Chapter 36 : Swordsmanship Training #3 - No Kidding, I’m an Extra

After finishing a delightful meal, they returned to the classroom. There was still some time before the bell would ring, and soon they would be heading to the training grounds for their sparring lesson. This would be the first time sparring with classmates, and he felt a sense of anticipation. "Shi-hoo, don't hold back when we fight, okay? It would be an insult to the spirit of a warrior." "Talking like a warrior now, are you, Geun-cheol? You're still lacking in experience to call yourself that." "Hah, are you saying you have loads of experience then?" "You... you can see from my skills, though there is some truth to it." "Experienced, are you!" Indeed, that was the case. "I've been trained since I was young, well, more like disciplined. I awakened around that time too." "Wow, you're a real aristocrat superhuman, aren't you?" "Aristocrat? Then what's a royal family superhuman?" "Those born superhuman from the start." "I haven’t heard of such cases yet... Anyway, through sparring, you'll get to know your own skills quite well." "Hehehe, I'm looking forward to this." I was immensely curious to see how 'strong' I really was. Though, of course, I was speaking half in jest. I've never even learned kendo; there's no way I could fight well. Most of the kids here have been trained since they were young. I am no match for them. But that's the story up to now. In the future, I could just raise my stats, learn how to wield a sword, and get a feel for it, right? The first semester of the first year isn't over yet. Now is the time to know myself and build the basics. Nobody starts off skilled. I will begin to grow starting today. "Kim Geun-cheol? Did you eat well?" As he was talking with Shi-hoo, Leona approached. "Yeah. Thanks to Ryu Cheon-hwi, I ate well." "Shouldn't you say thanks to me for that?" Leona frowned slightly. Of course, he decided not to use the meal tickets Leona gave him. "I told you I wouldn't use the meal tickets you gave me. You should take them back quickly." "Hmph! You make me want to use them somehow. I'll just have to bomb you with evening snacks like airstrikes." What is she talking about! "No, please forgive me! I admit the spicy chicken feet were delicious, but continuously doing this makes me feel bad! Do you have an uncontrollable urge to feed me every time you see me?" "Just that poor Kim Geun-cheol looks so pitiful, I can't help but sympathize. You can't just ignore a starving child, right? That's the nobility oblige spirit of the Kynars family." Marvelous! "Don't suddenly start shining...!" "Behold my brilliance until you're blind, Kim Geun-cheol!" I might truly go blind! Anyway. "Let's set that aside. Really, Leona, thanks for the spicy chicken feet last time. They were incredibly delicious. But I feel bad just receiving things. If there's anything I can help with, let me know." I wanted to say that. Leona kept looking after me as if she felt sorry for me, like a mother. It was burdensome, but truthfully, I was grateful, enough to touch my bones. "Help with something? Hmm." Leona pondered as she touched her lips with her finger. By the way, those lips were really red. She looked like a quiet maiden but was surprisingly bold. "Well, if that's the case, Kim Geun-cheol? Make some time on the weekend." "On the weekend?" "Yes, join me in my noblesse obligely hobby activities." "What kind of hobby is that!" A noblesse oblige hobby? The only thing that comes to mind is horse riding or golf! "You'll see when you come. See you on the weekend then." "Alright, sure." Whatever it is, it shouldn't be too difficult. "Geun-cheol? The weekend?" Just then, Shi-hoo spoke to him. "Um? Why?" "Weren't we supposed to go out together on the weekend?" "Of course. Besides, I can also meet up with Leona once. The weekend is two days, isn't it?" I'll dedicate one day to Leona. "Hmm." "I've received a lot from Leona, so even though I don't know what it is, I should help." "Alright, fair enough. Then let's meet on Saturday?" "Let's do that." With that, the bell rang, and soon Instructor Lee Sora came in. "Alright, it's time for sparring. Everyone, follow me." "Okay." * * * "Oh." The sparring arena was exceptionally clean and futuristic. It was spacious and white. There were even three rings and various kiosk-like machines placed around the area. —Beep. When Instructor Lee Sora operated a device, the floor neatly opened, and racks filled with equipment like protective gear and weapons rose up. "Alright, everyone, choose your preferred weapons and protective gear. There aren’t any restrictions, so feel free to choose dual swords, dual daggers, or even quadruple-swords." "Quadruple-swords!" How is that even possible! Is it like spinning infinite quadruple-swords or something! "Of course, if you act foolishly with clumsy combinations, you'll be severely reprimanded. What are you waiting for? Pick your gear!" —Whoosh! I rushed over to select a sparring sword and protective gear. Safety is the top priority, after all... No, I should consider mobility too. "Good." I suited up with a sparring sword, helmet, gauntlets, and greaves. The design of this sparring sword felt like a mix between a light saber and an expandable baton. Still, the weight and grip were similar to my own sword, so it wasn’t particularly bothersome. "The sparring weapons are equipped with safety features, so they provide only minimal impact and shock. Even if you get hit, it shouldn't hurt too much. Unless you're overly dramatic, you shouldn't worry about it." With that, I felt more confident. Although, how can it not hurt when hit by this? Despite the curiosity, I let it go. It was probably some technology I wasn’t familiar with. "Now, we shall begin the class. I'll assign you into groups, so please wait." As they stood waiting, Instructor Lee Sora tapped away on her laptop, calling out names. "Group 1: Lee Si-hoo, Ryu Cheon-hwi." Separated. "Shi-hoo, go and trounce Ryu Cheon-hwi." "Uh, Cheon-hwi's pretty strong, though." "I can hear everything, you arrogant fools! Lee Si-hoo! It's time we settle this! Come up here!" Ryu Cheon-hwi displayed his fighting spirit as he climbed into the ring. "Haha, seems I've gotten on his bad side. Well, Geun-cheol, do your best." "Yeah, yeah." Please, just defeat him. Though, it seemed like Shi-hoo might be stronger than Ryu Cheon-hwi. "And Group 2: Ken, Brian. Lastly, Group 3: Kim Geun-cheol, Woo Yuri. Everyone, step into the ring." What? Who? Woo Yuri? Do they like milk? As he moved to the ring, a girl with a striking blonde ponytail followed, hands in her pockets. Who was she again? From her fierce gaze, she seemed like she might be quite a character. Her outfit was rather rebellious. While she wore her school blazer, her lower half wasn't in a school skirt or pants but tight black workout leggings. She sported oversized sneakers, too. Definitely had an edgy vibe. "Ah." He remembered. She’s the one who always seemed to be sleeping in class. Anyway, as he entered ring number three, Woo Yuri followed him up. "Hey. Woo Yuri? Aren't you wearing any protective gear?" But this girl wasn't wearing any protective gear whatsoever. She only held a sparring sword. Was she really planning to spar without any protection? Against this sword expert, Kim Geun-cheol? That'd be dangerous. "Not really. I don't need it." Her voice was sharp. "Is that so? Well, don’t complain if you get hit, okay?" "Huh? Get hit?" She shot him a glare that sent chills down his spine. She had the aura of a feared older student. "Hey, why are you so confrontational? It's possible to get hit while sparring, you know. Without protective gear, getting hit can hurt. If you don’t want that, I’m suggesting you put some on now. I won't feel comfortable hitting someone without it." In sparring, it's common courtesy to wear protective gear, isn't it? It's not like I enjoy hitting people, and without gear, it would obviously be awkward. "I'm fine. Just start." "Uh, okay." She was so cool about it. Then let's proceed as is. "Oh... By the way, you." "Hmm?" "Are you the Kim Geun-cheol? The loud one?" "You know me?" —The sparring session starts now! At that moment, Instructor Lee Sora signaled the start of the sparring session. —Whirring. At the same time, a green glow enveloped Woo Yuri's sword. Holy crap!!! "Hey, damn it!!! Sword aura!!! You're not supposed to use sword aura in sparring!!!" "What?" "Instructor Lee Sora!!!! Is this allowed? She's using sword aura during sparring!!!" —Whoosh! He immediately pulled a high jump off, retreating from the ring! Then sprinted! But, is she insane? Who uses sword aura in a student's spar? Is she trying to get my limbs torn off?! —Tap tap tap! He dashed over to hide behind Instructor Lee Sora! "Instructor Lee Sora! You need to stop this!" "...Sigh." The instructor sighed, placing a hand gently on his head, and spoke while giving it a light pat. "Does it look like sword aura to you, Kim Geun-cheol?" "Huh?" "Hand over your sparring sword." "Yes." He handed over the sword immediately. The instructor fiddled with the guard. Then. —Whirring. A green hue surrounded the blade. "What is this?" "It's just a safety feature. Think of it like a kind of field to reduce impact damage. It doesn't hurt much even if you get hit." "Oh." "Stop screaming and go back up... I had no idea you didn't know this." Suddenly. A wave of embarrassment washed over him. I had misunderstood something. "Kim Geun-cheol! Are you throwing a tantrum again and making a fuss? Get back up there! You’re embarrassing even me! Do I have to spoon-feed you everything from start to finish?" "...Damn it." Dragging his feet, he climbed back into the ring. "Snort... Did you really think I would use sword aura in sparring?" Woo Yuri laughed as if finding his earlier outburst funny. "Uh, sorry. I misunderstood. Woo Yuri? My apologies." "What a strange guy you are. Anyway. Hey. Turn yours on too. We have to spar." "Right." —Click. He twisted the guard, activating the field. "Bring it." He adopted a stance he'd seen in kendo videos online, raising his sword. He needed to take this seriously and test his fighting abilities to the fullest. He would use every ounce of his capability. Just as he thought so. —Swoosh. Woo Yuri lightly tapped the ground, suddenly dashing at him with frightening speed, huh?! "Ahhhh!" Trying to lift his sword to block her attack, but damn, why is her sword so fast! Such a swift strike—and no less! Woo Yuri’s sword wrapped around his, pushing it aside and went for his face— "Shiiiiiiit!!!!!!" My face is going to get slashed!!! "You crazy...! Stop shouting!" "Wha?!" He opened his eyes, which he'd clamped shut, to see only green in front of him. The blade, shrouded in that protective field, was right before his eyes. I really thought I was dead. "Wait a minute! You’re too fast! I thought my face was going to get cleaved in half!" "What? What’s with your whining over this... Hey. Stand properly. Let’s do it again." "Right." They had to continue. It seemed he had been a bit too relaxed. Could this be what a real battle feels like? As a beginner in sword techniques, it seemed impossible for me to handle. Still, if I mustered up all my focus, I should be able to respond somehow. —Swish. Woo Yuri returned to their spot, and I readied my stance again. I focused intently on them, knowing their sword was fast. I needed to watch closely and react properly. "Woo Yuri. Let's start." The moment those words left my mouth— —Whoosh! The battle from before played out once more! Woo Yuri charged forward with incredible speed! Somehow, I attempted to block with my sword, but— —Whack! Woo Yuri easily struck my wrist and approached again, aiming their sword at my face! "Kyahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!" "Hey! Hey, damn it! Keep it down!" "Sorry! Sorry! It was reflexive because I was so startled!" Once again, the sword halted before my eyes! I mean, how could anyone not scream when a sword is flying towards them at high speed? Plus, there was no way to deal with it! "Agh, why are you such a coward? Hey, why are you closing your eyes? Are you supposed to close them in the middle of a fight? Hm? When a sword is coming at you, you need to watch until the end, not cower back. Sigh." Frustrated, Woo Yuri began to give me advice... Indeed, that was quite pathetic, even from my perspective. "Ugh, it's so fast, how could I not close my eyes?" "Don't close them." "Got it. I won't close them this time. To be honest, give me a break for the first two. When it comes at me suddenly, it scares the hell outta me... Anyway, let's go again." "Yell again and I'll kill you, seriously." Woo Yuri glared sharply at me, her gaze intimidating. "Okay. I'll get it right this time." The spar started once more. "Ugh! Dammit! Ahhhhh! Please! Have mercy!" "Shut up! Hey, damn it! Be quiet!" "Come on...! This is!" I got thrashed again! There was too much of a gap between our levels, I couldn't help it! I couldn't read their moves or counter the lightning-fast strikes aimed at my face. My eyes closed and screams escaped automatically! "For goodness' sake, your swordsmanship is terrible! Hey! Pull yourself together! Don't you know you'll get hurt if you make a mistake?" "I'm really sorry. I am taking this as seriously as I can, but it's harder and scarier than I expected..." "Sigh... Kim Geun-cheol? What are you going to do if you can't even handle this? You're aiming to be a hero, aren't you? It's pathetic. How can a guy be so afraid? Hm?" Woo Yuri began lecturing me. I felt so ashamed I couldn't even retort. "If you want to be a hero, you should at least know the basics. With this low level of courage, what are you going to do? You would've already been dead in a real battle, you idiot." With a dissatisfied look, Woo Yuri criticized me. But seriously, wasn't it a bit unfair? What is a beginner supposed to do against a seasoned expert? "But it’s my first time, how am I supposed to do well? You're an experienced fighter. What am I supposed to do against you?" "Even if it's your first time, you shouldn't be screaming and cowering like that, okay? Be serious. Don't you know that lacking combat skills could mean death in the field? Closing your eyes for a moment could get you killed." Woo Yuri spoke so earnestly that I could only nod in agreement. I swear I was trying my best, but, screaming or not, she wasn't wrong to interpret it as slacking. "Sigh. Seriously. If you keep this up, just quit school. You might get yourself killed playing hero in a real battleground. You're so damn hilarious, you know." But what? Quit school? I can't do that. And the more I listened, the more unjust it felt. She's experienced, and this is my first time dealing with all of this. There are proper ways to offer advice. Expecting a beginner to perform at an intermediate level was too much. "What do you mean quit school! I said it's my first time!" "Is ‘first time’ your badge of honor? I'm telling you to quit to avoid dying, not because it's your first time!" "Hey! I admit I'm not used to swordplay, but isn't that why I'm here to learn? Telling me to quit is way too harsh!" "Even if you start learning now, with skills like this, it's already too late, moron!" "What do you mean too late, jerk! Are you dissatisfied with my skills?" Yelled Woo Yuri in response! "Hell yes, I'm dissatisfied, you moron! Guys like you who don't get it drive me crazy!" She can't stand how clueless I am? "Driving you crazy? Hey! Then why don't you teach me, sword techniques!" "What?!" If you're so frustrated, then teach me yourself!