A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 177

I got scolded by Rod, but I didn’t really care much.

If it were someone else, it might be different, but he’s the one who has a history of fighting a Blue Demon, and quite a strong one at that.

So, he must have been quite surprised to hear that I fought a Blue Demon. Fortunately, the one I faced was weak.

Above all, learning swordsmanship comes first. When I told Rod I wanted to learn swordsmanship, he readily agreed.

In the Soul World, gaining Rod’s approval to learn swordsmanship requires a high level of affinity.

Even though I caused various troubles, I consistently built up my affinity, so it became possible.

“Before I teach you about the sword, Luna, you mentioned that you’ve already learned from another master?”

“Yes. I only learned basic swordsmanship, and that was it.”

“Then, did that master have any unique techniques or know-how?”

“There wasn’t anything like that. They just taught me the basics, plain and simple.”

Rod nodded at Luna’s answer. He was probably curious about who her master was.

Her skills, though full of gaps here and there, are quite impressive. Moreover, she’s steadily improving even now.

Especially her swordsmanship—it’s flawless. Even if nothing else, her dedication to honing her swordsmanship makes it quite decent.

“I see. To be honest, Luna, there’s not much I can teach you.”

“What? What do you mean by that?”

“I don’t know anything about so-called household secret techniques. I only know basic swordsmanship.”

“······?”

Luna’s expression turned strange. It clearly conveyed the thought, “But aren’t you a Sword Saint?”

However, Rod’s words were true. And I know the reason behind it.

“I was born a wanderer with no connections. At first, I learned the sword just to survive. Later, I was taught by a knight, which allowed me to refine my basic swordsmanship.”

“··· ···”

“I survived by fighting and fighting again, using only basic swordsmanship. After grasping the Heavenly Principle, I eventually realized that people were calling me a Sword Saint.”

In reality, Rod’s swordsmanship isn’t as grand as a household secret technique or a legacy. It’s quite ordinary on its own.

But that’s what makes it more terrifying. Rod’s basic strikes are equivalent to finishing moves for others.

Even his ability to cut through space, when closely observed, is simply based on the concept of “cutting.” There’s no profound depth to it.

“A sword is ultimately a weapon for cutting and thrusting. The most basic things are the hardest to master. So, there’s not much I can teach you.”

Rod shrugged his shoulders as he spoke honestly. Luna’s expression turned sour in response.

Like Rize, he carries an extraordinary title, but if you dig deeper, he’s a peculiar individual.

He’s someone who reached the pinnacle with no extraordinary swordsmanship, relying solely on practical experience and basic skills. Honestly, that’s impressive in its own right.

‘That’s what you’d call a true veteran player.’

While others go to great lengths, using every method imaginable, he clears everything with just basic strikes.

Even on Earth, martial artists have their unique techniques, but Rod has none. As mentioned earlier, each of his attacks is a finishing move.

“So, what do you think? Do you still want to learn?”

“Yes. I also lack basic skills, so I think it’ll actually help me.”

“Excellent. Well, even with just what you’ve learned so far, it won’t be entirely useless.”

Far from being useless, it’s an incredible fateful encounter. After all, it’s swordsmanship taught by a Sword Saint.

The last time I counterattacked with lightning, it wasn’t swordsmanship but rather a personal technique. It’s something that can be used with any weapon.

“Swordsmanship is mostly useful in duels, that is, one-on-one situations. Think of it as similar to martial arts. You predict your opponent’s attack, consider your own movements, and then strike. Swordsmanship itself is easy to learn, but it’s hard to utilize effectively.”

“Is that why secret techniques or legacies are so important, because they account for variables?”

“Precisely. They give you an edge in the mind game.”

There are sword techniques you’d expect to see in fantasy or martial arts novels. At first glance, they might seem impractical.

But that only applies to basic swordsmanship; in reality, it’s different. Unless you’ve experienced it firsthand, you’ll have no idea what kind of attack is coming.

Of course, the same goes for the opponent, so unless it’s a life-or-death duel, it’s common to rely solely on basic skills.

“Wait a moment. Then, Headmaster, you must have had opportunities to learn various sword techniques······ why didn’t you?”

“I just thought, ‘Why bother?’ Basic swordsmanship was enough to handle everything.”

Hm. It reminds me of a dwarf who plays soccer effortlessly.

Why would you need techniques when just tapping the ball lightly makes defenders fall over on their own?

Perhaps it’s precisely because he lacks advanced techniques that he was able to reach such heights. After all, Rod is a genius.

“Also, in the West, swordsmanship is considered the origin of all weapons, while in the East, spear techniques hold that position.”

“So, do you consider swordsmanship the origin of all weapons, Headmaster?”

“No. The best weapon is simply the one that suits your hand. If a spear suited me, I would’ve used a spear.”

“··· ···”

There’s not a shred of romanticism in his words. They’re so pragmatic that I’m left speechless.

And yet, strangely, they resonate. As someone who’s experienced a wide range of things as a wanderer, he can offer such advice.

If it weren’t Rod but someone else giving this advice, I probably wouldn’t even have listened.

“First, Luna, it seems that sword suits you. As for Sivar, we’ll need to check.”

“Me?”

“Yes. Honestly, I don’t think you have much reason to use a greatsword. Even with just that axe, you should be fine. Don’t try to wield two weapons simultaneously.”

“··· ···”

I don’t like that. If nothing else, I can’t give up the Bloodstained Greatsword.

The more effective hits it lands on the opponent, the more mana it absorbs. With this, I can gain a significant advantage in endurance.

Perhaps reading my thoughts, Rod chuckled. Then, shrugging his shoulders, he spoke as if to say, “Do as you like.”

“Well, I won’t deny that the sword suits you. But there’s a saying: ‘You can only achieve greatness by digging one well deeply.’”

“I’ll use both. Just hand me that axe.”

“Ah, right. I almost forgot.”

Rod laughed heartily. It seemed he had momentarily forgotten the true owner of Ragnarok.

Just in case, let me clarify: the true owner of Ragnarok is Hector. It’s an artifact that must be returned to the Tatars someday.

To prepare for that, the Usk Axe was crafted, but now they’re combined. It’s a bit frustrating, but it can’t be helped.

“Alright then. Before teaching you anything, could you freely swing that greatsword? Make it whistle through the air.”

Rod gestured toward the greatsword in my hand. I complied with his request.

The greatsword is large, but it’s not particularly heavy. However, it feels slightly weighty now, perhaps because I’ve infused it with mana.

Shiiing! Shwik!

As I swung it vigorously, as Rod had instructed, the sound of air being sliced reached my ears.

Thanks to my strength, wielding it with one hand posed no issue. Even though it’s a greatsword, I can use it like a one-handed sword.

Seeing this, Rod nodded in satisfaction and spoke with a pleased expression.

“That’s good enough. Seeing how freely you handle it, I think it’s worth teaching you.”

If I had struggled to wield it, he likely would’ve dismissed me outright. Knowing this, I made sure to swing it as quickly as possible, which proved effective.

Afterward, Rod began teaching me the very basics. Luna also joined, just in case there were any hidden insights to be gained.

“Alright. Sivar, you should start by cutting that log over there. Again, I’ll remind you: you’re cutting, not smashing. Got it?”

“······That’s it?”

“That’s it. What else did you expect? I only know basic swordsmanship.”

No way. All he’s doing is showing a few cuts and thrusts, and that’s it?

As I blinked in disbelief, unable to process the absurdity, Rod smiled and waved his hand.

“I’m joking. But practicing cutting is serious. Once again, it’s about cutting, not smashing.”

“Like with an axe?”

“No. The weight distribution of an axe and a sword is entirely different. Getting a feel for it is crucial.”

Taking his words to heart, I gripped the Bloodstained Greatsword with both hands and approached a nearby tree.

A tree as thick as my waist. Honestly, I could break it with my bare hand, let alone a sword.

But he emphasized that cutting, not breaking, is what’s important.

Focusing intently, I gripped the sword with both hands and slashed diagonally at the tree.

Crash!

And I ended up smashing it completely. Just as Rod had said, I didn’t cut the tree—I broke it.

It’s definitely harder than it seems. Scratching my head, I turned around.

Rod maintained a satisfied smile, as if to say it was fine.

“It’s alright. The first step is always the hardest. Your task is to cut the tree. The blade of that greatsword is ordinary, so it’ll be good for training. You’ll also learn to control your strength.”

“Understood.”

“Good. Then······ Student Luna.”

“Yes?”

“You’ll spar with me for a bit.”

While I practice, it seems Luna will be sparring with Rod. I quietly set the greatsword down.

I don’t know why, but this seems like it’s going to be fun. It’s definitely not because I’m about to get beaten to a pulp by Rod.

Before long, Luna stood face-to-face with Rod, her expression tense. In Rod’s hand was an ordinary wooden sword.

“Before we begin sparring, you get to choose. Do you want a duel, or practical combat?”

“Is there a difference between the two?”

“Of course. The difference is whether you restrict the means and methods, or you don’t.”

“······I’ll choose the latter.”

It feels like she’s asking for trouble. Luna’s choice didn’t seem like a good one.

Regardless, Rod nodded and gestured for her to come at him.

As expected, Luna didn’t charge at him immediately. She simply observed his movements carefully.

Tap-tap!

Soon, Luna gripped her sword with both hands and dashed toward Rod. Whether she used mana or not, her speed was quite impressive.

Even as she closed the distance, Rod stood there like a freeloader, showing no signs of preparing to defend himself.

Then, just as Luna’s thrust aimed for Rod’s chest, something happened.

Tap-

“Huh?”

Rod casually stepped forward, effortlessly dodging Luna’s attack. Not only did he evade, but he also countered.

No, calling it a counterattack might be an overstatement······ Right. He tripped her. As lightly as if he were just walking.

Thud!

Losing her balance, Luna fell clumsily. Since the ground was dirt, a cloud of dust rose around her.

“Cough! Cough!”

Inhaling the dust, Luna coughed loudly. She somehow managed to get back on her feet, but it seemed she had taken some damage.

Thankfully, she used a breakfall just before hitting the ground, or it could’ve been much worse. The technique she learned from Kara came in handy.

“This is roughly how it’s going to go. Are you getting the hang of it now?”

“Cough! Yes······”

Though it was practically mockery, Luna didn’t seem to mind.

If anything, her expression seemed to say, “At least I’ve realized it now.” She really does have a good personality.

Rod, seemingly pleased with Luna’s attitude, gave a small smile. His posture remained unchanged, with his hands clasped behind his back.

“Hoo······”

Luna steadied her breathing and locked her gaze on Rod. He might appear full of openings, but the pressure he exuded was no joke.

I was the same at first. Thinking he was full of openings, I charged in and got thoroughly beaten.

At least I could keep up with him physically, but Luna can’t. She’ll have to rely solely on technique.

Swish!

“Oh?”

But what’s this? Luna’s attack cleanly sliced through Rod’s wooden sword.

From the looks of it, she didn’t even use mana. It was hard to tell if he let his guard down or did it on purpose.

That’s how precise and swift Luna’s attack was. Even her control over distance was impeccable.

Thump!

“Ugh?!”

But who is Rod? A monster who survived decades as a wanderer.

Just as Luna was about to launch another attack, Rod grabbed her wrist firmly. His grip strength was enough to make Luna wince.

The problem was that it didn’t end there. Rod twisted Luna’s wrist downward, forcing her sword to lower naturally.

Swish-

“H-Huh?!”

With his free hand, Rod effortlessly disarmed Luna, his movements flowing as naturally as a stream.

Luna’s sword ended up in Rod’s hand, leaving Luna empty-handed. This wasn’t the work of an amateur.

“This is quite a fine sword. Where did you get it?”

“······The blacksmith gave it to me.”

Luna answered diligently, though her expression still showed disbelief.

She must have thought that, as a Sword Saint, he’d only know how to wield a sword, but his diverse techniques had clearly thrown her off.

Honestly, I feel the same. What kind of Sword Saint is this? Isn’t he more like a warrior disguised as one?

“Um······ Headmaster?”

“Do you have something to say?”

“Well······ Don’t you use swordsmanship?”

Luna asked a timely question. After all, this was the same man who had previously sliced through space with his sword.

But now, he wasn’t. He looked more like a mercenary who had spent decades honing his craft.

At this, Rod chuckled softly and handed Luna’s sword back to her. Then, he spoke calmly.

“This is how I’ve always been. As I lived, I realized relying solely on the sword was too limiting.”

“··· ···”

“If I had died along the way, I wouldn’t have been called a Sword Saint. I survived, and that’s how I earned the title.”

“In that case, why not use spears and guns too?”