Chapter 75
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 75
Chapter Title: Academy (26)
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Kang Su-ho couldn't get a wink of sleep after hearing that the Sword Saint was coming.
He tossed and turned all night with excitement. He finally dozed off just before dawn, only to jolt awake in bed.
'Wh-what time is it?!'
It was 9 a.m. Luckily, the Sword Saint hadn't arrived yet.
'Phew...'
He'd spent the entire previous day agonizing over it. Training had taken a backseat long ago. He picked up a training sword and swung it a few times.
Thanks to the swordsmanship he'd learned as a kid, it didn't look half bad on the surface.
'Hmm... Should I go with the "first-time sword genius" concept?'
Show prodigious skill right from the first grip. The Sword Saint takes notice. Solid plan.
But if it looked too natural, it'd raise suspicions. He tossed the sword to the ground, striking a balance between clumsiness and proficiency.
'Perfect.'
Nodding to himself, he headed to the cafeteria. Amelia was in the corner seat, piling her food into a veritable mountain as she ate.
Even her puffed cheeks looked adorable.
'Man, she's extra pretty today.'
He had no idea what she'd done yesterday, but her face had come alive overnight. Unlike her usual tired look, her skin practically glowed.
He approached with deliberate footsteps. Her head snapped toward him. Whatever she'd hoped for, a flicker of disappointment crossed her eyes.
"Mm?! Oh... Su-ho."
"Sleep well, Amelia? You're looking especially pretty today."
He'd psyched himself up for the compliment, but her reaction was underwhelming.
"Yeah. Thanks. You should eat too."
He hurriedly grabbed a plate from the cafeteria spread. Preservation magic kept the food fresh as if just made.
With no cooks available, Professor Lilyné had brought pre-made meals.
He scooped some up and headed straight for Amelia's table. He'd never imagined a chance like this to eat with her would come so soon.
'Gotta sit naturally.'
But as he arrived plate in hand, he froze—her mountain of food left no room.
"Mm...? It's cramped here... Just eat over there."
"Ah... Y-yeah."
Of all the spots, the tiniest two-person table. The perfect opportunity slipped away, leaving him utterly dejected.
*
'Finally!'
The Sword Saint's arrival time neared. He dashed to the training ground entrance, waiting with bated breath.
Flash!
The telltale glow of a teleportation circle. But her beauty outshone even that. He quickly schooled his slack-jawed expression.
"H-hello! I'm Kang Su-ho, first-year cadet! It's an honor to meet you, Sword Saint!"
"Kang Su-ho, eh? Nice to meet you. Now that's a normal reaction. Unlike last time... Ah, not important. No time to waste—lead on."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Kang Su-ho's heart raced. The stunning young woman before him was none other than Sword Saint Isabel, guardian of half the northern barrier.
He'd become a fan after seeing footage of her single stroke cleaving through a monster horde filling the plains.
'Hoo...'
He steadied his ragged breathing.
*
The clearing was packed with cadets—everyone except Helena and Choi Si-woo.
Amelia kept stealing glances at Si-woo's still-closed door.
"Hm... That Helena. Aunt's here and she won't even show? Did I tease her too much?"
"H-hello...!"
The cadets' reactions mirrored Kang Su-ho's—trembling with nerves.
"Good to see you all. No time for chit-chat, so let's begin. You first."
Sword Saint Isabel eyed the plump, quivering Anne before speaking.
"Miss, do you have the Weak Will trait, by chance?"
"Y-yes?!"
"No need to answer. You don't look all that healthy at a glance. Run laps along the lakeside until you collapse. The dense mana here will reshape your constitution. A rare boon unique to this place. And..."
After Anne's groupmate got his turn, it was finally Kang Su-ho's.
"You..."
This was the moment he'd waited for since yesterday.
"Yes! If it's not too much trouble, Sword Saint, could you test my sword talent?"
"Hm? I heard you're in the magic department."
"W-well... I've admired you since I was little."
"Haha! Natural enough. And?"
"I've always been drawn to the sword path. But becoming a magic swordsman takes exceptional talent, so I want confirmation. It'd be an honor if you'd watch my very first swing and judge!"
"Heh... Commendable passion, but a tad excessive. Hm... Fine. Give it a whirl."
Kang Su-ho grabbed a training sword from the rack.
"Hoo..."
Truth be told, he'd learned basics as a kid but quit because it was tedious and tough.
Recalling those days, he swung with all his might.
"Hm... First time? Doesn't look like it."
"N-no...?"
"Obvious you've trained. Childhood lessons, maybe? Could be forgotten."
"Uh... Y-yeah?"
"Still, solid talent. You instinctively know how to move your body."
"Ah...! Th-thank you."
Isabel offered more advice to others, then turned to Amelia.
"You... Mind if I check your wrist? Want to confirm a hunch."
"Ah... Sure."
Isabel gripped her wrist and leaned close, scrutinizing. She nodded.
"Mm... As I thought. I'll teach you to steady your mind. Follow diligently, and you might break free."
The Sword Saint sent a telepathic message. Amelia's mouth parted, but no sound emerged.
Kang Su-ho sneaked curious peeks.
Her promised time was nearly up. Parting from his idol like this felt wrong.
Then Choi Si-woo emerged late from his room.
'Haha... Someone of the Sword Saint's caliber keeps perfect time. First impressions ruined.'
But reality unfolded differently.
*
Stepping out, Si-woo spotted the Sword Saint instructing Amelia.
She noticed him and approached with a bright smile.
"Oh! Cadet Choi Si-woo. Nice to see you."
"Good to see you too. Thanks again for last time."
"Haha! Indeed. Ho... You've made progress? A step forward already. Impressive."
"You can tell just by looking?"
"What kind of Sword Saint would I be otherwise? Autograph?"
"Pass."
Stroking her chin as she appraised him, she extended a hand. Two wooden swords flew from the rack into the air.
She offered them to Si-woo.
"Grab 'em."
"...Pardon?"
"Spar with me."
"Hm... Understood."
Clack! Clack!
Training wood, but weighted like real steel. A harsh whoosh echoed.
Dozens of clashes in seconds. An opponent he could go all-out against without harm. He swung freely, honing his focus.
No mana used—making it all the more meaningful.
'Danger!'
His collar tore as a thrust targeted vitals. Plain wood felt deadlier than steel.
The blade grazed his nape, and the world slowed.
Isabel smiled faintly, stabbing for his heart. He barely twisted aside.
Residual intent concentration—triggered naturally.
'Ah...'
The bout ended with her sword at his throat. Time resumed.
"Whew... Impressive. Sword Saint Isabel, one question: about residual intent..."
She raised a palm, cutting him off.
"Hm... You've just become aware of the vessel in your heart. Cultivating it is another matter."
"Pardon?"
Her expression said she knew his troubles. With a faint smile, she continued.
"You've glimpsed the path and want to charge ahead... But obsession only distances you."
"Mm..."
"Relax instead. Take it easy. One day, you'll cross that wall."
Indeed, focus sharpened best in mindless spars. He nodded at the elusive advice.
Time to dial back his fixation on the next realm.
"Got it."
"Easier said than done, emptying the mind. But there's a good way."
His ears perked at the intriguing hook.
"Head to the northern barrier and fight for your life. No room for stray thoughts. Interested?"
Tougher than the army, in other words.
The Sword Saint departed.
Kang Su-ho glared with jealous eyes, but Si-woo ignored him. He mulled her advice again.
'No obsessing.'
A perfect mind-clearing idea struck amid his pondering. Nothing beat it.
"Amelia, wanna grab food and take a walk after?"
"Huh...? Sure."
Heading to the cafeteria, Si-woo studied her face. The blood pill had worked wonders—bright and plump overnight, like honey slathered on.
"That elixir's potent. Face is glowing. Even prettier now, Amelia."
"Hehe... R-really? Prettier...?"
Delighted, she beamed, glancing around. Without prying eyes, she'd have pounced already.
"Where to eat?"
"Th-there... Sit?"
She pointed to the cramped two-person table.
"Kinda tight, no? Plates won't fit."
"It's fine. We can share. And..."
"And?"
"Here... We can hold hands while eating. Heehee."
Naughtier reason than expected.
Now he saw: prime corner spot for side-by-side seating, pillar subtly blocking views.
They headed there together.
"Aaaah!! Y-you said it was narrow!"
Kang Su-ho, who'd trailed sneakily from afar, let out a bizarre yelp. Shock and injustice twisted his face.