Saint Seraphina finished her greeting, and a relaxed atmosphere settled over the students.
I knew better than to think it was over.
"I have a proposal," Princess Eliana said, raising her hand. "Since we are in the midst of a special training period, I believe it is important to first bolster the students' spirits. To that end, how about a mock battle?"
Garduff narrowed his eyes and nodded in agreement. "Ho ho ho, a fine suggestion. Let us adopt it."
It was a simple truth that battle had stirred the hearts of men since ancient times. This followed the script of the original game perfectly—or it should have. In the game, this was where the Hero, Leon, was supposed to have a mock battle with Klaus, a new character and potential Ally Candidate.
"In that case, we should choose a matchup worthy of such a brilliant opening," the Headmaster continued. "Does the Princess have a particular pairing in mind?"
"How about Albert-san, the Top of the Class, and Klaus-san, the peerless swordsman?"
I blinked.
Wait, what?
Albert, the Top of the Class? Shouldn't that be Leon?
I hurriedly turned my gaze toward Eliana, only to find her watching me with a wicked glint in her eyes. I could practically hear the mental message she was sending me: I've nominated you—is there a problem? I expect you to provide the best possible entertainment.
Unaware of my internal crisis, the students were already buzzing with excitement. I was infamous enough as it was, and Klaus was a well-known powerhouse. It was only natural they’d react this way.
"Hmm, an intriguing combination," Garduff said.
Don’t act like this is the first you’ve heard of it, old man. You two definitely coordinated this beforehand, didn't you?
"Let us hear from the participants. Klaus, Albert, what say you?"
"To be nominated by Eliana-sama is truly an honor!" Klaus’s ringing voice echoed across the training ground. "As one who seeks the pinnacle of the sword, a duel with Albert von Kronstadt is exactly what I desire!"
Klaus von Winterfeld was the son of the kingdom’s Knight Commander, a product of a hardcore martial noble family. Unlike the "soft" nobles who made up the majority of the academy, he lived by the creed of being "Always on the Battlefield."
With his short-cropped blue hair and hawk-like eyes, he possessed a lean, conditioned physique that was evident even through his clothes. As one of Leon’s future Ally Candidates, he was easily the most skilled swordsman in our year.
"A fine answer," the Headmaster said, nodding contentedly before turning his eyes toward me. "And what of your answer, Albert?"
There was no way I could refuse in this atmosphere, you old fox. Every student around us was staring at me with breathless anticipation.
To be honest, the "essence of Albert von Kronstadt" inside me was being petty and wanted to scream, Shut up, there’s no way I’m doing that! Even I felt like it was going to be a massive pain. For a moment, I considered just letting the original Albert’s personality take the reins and cause total chaos.
...No, wait. I had a desire of my own.
I wanted to test my current swordsmanship. I hadn't just studied magic; I’d put in a considerable amount of effort into my sword skills for the sake of self-defense. Thanks to that, I was good enough to win a mock battle against Silvia.
However, that was only to a certain point. In terms of game jobs, Silvia was essentially a "Scout who could use magic," likely due to her setting as a princess who doubled as an operative. Klaus, on the other hand, held the "Knight" job. Even if he was a defensive type, he was a dedicated front-line combatant.
I wanted to see how my close-quarters combat ability measured up against a true Knight like Klaus. More importantly, if I couldn't overwhelm someone of his caliber, I stood no chance against an elite assassin like Milia. He was the perfect opponent to test my limits.
"—If it's a duel using only swords, I accept."
My words caused a stir. The students aiming to be knights and warriors usually ignored magic training entirely to focus on their physical techniques. By prohibiting magic attacks, I was placing a massive handicap on myself. To challenge a physical-combat specialist while throwing away my greatest advantage seemed like madness to them.
Headmaster Garduff narrowed his eyes. "Ho ho. A bold proposal. Are you certain, Albert?"
"I don't mind. Though, of course, I will still use magic for the purpose of physical enhancement."
Since the warrior-types did the same, it shouldn't be an issue.
"Klaus, what is your take?"
"I object!" Klaus snapped, directing a sharp glare at me. "Facing me without using your magic? That is an insult!"
Wait, what? I didn't mean it like that at all.
"I refuse to accept such a restriction. Regardless of what you do, as a Knight, I will not use magic—but Albert, you should use everything at your disposal if you wish!"
He seemed genuinely furious.
"Pho pho pho, such is the fire of youth," Garduff chuckled.
In what world is this "youthful"?
"Very well then, Albert. Klaus’s point is valid. Whether or not you use magic is entirely up to you. I shall leave the choice in your hands."
...In this situation, if I was "forced" to use magic, it would basically be a loss.
And so, the rules were set. I moved to the center of the training ground to face Klaus. He took a stance with a one-handed sword and a shield, while I held only a single sword. Both our weapons were blunted. I could have used a shield since I wasn't using magic, but changing my usual combat style seemed like more trouble than it was worth.
As expected of a Knight, Klaus looked the part. The intensity in his gaze was likely a result of our previous exchange.
"Begin!"
The moment the teacher acting as referee shouted, we both activated Physical Enhancement Magic. This was the fundamental spell used even by melee classes. No other magic would be allowed.
Immediately, Klaus lunged forward with explosive force.
"It ends with this one strike, Albert!"
The slash was top-tier. It was clearly more powerful than Silvia’s and undoubtedly more refined than Leon’s. It was a masterpiece of a strike, forged through talent and immense effort—exactly what you’d expect from the man who would become the Hero's sword.
If I were the person I used to be, I wouldn't have been hit, but parrying it would have been the most I could manage before being forced onto the defensive. He was a nightmare of an opponent to fight without magic.
If I were the person I used to be, that is.
I parried the blow with room to spare. Without losing my balance for even a second, I effortlessly diverted the momentum of that powerful strike away from me.
"——!?"
Klaus’s expression stiffened as his prized attack was neutralized.
Bad luck, Klaus. Your strike is certainly impressive, but I spend my days being sliced to ribbons by the overwhelming speed of a certain Tsundere King. Compared to that, your slashes look like they’re moving in slow motion.
I suppose humans really can grow through any experience, no matter how traumatic.
"Hah!"
With a sharp breath, I launched a counterstrike. Klaus reacted instantly, catching it on his shield, but the composure had already vanished from his face.
"Albert! You... even your sword skills are—!"
It must have been humiliating. Klaus had spent his entire life honing his swordsmanship, always told he was at the pinnacle of his generation. Now, that pride was being trampled.
"Make me use my magic, Klaus," I said, taking my stance again. "Because at this rate, you're going to lose."
Klaus grit his teeth so hard I could hear it.