Chapter 26

I was at a training ground where I was watching Hakurou training some hobgoblins. Even Gobta was there. Somehow. I don't know how he made it back from wherever he ended up after he got "homerunned" by Rimuru.

Well, his survival skills must either be exceptional or he got really lucky. I'm not much of a gambler, but I'd put my money on him being lucky being able to find his way back here. 

I was just observing and seeing how he was training them and he was really putting them through the gauntlet. They couldn't even get close enough to breathe the same air as him. Any attack they tried to make and he would just counterattack instantly without so much as a speck of dust landing on him.

I was looking at Gobta and noticed that he was actually keeping up a little. At least compared to his other teammates. 'Would you look at that. He's actually somewhat talented and good.' Don't get it twisted now, he looked like he was on the verge of death from exhaustion.

He went in trying to get a hit in on Hakurou by trying to get behind him and he actually did get behind him, but I'm sure Hakurou only let him do it. That was about all he could accomplish before Gobta got swatted out of the air like a fly and proceeded to land in front of me.

I looked down at him and he looked up at me. "Miss Pendragon, he's a monster! This doesn't feel like training, it's more like a one-sided beatdown. Every part of my body hurts!"

"Get over it Gobta. You're being taught swordsmanship, what did you expect? It's not exactly something meant to be 'easy'. There will be pain involved. If it makes you feel any better, you did better than the others."

"I couldn't even land the tiniest hit on him. How about you train us? I think you would be a better teacher than him, maybe at least everything won't hurt as much."

"Pain is a part of the process of getting better Gobta. Every hit you feel is a potential hit from an enemy that could end your life. Pain will force you to get better, which is why it's one the best teachers you will encounter."

"Those are some good words, Lady Pendragon." I saw Hakurou walking toward us while nodding at what I just said. "Are you here to train the hobgoblins as well?" 

"No, I'm waiting on someone else. He asked me to teach him some swordsmanship, and I agreed."

"Is it Lord Rimuru?"

"Yeah. He should be coming at any moment now."

"Artoria, I'm here!" Talk about perfect timing. He was running to where we were before he stopped to greet us. "Oh, Hakurou you're here too as well as Gobta." He looked at Gobta, who was still lying on the ground, and it seemed he had fallen asleep right where he was. "I assume Hakurou was responsible for this?"

"Yup."

"Will that happen to me?"

"Maybe, maybe not. It all depends. Anyway, are you ready?"

"I'm ready when you are!"

"Alright, let's go."

/\\//\\//\

Me and Rimuru were facing each other on the training field. Hakurou was on the side just observing us.

"You know, when I asked if you could teach me swordsmanship, I thought you would decline at first."

"Why do you say that Rimuru?"

"I thought you would like an old master, who would say I'd need to pass some kind of test or trial or something like that to prove I'm 'worthy' of teaching."

"I think you've seen a bit too much fantasy Rimuru. Before we start, let me guess. Katana?"

"I was going to use a katana, but since you are going to be my teacher I thought it would be better to use a sword like yours. Is there a problem or something?"

"There's no problem. It's just that knowing the person you are, I expected you to use a katana."

"Am I really that readable?"

"Yes, you are. Make sure to fix that. In the future, define your own character. If you let others do it for you, you'll be acting just how people will expect you to. If you break that preconceived image people have of you, it will throw them off, and when that happens you will have an advantage over them."

I saw Hakurou nodding at what I said and Rimuru was still there taking in what I said. He was thinking about it, but now is not the time for that. It's time to train him.

"You can think about it later RImuru. Get your sword out, so I can see what level you're at."

I took a wooden sword, while he took out a standard medieval-looking sword. He wasn't kidding when we said it was like mine. It looks like it was inspired by the design. It looked "boring" which made sense since since no one can exactly replicate Excalibur. Unless they also find some overpowered fairies to make them a sword. 

Why am I using a wooden sword and not Excalibur? Well, it's complete overkill and I'm not trying to kill him.

"Artoria, why are you using a wooden sword? Won't it break or something?"

"Don't worry about it Rimuru. A bit of magic will fix the problem."

Rimuru was holding his sword with two hands in front of him, while I was only using one hand. Some points taken off for using both hands. I'll tell him later. 

"Alright Rimuru, for now just attack me in whatever way you see fit. Don't use any skills or magic for now. Just your own strength. I want an initial understanding of your thoughts."

Rimuru rushed towards me and swung his sword with both hands at my sword and knocked it out of the way. 

"Stop. Stay as you are." I told him as soon as he finished his attack. I withdrew the wooden sword 

Rimuru stayed still and had both his arms across his body in a diagonal slashing motion. He looked up at me confused wondering why I stopped him after just one swing.

"Question Rimuru. What is the target of an attack in a sword fight?"

"Uh…the enemy?"

"Right. So why did you focus only on the sword and not me when you were attacking?"

"I…It made sense? Was I not supposed to do that?" 

"Alright let's break it down from the beginning. First of all, that swing you just did had way too much power than what was necessary in this scenario. We're not trying to hit a home run here. Also, look at how you're positioned right now. Your sword is pointing to the ground and the side of your upper body is exposed and left defenseless. Any swordsman would get an easy hit on you like this."

"So what should I do then?"

"First, don't use both hands to hold your sword. Don't get me wrong, you can do that, but don't treat it like it's heavy and clunky. It's not. You can move it more dextrously and quickly than compared to other swords. Like a...rapier for example." 

"Alright. So why is me hitting your sword bad?"

"It's not bad, it's just the way you did it. Your main target should be the person, not the sword. With that being said, there are certainly times when attacking the sword is a viable strategy, but it should only be a light swing, not what you did. Let me show you what I mean. Get in position again."

Rimuru went back and this time he was only using one hand. He held his sword in front of him like he was defending.

"Rimuru point it to me." Rimuru did as I said and pointed his sword at me in a straight line. "Pay attention." I rushed up to him and did a light swing, more like a light tap, near the tip of the blade which caused it to go to the side and I quickly poked his chest with the wooded sword.

"That's an example of what hitting a sword should be like. I cleared your line and went in for the kill quickly. Make sure to hit near the tip of a sword. That's the weak part. The strong part is near your hand where you're holding it."

'You're going a little in-depth Artoria. It might be a bit much to take in."

"Rimuru we've only just started. Right now I'm just showing some simple stuff, but it's important to teach you the basics and fundamentals. After that we'll take it up a notch. We're not even using magic or skills right now, but we''ll get there eventually. You have to deal with the boring stuff first before you get to the 'fun' stuff."

"How long will this training session last?"

"I'm not going to tell you. And every time you ask that question or any variation of it,I'll only make the training last longer and make it harder. Do I make myself clear?" I told him in a no-nonsense tone. He wants me to train him, then he'll have to follow my instructions and orders.

"Yes ma'am. Crystal clear."

"Good. That's the right attitude to have. Let's continue."

/\\//\\//\

It's been a few hours since I started training Rimuru and right now we've just finished. It was mostly me drilling into him the basics. Nothing too fancy or cool. No awesome sword techniques and stuff like that. He has to take baby steps first.

"Artoria, it hurts. Why can't I just use my pain resistance? Why do I have to experience this?"

"Rimuru, I already told Gobta this, but pain is an extraordinary teacher that can save your life one day."

"But this pain is like walking away from a hard landing. It's constant."

"Pain is only weakness leaving the body, Rimuru. Get that mindset during training and you will push yourself harder."

"That is well said Lady Pendragon. You taught him well, maybe I can also teach a few things as well." 

"Feel free to do that, it's a good idea to get things from a different perspective from two experts. Rimuru will love the training."

"I don't think I will though. Have you seen how he leaves the hobgoblins? What will happen to me if I get a one-on-one session with Hakurou? I'll be a puddle at the end of it! And he used a katana, won't that affect how he teaches me?"

"Hakurou is an excellent teacher Rimuru, there's more to learn than just the sword. You should be grateful that you can be taught by me and him. Some people would kill for an opportunity like that." 

"I guess you're right. We should head back. We can take some time to relax, before addressing the orc issue."

Me and Rimuru left, while Hakurou stayed behind to train another group of hobgoblins and some ogres as well.

/\\//\\//\

I was just walking around the village when I saw Shuna coming up to me. She was holding a bag along with a box. She was looking excited and eager.

"Miss Pendragon, I was looking for you. I made something for you." She handed me the bag and box and I took them.

She sounded less shy than before and now looked more confident and outgoing. I guess being named helped her get out of her shell a little bit.

"Thank you, Shuna. Also, you don't need to call me that. You can just call me Artoria. So, what is it that you've given me?"

"I shouldn't. You named me, it's only right that I show you proper respect."

"Shuna, if it's you, I don't really mind what you call me as long as it's something I can identify with."

She looked away a little and looked a little lost. She was losing her focus only me, so I decided to get her attention back. "Shuna, can you explain to me what you made for me?"

She got out of her zone and looked back at me. "Of course. I made them, but the idea didn't come from me. Lord Rimuru came to me with the idea. He wanted me to make you some clothes since he says you wear the same thing all the time."

"But I don't mind. What I wear looks cool, intimidating, and is more comfortable than it looks."

"Well, They're already made, so can you please take a look at it and tell me what you think?"

Now I'm wondering what Rimuur told her to make. And would these clothes fit me? She didn't ask for any sizes or anything. "Shuna, what did Rimuru tell you when he gave you an idea for these clothes?"

"He told me that where you come from, people where clothes like these all the time, and is part of the culture of where you're from. He said that 'western and outlaw' would look good on you."

'You've got to be kidding me. No way it's what I think it is. If it is, I just know this is going to look so cliche. This is Rimuru, so it probably is cliche. Poor Shuna, she probably hasn't seen or heard of whatever RImuru told her to make.'

"That's very…thoughtful of him. Let's see what's in here then." I decided to open the box first since if what I think is in there is actually in there then it would confirm exactly what I think.

I took off the box and inside was some wrap. I took off the wrap and I saw exactly what I was thinking of. Cowboy boots. 'What's done is done. Just have to move on. Shuna made all this so it will be disrespectful if I at least don't appreciate what she made.'

I took them out and they were black and had a design on them. There were also some silver detailings on there. The most eye-catching things though were the spurs that were attached to them. 

'What does Rimuru know about spurs? He definitely thought they were cool and that's why he put them on there. I don't think he knows that they're used for better control when riding horses. Actually, spurs were used in medieval times as a sign of knighthood so by some coincidence, he somehow got something right. Even if it's just a little.'

I'll admit the boots do look cool. I would definitely wear these. "You did a good job, Shuna. These look great." She gave me a bright smile and I looked for a little longer before I continued. I put the boots back and reached for the bag.

I opened the bag and the first thing I saw was a cowboy hat. Should have seen this coming. 

I took out the hat and it was also black and there was a silver bullhead on the front. There were also some bullets going around the hat as well. I took a closer look and touched them and realized they were fake and only for decoration. It had a similar color scheme to the boots.

'The color scheme isn't bad, but I thought it would be more silver and blue and not black and silver.'

I looked at the rest of the outfit and it definitely matched that "western and outlaw" look. It looked more like something a cosplayer would wear.

There were some black and silver gloves, pants, vest, shirt, the whole getup. The most eye-catching thing was the long coat. It was mainly black, but it had some detailed design on the front, and on the back, there was a stunning dragon design that seemed to shine in the sunlight a little bit. 

"Shuna, what's with the dragon on the back?"

"It's to add more of 'you' into the outfit. Your last name is Pendragon, so I decided to add a dragon design on my own to represent more of you. That part was my own idea, not Rimuru's. I did it cause I thought you would like it." More of her shy side was showing through and she tried to hide the blush on her face with her sleeves. 

'I'm totally going to wear this now.'

"Shuna, it's looks great. I really appreciate the thought you put into this. I love it." 

Me and her were just standing there not saying anything. It was getting a little awkward with the silence between us.

"I'll uh…go see Rimuru. There's something I need to talk to him about. I hope to see you soon, Shuna."

"I hope to see you soon too, Artoria." She froze a little and blushed as she realized she didn't address me "properly".

"You said my name." I was a little happy, even if it was unintentional. It meant she wanted to be more casual with me, but she felt "duty" get in the way.

"I didn't mean to."

"Shuna, I already told you that you don't have to be so stiff and formal with me. That's only for everyone else, not you."

We looked at each other in the eyes and once again I was getting that feeling. I wanted to get closer to her, but I decided that now was not a good time since we were in the open.

"I'll go talk to Rimuru now. I'll see around."

Shuna just gave me a little nod in return as we parted ways, with my gift from her in my hands. 

/\\//\\//\

I was making my way to Rimuru, who was in an office. I was wearing the outfit Shuna made for me and as cliche as it looks, I have to admit, it looks really cool. When I looked at myself, I really did look like some kind of outlaw.

I looked more like cosplay, but it looks cool and maybe intimidating in the right circumstances. There's even a bandana as part of the outfit. Rimuru really tried to get in all the little details as he could.

I was going to him carrying the wooden case. I might as well go all the way with this whole thing since it's already gotten this far. 

I open the door to where Rimuru is and see that is seated at a desk talking with Souei.

"Artoria, what brings you her-" Rimuru paused as he looked at me and what I was wearing. "You're actually wearing it! I knew you would like it! It looks awesome on you. Shuna is a miracle worker in making clothes. I thought she would have trouble making it since my descriptions were kind of vague."

"About that Rimuru. I think your perception of 'western and outlaw' as you put it, is modeled from a bit too many movies and TV shows you've seen. Enough about that, what were you talking about?"

"Souei was telling me about the orc army. I sent him out to investigate and he was reporting back to me."

"And what did you find Souei?"

"I counted 200,000 orcs. They are marching together and are making steady progress through the forest. They seem to be headed to the marshes where the lizardmen live. If there is a fight, the lizardmen don't have much hope for a victory."

"Good job Souei, Continue monitoring the situation and get as much information as possible. Me and Rimuru are going to have a little talk."

Soeui left in an instant. Blink and you miss kind of deal, but it's expected of him, so nothing that surprising. 

"We'll need to address that as soon as possible, but for now pay attention to me."

"Does this have something to do with that case you have there?"

"It does. You know how you said you were a fan of the Wild West, cowboys, and stuff like that?"

"Yeah, you said you were from Texas, so that's what I thought of at first." 

"Actually, the Wild West didn't really include Texas all that much, it involved other states and territories during that time period, but I digress. I think you'll get a kick out of what I'm about to show you."

I put the wooden case in front of him and his eyes were glued onto it. He was in extreme anticipation.

"Wait hold on. Is what I think is in the box actually in there?" He was starting to get excited and I just gave him a little grin as I opened the case. 

RImuru just stared in awe looking at what was in the box. "Those…Those are…They are the guns! The cool cowboy guns! They're so awesome!" He sounded like a kid on Christmas morning.

'Is he an otaku about this kind of stuff?'

"So what do you think about them Rimuru? Pretty cool right?"

"It's more than cool! I've always thought of would it would feel like to shoot guns like these. I'd be all like 'pew pew' shooting from the hip and all that."

'Yep, definitely an otaku for this.'

"What kind of guns are these Artoria?"

"I thought you'd know already since you seem to have an obsession with all this, but if you want a rundown, I'll give you one."

I picked up one one the guns. They were all revolvers that were famous in the Old West, except for one, compared to the other two. The first gun I picked up is probably what most people imagine when people think of the Wild West.

"This one here Rimuru, is the Colt Single Action Army. Known more famously as the "Peacemaker". This can come in various barrel lengths and shoot various calibers of bullets. This one has a barrel length of 7 and ½ inches and an overall length of 13 inches. I had Kaijin do some engravings on this one since it's mine and I wanted it to stand out more."

I did some tricks with it like spinning it around with my finger and Rimuru was eating it up. I put it down and picked up the next one. 

"This one here is the Remington New Model Army. A single-action, six-shot revolver. 8-inch barrel length and an overall length of 13.25 inches. It shoots balls, but if you convert the cartridge you can shoot bullets of different calibers. This one is also engraved."

I put down my revolver and picked up the last one.

'Woah Artoria, that one is a lot bigger than the other two."

"Yes it is Rimuru. You probably don't know about this one, but I do. This one is the Colt Walker. A single-action revolver. This one is a replica version instead of the original one since the original had some problems with it due to its size. The original shoots balls, but this one can shoot .45 black powder magnum. A barrel length of 9 inches and an overall length of 15.5 inches."

"I assume that one is the stronger of all these three?"

"If it's just power then yes. For its time it was one of the strongest handguns made, until magnum came along. It was also known as a 'horse gun', but this one is more symbolic than the other two."

"What's so special about that one."

"It's the official handgun of Texas." I gave him a little grin as I told him that. 

"Are you being serious?"

"Rimuru, trust me when I say that that is not even scratching the surface of how much people like guns there. Not that it matters since we're in a new world, but my point still stands."

Do these guns look nice and cool? Yes.

Are they obsolete and outdated? Absolutely, no question about it.

Will we ever use these in a fight? No, absolutely not. These will not be very effective unless the target is a human with no defenses and skills. The bullets may travel fast, but any properly trained soldier will just swat away the bullets or just take the hit with armor. Especially since magic is standard for any proper army. 

These will only be used for sport and recreation at best. No taking these into battle or anything like that.

"There you have it Rimuru. I know you're excited about this, but we have much more important things to worry about. In fact, someone should be coming in any second now."

"Who's coming in?"

As soon as he said that Rigurd opened the door and addressed us. "Lord Rimuru, Lady Pendragon. There is a lizardman envoy that wants to talk to us at the entrance to the village. They say they are recruiting some nearby villages to combat the orc army in the forest."

"Let's check it out Rimuru. This is going to be important" I talked to RIgurd and asked him a question. "We'll go there, Rigurd. Is there anyone else there?"

"Yes, Benimaru, Shion, and Hakurou are there at the entrance. The other ogres and hobgoblins are staying away They see it as something that is none of their business."

"Thank you Rigurd. Come with us as well. RImuru let's go, this will be a good experience for getting better at negotiation and talks with foreign envoys and diplomats and things of that nature."

'Even though it's Gabiru, I'd rather him than someone that's actually a big deal, like Gazel or that dude from the elf kingdom. I forgot what that place was called. Something…dynasty or something like that.'

So, me and Rimuru went to meet our future-good pal Gabiru. Future because right now, he is…not the best to talk to. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

(A/N)

For those who care, who do you think is winning the NBA finals?