When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 70

Episode 70

Luca thought he had found a perfect opening, only to be brilliantly countered by Maria. Despite being sent flying by Maria’s blow, he managed to barely defend himself in time, resulting in minimal damage.

“See, don’t let your guard down,” Maria admonished. “Huh!?” Luca managed to evade Maria’s merciless follow-up attacks while trying to regain his stance.

He attempted to evade, block, parry, and create distance, but Maria’s onslaught didn’t cease. First strike, third strike, first strike, second strike, second strike. Each move appeared to be independent, yet they flowed seamlessly together, creating a continuous, elegant sequence. Each technique was undoubtedly fundamental, but the way they were utilized and connected revealed Maria’s mastery. Of course, Luca was familiar with Unified Sword Style; it was even considered common knowledge among students at the Royal Academy. He had faced many practitioners of Unified Sword Style before, defeating them with ease. His preparations were thorough; there was no reason for him to lose to such an outdated style. Or so he thought.

He managed to throw himself to the ground, rolling in embarrassment, before finally creating some distance. He couldn’t believe the vast difference in skill. After enduring Maria’s series of attacks, Luca regained his composure and prepared to face her again.

A momentary pause in the exchange garnered cheers from the spectators who had been holding their breath. In the previous 99 battles, there hadn’t been a single instance where Maria’s offensive didn’t lead to her victory. Simply surviving this series of attacks showcased Luca’s ability.

“As expected of the prodigy of the Norman family. But is he just a student after all? Luca Norman, give it your all. It’s almost over,” Maria taunted Luca with a cool expression. Despite feeling slightly irritated, Luca muttered to himself, “I’m already giving it my all.”

He desperately searched for an opening. However, Luca, being competent himself, understood Maria’s danger. Just as Luca struggled to make a move, Maria spoke up.

“…If you’re not coming to me, shall I come to you? Unified Sword Style, Fourth Strike.”

For the first time, Maria unleashed the Fourth Strike. Respectfully acknowledging Luca’s endurance during their previous exchange, Maria decided to raise the stakes slightly.

—

“Hmm… Things are starting to look grim,” Erin murmured as she and Jez observed the battle from the VIP room. While the initial strike had been well thought out, Luca was quickly overwhelmed afterward.

Though Luca managed to escape the consecutive strikes, Maria’s use of the Fourth Strike further pushed him into a disadvantage. Despite Maria limiting her techniques, maintaining such a high level against an active Legion Commander was commendable.

As René, Lilly, and Erin, who were unfamiliar with Luca, began to show signs of impatience, Lucretia intervened with a saintly smile. Having watched the Student Combat Tournament for three years as a student of the Royal Academy, she knew Luca Norman wasn’t someone who would be defeated so easily.

Likewise, Lucia nodded in agreement, saying, “Luca always overthinks things unnecessarily,” while supporting her twin brother with a sigh. In essence, she implied, “Even if Luca tries to imitate Jez, he won’t be able to match Jez’s strengths.”

Upon hearing Lucretia and Lucia’s comments, René and the others looked at Jez. Jez shrugged and said, “Luca is trying to imitate me, but that’s my way, not his.” Despite chuckling wryly, he added, “But in terms of potential, Luca and Lucia surpass me and even our father, Gerald.”

As if in response to Jez’s statement, an explosive surge of magical power erupted in the center of the arena. For the first time in three hours, Maria Valenti was forced to retreat for defense.

—

At this rate, he would lose. There was an overwhelming difference in skill. None of his tricks worked, and he didn’t even have the physical advantage to begin with. He tried every technique and pattern he could think of, but none of them were effective.

Maria succeeded in making Luca use the Fourth Strike, but this wasn’t a success at all. It’s frustrating. Is this the end for me? If it were Jez, he would probably defeat this person too. I can’t do anything against her. Is this okay? When my brother was 22, he was called the “Northern War Devil.” There are only four years left. Can I reach that level like this? What should I do? No, stay calm.

Amidst the rush of panic, resignation, frustration, pain, and suffering, Luca desperately held onto his consciousness, trying to remain calm. His heart was burning, but his mind was clear. His composure was his greatest asset. Above all, composure was crucial. In battle, the one who loses is those who lose their composure. …Is that true?

Maria’s strike cleanly hit him again, sending him flying once more. The audience in the stands wondered if the match was over now, holding their breath.

…Come to think of it, why was I so fixated on composure? That’s right, it’s because my brother was always composed. I admired his strength, his attitude, his back. My brother may not have inherited the blood of the Norman main family, but who would care about that? His overwhelming talent shown since childhood. And the strength of his heart that didn’t drown in that power. It’s no wonder I admired his way.

My stepbrother with an eight-year age gap. Since I can remember, my hero has always been my brother. It’s natural to want to imitate someone you admire, right? But… is that my way?

As Maria vigilantly observed Luca while the referee was about to signal the end of the match, in that very moment, Luca, standing up gently, threw away his uniform jacket, crushed his glasses, swept back his bangs. He completely changed his demeanor from the exemplary student he had been so far and declared, “That’s enough. I’ll surpass my brother my way.”

The Norman blood responded to Luca’s defiance. A surge of magical power erupted from his body, strengthening his entire being. And then, with no form or technique, a bold telephone punch. It looked like an amateurish attack to anyone. His previous martial prowess seemed like a lie. However, that attack was simply fast and strong.

Norman Style Combat Technique: Strength is Justice, Odin.

Maria’s mock sword couldn’t withstand the impact of Luca’s wild attack and snapped under the force.