"Haha. Gramps, you're completely broken in terms of balance."
Watching him fight reminded me of the cutscenes I used to see in games—cinematic, like watching a movie, but totally impossible to replicate with the in-game mechanics.
I can’t even begin to catch up. To reach the end of this world, I’d have to become an even bigger monster than him, but is that even possible?
How much effort would I have to put in to surpass that level?
Since I’m running towards that same goal, I know how far it is. It’s really far. So far that it looks like a faint dot in the distance.
Sigh. I’m going to have to try harder than ever. Otherwise, I won’t even get close to Gramps.
“Lady Alrn.”
While I was in awe of Gramps' performance, I heard Faybi's voice next to me.
She, too, couldn’t take her eyes off the miracle unfolding before us, looking as shocked as I was.
“That person is...”
'It’s Sir Ruel...'
"That lousy old man. He’s the one who’s infused into my mace and is also my master."
Since falling into this world, there have only been two people I could call my master.
One was Forsell, the guy who trained me alongside the knights of House Alrn until the day I entered the academy.
Thanks to him, I don’t even flinch at physical limits anymore.
The other is Gramps, Ruel.
After overcoming the trials and meeting Ruel, he taught me the way to fight with a mace and shield.
He used to nag me so much when I trained that I found him incredibly annoying, but watching him swing the mace now, I completely understand why.
From his perspective, it must have been frustrating: Why can’t she do something this easy?
Look at him now. He’s bashing Nakrad with the mace while occasionally giving me side glances, as if telling me to watch and learn.
Gramps, even if you give me those looks, there’s no way I can replicate what you’re doing right now.
If we were talking about studying, I’m just a kid who barely mastered multiplication tables.
Showing a kid like that problems that might show up on a college entrance exam? All they could do is stare in awe.
I’ll try, but don’t expect too much. Got it? And don’t complain later about why I can’t do it.
Maybe Nakrad couldn’t handle getting beaten up any longer. Staggering, he rose and summoned his underlings from the shadows.
Wow, that’s practically his ultimate move.
Right now, since the Evil God of Darkness hasn’t fully resurrected, creating even one of those underlings takes a considerable amount of time.
Normally, he’d save those for attacking the academy during the finals, but he’s pulling them out now? Gramps must have really scared him.
But what’s the point? Those things won’t be much of a threat to Gramps.
Gramps didn’t seem the least bit fazed by the crowd surrounding him.
He just maintained a calm expression. Then, raising his mace overhead, divine power began to gather around it.
What the hell. Why is the density of divine power so insane? That’s basically a mini-sun up there.
Gramps, is that the level I’m supposed to reach one day? How far do you think I’m going to grow?
Fine. I get it. I’ll meet your expectations. I’m a veteran of Soul Academy. I’ll make sure to surprise you one day.
When the time comes, I’ll call you a lousy old man right to your face. Don’t get mad then, though. After all, you’re the one who made me into this monster.
As the divine light gathered atop the mace began to shine, the creatures spawned from darkness started to retreat one by one.
Even those born from the power of the Evil God couldn’t stand against that light.
Once all of Nakrad’s summoned forces had vanished, Gramps extinguished the divine light and started walking toward Nakrad.
“That man is Lady Alrn’s master?”
Faybi was gazing at him with awe.
Unlike me, who doesn’t care much for gods, she’s a devoted believer.
Seeing a miracle performed by a Holy Knight who once saved the world and was designated as a saint must be making her think deeply.
“Lady Alrn is so strong, there had to be a reason.”
‘Something like that.’ "What's she going on about? That weak saint. I’m strong because I’m great, not because that pathetic old man taught me well. Don’t say stupid things."
Mesugaki skill, why are you grumbling so much? Faybi looks like she doesn’t even know how to respond.
And why are you speaking informally to Faybi again? Mesugaki skill hasn’t been enhanced this time, right?
What is this? Can you at least give me a heads-up so I know how to deal with it? Please?
Boom! Gramps slammed his mace into Nakrad, causing a small earthquake.
The ground cracked, and debris flew up, mixed with dust, but Gramps’ expression wasn’t very pleasant.
Nakrad, who had been standing there a moment ago, was nowhere to be found. Did he flee?
Gramps clicked his tongue lightly, then swung his mace to clear the smoke before walking toward us.
"Sorry. I couldn’t finish him off. Since this is a mental realm, there are some limitations."
That couldn’t be helped. After all, my goal for coming here was to save Faybi, and messing with Nakrad was just a side objective.
It’s a bit disappointing, but that’s fine. At least we did some damage, right? I was about to smile and tell him not to worry, but unfortunately, the Mesugaki skill stood in my way.
‘It’s alright, Gramps.’ “You lousy old man. You couldn’t even finish that one thing? Then again, I was the fool for expecting more from an old hermit stuck in a mace. You pathetic relic.”
"This is driving me insane. How on earth do others endure this tone?"
Gramps, you’re overreacting.
Jo and Asa hear this kind of talk from me all day long. Shouldn’t a saint, of all people, be able to laugh it off?
But, considering what you just showed us, I’ll let this one slide, Gramps.
‘I’m sorry. Please bear with me.’ “Huh? You can’t even handle this, Gramps? Pffft. This is ridiculous. How could someone like this be a saint? Lousy. Absolutely lousy.”
Oh no. I forgot. Apologizing only makes it worse.
Gramps sighed at the provocation from the Mesugaki skill, and Faybi was staring in shock.
Right. From her perspective, hearing me insult someone she should respect and admire must be shocking.
If Faybi weren’t so kind, she’d have probably called me out for being disrespectful by now.
"Uh, Sir Ruel?"
Just as I was thinking I should probably shut my mouth for a bit, Faybi timidly spoke up.
Gramps raised an eyebrow and looked over at her, offering a gentle smile.
"What is it, child?" "Is it always like this?"
No, Faybi! Don’t misunderstand! I’m actually quite respectful to Gramps! I always use polite language!
Sure, sometimes I act rude, but that’s only because Gramps messes up first! I’m actually pretty nice to him! I swear!
As I was internally making excuses, I suddenly had a good idea.
Wait... Isn’t this an opportunity? A chance to clear my name about the Mesugaki speech?
Think about it. If someone who constantly insults others suddenly says, Oh, my rude speech is all because of the dumb god’s blessing, people are going to think I’m talking nonsense, right?
Anyone who doesn’t know how much of a pervert Aramadi is would say, There’s no way a god would force that kind of language. They’d think I’m just trying to justify it.
But if Gramps says it, the credibility would be different!
If a Holy Knight, hero, and saint like Gramps backs me up, no one could doubt it!
Especially Faybi, who just witnessed his miracles—that would make the persuasion even stronger!
Gramps! Please! Prove my innocence to Faybi!
If you do, Faybi will use her title as a saint to convince others too!
I sent my plea to Gramps with my eyes, and he nodded.
Gramps is sharp. There’s no way he didn’t catch on.
Finally, I can start enjoying school life properly...
“Always...”
Wait. Why is Gramps not finishing his sentence?
He’s normally so eloquent, but now he’s choking up?
You’re joking, right? Please say you’re joking!
Gramps!
Please!
“She may speak rudely, but she has a kind heart.”
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freёwebnovel.com.
"That’s true. Lady Alrn is a good person."
Gyaaaaah!!
Gramps! What do you mean, She may speak rudely?! That wasn’t the agreed-upon explanation!
I was just about to yell at him to clarify when my consciousness flickered.
As my vision blurred, the familiar sight of the church, which I had seen before entering Faybi’s mental world, came into view.
Was I kicked out of Faybi’s mind?
"Did everything go well?"
Looking up at the voice above me, I saw the vain fox, Rina, staring down at me.
Why does she love sticking to me so much but refuse to let me touch her? I just don’t get it.
‘Yeah, sure.’ "Isn’t it obvious, you dumb fox?"
“Well, that’s good to hear.”
The dumb fox giggled and darted away, out of reach of my hands.
Damn useless fox. I’d love to chase after her and mess up her fur, but I’ve got something more pressing right now.
‘Gramps.’
I need to demand an explanation.
Answer me, Gramps. Why did you do that?
Why did you waste the perfect opportunity to clear up all the misunderstandings people have about me?
That was a once-in-a-lifetime chance!
<I'm sorry, my child. I tried to explain about your speech, but I couldn’t get the words out.> ‘What do you mean?’ <I felt some sort of suppression preventing me from speaking about anything related to your blessing. I had to say something else on the spot.>
Hearing Gramps' excuse, I furrowed my brow.
If someone was blocking him from explaining my skill, there’s only one culprit.
That damn pervert god Aramadi!
Do you really have to screw me over like this?!
Can’t I just live peacefully for once?!
Am I destined to constantly get death stares from everyone while yelling about how weak they are?!
Just because I’ve been building up some affection points recently, you’re mad that I haven’t been getting cursed out?!
Fine! If that’s what you want, you twisted freak!
I did what you asked, so why won’t you do anything for me?!
Why can’t I ever be happy?! Why?!
—Ding.
Just as I was internally screaming, a notification popped up.
[Quest Clear!] [You successfully rescued Faybi within the time limit!] [You are being rewarded!]
What? You’re just throwing me some reward to apologize now?
Hey, you bastard. My mood is very bad right now.
No reward is going to fix this, no matter what it is.
[Practice Mode function unlocked!]
...Wait, what?