NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5
“That sword? Did you really say that?”
“…Yeah.”
Ornika answered shortly.
“I can’t believe there’s actually a guy interested in swords…”
Erina scratched her cheek, looking amazed.
The perception that swords and swordsmanship belonged to women more than men has been strong since ancient times.
It’s not like women are the only ones who can wield a sword, but whether it’s a knight, a soldier, or even a mercenary, about 99% of those who rely on swords are women.
In knight orders, mercenary groups, and swordsmanship academies, men were rare to find, almost nonexistent.
Thus, a guy interested in swords was treated like a mythical creature.
– “Damn… the blind date failed.”
– “Hahaha! You were singing about blind dates just last week, and you failed? What in the world happened?”
– “I thought you looked bored, so I ended up talking about the differences between northern and southern swordsmanship and types of swords.”
– “Wow, you really don’t know guys, do you? One of the topics guys hate most is sword talk, idiot!”
– “Hah… Is there not a guy interested in swords anywhere?”
– “Dream on. Where would such a guy be?”
Erina calmed her excited heart and silently apologized to her former academy colleague.
“Yuran, I’m sorry. Guys interested in swords… actually exist!”
And he’s even Alben, who I want to grab and make a fateful companion right now.
I can’t believe he wants to learn swordsmanship.
“Uh… Captain, is that class…?”
“Everyone from the 3rd squad must attend Alben’s swordsmanship class.”
“Yay!!”
“…?”
“Ahem… Well. Since we ate the meals Alben prepared, we should cooperate as best we can.”
Though she added a plausible excuse, it still felt suspicious.
After observing her for a moment, Ornika let out a small sigh and spoke.
“You’re wrong. The reason I want you all to come is that I hope Alben gives up on swordsmanship.”
“…Why is that?”
Surprisingly, it was Galie who first objected.
His sharp, fiery red hair shook slightly.
“The captain said he’d teach swordsmanship, right? Breaking a promise is a knight’s disqualification.”
“I know. So I’m not planning to teach half-heartedly. That’s why I need your persuasion even more.”
“Why… Ah.”
Galie seemed to remember something and fell silent.
“Captain… are you serious?”
Korin, who had been leaning against a tree, spoke.
“If you teach seriously, you might end up being disliked by Alben.”
“Whether I’m disliked or not doesn’t matter. Swordsmanship is a dangerous and delicate martial art. I have no intention of teaching carelessly.”
The memories of the past flashed through the minds of the three of them.
In the past, before Ornika became the captain of the 3rd squad, she was an instructor guiding the trainees of the Guardian Knight Order.
She was outstanding in teaching and had great skills, but:
– “If you’re going to do it that way, then leave. You’re below standard.”
– “Don’t you feel sorry for that sword being swung around like that?”
– “Your sword can’t even tell friend from foe. In a war, people like you are unnecessary. Get lost.”
She was that harsh, cruel, devilish instructor.
It was undeniable that Ornika raised the trainees’ standards, and for that merit, she became the captain of the 3rd squad, but…
“Well… but Alben is a guy, Captain! Just be a little kinder…”
“Being a guy doesn’t change anything.”
Very few could withstand her classes.
They either had the perseverance to endure her harsh words and extreme training or…
…they possessed tremendous talent in swordsmanship.
*
The next day at 6 a.m.
In the early dawn mist that gently moistens the sprouting buds.
“Ah! You came!”
Alben had been warming up in the clearing in front of the camp long before the promised time.
“You came out early.”
“Since it’s the first day, I’m also looking forward to it.”
Alben smiled brightly.
It would be normal to feel sleepy, yet he was out early warming up.
That alone was quite commendable, but…
“That outfit…”
“Since it’s better to move easily…”
The patched old cloth outfit he wore looked like a cute tracksuit.
Moreover, with his short sleeves and shorts, his white arms, knees, and deeply carved collarbone were all exposed, giving off a strangely sensual vibe.
‘Ah, no…’
If I laugh here, I won’t be able to focus in today’s class.
Paku!
Ornika tightly bit her own cheek.
As the faint taste of iron spread in her mouth, the remaining members emerged from the tent.
“Wooooah! Alben! That outfit is so cute!”
Naturally, the first to react was Erina.
“Today, we’re also going to observe the class. Is that okay?”
“Of course! It’s reassuring that Korin is watching over us.”
“Heh… umm… it’s nothing special. If you want, I can always help you out.”
Korin also tried her best to hide her smile.
“Today, I should take care to show my gratitude in the food.”
“Oh! Is it meat?!”
“Puhahaha… Galie, you saying that means we can’t avoid preparing meat.”
Galie laughed out loud without holding back.
‘…Incredible.’
Ornika secretly admired Alben, who was warmly chatting with the other members.
I never imagined he would fit in so well in just a little over a month.
Thud!
At that moment, Alben’s hand brushed against Erina’s shoulder.
“Uh…! Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. It just touched.”
Wiggle.
Seeing that scene, something moved within Ornika’s heart.
A very deep, dark, and ominous feeling.
It slowly began to unravel and rise.
“Now, let’s start the class. Erina, step back.”
“…Hing. Okay, Captain.”
Erina stepped away from Alben with a face dripping with disappointment.
“I’m sorry to be teaching you at such an early hour.”
“No, I understand that right now is the only free time.”
The 3rd squad’s day was busier than expected.
With constant missions, classes had to be held at times like this to prepare for emergencies that could happen at any moment.
“First, I’ll give you the sword needed for the class.”
Ornika handed Alben a wooden practice sword.
“Normally, I would immediately use a real sword, but Alben lacks strength. If we were to proceed with a real sword, you might get hurt, so we’ll use this wooden sword.”
Even if it was a wooden sword, its design and size were quite similar to a real one.
“Grab it.”
Alben slowly brought his hand to the handle of the sword.
*
Honestly, it would be a lie to say I wasn’t worried.
I had seen Ornika’s temperament as an instructor during my 78th life, which followed a childhood friend route.
Not to mention, to achieve [Crimson Moon Ritual], I had to be taught by her.
She was strict on the inept.
If I show weakness in this swordsmanship class, she’ll undoubtedly kick me out without mercy.
But abandoning [Crimson Moon Ritual] because I’m scared is absurd.
‘I believe. My [Swordsmanship Genius]!’
Surely, the trait of [Swordsmanship Genius], in which I invested a full 100 points, is sleeping within this body.
If not, damn, I’ll just go back to my family and claim my rights.
‘Hmm…’
Yet now, a new wave of anxiety washed over me.
No matter how much it was a training sword, not feeling any thrill with a sword in front of me is alarming.
Could it be that the trait of [Swordsmanship Genius] has been stripped away for some reason?
‘…No. Don’t think about that.’
They say if you wish hard enough, the universe will help you.
‘If you empty your mind, you will find happiness.’
That’s just the grip of the sword, and I’m merely grasping it.
“Huff.”
I took a small breath.
I grasped the wooden sword.
‘—————–!’
At that moment.
[The trait inscribed in your body is activated as conditions are met.]
[A remarkable talent!]
[You’ve acquired “Basic Swordsmanship”.]
The world turned gray and paused, then a golden message flickered and flashed before me.
‘This is… the interface of “Valdeon Saga”!’
An infuriating game that I spent countless hours on and eventually became one with it.
The interface screen of Valdeon Saga seized my sight.
What’s more surprising wasn’t just that.
‘Just from holding a sword, I gained a skill.’
Although it was the lowest rank skill among swordsmanship skills, “Basic Swordsmanship” was created just by holding the sword, not even swinging it.
‘Was Alben’s body predisposed to swordsmanship talent?’
Such phenomena occasionally occurred.
A prime example was the 666th life, that [Doomsday Archmage].
After optimizing everything from lineage to body modification for magic, he ended up learning magic just by breathing.
‘Although he ended up dropping a massive meteor on the continent due to the side effects of body modification…’
Anyway, the fun of Valdeon Saga stemmed from the synergy created between the character’s potential and keywords.
Alben probably falls into a similar category.
Having bestowed [Swordsmanship Genius] upon someone already talented in swordsmanship…
For a while, he might grow just by merely looking at the sword.
‘Puhuh… No way…’
[You’ve witnessed a dazzling swordsmanship. Acquired “Basic Dual-Wielding”.]
[You’ve witnessed defensive swordsmanship. Acquired “Basic Sword Defense”.]
[You’ve witnessed destructive swordsmanship. Acquired “Basic Greatswordsmanship”.]
Huh.
What the heck is this?