The biggest shortcoming I felt during my second semester at Soul Academy was my lack of real combat experience.
You might wonder how I could feel inexperienced after facing several battles.
But I’ve never actually encountered an opponent who was truly my equal.
Before enrolling at the academy, I was always surrounded by people much stronger than me.
The monstrous knights, who I couldn’t possibly beat even now, didn’t focus on beating me in our spars; instead, they aimed to teach me.
Their lessons were invaluable in solidifying my combat logic, but they didn’t help me develop the ability to strategize in real-life combat situations.
After entering the academy, it was the opposite—I was surrounded by people weaker than me.
At least Frey gave me the impression of a real fight, but it was never enough to actually feel threatened.
Occasionally, there were events like Nakrad and Adrie, but they were far too powerful compared to my level.
They were so strong that it was impossible to face them directly. When survival itself was a struggle, there was no room for calculated strategies.
Back then, I was desperate to survive, barely scraping by using my in-game knowledge to secure victory. It wasn’t the kind of combat experience that truly counted.
Other battles followed a similar pattern.
For me, combat always fell into one of three categories: someone stronger sparring with me to teach, crushing someone weaker, or scraping by with every trick I knew to pull off a miraculous win.
I had more than enough experience in striking at an opponent’s weakness, but I barely had any experience in being struck myself.
"If I’d taken this lack of experience more seriously when I faced that skeleton imitating Garad, I wouldn’t have lost to the Second Queen."
I realized my lack of experience again when I fought the skeleton beneath the old academy hall and got outplayed by it.
But I ignored it, thinking there were more urgent matters to attend to.
It wasn’t that I ignored it intentionally.
Fighting evil gods, being chased by church inquisitors, dungeon crafting—one thing after another kept me busy, and I just pushed it back and forgot about it.
As a result, the Second Queen thoroughly crushed me.
Even now, I find it hard to believe. I was so confident in my victory, and then, everything turned around in a single moment.
<If only you’d had a few more months, the outcome would’ve been different.> “Well, that’s true.”
Realizing my deficiency once again, I started to wonder what I could do to overcome my lack of experience.
If it were a matter of lacking skill proficiency, poor stats, or low level, I could find a solution using my game knowledge. But combat experience... that’s not something I could just solve with game knowledge.
<This is something you have to gradually build through real battles.> “Can’t you just tell me the way to do it? Like, some special method the hero’s party used?” <I can tell you to focus on this and that, but in the heat of battle, when everything happens in the blink of an eye, it’s you who has to make the decision. If you can’t grow through experience, no advice will matter.>
After many discussions with my old mentor, I concluded that I had no choice but to go through countless battles.
I needed to face opponents who were either my equals or slightly stronger, learning to engage in a tactical back-and-forth with them.
With this in mind, I decided to head to the Teresia Empire’s coliseum during the upcoming break.
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That place, where countless warriors gather and fight desperately, was the perfect environment for gaining real combat experience.
The Teresia Empire.
This arid, desert-burdened nation grew through countless wars.
The empire, with so little habitable land and even less farmland, sustained itself by raiding neighboring countries for grain and livestock. Even after securing fertile land through endless wars, it continued its invasions as though war was its destiny.
With such a long history of warfare, the Teresia Empire reveres martial prowess more than any other country, linking individual power directly to status and honor.
The best place to feel this intense warrior-worship is the empire’s coliseum.
Normally, a coliseum is where commoners or slaves fight for the amusement of the nobles.
But that’s not the case in this empire.
In the empire, nobles commonly say, “How dare a mere commoner fight in the coliseum to show off strength?”
Denied the opportunity, commoners watch the nobles show off their might, vowing to stand in that honorable ring one day themselves.
In this war-crazed nation, coliseum participants do whatever it takes to win, as long as it’s not dishonorable. They’ll use any means necessary for victory.
That’s exactly why I chose the Teresia Empire’s coliseum as my training ground.
There’s no better place to build practical combat experience.
...And if I win a certain number of times, the rewards aren’t too shabby.
It’s not like I need them right now, but as an experienced player, I can’t resist maximizing efficiency.
“Nooo! I absolutely won’t allow it this time! The Teresia Empire’s coliseum? I can’t let you go to that den of lunatics!”
Of course, getting permission to go wasn’t smooth.
They were adamant about not throwing me in among the empire’s maniacs.
At first, I thought they’d eventually give in if I pouted like before, but not this time.
Benedict...
“No, I hate you, Papa! ♡” “I’ll never come to this stinky room again ♡ I won’t even contact you through crystal! ♡” “I’ll never talk to you ever again, just like you wanted, Papa ♡”
Even after facing this continuous barrage of complaints, Benedict stood firm in his decision.
His unyielding stance had me wondering if I’d have to abandon efficiency and consider other options, but my core nature, steeped in optimizing everything, couldn’t accept that.
How could I turn away from the optimal choice and settle for something less?
I could never do that!
Even if I have to sneak out, I’m going to the coliseum!
After making up my mind, I tried every way I could think of to convince Benedict, and then I had a flash of inspiration.
After all, the traveler’s cloak was removed by the sun, not the cold wind.
Benedict is resisting because all he’s seen from me is the cold side.
If I show warmth instead, he’ll surely melt.
“Oh, I’m disappointed ♡ I wanted to go on a trip with Papa, but if Papa doesn’t want to, then I’ll listen to him ♡ I’m a good daughter, so I’ll do as he says ♡” “...A trip? With me?” “Oh, how disappointing ♡ I wanted to show Papa how I can win ♡ But since he doesn’t want that, I’ll just lock myself in my room and hold a grudge ♡” “Wait... wait a moment, Lucy.”
My prediction was spot on.
Benedict, ever the doting father, couldn’t resist the idea of a trip with his daughter and finally agreed to the coliseum plan.
“...Lucy. Just when did you get involved with the Newman family?”
After we arrived in the Teresia Empire using the Newman family’s teleportation circle, Benedict looked over at the Newman family representatives bowing politely behind us, then turned to me.
“That’s a secret.” “It’s a se~cret. It’s a private matter your silly father doesn’t need to know.”
Explaining that I saved the Newman family’s sick son and became their benefactor? Way too tedious.
And he’d probably scold me a ton, so I’ll just keep it a secret.
Seeing Benedict turn his head in resignation, I cut him off before he could speak again.
“And if...” “And if silly Papa tries to get any information from Karl, I’ll never forgive him.”
“...Lucy.”
“Karl, too.” “Karl, you’re in the same boat. The moment you blab, I’ll cut you off. Understand?”
“I swear to protect the secret with my life.”
With our secrecy secure, I took a slightly dejected Benedict, a tight-lipped Karl, and our bald knight escort, Erin, and headed to the coliseum.
Walking through the streets, I couldn’t help but notice the frequent glances people were throwing at Benedict.
If they were looking at me, I’d just assume my charm stat was acting up again. But all the attention was on Benedict.
“It's due to the lord's reputation.”
Noticing my curiosity, the bald knight replied proudly.
“In the Teresia Empire, which reveres strength, it’s only natural that people admire the lord, who is always mentioned when discussing the continent’s greatest.”
Considering Benedict’s overwhelming strength, it makes sense he’d be popular here.
It must be like suddenly seeing a famous celebrity up close.
“Can you believe it? Seeing Lord Allen himself.” “...Should I go up and say hello?” “I’d like to take a hit from those calloused fists, just once.” “Hold off, or it might be the end of you.” “Why’s he here? Could he be entering the coliseum?” “...I can kiss my chances in this coliseum goodbye.” “But I’ll still give it a try! You never know—a miracle might happen, and I could cross fists with him!”
The commotion around Benedict grew louder as we moved along.
Even I, used to people’s stares, felt a bit pricked by their attention.
...If I knew this would happen, I’d have just escaped and come here alone. I’m here for combat experience, not to be some spectacle.
Fortunately, before the crowd became too chaotic, the local noble overseeing the area made his appearance, dispersing the crowd with his guards. Then, with a cheerful smile, he approached Benedict.
“My goodness! Lord Allen! I never thought you’d actually come out of your territory and visit us here!”
“Baron Bardronel. I apologize for causing you trouble.”
“Haha! No trouble at all! If anything, it’s my fault for not preparing properly after receiving advance notice!”
“However...”
“Enough of that! More importantly, please introduce me to the beautiful young lady beside you!”
“This is my daughter, Lucy Allen. I imagine you might have heard of her.”
“Of course! The talk of a new prodigy, following Lady Kent from the Kent family, spreading our kingdom’s fame! How could I not know her name!”
Turning his head with a bright smile, Baron Bardronel greeted me warmly.
“Nice to meet you, Lady Allen! I am Bardronel Adila, the lord of this territory!”
“Hello, I’m Lucy Allen.” “Hello, adorable puppy-like baron. I’m Lucy Allen. Such a groveling attitude really suits you.”
As soon as my greeting, translated through my Masochistic Brat Skill, ended, a flicker of murderous intent flashed in Bardronel’s eyes.
Sigh. So it’s going to be like this, huh?