Swordsmanship; A Genius

Swordsmanship, history, magic theory and application, law—most of which he had decent grades on. This was until he regressed, to which he found most being ungraded.

The one exception to this was swordsmanship, where he consistently received A’s. That was still a downgrade to his previous grades, but he could see that even this August had capabilities in swordsmanship.

Since he’d regressed, August had roughly 5 days dedicated to sword fighting classes. In those five days, August demonstrated his resolve for using the art to the instructor. Though such demonstrations were not quite visible to the untrained eye, the instructor picked up on this subtle change within August.

His habit of tilting the sword a bit too much when striking was now non-existent. His footing was adjusted that tiny bit, allowing for smoother strikes. The minuscule flaws that made August’s swordsmanship less than perfect were nowhere to be seen, something that would only happen if August accepted advice from others and had practised for years on end. But these changes seemed to have happened overnight.

“Today’s session will include 1-on-1 sparring. I will pair you up according to your skills, and then mix it up so you can better understand what an opponent with a different skill level feels like,” the teacher instructed. He pointed to two students at once and said ‘you two’, until August was the only one left.

“It’s an odd-numbered class, so you can pair up with me,” he continued. “I believe out of anyone in the class, you have the skills to be on par with me.”

August hesitated a little, wondering what would happen if he took his war captain skill status and displayed it out in clear view. But then again, he wanted to take the opportunity and hone his slightly different body back to—or even better—than what he was used to, so he could be a step ahead of the monsters, the enemies, and prevent the casualties that would happen. And besides, everyone is busy fighting each other to pay attention to him.

The two swiftly drew out their swords and charged at each other. With each exchange, the instructor would be impressed and smile.

“August, these past few weeks you have shown a tremendous amount of improvement. Just what have you done?”

August clenched his jaw.

“I… practised.”

It was not a lie. He did train a lot, but he also had 5 years extra.

“If this is the result of you actually trying for 4 weeks, then if you try for longer you might just become the swordsman of the century! Just that your style seems less adapted for fighting humans, it seems.”

The instructor landed a few blows in quick succession, at spots August neglected due to the habits he had formed in his past 5 years.

August tittered. This conversation had gone on for too long. He did not want to reveal his regression to anyone yet. This August may not be trustworthy enough to seem like he is not talking out of his ass. Plus, the mastermind could be anyone. If he revealed his hand, it may become much more difficult for him to prevent future events.

A blade flung from the two, all the way across the room. The person that still had an intact sword remaining in hand was not the instructor, but August.

August bowed.

“Thank you for the duel.”

The instructor, though stunned, returned the bow.

To August’s dismay, the whole class was watching. A few guys ran up to him and put their arms around his shoulders.

“Dude, that was awesome!”

“When did you learn to do this?

“I bet you were just hiding your true abilities.”

“I wish I could defeat Mr. Inflexible like that.”

It seemed that it was not too unexpected that he was able to fight the instructor.

“Sure I was. You don’t even know my true abilities,” August said sarcastically. What should he do now?

“Alright, alright class, have you all completed your sparring?” The teacher asked, trying to break up the class. “If we have, let’s continue to the second duel—random pair up.”

The instructor moved each pair to a different pair. He did not clarify how he chose each pair, but the students could guess that it was the weakest with the middle, the middle with strongest and everything in the between.

“Why am I paired up with the instructor?” a student groaned.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to defeat him? He gave you that chance,” another student chuckled.

“I think you’re better off than me… I’m paired with August…”

This student locked eyes with August. Deep purple eyes, forest green hair, kind of short in stature. This was Xander Barlow, someone who fought alongside August once.

“Hi August. Should we get started…?”

Seeing Xander live and well made August smile. It was things like this that truly made August feel like he regressed.

“Sure.”

To August, this duel was a friendly exchange. But to Xander, it was the fight of his life.

“How are you not tired yet!?” Xander exclaimed. “I’m going to pass out this second and yet it looks like you just got out of a comfortable shower!”

August crinkled his eyes the way a parent would at their child. Proud and amused, however has the ability to do a lot more than the child. At the same time, it was sentimental, and a little bittersweet.

“You should get stronger, Xander.”

“Shut up!”

“You will get stronger, but you should surpass even that.”

The image of Xander’s lifeless, bloody body flashed through August’s mind. His smile lowered. “So that you can survive.”

Xander desperately struck at August.

“I,” a miss. “Don’t,” another miss. “Know,” blocked. “What,” blocked. “You,” missed. “Are,” parried. “Talking,” blocked. “About!” A hit.

“Oh my god, I landed a hit!” Xander exclaimed. His excitement did not last long, as August had already flung the sword out of Xander’s hands from sheer force.

“You will need to be at least as strong as that, Xander.”

Xander pulled a face.

“You expect me to be as strong as you?”

“No, but as strong as that strike.”

“You mean that strike was not your full power,” Xander said, dumbstruck.

August shrugged, then smiled. “Do you want to do it again?

Xander replied immediately.

“Hell no!”