Kays Translations

Chapter 26: It's not an insult, is it?

"Wha-... Are you insulting me!!!"

"No~~ not really~~. I absolutely didn't mean that. Just thought it would be interesting~~~."

With a flashy tone and a smirk, Ishud skillfully spun the rapier with one hand, playing around.

Naturally, not only Hasty, his opponent, but also the anger of the students in the spectator seats was drawn. A massive wave of boos echoed.

"Hey, Ishud. Are you really planning to fight Hasty with that weapon?"

"Yes, that's right. Weapon choice is free, isn't it? The senpaiover there didn't specify any weapons."

"...I see. Do as you please."

The teacher serving as the referee this time is a muscular, macho type.

With a stern appearance resembling a tough physical education teacher, he harbors the desire to give an educational lesson by punching and crushing brats like the type who would label Ishud as a barbarian from the borderlands, similar to how Hasty might.

However, despite holding such thoughts, he acknowledges the skills and determination that have been accumulated over time.

Regarding Hasty's expertise with the rapier, he naturally recognizes it. Still, the act of Ishud choosing to fight in a field other than his own left him with some anger.

Nevertheless, as a teacher, he has no authority to correct such aspects, and he can only fulfill his duty as a referee.

"You, don't make excuses later."

(…So, if I'm not mistaken, in kanji, it can be read as "anatasama," right? I don't really understand if it's just a Japanese interpretation, but it makes me laugh somehow.)

Completely ignoring Hasty's words, Ishud was thinking about something completely unrelated.

Such an attitude only fueled Hasty's anger even more.

"The match... begin!!!"

"Shi!!!"

Nevertheless, Hasty, a student already scouted by the knight order, approached the match with anger but without recklessly attacking. 

Considering the previous matches, he judged it foolish not to use enhancing skills and decided to observe.

Enveloping himself with enhanced physical abilities, he unleashed a rapid series of thrusts from the very start.

Initially, the thrusts seemed to come from all directions, but then they focused on one spot. Immediately after, they again targeted vital points throughout.

As if reading the opponent's thoughts and responses, Hasty varied the places and timing of his thrusts.

(...Ku, as expected, you surpass me in physical abilities!!!!)

Bitterly acknowledging the superiority in physical capabilities, a calm assessment.

Still... the consecutive strikes I unleash are narrowly evaded.

It's not that they never land, but... that thin distance, that paper-thin gap, cannot be closed.

That is the difference in physical abilities and reaction speed that cannot be overcome overnight.

However, that gap can be filled with skill.

I possess the strength to fill that gap.

Aside from my expertise in rapier techniques, I have also acquired skills in magical sword techniques.

As a result, when using a weapon, I can imbue it with specific elemental magic.

In Hasty's case...he has also mastered water magic skills, and the attribute he can handle with magical sword techniques is water.

In terms of technique, such as imbuing weapons with elemental magic, Hasty is one step ahead of those under similar conditions, at least in terms of power.

(This feeling, the attribute gained through magical sword skills is water, and the learned magic is also water... I see~. It's understandable why the students in the audience are cheering for this senior so enthusiastically. By the way, it's also clear why this senpai appears to be somewhat cocky... Strictly in terms of technique, it’s definitely surpassing the blonde drill roller.)

By imbuing the rapier with powerful water, Hasty's attack range has significantly increased.

The water slashing blade is on par with the wind slashing blade, and in the hands of a skilled user, it can possess an even sharper edge.

Even a slashing blade released from subtle movements should not be ignored.

(...Was the movement until just now not its limit at all!!!!)

I thought I could fill that gap.

I thought I could wipe away that faint smile and draw out a sense of urgency.

However... despite the increased attacks from imbuing with water, all of them continue to be narrowly avoided.

"Triple thrust!!!!"

"...Yeah, just like the blonde vertical roller, you have the strength to put on a haughty attitude."

"Don't underestimate me, shut your mouth!!!"

"Well then, I guess it's about time I make my move."

It wasn't mere endurance, bravado, or stubbornness.

Ishud wasn't just doing his best to evade Hasty's sharp thrusts and slashing blades with disruptive intentions. Instead, he achieved a remarkable technique of narrowly avoiding attacks imbued with elemental magic by utilizing his experiences, physical abilities, and reaction speed efficiently.

"What!? Guh!!! K, damn it!! This is... ridiculous, don't mess around!!!"

"Hey, Glasses Senpai, I'm not messing around at all~?"

Ishud wasn't attacking Hasty with a chaotic posture or unconventional angles using the rapier. Instead, he was cornering Hasty with a very orthodox and proper method of attack.

“““““!!!!????”””””

Witnessing this scene, including the referee teacher, Ishud's involvement in the matter resulted in the most surprising moment ever.

"...Gulf, did you know Ishud could do this?"

"Well, I've heard some stories... but, his skill is beyond what I heard."

"Don't worry, I feel the same way."

Acquiring skills not directly related to one's profession is not impossible, but the growth rate is not expected to match skills suitable for the profession.

However... Ishud's proficiency in wielding the rapier clearly surpassed that level.

"Haa, haa... What are you?"

"What am I? Give me a bit more context. I can't understand what you're asking with just that."

"!!!! Why is a barbarian from the frontier like you!!! A barbarian, like you..."

He couldn't bring himself to say it until the end.

Admitting that Ishud possessed excellent rapier skills would mean acknowledging it as the truth. 

Even though many students were struggling to accept the reality in front of them, a sense of undeniable despair was palpable.

Indeed... it was just a matter of pride.

"Hmmmm...... Well, first off, you seem to be lumping the Regula family, who you call the barbarians of the frontier, together. But that's where you're wrong. Despite receiving an incredibly advanced education that commoners can't access, you're pretty stupid around those parts, huh?"

A blunt insult, a condescending remark.

Although there's an immediate urge to lash out, the desire to attack is held back by the barely reined-in instinct, as there are still unanswered questions that need to be asked.

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