The Great Sage Who Did not Remain in Legend - 37.3

“However, I still can’t accept that the final blow is Rikka’s role…”

“Are you an idiot? With the second kunai, you would have been dead. The rubber ones only hurt because of the material. In a real battle, you’d be dead with four kunai stuck in your neck or body.”

Vanessa fell silent upon hearing this.

“Is this fighting style really suited for me?”

“Go try it out with Cisco. He’s about to start practicing Protection, so it’s perfect timing. There are plenty of rubber kunai, so take some with you.”

“Alright! I’ll wipe the floor with Cisco, who always talks down to me!”

I somewhat understand what Vanessa is saying, but I think it might be your fault.

“Rose, it must be boring just watching, right?”

“Well, yeah.”

“What kind of swordsmanship competition is coming up?”

“It’s a one-on-one elimination battle. It’s also a tournament to select squad leaders and candidates for leaders. In my case, since my promotion has already been decided, I need to demonstrate my abilities to avoid resentment. If I perform poorly, I could be demoted immediately.”

“Then you have to win. Since it’s a competition for squad leader candidates, strong people will be there, right?”

“Aside from those who have given up on promotion, all knights want to participate in the tournament. Only those recommended by the captain can participate, so merely being selected is an honor.”

“But, Rose, it’s not enough just to participate, right? Will you use a practice sword?”

“No, although it’s a stop short, we’ll be using real swords while wearing armor.”

“Then, I can only help you get used to it…”

“Get used to it?”

“Yes, it might be good to get accustomed to the pressure and intimidation, like the one Vanessa was intimidated by earlier.”

“Is it possible to intentionally create that kind of pressure?”

“Normally, it comes naturally from those who have trained in life-or-death sword fights, but you can learn to create it intentionally with focused training. People who come to tournaments might be able to produce it naturally.”

“Can you create it intentionally, Mergin? Then could you show me?”

“Alright, let’s face each other and give it a try. Assume you’re holding a sword.”

“Understood.”

Rose assumed a stance as if holding a sword. It was a dignified and beautiful pose. If she were wearing armor, it would make a great photo to display.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, sorry. I was mesmerized.”

“What, again…”

As Rose blushed, Mergin released an intimidating aura.

“Ugh…”

Rose felt Mergin was towering over her, and even though he wasn’t holding a sword, she felt as if a sword was being swung down at her.

“Humph.”

The moment Mergin mimicked swinging down a sword, Rose’s legs trembled and she couldn’t move.

She felt like she was going to die.

Rose ended up sitting down.

“How is it? This is intimidation. You really thought you were going to be killed, didn’t you?”

“Y-yeah…”

Rose sat down, still trembling and unable to stand.

“When you’re first hit by real intimidation, this is usually what happens.”