I Was Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble But I’ll Be Executed as a Traitor if I Do Good Deeds Chapter 8
8 Learning Swordsmanship
I’ve been training with Phyllis every day. Magic has taken shape, and a new desire has sprouted. I want to master both swordsmanship and magic.
Rex’s style in “Destiny Blood” was to use both swords and magic. So, I’m interested in swordsmanship too. I want to learn it.
“Well, I’ve decided to learn swordsmanship, so it’s a good day. I’m sorry, Phyllis, but I want to master both sword and magic.”
I need to discuss it with Phyllis without being rude, at least to some extent. So, I brought it up during our usual training session.
“I’m going to learn swordsmanship, Philis. Of course, I won’t give up on magic training.”
“…I have doubts. With your magical talent, like Rex, why do you want to learn swordsmanship?”
“I want to combine swordsmanship and magic to become the strongest.”
“…Men. Is being the strongest really that attractive?”
“Yes, I absolutely want to become the strongest.”
“…I understand. Then, I’ll cooperate with you.”
Luckily, Philis was favorable towards my actions. Thanks to that, our conversation went smoothly. Well, that’s good. Since I can learn swordsmanship, I want to learn from the best instructor. Then, the answer is clear.
After finishing my training with Philis, I headed to my father’s place. Of course, the topic was swordsmanship.
“Dad, I’ve got Philis’ permission, so I want to learn swordsmanship.”
“That’s fine, but who do you plan to have as your instructor?”
“Silent Killer, the mute swordswoman.”
Silent Killer, Elina. In “Destiny Blood”, she was the protagonist’s instructor. Although she couldn’t use magic, she had killed many magicians and was an excellent mercenary.
“Why do you want to learn swordsmanship from a filthy beastman?”
Even my father knew Elina’s name. Of course, it’s natural. Someone who can kill magicians wouldn’t be unknown. That’s why it’s convenient. However, I need to be careful not to arouse suspicion. If I’m seen as being favorable towards beastmen, who knows what might happen?
“It’s simple. By learning her fighting style, I can win more efficiently.”
“As expected of my son. That’s a great idea. Then, let’s call her.”
After that, I continued my training with Philis for a while.
One day, Aria and Wes came to my room at an unusual time. That means they had some special business. I couldn’t help but feel excited.
“Rex-sama, Elina-san has arrived.”
“Ah, Master. Are you going to learn swordsmanship too?”
“I’m going to become the strongest, so of course. Now, guide me.”
Aria and Wes guided me to the courtyard, where a beastwoman with dog-like ears and a tail was waiting. According to my knowledge of the original story, she was a wolf beastwoman. However, to me, she looked like a dog. She had short gray hair and gray eyes, giving off a calm impression. She was quite tall, too.
As soon as she saw me, she approached me and lightly bowed.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Elina, also known as Silent Killer.”
Her low voice gave off a strong warrior vibe. Well, it’s no mistake that she gives off that impression. In the original story, she was the strongest swordsman. Well, if I had dark magic, I think I could easily win.
“Ah. I’ll make sure to enjoy myself, so look forward to it.”
“Then, let me show you. This is my Silent Kill!”
Elina quickly demonstrated her signature technique. I barely saw it, but her footwork was impressive. It was as if she was rotating or something. She was taking a step forward, but it wasn’t straight.
“I see. Is that how it is?…As expected, it’s difficult to learn just by watching once.”
Well, even in the original story, it’s not like I could master the strongest sword technique just by watching once. However, I need to have confidence. I have to keep up the act, after all.
“Rex, did you see my ultimate technique?”
She looked very surprised. It’s strange that I could see it. Well, I have to pretend that it’s no big deal. That’s just my personality.
“What’s so ordinary about it?”
“Ah…first, let’s try that. Just swing your sword as you like.”
As I swung my sword according to her instructions, I felt an incredible speed. It was as if I was swinging a toy sword, not a real one. I guess that’s what fantasy is all about.
I tried not to show my excitement, but Elina seemed dissatisfied. She immediately pointed out my mistake.
“Don’t swing your sword with just your hand. Use your shoulders.”
As I became aware of her words, I felt my swordsmanship improve. Is it possible to change so much with just words? No, it’s too different from my previous life. I was a sports idiot, after all. Rex’s body is amazing.
“Try rotating your waist as well. That will make your swordsmanship even sharper.”
I easily did as she said, and just by doing so, swinging my sword became incredibly enjoyable. Is this what it means to enjoy sports? I was so moved that my face almost broke into a smile.
“The foundation and essence of swordsmanship lies in the footwork. You need to utilize your feet properly.”
Yeah, that’s right. Even the Silent Kill, which I saw earlier, seemed to have a unique footwork. After several corrections, I continued to swing my sword. Each time, I felt my sword skills improving, and I could keep swinging for a long time.
“Try imitating the technique I showed you earlier.”
Of course, it’s the Silent Kill. If I can use the original technique, that’s the best. I have to put in my full effort.
“Alright, I understand. Let’s do it!”
The second time, I felt a clear improvement from the previous attempt. However, I still wasn’t as fast or sharp as Elina.
“You’re still immature. But you can call it the Silent Kill. Of course, it won’t work on me.”
From Elina’s words, I seemed to have reached the minimum requirement. This body’s talent is incredible. With this, I can put more power into my training. The more I practice, the more I’ll grow, which is only natural.
“Then, I’ll become stronger until it works.”
“Ah, I’m looking forward to it. I want to see how strong you can become. It’s interesting to see someone else use the perfect Silent Kill.”
When I can master the Silent Kill, it’ll be incredibly enjoyable. Just imagining it makes me feel uplifted. But if I’m satisfied with just being able to use someone else’s technique, that’s arrogant. I’ll show Elina my proud self.
“Perfect? I don’t plan on stopping at that level. I’ll easily surpass your sword skills.”
“Haha… There’s no swordsman who can surpass my skills. It’s interesting, Rex.”
“Of course? I’m going to become the strongest man, after all.”
“The strongest, huh? You might be able to achieve that. Alright, I’ve decided. I’ll entrust my sword skills to you. Make sure to become the strongest.”
In other words, I’ll continue to learn Elina’s sword skills from now on. Both Philis’s magic and Elina’s sword skills. I’ll absorb them with all my might. Then, I’ll become the strongest, just as I said. That way, I’ll have more ways to survive.