episode_0030

It was not common for the saint to come out and greet me at the entrance with her own aching body. Normally, it should have been resolved pleasantly and comfortably.

If only I hadn’t said those words earlier.

“…So, are you going to remain indifferent until the end?”

A chilling gaze intersected. Though her final question still bore a smile, behind it lay a repulsive aspect and a hint of irritation.

From the perspective of a sage, it was an impression far removed from the rumored compassion and intelligence. That’s why I couldn’t understand it even more.

Was the saint usually like this?

From what I’ve heard, the saint tended to be warm and speak kindly, at least considering her public image, but now in front of me, all she emitted were sharp glances and sighs filled with constant regret.

At the very least, it meant that this was not an attitude to show to a guest.

“Follow me.”

The tone of resignation as she coolly looked down at herself was deliberately meant to make the listener feel bad.

Yuria, who was silently observing, seemed to be suppressing some kind of murderous instinct.

If I were to release her right now, she would be at the level of a hunting dog tearing apart its prey without hesitation.

“There’s no reason for her to go this far with me.”

As we reached a certain door following the saint, one of the guards standing beside it blocked Yuria.

“An accompanying person cannot enter.”

Yuria glanced at the knight with a slight smirk. It was a look that seemed to say, “Are you kidding me?” If things continued like this, there would definitely be casualties inside within just 30 minutes of the mission starting.

Naturally, the one to step forward would be me, the employer.

“She’s my personal maid; please understand. Even if she looks like that, there’s no better combatant here than her.”

Both the saint and the knight spat out expressions that conveyed disbelief, but when the knight saw the maid crush the armor on his arm and almost break it in half with pure strength, he seemed quite uncomfortable.

Staring at the crumpled armor, the astonished knight addressed the maid.

“It’s just… inconvenient not to see proof of such lowly beings with my own eyes.”

Yuria spoke to herself in her mind. If she had said such a thing out loud, it would have been a disaster.

It seems like she has scratched her considerable pride. Judging by the warm glances she’s been feeling on her back since earlier, it’s evident.

As she opened the door and entered the room, there were guards lined up inside.

“Was this the path leading to the training ground? It looked like a rather large building from the outside.”

Amidst the crowd continuing their basic training with swords, the saint standing in the center spoke.

“Turn these people into at least somewhat competent guards.”

“…?”

“Is that impossible?”

Swoosh, she drew a practice wooden sword from the side and threw it to Ian, pointing to the surrounding men.

“Then I don’t expect anything more than one-on-one instruction with them. Show me your skills in front of my eyes, no matter how you manage to do it.”

Ha, I almost burst into laughter.

Seems like she has quite a negative impression of idiots. Well, with this first impression, I roughly anticipated as much.

“If it were the original Ian, he would have rolled his eyes and given a good scolding… It’s probably right to see this as provocation.”

The current rumors about Britna Ian are centered around his sharp mind, intellect, and the significant contribution he made due to the effect of magic output.

At least as much as a person afflicted with an incurable disease, it means that someone who is not used to wielding a sword in a place vibrating with muscle and sweat.

It was highly likely that they intended to humiliate me or tell me to leave, especially for someone like me now, whose body has not been properly trained, wielding a sword without the aid of magic or aura is quite a laborious task.

The expressions of the onlookers around me were ambiguous. Among the noble scholars, an idiot suddenly appeared, holding a sword but unable to handle it properly.

If I try to adjust my posture, Britna’s swordsmanship inherent in my body will come out to some extent, but at least it’s not skilled enough to overflow with practicality.

“Saint… Is it necessary to go this far…? After all, Sir Ian…”

Even the maid watching from the side tried to dissuade her in a whisper.

However…

[ ?????- You can use the physical abilities and talents of the connected target (Yuria) for 1 minute. ]

I didn’t step into this place without any plan or anticipation of variables.

An omnipotent sensation coursing through my entire body.

Every breath of air, every brush of wind against my skin feels so incredibly sensitive it’s almost chilling.

Could it be that I became so engrossed in this pleasure? It’s almost addictive. If my senses are this heightened…

I quickly erase any irrelevant thoughts and focus on observing the movements of the guards training before my very eyes.

“…Oh.”

Previously unseen gaps become apparent in several places. My mind fills with knowledge to the extent of being able to directly pinpoint and correct their posture like picking out thorns.

The action of clearing the clutter from my mind is followed by a seamless movement. It’s as if a scene from an animation continues seamlessly in my head.

Is this the world as seen through Yuria’s eyes?

Intentionally, I singled out the best among them.

Unlike the expressionless saint, when I pointed at the biggest guy, the attention of the surrounding guards focused on him. It seemed that I had chosen the strongest one here.

Turning towards the hesitant guard, the saint added a bit more.

“Please come out quickly. If Master Ian gets hurt here, I will take full responsibility.”

Hmph.

It was almost certain that I would be the one to get hit.

For the sake of entertainment, the guards stopped what they were doing and watched us like spectators.

“Come in anytime.”

Standing in front of the guard, I drew my sword, addressing him as a genuine opponent.

Graceful and precise, it was the traditional Brittna swordsmanship.

The saint who recognized it already had a furrowed brow.

She must have seen the outcome.

What unfolded 10 seconds later far exceeded the audience’s expectations.

The guard charging recklessly.

Some of his strength is held back. He won’t genuinely try to kill me, considering the circumstances.

In that moment of thinking he wouldn’t react to the approaching sword…

-Clang!

However, his consideration was rendered meaningless.

The iron sword was lightly shattered by the wooden sword, falling to the ground in pieces. The guards who didn’t catch the movement couldn’t even understand what had happened. The person involved was barely visible. A light breath, a steady posture, and powerful, destructive swordsmanship. It was just one strike. Just making a single move from the center of the wooden sword towards the blade could easily cut through metal as if it were tofu.

“But if rumors spread that I can use this, it will be a big problem…”

I wanted to somehow conceal the fact that this was the “Aurora Blade” by using the last remaining magic power. It was certain to get noisy outside soon. However, due to Yuria’s vanished talent and physical abilities at the exact end of the timer, I failed to suppress it.

At the end of the sword’s descent, the distinct red light of the Breitna family circulated. Even within the family, very few could handle this. There were just as few who could handle the Aurora Blade, so it was a precious existence.

Moreover, if it became known that the dragon’s blood had been awakened, it would have far-reaching consequences. If this had happened in the Academy Swordsmanship Department, there would have been an overwhelming amount of attention from various families trying to court them.

If they were a formal knight, they would have confirmed it upon seeing that figure. One should not treat the person in front of them lightly. They would have had the impression of someone with tremendous talent. And the saint wouldn’t have been ignorant either. Being able to use the Aurora Blade meant being a considerable master.

Their skills had already been somewhat proven. Taking it a step further, I said to Yuria, “How about learning some swordsmanship now? You can also educate the people here. It’ll be good, right?”

“…I dislike all men other than Ian. Their gaze is filthy. And swordsmanship doesn’t suit my combat style, but… well, yes. I will do it since the master promised to reward me later.”

In a low voice, I drew my sword and stepped forward, compelled by my command. But… When did I make a promise to reward anyone? A guard rushed towards Yuria with a yawning gesture. He must be trying to earn some points. Of course, I’m not talking about the beautiful Yuria, but rather the holy knights or warriors. However… -Kwaaaah! A pure magical explosion erupted upon the impact of the sword. The guard flew weakly and tumbled far away as soon as the sword made contact. Yuria, seemingly bored, pointed to the next person, and there was a faint sense of anger in her demeanor. At that level, it was more like wielding a bomb than swordsmanship. …Perhaps, that could have been a holy knight. The thought was a dreadful imagination. First one, then two, then three. As her mockery intensified, I briefly grabbed her shoulder and said, “At least give them a chance, don’t use magic, just deal with them.” My action was an anticipation that they wouldn’t be able to open their mouths anymore. And the knight commander who heard this from behind inwardly agreed. The other guards would have thought the same. ‘…He’s quite arrogant. Even if he is, relying solely on magic with such a novice attitude…’ However, before his words ended, the act of adjusting the sword with a posture as precise as an imperial knight was efficient and textbook from start to finish. Without any roughness, it was a fluent swordsmanship. Their expressions, which should have been ridiculed due to the awkward swinging stance, became bewildered. “……..” The training ground fell into a chilly silence for a moment. “My victory.” Over ten swords were stuck in the ground. The guards would have realized for the first time today that such movements were possible without using even a hint of magic. Furthermore, they would have learned that a user might lose in regular swordsmanship. Afterward, Yuria sheathed her wooden sword and approached her master without sparing a glance at them, extending her forehead toward her master.

“How is it? I could teach you my swordsmanship. If you’re the master, surely you can move just like me.”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Come out here with me every day. I’ll make sure to teach you everything, especially.”

“…Hmm. Well, okay then.”

It just sounded like he wanted to come here with me every day and slack off.

Well, nothing I can do about it.

Looking at Yuria, who seemed to think from Dero to Itro, I couldn’t find the courage to say anything.

I just had to accept it, as refusing might cost me my neck.

Yuria embraced my arm, smiling.

Somehow, she looked relieved.

The following saint and lady-in-waiting still seemed dazed.

…This is why power inflation is bad.