I Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble, Nothing More Than the Hero’s Foil: Since the Hero Can Only Bring Misery to My Favorite Heroine, I’ll Use My Game Knowledge and Over-the-Top Effort to Rewrite the Scenario and Make Her Happy. - Chapter 11

“Haah!”

The sword I swung down sliced cleanly through the iron-core straw dummy. Black flames engulfed the dummy, reducing it to ash without a trace.

This was the effect of my unique skill, Blade of the Black Moon, which adds dark attribute damage to sword techniques.

“Magnificent, Master Cain!”

Lancelot’s genuine praise rang out.

“It seems Blade of the Black Moon grows stronger as my Swordsmanship skill levels up!”

The power of Blade of the Black Moon had increased significantly after I reached Swordsmanship Level 3.

The Swordsmanship skill improves both the attack power and accuracy of sword techniques. I’d theorized that this boost might also apply to the additional damage from Blade of the Black Moon, and it turned out I was right.

Skills aren’t just about acquiring them randomly. The key to becoming stronger is finding combinations that create synergy.

“Indeed, Master Cain, you are a true prodigy of the sword!”

Lancelot’s voice trembled with admiration.

“To think you’ve reached Swordsmanship Level 3 in just two weeks… it’s astonishing!”
“Thank you, but I owe it all to you, Lancelot.”

To efficiently acquire skills, it’s best to train under someone who already possesses them. Doing so greatly increases the rate at which you gain skill proficiency.

While I seemed to have a natural aptitude for the Swordsmanship skill, Lancelot’s exceptional guidance allowed me to reach Level 3 in such a short time.

I truly owed him my deepest gratitude.

“Master Cain, of the three virtues—mind, body, and spirit—the mind is the most critical for a swordsman. You possess an extraordinary and noble spirit. Having you as my disciple is the greatest honor of my life!”
“Y-you’re exaggerating…”

Whenever I thanked Lancelot, he seemed deeply moved, as if I’d done something extraordinary.

“I still need real combat experience, though,” I said, raising a wooden training sword toward Lancelot.

Next on the agenda was sparring with him.

I didn’t expect to win, but unlike in the game, I could feel my strength improving rapidly. It was exhilarating—something I’d never experienced, not even in my previous life.

“Quite so. Still, taking on an A-rank monster is bold.”
“Thanks for helping convince Father. I didn’t expect you to support me so strongly.”

To my surprise, Lancelot had strongly advocated on my behalf.

“Naturally. If you’re that determined, you must have a solid plan, correct?”
“So you figured it out, huh…”

The Bl00d Bear was a straightforward opponent—unable to use magic and with a limited attack pattern. For someone familiar with its mechanics, it wasn’t as dangerous as its A-rank classification suggested.

However, its high ranking meant it granted abundant experience points, making it the perfect target for leveling up—a veritable bonus monster.

And if my calculations were correct, defeating it now could also meet the conditions to unlock an extremely rare skill.

Taking on some risk to defeat it was an opportunity too good to pass up.

“I believe Master Cain was born to become a true hero. It would be unseemly of me to stand in the way of your path. Go, and may fortune be with you!”

The next day, fully prepared, Selvia and I ventured into the forest where the Bl00d Bear dwelled.

“A date with Cain-niisama—I’m so happy.”
“U-uh, yeah, sure… a date…”

Selvia stayed close to me as we walked, her light outfit designed for ease of movement. I couldn’t help but feel flustered by her proximity.

“The power of the Saint of the World Tree really is incredible,” I said.

“Everyone is clearing the path to welcome you, Cain-niisama,” she replied proudly, her nose in the air.

The dense forest, usually nearly impassable, was no obstacle.

Thanks to Selvia’s Saint of the World Tree ability, the trees and plants moved aside, creating a clear path for us to walk.

“Ehehe. Surrounded by nature like this feels so comforting. I can sense that the forest is my ally.”

Since this area had been designated off-limits by the adventurers’ guild, there was no risk of anyone stumbling upon us.

Here, Selvia could freely use her abilities. In the forest, the Saint of the World Tree was practically invincible.

“I’m pretty sure it grows around here somewhere…”
“What are you looking for, Cain-niisama?”
“Do you know about the Flower of Albidus, also called the Destroyer of Forests?”
“The what? I’ve never heard of it…”

It wasn’t surprising. Even in the game, it was an easily overlooked gathering item.

“The Flower of Albidus releases volatile oils that ignite spontaneously, burning itself and the surrounding forest to ashes. However, its seeds are highly fire-resistant and use the ashes as nutrients to reproduce.”
“That’s… such a selfish flower! Ignoring harmony with others entirely.”

Selvia looked aghast.

“Fascinating, right? Its flower language is, ‘I will die tomorrow.’”
“That’s such a depressing meaning… But I guess it suits a plant called the Destroyer of Forests.”
“Still, this flower is crucial for your firepower-focused Saint of the World Tree build. Oh, there it is!”

I spotted a delicate flower with white petals accented by streaks of red amidst the greenery.

Selvia could summon plants with her ability, but she needed to be familiar with them first. The best way to ensure this was for her to see and touch the actual plant.

I carefully picked the Flower of Albidus and handed it to Selvia.

“It’s actually quite pretty. If it’s a gift from you, Cain-niisama, I’ll treasure it no matter what it is…”

She hesitated slightly, probably due to the terrifying description I’d just shared.

“It won’t spontaneously combust or anything, will it?”
“Of course not. It only ignites in extremely high temperatures.”

In the game, it would spontaneously combust in the summer, but thankfully, it was still spring.

“Good. Hmm… yes, it seems this flower will obey my commands.”

Selvia studied the flower intently.

“Here’s the plan: You’ll summon the flammable gas from the Flower of Albidus to enhance your fire magic’s burning power. Use your Petit Fire spell to ignite it. Since the gas is colorless, no one will suspect you’re using the Saint of the World Tree’s abilities.”
“As expected of Cain-niisama! It sounds tricky, but I’ll master it!”

Selvia’s eyes sparkled with determination.

In the game, the Flower of Albidus produced incredible combustion power.

Combining it with the Petit Fire spell and the Quick Chanting skill created a devastating build capable of massive explosions and wide-area destruction with minimal MP consumption or time delay.

And with the addition of another specific skill, the synergy would be unmatched.

At that moment, a boy’s loud scream echoed through the forest.