Strength Testing

In the middle of nowhere, a couple of steel blades collided, emitting a crisp sound that intruded the placid twilight out in a meadow.

"Leylin! You're still not my match, give it up!" -George haughtily declared, as he used both hands and tightly grabbed the hilt of his gleaming sword.

Leylin didn't say anything as his legs moved in a strange set of footwork, and once again initiated an attack with his cross blade.

"Hah!" -George swung the longsword in his hands, which produced a sinister rustling of the wind.

The cross blade in Leylin's hands swept horizontally and blocked George's attack with the grace of a swordmaster.

"That's it! Your parrying stance isn't bad!" -George cheered loudly. "Careful! My next attack will be on your left leg!"

'Bring it on blondie!' -Leylin made his preparations but stayed silent.

"Watch me!" -George swung the two-handed sword in his hands, and made a beautiful yet deadly arc towards him, sending it towards Leylin's right leg.

Leylin retreated by one step with his right foot, and blocked George's sword mid-air with his own blade: "If you wanna use tricks, better make sure you're fast enough to pull them off!"

"Haha... This is called tactics, friend! Tactics; not tricks! I was just testing your agility. And you passed the test, congratulations!" -George tried and failed to sound convincing.

He then laughed awkwardly and pulled back his huge sword into the scabbard. Leylin followed suit.

Scratching his puzzled head, George explained: "Leylin... My sword technique has been passed down from a Grand Knight that claimed the heads of multiple kings... I have put in serious effort, training with all my might for years. So much so that my master-at-arms complimented my swordplay as better than the average Knight... And yet, you who can fight me to a standstill was beaten by Ourin?"

Ourin. He had been the main actor in the previous Leylin's death. The one who had rallied the 'Flower Guardians' against the Farlier heir, cornering him and eventually killing him. Not that they even grasped they had actually dispatched Leylin to the afterlife.

[Well, at least you crushed his ego. While holding back... To think you were a puny kid barely a month ago...]

To Georges's objection, Leylin answered coolly: "See, my sword technique was taught to me by my father when I was younger. My easy life made me grow complacent and lazy, but after those thugs came and beat me, I realized I have been tainting the Farlier name for too long! Therefore, I decided to go back to my Knight training, and here I am..."

Leylin clenched his fists, and his face turned red: "When I have the strength, I will definitely seek revenge against Ourin!" -He looked like a hot-blooded youngster who was filled with determination after a setback.

"My dear Leylin, I believe in you. You will definitely fulfill your wish!" -George patted Leylin's shoulder.

And with another look of sympathy, he continued: "However, I'm sure with your current ability, it is already enough to seek your revenge... No?"

After sparring, George had a rough understanding of Leylin's capability.

"Right now, I can deal with three or four of them, but Ourin has ten members in his clique... Would you be able to take them all on?"

"True enough." -George acquiesced.

Leylin was brooding over it, but only on the outside. He was confident in dealing with Ourin and his gang, but he had used this revenge excuse to get George as a sparring partner for as long as he needed him.

Leylin had already gotten used to the sword techniques that Aralis transferred to him, but his body still lacked the strength to be at Viscount John's level. Part of cultivating included actual physical conditioning, not just breathing techniques and meditations; thus Leylin grabbed on to the opportunity of fine-tuning his swordplay and exercising a bit at the same time.

His objective was clear: to get to the highest levels of Knighthood. At least until he could get his hands on some arcane power. And this would mean becoming a Grand Knight, just like his great grandfather.

Grand Knights. These magnificent warriors rose above rank and file, being one realm higher than Knights. No matter where they went, they were considered a dignified existence. Not at the level of a Magus, but still.

Their physique was pushed to the utmost extremes, and rumors have it that even if a heavy cavalry troop were to charge at them, they wouldn't be able to stop them from advancing. Said troops were able to bring down modest walls and crush most enemy formations, but a Grand Knight would hold his ground like an impregnable mountain.

If one of them visited a neutral or allied country, a King was essentially compelled to be hospitable to him. And if one was willing to pledge his loyalty to a monarch, then he would definitely be named a troop commander.

Since a troop commander had the same status as an Earl or Count in most kingdoms, even Viscount John had to properly greet them if he saw one.

The case with House Farlier was incidentally a curious one among the neighboring kingdoms. The reason being that most if not all of the time, whenever a Grand Knight appeared, he belonged to a family holding the titles of Count or higher. But in the Farlier ancestor's case, his reputation as a Grand Knight surpassed his own riches and noble standing.

In other words, his status was equal to a Count, even if his own title was inferior. This situation nonetheless changed as soon as his successor took his place as Viscount Farlier, since he was no longer a legendary hero, but instead a run-of-the-mill Knight.

After learning so much about Knights, Leylin also understood that the black robes like Lord Angelo were not even at the greatest height a Knight could reach.

"Tell me, George, how do think a Grand Knight would fare against a Magus?" -Leylin asked with faked expectation. He wanted to see if the teen had anything interesting to tell him about the topic.

Looking at Leylin who had a yearning expression on his face, George giggled out loud and consoled: "You don't have to envy them! A Magus has an even greater mysterious power compared to that of a Knight. As long as you become a Magus acolyte, your status will be comparable to that of a Grand Knight..."

"And if you become an actual Magus, then congratulations: killing a Grand Knight is easier than stepping on an ant. Every King will strive to be the first and fear to be the last in stuffing their beautiful daughters in your bed!" -George chuckled and went to grab a cup of water nearby.

"If that's true, then why are the black robes so cold to us; who have the possibility of turning into a Magus? Wouldn't they stand to gain if they were in our good graces?" -Leylin continued his probe.

"Hmm... I am not sure... But a Magus' status is definitely much higher. This was told to me by my father. I can swear it upon my Borunin family's reputation!" -George touched his nose and replied somewhat rigidly.

"It's not like I don't believe you..." -Leylin now felt a little exasperated, but his words held only a kind approach.

'I presumed this bag of potatoes would at least give me some new insight given his family's higher status, but it's basically the same stuff I knew previously. Magi are unmistakably superior to any Knight...'

[Judging by this George's average stats of 2.0 I scanned earlier, he seems to be at the peak of preparatory Knights. Considering that you could beat him without breaking a sweat, that means you should also be close to breaking through, right?]

Warriors who had started cultivating the Knight breathing techniques and thus improved their physique, but had not been able to ignite their internal life energy yet, were commonly known as preparatory Knights.

George's physique could be considered at the peak standard amongst them. This was stringently linked to his nobility status and being able to use large amounts of expensive medicine to assist in improving his body's physique.

'Not necessarily. He was holding back as well, and I have yet to find the exact formula to spark my inner energy. So long as I don't awaken it, I'll be stuck in the preparatory stage...'

[But you have made quite the leap in stats. Not to mention your technique with the cross blade is exquisite.]

'Don't get me wrong, I'm assuaged with my current strength. Still, this is not even half of what I hoped for, to be honest... Alas, I'll have to make due since I lack the medicinal supplements.'

George interrupted their discussion: "Alright, we have sufficient rest now, let us head back! I do not want to return too late and find those black robes staring coldly at me!"

George looked at his surroundings, and the bright moonlight coated the surrounding with a layer of silver-colored light.

The tranquility of the night was occasionally interrupted by insect cries and the grasses swaying with the wind.

Leylin did not wish to draw attention during the day as they were traveling, so he sneaked out to practice with George at night. Naturally, this did not escape the black robes, but after a few encounters, Leylin found their attitude to be extremely indifferent.

As long as one did not wander too far away from the camp or caused trouble for them, they would not care.

"Just once more round before we head back!" -Leylin spoke. "And after we finish, I'll return this cross blade to you."

"Eh... Eh?!" -George was a little absent-minded, and then his eyes lit up. "Are you finally done using it? Gus had been bothering me for it!"

In order for Leylin to train in sword techniques, the first requirement would naturally be to have a cross blade. However, unlike most of his peers from the caravan, the previous Leylin did not carry any weapons or armor, the reason being that they were too heavy for him and restricted his movements.

Because he found it troublesome, the previous Leylin had traveled without even so much as a dagger on him. This had caused current Leylin to be in the awkward situation where he was without any weapon.

For the sake of practicing, Leylin turned his attention to the first 'friend' he saw when he woke up: George.

Persuading him with his tried and tested method of a master manipulator, he had gotten George to lend him a weapon and spar with him often.

Thinking back to when George's eyes had become slightly teary after he 'opened his heart' to him, Leylin could only sneer.

"Your swordplay is admittedly progressing at an extremely fast pace, but are you sure that you don't need the cross blade anymore?" -George asked with a legitimate concern.

"I am fairly close with Gus anyway, so even if you held on to it for a little longer, it's not such a big deal..." -The blonde teen extended an offer.

"I thank you for your kind intentions. But I really do not need it, friend." -Leylin bowed as he rejected his offer like a gentleman.

After this period of sparring, he had already seen through the secret technique of the Farliers. Moreover, due to Aralis, his swordplay would always remain in the best condition. His skills will never get rusty due to not practicing the techniques for an extended period.

"Very well, then we fight one last match! Same rules. I will only use the same amount of strength as you do!" -George unsheathed once more.

"Sounds good!" -Leylin met the challenge with a half-smile.

George walked slowly towards a hill in the meadow, his sword emitting a cold light as it reflected the moonlight. He got into position.

Leylin had also walked over: "Be warned, this time I won't hold back!"

[Do you want me to do the 'thing'?]

'No... This is a perfect opportunity to truly measure my strength against a real opponent, and not inside your simulations. Besides, this isn't a fight to the death.'

At this instant, George was raising his sword in his offensive stance.

Leylin had already studied and dissected George's quite rudimentary way of the sword. Thanks to the knowledge and experience in his mind, it was like a master watching his student try to surprise him.

He had already deduced that George would open with a slash towards his right arm.

"Heh! Watch the sword!" -George roared, and as expected he attacked first.

He began waving his two-handed sword with great force. He charged at his friend, the motion almost mirroring how Leylin had projected it in his mind.

Leylin's lips curled, and smoothly dodged the attack, as he raised both his hands along with the cross blade.

Vaulting up in the air, he viciously swung it down in what looked like a dance move as his counterattack.

'Jumping Slash!' -Leylin remembered the Viscount's teachings.

'Damn! He's good!' -George thought despairingly when he avoided the cross blade with a roll on the ground.

Leylin's cross blade struck the ground brutally, which brought up some of the moist soil, even causing a few small pebbles to fly away.

George got up, a serious look on his face. He felt as if Leylin had predicted his attack. It was almost as if he had read his mind and knew his strategy like the back of his palm.

"If you are not engaging, then I'll press my attack!" -Leylin said smilingly.

"Bring it on!" -George stared nervously at Leylin. His grip unconsciously tightened as he set up a defensive posture.

Leylin brung up his cross blade again, took a step forward, and then pierced forward. Every action and movement had all been accurately performed as if they had come out of an ancient technique scroll.

George made a horizontal blocking motion, but his body moved to the side instead. As he dodged the pierce, he countered Leylin's attack with a slash of his own.

'That's a decent move. For an amateur.'

Leylin swiftly eluded George's large sword, twisting his body. He then performed a horizontal slash, almost cutting George's abdomen.

The more they fought, the more perspiration formed on George's face.

His every move and action had all been avoided perfectly by Leylin, and his offensive range had gradually decreased.

Meanwhile, Leylin felt as if he was browsing an IKEA catalog on his bed. This was actually starting to bore him.

"I can't carry on like this much longer! I'll stake it all on this!" -George fiercely swung his large sword and sent it clashing against Leylin's.

The latter could've stepped aside in the blink of an eye, but instead decided to let George connect.

Just then, a piece of silver light flew out and directly pierced into the grass.

It was George's longsword. The blade had not stopped quivering as it let out sounds of metal bending back and forth.

In the sparring area, Leylin's cross blade had gently tapped George's neck. "It appears to be your loss, dear George."

"Wow, I lost! But I almost had you!" -George fussed while rubbing his hands together since they had received quite the impact.

He then immediately gawked at Leylin: "And how did you do all that?"

"It was actually very simple. After training with you for so long, I have already learned the sequence of your movements." -Leylin sheathed his sword and bowed smilingly.

"The... sequence of my movements?" -George echoed bewildered.

"Everyone has a habit when they strike. As long as you can remember them, then it will be easy to set a trap according to the enemy's habits. I used that very trick on you... Or should I say, tactic?" -Leylin's grin widened as he threw George's words back at him.

*Phew!* -George exhaled out a long breath. "I understand now! Haha, you got me there, friend!"

He changed the way he looked at Leylin momentarily as if he was looking at a monster: "I must admit though, your gift in sword techniques is certainly the best that I have ever seen! If you are not chosen to be a Magus acolyte, I definitely recommend you to go to an Imperial Knight Institute...!"

Leylin had to hold back his disdain at such a prospect. He could simply not accept a future in which he wouldn't pursue magic. Even if he somehow failed to gain entry into an academy, he would persevere and try again next year.

[This guy is throwing jabs at you, isn't he?]

'Whatever. As long as he remains useful.'

Suddenly noticing the silent disagreement to his statement, George tried to play the mischievous card: "Say, Leylin... You don't have a fiance, correct?"

Leylin nodded as he pulled an eyebrow up.

"Why don't I introduce my sister Molly to you? She is a beauty that is known far and wide within our Borunin territory...! And I assure you that her maidenhead is intact!"

"Scram!" -Leylin faked a jaunty demeanor, just for the sake of getting out of the chat with George.

"Hahahaha, the offer still stands!"

Under the moonlight, the two youths eventually left the grasslands as they joked around.

"Goodnight George."

"Goodnight Leylin!" -The blonde waved back without turning to see his friend.

|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|

After Leylin handed the cross blade to George and bid him farewell, he began to make his way to the carriage.

'I ended up holding back, after all.'

[You could've ended the fight in one or two moves. Why didn't you? I thought you wanted to test your limits?]

'And so I did; to the extent that the situation allowed. If I had humiliated him like you wanted, he would've quickly realized I had played him for a fool when I asked for his help to train...'

'Besides, it's not like I expected George to make me sweat. Even with his superior physique, it was not enough to outdo me. Not with all my expertise.'

[I see... Brains over brawn, huh?]

'Mm-hmm.'

[Be that as it may, it was fun watching you in action. Surely, that was just the beginning?]

'Absolutely. You keep supplying me the knowledge, and I'll show you even more interesting things.'

[Then I shall do my best, Doctor.]

'Heh, we'll see...'

Leylin kept talking the night away with his assistant, as he finally reached the campsite at a leisurely pace.