Chapter 40: Lesson

"You better keep a magic shield on at all times," she gave me a final bit of her 'advice' and sharpened her glare and her grip, childish. "Here I come, Eugene..."

Vienna brandished her sword and then disappeared. I could hear a child gasp from the back, that must be that Leon kid. I continued holding back my yawn as I traced her movements with peripheral vision. She slowly jumped to the side, kicked herself off the ground, and very slowly reached above me. All of this probably took less than a second in real-time, but it looked like she was a tiny rabbit jumping around to me.

What to do...?

Vienna swung her sword down. I didn't move my eyes yet, but I could still figure out her position and movements.

Should I grab the blade and smile at her?

The sword came straight for my head.

Or should I break it to bits and punch her?

The sword was now just a few inches away from my head.

Maybe I could take the attack and act like I'm super sturdy?

I couldn't come to decide what was coolest.

With a defeated sigh, I placed my hands behind my back and slid away from the spot using nimble footwork. My mind started working at normal speed again as Vienna's sword swung in empty air, making a tiny little crack in the training fields below.

"Hah!"

"He dodged!"

A few sounds came from around me. For empty stands, these guys sure didn't let it feel that way.

Vienna landed back on the ground and turned to me. Her grip on the sword loosened slightly, it felt much more natural and even now. Her balance was better than the first move as well.

"It seems you are not all airs, Eugene."

Was she chipper? I couldn't tell.

"Don't look that way," Vienna continued. "I'll teach you well!"

I likely had a distraught face on. I just couldn't decide how I should be beating her up!

Vienna's blade started gleaming, and a red glow filled it. The glow swerved around the blade like crackling lightning.

Charge Ki.

"Lesson 1," she lowered her stance. Her weight shifted to the balls of her feet, then to her calves.

She shot off the ground again. Her speed was much better than before, if she was a rabbit earlier, then it felt like a cheetah was chasing after me this time.

She went for a side swing, and I lightly turned my body.

"Don't steal!" She screamed, landing her feet on the ground. The blade spun in her hands as she swung to the side again. The Charge Ki extended out of the blade to increase her range.

"Others' Achievements!"

Decided.

I didn't move to dodge at all.

Just as the blade reached my waist—

I started taking over the mana in the air to place my killing intent on her. I focused it like a blade and pointed its tip at her.

— the blade stopped immediately.

Vienna involuntarily froze. She gulped while her eyes trembled.

The kids behind her were confused, but I doubt their voices even reached her ears.

In a low, very low whisper that only she could hear, I spoke. "Here's your lesson one..."

I took a light step forward, leaning into her ears. "Choose your enemies wisely."

A spark shot up Vienna's spine. She sucked in a sharp breath and retracted her sword. In the next moment, all her Ki focused on her feet and she dashed away.

She charged like a cheetah, but ran even faster, like a falcon.

Vienna created a large gap between where she was and where she stood. Taking in deep breaths, her eyes moved around to search for her enemy, but she couldn't find anyone.

Then, I tapped her shoulders.

I was already behind her.

In a primal fit of fear, she swung her sword behind her as best as she could, but I could still see it move well.

I decided to dodge by stepping back.

"Haap!" Vienna grunted and grabbed the blade with both her hands. Her Charge Ki shimmered brighter than ever. "[Hall Style: Seven Seated Blades]"

That was new.

Vienna's sword moved as if it had a mind of its own. Her feet, her torso, her arms, all of her body moved in perfect unison as she started her sword form. A result of back-breaking practice.

Like a single person standing out in a crowd, the feints and fakes merged together to completely throw the recipient off and the style ended with a single, perfect, murderous swing that would settle the score.

She changed her movements seven times and took in a deep breath.

The ground of the training hall was now filled with shallow cuts.

I stood next to her sword arm, a hand on my chin.

"It's good," I said. "But you need to move your fingers a bit more, you got the wrist down well but—"

"—The fuck!?"

Vienna swung at me again, and I dodged again.

Come on now, I was only helping her.

"H-how... how can you..." her grip lost more strength as realization started sinking in. "Chantless Teleport? That can't be... an emperor-ranked magician... no..."

Of course not. I was only moving faster than her. I did use my ki, but I doubt anyone here could notice it.

"So," I said. "Have anything else to show me?"

"Huh?"

"Then, I'll give you another piece of guidance."

I smirked and raised my own training sword. I lightly held the blade between my fingers and stood as relaxedly as I could. Formless.

"Here's your lesson. If you train hard enough..."

Then, I disappeared.

Gasps rang out as I appeared in front of Vienna. She used her blade and filled it with Ki to block a straight charge at the perfect moment.

"A single swing will be more than enough."

I swung my blade down.

It clashed against her Charge Ki, and dug through it. My swing went deeper and deeper, the Ki layer ended and the blade clashed against the sword.

A loud snap sounded out.

And the swing completely destroyed her sword in two.

Vienna pulled her hands back in disbelief, shifting her gaze to her sword.

She was talented, but not experienced.

"Two! Don't look away during a battle!"

I twisted my feet and dug a kick into her abdomen. The girl's body bent like a slingshot before she was shot into the air.

I immediately closed the distance and then hit her back with the hilt of my sword. Vienna dropped to the ground, gasping for air.

"Three. Learn to take a few hits."

With that, I held my blade flat and smacked it on her cheeks.

The girl who was on her knees now fell to the ground.

This sister of mine who was about to turn seventeen in a few days, I hoped that this would bring her down from her high horse.

Kids these days, I swear.

I left my sword on the ground and walked away from Vienna. Our dearest viewers who were none other than my other half-siblings were completely frozen stiff.

I left the field behind and started walking toward them.

They all gathered behind one another, a blondie like Vienna at the front. These kids, one of whom was older than me, mind you, were scared witless. The Marquis did a fine job of keeping them innocent. Today, I felt proud after doing just a little bit of parenting.

Well, now came the harder part.

"S-stop..."

I heard a muffled groan that probably didn't reach anyone else. I raised my senses and noticed Vienna trying to stand up after seeing me. What a bitch to the bitter end.

I realized there was no way I could get along with any of them. Neither these innocent, untainted kids nor that sadistic bastard of a Marquis. I still had to do what I had to do, though.

In front of the children, I bowed lightly.

"It is a great honor to meet all of you, the young hopes of the esteemed Hall family."

"What do you..."

"Aren't you one too?"

The youngest said some funny things.

I quietly stood back up as a slightly exasperated Maria made her way over to us.

"You all are truly bright, it is fitting to call you the stars of not just the Halls, but the entire kingdom." I wore the kindest smile I could. Not to brag, but I looked good, so no doubt they were all impressed by it.

"H-he's scary...!"

Alright.

I ignored the kids' mumblings and continued.

"For such esteemed people, I have brought a few gifts. I hope you could think of me whenever you use them."

The kids shut up, and so did that Vienna. Maria only shook her head.

Yup, after thrashing the eldest child of this family, I was now bribing the witnesses.