But if after that, Kraberk’s fangs go wild, it could pose a threat to them.

I may not know, but I will become a high knight in this country in the future, so it would be rude to get hurt… I don’t want to be punished either.

“Kadira. I’ll apologize in advance.”

“Who do you think you are apologizing to me…”

He tightened his grip.

“This is only the second time I’ve used a sword seriously. So… be careful.”

“What…!”

Clang!

“…”

No one in the training ground saw Logz’s attack.

It was a moment.

Kadira’s pupils trembled. And pieces of blade fell beneath her.

Logz caught his breath, twirled the sword once, and sheathed it.

“Are you hurt?”

“…Don’t pretend.”

‘No need to worry.’

Do you want to disappear? Why are you behaving the same way?

He sighed as he checked on Kadira’s condition.

Even though she only wielded the blade, she could still be injured. It was a genuine concern.

Luckily, as befitting her title as a senior, she seemed unharmed.

But it seemed like the mental damage was greater.

“Hey.”

“Shut up… damn it… I was supposed to win… the master is amazing but…”

“What have you been saying since earlier…”

“…Was I wrong in my thinking? Was I really weaker than a novice?”

‘That’s harsh.’

Kadira, who was no longer listening to him, continued to mutter to herself.

‘But the novice worked hard to come this far…’

More importantly, what did I do wrong to make her resent me this much?

Did I make a big mistake like Sara?

This is not just a simple reaction to losing to a novice.

“…”

The sight of Kadira falling silent made him uneasy. This was the final atmosphere people displayed when they were about to give up.

Even though she had a strong will, she was still a student.

‘But she was like a growing sprout.’

He had been too harsh, even by his own standards.

But how did she end up resembling her so much…

“Don’t be too discouraged. You’re stronger than me.”

“Don’t console me like that…”

“It’s not consolation, it’s a sincere statement.”

Whether in action or mentally, he could say for sure that she was superior to him.

Even Aster, who was in the top 10, couldn’t withstand the original body for more than a few seconds. It was a pity for such a strong swordsman to give up his sword. Losing such a significant force in a place where a war was brewing was even sadder.

‘Well, there may be other reasons, but the biggest reason is…’

She loved the sword.

No matter how much she tried to hide it.

From taking care of the sword before the fight to carrying it during class.

And instinctively stepping forward when she realized the sword would break in the final attack. It did break in the end.

Hearing that such a girl had given up her sword because of him would bring more guilt than he could imagine.

“Then why did I lose to a novice like you!”

Of course, Kadira might not accept this behavior.

She might think he was pitying her.

He slowly stood in front of Kadira, eye level with her.

“That’s simply because I’ve been handling a sword longer than you.”

And because I, too, was someone who loved the sword like you.

He swallowed the last words quietly. There was no need to make the cheesy dialogue even cheesier.

“What nonsense… sniff.”

Kadira started to sob. Huh?

I honestly don’t know how to react when someone who seemed like they would never cry starts to cry. Should I comfort her now?

The atmosphere was completely different from before. He let out a sigh of relief.

Kadira had used all her strength to hold back the tears, but they had already fallen down her cheeks.

A bitter smile appeared.

‘Is it a habit for everyone here to puff up their cheeks when they cry?’

Seeing her swollen cheeks on her cold face made him feel a strange sense of discomfort.

However, on the other hand, she didn’t look bad with a facial expression that suited her age.

Since her face is pretty, she looks beautiful no matter what expression she makes.

Sara and Lina are running towards me in the distance. Well… I don’t need praise for winning.

But if you really want to, go ahead, it won’t hurt!

“Kadira, are you okay?”

“Hey, troublemaker! Why are you making the kid cry no matter what?”

“Huh?”

“No matter how bad her personality is, that’s just how she is. A troublemaker is a troublemaker, right? Just like that.”

“I… I didn’t…”

She wiped away a tear and sniffled.

It’s true that when people feel wronged, they can’t speak well. It seems like a valid point.

I didn’t expect to hear that the troublemaker was a troublemaker right in front of me…

With a heavy heart, I said to Sara, “Kadira didn’t seem friendly, but she seems quite close?”

“Well… unlike you, she’s pretty close with the senior students.”

“Ugh… unlike me…”

“Among them, Kadira is… well, she’s younger than me, but… she’s still my rival for now.”

“…Even though she’s below you.”

“What?”

Kadira, who had tears in her eyes, responded to Sara’s words.

“Sorry, but… Ugh, officially, you’re 97 wins and 98 losses below me, right?”

“Hey, this is it! Unofficially, I’m 1423 wins and 1422 losses above you?”

“Come on… Ugh, there’s no such thing as unofficial! All rankings are only allowed in official matches.”

“Well then, shall we do it here?”

“Sure! Even if I struggle, you’ll easily win.”

…

There’s nothing to say.

How can this be so childish?

Lina also seemed awkward, but she looked quite familiar. This is girl talk.

As a man, it’s best to naturally fall back.

I put Kraberck’s fangs wrapped around my waist and Asbel’s sword stuck far away into my bag and prepared to run away.

I glanced around little by little.

Now!

Creak…

“I thought you would be here, young master.”

As soon as I urgently opened the training ground door.

Right in front of me were Steven and another man.

“What, did Father call you again?”

“This time it’s not for that reason, it’s personal.”

It was the first time Steven had come for personal reasons. If I wasn’t surprised, it would be a lie, but I tried to keep a natural expression.

“What is it?”

“Well, this is my close junior I mentioned last time. You might remember seeing him a long time ago.”

“Oh…”

Sorry, Steven.

The junior next to Steven checked my expression and immediately spoke up.

“It’s been so long that it’s okay. I’m Alos Bleeta.”

Oh…

Maybe because he’s Steven’s close junior, he looks kind… and strong.

“Young master, I didn’t come here today because of this. I have a favor to ask.”

“A favor? Well, within my limits, I’ll do what I can.”

“Thank you. My junior mentioned that he would like to train with your disciple. Would you be okay with that?”

“…Training? Is it really okay for me?”

“Of course! It’s an honor just to think that your disciple and my disciple will train together.”

“…He’s a peculiar person.”

But if he’s Steven’s disciple, his personality should be fine, right?

And there’s no reason not to become friends if we get along well.

Just before accepting Alos’s proposal.

“Hey, troublemaker!! Next, it’s my turn with…?”

“I’m sorry for interrupting, Miss Sara.”

“Oh, no! Oh, I’m the one who should be sorry!”

To subdue the wild wolf in one go.

Indeed, adults are different.

“Sara! Let’s go together…?”

“Nice to see you again, Miss Lina.”

“…Yes, it’s been a while.”

Lina turned her surprised expression away from Steven. What’s with you too? Why are you reacting like that?

Just as I had a moment of doubt, Alos’s voice was heard.

“You were already training with my disciple. I apologize for interrupting.”

What is he talking about… Sara and Lina were his disciples?

Cardia was seen walking out of the training ground, wiping away tears with a look of uncertainty on her face. She definitely didn’t seem like herself.

“I am Cardia Jurma, the disciple.”

Ah…ah?

Hasn’t it been less than 3 seconds yet?