CH 107

Episode 107 – New Training

TL Note: Sponsored chapter (4/4)

After I started receiving Kirty’s guidance, about two weeks have passed. At first, I was overly conscious about every part of my body and had to tense up my whole body while swinging, but now I could perform a clean swing without having to be too aware of it. Kirty’s pointers grew less and less frequent each day, and yesterday, I became aware of how much I’d grown when I was finally able to start having fun doing the practice swings that I originally thought were so unenjoyable. It was still a far cry from Kirty’s level of sword swings, but if I kept at it, I knew that I would be able to reach that point one day. The fact that I’d grown enough to think that way probably meant that I couldn’t be considered a ‘beginner’ anymore.

“Alright! That’s enough sword swings for today.” (Kirty)

I was thinking to myself that if I continued to practice my sword swings like this, I might be able to reach Kirty’s level, when she spoke to me.

“Eh…? How come? I still think I have a long way to go though.” (Lewin)

“From today, I was thinking of starting something new on top of your practice swings.” (Kirty)

“…Something new?” (Lewin)

“Yeah, actual combat training. It’s not like your end goal for training was to get a perfect sword swing. You’re training to get stronger, aren’t you?” (Kirty)

“Yeah, that’s right. I want to become stronger!” (Lewin)

“That’s why actual combat training is necessary for you. I can see from your swings that compared to the average person, you have far too little combat experience. You understand that too, don’t you Lewin?” (Kirty)

It was just as Kirty said… I could count the number of actual combat experiences I had with my two hands. I had never fought against another human before, and in terms of monster battles, I had only killed two Angry Wolves by pure luck, and had been fought against Goblins and Kobolds several times.

“That’s right… I certainly don’t have that much actual combat experience.” (Lewin)

“That’s why it’s better for you to be gaining experience through actual combat right now. You’ll grow many times faster through fighting real battles than through just practicing your swings.” (Kirty)

“Then I’d love to do some actual combat training. And so, would my opponent happen to be…” (Lewin)

“Yeah, you’ll be sparring against me. Although it may not look like it, I can wield not only swords, but also spears, clubs, daggers, hammers, whips, and other special weapons. When it comes to actual combat training against another person, there wouldn’t be a better training partner.” (Kirty)

She could wield six different types of weapons…? And judging by the way she said it, I felt like there were still more that she didn’t mention. The fact that she was not only a master level sword expert, but was also able to wield so many other types of weapons was way too incredible. Kirty said before that I had talent for combat, but the one who was truly talented was definitely her.

“…That’s reassuring. By all means, I would be glad to have you as my sparring partner.” (Lewin)

“So from now on, you’re going to be sparring with me every morning. Is that okay with you, Lewin?” (Kirty)

“Of course. I’m looking forward to it!” (Lewin)

“Alright, great response. Then let’s have a bout right now. I only brought this wooden sword with me today, so I’ll be fighting you only with the sword for now… But don’t worry. I’ll properly hold back against you.” (Kirty)

Perhaps she noticed that I jumped with a start when I heard that I would be fighting against her with a sword, but she tacked on at the end of her sentence that she would be going easy on me, almost like an afterthought. Half of me was relieved to hear that she would be going easy on me, but the other half was a little frustrated about that. First and foremost, I was ashamed that I even felt relieved about that.

“…Please take care of me. I’m going to try to win!” (Lewin)

This was my first battle against another human. And that first opponent was none other than Kirty. Even in my imagination, I didn’t have any idea of how I was going to go about winning, but I had no intention of giving up without a proper fight.

I spent the last four months building my body, and in the last two weeks, I’ve learned how to properly swing my sword. Even if I was going to lose, in order to show Kirty my growth, I had to throw everything I had at her.

Fyuuuu.

After taking a deep breath, I began to slowly close the gap between us. Thus began the first mock battle between me and Kirty.