Chapter 4

A few days after the duel with Dodoriel -- the bullying against me became even worse.

That said, unlike before, there were no direct acts of violence against me.

Instead, the backbiting increased.

"Failed swordsman."

"Coward."

"Thrower of hidden weapons."

No matter where I walked in the academy, I could hear such voices.

Probably Dodoriel and his cronies were spreading rumors.

But, strangely, my heart was calm.

(If it were the old me -- from billions of years ago -- I probably wouldn't have been able to endure such an environment.)

I was so calm that I could objectively observe myself.

"I wonder if Mom is doing well..."

On the way back to the dorm where Pola was waiting, I suddenly thought about my mother, whom I had left behind in my hometown.

It had been three years since I started attending the Gran Swordsmanship Academy.

Although we exchanged letters once a month, I had never returned home.

I was so busy with my own affairs that I didn't have the time.

"Alright... I've decided. I'll go home during the next break."

It takes more than ten hours to get to my hometown, Goza Village, even if I run.

But probably, with my current abilities, I can get there a bit faster.

"Yeah, I should buy some souvenirs."

It's been three years since I last went home.

I can't show up empty-handed.

Mom loves senbei and okaki.

If I bring them as souvenirs, she'll surely be happy.

(No, before that... How much money do I have now...?)

I took out a purse from my pocket and turned it upside down, and three coins clinked out.

"Five hundred and twenty gold...?"

With this, I can't buy a proper souvenir.

"... Maybe I should get a part-time job."

For a part-time job... I'll ask Pola.

She has a wide network of contacts. Maybe she can recommend a good part-time job.

Plus, if it's a job she introduces me to, I can work with peace of mind.

So, I returned to the dorm, whistling.

■

As soon as I got back to the dorm, I asked Pola if she knew of any good part-time jobs.

"Part-time job!?"

"Yes. Do you know of any good places?"

"Why suddenly? Aren't you going to focus on your sword training?"

She tilted her head and asked.

"Training is important, but I thought I should go see my mother in my hometown at least once. So --"

"--- I see, you wanted to buy a souvenir but didn't have enough money, right?"

Pola continued before I could finish.

"Hehe... As embarrassing as it is, that's exactly it."

"That's fine... I understand. If that's the case, I have just the thing for you!"

She folded her arms and smiled mischievously.

"Really! Please introduce me!"

"Sure thing! --- If you do this, you can make a fortune!"

She said this and tore a poster from the bulletin board, slamming it on the dining table.

I picked up the slightly wrinkled poster and read the contents.

"The Sword Festival...?"

The Sword Festival -- a monthly event held in the neighboring town of Orbis. It's not a festive event with stalls and entertainment, but a martial festival where swordsmen compete in one-on-one duels, showcasing their sword skills. The top three winners receive a substantial prize.

"That's right! After all, a man must rise through his strength!"

She said this and showed off her biceps, which were three times as thick as mine.

"The Sword Festival...?"

If it were the old me -- from billions of years ago -- I would never have thought of participating.

But with the strength I gained after overcoming that hell, I might be able to perform well, even if winning is difficult.

--- However, there is one big problem with participating in the Sword Festival.

"It's a good idea, but... the participation fee..."

To participate in the Sword Festival, a participation fee of 1,000 gold is required.

Unfortunately, I don't have that much money.

I returned the poster to Pola, looking apologetic.

"You're an idiot! If one of my dorm students wants to show his strength, I can't let him down just because of money!"

She said this and took out a 1,000 gold bill from a shelf, pressing it into my hand.

"Here, take it!"

"Really!? Thank you!"

"Yes! But in return, you have to give it your all!"

"I will... I'll definitely win and bring back the prize money!"

Thus, I unexpectedly got the chance to participate in the Sword Festival and spent the days leading up to the weekend practicing my sword skills.

■

A few days later.

I arrived in the neighboring town of Orbis to participate in the Sword Festival.

"Let's see... We should be getting there soon..."

I followed the simple map Pola drew, heading towards the venue.

"This store is here... Okay, the next corner to the right."

As I turned the next corner, I was taken aback.

"..."

There were a large number of muscular swordsmen gathered.

The sight of burly men with swords at their waists and fierce eyes was overwhelmingly powerful.

(No way...!)

Bulging muscles.

Rock-like fists.

Worn swords.

There was no doubt about it.

Everyone here is a swordsman of a higher level than me.

(I underestimated this... a lot.)

I never imagined the level of the Sword Festival would be this high.

I was momentarily overwhelmed by the unusual scene, but quickly remembered what I needed to do.

"Right, I need to complete the registration first..."

I looked around and found what seemed to be the registration desk.

"Let's see, the registration desk is... there."

In the middle of the Sword Festival venue, a long line had formed.

At the front was a sign that read "Sword Festival Registration."

That must be the registration desk.

I joined the back of the line and waited for my turn.

Ten minutes later.

"Next, please."

"Yes."

Finally, it was my turn.

At the registration desk, a beautiful blonde woman was efficiently processing the registration.

"Good morning. You're here to participate in the Sword Festival, correct?"

"Yes, please."

"Understood. Please provide the participation fee of 1,000 gold."

I silently thanked Pola and took out a 1,000 gold bill from my purse, handing it to the registration clerk.

"Thank you. Could you please provide your name and the school of swordsmanship you belong to?"

"I am Allen Roadel. The school... well..."

I hadn't expected to be asked about my school and hesitated.

"Mr. Allen Roadel, I see. And which school of swordsmanship do you belong to?"

I was asked again.

It seemed I had to answer.

"Well... I don't belong to any school... I'm self-taught..."

I answered hesitantly, and the registration clerk struggled to suppress her laughter, continuing her work with trembling hands.

Swordsmen almost always belong to a school.

Those who don't belong to a school are either eccentric or lack the ability to join one.

It was natural to be laughed at for trying to participate in a festival of skilled swordsmen.

After completing the registration, I stepped aside and sighed.

"Phew... That was a bit embarrassing..."

But it's over now.

I shouldn't dwell on it and should focus on the Sword Festival.

The festival was supposed to start in about thirty minutes.

"Alright, I'll do some practice swings until then."

I found an empty space and began practicing my sword swings alone.

■

Five minutes before the start of the Sword Festival.

I returned to the venue for the opening ceremony.

The venue for the Sword Festival was a large stone stage in an open field, surrounded by spectator seats, a very simple setup.

Currently, the organizer of the Sword Festival was explaining the rules on the stage, and the many swordsmen were quietly listening around the stage.

The format was one-on-one duels.

If a swordsman fell off the stone stage, they lost.

The matchups were determined by a draw just before the matches began.

The rules were simple.

After explaining everything, the Sword Festival began.

"Now, we will determine the matchups for the first match!"

The woman announcing the Sword Festival drew two slips from a box.

"The first match will be between Bubur and Allen Roadel! Both participants, please come to the stage immediately!"

"First match...?"

Ideally, I would have preferred to watch a few matches first.

But since it was already decided, there was nothing I could do.

I went up to the stage with my opponent, Bubur Domingo.

Then,

"Hey, who do we have here? It's that loser from earlier! I'm surprised! I didn't think you'd actually participate in the Sword Festival!"

On the stage, Bubur taunted me with a mocking smile.

(I suspected it might be him from his name, but... I didn't think it would actually be the same guy I bumped into earlier.)

I ignored his cheap provocation, and the announcer began reading from a piece of paper.

"According to our information, Bubur's school is the powerful Kongo School! He wields a greatsword to deliver powerful strikes -- a traditional and solid school! On the other hand, Allen... hehe. Allen is self-taught!"

At that moment, the venue erupted in laughter.

It was a clear and obvious mockery of me.

"Hehehe! Bubur, you have good luck with the draw! You'll win this easily!"

"Hey, kid! Be careful not to get squished!"

"Hehe... Show us your self-taught sword skills!"

Bubur, standing next to me, was no exception.

"Hey, come on! Fighting a self-taught kid like this... It feels more like bullying! Hehehe!"

Bubur burst into exaggerated laughter, clutching his stomach.

I was frustrated.

Frustrated... but they weren't wrong.

I had indeed grown stronger.

But that was only within the small world of the Gran Swordsmanship Academy.

Stepping out into the wider world, I realized there were countless swordsmen of a higher level.

(I still have a long way to go...)

The world is vast -- just realizing this made the Sword Festival worthwhile.

Now, I would give it my all, borrowing the strength of my opponent.

"Please."

I bowed and waited for the start signal.

'No matter how rude the opponent, one must maintain the minimum courtesy as a person. Otherwise, you become just like them' -- that's what my mother taught me.

Then, I and Bubur took our starting positions.

"Are both participants ready? The first match -- begin!"

As the announcer declared the start, I and Bubur drew our swords.

I took a stance with my sword in front of my navel -- the orthodox stance.

Bubur, on the other hand, raised his greatsword high above his head.

(After those billions of years of hell, I want to see how much my sword skills have improved... I'll test them in this Sword Festival!)

To do that, I couldn't be defensive.

I needed to take the initiative and push my sword skills forward.

So, I decided to take the first move.

I quickly swung my sword vertically from the orthodox stance.

"First strike -- Flying Shadow!"

This was a flying slash I had mastered after billions of years of training.

It wasn't very powerful, but it was fast and could be executed while maintaining distance, making it perfect for gauging the opponent's reaction.

(Now... how will he react...?)

Facing the incoming slash, Bubur showed no sign of moving.

(Interesting... He's trying to pull me in until the last moment and dodge with minimal movement.)

Despite his rudeness... he was indeed better than me in combat.

The next moment,

"