Volume 7 - CH 7

Chapter 7 – Meeting With Captain Andrea

Early in the morning, Etou, Kohaku, and Amou were engaged in a mock battle at the Knights’ training ground. To improve his basic physical ability and swordsmanship, Eto doesn’t use any support magic in that mock battle. So, Kohaku and Amber had to attack Amou, who was as strong as a B-rank adventurer, together.

Eto narrowed the distance and attacked Amou with the training sword in his hand. He didn’t finish his attack with just a single slash, but he hit Amou many times while changing angles, causing the high-pitched sound of wooden swords hitting each other to echo through the large training ground.

All of Eto’s slashes were blocked by Amou. But if he stops there, he will give Amou the chance to attack. So, Eto keeps slashing at Amou, changing his attack, so it doesn’t become monotonous, while looking for an opportunity to attack Amou’s weak spot. As Eto kept attacking Amou from the front, Kohaku came and slashed Amou from the side.

It was a sharp blow, but Amou quickly took a step back and evaded Kohaku’s assault. With that momentum, Amou rushed forward and grabbed Eto’s sword, as if he wanted to take it. By the time Eto realized, the training sword that was supposed to be in his right hand was already flying in the air. And before the sword fell to the floor, Amou’s sword struck Kohaku’s neck.

“Haaa, we still can’t win even with two people. You should distract Dad more, Eto.” Kohaku said, vexed.

The surprise attack that Kohaku launched from the side was indeed evaded easily because Eto’s distraction wasn’t enough.

“Ah, my bad. But, to think you can read my move that much.”

Eto remembered his match against Amou.

Although Eto knew that there was a difference in ability between Amou and him from the start, the difference simply widened after Amou became able to use the magic power stored in his black horn. In other words, Amou, who had become better at using magic to strengthen his physical ability, can now fight freely by converting his magic power into power and speed.

“It was good that Eto was trying to use a different way to slash, but I think it’s better to not only change the angle but also be aware of the strength that you used. You still couldn’t make it clear which attack was just a feint or which was real. That makes it easier for those who receive your attack.”

Amou pointed out the things that could be improved in Eto’s swordsmanship.

“The problem is, it is honestly pretty difficult to adjust the strength. Can you show me an example of a feint attack?”

Amou then swung his sword twice. The first one aimed at Eto’s left shoulder, while the second one aimed at Eto’s belly. Although Eto was able to respond to the first slash, his response toward the second slash was delayed.

“Just like that, it is also necessary to make the opponent move as you want him to be. Eto is rather accustomed to fighting against monsters. I think you should also learn the offense and defense that could deceive the opponent in the battle against humans.”

“Dad, how about me?”

“Kohaku relied too much on speed. It’s easy to read when you launch your assault.”

“Isn’t it because the opponent is you?”

“There is that, but once you show your opponent that surprise attack, I think it will not work the second time.”

“Understood.”

“Also, you can narrow down the options of your opponent by letting your opponent receive your attack.”

Saying that, Amou suddenly slashed at Eto, which he blocked in a hurry. After that, Amou continued to attack and Eto continued to block them. However, when Eto blocked Amou’s slashes, he noticed that his posture gradually crumbled. Then, the next time Amou slashed him, Eto already knew that he couldn’t handle it. Sure enough, Amou flipped Eto’s sword with his slash and stopped it right before it reached the defenseless Eto.

“Just now, I read Eto’s movement from a few moves away and attacked. Every time I slashed, there were fewer ways to deal with it, right? In short, it is important not to be drawn into the opponent’s pace.”

Suddenly, Sorano, who had been in the shooting ground next door, returned. And then, the four repeatedly conducted mock battles while changing the combination.

Although Eto’s buffs and enchantments can significantly increase the fighting power of the party, if their basic abilities are low, they might lose to the force of strong monsters or the strength in numbers. Which means, for Eto to become stronger, he had to improve his basic ability and swordsmanship from now on.

After having breakfast and resting for a while, Eto headed to the Knights’ facility to meet Captain Andrea. And when he told his matter at the reception desk, the receptionist immediately guided him to where Captain Andre was because the receptionist had already informed of Eto’s visit.

“Thank you for giving me some of your time for my visit.”

“No, no, please don’t be that reserved toward me. Please sit down.”

Andrea immediately moved from the office desk to the sofa. After sitting facing toward Eto, he immediately instructed the receptionist who took Eto to the room to bring them drinks.

Eto then thanked him for not only providing his party a place to stay, but also food. However, Andrea just waved his hand, saying “Absolutely not.” He also told Eto that without Eto and his party, they might still be in the middle of a siege battle at the southern fort, which would have increased the casualties of the Knights and hostages. As it might have happened without Eto’s party, the things that he provides for Eto and his party doesn’t seem to be a big deal, Andrea added.

As the topic about the hostages came up, Eto began to talk about the support activity. He asked Andrea if one of the female knights, Salina Ashbelt, could be their contact person. Eto told Andrea his intention to let her become the liaison to the church and officials when they’re going to have a cooperation.

“Salina Ashbelt is one of the female knights who are guarding the victims, right? Can I ask Eto-dono why you chose her?”

“When I went to see the condition of the victims, I had the opportunity to talk to her a little. I had the impression that she was a person who could get close to those whose mental health has been weakened due to becoming the victims of a crime. I think if it’s her, she would be able to think what the victims needed, by thinking from the victim’s point of view.”

“I see. Well, Salina’s origin is also clear, so if she wants, I’m sure she will be the right person. Her position will be something like crime victim protection officer in that case. Since I also have to get in touch with various places involved in this matter, can Eto-dono leave telling her about this to me?”

Andrea seemed to know Salina, who was supposed to be just a knight under him. Then, before Eto realizes, they’re already talking about creating a new position and leaving it to Salina. That made Eto have the feeling that she would become a contact person with external organizations in the name of guard knight, so in that case, it might be better to have her serve just as a full-time knight.

“Yes, please. And if she is thinking of another way, please tell her that she can decline this offer.”

“Ee. It will be fine. I’ll proceed after confirming the person’s intention, so please don’t worry about that.”

Just like that, Captain Andrea accepted Eto’s request.