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Chapter 51. Strongest Of The First Years

Even so, I can only describe Jeremiah's swordsmanship as beautiful. It's practically an art form. While I like Nina's efficient, combat-focused style, I still prefer the artistic beauty of Jeremiah's technique. Above all, I'm impressed by his ability to subtly change his movements to keep his enemies guessing.

"From what I can see, Jeremiah's swordsmanship seems to be based on 15 fundamental moves. He selects and uses the most effective one at the moment... and he can transition to any of the 15 moves from his current stance."

"So, we have to predict a 1 in 15 chance of his next move?"

"Swordsmanship isn't that simple. Those are just 15 basic moves, but Jeremiah adds variations to prevent his opponent from predicting his next action."

Thinking about such fine details during a fight would give me a headache, but Jeremiah seems to handle it with ease.

"He's not even fighting seriously yet. Theodore, you know that too."

"Of course. Jeremiah's style is the Royal One-Handed Magic Swordsmanship... it incorporates magic into swordplay."

"But he's not using magic. So, Jeremiah Frisberg is..."

"Exactly, he's not serious yet."

The Royal One-Handed Magic Swordsmanship was created by the first commander of the Magic Knights, Alfred Bifrance, during the Great War between humans and demons. Unlike wars between nations, this war was a prolonged, bloody conflict for survival, spanning centuries. The swordsmanship born from such a battlefield was designed to kill efficiently.

The strength of the Royal One-Handed Magic Swordsmanship lies in seamlessly integrating magic into sword combat. Surprise an enemy with magic during a sword fight, and you can kill them easily.

Jeremiah's variant, developed post-war, focuses on thrusting swords and rapiers. Though not explicitly designed for killing, it retains traces of its deadly origins.

"If Jeremiah uses magic, you think Ash will lose quickly?"

"Not necessarily. Even though Ash specializes in soft swordsmanship, he can use magic."

"I see..."

Nina was terrible at magic. Ash probably didn't use magic in their duel because he wanted to rely solely on his soft swordsmanship.

Ash's soft swordsmanship, developed by former Baron Garndi during monster hunts, counters heavy attacks. It's not ideal against human opponents, so Ash is adapting it for such encounters. His technique is still evolving.

Jeremiah likely understands this from a few exchanges and is watching Ash's development without using magic.

"He's such a weirdo."

Watching others grow stronger excites him... that's weird. And the worst part is, I'm the only one noticing it.

"I'm a bit jealous... I'd love to fight a strong opponent too."

"Why not challenge Jeremiah to a duel? He'd accept."

"You're the strongest in my eyes, Theo."

That's news to me.

Anyway... how long are those two going to keep this up? Even the instructor seems bewildered, struggling to follow their moves.

Jeremiah may want Ash's technique to mature, but he's not holding back. Without magic, he's still fighting seriously. Ash, however, is deftly parrying fatal blows.

This seems to impress Ivy and Hilalda too, who are now watching Ash as well.

"Did Jeremiah... just smile?"

Despite dominating, Jeremiah smiled mid-fight—a rare, competitive grin, unlike his usual gentle smile.

His next move deviated from the usual 15 forms, catching Ash off-guard. Ash's sword was deflected, and a thrusting sword aimed at his throat.

"My win."

"...I lost completely."

I glanced at Ivy and Hilalda, who seemed unfazed. But I clearly saw an unfamiliar move in that last strike.

"That's enough. Winner: Jeremiah Frisberg. No change in rankings."

Hearing this, Elixira sighed deeply. It was an intense fight, but why are you so tired?

"Though the outcome was predictable, Ash Garndi was stronger than expected."

"Yes... stronger than I imagined."

They didn't notice the last move either. While I pondered it, Jeremiah caught my eye. After a brief stare, he smiled knowingly.

So, it's a secret, huh?