Chapter 27: Stomach Pain, Growth, and Astonishment
Chapter 27: Stomach Pain, Growth, and Astonishment
I opened the door to my room and entered, then immediately dived into bed.
I buried my face in the pillow and let out a deep sigh as if to expel all the fatigue that had accumulated within me, causing my consciousness to relax heavily.
Im tired.
I naturally uttered aloud.
It was a genuine expression of my innermost feelings.
Yes, I was tired. Very tired.
I twisted my body and lied on my back, gazing absentmindedly at the ceiling as I pondered why.
Why do unexpected events always seem to happen to me?
It all started when I asked Alfred to teach me swordsmanship.
My knowledge of the original story was still vague, and as such, I only vaguely remembered the characters.
But I dont think Alfred was the type of character to say things like, Even if I lean towards evil, I want to see what Master Luke will accomplish!
In fact, didnt he quit his butler job to teach Abel how to use a sword?
Next is Alice.
She wasnt the type of person to gasp and pant, saying Haa-haa at every opportunity, was she?
I think she was more like a villainess type.
Nohas that really changed even now?
In any case, the mock battle we had the day after that party.
Alice definitely became strange because of it.
As for Yolande, who the h**l was he?
Was there even such a character in the original story?
I have no memory of him at all.
Such an intense character, one should have notice him immediately.
Like I recognized Abel as the main character right away.
..
Is it because of me after all?
Am I the root cause of everything?
Yeah, I must be.
Right now Im worried about Freyas strange behavior, but theres nothing I can do about it by thinking about it.
There are always exceptions to everything.
But I cant help but feel that this, too, is the result of my influence coming full circle.
The effort I put in.
Thats the only thing thats different from the original story.
I accepted Lukes inherent arrogance as well, so I didnt act particularly kind.
I didnt plan ahead of events that are going to happen because my knowledge of the original story is vague.
Or rather, I cant do that.
Thats right.
Thats really all it is.
It was just pure effort.
Why do such dangerous people keep gathering around me with just that much?
No, maybe its because they become more dangerous by being involved with me?
Damn it.
Losing.
Thats the bad ending for me.
Its the farthest thing from happiness.
If I lose even once, I wont be able to recover from that defeat and my life will surely become gloomy after it.
Thats why Ive been studying without compromise from my past lifes memories to today.
I havent made any mistakes or so I thought.
However, I need to realize that the impact of just my effort is surprisingly significant in this world.
No matter how talented I may be, Luke should only appear in the school arc or so I thought.
I dont remember at what point he was defeated by Abel, but it was just until that level.
So I underestimated the impact I would have on this story.
Well, nothing will change.
Thats right.
Nothing will change.
If I continue to work hard, I will never be free from troubles.
However, I must not misjudge my priorities.
Keep on winning.
That is the most important thing for me.
I will never waver in that.
So no matter what kind of problems I am faced with, I must never stop pursuing strength.
But I am at fault for what happened with Mia.
It was really not good.
The result of prioritizing only my selfish goals.
The heart of a human is an unknown entity.
All the events up until now have taught me that.
Sigh I still feel a slight pain in my stomach.
Its not so much painful as uncomfortable.
Maybe Ive been too tense without realizing it ever since I came to this school.
And there have been really too many things that happened.
That stress has come to my stomach now.
I stopped fighting against Lukes nature because it was tiring, meaning I already accepted it long ago.
Rather than wasting energy on such things, I should focus on becoming stronger.
Thats what I thought but is this karma? Argh
Lets take a nap for a bit.
Then, Ill surely be able to do my best again from tomorrow.
Oraa! You ready, Abel?
Yeah!
At the signal from Brad-Sensei, I infused my sword with magic.
Lately, Ive been spending all my time practicing this, except for sleep but its really difficult and I just cant seem to get it right.
How many times do I have to tell you? Dont focus too much on controlling magic!!
Uh
A fiery arrow flew towards me, but I managed to dodge it just in time.
Phew, that was close If I had been even a second slower to react, I would have been hit by it.
The battle has already begun! Keep your eyes on me at all times!!
Yes!
Ora!! Lets keep going!! Dont stop thinking!!
Watch.
Observe carefully, think, and predict.
Dispel.
This was the technique Brad-Sensei first taught me the ability to cut magic.
For swordsmen who cannot use magic, it is the most important technique in fighting against magic users.
It is made possible by infusing the sword with magic using magic manipulation or magic items.
Avoid, dodge, and slash.
Then slowly close the distance.
Dont rush, dont stop to think.
Are my movements becoming too predictable?
What will Brad-Sensei do next?
Keep thinking!
Physical Reinforcement
First, one step at a time.
When I fought with Luke, I immediately activated Physical Reinforcement x5 my limit.
But that was too slow.
Although Luke waited for me, it left me with a clear opening.
Physical Reinforcement
So, one step at a time.
Dont rush.
Now I am using it twice!
This is the limit of what I can fully control right now.
But its enough.
Predict and dodge.
Then cut with Dispel.
The distance between me and Brad-Sensei gradually shortened.
And then, as always, he
Wall of Flames.
I knew it!
Physical Reinforcement, the only strengthening magic I can use, is compatible with Dispel.
Stronger slashes can cut through larger amounts of magic.
Dispel
Huh?
Youre still too weak, Abel
I sliced through Brad-Senseis Wall of Flames.
Only to be hit by his fist right in front of me
Ouch
I think youll be fine with this, but if it really hurts, go see the priest.
N-no, Im okay
After that, I tried many times over and over again but never won.
Brad-Sensei is from a family of knights and is knowledgeable about swords even though hes not really a swordsman.
So his advice is always appropriate and easy to understand even though he can be a bit rude sometimes.
Also, its fun.
My training with my master has always focused on increasing my strength.
But here, he teaches me how to use that strength.
So no matter how painful and tough it is its fresh and enjoyable.
But still, I am here today because of the days I spent with my master. I wouldnt even be able to get to the starting line if she wasnt there.
I thank her for that.
I can become stronger and that makes me happy. Very, very happy.
Abel, sometimes you give off a pretty dangerous vibe, you know?
Brad-Senseis voice brought me back to reality.
W-what-!? R-really?
Yes. Though, Im not interested, so I wont ask, just dont be in such a hurry.
hurry?
I felt a little confused by Brad-Senseis words.
I didnt realize that I was in hurry.
Yeah. I can see that you are in a hurry. More to the point, youre too obsessed with being strong.
Is it so?
Being desperate is fine. But when you get too desperate and anxious, your field of vision narrows and you make stupid choices. Usually, those without any margin in their hearts are the ones who make those choices.
Certainlythat could be true.
I am obsessed with strength.
Hopelessly so.
Do you know why this school only accepts a small number of students? Its because they want to raise them to their fullest potential. In other words, we teachers are serious about this. So dont bear it alone.
Truly, I am blessed.
Thank you very much!
Geez, I said something I shouldnt have! Thats enough for today! Just leave!
Y-Yes!
With a swish, Brad-Sensei waved his hand to drive me away.
He has a rude mouth and can be a little scary, but I already know hes a really good person.
I head towards the exit, then turn back and bow my head once more to him.
Thank you very much!
Yeah, just go already.
Then I open the door and leave the magic training grounds.
Training with Brad-sensei is pretty tough.
Im so tired I want to just lie down right now, and to prove that, my whole body cracks with every step.
But it all feels pleasant.
Im probably just fulfilled.
Im really glad I enrolled in this school.
Everyone here is so nice.
Almost everyone except me is an aristocrat, and I thought I would be ridiculed more.
Well, maybe thats just because everyone is so full of themselves
Thats when
Freya-Sensei!
She appears from around the corner and starts walking towards me.
Huh, she didnt notice me?
Am I really that insignificant?
Its quite shocking
Hmm, Freya-sensei is mumbling something.
I wonder what shes thinking.
If thats the case though, I shouldnt talk to her But, its not good to ignore her without even greeting her right!?
I quickened my pace and closed the distance between us.
And then
Umm, excuse me!
I spoke up in a slightly louder voice because I thought she wouldnt notice me otherwise.
But it was a mistake.
Pyaah!
She let out a strange noise and dropped the papers she was holding.
What was that pya sound?
No, thats not important! I did it! I spoke to her and now this happened
Abel!
While the papers fluttered around us, Freya-Sensei crossed her arms and stood there calmly, giving me a cold, freezing stare.
You surprise your teacher and enjoy their reaction. Thats quite an interesting hobby you have, Abel.
For a moment, I didnt understand what she meant.
Unlike Freya-sensei, I was incredibly flustered.
Shes completely misunderstanding me!
I realized that a moment too late.
N-no! Thats not what I meant! I just wanted to say hello
Hmm if it was just a greeting, then I should apologize for being surprised.
No, no, its my fault! Um, well
Its alright.
Freya-Sensei Shes scary.
She gives off an aura thats somewhat similar to Alices Im not very fond of it.
We started picking up the scattered papers, and then,
By the way, Abel.
She spoke to me.
That alone made my heart jump.
W-what is it?
I asked back fearfully.
Have you, you know, heard anything about me? For example, yes, for example have you heard anything about me from Luke?
I had no idea what she was talking about.
There was no need to lie, so I answered honestly.
Eh from Luke? Nothing in particular.
H-how about other students? Did they say anything?
Her intensity was frightening
N-no I dont think so. Luke isnt the type to talk much afterall
I see
For a moment, I thought Freya-Sensei smiled just a little bit.
As if she was relieved.
It might just be my imagination.
As we talked, we continued picking up the scattered papers
Very soon, the rank battle between Alice and Lloyd will be held. If you want to go up even a little, you should watch it.
I understand.
Well then, Ill be on my way. But dont enjoy surprising the teacher too much.
Thats not what I meant!
And so, I saw Freya-senseis figure from behind.
Somehow, I thought that even though she was a little scary, she wasnt really a bad person.
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