Chapter 76.1 - The First Year at the Academy - Into the Unexplored Forest (1)
Chapter 76.1 - The First Year at the Academy - Into the Unexplored Forest (1)
Chapter 76.1. The First Year at the Academy – Into the Unexplored Forest (1)
Two weeks had passed since we finished exterminating Bornis, and during that time, I and ‘Battle Axe of Destruction' had continued to learn offensive skills and train for other skills besides "One-handed Sword" while completing simple requests.
I decided to go for the intermediate level [Sword Flash].
I don't know why I can't remember any other candidates. It was a total mystery.
Markant was overjoyed at my decision, while Valerie was a bit displeased.
I had wondered why he was so competitive, but according to Danil, because he was so excited that his turn had finally come. If he was so happy, I wish I had asked him to tell me earlier.
For the [Sword Flash], I pulled out my lightweight two-handed sword since I didn't have a curved sword.
Markant said he would instruct me on that as well. He has [Two-handed Sword 3] and used to love two-handed swords until he got his holy axe. He was pushing for [Sword Flash] so hard that he couldn't teach it to his rival Valerie. A little dirty.
By the way, Markant has [Axe 7], the same level as my [One-handed Sword 7]. I thought he was close to intermediate level [Slash Axe] then, but I was told that even [Axe 8] is impossible. As far as we know, no one has reached this level, and anyone doesn't know its existence.
It's an afternoon in my backyard, with a hint of autumn.
There're me, ‘Battle Axe of Destruction, and Ted with his gang.
It seems that they got along quite well at the party at the Invisible Mansion, and when they met face to face, they received simple guidance and learned about adventurer knowledge. Danil and Nails in particular have a lot in common in their roles, and they often talk to each other. Recently, it seems that Ose has also joined. I wonder if he's even been taught the art of scouting.
"Okay, go ahead."
At Markant's urging, I readied my wooden sword.
Now it's a one-handed sword, not a two-handed one.
Everyone watches with bated breath.
Concentrate on everything from the palm of my hand that holds the handle to the tip of my toes.
I stepped forward, synchronizing the movements of my entire body.
The feel of the soil, the load on my knees, elbows, and palms.
I was aware of my entire body and prepared for the slightest moment.
The moment something clicked, I issued a command.
The load on my arms and legs increased at once, and a slash that concentrated everything was released.
The sound of blows echoed in the backyard.
Catching my slash with his two-handed sword, Markant smirked.
"That was a [Strong Strike]."
"Oh!!!"
Ted and the others cheered.
It was a success for the time being.
"It's also possible to aim for a higher-compatible [Rock Slash] at this point, but…"
After a moment's pause, he swung down with his two-handed sword.
A blade wind that I could not compare to the [Strong Strike] generated.
As the name suggests, this could cut rocks.
"This one has a uselessly long time."
"It seems useful enough, doesn't it?"
"I've used it a lot, so it's fast enough. But even a time of this level can be fatal. So even if it's not as powerful, the [Strong Strike] is better.
"So that's how it is."
"That's how it is. So – the next one is [Wind Slash]!"
[Double Strike], right?
Valerie stops him from leading the way.
Then Valerie lamented, "I can't believe you beat me to it ……."
The fact Markant also teaches [Two-handed Sword], it inevitably takes a long time to train. That probably affected the order of learning. I'm sorry, I don't know.
"Pops, teach me too!"
"Me too! That gutsy thing you just did! I don't care either way!"
"It's still too early for you guys. Anything is fine, so learn the basics. That comes first."
Markant chases off Ted and Gemma, who are swarming around, but they don't give up.
As he laughed at them, Nails came up to his side.
"Alter-san, look at this."
A drop of water drips from his fingertip.
"Did you use [Pure Water]?"
"Yes! I can only give you a little bit yet."
"No, it's great. Practice before you go to bed. You'll be good at it in no time."
"I'll do my best!"
Nails nodded vigorously, blushing.
Lily was pleased to see him, but she also looked somewhat frustrated.
She was busy working in the gardens and had less time to practice than before. Still, I thought her qualities were better than Nails', so this result was surprising.
At any rate, Nails took the lead over Ted and Gemma in taking the first step toward becoming an adventurer.
Even with life magic, growth is growth. I've got to work out more, too.
As if seeing through such a movement of the heart, Markant calls out to him.
"Do you want to play a game with a [Strong Strike]?"
"I'd like that."
I faced Markant again.
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