Kays Translations

Chapter 13: Sword Teacher Eugen

"Eh!? You want to learn swordsmanship!?"

When I told Camilla that I wanted to learn swordsmanship, she was shocked to an exaggerated degree.

Well, in this world, nobles are typically magicians. Normally, they focus on honing their magical skills rather than martial arts. Magic is considered noble, while martial arts are sometimes looked down upon as skills of commoners.

So it's no wonder they were surprised when I expressed a desire to learn such things.

"You know, Camilla, right? I can only use fire magic. It wouldn't hurt to learn as many techniques as I can, right?"

Moreover, some fire magic spells enhance physical abilities. They complement martial arts perfectly.

"If that’s what you wish, it shall be done. I'll arrange it right away."

"Please do it as soon as possible."

By the next day, Camilla had secured a sword instructor for me. She's quite efficient.

"Um, was it Leon, Hart, right? I’m Eugen. Nice to meet you."

"Yes, nice to meet you."

Eugen was an elderly man with white hair and a deeply wrinkled face, with sharp eyes. He seemed to be a former party member of Dominic, who teaches magic at our place. Apparently, he used to be quite strong, and even now, there was a sense of intimidation that made me straighten my back just by looking at him.

"I’m not really good at teaching people."

Then why did you come?

"The basics are to watch and learn by yourself. Keep that in mind, okay?"

"Got it."

He sounded a bit like a Japanese craftsman.

"Well then, shall we start with some sparring?"

"Huh?"

Eugen, apparently serious, swiftly drew his sword and took a stance.

The sense of intimidation intensified immediately. I could feel that he was a formidable opponent.

"Alright, draw your sword."

"Isn’t it usual to start with basic swings or drills?"

"First, I need to see your skill level."

"Is that how it is?"

I drew the sword from my waist as well.

Both my sword and Eugen’s were real, unsharpened swords.

It was my first time handling a real sword. It felt surprisingly heavy, and the tip wobbled. It seemed like it might slip from my grip if I wasn’t careful.

Isn’t this a problem before even assessing skill?

What is Eugen thinking?

"You're hiding something, aren’t you?"

"Huh?"

"Give it your all! Otherwise, this training is pointless."

"Oh?"

Sure, I have some tricks up my sleeve…

Can Eugen sense that?

"Well then, I won’t hold back… Physical Boost."

In that instant, both my body and the sword I held felt lighter.

"Physical Boost" is a spell that enhances physical abilities. The effect was extraordinary. The trembling of the sword stopped completely, and my mind felt clear and sharp.

I felt like I could do anything now.

"Ah? This is…! But you’re still not going all out, are you?"

"You can tell?"

"Of course, I’ve lived by the sword for all these years. I have a rough idea of an opponent’s strength. So? Are you still holding back?"

"You won’t be happy if you get hurt."

"Fine by me!"

This old man, is he too eager?

"Hah…"

I sighed and cast a spell.

"Enchant Fire."

In that moment, flames wrapped around the sword in my hand, as if a serpent were coiling around it.

"Is this alright?"

When I looked at Eugen to check, he wore a smile that seemed almost impossible to have on a person’s face.

Eugen then drew another sword from his waist. Dual-wielding now.

"Ha ha ha! It seems I’m still alive for a reason! Now, let’s have a deathmatch!"

"Eh…"

Me? I was completely taken aback.

But Eugen wasn’t going to wait.

"?!"

Suddenly, Eugen’s figure vanished.

No, that’s not right! Eugen charged in with a low stance, almost as if crawling on the ground.

So fast. Even with "Physical Boost," his speed was barely trackable.

No initial signal or warning, huh!?

　◇

Eugen, demonstrating the ultimate technique of "Short Distance Movement," tried to close the distance with him.

But――――!?

"?!"

He locked eyes with me.

Could it be that I, using the ultimate technique of short-distance movement, am actually being countered!?

The moment our gazes met, he sensed something extraordinary. It was an oppressive presence that surpassed even the Cyclops King he had once defeated as an adventurer.

For me, a young noble, to exude such a force—could it be that his instincts have dulled over time? It seems not.

This is truly a monster beyond imagination.

"Shit!"

Even if my technique was intercepted, it didn't mean the battle was over.

I used the fastest dual-wielding skill, "Flying Swallow Slash." If you can take it, try me!

At that moment, my opponent’s sword moved. The movement appeared clumsy, almost amateurish. Yet, it was so fast――――!?

In an instant, I saw it clearly.

The two greatest swords I had collected over my lifetime were sliced through effortlessly, as if they were nothing more than butter under a heated knife.

Such blunt swords!?

Impossible!?

But reality was ruthless.

I was disarmed, both of my precious swords lost, and a blade was pressed against my throat.

That blade, which had sliced through my treasured swords, bore no scratches and was adorned only with blazing crimson flames.

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