Skip Magician 7

Test

Chapter 7. Enthralled

Basic movement class. What's the point of calling it that when combat styles vary from person to person? 

There's a swordsmanship devised by the first Magic Knight Corps commander, Alfred Bifrans, which many Magic Knights use. 

It's simply called the "Kingdom Style One-handed Magic Swordsmanship". Since it was created to combine it with magic, it involves wielding the sword with one hand free.

"Like this?"

"...Self-taught?"

"If I'm clumsy, just say so."

Did you know being overly considerate hurts more?

"Well... I probably could be better. But my grip on the sword is correct, and the underlying movements should be from the Kingdom Style One-handed Magic Swordsmanship..."

"Ah... My dad was a Magic Knight, so even though I wasn't taught any forms, I've been doing sparring relentlessly."

"I see, so you've self-taught while having the foundation of magic swordsmanship."

Actually, it's only since coming to this academy that I learned there are sword forms like that. It'd be nice if they taught that kind of stuff first... darn it, Dad.

"Since this is a class specifically for learning the Kingdom Style One-handed Swordsmanship, I can't say this too loudly... but you should continue to refine your self-taught swordsmanship. It's already surpassed the point where corrections would be useful and has evolved into your own unique style, optimized for you."

"...Is that so?"

He talked a lot, but summarizing, it's like saying, "Your sword technique is great!" Isn't it? Handsome guys really do have a sense of composure.

Even after observing various movements, my style has become completely self-taught swordsmanship.

"Well, you showed me something interesting."

"Is that so? Well, I'm glad then."

I thought I wasn't the type to show off. But when I received applause with smiles, I got a little carried away. They say even a pig will climb a tree if you goad it.

"Then it's my turn."

"Jeremiah, are you also practicing the Kingdom Style One-handed Magic Swordsmanship?"

"That's right. I've been practicing the same form since I was little, so I'm confident."

He said that with a joyful smile, so I glanced at the other students' forms. Basically, they wield the sword while keeping their left hand free, but there's always a brief moment between slashes. Presumably, that moment is for casting magic between strikes, as part of the original form.

While being aware of that, watching Jeremiah's movements. I was speechless.

It's like watching a graceful dance. His movements have no waste, and the sword flows as if it's become a part of Jeremiah's body, incredibly natural. Yet, if you pay attention, between each strike, there's a brief moment where he could easily insert a shortened spell. That interval is the limit speed for the shortened spells Jeremiah can produce. No, it's fast.

"How's that?"

"Ah, um... I was mesmerized."

This time, I couldn't help but understand the reactions of the girls cheering from the sidelines. It's like watching a graceful sword dance, almost like being captivated by figure skating routines. Honestly, it's admirable.

"I see, that's good. I have confidence in my swordsmanship, but I can't help but feel nervous."

Lies. Until a moment ago, you swung your sword happily as if dancing.

No, he wasn't dancing; he was simply linking forms together, but incomparable to other students. Indeed, the top rank is on a different level.

"I actually feel like dueling you right now..."

"I don't want to."

"Well, I thought as much."

To be blunt... if I went all out, I could beat Jeremiah. But that would be risky for me. And besides, if the match with Jeremiah ended too easily, it wouldn't be fun. If I'm going to do it, I want a bigger stage and a place without unsophisticated spectators.

"I'm waiting for you to climb the ranks."

"I don't want that either."

"Aha... Climbing the ranks guarantees your position in the student council, you know?"

"I don't need it."

Isn't the student council just something where you obey what the teachers say? People who want to be in it just want good grades,? There are no grades at the Chronos Magic Knight Academy, anyway.

"Where are you going?"

"Oh, to the library."

"The lower ranks have detention, you know?"

Since class was over, I was about to head straight to the library when I was caught by Elixira. Despite acting all high and mighty, you're also close to the bottom of the ranks?

"Oh, you're all gathered. You're ranked from the bottom 30."

A muscle-bound instructor, clearly strong, looked around at the 30 of us with a somewhat disgusted expression. Well, from the perspective of meritocratic Magic Knight Corps members, being ranked from the bottom 30 is at a level where it's hard to understand why you're in the Magic Knight Department.

"Well... there are many things I'd like to say, but being a Magic Knight is impossible for you all. I recommend transferring."

"Well, yeah."

"Why are you agreeing?"

"Well, it's impossible, isn't it?"

The instructor's way of speaking is harsh, but he's stating the facts. After all, only those ranked within the top 100 can properly claim the title of Magic Knight after graduation, right? Honestly, can someone who ranks 900th in the entrance exam become a Magic Knight in the future? I don't think so.

"Among them, the most outrageous are 984th, Theodore Ansem—"

"See, it's you."

"—and 983rd, the third daughter of the Biflance family, you."

"...Huh?"

Well, of course.

"984th, Theodore Ansem... you are an unprecedented idiot. Talent doesn't even matter. You're the first person in the history of the Chronos Magic Knight Academy to skip the rank-determining exam."

"Sorry."

"And the third daughter of the Biflance family, Elixir Biflance—"

"...Me!?"

"That's right. You can't even swing a sword properly... why did you join the Magic Knight Department?"

I couldn't help but laugh. This instructor really is an interesting person.

"Do you remember the instructor's name?"

"You didn't listen, did you? He introduced himself at the beginning, right? Glorios Gast. He belongs to the Third Division in the Magic Knight Corps."

I won't say anything because I'll get scolded, but how many divisions there are in the Magic Knight Corps.