Chương 226: Chapter 13: “Yu Heads to Teach Qi Sword Art”

"Why me?"

"There are few who can master Qi Sword Art. There is a limit to the number of people I can teach alone. So, I thought I'd ask someone who stole the techniques to help out." She gave me a glaring look. I'm weak when poked there.

"But what's in it for me?"

"I promised you sometime, didn't I? I'll take you with Teleportation Magic. How about that for a reward?"

"... You thought about it. Fine. I'm in."

"Think of this as bonding too. I'll treat you to a meal." Inea laughed and put her arm around my shoulder. When she concentrated, a magic field distorting space was generated. Just when I thought a momentary floating sensation occurred, I was already in the grounds of the Swordsman Corps—a vast field. I knew that because I could see the headquarters building with the crest of the Swordsman Corps over there. So this is Teleportation Magic. Alright. I learned it.

"Now. There is still time before they come. Show me how much power you have gained."

"Just so you know, my level is already several steps different from when I first fought you. You're no match for me anymore."

"Don't say it so clearly. I know. I'm not so foolish as to be unable to read the difference in ability. I want you to show me your proficiency in a certain technique."

"A certain technique?"" 《Senkraze》. The technique I used at the end when I fought you before. It is also the secret technique of Qi Sword Art."

"Ah, that one. It had quite the power." Though, the principle isn't that difficult. Just concentrate Qi and slash. It's a simple technique.

"If it's just that. Well, I might as well do it." I created a Qi Sword in my left hand. When I concentrated Qi, the Qi Sword changed from white to a dazzling pale blue. This is the change in the Qi Sword that occurs when using this technique. If I increase the power too much, I might wipe out this whole area. This much should be fine. Keeping the power considerably suppressed. Aiming at the sky, I released it.

"《Senkraze》" Simultaneously as I swung the sword down, a sword flash occurred. A pale blue slash, the same color as the Qi Sword, tore through the sky and went straight ahead. Soon, it sliced through the clouds and disappeared into the end of the sky. Looking at Inea—she was speechless, her eyes wide open.

"Yu, you... exactly the same technique as Master...!" Finally, she squeezed out the words. If I recall correctly, the original 《Senkraze》 wasn't a melee technique but a technique to fly a sword flash like this. However, since only Jilph, who has the ability of a FabL, could use it, Inea modified it so that it could be used within the category of ordinary Qi Sword Art—as a melee technique. I just returned it to its original form. To the astonished Inea, I added an explanation."

Qi refers to the power to take internal elements out to the external world and utilize them. Teacher Inea, that's what you said.

'Internal elements' aren't necessarily limited to life energy." In my case, I can also utilize the immense power dwelling in my'World of Heart'. I don't really understand if this power is spiritual energy or what, but anyway, I can use it.

"I thought I could do the same thing with the power dwelling in me. When I tried it, it turned out that this one can be used regardless of distance." If it's only life energy, it disperses as soon as it leaves the body. But if I add the energy of the 'World of Heart', that didn't happen. The 《Qi Severing Palm》 I used the other day is an example. By using Qi kneaded by adding the energy of the 'World of Heart' to life energy, I generate something like an invisible shockwave.

Normally, you have to get close and press your hand, but with my power, I can hit just by aiming from a distance. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"Theoretically, that is correct, but... Only you FabLs can do such a thing. Normally, one can only express life force at best. Normally."

"I feel like I understand how special an existence a FabL is." I have to be careful how I use my power. I can easily do things ordinary people can't even dream of. I'm starting to think myself that this growth pace is indeed abnormal. Inea put her hand on her forehead and sighed deeply. It seems it was beyond her imagination.

"Yu. Don't show that to them. Showing something they absolutely can't do will have the opposite effect..."

"Of course, I intend to." After that, together with Inea, I started teaching Qi Sword Art to dozens of young members who arrived. I'm playing the teacher role despite being clearly younger than them. At first, they looked at me suspiciously, but I silenced them by showing my ability. How to knead Qi, how to maintain the sword, etc. Although there are sensory parts, I taught them as logically and carefully as possible.

Indeed, their memory isn't very good, but they were pleasant fellows who listened obediently to anything and put it into practice immediately. I can nod to why Inea likes them. However, among them—.

"I am Cochran! I look forward to working with you tod—""Good work on your duty. You don't have to pretend to be a rookie."

"... How did you know?" No need to read his mind. His training is clearly different from other rookies. The light deep in his eyes is different.

"I don't know what you're sniffing around for. But tell the guys in the capital. I won't run or hide. If they wish, I'm prepared to come to them."

"Understood. I will certainly convey those words." The man named Cochran turned his back and returned with brisk steps. Noticing something was wrong, Inea approached.

"What happened?"

"There are some occasionally. Guys like that."

"You have your struggles too, huh."

"Tell me about it." Well, other than that, there were generally no problems. Receiving cheerful replies of "Thank you very much!", we finished the instruction. We decided to have dinner at the cafeteria of the Swordsman Corps dormitory. As promised, it's Inea's treat. Wanting to eat fish for a change, I ordered the Grilled Fish Set Meal.

"Food after finishing a job tastes good, doesn't it?"

"Yeah. I agree." Even when I was working in the underworld on Earth, I only felt alive when I was eating in a safe place. Though that was rare. Perhaps because I moved a lot and am hungry, my hands move well. Inea was watching me with a warm gaze while picking at her pasta. It's hard to eat if she watches too much.

"Fufu. You eat well. You can have seconds."

"Then I'll take you up on that." Just when I was about to order seconds. A stern-looking man entered the cafeteria. Short, well-groomed silver hair and a toughly forged body. A large scar on his right cheek caught my eye. His age would be middle-aged? His gaze is sharp like a hawk. Just by entering, he seems to gather quite a lot of attention from the surroundings. When I casually directed my expectation, Inea, sensing it, answered.

"That man. Clam Selenberg. The Dragon Slayer."

"He's the Dragon Slayer." Existence called Dragons exists in this world. Boasting Qi and Magic Power far surpassing humans. The breath unleashed from their huge bodies is said to mow down everything. Currently, seven types have been confirmed. Fire Dragon, Thunder Dragon, Wind Dragon, Earth Dragon, Water Dragon, Light Dragon. And the Black Dragon, considered the highest species among all dragons. The Black Dragon apparently attacked near Sacris before.

In an unprecedented crisis, the Dragon Slayer killed it with a single blow. The hero of the Sacris Swordsman Corps, Clam Selenberg. I knew only the name from books. So he was a guy like this.

"A hero, huh. For one, he seems quite twisted."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah." I don't feel the confidence overflowing from the heart like Inea. Normally, he could be more dignified. But somehow, bluffing is visible.

"To be frank, he doesn't look like much of a guy. He must be strong, but I can't imagine him defeating a Black Dragon."

"Actually... I agree. A Black Dragon is not an opponent an individual can easily defeat. I've been wondering about it for a while. But they say you can't judge a book by its cover."

"That's true." He might have used some trick. Guys who look like nothing at first glance often have surprising hidden techniques. Inea rested her chin on her hand and smiled.

"By the way, I also have experience fighting a Thunder Dragon during my warrior training journey around the world."

"Hoh."

"It was a fun fight. In the end, we hit it off and exchanged sake cups."

"You've had quite interesting experiences."

"Well, yes. Ah. I want to drink sake now. If you were an adult, we would have gone bar hopping together."

"Spare me from your drunken behavior."

"I can't guarantee that." At that moment, my eyes met Clam's. Recognizing us, he made a fearless smile. What. Eventually, finishing the payment and putting his tableware on a tray, he walked straight towards us with dignified steps. And he took the table right next to where Inea and I were sitting facing each other. —This man. What is his intention? What was transmitted when he approached was clear malice. However, I don't know the content. Moreover. Deluxe Grilled Fish Set Meal. This guy.

Subtly ordered something better than mine on purpose. Clam turned to us and called out in a friendly manner.

"The rumored new student, Yu Hoshimi. And Inea of the Qi Sword Art."

"To be spoken to directly by the hero. I'm honored."

"Nice to meet you."

"Hero? Not at all." Laughing as if he didn't mind it, he took a bite of the fish and chewed slowly. After tasting it well, he swallowed. He opened his mouth again.

"I hear you train our young ones daily. I appreciate it." Inea answered that.

"No, it's not worth thanking. As a teacher, it is a natural duty to help motivated fellows grow."

"Wonderful thinking. I also struggle with guiding the younger generation." Folding his arms and nodding profoundly, he asked.

"By the way, if it's not rude, what is the relationship between you two?" I exchanged glances with Inea. When I urged her with my eyes to be cautious, she probably didn't understand the reason, but she immediately sensed the silent message.

"Teacher Inea is my master."

"Yu is my disciple." We matched our stories instantly. Clam looked around my body and nodded impressedly.

"I see. No wonder you are well trained." At least, more trained than you. Even looking closely. In terms of the degree of training, he falls short of me or Inea. Clam's expression became slightly more serious. He seems to be cutting to the chase.

"By the way, this time, although it overlaps with the day of the Stardust Festival —a military exercise is scheduled to be held in the Orir Great Forest. If it is convenient, I would like you to participate as observers. How about it?" Being a direct invitation from a hero, attention naturally gathered from the surroundings. I want to reject him, but I have no reason to refuse here. Refusing something like this tends to lead to troublesome things later. When I nodded slightly, Inea answered on our behalf.

"We don't mind. If our skills are useful. We'll be happy to help."

"I thank you." After chatting idly for a while, Clam finished his meal, bowed, and left the cafeteria. To me pondering silently, Inea asked in a worried tone.

"What happened suddenly earlier? Yu."

"There was malice."

"What?"

"That hero called Clam—smells a bit."

"I see... Let's be careful." But whatever intention he has. If Inea and I are there, there shouldn't be much of a problem. I'll cross-check later just in case. More importantly. I missed the timing for seconds.

"... Can I add a Deluxe Grilled Fish, just the item?"

"... You wanted to eat it, huh. Alright. Go ahead."