Kays Translations

Chapter 25 - Learning the Art of Combat

"Now... after studying, it's time for some physical activity."

"Yes... Thank you very much."

In the training ground of the Rosemary estate, Rest and the elderly butler stand facing each other.

The purpose is training for combat. The butler is set to teach Rest the art of fighting.

"Now, as per Rest-dono's request, we will engage in personal combat training. But... what happened? You seem quite worn out."

For some reason, Rest looks visibly exhausted, lacking vitality in his eyes.

"If you're not feeling well, we can postpone the training to another day...?"

"No, please proceed. I actually feel like moving my body and letting off some steam."

"…?"

The butler looks puzzled, then nods, saying, "Very well."

"Ah, before we begin the training, let me reintroduce myself. My name is Dibble. I used to be a court mage and now serve as a butler."

"I'm Rest. You were a court mage, so why become a butler?"

"Due to an injury, I had to retire from my post. The lord kindly took me in."

"Injury...?"

"It's nothing serious now. In fact, the effects of aging are more troublesome."

The butler, Dibble, maintains a gentle expression as he casually rotates his shoulder.

"Now... before we start the personal combat training, take a look over there."

"?"

Dibble points in the opposite direction. When Rest gazes over, he is struck with a sudden impact to his abdomen.

"Kah...!?"

"Excuse me. I wanted you to look at my legs."

Dibble struck Rest's abdomen with his heel, causing him to kneel down and cough violently, expelling the contents of his stomach.

"What...?"

"Basic principle in personal combat: never let your guard down. You don't know what kind of means your opponent might use."

"…!"

"An ambush might come your way. They could be hiding a weapon. They might approach in disguise, take hostages... You need to anticipate every possible method and be prepared for any contingency."

"…!"

Dibble extends his hand. Rest tries to grab it but stops just in time.

"Yes, that's the correct response."

Dibble reveals a small needle he had hidden in his hand. If Rest had grabbed it, he would have been pricked by the needle.

"This is just an ordinary sewing needle, but an enemy with ill intentions might use a poisoned needle."

"…!"

"If you're the only one risking danger due to carelessness, that's fine. You'll only lose your life. However... in actual combat, often, by dying, you end up costing the lives of those you were trying to protect."

"Protecting someone...?"

There is no one like that... Rest is about to mutter, but he remains silent.

The people who went out of their way to help him. The people who took him away from that house and provided an environment to carve out a future.

(Viola... Primula...)

The faces of the Rosemary sisters come to Rest's mind. If asked whether he harbors love or romance for them, he would shake his head.

However, if asked about someone he absolutely does not want to see hurt, their faces are the first to come to his mind.

"Protecting someone means you cannot afford to lose. Use any means necessary, get as dirty as needed, be called a coward... all of it doesn't matter. Fight to win for the sake of those individuals. There's no need for a magician to adhere to chivalry. If you don't win, it's all meaningless."

"...Understood."

"Good. Now, for the upcoming training..."

"【Earth Sphere】."

Seated on the ground, Dibble activates magic just as he turns around. Although it was a spell aimed at the back of his head, Dibble tilts his head to avoid Rest's surprise attack.

"Very good. That was excellent."

Dibble turns around and applauds.

With his face adorned with a romantic gray beard and deep wrinkles, he praises Rest's surprise attack.

"Even if it means becoming a dog or a beast for victory... that is the proper way for a magician. You have great potential."

"...Thank you."

Rest, who was praised, scowls. He failed to land a surprise attack. No matter how much he's praised, it's meaningless if he doesn't win – that's Dibble's teaching.

"Hehe..."

Dibble deepens his smile at Rest's frustrated expression.

"Now, for the upcoming training... there are two things you need to do."

Dibble raises two fingers and bends them in order.

"The first is mastering magic. I will teach you magic useful in personal combat, so remember and learn them."

"...Yes."

"And the second. You will engage in mock battles with me endlessly. Not just unrestricted combat, but also physical combat without magic, battles where you can only use specific magic, and fights with restricted limbs or senses. Experience a variety of scenarios."

"...?"

"Unfortunately, my martial arts are more like a personal style, so I can't teach you any specific forms or techniques. Learn on your own."

"Steal techniques, is that it?"

Rest nods and finally stands up.

Thinking it's personal combat training, he had expected practices like sparring and learning defensive moves similar to karate or judo. The reality is different, but Dibble's approach is more practical.

"If I can beat Dibble, I will undoubtedly become stronger...!"

He might be able to defeat Cedric and even his father, who is an active court mage.

"Now, let's start with mastering magic. The first one you'll learn is a spell called 'Acceleration.' I'll demonstrate it for you, so make sure not to miss it."

"Yes, please teach me... Sensei!"

With a determined voice, Rest bows his head to the man who has become his mentor.

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