Chapter 32: Reunion (2)
Its one of the rare strokes of luck in the world. Remember it well. Youll be able to rise to places that are even beyond sight in an instant.
Her night-black hair, pale skin, and prominent nose caught the eye. Navirose whispered her name softly.
Adeshan.
Yes. By the way, I really cant feel any mana from him. Is his innate mana really so weak?
Its even worse. You managed to reach the level of a Sword User, somehow, but not even a single drop of mana can be felt from that child.
Thats Is that even possible?
Adeshan watched Ronans spear technique as if she was possessed. His movements flowed seamlessly, without a hint of superfluousness.
After demonstrating the Imperial Spear Art, Ronan picked up his shield and short sword. Adeshan muttered to herself.
If I keep trying, could I eventually become like that?
Navirose didnt answer. The silence was as harsh as reality. However, Adeshan paid no mind to such things and continued to gaze at Ronan with admiration. It wasnt long before Ronans demonstration concluded.
Phew Im done.
Ronan let the mace drop to the ground. After a moment of silence, applause rang out among the seniors.
Clap! Clap!
The applause that grew louder and more numerous gradually filled the entire arena. Someone shouted.
Impressive, Junior!
Praise for Ronan followed sporadically. But none of it reached Ronans ears. The heat radiating from his body dulled his senses.
Ugh, damn, its so hot.
Even though he was only slashing through the air repeatedly, sweat poured down as if it were no joke. He had long since undone his jacket and loosened his tie.
Ronan lifted the hem of his shirt to wipe the sweat from his face. His well-defined abs, reminiscent of a beasts, were faintly visible. Some of the female students whispered as they covered their mouths.
Does he have a girlfriend? I should take Professor Navirose classes more from now on.
Damn, Hes so hot. Should I ask him out?
Ronan wiped away all the sweat before raising his head. When his eyes met Naviroses, she nodded as if acknowledging his efforts. At that moment, someone approached with a towel.
Um, there. I saw everything. There was not a single mistake in the end.
Oh, really. Thank you.
If its okay with you, Id like to receive some guidance some time. My name is
Im Ronan.
Ronan grabbed the towel. It was the moment to express gratitude and say farewell. Facing a girl taller than himself, Ronan stiffened like a rock.
General?
Huh? General What did you say?
The towel fell to the ground. Adeshan chuckled in embarrassment. Although sweat trickled down his forehead and gathered at the tip of his chin, Ronan stared at her face without blinking. Eventually, his mouth opened.
Adeshan.
Huhuh? You know my name?
Adeshans eyes widened. Her expression changed slightly, but her face remained largely unchanged. Ronan picked up the towel and wiped his face.
Ronan considered himself lucky to be sweating so profusely. He thought that a single drop of liquid, not sweat, from his eyes could go unnoticed.
****
Naviroses class mainly consisted of sparring. After a brief theory session and a demonstration of swordsmanship, students were paired up to engage in practice bouts.
Today, Navirose taught the 1-Second Stance of the Navirose style. It was a technique that involved coiling the black sword like a snake, making it difficult for the opponent to react effectively.
Normally, Ronan would have watched with burning enthusiasm and followed along. However, today, he couldnt get into the rhythm of the lesson. He was thinking about the young general who had given him a towel before.
There are people you cant forget no matter how hard you try. Having experienced death once, Ronan understood that fact.
His beloved sister was one of them, and the disciplinary unit soldiers who used to laugh together every night were as well. The General who handed over the future at the last moment was also one of those people.
Since receiving the towel, Ronan had stood at the same place for quite some time. Adeshan stared at him strangely before responding to Naviroses call and rushing off.
Theres something wrong the atmosphere feels very different.
Ronan recalled the appearance of Adeshan from his previous life. The youngest Imperial General, the Duke of Acalusia, could not be found with even a trace of vulnerability.
If someone tells me that iron flowed through her veins instead of blood, Id believe it.
The Adeshan Ronan knew was an extremely rational and composed individual. She sent most of the remaining Imperial Knight Order and other troops as an escort for the disciplinary unit during the battle with Ahayute, and that alone was evidence enough.
Emotions were never revealed, and she wouldnt hesitate to use any means necessary to achieve her goals. She had opened her heart during their last moments together, but even then, there was no sign of vulnerability in her role as the General.
However, now her expressions were richer, and somehow, she seemed less mature.
Nasdo, who had been practicing swordsmanship alone, shouted.
Assistant Adeshan! Could you take a look at my posture?
Oh Ill be there in a moment!
Adeshan rushed over, holding a stack of documents. She was assisting Navirose .
Nasdo demonstrated swordsmanship by thrusting his rapier into the air. Adeshan carefully analyzed his posture and then offered some corrections.
Um overall, its fine, but youre putting a bit too much strength into your left thigh. Try reducing the output of your core by about 20% and shift your center of gravity forward to the right?
Ah, thats much better. Thank you.
Nasdo expressed his gratitude. Adeshan left a kind smile and went to observe another students posture. Ronan furrowed his brows at her meticulous and gentle manner.
He couldnt reconcile her current appearance with her appearance from his previous life. Then a question occurred to him. How many lifetimes has the present Adeshan lived?
Could it be her first or third life,
He couldnt know the effects of the bead exactly. However, judging by her appearance now, it seemed clear to anyone that she was living her first life. The smile Adeshan showed wasnt the expression of someone worn down by the storms of multiple lives.
Could it be her fourth life? No, if thats the case, she must have been living by cutting fabric or something. In that case, did the General I knew die there? Damn, what exactly happened?
His questions became increasingly overwhelming, making his head spin. Just then, a voice came from behind.ll new stries at n0ve/lbi/(.)cm
Hey, newcomer. I saw your demonstration just now. It was quite intimidating, huh?
Ronan turned his head. A tall and sturdy-looking young man was standing there. He pointed to Braun and Nasdo, who were swinging a greatsword and rapier with great effort.
Ive heard rumors. You completely crushed those two ruffians, didnt you?
Yes?
At the entrance ceremony. Didnt you take care of that big, useless oaf and that guy who looks as dull as his weapon?
He was not wearing his tie, so his grade wasnt clear. However, seeing him belittle Braun and Nasdo made it seem like he was a higher-ranking student.
It was a bit annoying to see him address the two who were still novices so disrespectfully, but he thought it might be due to familiarity. The young man extended his hand.
Im Karudan Oun. Nice to meet you.
Im Ronan.
To be honest, when I saw you, I felt a bit of self-doubt. How can you handle different types of weapons so perfectly?
I just did what I learned.
Karudan continued to praise Ronan. It felt somewhat excessive or condescending, but Ronan let it slide.
Theres no reason to dislike someone who likes you. Karudan twirled his spear and spoke.
Would you like to have a duel with me? I want to learn a thing or two from a promising junior.
Sure. Are we doing it right here?
No. Just wait a moment. Hey! Adeshan!
Uh, yes?!
Karudan shouted. Adeshan, who had hurried over, stopped in front of the two. Karudan spoke irritably.
Seriously, youre so slow. Go and get my spear.
Spear? But the one youre holding right now is
You idiot, you should understand when I hint. Im talking about the long spear and the short spear. Go quickly and fetch them.
Ah, yes!
Adeshan turned and rushed away. Karudan grumbled about her frustration. Ronan frowned as he observed how Karudan treated her like a subordinate rather than an assistant.
Why didnt you just ask her to bring them when you called her?
Huh? Ahaha, you must have been a bit surprised. Sorry. I just cant stand people like her who try to enjoy privileges in fields where they lack skills.
Karudan pointed to Adeshan, who was searching for the spear. He explained that she wasnt qualified to attend Naviroses class of Advanced Practical Swordsmanship. He said she was shamelessly taking the class despite still being at the level of a sword user.
Why do they let her take the class?
Stop talking. Cant you see how despicable it is for someone whos not even an official student to request privileges? Our grade knows all about it. It was the overwhelmed Navirose who allowed her in as an assistant.
In short, Adeshan wanted to take the class of the renowned swordmaster Navirose , but she didnt meet the requirements. So, she asked to become an assistant by showcasing her keen observation and meticulousness, and Navirose accepted.
Whats the problem? Ronan asked.
She must have had some potential that made Navirose allow it, right? Just now, it seemed like she was quite capable as an assistant.
Well, are you into a girl who looks like a mix of everything? This is shocking. Although her face is not bad, your taste seems a bit
Karudan! Heres the spear
Just then, Adeshan, holding the short spear, arrived and stopped in front of the two. A few drops of sweat were trickling down her pale cheeks. Karudan lightly tapped Adeshans forehead and said.
Dont be so slow Even if youre not capable, you should do your assistant duties properly. Originally, youre not even qualified to take the class.
Please, stop Karudan.
You should call me senior. Hmm? Im a third-year student now. Address me as an upperclassman.
Karudan didnt stop. Ronan looked around. Navirose was talking to Shullifen in the corner. Some seniors were glancing at them, but no one was intervening, just watching.
This is ridiculous.
Ronan twisted his lips. His frustration was boiling over, and he couldnt take it anymore. He placed his hand on Karudans shoulder, who was mocking Adeshan.
Lets have our duel then. I cant stand watching this anymore.
Oh? Sure thing. But why the sudden change in your tone? What you mean by Cant stand watching this anymore?'
Well, you dont need to know. Just get ready quickly. Is it okay here?
The floor of Arena 1 was marked with long, spacious rectangles. They were designated areas to ensure that different groups wouldnt overlap during their duels.
Ronan walked to one end of a nearby rectangle and stood there. Karudan, who had taken the short spear from Adeshan, positioned himself at the opposite end. Seeing Ronans expression, Karudan muttered irritably.
You dont seem to have the kind of look that youd show to a senior. Whats bothering you so much, junior?
Just shut up, and Im glad this is Philleon.
What are you suddenly talking about? And did you just use informal speech?
Yeah. Screw you.
The rectangles illuminated brightly, signaling the start of the duel. Ronan dashed forward as if shot out, grasping the hilt of his sword
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