Chapter 12

Reincarnated as a Sword Emperor in the Sword Master Family (12)

‘Faster!’

Number 2 widened his eyes and took a step back as far as he could.

The wind pressure from the wooden sword that narrowly crossed in front of him ruffled his bangs.

Even if he blocked it properly, the force would make his wrists throb.

Normally, after a strong attack, there would be a gap or a moment of stiffness, but not with Number 1. As soon as Number 2 confirmed his evasion, a continuous attack came flying to that position.

Bang! Crack! Bang! Bang!

A series of bone-chilling sounds of breaking air echoed.

Once he dodged, once he deflected.

Even though he precisely dissipated the force, he had to forcibly stop the remaining momentum and dodge the fiercely incoming wooden sword twice in a row.

"Despite your aggressive start, it's not much different from usual. Do you plan to keep running away?"

Without responding to Number 1's provocation, Number 2, as always, glared at the wooden sword that escaped his >eyes<.

‘No matter how many times I face him, I can't get a feel for it. What special quality does this guy have?’

Originally, Number 2 was supposed to be unbeatable by anyone.

He could see inside his opponent's body and discern exactly when, where, and how they intended to attack.

There was a time when he was absolutely certain that he would be the peak of this training ground, without a single waver in his confidence.

However, that confidence shattered when he faced Number 1.

—It's a good ability. If you join my ranks, I'll treat you well.

Not only did he lose to a child his age for the first time, but Number 1 also tried to recruit her as his subordinate, which made him an enemy from that day on.

Because of his >eyes<, he had little interest in others, but this made him even more interested in someone who exceeded his expectations, albeit in a negative way.

His interest in Number 25 was for a similar reason.

‘He's different from Number 1. Number 1 is visible but different from what is seen, while Number 25 wasn't visible at all.’

Moreover, he could control that state freely, making it clear who was superior. If Number 25 had attacked like Number 1, it would have been impossible to dodge or deflect.

A relaxed smile spread across Number 2's face as he thought this.

‘So, Number 1 isn't perfect either, huh?’

As the oppressive presence of Number 1, which had felt like an insurmountable wall, became lighter, Number 2's movements became smoother.

Number 1's eyes narrowed as he noticed this.

"Hmph!"

With a snort, Number 1 swung his sword even more fiercely, faster, stronger, and at an angle that was impossible to dodge or deflect.

Despite this, Number 2 deflected and dodged, drawing him into a chaotic battle that had already begun.

"Pathetic tricks."

Number 1 realized there was a trap in those movements but did not stop; instead, he advanced even more aggressively.

Children who were suddenly caught up in their fight screamed and scattered, and Number 2, feeling a bit more relaxed, assessed the situation.

‘Unlike me, who can perceive and utilize all the movements around me, Number 1 is constrained by those movements and actions.’

When swords entangled or blocked the path.

Numerous variables worked in Number 2's favor and against Number 1, narrowing the gap between them.

However, this was not enough to win.

Knowing this, Number 2 had been luring Number 1 according to a prearranged plan with Number 4. To the place where the higher numbers of Team 2 and Team 4 had gathered, a location he had been constantly monitoring with his >eyes< during the fight with Number 1.

‘You're losing because of your arrogance!’

The moment Number 2 smiled in satisfaction, Number 1's wooden sword stopped.

Crack!

For the first time, Number 1 turned his eyes to another trainee.

Not only did he stop his sword strike, but the large, fearless figure blocking his path was trembling with excitement.

"Number 7, are you challenging me again, despite being a mere remnant?"

"If you had any complaints, you should have finished it then!"

Number 1 narrowly avoided the wooden sword flying at him from behind and infused strength into the one blocking his path, sending it flying.

He then kicked Number 7 in the chest, forcing him to step back, and without looking back, swung his wooden sword.

Crack!

The impact left a deep mark on the wooden sword, which was stronger than ordinary iron, made by the Cardenas family.

"Wow, you're indeed a monster, Number 1."

Number 6, who had targeted him from behind, laughed sinisterly and shook his wrist, still feeling the shock in his bones despite blocking it properly.

Other children also approached to hunt Number 1, forming a surrounding formation of carefully selected members from Team 2 and Team 4, aimed at bringing him down.

"Number 2, Number 6, Number 7, Number 9, Number 10... I can't see you, but Number 4 must be waiting for an opportunity somewhere."

Number 1 muttered to himself, organizing his thoughts.

This situation was tense even for him. One-on-one, he could easily defeat anyone, but with this many, a single mistake would lead to defeat.

His eyes, like those of a hungry predator, burned with determination under his golden hair.

"Indeed. Is this obstacle a trial I must overcome?"

Just holding out would mean victory.

Team 2 and Team 4, who had gathered the higher numbers to bring him down, had a significantly weaker overall force.

Led by the quick-witted Number 5, with the higher numbers leading a few units, Team 1 was far superior. The instructors were moving busily, and a resolution would come in less than ten minutes.

"But!"

His golden eyes, representing the direct lineage of the Cardenas, shone with a greedy desire for victory.

"I don't plan to win by just holding out! I'll crush all of you!"

Despite being surrounded by five, maybe six, Number 1 roared without flinching.

The moment Number 6, who had been overwhelmed by his spirit, flinched...

Crack!

Number 1's diagonal slash, delivered like lightning, broke Number 6's wooden sword.

"Number 6! Fall back!"

Number 7 immediately joined to fill the gap, but it was not enough to stop the now even more formidable Number 1.

He blocked one strike, but his feet stopped, and a kick aimed at his lower legs sent him reeling.

As Number 7 fell from the intense pain, Number 9 and Number 10 attacked from two directions.

"Is he using one hand?!"

"Ugh?!"

Number 1 blocked Number 9's wooden sword with one hand and dodged Number 10's attack, hitting his chin with an elbow.

Number 2 was not idle either.

Hidden by the collapsing body of Number 10, who had lost consciousness, a stab that Number 1 did not predict hit his shoulder.

"Ha! Not bad!"

"Are you still looking down on me even now? You're really unlucky."

Though it didn't break any bones, it was enough to make him lose strength.

Number 2 smiled grimly, feeling the impact.

Number 1's left hand, barely holding the wooden sword, was visibly trembling.

"Push him back! We can win!"

"I'll take the front!"

With his high build and durability, Number 7 took the lead as a shield, while Number 6 and Number 9, who had retrieved wooden swords, attacked from the sides.

If another gap appeared while dealing with the three, Number 2's stab would pierce Number 1. Despite being created and executed on the spot, the plan seemed highly effective due to their exceptional skills.

Crack!

Number 7, barely blocking Number 1's powerful strike, took a step back.

Without time to pursue, two wooden swords aimed at his waist and neck from both sides.

Surprisingly, Number 1 leaped up from his spot, rotating his body almost horizontally in mid-air to dodge. It was more like a circus act than martial arts.

‘Fool! Lifting your body in this situation!’

However, there were still two experts who could exploit his opening.

Number 2 and Number 4.

While airborne, Number 1 was full of gaps, and there were two points that were particularly hard to block or dodge.

Aim for those points, and Number 2's wooden sword shot out sharply.

‘—Got him!’

Similarly, Number 4 did not miss this opportunity, revealing a hidden ability.

Not a concealment technique, but a power that made one unable to recognize something even if it was visible and audible.

Number 4, walking out from the opposite direction, delivered a powerful downward strike on Number 1.

At that moment.

‘Hmm…? Is Number 1 the kind of person to do something so reckless?’

Number 2's intuition, honed from numerous battles with Number 1, warned her that this was a trap, contrary to what she saw with her >eyes<.

"Ugh!"

Desperately maintaining his forward momentum, he took a half-step back. The distance was such that even if he reached Number 1, it wouldn't cause significant damage, but Number 1 was also out of range.

And.

Snap!

Number 2's wooden sword flew out of her grip.

The force was so great that two of her fingers were bent in a dangerous direction.

If he had taken another half-step, the impact would have hit his wrist directly, likely breaking the bones in his wrist.

Number 2's eyebrows furrowed as the pain hit her.

"Ouch…!"

But it was not as dangerous as the situation with Number 4.

"Indeed, Number 2 is better than you."

Using some unknown method, Number 1 accelerated in mid-air and perfectly countered Number 2's attack, turning to look behind him.

There, Number 4 stood frozen, eyes wide.

His wooden sword was held by Number 1's injured left hand.

"…How did you do that?"

"I thought you would come at this moment. Aiming for the most critical moment means the opponent can also predict the timing. Stupid."

Number 1 mocked him and broke the wooden sword with his left hand.

Crack!

The broken pieces of the wooden sword fell to the ground, and Number 4, losing his fighting spirit, stepped back.

The despair that followed his confident victory was too much for him to bear.

"Your ability is dangerous, but it's too much for you. Charging in like a moth to a flame at the deliberately exposed gap. Tsk, pitiful."

"Deliberately… exposed?"

Number 4, whose eyes trembled at these words, shouted.

"If I hadn't fallen for that trick…? You, Number 1, would have been the one to suffer…!"

"Of course."

Number 1 affirmed with a matter-of-fact attitude.

"Failure means taking a loss. But reading the possibility and being confident of success is called skill. You relied on your ability and neglected your martial arts. This is the price you pay."

Number 4's ability was threatening, but Number 4 himself was not that great. Unlike Number 2, who sensed the danger and stopped a beat late, Number 4 jumped into the fire without knowing anything.

A kick to the stomach of the weaponless Number 4.

"Ugh?!"

"You won't be moving for a while."

Ignoring Number 4, who was clutching his stomach and rolling on the ground, Number 1 looked at the children who still had fighting spirit.

Number 2, Number 6, Number 7, Number 9.

Their will was commendable, but the outcome was already decided.

‘Number 2, with broken fingers, can't perform at her best, and the others are no match for me. It's over.’

Number 1 smiled confidently, certain of his victory.

Right at that moment.

When his awareness of the four people slightly loosened, Number 1 realized something was off.

“…What is this flow?”

The battlefield, where Team 1 should have the advantage, was turning against them.

No, it wasn't even favorable for Team 2 and Team 4.

All three teams seemed to have suffered significant damage.

"Number 5! Where are you, Number 5! Report the situation!"

Faced with an unforeseen situation, Number 1 called out to his confidant. Unlike him, who had been focused on the battle with Number 2, Number 5 would have a clear understanding of the situation.

However, the one who responded to his call was not Number 5.

A boy, pushing through the crowd that had split into two, appeared with a calm demeanor.

"Found Number 5?"

"You, Number 25…?! What are you doing?!"

Number 1 realized that the person being dragged by the collar, unconscious, was Number 5.

He had been cleanly knocked out, but it was unclear how.

"He was quite useful."

Praising the person he had subdued, as if mocking, Leonard let Number 5 fall to the ground.

And, seeing Number 1 still standing, he understood the entire situation.

"Number 4's ambush didn't work, I see. It makes sense."

The moment of a perfect opportunity can be the most dangerous.

Knowing this, Leonard thought it was natural for Number 2 and Number 4 to lose.

Unlike the two who relied on their abilities, Number 1 had considerable martial arts skills. If he fell behind in reading the situation, even the best timing and technique would result in a counterattack.

"Number 25…! Are you trying to steal my victory?!"

"Well, that's the plan."

Leonard calmly acknowledged Number 1's growl.

"Ridiculous! Even if it's just a children's game, you can't turn it around alone!"

"Why do you think I'm alone?"

"What?!"

"Look. The pebbles you ignored."

At these words, not only Number 1 but the other children also turned their eyes.

"That's…!"

Number 2, who could see the situation with her >eyes<, opened her mouth in surprise.

Children with white bandages tied around their right arms, moving in groups of three, were subduing trainees from other teams.

Their bodies, exhausted from fighting for tens of minutes, were easily overwhelmed by the unexpected attacks, and the badges of the three teams were quickly collected.

"Team 5! These lowlifes dare to…!"

Number 1, realizing their identity late, was furious.

As he said, the group Leonard had brought were indeed Team 5, the children they had treated as prey to be dealt with later.