Chapter 82.3 - The First Year at the Academy - The First Step (3)
Leaving the Breos Company behind, we head outside through the West Gate.
Lola has never been outside except for the field exercise, so she appears slightly nervous.
On the other hand, Ted and the others are relaxed, casually stroking their weapons and cracking jokes.
Although Elliot seems to have only experienced the field exercise, his composure suggests that his experience in battle has made him less tense.
As we walk, we survey my surroundings.
The cold wind blows through the grassy plain, which has turned the color of withered grass.
Obtaining materials in such a grassland seems challenging. While there are plants that grow throughout the year and materials unique to winter, the harvest will be significantly ge reduced until spring arrives.
While observing the scene, Nails strikes up a conversation.
"Did you rush to register because of the winter?"
"Correct. Gathering materials in my hometown during winter was always a struggle."
Nails listens to my response with a serious expression.
He asked a question earlier as well. Perhaps Elliot's presence has stimulated his curiosity.
Since Ted and Gemma have combat-oriented personalities, there is no need for Nails to compete with them. With someone similar to his type may have caused a change in his awareness. By the way, Lily is also the same type, but she's not becoming an adventurer and is busy with her work in the garden.
I end my train of thought and return my attention to the scenery. As the majority of materials come from plants, their availability drastically decreases from late autumn. Although this is my first winter in Selene, it shouldn't be too different.
Ted and Gemma earn their living by collecting materials and using their free time for training. If their life becomes difficult, they'll neglect their training, and they can lose the skill they haven't mastered. Considering their living expenses and the maintenance of their training results, Lola's request was perfectly timed.
Before I know it, everyone is looking around.
"Come to think of it, the first winter was tough. If it weren't for Gemma, I would have starved to death or become a slave."
Ted mutters quietly while surveying the surroundings.
"How did you manage to survive the winter?"
"Unless it's the dead of winter, we can find some things even on the grasslands. Otherwise, it's the forest."
Ted says it calmly, but it's not an easy task.
Most plants have withered. Even if you manage to find something, it might not be enough to satisfy your hunger.
The temple regularly distributes supplies to the residents of the refugee camp. Additionally, the Council provides jobs in cultivation and grazing lands for the impoverished. It doesn't reach everyone, without these provisions. I think Ted's words hold. The only choices would be starvation or becoming a slave.
Lola and Elliot seemed to understand the hardships, and they lost in thought with solemn expressions.
While Nails, who lived inside Selen, may have been accustomed to it, Ted and Jemma were living on the edge of life and death. It seemed that they had once again realized this fact.
As we approached the western forest, I stopped walking.
Ted and Jemma showed no signs of fatigue. It seemed they didn't need a break.
"Real weapons are heavy, aren't they?"
"I'm fine. It's not a problem."
"I see. In that case, Ted and the others, practice your swings. Take it slow. Let's compare it to wooden weapons. Elliot, if you notice anything, let us know. Lola, take a break. Fatigue leads to loss of concentration, and you might miss out on finding materials."
Upon receiving my instructions, everyone dispersed.
Ted chose a shortsword, Jemma picked a mace, and Nails opted for a small sword. Since everyone except Ted used a shield, I brought my homemade shield this time. Shields are easily damaged, and used ones are hard to come by. I would only use a real one once I started my adventures in earnest.
While watching Ted and the others swing their weapons, I also put my hand on my Shamshir.
It wouldn't come out.
Should I discard the sheath after all?
I twisted my body and changed angles, but it wouldn't come out.
While many two-handed swords don't have sheaths, they're allowed because they got classified as striking weapons rather than slashing ones. However, in a slashing weapon like a Shamshir, the holder must keep it in its sheath to maintain its sharpness.
After much contemplation, I realized the obvious fact that my arms were simply not long enough.
Then suddenly, I had an idea.
I placed my left hand on the back of the sword and simultaneously flicked the sheath backward.
"Oh, it came out!"
Immediately afterward, the butt of the sheath struck the back of my head.
It hurt a bit, but I ignored it.
There is room for improvement in this technique. But at least I won't have to throw away the sheath.
With this method, a fastening device like a belt might be better. With leather strings, the force is dispersed.
I temporarily halted the verification of drawing techniques and readied my Shamshir.
I swung it slowly from an upper stance,
I repeated the motion a few times to get used to it, then swung it down in one go.
It generated a strong gust of wind.
It feels closer to my Kousai sword than a lightweight two-handed sword.
Perhaps it's because both prioritize sharpness.
However, as a trade-off, it seemed unsuitable for anything other than slashing attacks. I tried a thrust as an experiment. But the blade's curve dispersed the force. Even a cheap shield would deflect it with ease.
It's specializing in slashing attacks. Let's keep that in mind while using it.
Returning to the verification process, I unleashed strikes from upper to lower, followed by a middle stance. It was quite heavy, but I gradually got used to it.
I pulled back the sword and focused my mind.
I unleashed a mid-level [Heavy Blow].
My body gets pulled by the power and weight as it cuts through the air. Next is the upper and lower [Double Strike].
My muscles throughout my body scream in response to the instantaneous slash.
I'm lowering the sword, swinging my arms and legs.
So a heavy weapon has such a strong recoil. Oh, I've never done it with a lightweight two-handed sword. Eventually, my body will get used to it, and my muscles will develop, but…
"Wow! What was that!?"
Ted and the others stop and observe me.
Yeah, I should focus on myself.
"You guys know? First is [Heavy Blow], then [Double Strike]."
"That was different!"
"Well, it's because I use a two-handed weapon. And it's even more impressive in my line of work."
Markant stopped Eras Rhino with [Heavy Blow]. It's not just superhuman strength, but also evidence that he has mastered his skills. By the way, Roland harvested consciousness with [Spinning Strike]. Even though it's a higher-tier skill, that was too much.
"I'll teach you once your basics are solid. For now, get used to your weapons."
"No doubt about it!"
They say that and return to their training.
Since the validation of Shamshir is done. I join them and have a brief spar with each person.
Soon, we're ready, and everyone lines up.
"Now, let's enter the forest."
Everyone has a determined expression.
They have no pride, but also no anxiety. Lola is tense, but she's a princess. As long as the knights are reliable, there won't be any problems.
"Everyone has experience exploring the forest, but this time everything is different. Until now, we assumed that Ted and the others would escape. Elliot doesn't have the protection of instructors or adventurers. From here on, you need to decide whether to fight or escape, all by yourselves. And you do that with enemies right in front of you. I will accompany you for a while, but consider me as not being there. I will only lend a hand when your lives are in danger. Don't think you can easily get help. Be prepared for serious injuries. What you have in your hands are tools for killing each other. Don't forget that."
The rookie adventurers nod with serious expressions.
It has been half a year since I met Ted and the others.
There are no longer boys and girls swinging sticks.
With new companions added, they take a step forward, a milestone in their lives.
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