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 21: What Is the Swordsmanship Skill

Episode 21: What Is the Swordsmanship Skill

The night was still thick—midnight… no, to be precise, it had just passed into the new day. It was around 3 a.m.

In the quiet guild training grounds, the only sound echoing in rhythm was the slicing of the air by my sword.

(…It’s quiet.)

If I submit a usage request by the day before, I can train from early morning like this. Thanks to the “Constant Activity” skill, a bit of sleep deprivation is no issue. Rather, this quietness is perfect for concentration.

The night wind is cold. And white breath dissolves into the air. The sandy ground at my feet is faintly lit by the dim glow of a lantern.

I slowly re-ready my sword. The sensation from the battle with the Twin Fang Wolf yesterday still lingers in my body.

(…Just winning isn’t enough to improve anymore.)

My “Swordsmanship” skill is still at “Lv.1.” Just fighting isn’t enough to bring growth—I’m finally starting to realize that.

(“The mindset to learn,” huh…)

I step forward and swing my sword. With each movement, corrections come to mind one after another.

(My step-in is shallow. Sink the hips more…)

(The way my shoulders open is weak. Link it with the arm swing.)

Grip strength, the angle of my elbows, the flex of my arms—details I’ve been unaware of until now are beginning to clearly surface in my awareness.

(This step, this angle… This is it.)

I can feel the texture of the sand through the soles of my feet. My trajectory doesn’t waver. The blade cuts smoothly.

(…Even the smallest differences, the sword responds to them.)

Handling a sword is no longer just about “cutting,” but is turning into an act of “learning.” The moment I realize that, a strange sense of joy surges within me.

(With each swing, a new “next answer” I don’t know yet appears.)

It’s like challenging an endless maze. But that’s fine.

(This is… the essence of “forms.” No, it’s too soon to think I understand.)

The basic forms taught to me by my former tutor—finally, they’re starting to hold meaning within my body.

The key to improving the “Swordsmanship” skill is not in combat. It lies in the “attitude of learning” itself—the skill system of this world must be built that way.

(Combat itself is a place of learning.)

A training ground in the dead of night with no one around. In the quiet, I swing my sword—there is no more luxurious training environment than this.

(I like fighting. I like learning, too.)

I think so with surprising ease. The hand that swings the sword now feels like a natural part of me.

Before I realize it, I’ve already finished several hundred practice swings. Yet, there is hardly any sense of fatigue.

(Alright… I’ll stop here for today.)

Just as I sheathe my sword, the eastern sky begins to pale slightly. The signs of dawn are quietly beginning to light up the town—.

◆

By the time I return to the guild hall, the town has already started to stir. Smoke is rising from the bakery’s ovens. And through the window, I can spot merchants here and there heading out for their morning stocking runs.

The hall, too, is gradually growing livelier with early-rising adventurers.

(…Hm?)

What catches my eye is a new, unfamiliar notice pinned to the request board.

《Principality of Lustea Public Academy – Recruitment for Research Assistants》

The name of the neighboring country, the Principality of Lustea. A large nation second only to the kingdom. It’s known for its renowned academy specialized in magic research—I’ve at least heard of its name.

In the game’s story, one of the capture targets came to study abroad from that very academy. As I pursued that character, information about the Lustea Principality Public Academy was revealed.

The Principality of Lustea is blessed with mineral resources and prospers because of them. In particular, a magical energy-infused stone called “magic ore” is mined in abundance. And a magical culture flourishes around it.

Not only magic ore—other stones are mined as well. Among them are some required for acquiring certain skills.

…Hearing “magic” reminds me of the skill I have, “Magic: Lv.1”. If I want to develop that skill, going there might be a valid option.

(But for now, swordsmanship comes first.)

I give it a brief glance and walk past the board.

The world is—slowly beginning to expand. But right now, all I will do is focus on the growth right in front of me.

◆

Returning to the inn and heading to the dining room, I find the hostess already stirring a steaming pot of soup in the back.

“Good morning. …You were out quite early again today, huh?”

“Good morning. Well, I was doing a bit of training.”

“I heard the door open before dawn. Well, if it’s for training, that’s fine. Looks like your body’s shaping up nicely, too.”

While stirring the pot with a swirl, the hostess shoots me a glance.

“Training is a good thing, but… don’t overdo it.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Lately, I’ve been hearing your name now and then. …Don’t worry, it’s not bad rumors. More like, ‘There’s an odd new guy around.’”

(…Seems like awareness around me is steadily spreading.)

Saying so, the hostess places a steaming plate of bread and soup on the table with a clink.

“Go on, eat up. Your body is your capital.”

“…Thank you.”

There are still no other guests in the dining room. In the quiet morning air, I quietly pick up my spoon.

Original Author’s Comment:

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Thank you very much for reading until the end!!

I’ll keep writing with all my strength next time too, so I’d be happy if you continue supporting me!!

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