Chapter 50. Soft Sword Technique And Rapier
Since we managed to reserve the training ground, the duel between Jeremiah and Ash could proceed in peace. The training ground provides plenty of space for us to watch from a distance, making it ideal. Though I originally had no intention of watching, it turned out to be perfect.
“Hey... Do I really need to watch when the outcome is obvious?”
“Please participate in group activities. When you become a Magic Knight, teamwork is fundamental.”
“We can practice teamwork during class. This is a personal matter, right?”
Even as a Magic Knight, personal time isn’t completely lost. There’s no need to watch this duel.
“And Hilalda, why are you casually joining us in watching?”
“I always observe Jeremiah’s duels to devise countermeasures.”
Isn’t that stalking?
“Actions like stalking will get you arrested by the Magic Knights.”
“Hmm? I think it’s normal... many female students follow Jeremiah around.”
“Well... that’s like a fan club.”
“Ready whenever you are... but I recall your style is more defensive.”
“Yes. Though I have offensive techniques, today I want to observe Jeremiah Frisberg’s swordsmanship closely.”
“Alright. Fine with me.”
Jeremiah appears quite composed. Whether he thinks showing his techniques is no problem or sees it as his duty as a high-ranking noble, it’s probably both.
“Ahem... the duel between Jeremiah Frisberg, ranked 1st, and Ash Garndi, ranked 33rd, will commence. As stipulated, if Ash Garndi wins, the rankings will be adjusted.”
Jeremiah grabbed a random instructor to officiate. The instructor’s expression suggested this wasn’t the first time, indicating Jeremiah often ropes them into such things.
“Begin!”
With the instructor’s signal, Jeremiah drew his rapier and closed the distance in an instant, thrusting at Ash. I thought it might end there, but Ash parried with his bare left hand.
“...That was impressive. Concentrating magic in your left hand to increase its hardness and deflect the blow?”
“Garndi family’s soft sword technique... I heard rumors, but didn’t expect him to deflect such a sharp thrust bare-handed.”
“He never deflected my attacks bare-handed during our fights.”
The timing must have forced him to use his bare hand. Jeremiah’s real speed far surpassed Ash’s expectations.
“That one strike proved it. You truly deserve to be ranked 1st.”
“Really? It’s just begun, though.”
“Hmph... this is what it means to be 1st.”
At that moment, Ash seemed to grasp the difference in their abilities. Without fully showing his soft sword technique or Jeremiah’s magical swordsmanship, Ash’s situational awareness was exceptional.
“Every human action has a tell. Whether breathing, blinking, attacking, or defending... my soft sword technique analyzes and counters them all. In front of me, all actions are parried and countered with greater force.”
“An excellent technique... as expected of the Garndi family, who rose to nobility with a single sword.”
“But... there’s a limit to human reaction speed. No matter how aware, the body has a limit. That’s the boundary of my soft sword technique.”
Indeed, to parry, Ash must act before the opponent’s attack, or it’s meaningless. Garndi family’s counterattack uses the opponent’s force against them. Without parrying, it’s just a regular strike.
In that instant, Ash realized he couldn’t parry Elmia’s full power, meaning his soft sword technique was ineffective.
“Yet, this boundary is current. I’ll grow stronger and someday parry your sword.”
“...I like your determination.”
Acknowledging defeat but showing indomitable spirit, Elmia’s demeanor shifted from a gentlemanly air to the formidable presence of the strongest first-year in Chronos Magic Knight Academy. Even from a distance, we felt his intense pressure.
Nina trembled with a smile, Ivy’s suspicious grin faded, Elixira shrunk nervously, and Hilalda looked displeased.
“Come on!”
With Ash’s fierce declaration, Jeremiah advanced.
“I can’t see it!?”
“Only understand that it’s a tremendous barrage... this is rank 1!”
Jeremiah’s relentless barrage differed from the magical swordsmanship forms shown in class. The foundation was the same, but it felt like a custom style focused on thrusting.
“Amazing... watching Jeremiah go all out while avoiding vital areas.”
“Annoyingly strong, isn’t he?”
Though familiar, Hilalda’s gaze sharpened as Jeremiah got serious. Likely, she too aspired to defeat Jeremiah genuinely.
“Can you see it!?”
“Yes. Even Ivy sees it.”
“Fufu.”
“Why are you laughing...”
Nina seemed unable to see clearly, but Ivy, Hilalda, and I could observe Elmia’s attacks.
“Though not using magic, Jeremiah’s barrage is designed to create gaps, preventing Ash from parrying. It’s a calculated battle style, considering Ash’s soft sword technique.”
It’s like threading a needle with precise swordsmanship. Jeremiah’s rapier, reportedly custom-made, was finer than usual. Despite its fragility, he wielded it fiercely, an awe-inspiring feat.
“...I can’t see that clearly.”
“Indeed... Theodore Anthem, you’re no ordinary person.”
Wait, didn’t you all just say you could see it!? Don’t pull the rug out now!
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