Chapter 3

The blessings bestowed by the goddess are not limited to professions.

Before one’s profession, or rather, from the moment of birth, there is a blessing that is granted.

This is called "protection."

Protection is a mysterious aura that constantly envelops our entire body, and if you look closely, you can faintly see it.

Its function is to protect the body and take the damage in your place.

However, it does consume protection each time.

As long as this exists, it’s almost impossible to die even in a serious fight.

I asked.

"Is it okay if I win with just one hit?"

"Hey, are you really serious?"

"I’ve been saying that all along."

"Tch. Fine. Then I’ll show you the difference in professions."

Of the two, the smaller and more agile one stepped forward.

I don’t know his name.

Since he has curly hair, I’ll call him Curly for convenience.

"What? Aren’t you both coming at once?"

"Huh? How overconfident are you?"

Curly twisted his face in disgust and drew his sword from his waist.

"Here I come!"

Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang!

"Hah, what’s wrong!? You’re just on the defensive despite all your big talk!"

Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang!

"…If you keep defending, you’ll never win!"

Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang!

"I-I’ll end this soon!"

Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang!

"…W-Wait a minute!"

Curly jumped back and put some distance between us.

"Why are you handling my sword so easily!? I’m a Swordsman with the <Sword Skill: Beginner> skill!"

"I think you have a pretty good sword technique."

"Why are you evaluating me from a superior position!?"

I think it’s not strange that I can handle the sword better since I have a longer reach.

"What are you doing? Finish off that Unemployed guy quickly!"

The other boy chimed in.

He is taller than Curly and a bit chubby, so he seems slower.

I’ll call him Chubby.

"Then you should help too!"

"Can’t be helped. I’m tired of this, so let’s go at the same time."

It seems they are coming at me together this time.

This is exactly what I wanted.

Curly and Chubby attacked from both sides.

Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang!

"Ugh, two at once is tough."

With only one sword, I can’t handle simultaneous attacks.

So I maneuver to avoid their attack timings.

"F-Foolish!?"

"How dare you, an Unemployed person…?"

The two are desperately trying to land a hit on me, but they are quite frustrated because they can’t catch me.

As a result, their teamwork is not effective at all.

In fact, they are even hindering each other, bumping into each other and losing their balance.

I see.

The <Sword Skill: Beginner> skill only improves sword technique, not teamwork in group battles.

Clank.

"Whoa, that was close!? What are you doing!?"

"It’s because you were in the way!"

Chubby’s sword almost hit Curly, and they started arguing.

I took advantage of the opening and went on the offensive.

"Ouch!?"

"Ugh!?"

I struck Curly’s right wrist and, in one swift motion, cut Chubby’s neck.

Of course, thanks to protection, they weren’t actually cut.

"I win."

"F-Foolish! That doesn’t count!"

"Right! You took advantage of a bad timing!"

But wouldn’t you say the same thing on a battlefield?

"I, I, we, the Swordsmen, can’t lose to an Unemployed person!"

"Ah! Next time, it won’t be like this!"

Hmm, you still have the spirit.

For me, this is a much better training than sparring with Mother.

"You should stop. As a Swordsman, don’t show such an unsightly display."

A third voice suddenly interrupted.

I turned to the source of the voice and saw a boy about our age.

His fiery red hair was striking, but his androgynous and handsome features were also very noticeable.

"Who are you!?"

"O-Oh… Is this…?"

Curly was about to confront him, but Chubby stopped him, realizing something.

"I am also a Swordsman, but I am a year your senior."

He was a year older.

"Are you the son of the Sword Princess, Farah?"

"Yes, I am."

It seems he knows me.

Well, Mother is famous. My father and sister are too.

…To be precise, Mother is not the Sword Princess anymore.

The Sword Princess is one of the [Advanced Professions], but it is often called the [Top Profession] because it is the highest rank among them.

Of course, she is recognized as the best swordsman in town.

Even though she is not a member of the vigilante group, she is often asked to help when large monsters appear near the town.

"Next, you will face me."

"What? You want to fight too?"

"Don’t get cocky just because you beat two commoners. I will show you the true power of a Swordsman."

Hmm? You’re quite openly hostile.