Verification (1)
The location was Lake Cumbrya, the largest lake in Britannica and the sanctuary of the spirit that inspired the main supporting character, the [Lady of the Lake], from the Arthurian legends.
Although it was close to the capital, it was a bit far from the back alleys, so we had been able to ride a car for quite some time.
“It’s different just from the air itself.”
I had grown accustomed to the smoky air near the factories, but here it was so pure that the word “clean” barely did it justice.
The comfortable air from the forest, the cold air from the lake, and the warmth of the sun coexisted in this space.
“It’s refreshing.”
“There are so many spirits!”
“It’s impressive.”
“It would be nice to picnic at a place like this.”
Robert-san and I walked at a steady pace, but the four of them reacted quite differently.
Unlike the capital filled with soot and colorless buildings, the natural surroundings with spirits were something they had never seen before.
“It’s like a national park.”
Of course, I passed by nonchalantly.
As we approached the forest surrounding the lake, the trees and branches parted to open the path.
We were guests invited by the [Lady of the Lake] at this moment.
“So this is the residence of the highest-ranking spirit in Britannica.”
As we got closer to the lake, the mana properties nearby became increasingly closer to water.
The presence of numerous subordinate spirits was visible as they created currents and blew air into the space.
“Welcome.”
As we arrived in front of the lake, five figures were waiting.
The lake knight in silver-white armor, Sir Lancelot.
The king’s advisor with a flowing white beard, Sir Myrdin.
The Lady of the Lake in a pure white dress, Vivianne.
Tristram, the Round Table knight leaning against a tree with a massive greatbow on his back.
Bedivere, the one-armed knight holding a spear with a faint smile.
Even though they were suppressing their presence, there was a sense of tension in the air.
Among us, only Robert-san could be compared to them.
“How is your first impression?”
“Spirit, spirit, strategy. Flawless. Experience is natural for a young age, so if we look at it… among the kids we’ve seen, it seems outstanding. Rather, lacking in the spirit of learning, it would be easy to teach.”
“Water and wood. It seems you already like that child. Indeed, he follows the lineage of druids.”
“…We’ll find out through the test.”
“Such well-sculpted muscles! He must have trained every day.”
The old man spoke with a smile, and the woman let out a sigh of relief.
The Round Table remained silent, and the one-armed man sighed in admiration.
“The test will be conducted as per the letter, each from their respective positions.”
After Sir Lancelot’s words, he nodded and waved to the backs of those heading to their assigned mentors.
The ones left in this place were only Sir Lancelot, Robert-san, and me.
“We’ll wait until the test is over.”
“Yes.”
We unfolded the picnic mat and looked at the lake.
Seeing that, Sir Lancelot gestured and said.
“Kane, come this way.”
“Me?”
This wasn’t part of the plan.
“Yes. It was Kane who suggested that, and I was curious about what kind of talent Hector doesn’t want to hand over.”
“I didn’t prepare a practice sword.”
“Huhu. There are plenty of trees and seeds here. You can use them.”
Ah, that’s right.
At the same time as that, a tree of appropriate size grew from the ground.
Even though it wasn’t specially finished, it had an appropriate grip and weight.
“I have no choice but to do this…”
Looking at Robert-san, he waved his hand as if saying it’s light.
He tried to pull me out as a protector, but it seemed impossible.
No choice.
“Let’s have a light sparring match. I was curious about what kind of talent Hector praised as a thousand changes.”
“It’s not that high, but please take care.”
To fight and leave a mark, impact is needed.
The skill is Sir Lancelot’s, and the trait is changed to one that grabs the initiative.
[First Trait. Merge
Initial mana +5, when placed, attack +1% increase for 30 seconds (-9 applied).]
[Original of copied skill is observed.]
[Skill proficiency increases.]
[First Skill. Mercury Veil
Auto activate
Initial mana 0
Mana consumption 7
Attack +50%, defense, resistance +10%.
Steam Explosion (copy): The next attack slightly pushes the target in the direction of the attack, dealing physical damage equivalent to 170% of the attack.]
Steam rises from the armor’s seams.
I know my opponent’s skill and trait.
“Shall I attack first?”
Steam rises from my body like Sir Lancelot’s movement.
Seeing that, Sir Lancelot’s eyes widened slightly and he smiled.
“Have you already mastered elementalization?”
“Let’s go.”
It was a surprised reaction to the achievement, but it might not be early to be surprised yet.
The arm holding the sword swung like water, whipping like a whip.
Boom, boom, boom—!
Explosions from shoulders, wrists, and wrists accelerated.
Three trajectories changed, accelerating and surpassing sounds in attacks.
“…”
Taang—!
Even though the swords clashed, a numb shock was felt in the wrist, and Sir Lancelot’s body was slightly pushed back.
The power of the technique was weak compared to the main, but the technique was the same.
“This doesn’t match my own technique.”
“How did you use my technique!?”
“It’s a secret.”
His face was full of surprise, as if he didn’t know the attack was coming.
But you can’t easily reveal industry secrets.
Of course, there was surprise, but the posture was flawless.
If I had used the lead to heighten the opponent’s vigilance, I should use the information advantage.
[First Trait. No Shadow
When the first attack is made on the target, it passes through the target and deals 100% physical damage. After the attack, it enters stealth state for 2 seconds.]
At the same time as switching the trait, I rushed and extended the sword, and Lancelot’s sword flew towards me.
Kwa kwa kwa gaga gang—!
“Ah, damn.”
Unlike my attack that was only three explosions, the place where I was was dug in with more than ten explosions.
“If hit, it dies, right?”
It seemed the sparring level was too high, but Robert was looking calmly.
The reason for peace of mind is that I can block it once with [Earth Shield].
I aimed at Sir Lancelot’s back, but it felt too unstable.
***
“He sees my technique as a form of rapid attack.”
It was a technique made considering one-on-one fights, but it had the momentum like the sword technique of Huaguo.
To prepare for continuous attacks, I changed to a defensive stance and immediately raised the sword and closed the distance.
“If it’s the talent Hector praised, it should be able to withstand this level.”
A bit weaker than usual, I swung the sword with 10 steam explosions mixed in.
If I had trained my own sword technique, I thought I could block this level, but when the attack reached, there was no feeling at all.
“Afterimage?”
With the sensation of cutting through empty air, a shock came from the armor.
The attack itself was at a speed that the knight himself couldn’t chase with his eyes… that can’t be, so it must be part of the talent.
“What kind of kid are you raising, Sir Hector…?”
And from the lake, Kane’s presence disappeared in an instant.
Isn’t it too much talent for one person to have.
“Spirit mage, knight, samurai, assassin… and according to reports, he can use magic too.”
It feels like fighting multiple people because of having too much talent for one person.
Even though he asked to educate children with outstanding talents, the brightest gemstone was facing him with a sword.
“Interesting.”
It’s a greedy talent.
How far can it be contained.
If I absorb all of myself, and further all the talents of Britannica… how far can the boy in front reach.
***
“It’s a bit unsettling.”
That gaze is like the face of a professor offering adzuki tea.
“One defense, one evasion on luck… after that, I have to surrender.”
I can’t reveal all the usable cards, and above all, the [cost] is tight.
It can’t be that during the sparring, he pours out attacks excessively because he’s too excited.
First, after switching the trait to [Earth Shield], I looked at Lancelot with tension.
“You have such diverse talents. Sir Lancelot, to be honest, was greatly surprised.”
“Thank… you?”
Sir Lancelot, who smiled while sticking his sword into the ground, dispelling the tension.
Fortunately, the light sparring ended like this.
“I’ve seen geniuses in various fields, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a genius like Kane.”
Robert-san nodded as if it was a natural reaction.
Did he not see that gaze that seemed like Lancelot’s determination.
“Then, Kane. Do you intend to become a knight?”
“Sir Lancelot!”
Sir Lancelot extended his hand and made a proposal that everyone couldn’t refuse, with a bright smile.
Robert seemed about to say something about the proposal and pushed off the spot.
The proposal from the [Round Table Knight] also implied the opportunity to become a member of the [Round Table] in the future.
“Ex, no.”
“What?”
“What?”
The two of them probably didn’t think it would be so refreshing.