Chapter 16
Chapter 16
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: Serin's Swordsmanship
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Avillon Academy housed a variety of swordsmanship styles.
They weren't the type that made you strong the moment you learned them. Each style had its own unique characteristics, helping you lead battles in diverse ways.
Of course, the rarer and harder a technique was to learn, the higher its potential ceiling.
There was the Imperial Knights' swordsmanship, the epitome of orthodoxy, centered on solid defense to bait the enemy's mistakes and create perfect openings.
In stark contrast, there was the assassin's blade, guided by the belief that the best defense is a good offense, overwhelming the battlefield in an instant with sheer speed.
And then the royal sword arts, allowing free transitions between offense and defense for unpredictable combat.
Beyond those, there were one-strike-kill iaijutsu left by hidden hermits, twin-sword techniques from enigmatic madmen, and more.
In the game, you'd pick styles that synergized well with your stats, skills, or unique traits.
But now, having fought for real, it felt like personal talent mattered more than stats or traits.
"There are hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of sword styles in this world. Everyone follows their own path to find the one that suits them best."
That's why I'd been pondering which swordsmanship to learn.
I'd been leaning toward the royal sword arts, since they had the highest ceiling if mastered properly.
But they didn't quite fit this body's fighting style.
"Some people even create their own style. It's a difficult and dangerous challenge, but worth it. Of course, I made mine easily!"
Serin puffed up with pride, as if it were something no one else could do lightly.
She had accomplished something impressive, no doubt...
But it still came off like a kid begging for praise.
Serin usually tried to maintain her stern demeanor, but she always lost control of her expressions when bragging.
Her red eyes curved gently at the corners, and her mouth kept twitching as smiles tried to break through.
If she had animal ears, they'd probably be standing straight up right now.
"Anyway, Rowen, you and I have a lot in common. When I was young, I had overflowing talent but a weak body, just like you. I've improved a lot since reaching my current realm."
Once you hit Swordmaster or Grand Mage level, your body would break its limits and grow according to your ideals.
Those who wielded a lot of aura or mana saw massive mana gains.
Quickblade users gained agility, wielding even faster and more precise swords.
"That's why I created the Serin-style swordsmanship. I didn't name it since I had no intention of passing it on."
Actually, calling it unteachable was a stretch.
It required extreme intuition and split-second judgment, so only Serin could use it, as described.
"It's not about dodging or parrying attacks. Instead, you turn the enemy's force against them, minimizing your own energy expenditure. Just like what you showed against the mana golem."
Indeed. Attacking a mana golem's weak points was nearly impossible without a powerhouse like Arien.
But for me, having memorized all its patterns, it wasn't an issue.
Plus, for some reason, redirecting the golem's movements felt natural.
"You instinctively knew how to move and where to strike. Probably because you have a talent similar to mine. But without form or method, it felt a bit sloppy."
By now, I could tell what Serin wanted.
She probably wanted to teach her swordsmanship to me, since our styles meshed so well.
What puzzled me was that Serin had never helped with raw combat power before.
She always emphasized the mindset and conduct of the strong, offering lessons in those areas.
So why teach me her swordsmanship now...?
"Professor Serin, I don't understand why you're going this far for me."
"Hm. Truth be told, I hadn't planned to teach you my swordsmanship. I just wanted to guide you so your talent wouldn't go astray... But hearing about today's incident made me think long and hard."
Serin looked at me with eyes full of pride, like I'd done something commendable.
"Standing alone against stronger foes to protect Lea. You looked exhausted and in agony, on the verge of collapse, yet you held to your convictions to the end. It was nobler than most knights."
She then patted my head, as if to say I'd done well.
...I did want to run, to protect Lea's smile. But I endured, thinking of this world's happiness.
Having Serin acknowledge that made my chest tighten with emotion.
Serin, who valued chivalry and sacrificed for others, recognized me.
It renewed my resolve to make her happy.
"Argh! Why make that face, you little brat? And I don't mean you did everything right. If it was that dangerous, you should've called me. I get wanting to save your friend, but it was too reckless."
"Ugh... Sorry."
Serin flicked my forehead hard, as if she'd made up her mind.
We're not that far apart in age—why call me a brat...!
And her fist felt like solid rock; my eyes were watering.
"I did it again, nagging without thinking... Anyway, Rowen? We'll be training together from now on, so take good care of yourself."
"...Yeth."
Serin burst into soft laughter at my lisping response from the pain.
She ruffled my hair affectionately, then headed out of the infirmary.
Gah...! I'll get revenge someday...!
Meanwhile, in the boys' dorm, someone was waiting for the absent Rowen.
'...Why isn't he back yet?'
Silver hair gleaming brilliantly in the sunset glow.
Her delicate, pretty features made her seem more beautiful than handsome.
And bandages wrapped tightly to hide her ample curves.
It was Arien, prepared to avoid another fiasco like last time before Rowen returned.
"...Whatever."
Since when were she and Rowen so close?
She was just waiting to avoid an awkward situation—nothing more.
Anyone seeing Arien's face would've said, "Doesn't look like it," though.
Unfortunately, she was alone in the room, so no one did.
Just as Arien was about to leave for training...
There was a knock. 'Knock knock!'
Probably back from exercising.
Yesterday, she'd felt sorry for his muscle soreness and applied ointment.
Only for him to ask awkward questions today.
She resolved not to help if he whined about soreness again—and opened the door.
Standing there was an unfamiliar professor.
Glossy ink-black hair cascading smoothly, and stunning red eyes.
Even suppressing her presence, her overwhelming prowess leaked out.
Probably the new Imperial Knight Commander.
"You're Arien, right?"
"...Yes."
What could this be about?
They'd never even talked before.
Probably here about Rowen.
"I came to tell you something about Rowen, your roommate."
"...Did Rowen do something wrong?"
Sudden talk of Rowen.
Had he messed up and gotten disciplined?
An inexplicable anxiety crept into Arien's heart.
"No, quite the opposite. He got badly hurt stopping a gang bullying a classmate, so he's in the infirmary. He probably won't make it back to the dorm tonight."
"What?"
Infirmary? Fighting a gang—what did that mean?
The academy's dead last enrollee suddenly playing hero...!
Weak as he was, with his nosy attitude!
"Was he... badly hurt?"
"I heard there was heavy bleeding, but he's fine now. He was flirting with girls anyway."
What...?
Doing something shameless to embarrass the worried.
...Worried for nothing again.
More importantly, who hurt Rowen?
"Who fought Rowen?"
"Hm. The headmaster said you were calm and quiet. Guess not entirely."
Arien didn't realize it, but anger tinged her face.
Her voice sounded ready to hunt down Hardin's gang for punishment.
"Don't worry, Arien. They assaulted someone in the academy and tried to hide evidence. I can assure you they'll be expelled."
"For just that...!"
"Haha, you and Rowen seem close. Secret, but I took personal measures too, so don't be too mad."
"...Understood."
If the Imperial Knight Commander handled it personally... she could trust that.
Still, what to do with weakling Rowen?
Maybe... special training on the side.
Meanwhile, in the infirmary.
"...Why do I feel chills?"
Rowen shivered, unaware of the future awaiting him...