Chapter 54

"Roarrrr!!"

This is the training ground of the Reberio Knights.

The sun has just risen, and the day has only just begun, yet a considerable number of people are already diligently training.

I'm aware that I usually come quite early, but even so, the knights here are incredibly dedicated. I think such a diligent attitude towards martial arts should be honestly praised.

"That's it, you're getting the hang of it!"

While dodging the sword tip swung with great force, I praise my opponent.

I am currently engaged in a mock battle, or rather, a striking practice, with these knights.

We use wooden swords to avoid any accidents that might occur if we were to use real swords. I only have a wooden sword right now, but I sometimes think that we should try a practice with real swords at least once. Perhaps I am somewhat obsessed with the madness of the sword.

That unique tingling sensation is something I would rather not feel if possible, but on the other hand, as someone who places themselves in battle, I think it is something that should be experienced at least once. Unlike adventurers, the knights don't seem to have as many opportunities for actual combat.

It would be a problem for the knights if they couldn't wield a sword when the time comes. I might suggest this to Alyssia next time, though I suspect it might be rejected.

"Ughhh!"

"Whoa!"

Oh no, no, no. I shouldn't be thinking about things during practice.

The wooden sword, which seems to have several times the mass of mine, grazes my nose. I did tell him to swing without holding back, but this is a bit nerve-wracking.

However, a large swing has its power, but it also has its openings.

Although still in development, the growth is visible, and as a teacher, I can see the fun in it.

"Here."

"Ugh!?"

After the swing, I lightly tap the now open head with my wooden sword.

A cute scream echoed through the training ground from the impact.

"Alright, let's take a break. You're getting better little by little."

"Really? Haha... hehe..."

I announce the temporary end and relax my stance. Kurni, who had been sparring with me, rubbed his head and smiled happily.

Hmm, a dog. Kurni is really soothing.

However, it's not yet perfect. To further improve his skills, I need to point out both his strengths and weaknesses.

"You're getting used to handling it, and your sword speed is good. But if you swing the same way, your distance will be easily read. In such cases, you need to close the distance and use a riposte or thrust more. Otherwise, you'll leave openings like you did just now."

"Ugh, I understand..."

Kurni's expression darkens.

But I'm not that pessimistic. I didn't expect him to handle a Zweihänder, a weapon with such a strong quirk, this well in such a short time. It's a pleasant surprise.

He must be a naturally powerful type, as he didn't struggle much with the Zweihänder's mass from the beginning. The wooden sword he's swinging now is quite heavy, and with this, he should be able to exert power with a real sword without any problems.

Also, he picks things up quickly.

His naturally honest personality allows him to absorb my teachings easily.

Of course, there are still rough edges, but even so, he has grown to the point where he can overwhelm a general swordsman with his reach and mass. That's why I'm sparring with him.

Of course, this is thanks to the solid foundation of Kurni's body, which has been trained for a long time. It's the best proof that he has continued to train diligently even after leaving our dojo.

The super-reach combos from his small frame.

He's agile and fast. If he can master more practical push-pull techniques and timing, he will become even stronger.

"Don't be down. Kurni is getting stronger."

"Y-Yes, sir!"

My words are not a lie.

At the very least, he's more suited to a Zweihänder than a short sword. This is a sufficient achievement that makes me look forward to the near future.

"Ah, right, sir! Isn't it about time?"

"Hmm? What for?"

Kurni suddenly brightens up as if he just remembered something.

What's about to happen? I don't recall any specific plans or appointments other than training here.

"Your sword, sir!"

"Ah, right..."

I remember. I had forgotten.

It's been a week, hasn't it? When you're training every day, you tend to forget. I don't want to attribute it to my age, though.

"It's been a week. We should go then."

"Right! I'm looking forward to it!"

I had gotten used to not carrying a sword. It's not a good state for a swordsman. Maybe it's because I was carrying a wooden sword instead.

Balder, who was supposed to forge my sword, said he needed a week. That deadline has already passed, so it's about time to go pick it up.

A week has passed since the Mui incident without me gaining any new information.

Alyssia and Lucy have apparently been conducting various inquiries with the Dusk Shadows, but I haven't heard any specific progress.

I know they've been having serious discussions, but it's not something I should pry into. From their expressions, I can guess that things are not so simple.

As for me, there's not much I can do. They understand this, which is why they haven't shared any information with me.

Well, this isn't my jurisdiction, so I'll leave it to the higher-ups.

More importantly, this is more important to me.

"Let's go check it out after today's training."

While it's not a matter of haste, as a swordsman, I want to see it as soon as it's ready. Let's go today.

"Ah, then I'll go with you!"

"Sure, no problem."

When I mentioned going to Balder's forge, Kurni immediately volunteered to come along. Well, there's no reason to refuse, but I'm not sure if there's a specific reason for her to come.

"Hehe, I'm looking forward to your sword, sir!"

Kurni smiles brightly.

I don't know why her excitement is so high, considering it's not an event that would make others so enthusiastic. But it's much better than her being upset. Kurni is a girl who looks good when she's always cheerful.

Besides, I can understand her curiosity about what kind of sword will be completed.

It's a sword that will likely be made with the materials from the special extermination target, Zeno Graybull. To be honest, I have no idea what to expect.

That's both exciting and a bit scary. I'm fine with something moderate. I'm a moderate person, after all.

"Anyway, let's do it after today's training."

"Okay!"

Well, let's take a short break and then resume training.

It's natural to be excited about a new encounter, but as a knight and a teacher, it's important to fulfill my duties. I want to be honest and straightforward with my sword.

"Alright, come at me!"

"Here I come!"

Kurni readies his large wooden sword.

From the sparkle in his eyes, his excitement is a bit higher than before. It was already quite high, but still.

Getting hit by such a large wooden sword, even in training, is something I'd rather avoid. I'll have to put in more effort for today's practice.

I hope Kurni continues to work hard and get stronger.