The World's Strongest and Most Evil Noble Strives Humbly and Diligently ~ Using Knowledge of the Original Story and Unique Magic to Avoid a Destruction End ~ - Chapter 1.3: Reincarnation as the Villain

Chapter 1.3: Reincarnation as the Villain

Orvin fell silent, at a loss for words.

“Orvin, your sword, to which you dedicated your life—I’ll inherit it and guide it to its pinnacle. Will you serve as my guide?”

“…”

There was no reply.

(Oh no, did I go too far…?)

In trying to embody the original Hollow, I might have spoken too arrogantly. Perhaps I overstepped this time.

“Ah, um… Sorry, I may have been a bit too blunt—”

“—Your generous words… I cannot thank you enough. I, Orvin Dankert, shall dedicate my entire being to serving as your guide!”

“Uh, oh… Yes, I look forward to it.”

Thus, I began learning swordsmanship from Orvin.

“First, let’s start with the grip. Hold the hilt with your right hand as if you’re shaking hands, then gently support it with your left hand underneath.”

“Hmm.”

“The basic stance is the Seigan-no-kamae. Imagine a string running from the top of your head, keeping you upright.”

“I see.”

“The key to slashing is the transfer of weight. Keep your stance steady and let the movement flow naturally.”

“Like this?”

From gripping the sword to basic stances and striking techniques, Orvin drilled me thoroughly, from the basics to advanced techniques.

Before I knew it, a year had passed, and the day finally came.

“Shall we begin?”

“Yes.”

Standing in the garden, Orvin and I exchanged quiet glances.

Bathed in gentle sunlight and accompanied by birdsong, as if preordained, we both leaped forward simultaneously.

“Hah!”

“Nuun!”

Our practice swords clashed violently.

With no magical power enhancing our strength, this was a pure test of swordsmanship.

One strike, two strikes, three—hard metallic sounds echoed, red sparks flying.

“Shii!”

Orvin stepped in deeply, launching a sharp thrust.

I welcomed it gently with my blade, sliding along its edge as I stepped forward and unleashed a diagonal slash.

“Hah!”

“Nguh?!”

Orvin’s sword was only halfway back to its guard.

Caught off guard, he quickly sidestepped, narrowly evading the strike.

(A chance!)

Although his sword had returned, Orvin’s stance was disrupted.

Without hesitation, I closed the distance and attacked relentlessly like raging fire.

“Haaaaa! (I’ll break through!)”

“Ngh…! (I’m a step too slow…!)”

After a fierce exchange of strikes—

“There!”

“Damn it!”

Orvin’s ironclad defense revealed a small opening.

(Alright, now!)

Raising my sword high, I prepared to bring it down for my first victory.

But then—

“Not yet!”

Orvin used his left hand as a shield.

Even though the practice sword was made of iron—

“Nggh…!”

The dull sound of bones cracking reverberated, his weathered face contorted in pain.

Still, his movements didn’t waver, and he stepped in fluidly.

That single move, sacrificing his arm for victory, was both rugged and beautiful.

“This is my win!”

With a resolute expression never seen before, Orvin delivered a powerful strike.

It was an attack that caught me off guard.

Normally, I wouldn’t have been able to react.

But I knew.

That Orvin hated losing so much, he’d sacrifice an arm to secure victory.

“Impressive determination.”

“What?!”

A sweeping horizontal slash cut through the air, disarming Orvin.

As the clattering sound of his sword echoed, my blade rested lightly against his throat.

“—My win, it seems.”

“—Indeed, a splendid victory.”

A match settled by pure swordsmanship, without magic.

Unlike his initial defeat, Orvin’s face was bright and calm.

“To think I’d be surpassed within a year… As expected of you, young master.”

“Hmph, naturally.”

Playing the part of the original Hollow, I replied curtly.

But somehow, I felt like Orvin understood.

That it was thanks to his guidance, and that I was grateful.

“Well, I have one ‘last job’ left to do, so I’ll take my leave here.”

Having given his all, Orvin smiled as if relieved and headed toward the mansion’s entrance.

(So my role is done. The sword I’ve lived for has been passed on to Lord Hollow. There’s nothing left for me. All that’s left is to hand in this resignation letter and take my leave.)

As we passed each other—

“—Goodbye, Lord Hollow.”

I thought I heard him mutter something, but it was carried away by the spring breeze.

(…What’s this ‘last job’ he mentioned?)

I couldn’t think of any particular event, but… oh well.

More importantly—

“—Hey, what time tomorrow?”

“…Huh…?”

Orvin slowly turned around, his face blank with surprise.

“Don’t make me repeat myself. I’m asking, what time’s tomorrow’s training?”

The end of practice was always followed by a match. Then we’d decide on the next day’s schedule.

This was our usual routine.

(Did losing shock him too much? …I should’ve been more considerate.)

While I was regretting my thoughtlessness—

“…!”

Orvin began trembling, his eyes brimming with tears, and suddenly fell to his knees to hide them.

“I-I’m sorry… I wasn’t thoughtful. Take your time and rest—”

“—Your consideration… I accept it with all my heart. I, Orvin Dankert, swear to serve you with my life.”

“What…? Uh, yeah, I’ll count on you.”

…I wasn’t sure what had happened, but Orvin’s loyalty seemed to have reached its peak.