Chapter 53: You Underestimate My Power

Author's Note: And yes, I know what you are thinking about the name of this chapter. And yes, it is a meme, but only because it matches well with this scene in the chapter.

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All right, I will start off this sparring match with a bang!

"Oh? You have your own sword? And, you are able to carry it, considering how big it is compared to you. It has this certain luster to it... where did you get such a high-quality sword, kid?"

"Actually, this sword was made from a certain blacksmith in the village where I grew up in. He said that this was a new kind of metal for him so he asked me to name it as I found it. I called the metal, 'Adytium'."

"I see, a new kind of metal, huh? Does such an amazing sword have it's own name?"

"Yeah, it is called the Ethereal Sword: Aether. I just call it Aether for short as it is a pretty long name."

"Did you name it yourself? It sounds pretty, well, majestic, to say the least."

"Believe it or not, I wasn't the one who bestowed my sword with an awesome name. It was actually a pretty good friend of mine."

"Hoh? How close were you to this supposed friend?"

"Well, if I have to describe her, she is polite, smart, and a bit unsociable when I followed her around. However, when she is around me, she becomes really childish, it is almost like she suppresses her emotions. She likes to tease me a bit when we talk but, it is honestly nice being with her."

"A good friend. That's nice."

"Hey, aren't you two supposed to be proceeding with the sparring match already! You were bragging so much about how you are the best here so, how about you bring some proof to the table!"

"Yeah, stop acting arrogant!"

"This is supposed to be a place where we learn!"

Damn it!

I was so focused on talking to Glaive after a long time so, I didn't realize we were actually taking that long. Oh well, it is not like everything in life goes your way. Also, they shouldn't even be booing me when they don't even have the guts to actually fight Glaive themselves.

"It looks like we have run out of time for idle chit-chat. So, you want to get this show started?"

"Yeah, let's do that. Also, since we took so much time, how about we skip straight to the climax?"

"All right then. If you can block my one attack then, you win this match. I won't be using my ability so, I will only being running towards you. Even then, I'll make sure to go a bit slow on you."

What?

So, he is planning to hit me without using his teleportation ability? But, he said that he is still only going to run a bit slowly at me. Is he trying some mind games or whatever? However, I don't think he is that kind of guy so, he is actually serious. I just need to block only one attack from him and I win.

Is he actually underestimating me or something? I never actually fought anyone before like this except father so, he might be thinking that I am still only average. I don't think I am though as I have been receiving lots of training from father and I was very physically active as I walked around everywhere in Vulcan a lot.

"Aren't you underestimating me a bit?"

"No. Actually, it is quite the opposite."

Huh?

"I mean, no ordinary kid would be this confident unless they actually think they have the upper hand. I also know that you have lots of potential so, I am specifically choosing to go this speed."

"But, you just said that you will go a bit slow."

"Yes, I did. But, here is the real kicker. I used this against lots of people before and only people who were B-Rank and above in adventurer terms were able to block this. It is not like I have low expectations of you. It is just that I know how good you could become. That is why I have high expectations for you. Now, let's start."

All right, you are going to have to focus very well if I am to prove to everyone here that I will be the best. Wait, but, why exactly do I have to do that? Why do I need such a flashy entrance to this? If I act too arrogant, I'll be making lots of enemies here. Why do I actually need to do it this way?

Well, I don't know why. This is probably one of the first questions I haven't been able to answer. Maybe it's because I want to be famous for being the star of the show? Maybe I just want the attention from the people?

"Here I go!"

Wait, what?!

I then felt a rushing shockwave hit me and I felt something nearly hit my neck. It was so close that I could actually touch it if I just moved a tiny bit to the right. Wait, the right? Does that mean Glaive is left-handed? No, stop that. I was too distracted right now. I let my guard down... again.

If this was a real fight, I already died. The exact same way I died in my previous life. No way. I wasn't able to react only because I was distracted by my thoughts.

"Oh, no reaction?"

"Wait, let me try again! I was just distracted by some things that popped into my mind."

"Okay, fine. Let's do this again."

And so, we kept going. And every time, I wasn't able to react fast enough. We did it so many times that I already lost count. Why do I keep losing?

"This is the last time, Alexander. We still need to practice with everyone else who is here. You can't just keep doing this for your pride."

"I know that."

Okay, this is the last time I'll be doing this. Remember, you have to check all of his movements with your tendrils. Then, anticipate where he will strike. Since he is left-handed, my right side is vulnerable. I just need to dodge this and I can just relax after this.

"Don't worry about who you were or what you will be. Focus on right now!"

That's it!

I don't need to worry about being inferior to anyone else, do I? I am no longer the useless General I was in my past life. I am also not the one who has saved the world yet. I am me. That is so simple! How did I not find a solution to that earlier!? Wait, the attack is coming!

I can feel the shockwave coming from his attack. This was my plan all along. The attack that Glaive makes is still very fast, even when he says that he is going slow. The attacks are so fast that it actually generates small shockwaves that reach the part of my body before he actually hits.

This time, the shockwaves are hitting the right side of my stomach! I face that area as fast as I can and place my sword there. There should probably be some reinforcements for my sword so, here are some tendrils to cover it.

And, that was when Glaive's sword hit... the air.

Even I am surprised that I was actually able to pull that off. The only thing that I did was put my tendrils on my sword and try to make it tangible to create a wide angle on my sword so that when Glaive's sword hits it, it will slide along the wider edge and miss me.

...

"That was very impressive, young Alexander. You have earned my respect. But, this doesn't mean I will play favorites here. So, get back to your seat so that we can continue on with the lesson."

"Oh yeah. Um, yes Sir!"

I grab Aether and put it back into my shadow as I walk back to where (I think) are the seats. That was much harder than I thought it would be. That just goes to show that mental simulations don't always happen in real life, no matter how much you prepare.

"Oh, wait a minute, Alexander."

"What?"

Did I do something?

"Good job with that performance and those amazing, awe-inspiring words. They almost brought a tear to my eye."

Is he seriously teasing me right now?!

"It is a good thing the casting artifact was here for that."

"Wait, what?"

The what now?!

"Oh, don't you know? The first day of the training session is also shown to the rest of the continent as it will show how much growth you achieved between the first session and the actual Proving. So, maybe your little friend got to see you as well."

Oh my Death God.

That was all shown to the rest of the continent?! Are you fricking kidding me!?