The Banished Villainous Noble Son Who Was Used as a Stepping Stone in the Original Work Awakens to Combat and Destroys the Laws of the World - Episode 3: A mock battle? That’s the best!

Episode 3: A mock battle? That’s the best!

――When I said that at the reception desk, the receptionist looked at me blankly. Then, in a practiced tone, she told me apologetically:

“You’ll need to take the Adventurer Orientation first if this is your first time. It’s required by the rules…”

“Ehh… Orientation?”

The words slipped out. My goal is combat, combat, and more combat. “Orientation” sounds so boring.

But in the next moment, I realized a possibility.

(Wait a second, if it’s an orientation… then maybe there’s some kind of mock battle?)

The moment I realized I might be able to fight, I answered immediately.

“Then, I’ll take it.”

“Okay. Please proceed through this hallway to the orientation room — also, normally you’d take it with other new recruits. But since an instructor was available, we’ll handle it one-on-one this time.”

◆

In the room I was shown to, there was one large man.

Thick arms, broad shoulders, an unshaven face, and a bald head. It left a strong impression.

The moment he saw me, he narrowed his eyes.

“Well, well… Look who it is, some noble’s kid?”

“Ah, *former* noble.”

“Former, huh…? Well, whatever. So— today you’ll be doing both lectures and a mock battle. No complaints, right?”

“As long as I get to beat someone, I’m fine.”

“Hey, I never said ‘beat’ anyone… What’s with you, all fired up like that?”

Slapping his bald head lightly, the man gave a dry laugh.

――The orientation started with a “lecture.”

The rank system starting from F rank, how to accept quests, reward shares, and— the responsibilities when a quest fails. Cases where you’d have to pay damages, how to deal with causing trouble, etc…

Surprisingly detailed, and strictly regulated.

(…I actually get it?)

Each explanation slid smoothly into my head. Even the complex rules and past case studies made sense and connected together.

(Oh right. I’ve got “Academics: Lv.3”…)

Alphonse was supposed to eventually inherit the marquis family. Including the memories of receiving proper noble education— now I realized that it was a useful skill in unexpected ways. And I got a little excited.

(Still… this is more solid than I thought.)

In the game, both the “Adventurers’ Guild” and “Adventurers” were just background for the main story. The setting was vague, like “Oh, I guess that kind of organization exists.”

But now, hearing it explained in person, there’s a proper system, a structure, and it’s run accordingly.

Not just flavor text— it’s an actual society.

(As I thought… this world is a game, but also not just a game.)

Before I knew it, I had sunk a little deeper into this world.

Now, clearly feeling the effects of the skill “Academics: Lv.3”, I thought— if even non-combat skills work this well,

(Then combat skills must be even more incredible…)

I was dying to find out. So I told the man in charge of the orientation:

“Can we do the mock battle now?”

“…You know, don’t most people want a break after the lecture or something?”

“I do too. After the mock battle.”

“Yeah, you’re definitely not right in the head.”

Even so, the man— Gilius— stood up with a sigh.

◆

The mock battle takes place in the guild’s training area.

The ceiling is high, the ground is packed dirt, and imitation weapons are lined up all around.

“If we go full force, well… someone could die. So we’ll stop short— got it?”

“Yes. Then, if I’m about to beat you, I’ll stop.”

“What’s with that condescending attitude of yours…?”

At the signal to begin, I stepped forward.

My first battle— no, strictly speaking, the first *in this body.*

But in that moment, I realized it.

It felt completely natural.

The angle of my foot pushing off the ground, the center of gravity as I stepped in, the path of the sword slicing through the air— my body moved as if I’d done it hundreds of times.

In my hands was a mock sword for training. Even so, the quality of the wood, the density of its core, the tiny vibrations in my palm— all of it flowed into my brain as if the tool and I were one.

(This must be— the effect of “Swordsmanship: Lv.1”…!?)

Maybe it’s not just the skill. Perhaps “Alphonse Clichard” himself has natural talent. Even if he’s fallen from grace, he was supposed to lead a marquis house— no surprise if he had that kind of ability.

Facing me was the giant Gilius.

His stance was plain. But it was without openings.

The moment his right arm moved, my body had already begun dodging.

Wind brushed my cheek as Gilius’ mock sword cut through the air.

At the same time, I stepped in and counterattacked.

A counter— but this is still an orientation. I stopped the tip of my sword just inches from the vital point at Gilius’ shoulder.

“What the…?”

Gilius froze for a moment.

As if he were a training dummy reacting late, he stood there completely defenseless.

(This is fun… My body, the world— everything looks so vivid!)

My breathing deepened. And my peripheral vision sharpened.

The contraction of Gilius’s muscles, the shifting of weight at his feet— I can see everything.

If this is “Swordsmanship: Lv.1”—

Then what about Lv.2? Or Lv.3? Or even higher?

What kind of world would I see then?

“—Next!”

“Wa—Wait, wait, calm down a sec!”

Gilius raised his hand.

But I was so excited, I couldn’t even calm down enough to respond.

“Hey, this is a mock battle, right!? Don’t go all-out…!”

I didn’t answer. I just readied my sword.

Something had already begun inside me.

Original Author’s Comment:

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Thank you so much for reading up to this point!!

I’ll continue doing my best, so I hope you stick with me!

(Here’s the link if you want to support the Author: https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622176303375188.)