Chapter 60

I will translate the text into English using first-person point of view as requested. Here is the translation:

—

Asulin’s valuable advice based on her experience had momentarily opened up unforeseen horizons for me.

On the third day, I still hadn’t successfully tamed the Failord.

Even when I allowed the Failord to interfere every time I performed a sword technique inspired by Asulin’s advice, the sword techniques were smoother than ever. But this didn’t last long.

Whenever I tried to perform my own interpretation of the sword techniques, the Failord immediately interfered, just like before. Thus, I couldn’t tame the beast.

…Even though the completion of the techniques was high, I couldn’t be satisfied with them because they were basic techniques that come with the imperial martial arts training. I tried again with my own interpretation and intent infused in the sword.

Uuung—!

The Failord’s blade vibrated loudly, stopping me from swinging it.

Though the Failord didn’t speak to me, this vibration felt like it was saying, “You think you can swing me like this!” and pierced into my mind.

Despite its force, I continued to swing my sword, but soon enough, my blade followed the path the Failord guided.

Tired of this, I let the Failord control my body until I could hardly breathe.

By the end of the third day, all I had achieved was becoming a puppet of the Failord’s will, swinging the sword as it desired…

That was all there was to it.

“Let’s see.”

With a phrase that even street thugs wouldn’t dare say, I left the training ground, knowing that this day ended in defeat once again.

The next day, the fourth day, I started working on taming the Failord and unleashing its potential in a different way than before.

Uuung—!

“Asulin, are you ready?”

In response to Asulin’s question, after summoning Kaladbolg with a smile, I replied:

“Of course.”

With my short reply as a signal, Asulin’s body flashed like lightning and charged at me, stabbing towards my chest.

While following the trajectory of Asulin’s sword, I swung the Failord, starting the fourth day’s battle with the sound of steel singing.

Since it was clear that the Failord wouldn’t listen to me no matter what, this was an attempt to remind myself that if I let it act freely, I might die or get seriously injured, which would mean I wouldn’t find a satisfactory user for a while.

Even though it’s one of the three great swords in the empire, having to go through such a ridiculous performance just to handle a single sword is truly heartbreaking.

But what else could I do? To support a crumbling dukedom, I needed someone to wield the symbol of the family like their own limbs. This effort was necessary.

Uuung—!!

With a ferocious strike, the Failord raised its sword with the intent to cut me into two pieces.

Though the power was reduced due to lack of hostility, it still managed to create a dent in the training ground floor centered around where I stood.

‘Tian Bong (Heavenly Collapse)!’

This fatal technique, which had previously shattered a monster covering a city, was now being executed without hostility.

Though it seemed impossible given the frail appearance that would struggle even with armor, the immense power pressed down on me with Kaladbolg.

Twisting my body, I barely avoided the downward pressure and counterattacked towards Asulin.

Asulin evaded my thrust with a skill that looked almost like magic, twisting her body in mid-air, ending the first round of combat.

Looking at Asulin, who was at a proper distance, I saw no words, only a stern gaze.

This gaze often carried worry, but despite the worry, the desire to win against me was evident.

This genius, known for defeating even Her Majesty Claudia in unofficial duels, was trying to add another line to his perfect record by showing his competitive spirit towards me.

Even if someone showed competitive spirit towards me, it could feel unpleasant or dangerous.

“But honestly, I thought you wouldn’t block or dodge it, so I threw it without expecting you to block.”

Seeing Asulin’s stiff expression soften and a light smile, those negative thoughts vanished instantly.

“Holding the Failord barely blocked it. If I had held another sword, I wouldn’t have thought about blocking Kaladbolg’s attack from above, which feels like the sky collapsing.”

I calmly admitted that Asulin’s sword was sharp.

Though Asulin’s expression softened, it was brief.

“Then, I’ll try again.”

Determined to fulfill her duty, Asulin charged at me with Kaladbolg upright, not carrying any hostility.

Even without hostility, the pressure felt like a mountain range crashing towards me.

Uuuuung—!!

Responding to Asulin’s momentum, Kaladbolg also made a loud noise, attempting to break my spirit.

Even the knights renowned in the empire would have been overwhelmed by such pressure and would have chosen to flee.

Usually, I would avoid such confrontations, but today was different.

Uuung— Uuuuung—!!

The Failord made a loud noise. It felt like the space itself was being erased by Asulin’s approaching form.

Or perhaps, seeing Kaladbolg, gleaming in Asulin’s hand, ignited my competitive spirit.

Whether it was either reason, it was hard to tell without hearing the voice.

Now, I need to focus on taming the Failord.

“Hey.”

I called out to the Failord with a low voice.

For some reason, time seemed to slow down in response to my call.

Uuung—!!

The Failord, held in my hand, also reacted strongly to the distortion of time, making a louder noise.

Unlike the usual victorious cries after controlling me, this strange unease spread through my hands and arms.

Well, considering how surprised I was when this ability first activated, this reaction was normal…

No, I need to focus on the task at hand.

“Why does the better Kaladbolg listen to its master, but you ignore me?”

I aimed to undermine the Failord.

Uuung— Uuuuuung—!!

Forgetful of the slowed time, the Failord responded with a loud noise, as if spitting insults.

Though it has self-awareness, the direct comparison with Kaladbolg seemed to irritate it.

…It might work.

Before the excited Failord took over my body again, I needed to say something more.

“Again, using the same old techniques won’t stop the woman who’s coming at me with the intent to devour me.”

Uuung—!!

“Shut up and go in! I won’t say it twice. I don’t plan to ask for help grandly. Just watch quietly. I’ll make sure you know who holds you this time.”

…

After my fierce retort, the Failord’s noise ceased.

Normally, after this, I wouldn’t feel its energy forcing my body to move.

Though my attitude was defiant, the important thing was to do what I could without interference.

I initiated the technique. Blocking Asulin’s sword, which was raised diagonally with Kaladbolg, I launched a relentless counterattack to subdue her with the optimal technique.

At the moment the technique completed, the flow of time returned to normal.

‘…Speed up!’

Seizing the moment, Asulin’s right hand swung Kaladbolg diagonally, aiming to finish the battle with a decisive blow.

With a ferocity like a bolt of lightning, the decisive strike came down.

When I first saw this technique, which had never failed against demons, I could only think of dodging. But…

“Ta-aah!”

My body refused to dodge and instead issued a loud shout, swinging the Failord.

Kaladbolg and the Failord, two of the empire’s great swords, clashed with their blades.

Craaang—!!

The usual noisy sounds became a clear, beautiful metallic ring.

Though Asulin’s powerful strike, judged by its force and position, should have dominated, I found a gap in that moment and countered.

Seizing the opportunity, I aimed the Failord at Asulin’s neck.

“…Checkmate.”

I declared my victory in this training session.

Even though we agreed to take it easy, this was the first time I won against Asulin, who always pressured me to the fullest.

It was also a meaningful moment when I briefly controlled the Failord according to my will.

– Not bad…

-Hmm?

-How long it will take… I’m not sure…but I’ll keep watching.

…Failord?