Chapter 14: Peak Condition (4)

"Really? Just because you're in good condition, that's it?"

Denif put down his tray with a face full of excitement and surprise. Orhen, who was usually quiet, had a similar expression.

I must have been quite surprising today.

Actually, I was just as surprised. I knew I could do well because I felt so good.

But I didn't think I could do this against Denif.

I had seen Denif spar many times while training my body. I often genuinely admired him.

Wow, how can he move like that? And he's only 13? I thought things like that.

But today, I could move just as I thought, almost like Denif did.

Even though Marhan told me not to show it.

"Yeah, me too. I didn't expect this. It's my first time holding a sword."

I laughed awkwardly and played with my utensils. I wanted to build a rapport while feeling good, but there wasn't enough time.

It took at least 20 minutes to eat and brush my teeth.

"So, you're really amazing! No, you fought me on equal terms the first time you held a sword because you were in good condition!"

Denif continued, mumbling.

I frowned slightly, worried about food flying, and Orhen responded.

"...Denif is right. Kalin is strange."

The children's reactions were natural, considering how surprised Marhan was.

Still, to be called strange to my face. It wasn't wrong, but it felt bitter coming from Orhen rather than Denif.

"But you've been like this before. Usually, you're weak, but sometimes you're incredibly strong. Your mind works well too."

"How often does that happen?"

Denif's eyes sparkled.

"I don't know. Once a year? It could be faster or slower."

"It's too slow."

When I relayed what I told Marhan, Denif looked surprisingly disappointed.

"That's true. But why are you more disappointed?"

I asked casually, and Denif shrugged.

"Rekon and Mohen are gone, and Orhen is a mage, so there's no one really suitable. Marhan and Bout are too strong."

Denif bit into a roasted chicken leg and continued.

"To be honest, I was a bit disappointed in you."

"...Really?"

"Yeah. Last time, I said your growth rate was slow. Even with your mystery, you didn't meet my expectations. You felt similar to the kids I used to see."

I had heard this before. Denif didn't come here because he caught the Duke's eye from the start.

The Duke, a spy master of a country, naturally creates spies in many places.

He brings the standout kids to raise and use in important positions. Denif was one of those kids.

In other words, I was the kind of kid you'd see in such a facility.

Honestly, considering the penalty trait that limits me, it's a natural assessment, but it didn't sound good.

Still, Denif doesn't usually care about others' feelings, so I didn't feel much emotion.

'No, actually.'

Thinking about my worries when I first came here, my current situation is very grateful.

With my mystery, even if it's only half my ability, it means I have the talent to be raised as a spy.

I remained silent, and Orhen, thinking I was taking it negatively, nudged Denif with his elbow.

Denif quickly added, "No, I didn't mean it negatively. I meant you were among the top kids there."

"...I agree."

Orhen nodded. I know he's not an orphan, so I wonder why he agrees.

Is he just being nice?

I waved my hand to show I was fine, with food in my mouth.

I don't know if it's true, but being in the top tier with half my strength is a pretty good evaluation.

"Anyway, seeing you today, I understand why the Duke brought you here. Even without your mystery, if you can solve the condition issue, you'll surpass me soon, right?"

"Is that so?"

"Of course!"

Denif shouted, more excited than me. I didn't ask, but it wasn't wrong.

I felt the same. In a state like today.

I know the penalty trait can't be solved so easily...

But on the other hand, it's also surprising.

He showed more enthusiasm and excitement than competitiveness, even though I might surpass him.

Maybe that's why he became an imperial terrorist.

Thinking of the empire as an enemy is not something a normal person would do.

"Ah, I really hope it gets resolved soon. No, I want to spar again today. Should I talk to Marhan? What about you?"

"Me? I don't mind, but Marhan has to allow it, right?"

"Wouldn't he? How long does sparring take?"

"Then talk to him."

I said that and stood up. I had a little food left, but I was full. I didn't need to finish.

I had 10 minutes left. I like to brush my teeth for a long time, so I needed to move quickly.

"I'm going first."

"Huh? Already? To brush your teeth? Lunch is 20 minutes."

"Yeah."

"You're really impressive."

Denif groaned.

"Ah, forget it. I won't brush my teeth at lunch."

He started eating more leisurely.

Meanwhile, Orhen glanced at me and stood up. Denif looked betrayed.

"Are you going too?"

"...Yeah."

"Ah, come on."

In the end, Denif also stood up. In the children's world, majority rules.

For me, it's a good thing. During the sparring, I could feel Denif's breath with my heightened senses.

It would have been quite uncomfortable if he didn't brush his teeth and we sparred later.

And it's not just good for me.

'You'll thank me later.'

There's no dental implants in this era. It's better than suffering from cavities later.

I know from spending money on the dentist.

Of course, I didn't brush my teeth as diligently back then. Anyway, dental health is the best.

Denif sighed deeply, as if he knew my thoughts.

"I haven't finished eating. I should have eaten faster..."

He should have stopped talking.

I realized my lips were curling up slightly.

* * *

Bout and Selly were guarding the training ground after the children left, at Marhan's request.

There was no grumbling, even during lunch, because they had seen Kalin.

Anyone who has even dipped a toe into combat would marvel at his talent.

Marhan explained Kalin's usual state to Selly and Bout.

After some thought, Bout spoke.

"Since a report will go up, the Duke will likely bring a good doctor, but what about trying a sedative first?"

"Sedative?"

"Isn't it uncertain if the child's claim about sleep is true? Let's try putting him to sleep deeply once."

"No. It dulls the body. It's not a good component to accumulate in a child's body."

"Wouldn't a diluted amount be okay?"

Marhan shook his head at Bout's suggestion.

Unless prescribed by a doctor, using medicine among themselves was not a proper action.

"I called you to get your opinions on how to use today and how to direct future training."

Bout, who was disappointed, was replaced by Selly.

"First, you said it's not just physical ability but also intelligence that seems to improve, right?"

"Yes."

"Is it different from not being able to think clearly due to lack of sleep?"

After some thought, Marhan nodded.

"It's not certain, but it seems different. While Haisen swordsmanship is basic, the ability to instantly make it his own is in a different category."

Combat talent naturally includes intelligence. Testing sanity when raising a child is not just for show.

Marhan continued.

"Kalin was already clever. He's become even smarter."

"First, let's see how much he can absorb today. The problem is whether he can do the same tomorrow..."

Bout interjected.

"And how his usual training will affect his good days in the future is also important."

Marhan nodded. As someone who also uses their body, Bout accurately pinpointed Marhan's concerns.

That was the reason he called them together.

"What do you think?"

"Rushing through the curriculum and failing to reproduce on good days would waste too much time, so it's not practical."

"Then what?"

"Shouldn't we focus on a specific area?"

Bout smiled.

"I'll teach my swordsmanship."

"Your swordsmanship?"

Marhan asked, surprised.

"Yes. Since it won't be finished in a day, we can directly compare the differences."

"Not bad."

Creating an independent swordsmanship style at a certain level is not easy.

Bout had achieved that.

While not the best swordsman, he could confidently say he was in the top tier if lined up with the continent's swordsmen.

But a swordsman lives by pride.

Even the Duke couldn't force Bout to teach his swordsmanship.

That's why Marhan asked for his thoughts.

"Is it okay?"

"Well, it's not the best on the continent, and with the child's talent, it's a good thing for me too. Actually, I already had Denif in mind."

"Is that so?"

Bout's fondness for Denif was known to Marhan and Selly.

He always brought small gifts after missions, saying it reminded him of his younger self.

"I'm not sure if Kalin fits my swordsmanship, but teaching him will also test it and instill a competitive spirit in the children. Didn't Denif get properly fired up earlier?"

Marhan nodded. Denif was usually lazy despite his talent.

Today was a rare show of enthusiasm. Bout smiled.

"Can I take care of the children this afternoon?"

"Sure. I'll discuss with Lena and send a letter to the Duke."

"Understood."

Marhan turned and left, seeing Bout's smile.

* * *

Unfortunately, Denif's wish was not granted.

When we arrived at the training ground, Bout was waiting for us instead of Marhan.

Bout dismissed Denif's request for a rematch with a simple "No."

"Instead, you will learn my swordsmanship. It's not outstanding, but it's not lacking, so it will be helpful."

He then started teaching us, adding that he would reveal the name of the swordsmanship on the last day.

Denif was surprised and asked if it was true.

From his reaction, it was clear that his swordsmanship, though humble, was excellent, so I focused with determination.

It was definitely different from the Haisen swordsmanship. Should I call it a deeper philosophy?

Even with similar movements, the thoughts behind them felt more profound.

While Haisen swordsmanship was basic and featureless, Bout's was smooth and relaxed.

'It didn't seem to fit me well, though.'

Still, I couldn't execute it perfectly from the start. Not the whole thing, but even a part of it.

But after a few repetitions, it started to feel familiar.

Bout nodded calmly at my incredibly fast learning speed, and Denif's eyes sparked with positive competitiveness.

'Clearly, my learning speed is faster.'

Even I, who knew nothing about swords, knew this was unrealistic.

No matter how good my condition, it means I have a significant basic talent.

'The talent... must be due to the demon's blood.'

It was a hard-to-believe trait for a market orphan. There must be something in the demon's blood.

I don't know if both my parents are dead or if they abandoned me due to circumstances...

But I decided I must find out someday.

Apart from becoming a public enemy of the continent, I might get involved in unexpected events later.