Yush dives in with the greatsword high, instantly covering the distance.

*BANG!!*

I disappear before his sword touches me.

!

Yush quickly pulls his sword and swings it around when he feels a presence behind him. I dart back and zap in.

"Ngh!"

My speed puts my blade at his neck.

"H-How..." Yush mumbles.

I look at Kaine and he smiles. "Number Seven's winner, Loi Krist!"

It was an incredibly fast match. Yush only lasted five seconds.

Yush drops to the floor, staring at the ground.

I put my hand on his shoulder. "You have impressive strength and speed for a greatsword wielder. However, you put too much power into your swings. Hence, hindering your recovery and reaction. Try practising 'pulling back' when you slash."

Yush gazes at my hand on his shoulder and looks away, not uttering a word.

I witness Sir Reginald's reaction. His mouth is wide open as he springs from his seat.

"What was what?"

"I blinked and it was over?! So quickly?"

"Maybe Yush isn't as strong as he seems."

"You try fighting Yush then."

My rapid match attracted the attention of everyone in the arena. Be it envy or respect, this is the first glimpse of a rising star nobody will forget.

Nobles in the arena glare at me with clenched fists; Their pride is wounded by an insignificant individual.

When I get back to my seat, Reginald appears beside me.

"Cadet Krist," He says.

"Good afternoon, Sir Reginald," I lower my head.

"...Follow me."

He climbs the stairs to the space behind the top row of seats and turns to me.

"Explain that footwork," He says.

As expected, he recognises it.

"It's a footwork that uses the premise of your footwork but theoretically different."

"I know that! Explain the difference!"

"It's a rabbit. The hopping of a rabbit inspired the movements."

!

Reginald frowns. "Who taught it to you?"

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...

"My apologies, I'm the creator."

"What?! But I never taught you my footwork!"

"I...learnt from observing," I say. It's true although it took me years to understand even the premise just by observing.

Reginald steps back and freezes. "O-Observing?!" He exclaims.

...

"H-Hahahaha!!" His laugh trembles across the arena.

"Loi Krist."

"Yes sir."

"I heard you are participating in the tournament two months from now. Do you understand what you are getting yourself into?"

"I do, sir, and I don't intend to back off."

Reginald stares at me and sighs. "I will say it straight to you. I don't support your growth. Although talent is admirable, I cannot ignore status and power."

He takes an envelope and holds it out to me. "Yet you are too precious to be tossed aside. You've been hiding your strength in the academy for so many years and why only now show it? You have a goal, don't you? I will help you. Lose in the upcoming tournament and the instructors will put in a good word for you."

I shake my head. "I appreciate the offer. Thank you very much."

The air grows ugly as it tenses up. Reginald exuded a pressuring aura.

"..."

Unexpectedly to Reginald, I thrive in the atmosphere, my eyes unwavering and spirit fortitude.

Reginald brushes his moustache as he slides the envelope into his jacket. "Youngsters..."

"Listen carefully. This is not a stage for you. If you want to succeed and obtain a better life or status, there is a path you can take. Any other will lead to oblivion and devastation. For example, the army." Reginald says.

!

The army...that's where my father is.

"Become a warrior and achieve great feats. You can craft your lineage and become a noble. By then, if you want to fight other nobles, go ahead. Not now."

What Sir Reginald said makes sense. It's the best option for a commoner.

Unfortunately, I'm not doing this for a lineage. I'm doing this to survive the incoming war.

...

"I'm sorry but I'm not simply doing this for glory or reputation," I reply.

"Then why are you hellbent on taking the difficult path?"

"Because it's a necessity for my survival and the safety of people I love," I say.

Reginald was confused by my response of a complete contradiction. Nevertheless, my resolute is firm and he knows any more is futile.

"Fine. I will not convince you any further. You must know, that after today, you will be facing every noble in the kingdom. You nor anyone close to you will be safe."

"I know. If there is nothing else, may I leave?" I ask.

...

Reginald nods.

I turn to take my leave before Reginald says "Arrogance."

"With all due respect, sir, it's confidence." I turn back and say.

!!

Reginald widens his eyes and smiles. "Haha...life grows peculiar the older you are. To think I would see a ruler's principle from a mere young commoner."

To see things through is the path of honour. That was how I lived my first life and it will never change.

As I return to my seat, everyone's gaze is on me, especially the nobles.

...I see.

Reginald's laugh riled up the nobles' immature minds and jumped to a conclusion. Whether intentional or unintentional, that was a good move.

The ball has been kicked. From now on, it's a game of wits and perseverance.

=====================

After dinner and a nice bath, the moonlight permeates through the dark. I settle down on the floor of my dormitory room.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Aiden, who just walked into the room, asks.

"A method to grow stronger." I pull a bag closer and take out the mana potions.

"Mana potions? You are not a mage. Did you waste your money on that?"

"Calm down and watch. Protect me while I do this, I will be counting on you." I say.

"S-Sure?"

I take a deep breath and bring the mana potion closer. "No matter what happens, do not interrupt me or I will die," I say. "Promise me that."

"...Okay." Aiden sits on his bed.

The Outworlders have differing cultures, lifestyles and of course, techniques. They call themselves "Martial Artists" and utilise mana in the atmosphere differently, resulting in incredible growth almost akin to godhood.

Needless to say, tribulations and the price paid are exponentially harder than anything I've ever experienced.

The foundation of their strength is "Cultivation", accumulating mana and using them to enhance their soul and body.

I plundered a basic cultivation method from corpses in my first life but struggled to grasp it due to my age. Cultivation is best done from young.

My eyes fixated on the vial, the dangers attempted to pull me away.

...

"Huff...I can do this...come on." I mumble to myself.

With another deep breath, I gulp one vial down.