In the center of the training ground.
“Hah….”
Taking a deep breath, the cold air, as if it could freeze my lungs, fills my insides.
If it were the original me, I would have never engaged in this sparring.
The sudden motivation to do so comes from three main reasons.
First, I must repay the kindness I received.
Camilla provided me with a comfortable place to stay, asking for nothing in return.
If time passes, this kindness will surely grow in my heart like a debt.
So, I need to cut it off before it becomes too big.
And…
I casually turned my head to look at the eager Nameless.
“…”
As someone who has become a master, I’ve always told my disciples that if you receive, you must give back.
Whether it’s a blessing or a poison.
Second, I need to assess the full capabilities of Camilla, who is called the best in the Empire.
From what I could see, the total amount of Qi I possessed overwhelmingly surpassed hers.
However, fights and battles are a complex mix of elements, not just about the amount of Qi.
Different environments or combat styles play a role.
For instance, consider a fight between someone with a bow and someone with a spear.
If the fight starts from a long distance, the one with the bow has a better chance of winning.
But what if the spear-wielder has a shield?
Then the dynamics of the fight become unpredictable.
Of course, the total amount of Qi could help pierce through that shield, but there always remains a chance, right?
I’m a coward who gets scared even by slim chances, so verifying is a must.
This is a spar for my reassurance.
Third… there’s really no convincing reason for this.
I simply wanted to.
Their enthusiasm is quite admirable, and Camilla’s willingness to step forward despite her high position is truly commendable.
And I feel envy for being able to harbor such pure passion.
“Tsk.”
What a ridiculous and embarrassing reason.
My sword only contains hatred. It has grown dirty and filthy, yet they seem so pure!
I suppose it’s correct to say I felt jealousy.
I know there’s a vast gap between us, yet I still want to confirm that my sword isn’t wrong, even like this.
With a somewhat self-deprecating smile, I raised my wooden sword and pointed it at them.
“What are you all doing? Come at me all at once.”
Well then, let’s have some fun.
*
The small-framed woman smirks while wielding her wooden sword, directing it at the Knights.
“What are you all doing? Come at me all at once.”
Plus, her somewhat provocative words.
If she were an ordinary person, you’d expect someone of her slenderness to be laughed at or face consequences for such blatant provocation.
But the Knights felt a tension and straightened their swords instead.
They knew of Camilla, who, despite being of smaller stature, possessed monstrous strength.
Moreover, didn’t that imply that this small woman was recognized by the monster they followed?
There’s no way anyone here would think she’s weaker than them if they’re not a fool.
Nervous swallows and clanks of weapons being drawn echoed around.
With that sound, without anyone saying who would go first, they slowly began to move.
The spar led by Cheon Ha-rang commenced.
*
A knight swung his sword horizontally, obstructing Cheon Ha-rang’s view.
“Clumsy tricks can backfire.”
Cheon Ha-rang skillfully dodged the incoming multitude of swords.
-Bam!
She kicked away the knight obstructing her line of sight.
“Cough-!”
The knight flew away, hiding behind him was another knight preparing to attack.
As if to deny her a moment’s respite, blades came raining down.
Three were approaching.
Cheon Ha-rang’s pupils rolled quickly.
High, medium, low,
She deflected the mid-level attack with the side of her wooden sword, twisting to block the high strike.
“What?!”
Quickly, her foot rose to stomp down on one of the swords aimed at her ankle.
Cheon Ha-rang used the entangled swords as a shield and opened her mouth.
“Attacks aimed low take longer to execute since you have to lower your body.”
Cheon Ha-rang spun around.
The entwined swords made a loud screech as they bounced away.
Finally, she kicked the sword beneath her foot to the ground, sending the three knights soaring into the air.
“From now on, the person responsible for the low strikes should move half a beat quicker.”
The knights engraved her words into their very beings before they could cringe in embarrassment.
-Bam!
The small-framed woman had already taken down nine knights and dusted off her clothes.
Even in that movement, she showed no signs of vulnerability.
“Hmm, so it’s ten and five now.”
Cheon Ha-rang’s pupils moved slowly.
The corners of her mouth lifted slightly, displaying a refreshing smile.
“Quit trying to gauge me and come at me all at once.”
The knights could feel the cold sweat trickling down their backs.
“Even if you gauge me, you wouldn’t see the depths of my training, so…”
Cheon Ha-rang’s eyes narrowed.
“Don’t move clumsily, and approach me with respect.”
Got it?
Cheon Ha-rang smiled brightly.
“““““Yes!!!”””””
Once again, the Knights and Cheon Ha-rang clashed, this time with even greater intensity.
*
In the center of the training ground.
“Guh…”
Aside from me standing there, no one was left unscathed.
“Hmm.”
I feel a bit guilty now…
The Knights’ skill turned out to be higher than expected, and I may have miscalibrated my strength.
Of course, compared to Lucius or Nameless, their individual combat skills were nothing…
Well, they looked pretty capable, and I think those ten could overpower Nameless.
Isn’t that impressive?
To think that those who seemed talentless could potentially overpower a genius like Nameless.
Furthermore, their true strength wasn’t just personal prowess.
When the group known as the ‘Knights’ attacked together, it wasn’t just simple addition; it became wildly complex.
Surely, they didn’t neglect their training under Camilla’s teachings.
Given that…
How much potential did Camilla have to cultivate a group of unremarkable individuals into such strong fighters?
-Crunch
I forced my body to contort and dodged the incoming sword, twisting my misaligned bones back in place.
I casually turned my head to glance at Camilla.
Surprisingly, she wore a calm expression instead of being upset as I anticipated.
I was momentarily surprised by Camilla’s demeanor and then opened my mouth with a grin.
“Hey, why are you grinning like that? Feeling bad?”
Camilla seemed displeased with my expression, furrowing her brows.
My smile grew wider.
If she hears what I’m about to say, her face will surely turn red.
“Camilla.”
“Don’t act all formal, just call me as usual.”
That rude little brat…
Tsk, I wanted to boost my presence in front of the Knights, but if that’s what she wants, then it’s only right I oblige.
Letting out a small sigh, I spoke again.
“…Okay, kiddo.”
“What?”
As if waiting for my response, Camilla tilted her head.
With one corner of her mouth lifted, she slowly moved closer, approaching me with her arms crossed.
“I’ve been thinking…”
I slung my arm over Camilla’s shoulders, and her brows twitched.
“Isn’t it only right that you should be included as a target for the chief spar?”
“…Huh?”
Camilla’s brows completely furrowed, glaring at me.
Yes, this is it.
This is the expression I wanted to see from the little brat.
A brat like her deserves to be taught a lesson at least once, don’t you think?
I’m sure I’m not the only one who wants that.
…Of course, I’m not entirely sure that I could win, but this isn’t a life-or-death duel; it’s just a friendly spar.
Since I won’t be putting her life at risk, I’ll be able to assess her strength without much pressure.
Slowly, Camilla’s frown began to ease, and a sly grin appeared.
And so, it went for both of us.
Since our goals align, there’s nothing to hide.
Camilla can gauge my strength, and I can assess the martial capabilities of the best in the Empire.
Isn’t that a fair condition?
“Are you okay? Don’t go breaking any bones, elder!”
With those words, Camilla draws out a sword nearly the size of her body that was planted in the ground.
“I’m fine; after all, I’m the elder here.”
“Pfft.”
Seeing that deflating smile from Camilla made me grin even wider.
“Shouldn’t an elder discipline the rude little brat?”
“…Rude little brat? Me?”
“Oh wait, I guess you’re not a brat.”
I leaned in close to her ear.
“Now that I think about it, I suppose you’re just an old lady.”
