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 20: Reviewing Skills

Episode 20: Reviewing Skills

(What I need now is steady accumulation.)

What caught my eye was a subjugation request for the mid-level monsters known as “Twin Fang Wolves.” There were many of them. But I already understood their characteristics. This request would be ideal for real combat training.

“I’ll take this one, please.”

“Yes, understood.”

I quickly completed the procedure and left the guild. Receiving requests had already become a complete daily routine.

(…I’ve really gotten used to this.)

It’s been nearly a week since registering with the guild. And I was already settling into this routine. But I also felt that the training I built up each day was slowly returning as a tangible result.

“Poison Resistance”, “Physical Resistance”, and even “Constant Activity”. …However, there’s one thing I’ve started to question at this point—that is, the “Swordsmanship” skill still remained at “Lv.1.”

(…Maybe I’ll understand the reason for that today.)

◆

On the outskirts of town, deep in the dense coniferous forest. The pack of Twin Fang Wolves had already noticed my presence.

One individual broke through the bushes. It was baring its sharp fangs. It quickly closed the distance.

(Here it comes.)

“Twin Fang Wolves”—their defining trait was the two sharp, symmetrical fangs protruding from the lower jaw. It was just as the name implies. And the two fangs aim directly at the prey’s throat.

I kicked off the ground, twisted my body half a step, and slipped past the charge. As we passed, I used the momentum of turning to deliver a slash—

The blade cut through the body precisely. The momentum of the jump carried into the slash. The feel of the strike wasn’t bad. In fact, the movement had become quite refined.

《Skill Level-Up Confirmed》

《Skill Evasion Boost Lv.1 → Lv.2》

Looks like the “Evasion Boost” skill leveled up safely. But—

(…Even with this, “Swordsmanship” skill still doesn’t increase?)

The second wave closed in from both sides. I ducked low and slipped inside. I cut both in a diagonal upward slash.

I could feel the fallen monsters at my feet. …Even so, despite the sense of success, the “sign” of skill growth didn’t come.

(Even with this much real combat experience, it still doesn’t grow?)

While calmly dispatching the pack, I continued self-analysis. Reaction speed in combat, evasion accuracy, sense of range, dynamic vision—all had improved. And yet, the “Swordsmanship” skill remained silent.

True, the effect of “Swordsmanship: Lv.1” was active. Without this skill, I would probably need more delicate control to handle the sword as I do now.

Come to think of it… I’ve theorized that in this world, there are some skills whose acquisition and growth are influenced not just by “the action taken,” but also by “the intention behind the action.”

For example, I had skills like “Academics” and “Household Management”. Which were the results of me receiving a noble education. But those were built while I consciously maintained a learning mindset. That’s likely why they were above Lv.2 when I noticed them.

(So, just swinging the sword isn’t enough?)

In games, it was certainly the “number of battles using a sword” that directly raised “Swordsmanship” skill. But in this world, the conditions might be different.

In the past few days, I’ve had plenty of combat experience. “Poison Resistance”, “Physical Resistance”, even “Constant Activity”—I’ve acquired all of them. And yet, “Swordsmanship” is still at “Lv.1.”

(So I need awareness of studying the sword?)

Up until now, I’ve wielded the sword as a “means to defeat enemies.” But perhaps I unconsciously lacked the recognition of “refining the sword itself.”

Another monster rushed in, sliding low. I took a breath and lowered my shoulder slightly to meet it.

(This movement just now…)

Shifting weight, angle of step-in, trajectory of the slash—I launched an attack with awareness of the “form” as a technique.

(…This is different. Is what the skill demands more about “form”? Or perhaps refinement as an “art”?)

Not just victory, but structured accumulation of technique. Maybe without that, I don’t meet the conditions to raise the “Swordsmanship” skill.

My fighting so far has always treated the sword as a motion to defeat enemies. But in terms of “Swordsmanship” skill growth, such usage as a “byproduct of a purpose” might not help it grow well.

(This world’s growth system… has parts that match game knowledge and parts that differ. There are skills that won’t grow with just simple repetition.)

If that’s the case… then I need to incorporate the awareness of “learning” more into my battles.

Looking down at the group of fallen monsters, I quietly caught my breath. I have no hesitation about gaining real combat experience. Rather, I welcome it.

But a “wall” that can’t be overcome by experience alone is starting to appear little by little.

(It’s not just the number of battles—“quality” matters too.)

I was also aware that my sword technique had remained merely personal improvisation. Even if my dynamic vision and evasion accuracy improved, they are still different from a system of “swordsmanship.”

(…At this rate, I’ll hit my limit eventually.)

There’s a limit to doing it my own way. I need to learn the “forms” of swordsmanship and solidify the foundation. Once I know the forms, I can move on to application. This “order” is probably essential.

When I was a noble, I learned the very basics of swordsmanship from a “tutor” who came to the house. That result is “Swordsmanship: Lv.1.”

(Even learning is part of fighting, huh…)

Unconsciously, a small smile formed on my lips.

Whatever the training may be, if it leads to growth, I’ll gladly accept it. Combat in this world is full of “learning.”

(Learn the forms, dig deeper into battle as an art—the next thing I need is that kind of “fighting.”)

I slowly sheathed my sword, collected the materials, and headed back to the guild.

Original Author’s Comment:

――――――――――――

Because of everyone who reads, I’ve been able to keep weaving this story little by little!!

Thank you so much, and I’ll continue carefully building it up!!!

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