Chapter 13

Indeed, the teacher is amazing.

Although the mock battle suddenly began due to Hembritz's provocation, it turned out to be fortunate. This way, we were able to showcase the teacher's strength in front of everyone.

"Truly impressive, teacher."

"Yes, thank you, Alyushia."

After the mock battle that lasted for ten minutes, I approached the teacher with a towel to comfort him. Despite the large beads of sweat, the teacher's breathing was not labored, indicating that he still had plenty of stamina left.

In contrast, Hembritz was panting heavily.

The battle was almost one-sided.

I described it as "almost" because the teacher thoroughly took the initiative. Given the teacher's strengths, this style of fighting is not surprising.

From the first body strike to the following diagonal cut, and the subsequent exchanges, the teacher accurately read and deftly handled every move.

This person's reaction speed and dynamic visual acuity are beyond that of an ordinary person.

While his other skills are also at a high level, these two aspects are clearly extraordinary.

Even I would find it impossible to maintain such perfect initiative continuously.

A genius who can accomplish this with a cool demeanor.

That is the remarkable Beryl Gardenant.

"But, I'm glad there's still something I can teach you."

"Again with the modesty. There are many things we can all learn from you, teacher."

However, the teacher himself seems rather humble, or perhaps unaware of his own strength.

It is almost comical that someone at this level considers himself just an average swordsman, but I choose not to point this out.

Neither boasting about his strength nor being overly polite.

I admire how he can reconcile with his own strength and maintain a natural demeanor.

There is still much I can learn from the teacher.

This feeling has not changed since I received the farewell sword.

◇

"Alyushia, I want to give this to you."

"This is...?"

—How many years ago was this?

It feels like it happened a long time ago, yet it also feels like it was just yesterday.

I had been studying swordsmanship under the teacher for four years.

I could see myself growing stronger day by day, to my own surprise.

But, I still couldn't reach that peak.

The sword that sees everything.

Movements refined to the extreme, eliminating all waste.

A stance that embodies the ultimate naturalness.

I was still far from reaching the teacher's level.

Yet, on that day, I was handed a farewell sword, symbolizing the transmission of the ultimate technique.

"You have become strong enough. There is nothing more I can teach you."

"No, teacher! I'm still...!"

I was genuinely happy to be recognized.

However, if asked whether I was satisfied with my current abilities, the answer would definitely be no. I had not even reached the teacher's level. What kind of transmission of the ultimate technique was this?

"Of course, it's up to you whether you leave the dojo or not. But, I really have nothing more to teach you. I hope you understand that."

"..."

The teacher's voice and expression conveyed a slight sense of regret, but also a sincere attitude. At the same time, I realized something.

Ah, this person probably doesn't understand his own strength.

He layers modesty upon modesty, setting a limit on himself.

The teacher's skills, to put it bluntly, are not suited for a mere rural swordsmanship instructor. However, in this limited environment, he was not even allowed to realize that.

"...I understand. I will humbly accept it."

And so, I left the dojo in Bidden Village.

To prepare a more suitable place for him.

After that, my feet naturally led me to the Reberio Knights.

The place that could show the highest level of swordsmanship in this country.

I thought it was the best place I could think of.

"From now on, we will begin the practical examination for the knight selection!"

The stern voice of a knight, who seemed to be an instructor, echoed.

First, the candidates would engage in mock battles with each other. The best performers would be selected and then face mock battles with the instructors. This would complete the practical examination.

Joining the knights was a rather anticlimactic experience for me.

Everyone's sword skills were too slow. The teacher was three times faster. Even the experienced instructors, compared to the teacher, had reaction speeds that were more than twice as slow.

Having become accustomed to the teacher's speed and recognizing it as the peak, this place was merely a passing point for me. There was no way I would struggle here.

As a result, I passed both the practical and written exams with perfect scores and immediately became a member of the Reberio Knights after leaving Bidden Village.

The path to becoming the head of the knights was not without its challenges.

As a direct government agency, it was not as simple as rising through the ranks with just sword skills. Being from a merchant family, I had some immunity to such political maneuvering, which was fortunate.

"...Hehe, he hasn't changed at all."

I reread the letter that came back, lost in thought.

Even after leaving Bidden Village, I regularly sent letters to the teacher, mainly to keep him informed of my current situation and to maintain our connection.

He always replied to my letters diligently. I was slightly worried that he might think of me as a shameless and heavy-handed woman, but from the tone of his letters, it didn't seem like he treated me that way. Still, I couldn't be sure unless I asked him directly, and I lacked the courage to do so.

The teacher's modesty seemed unchanged even after I graduated.

But, in a way, that's what makes him the teacher.

Closing my eyes, I could picture the teacher holding his sword with a bright smile.

Naturally, my hand reached for the scabbard at my waist.

"Finally, the approval has been granted, teacher."

Please wait a little longer.

I am preparing a stage worthy of your skills.