Chapter 94.1 - The Second Year at the Academy - The Noble Knight of Integrity (1)
In this duel, I stand no chance.
Even with [High-Speed Movement] and [MultipleChants] sealed, I couldn't beat Harvis.
Klaus, the Sword Flash, is an even more formidable opponent. He's the future Halvis.
Furthermore, he's loaded with magic equipment. From his sword and shield to the chainmail and the glimpses of a necklace, everything he has is high-quality magical gear.
But, that's also his weakness.
For now, I'll follow along with this young lady and amuse myself.
Even if I lose, I'll just crawl on the ground.
Klaus points at me, and an appropriate knight gives the starting signal in this disorganized beginning.
Amid the chaos, Klaus asks a question.
"Is it okay to begin?"
"Sure, why not?"
"No, not like this. What about your weapon?"
Klaus is pointing at Shamshir.
It's truly amazing, the ‘Sword Flash.' He noticed it's not my primary weapon even though I haven't swung it. I may be a Rank 1, but I'm not an amateur.
"Unfortunately, I don't have much else besides a knife."
Klaus responds by swiftly drawing the small sword from his waist.
The moment I catch it, a subtle chill runs through my entire body.
What… is this?
"It seems you use a curved sword in anticipation of the future, but it's originally a one-handed sword. I'll lend it to you."
Klaus's words barely register in my ears.
I just stare down at the weight in my hand.
This isn't just any sword he's handing over.
I draw the scabbard and look at the blade.
A plain sword. Yet, it exudes an eerie atmosphere.
It's undoubtedly a magical tool, but my mind isn't registering anything.
Maybe I'm not recognized as its owner.
I activate [Appraisal] on the small sword in my hand.
Name: Nosvaar
Features: A magical sword imbued with strong intent. Requires excellent swordsmanship to wield.
Properties: Unknown.
Klaus sure is something. He used magic tools to measure my skill.
The initial chill I felt was probably him testing if Nosvaar was a suitable fit.
I didn't feel that chill with the Holy Strike Axe or Arua Serro, so this magical sword must be extraordinarily unique.
"Can you handle it?"
"It seems impossible. I don't feel anything from it."
Klaus nods but continues to observe me closely.
How highly did he estimate me? Right now, I have [One-Handed Sword 7], surpassing Harvis, who was called a genius. Even if Nosvaar's judgment criteria were other skills, all of them are exceptionally high when compared to our peers. If it's impossible for me, it's impossible for anyone.
Leaving that aside, should I take it?
I think for a moment, then silently shake my head.
I'm willing to respond if Klaus wants an all-out fight and displays his full power without reservation. However, this situation is dominated by the daughter of Count Walber. I can't easily reveal my true strength.
"Then, I'll borrow this."
With Nosvaar in my hand, we faced each other again.
Sword Flash is impressive, but let's see if I can catch him off guard.
As I casually moved forward, Klaus squinted his eyes.
I closed the distance between us where our swords could reach each other.
But neither of us moved.
In a practice fight, our weapons are instruments of death, highly lethal magical tools.
Stepping thoughtlessly into a fight with someone like Sword Flash would be suicidal, to say the least.
You seem to be in a bit of trouble.
Well, I'll make it even more challenging for you.
With a sly smile, I raised Nosvaar above my head.
I released [Strong Blow] from an overhead position.
Klaus blocked it with his shield, though he seemed puzzled.
Next came [Double Strike], which was also parried. Then, another [Strong Blow] followed by another [Double Strike].
Without any coordination, I continued to unleash combat skills.
Despite their sloppy nature, he blocked them effectively.
Well, this is quite convenient. With the local monsters around here, one careless move usually results in instant death or a fatal injury.
It's not every day you come across a sandbag, or rather, a training partner who won't die even if I go all out.
I'll keep it up like this.
I kept using [Strong Blow] and [Double Strike], and Klaus kept defending himself.
He eventually realized that something was off.
After deflecting my [Double Strike], Klaus switched to a counterattack.
The sound of clashing metal echoed through the forest.
"Good moves, but don't tease your elders too much."
With his shield up, Klaus wore a wry smile.
As he shifted to a counterattack, I forcibly twisted my body and unleashed [Strong Blow] while preparing for a mutual strike.
It was the same move I tried during the orc battle, an attack that sacrificed joint strain.
Klaus instantly switched between offense and defense, effortlessly blocking it with his shield.
He's truly an exceptional man. Even with Harvis's [Dragon Strike], he would probably block everything head-on.
Unlike me, who relies on speed, he's a genuine powerhouse.
Resetting our stances, I offered a smile.
"It's not every day you get a chance like this."
"I'm honored. But I'm not so free that I can indulge in training. Let's bring out your full potential."
With that, Klaus drew his longsword.
Right after, a massive sideways slash, engulfed in flames, was unleashed.
I instinctively lowered myself and dodged it.
A few strands of my hair were scorched, consumed by the flames.
The skill Klaus used initially was [Raging Flame Slash].
It's in the same category as Markant's [Violent Wind Slash], but when I visualized it, I was amazed at its range.
While it doesn't reach the level of Fireballs, it far surpasses the Bolt and Blow series.
But this won't work.
Even momentary ignition will ignite.
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