Re: Freedom: Regaining Freedom In Another World

FYI

Scene/ POV

: Speech

- Thoughts

[Flashback]

"Quoting"

(Author Note)—————————————————————————————————————

Testing Grounds
We entered the testing ground to find a man with Red Hair and a scowl.
Wilhelm: Hienkel... I didn't know you were going to...
Heinkel: So this is the brat you personally trained. I'll make sure to fail him.
Koji: I will do my utmost to prove my worth Sir Knight.
Heinkel scoffed before leaving. Wilhelm turned to face me.
Wilhelm: I'm sorry. There is a chance you will fail this exam.
Koji: Not to worry. All that is left is for me to do my best.
Wilhelm smiled.
Wilhelm: I suppose so yes.
We then ran into Reinhard.
Reinhard: Grandfather... I heard that you trained Kiyotaka-Kun.
Wilhelm: Reinhard...
Koji: it's good to see you again.
Reinhard: Yes, it is.
He smiled at me.
Reinhard: I heard of your accomplishment. Defeating a Sin Archbishop. Well done.
Koji- To think that in the previous loop, he would have forgotten the existence of his own Grandfather.
I walked over to the testing area where I found Julius and some elders in the stands. I bowed to them respectfully.
Koji: Julius-San I hear that you are the one who will asses the physical portion of the Exam.
Julius: Indeed. Normally I'd test you on several things but I've decided to make things quick with you. This test will be high risk and high reward. A duel. If you can strike me once you'll pass. Fail to do so however and I'll fail you for this portion of the exam on the spot.
Koji_ He seems quite convinced that I'll be able to do it.
Koji: Alright. I agree to those terms.
Julius three me a wooden sword.
Julius: Then let us begin.
I got into a stance as I felt for the disturbances in Mana dodging Julius's attacks. His swordsmanship was incredible though not as much as Wilhelm's he was also faster than Wilhelm and his strikes were heavier but not necessarily stronger. I closed my eyes breathing in as I parried each attack he sent my way binding with him on the last one.
Julius: Exquisite! You'll make a fine addition to the knights.
I grabbed his arm pulling him into the swing of my sword but he broke free jumping back.
Julius: Very impressive swordsmanship.
I rushed forward attacking Julius as I felt for the mana surrounding him. I dodges a slash forcing my way in and swinging my sword at his exposed abdomen but Julius saw it and dodged backwards.
Julius: You seem to know exactly how I am going to move.
I took a fool guard stance opening all of his lines attack towards me. It was a taunting stance intended to entice the opponent to attack recklessly or to cause them to make a mistake. I would never use this on Reinhard or Wilhelm but I'd never fought Julius so I took the chance.
Julius: You're leaving yourself open? I've never seen it done that way though.
Koji- So he knows.
I shifted my stance to a kendo stance.
Julius: That's new.
I closed my eyes as Julius rushed in and I parried each attack.
Julius: Doing it with your eyes closed? Why? And How?
Koji: It helps me concentrate.
Julius: I see but that's a dangerous habit.
Koji: I would never use it in a fight where my opponent intended to kill me.
Julius: Good.
I took a stance where my sword was behind me on my left side with my left hand in a drawing position ant the sword resting on my thumb and my pointing finger on the top. The blade was facing down.
Julius: Trying that again?
Julius increased his speed. My eyes were still open. It was through sheer luck that I managed to feel the mana around him. I swung the sword from it's position up blocking the initial strike and then I was able to keep the momentum of the sword slashing sideways as Julius parried the strike but his sword was now not near the centre of his body. It was misplaced. I thrust the sword at him. Suddenly I felt a jarring pain in my side. I had made contact with Julius with my thrust but at the same time I'd been hit by him. Julius didn't budge as my wooden sword broke.
Julius: Excellent. While I'll admit your physical abilities are still lacking your analytical ability and swordsmanship are unmatched by most. I pass you.
The elders looked astonished and nodded in agreement with Julius.
Julius extended his hand.
Julius: It was a great match. Thank you.
Koji: I agree.
I shook his hand.
Julius: I'm sorry about this test but Heinkel-Sama insisted on it. I don't think he believed you'd stand a chance against me.
Koji: I see. Well Is suppose he just wishes to test me more harshly since I've only been training for a week.
Julius: A week? I thought you must have been training since I suggested that duel. You truly are remarkable Kiyotaka.
Koji: Thank you but that's all thanks to Wilhelm Van Astrea. My teacher.
Julius: You trained with the Sword Demon? That's an incredibly rare opportunity.
Koji: I know and I am glad for his tutelage.
Julius: You'll be facing Heinkel-Sama directly next in your Oral Examination.
Koji: I understand. But then why did Reinhard-San choose to attend?
Julius: It is customary for the Sword Saint to attend these gatherings.
Koji: I see.
I walked over to the oral exam. This section had a line. I waited patiently noticing that there were a few people observing our behaviour from the stands. They were clearly assessing us. I looked to see several people being disruptive in the line and watched as they were sorted towers the left hallway. I guess they're all failed candidates. I was directed to the right hallway and I entered a room with elders in the stands and Hienkel waiting.
Hienkel: This is the oral Examination. I'm the Examiner. This part of the test is the most important as our knights must behave in the appropriate manner.
Koji- Ironic coming from you.
Hienkel: because of this I can fail you for even the smallest mistake.
Koji: I'll make sure to prove myself to you sir.
Hienkel scoffed. In truth this man's behaviour was as abhorrent as his ability. I could tell that his body had deteriorated to the extent that this position was likely given to him out of respect for past deeds rather than current ability. He was an insignificant disgrace that stood no chance of stopping me from reaching my goal. I feel pity for Wilhelm-Sam who has such a detestable and worthless Son.
Hienkel: Leta begin.
He began with what most would consider the most difficult question that could be asked in the exam without the elders being able to step in. I answered them in direct accordance with the text I. The Knighta Manual Of Lugunica. It seemed to irritate him as he began listing nonsensical and strange situations and asked me what was proper conduct. These questions should only be asked to knights upon the finals qualification exam. The elders overlooked it. Likely the same reasons as the one that he was able to keep his job. I answered them using the manual as a guide for proper conduct.
Elder: Hienkel. I think that's quite enough!
Hienkel: But...
Elder: If you don't we will.
Hienkel gritted his teeth in annoyance.
Hienkel: You pass.
I bowed respectfully.
Koji: Thank you sir.
The elders looked to me with great expectation. It seemed I had earned some respect from them. I bowed to them.
Hienkel: Last test. Go to the next room.
I did as I was told going into the next room to find another line but this one was much shorter. It seemed most had been unable to pass the Oral Exam. So far it was clear that the exams were an effective way of weeding out undesirables.
Koji- What will be the last Exam though? Wilhelm-Sam didn't even form me of it.
Eventually I reached the front of the line entering a room where I found Reinhard waiting.
Reinhard: Kiyotaka. You made it.
Koji: I did. This is the final exam right?
Reinhard: Yes it is. This is where I will assess your desires and reasons for joining the knights. We will also assess your background.
Koji: I see.
Reinhard: If you wish to lie again you are free to do so but you will not pass this exam if you do.
Koji: Understood sir.
Reinhard: First. What are your reasons for joining the Knights of Lugunica?
Koji: I wish the serve under Lady Emilia as a knight and I wish to assist Sir Wilhelm Van Astrea in a future event he will be involved in.
Reinhard: ... I see. Very well you're telling the truth. Now what is the truth about your past.
Koji: I am from another world. I was teleported into this world.
Reinhard: You were what!?
Reinhard inspected me closely. He wrote down my statements but for the background section he stamped it as "Not To Be Disclosed".
Reinhard: You pass Kiyotaka. I'm shocked to hear the truth but it does explain why you told that lie. It would help you learn about this world more easily.
Koji: Thank you, sir.
Reinhard: The Academy semester won't begin for two months but the ceremony for selected candidates will begin in 2 days.
Koji- I see so they are observing us for 2 months and if we show the wrong conduct we won't even be allowed into the academy.
I bowed my head and left the room.
Koji- It's now time to encourage the effort to defeat the White Whale.
—————————————————————————————————————

To Be Continued

—————————————————————————————————————