Chapter 6: Actually substandard, part 2
{TL: By Creed}
"Your physical ability is sufficient. Shall we proceed with sword practice?"
The training continued.
"Or rather... Fate, is a sword your preferred weapon? I think there are various weapons like spears and axes to choose from."
"Swords are my favorite. When Sofia wields a sword, it looks so cool that it's almost mesmerizing, and I admire it."
"I see..."
For some reason, Sofia's cheeks turned a shade of red.
"Alright, now use this."
A real sword was handed over.
"This is one of my collectibles. It's an ancient, prestigious sword that was made over a hundred years ago."
"Eh? Why would you...?"
"We'll use it for training. Fate, you will use this sword to cut that rock over there."
Sofia pointed to a massive rock that seemed to be at least three meters tall.
"Eh... Cut that? Can this even be cut?"
"It can be cut. Watch."
As if to demonstrate, Sofia swung the sword towards another rock.
Zan!
The other rock was split vertically.
"Like this, with enough training, you can cut rocks in half."
"Wow... That's incredible."
Fate felt like his childhood friend had become a distant figure, but he couldn't just stand still. If she had gone far ahead, he needed to catch up.
"Yeah... I'll do my best."
"Good. A determined boy is very cool," she said, and her words motivated Fate.
With such words, Fate's determination was further fueled. He might be simple-minded.
"If you can learn to cut this rock, you'll easily pass the test to become an adventurer. Of course, I think you could pass it as you are now, but... sometimes, there are tricky tests mixed in, so it's not guaranteed."
"So, this special training is to make it certain?"
"Yes, exactly."
Sofia stood next to Fate, holding the sword upright.
"Let me teach you a technique."
"A technique?"
"There are various schools of swordsmanship... I belong to a school called the Divine Dragon Sword Style."
"From the name, it sounds strong."
"We have a wide range of students, and many easy-to-learn techniques. For beginners in swordsmanship, it's a recommended school. I'll teach you one of the Divine Dragon techniques. If you master it, you should be able to pass the adventurer's test with confidence."
"Is it okay to teach me a technique like this?"
"No problem. I have a teaching certificate and the qualifications of a deputy instructor."
"I see."
Fate was deeply impressed by how amazing his childhood friend was.
"First, hold the sword straight like this."
"Like this?"
"Yes, that's good. Then, imagine releasing power from your abdomen and let it flow through your entire body. Focus it into the sword, and then swing it down in one go. Let's try it."
Moving in front of a manageable-sized rock, Sofia prepared her sword.
She took a deep breath...
"Divine Dragon Sword Style - First Strike... Mountain Breaker!"
Crash!
As she swung the sword, the rock shattered into pieces.
"That's how it's done."
"Incredible... Wow, that's amazing! Sofia, you're amazing! I really think it's incredible that you can do something like this! The Sword Saint is not just a title; it's cool!"
"R-really? Um, well... Th-thank you."
Sofia blushed and fidgeted.
She was cute.
"Alright, now it's Fate's turn. Give it a try."
"Okay, I'll do my best."
Standing in front of the large rock, Fate readied the sword.
First, he imagined power being drawn from his abdomen. He let it flow throughout his entire body, then focused it into the sword...
And then he released it in one swift motion!
"Divine Dragon Sword Style - First Strike..."
In an instant, Fate experienced a strange sensation.
It was a peculiar feeling he had never felt before, as if the sword and his body had become one. It was a sensation of sharpened sensitivity, as if his nerves extended to the tip of the sword. His whole body felt heightened, and he had a burning passion that he channeled through the sword.
"Mountain Breaker!"
Crash!
First, the large rock was split vertically.
But it didn't end there. Following the path of the sword, the earth was torn asunder. The cut extended far into the distance. Even the clouds were sliced vertically, revealing the sun.
Sofia stood there in astonishment, speechless.
"Um... Can I consider this a success? Is it alright?"
Sofia remained silent, seemingly lost in thought.
"Sofia?"
After several attempts to get her attention, Sofia suddenly snapped back to reality.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think you'd clear it in one go... This is originally a year-long special training, you know? I had thought that, given Fate's physical abilities, it might take about a month, but... in one day? And on the very first try?"
"Well... I think it might have gone well because of this sword, right? This sword is a famous one, isn't it?"
"Well, that sword... it has a reasonably high value as an antique, but it's completely impractical."
"Huh?"
"It was made over a hundred years ago. It may look good, but its cutting edge is the worst. Rather than helping you, it's the kind of sword that would hold you back... but I never expected it to cut a rock with a sword like that. I gave it to you thinking it wouldn't break because it's incredibly durable."
"So, does that mean I passed?"
"Yes... Fate, what in the world is happening to you? Your incredible physical abilities and the talent to learn a Divine Dragon Sword Style technique in just one day. It's unbelievable."
"Do you think so? I'm not sure, but... maybe it's somewhat normal?"
"Normal? That's absolutely impossible!"
Sofia shouted.
Her reaction was as if she had seen a flying hippopotamus or something.
"Alright? Fate, you accomplished something beyond belief. You can't call that normal! You've always had a carefree attitude, but please realize that you've done something incredible!"
"Um, yeah... Sorry."
"Is it really your first time holding a sword today? Have you been secretly practicing every day?"
"It's not like that..."
"Ah, I'm sorry. I got carried away because Fate is so out of the ordinary."
"No, I should be the one apologizing."
They both bowed their heads.
Then, they looked at each other and shared a smile.
"Ahaha."
"Hehe."
It was fun.
Life had been tough until now, but...
Now it was different.
Sofia was right in front of him.
She was within arm's reach.
And she was smiling.
Could there be greater happiness than this?
No, there couldn't be.
"Hey, Sofia."
"Yes, what is it?"
"I'm going to work hard to become an adventurer... and then, we'll do various things together, okay?"
"Of course. I'll be looking forward to it."
Sofia smiled like the sun and gently held Fate's hand.
TL Note: Counting the days till Sigurd gets punched +1.
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