The Upper Hand
'Why is he taking so long?'
Even though a massive crowd had gathered, Zeto was nowhere to be seen.
'After all the trouble I went through to gather this crowd...'
For the past few days, she had sought out the most loose-lipped cadets—regardless of whether they were seniors or freshmen—and subtly leaked rumors to them.
Everything had gone exactly according to my calculations.
Now that the Labyrinth training was over,
conversation among the cadets was naturally flowing again. The upperclassmen, in particular, were itching for a spectacle far more stimulating than the routine Labyrinth runs they had to endure every term.
But if Zeto didn't show up, it would all be for nothing.
From his perspective, failing to show would tarnish his skyrocketing reputation, but for me, I would gain absolutely nothing if he bailed.
"When is he coming?"
"Are we sure he actually defeated a Lycanthrope?"
"I'm telling you, he walked out holding its head."
"His opponent is just from Class C, though. I don't expect much..."
Everyone was growing tired of waiting.
My throat was parching as well, anxiety creeping in as he failed to make an appearance.
Just then, a murmur rippled through the cadets near the entrance.
Looking toward the entrance of the sparring arena, I saw him walking in alongside Yuri.
The moment Zeto stepped fully into the arena, the crowd's gaze shifted entirely to him, ignoring me completely.
Even that slight slight sent a thrill through me, making my body sway ever so slightly.
I could already feel the weight of the attention and admiration that would wrap around me once I defeated him.
"...Are you alright?"
The academy staff member officiating the spar asked me with a worried expression.
"I am fine."
I immediately corrected my posture and replied.
"My, I can't believe so many people gathered... I heard you're from Class C, but I'm rooting for you. I was in Class C myself back when I attended the academy. Even if your opponent is from Class A, you never know how a fight will go until you clash swords. Sometimes, cadets blossom and awaken their true talent right in the middle of a duel..."
"Ah... Thank you."
Listening to the official's words, the excitement I had tried to suppress flared up once more.
'An awakening triggered by an overwhelming underdog struggle...'
That kind of scenario didn't sound too bad either.
While I was lost in these idle thoughts, Zeto had already walked up to stand right in front of me.
That cocky smirk of his remained plastered on his face.
"This duel will take place within an illusion magic barrier. You must not possess any items that could interfere with the magic. Since this is an unofficial match, there are no penalties or rewards associated with victory or defeat. ...Do you have any objections?"
The official asked, looking back and forth between Zeto and me.
I wanted to start the duel as soon as possible.
As the atmosphere in the arena grew more heated, a thrill shivered through my entire body.
"You mentioned there are no penalties or rewards, but would it be alright if we made a verbal 'promise' between ourselves?"
Zeto suddenly spoke up in response to the official's question.
"Just for fun."
I tilted my head in confusion, and Zeto added to his words. He hadn't mentioned anything like this when we met yesterday.
"...It is fine. However, it will hold no official validity or binding force."
The official cast a worried glance at me before speaking in a low voice.
I didn't know what he was plotting, but there was no harm in playing along.
"...Is there something you want, Cadet Zeto? The cake you bought me yesterday was delicious, so I'll at least hear you out."
I no longer needed to act like a fool in front of him.
I had been waiting for this exact moment to reveal my true strength.
"I must reiterate, this agreement will have no official validity or binding power. Please keep this in mind."
The official's urgent reminder followed, but it couldn't stop the conversation between the two of us.
"How about granting a single wish?"
Zeto continued speaking calmly, completely ignoring the official's warnings.
"...A wish?"
What he wanted was a wish.
But if it was his wish, I had a pretty good guess as to what it might be.
'My body...?'
The sheer absurdity of the thought made my face grimace.
Unaware of my grimacing face, Zeto spoke.
"Just a reasonably light wish?"
"...Sure. Though my wish might be a bit harsh on you."
Then it was only fair that I countered with my own.
My wish would be for him to never lay a finger on another woman again. I didn't expect him to comply easily.
For my part, following my grandfather's teachings that promises must always be kept, I intended to grant whatever wish he asked for—but the day I would have to grant his wish would never come.
Jeers were beginning to rain down from the crowd.
It was because the duel wasn't starting quickly enough.
These jeers would soon turn into thunderous cheers.
That alone was more than enough motivation to defeat him.
"...It seems you have discussed enough, so we will proceed. Ah, and the instructors have requested to switch the broadcast screen to the largest size. Is that alright with you both?"
"No problem."
"I don't mind either."
Zeto and I answered the official firmly.
"Then..."
The official then placed his hand on the magic circle drawn on the floor.
The jeers subsided, and the crowd began to swell with anticipation.
To be precise, they were anticipating Zeto's skill.
'They're probably thinking, "A Class C opponent should be enough to test his swordsmanship..."'
I was curious to see the crowd's reaction when they witnessed not just his swordsmanship, but his miserable defeat.
As I focused on the voices of the crowd echoing in my ears, my blood began to pump.
Soon, the magic circle glowed brightly, and my vision blurred.
In an instant, the scenery before my eyes completely transformed.
I slowly turned my head to survey my surroundings.
'A reed field?'
Reeds reaching up to my waist filled the entire area.
Rustle, rustle.
A timely breeze blew, causing the reeds to brush against each other, creating a gentle, rustling sound.
Should I call it bad luck? Zeto was blind.
He would be highly sensitive to sound, and with the reeds around, it would be easy for him to pinpoint my movements.
Still, that wouldn't affect the outcome of the match.
Soon, his figure came into view a short distance away.
His head was already turned precisely in my direction.
'Right. Considering he noticed me tailing him, his senses are sharp anyway.'
There was no need to clash fiercely right from the start.
At first, I would display the skills of an ordinary Class C cadet, but maintain a defense that wouldn't crumble.
Contrary to his expectations, I wouldn't fall so easily.
If I held my ground, he would grow flustered and start unleashing his true power to defeat a mere Class C cadet like me.
That would be my cue to unleash my own power.
The scenario was perfect.
Soon, I drew my sword.
Shring.
I pointed my sword at him and took my stance.
'Balanced, but slightly clumsy.'
This was all about building up the steps. Steps to reach that peak of ecstasy when I finally revealed my true strength.
"Haa..."
A heavy breath escaped my lips.
I shouldn't be doing this, but I kept getting overly excited.
I calmed my excitement for the sake of the crowd watching the duel and focused on Zeto's movements.
The ideal picture was Zeto, full of confidence as a Class A cadet, charging straight at a Class C cadet like me.
'As expected, a decapitation would look the coolest for the finish.'
While waiting for him to charge, I contemplated what kind of finish would look the most spectacular.
Rustle, rustle.
A gentle breeze swept through the reed field once more.
Soon, Zeto drew the sword at his waist.
His new sword.
It was my first time seeing him draw it.
The blade that was revealed was as red as blood, and its black body gleamed so brilliantly that one might mistake it for black crystal.
'I did think the hilt looked incredibly luxurious.'
His sword was so 'exquisite' that it actually irritated me.
But what did that matter? Grandfather always told me that no matter how legendary a sword is, what ultimately matters is the one wielding it.
Visible through the reeds, Zeto was holding his sword in a reverse grip.
Anyone with even a modicum of knowledge about swords would know.
Just how fatal the weaknesses of a reverse grip were, and how impractical it was.
'Is he looking down on me, or is he just being cocky?'
'I can beat you even with a reverse grip.'
Was that the message he was trying to send?
I tightened my grip on my sword with both hands.
I had once asked Grandfather about the reverse grip.
"Kaen, listen well. Those who hold a sword in a reverse grip fall into two categories. First, the show-offs who only care about looking cool. Most people who use a reverse grip belong to this category. They're quite amusing. If you counter them even slightly, they lose their stance and stumble immediately."
"Then what about the second category?"
"The second category..."
Stroking his beard at my question, Grandfather had replied:
"...are those for whom a reverse grip poses absolutely no issue. They possess skills so vastly superior that the grip doesn't limit them. So, be somewhat cautious around them."
Of course, I didn't think he belonged to the second category.
Yet, the faint smirk on his face in the distance was raising unnecessary alarm bells in my mind.
'Get a grip, Kaen. There's no way.'
No matter if he was hiding his strength like me, or if he could perform a dispel with his sword.
There was no way he could defeat me in a sword fight.
I am Kaen.
The disciple of the continent's greatest swordsman, the Sword Saint.
'For the finish, it would be best to take off his head with sword qi.'
How would the crowd react if an academy cadet—a first-year, and from Class C no less—unleashed sword qi?
I took a deep breath.
I felt it was about time for him to make his move.
'If he clashes hard from the very first strike, I'll parry it as if I'm struggling slightly.'
Thanks to the illusion magic, this spar was a battle with real blades.
A single critical blow would decide the match.
However, even though I had finished all my calculations, Zeto still wasn't rushing at me.
Thinking the crowd would grow impatient, I decided to make the first move.
The moment my leg parted the reeds and I took a single step forward—
His arm moved.
But it wasn't his right arm holding the sword that moved.
Zeto suddenly raised his left hand and ran it along the blade.
'What is he doing now?'
He was preparing something.
'Don't let your guard down.'
If I let my guard down, the dramatic effect I wanted might not play out.
The instant his left hand reached the tip of the blade, I could sense a shift in his aura, even from a distance.
Though I couldn't tell exactly what it was due to the distance, something had definitely changed.
Then, Zeto's arm holding the sword moved.
In a split second, so brief that the sight of Zeto's sword slicing diagonally through the air seemed to slow down.
Countless thoughts raced through my mind.
'Could he be using sword qi too?'
But it was definitely not sword qi.
No mana emanated from his sword at all.
Not just from his sword, but there wasn't even a trace of mana flaring from his body.
'Then why that meaningless strike...?'
Had I been overestimating him without realizing it?
He might have just swung his sword for no reason.
The moment my thoughts reached that conclusion—
Ssshhk!
Out of nowhere, the sound of reeds being sliced apart echoed right in front of my eyes.
Next, I saw the severed reeds floating into the air.
I couldn't understand it.
Why were the reeds being cut?
It was a sight that defied explanation, even though I was watching it with my own two eyes.
Whether it was sword qi or not didn't matter anymore.
His invisible strike was already right before my nose.
My body, trained since childhood by the Sword Saint—my grandfather—was capable of reacting to this.
But perhaps because what was happening was so utterly absurd...
'Which direction did he swing his sword...?'
My mind went completely blank.
Then, my vision tilted.
'Ah...?'
I tried to voice my confusion, but no sound came out.
My vision spun as if floating in midair.
Literally, my head was spinning.
As my gaze plunged downward, I saw my own body, headless, spurting blood.
'My head was cut off...?'
Soon, my vision faded to black.
How many seconds had passed?
The darkness lifted, light returned, and I found myself standing once again in the crowded sparring arena.
Emerging from the illusion magic, I stumbled and collapsed onto the floor.
My neck had been severed.
It wasn't sword qi.
If it were the sword qi I knew, the reeds directly in front of him should have been cut first.
It was a distance his sword couldn't possibly reach.
Yet Zeto had swung his sword, and my head had been cleanly severed.
Completely contrary to my expectations, Zeto had unleashed his power right from the start.
Without bothering to hide his strength or anything of the sort, he had casually swung his sword and shattered every single scenario I had prepared.
From the dispel during the placement test to this incomprehensible swordsmanship in today's duel.
I couldn't understand any of it, leaving my mind completely blank.
From the spectator stands, instead of cheers, only murmurs of confusion regarding his swordsmanship echoed.
They weren't looking at me.
Their eyes were fixed on Zeto, who wore a white blindfold over his eyes.
The spectators stared at Zeto, their faces painted with shock.
'I lost...?'
Gaining the crowd's attention.
Standing proud as a proper swordsman.
It was a complete and utter defeat.
What would be the point of demanding a rematch now and using Grandfather's swordsmanship to defeat him?
It would only make the defeat of the 'Sword Saint's disciple' look even uglier.
I had to admit it.
It was my fault for judging, measuring, and predicting him as I pleased.
That was the primary reason for my defeat.
"This isn't how it was supposed to go..."
Against my will, tears welled up, blurring my vision.
I was frustrated.
But what frustrated me most of all...
...was that in the split second my head was severed, I had actually thought his attack was cool.
That fact made me feel even more miserable.
"What was that just now...?"
"Did she die in a single strike?"
"She's from Class C, after all."
"It wasn't... sword qi, was it?"
"What did he just do...?"
The bewildered voices of the surrounding cadets bombarded Edward's ears.
Edward turned his head away from the screen and spoke to Kaliman, who was staring blankly.
"I haven't the slightest clue what I just witnessed... What are your thoughts, Instructor Kaliman?"
Edward was a mage, after all, and he figured Kaliman, a martial artist, would understand swordsmanship better.
At this, Kaliman replied without taking his eyes off the screen.
The screen showed Zeto standing leisurely in the reed field.
"It was neither sword qi nor sword force."
"Nor was it magic."
Reina, who held her soup but had stopped lifting her spoon, chimed in after Kaliman.
It wasn't sword qi.
Nor was Zeto a 'magic swordsman' who wielded both magic and swordsmanship.
"......I've never seen such swordsmanship in my entire life."
"I hate to agree with you, Instructor Kaliman, but the same goes for me."
Edward spoke in a snide tone, stroking his chin.
Edward's already narrow eyes narrowed even further.
'I thought he was growing at an overwhelming pace... but now that his sword has changed, his swordsmanship has changed as well.'
The amount of mana Edward observed in Zeto was increasing at an absurd rate with each passing day.
From an instructor's perspective, there was no need to question a cadet growing diligently.
But this time, it was different.
"If my eyes didn't deceive me, Cadet Zeto reversed the flow of his mana for an instant."
Reina spoke quietly with a serious expression.
"Yes, but as you can see, he's walking around perfectly fine as if nothing happened."
Replying to Reina, Edward watched Zeto exit the illusion magic and approach Kaen.
Distorting the flow of mana usually caused one to cough up blood. In severe cases, it could even lead to death.
That was the basic 'common sense' shared by the instructors.
"...What's surprising is that Kaen reacted to it. She clearly reacted to Cadet Zeto's attack, which we couldn't even identify as sword qi or anything else. She's in my class, but I had no idea she possessed that level of skill..."
"How about showing a little more interest in your own students, Instructor Kaliman?"
Edward said, glancing at Kaliman, who was scratching his beard while praising Kaen.
Edward's sarcasm made Kaliman glare at him.
'Well, I suppose I'm not one to talk.'
Edward chuckled inwardly at the thought.
"At this point, I'm really curious about who Cadet Zeto's master is. Perhaps I should have asked for a name during the placement test, haha."
"That peculiar swordsmanship of wielding a blade in a reverse grip must have been taught to him by his master as well."
Edward clapped his hands loudly after exchanging those words with Kaliman.
"Fascinating, truly fascinating."
Edward was highly intrigued by Zeto's path and wondered what kind of story he would write in the future.
"I shouldn't have bought this soup."
Meanwhile, Reina, who hadn't even finished half of her soup, muttered quietly as she stared down at it.
...The soup was 20 coppers more expensive than its usual price, costing a whopping 50 coppers.
The duel ended cleanly, just as I had expected.
The moment we entered the illusion magic and I saw the 'weaknesses' in Kaen's clumsy stance, I knew victory was mine.
'...Still, she did react to it.'
Because of the reed field, Kaen had been able to sense the strike slightly faster.
But seeing her head fly off immediately after, I felt relieved.
Kaen was still Kaen.
Only someone of her caliber could have reacted to that extent.
'If it had been the Sword Saint standing there... things would have been different.'
Thanks to the spar with Kaen, I was able to identify a minor flaw in the First Form of Reverse Heaven.
As soon as I emerged from the illusion magic, I fell into thought.
'More importantly, how should I put Kaen to use?'
Since I had set this up somewhat on a whim, I didn't have a pre-planned agenda.
But thanks to this, I now had the chance to order a Level 30 swordsman around as I pleased.
On top of that, she was female.
In the game, there were often quests or tasks that differed depending on the player character's gender.
For instance, while it wasn't a quest, obtaining the petals needed for the Demon Blade's materials was overwhelmingly easier if done with a female character, since they were located in the girls' dormitory.
It seemed wise to use this opportunity to secure rewards from paths that required a female presence.
'A woman... Was there something like that...?'
It wasn't something I had previously considered, but my contemplation didn't last long.
There was a certain plan whose execution required exactly 'one young maiden' as a prerequisite.
Conveniently, a subject who perfectly fit the criteria was right in front of me.
Directly ahead, I could see Kaen slumped on the floor.
I approached Kaen with measured steps.
Sierra, who had reached Kaen before me to inspect her face, spoke up.
[ She has the face of someone whose spirit has been utterly broken... Though I must say, reacting to Reverse Heaven was quite impressive in its own right... ]
Since Sierra didn't know Kaen was the Sword Saint's disciple, it was natural for her to make such an assessment.
This must have been Kaen's very first defeat and failure.
As I drew close to Kaen, she slowly lifted her heavy head from where she lay slumped.
Sitting there on the floor, the rims of her eyes were red, and tears pooled heavily in them.
I extended my hand to her and spoke.
"That was a good spar."
It was a highly formal greeting.
"..."
However, Kaen merely stared blankly at my outstretched hand, sniffling without offering a reply.
"...Since I won the duel, may I state my wish as promised?"
I withdrew my awkwardly extended hand and continued.
She had to keep her promise.
It was the teaching of none other than the Sword Saint.
For Kaen, that carried immense binding power.
"Kuuu..."
Still refusing to answer, Kaen looked as though she might burst into tears at any moment, struggling to hold them back.
I paid no heed to this and pressed on.
"Could we meet tonight, just the two of us? I have a task that requires your body, Miss Kaen."
I spoke in a voice quiet enough that no one else in the arena could hear.
It was a statement ripe for misunderstanding.
But it wasn't a lie.
We had to meet at night and head outside the academy together, after all.
Once the time came, any misunderstanding would naturally be cleared up.
"..."
Upon hearing the nature of the wish, Kaen hung her head low, as if accepting her inevitable fate.
I waited in silence for her as she kept her head lowered.
Sierra glared at me with a highly suspicious gaze.
She, too, must be misunderstanding.
However, my desire to tease Kaen was stronger at the moment.
It was simply because I was slightly annoyed by how she had viewed me as a mere tool for her own pleasure.
Perhaps her tears had finally stopped, as Kaen wiped her eyes and lifted her head once more.
Even the faint glimmer of light that had remained in her eyes was now completely gone.
Soon, Kaen, her focus hazy, stammered out a reply in a surprisingly flat voice.
"A... A promise is... a promise... Do... Do as you wish..."