Chapter 3: School of the One-Flash

Chapter 3: School of the One-Flash

Someone with the atmosphere of an old man had arrived.

At the end of the wacky mansions garden, the old man- my new teacher Master Yasushi1 was sitting in front of me.

He was a bearded man wearing a shabby kimono.

He looked like a ronin, but somehow the atmosphere about him was different.

He was probably someone who had mastered true martial arts.

Sir Liam.

Slowly and quietly the master called my name.

Y-yes?

Maybe noticing how I was shaking, master started to smile.

You dont have to be so tense. First, I guess Ill explain some things about my style.

Master showed me his katana.

Swords were something that were used in this universe, so itd be better to learn how to use it if I can.

There wasnt anything special about it, but I could really feel the atmosphere of a master around him. I could tell, he was a great choice for an instructor.

Sir Liam, this is my schools only secret technique, so dont show or use it recklessly. With that said, I still need to show you the benefits of studying under me, so this is a special case. If possible, Id appreciate it if you were the only one to witness it.

This is great.

I didnt think that Id be shown a secret technique so soon.

Standing behind me, Amagi sent a suspicious look towards Master.

Unacceptable, that would be a breach of safety protocols.

But Master didnt break his expression.

In that case, I will have to decline this job request.

I immediately gave the order to Amagi.

Amagi, Ill permit it.

Frowning, and with a look that showed she was a little hesitant-

please call me for help if something happens.

Said this and left.

Once it was just the two of us, Master took out some logs he had prepared beforehand.

He handed them over to me.

Are you going to cut this?

You bet, just place them anywhere you wish, Sir Liam. Preferably, somewhere farther than my swords length.

Once I decided where I wanted them, Master told me to just stick them into the ground.

After the logs were set, Master began to ready his stance from a distance his sword couldnt possibly reach.

The blade was still sheathed.

Sir Liam, the Flash is a secret technique that combines both the powers of martial arts and magic power. This one technique is enough. If you can master this, then all you need to practice from then on would be the basics.

I was breathless in the atmosphere surrounding Master.

This is a technique that must never be seen. The moment that someone is able to see it, it loses all meaning. This is the secret behind the Flash.

Having said that, Master pressed his thumb against the hilt of his sword and pushed it out of its sheath slightly, making a clear snapping sound.

His right arm didnt even move to draw it.

If I didnt know any better, than I wouldve thought he didnt do anything at all but-

Youve got to be kidding me.

-All the logs were cleaved and fell to the ground.

The cuts were so beautiful, its as if they were cut with a completely different blade.

Theres no way that the blade could reach this far, was the technique something akin to a sword draw?2

Master exhaled a loud breath and turned towards me while I was puzzled.

This is the secret technique, Flash.

How did you cut them?

To my astonished self, Master displayed his sword to me again and lightly shook it.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Another log was sliced in two, one of the extra ones that I didnt set up, but the thing was, it was behind Master this time.

Youll understand as you undergo the process of learning it. Only through rigorous self-discipline can someone learn the answer. With that said, Ill ask you, do you want to learn the Flash?

I quickly nodded my head.

I do!

Fantasy universes are amazing! I never wouldve thought in my wildest dreams that there were skills like this!

Several years have passed since that day.

Liam is ten years old now.

Everyday, he continued to train in the basics Yasushi taught him.

Yasushi was watching him from a distance.

Children sure do learn things quickly Now then, what should I do for our next lesson?

He not only taught the basics of the sword, but also the basics of spearmanship, hand-to-hand combat, knives, and many other things.

In the first place, Yasushi didnt have a lot that he could teach anyways.

Even while he was teaching Liam, there were even times when he couldnt even pass on the basics clearly.

Yasushi was resting in the shade of a tree as he looked towards the new mansion.

The old weird-looking mansion was demolished, and a rather simple mansion was built in its stead.

The Banfields are said to have a terrible taste in architecture, but that kid seems to have rather humble preferences.

Yasushi didnt think that he was treated that badly, but compared to the other nobles he had seen, Liam was terribly frugal.

Even today he was desperately practicing the basics.

In just three years, Yasushi was already running out of things to teach.

So now he just watched.

I drew my sword and bisected the official in half.

Blood spurted out and stained the room red.

your mouth, close it.

Amagi started using some kind of spray on me.

The blood stains on me started to bubble up and disappear.

Master, hes already dead.

I looked down at the body, the image of it started to overlap with the adulterer from my previous life.

The man who took everything away from me.

One of his lawyers came and suddenly started spouting accusations, saying that I was in the wrong.

I couldnt do anything, and was fired from the company I worked at. It was only a cruel life that awaited me from there.

This is my power, and my right. Trash like you deserved to die! Im pissed now. Amagi, look through the data thoroughly. From here on, all corrupted officials are to be executed!

I take care of the subordinates that follow me, but I have no mercy for those who try to take advantage of me for their own gain.

Im the only one whos allowed to oppress the people of my territory.

Master, please release your grip.

Amagi had grabbed onto my hands which were still holding the sword.

I tried to let go, but my fingers wouldnt move.

H-huh?

Dont worry, Im here for you.

Gently, one by one she pried my fingers off the swords handle.

I was sweating profusely by the time I finally let go.

-Am I feeling guilty for killing someone for the first time? Thats quite pathetic for someone aiming to become an Evil Lord.

Amagi received my sword that was still dripping blood and sheathed it.

As I thought, I cant do this alone. It doesnt need to be at the same level as yourself, but start preparing suitable robots and AIs that can work management positions.

I thought as much while looking down at the officials corpse.

AIs were more useful than trash like this.

The only problem is the matter regarding reputation.

Brian said that the use of AIs was something looked down on in the Empire, but that didnt matter to me.

I was prepared for the consequences.

How many can we afford?

Amagi answered immediately.

Well, we do need more personnel to manage the mansion From a financial standpoint we can afford twelve maid units like myself. After that, if theyre specifically designed to help govern the territory there shouldnt be any problems as long as we make the necessary preparations.

Do what you need to do.

I shall begin the arrangements immediately.

I looked at the officials body one more time and stuck my tongue out.

Amagi is better than you.

Brian was in the new mansion educating the new servants.

They all had scared looks on their faces.

Not too long ago, Liam had executed all the corrupt officials at once.

He purged the territory of its filth.

As a result, there were many rumors flying around about the young lord Liam.

One of them being that he would immediately murder any servant who angered him.

Brian took the time to explain the truth to them.

Its true that you should watch your behaviour around Lord Liam, but hes kind to those who work hard. You dont need to be any more afraid of him than necessary.

One of the maids anxiously raised her hand.

What is it?

Oh, well um I heard Lord Liam calls over servants to serve him in that way so, umm

The owner of the house lays his hands on the servants.

Such a story was commonplace among the nobility.

Sometimes women would take advantage of these rumors and try to sell themselves into houses.

However, it seems that girls were actually scared and felt anxious whenever they heard stories about Liam.

Lord Liam is still young, and only keeps Amagi by his side, so theres no need for you to worry about such things.

Thats when someone muttered,

keeping a robot by his side.

Brian was keen on those words.

I will pretend I didnt hear those words, but please refrain from saying things of the sort from now on.

Amagi has been the source of many problems for Brian.

That said, he couldnt help but realize something in these last few years.

Liam trusted Amagi far more than necessary.

It was almost as if he was a spoiled child and in truth, he was.

Despite his young age, he was quite fierce and determined, but there must still be a part of him that yearned for a mother-figure.

(Lord Liam is quite wise for his age he should already understand that hes been abandoned. Lord Cliff, why didnt you raise him with more love?)

Amagi is a very special existence for Lord Liam, so take care to not undermine her. If Lord Liam finds out, theres nothing Ill be able to do to help you.

While young, Liam was already feared inside the territory.

(Despite that, the domain is definitely improving. If its Lord Liam, theres no doubt the Banfield family will be able to regain its former glory.)

However at the same time, he did gain a little popularity for purging the corrupted officials.

Thinking about this, Brian once again swore allegiance to Liam in his heart.