Chapter 97

Translator: Kell | Editor: Weasalopes

Claude vs Ludancia Professors

Kilnenko made the first move . A thrust with his short spear . As expected from an instructor, his attack was smooth and quick .

The difference between a one-handed sword and a short spear was, of course, the length of the weapon and how one would use it – slicing and thrusting, respectively .

If one extended their sword against a spear thrust, the latter would hit first . It made sense, therefore, for Kilnenko to do a thrust, taking advantage of his weapon’s reach .

Hikaru smirked . That’s too obvious, though .

With a clang, the spear’s tip was deflected upward like it had a life of its own . Kilnenko was shocked . Seeing the opening, Claude quickly closed the distance and slashed downward .

Mustering all his strength, the professor jumped to the side to dodge . But with his stance broken, he rolled to the ground .

「Please stand up, Professor . I prefer not to cut down people who are on their knees . 」

Kilnenko turned red from Claude’s words . Ivan whistled in surprise .

「You were just lucky!」

The professor stepped forward and launched a barrage of attacks, but Claude parried each strike casually with his sword .

「Why… Why… Why can’t I hit you?!」

Kilnenko’s face grew even redder, but there was no sign of him ever landing a hit .

「That’s gotta be really frustrating . 」Ivan muttered . 「How can Claude even dodge so easily?」

「He just got better with the sword . 」

「I can see that . But he just casually brushes the weapon aside like it’s nothing . 」

「Ah, that’s because Kilnenko’s weapon is long . 」

「Please explain . 」

「The longer the weapon, the less force at the tip . Take the first thrust for example . While it has high piercing power, it’s weak against forces from the sides . That’s why even a one-handed sword can deflect it easily . 」

「Oh…」

「It’s also difficult to dodge downward swings from great swords where the wielder has to put power into it with both hands . Plus the weapon’s heavy . 」

「So that’s why during our training, he backed away from my downward swings, but deflected my thrusts and side swings . 」

「Exactly . I think a short spear is better used with a shield . Why doesn’t Kilnenko use one?」

「Apparently because it’s lame . 」

「Excuse me, what?」

「Claude told me that he said “it’s best to use a single short spear and that’s it” in class . When asked, he ultimately answered “you only look dull with a shield” . 」

「………」

Hey, Ludancia . Are you sure about sending a guy like that to the academy? While it wasn’t Hikaru’s problem, he felt just a bit worried .

「Guh!」

「I think that’s enough . 」

「I… I can still…」

「How many more times do you have to pick up your weapon?」

All in all, Claude had knocked away Kilnenko’s weapon three times .

「It’s over . 」Mikhail said .

With rugged breath, Kilnenko hung his head low, hands on the ground .

「Damn it, Claude . You could’ve at least hit him once . 」Hikaru muttered under his breath .

「Did you say something?」Ivan asked .

「Nothing . 」

「I felt something sinister . 」

「I didn’t say anything, okay?」

Claude gave Hikaru and Ivan a thumbs up .

「Look out, Claude!」

Thanks to Hikaru’s warning, Claude noticed the arrow flying towards him . It came from the bow-wielding professor . He aimed for the head, but Claude deflected the arrow with a swing of his sword .

「What was that just now?!」Mikhail shouted .

「This is a three-round match and I’m up next . 」the man said .

「I didn’t tell you to start!」

「This is a mock battle . You’ve gone soft, Professor Mikhail . You can’t let your guard down in a fight . 」

The arrow used was for practice as well, with a rubber arrowhead . But still it could crush the eyes if it hit . And since he fired one without hesitation, Mikhail had all the right to get furious .

「Don’t bring your personal grudges into this!」Mikhail exclaimed .

「Are you sure you’re even taking this mock battle seriously? I’ll just have to teach this cocky student a lesson—」

「You’re absolutely right . 」

Claude closed the gap in one breath .

「Ah, huh?」

「You can’t let your guard down in a fight, Professor . 」

「The fight hasn’t started ye—」

This time, Claude swung his sword down on the man’s right shoulder without holding back . His collarbone cracked as it made a dull sound .

「Gwahh!」

「Thanks to you, I’m over my worries . I know I don’t have to go easy on you . I don’t need to hesitate . I guess… you’re next . 」

The last man produced his long spear and lunged straight at Claude’s neck . Long spears were heavy, so parrying it with a lone sword was difficult . Claude twisted his body to dodge and grabbed the spear .

「So what if you caught my spear? Let’s see if you can—」

The instructor pulled his weapon, which Claude let go immediately .

「Wha?!」

He staggered backwards from the momentum, but managed to brace himself and plant his feet firmly on the ground . Claude drew closer, brandishing his sword . Expecting a downward swing, the man tried to block with his weapon’s grip .

「Ugh!」

His eyes widened as Claude kicked him right in the balls . He then dropped his weapon before collapsing .

「Aaaaaahhhhhh!」

The kick was so ruthless that Hikaru, Ivan, and Mikhail turned pale .

「I believe it’s over, Professor Mikhail . 」

「Ah, yes . That was excellent . The winner is Claude Zahard Kirihal!」

Claude heaved a sigh of relief . It was clear who won from the scene before them: A dumbfounded Kilnenko, the archer with a look of anguish, and the long spear instructor who was out cold .

「You learn this kind of trick from Hikaru whether you like it or not . 」

Wait a sec! You were with Ivan almost the entire time! Hikaru wanted to complain .

「Yeah . Hikaru’s nasty methods are very educational . 」Ivan concurred .