5

Chapter 5: Idea instilledNotes:

I am curious... Are you here because of Re:Zero or because of Youjo Senki? (Probably both, but which metaphorical side of the equation is "bigger" for you?)

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Chapter 5

Shadow magic or Yin magic as it was also called was an interesting thing. It could be used to slow down opponents, blind them, disorient them or even outright weaken them. A useful set of tools that fit her usual tactics of confusion and evasion pretty well.

Everything that the wind magician told her sounded interesting, although Tanya could not try anything for herself. Yin affinities were apparently so rare that the man knew not a single person that could teach her the necessary spells. And books about the topic were also exceedingly rare. She hoped to find anything about the topic in the Astrea library, but wasn't too optimistic.

Maybe she could invent the spells herself? She had done so in the past. But these spells were different. They did not rely on logic and mathematics. Apparently you even had to say the name of your magic out loud if you wanted to use it which struck her as a massive tactical disadvantage. Your enemy would instantly know what you wanted to do. Magic in this world was stupid.

Her temporary teacher had some control over air so it was only logical to assume that he, or at least others in his profession, could fly. When she asked him about that he claimed that only the very best of the best with exceptionally large mana pools had this ability. A good advantage for her to have. If she was one of the few people in this world who could do that then she was with high probability the best in this field. She had trained against hundreds of the best in her aerial mages ever and won. It was unlikely that the magicians here had any comparable experience.

After she paid the magician for his time and sent him away she went on a search for Reinhard. And like a dog that came when you called he for it he seemed to appear out of thin air as soon as she needed him. The redhead would make for a good right hand if he could keep that up.

"Reinhard, I was wondering if you could perhaps show me how to use a sword? I have extensive knowledge on how to use a bayonet, but my sword skills are clearly lacking."

If he was confused by what a "bayonet" was then he didn't show it.

"It would be a pleasure."

One gruelling hour later and Tanya could only snarl in frustration. She had known that she was no master with the blade, but she hadn't thought herself to be so bad. Even with her enhancement formulas had she not been able to land a single hit on Reinhard. He didn't even seem like he was putting much effort into it.

Every single one of her lightning-fast swings and blows had been blocked or deflected in a casual, almost bored fashion. Even in close range had her knight been able to doge and sidestep all of her manoeuvres. She had not felt so weak in years.

"I am sorry Reinhard. It seems like I am actually terrible. I could not even land a single hit! Our training will have to continue for longer than I expected."

"You are not ´terrible´ Milady. In fact I would go as far as to say that you were great."

"How? In a real fight you could have probably taken me out in seconds."

"Well, yes, but with all due respect, do you even know what a swordsaint is?"

"No. I thought it was a title bestowed on those who wield the dragon sword that I read about."

"That is mostly correct Milady, but that is not the full story. To be a swordsaint means to also possess the one of a kind ability of the Divine Protection of the swordsaint."

Divine Protection? Was this another false gift from the wannabe god?

"Since I received this protection as a child I have in fact never been hit or defeated in a duel."

What? How overpowered was that? He had never lost? She silently thanked her luck that he was on her side.

"So the skill you just displayed is not the norm, but rather limited to you alone?"

"Yes. Although I would not call it skill. There are others who are far better knights than myself and would beat me easily if I had not my Divine Protection."

"But fact is that you have it. So are you the best fighter in Lugnica or not?"

"... Yes, I probably am."

He seemed quite uncomfortable with that answer so she decided not to pry.

"Do you think I have a chance against some of the stronger opponents you fought?"

He thought about that for a few seconds before he answered:

"Against most of them you would have a good chance to win with your speed and strength. But some of them could match yours without difficulty and they have more experience."

"How likely is it that I will have to fight them in the future?"

"Unfortunately it is very possible seeing as some of them are in opposing camps to ours."

"Then it is good that I have a few more tricks up my sleeve. Do you think you could help me improve my sword skills though?"

"I have the Divine Protection of teaching. I will advance you to your maximum potential if you so desire."

Whatever that was, she did not question it.

"Then let us continue our training tomorrow. I still have many books to read."

"Of course Milady."

Just after she had changed out of her sweaty training clothes into her new regular clothes (that the seamstresses had made remarkably fast) Reinhard knocked at her door. He had of course no need to change his clothing after their sparring match, because not even a speck of dust had landed on him. How did he do that by the way?

"What is it Reinhard?"

"A messenger arrived from the kings palace. He said it was an urgent letter so I delivered it directly to you my Ladyship."

"Thank you Reinhard."

Tanya took the letter and read it with slightly narrowed eyes. She still had to adjust to the unfamiliar glyphs on the paper.

"It announces that the royal selection will be held in five days."

It seemed as if she had been right with the one week hypothesis. Only four days to prepare. An idea formed in her head.

"Tell me my knight... Where do I find the poorer districts of this city?"

"Do you mean the slums Milady?"

He sounded mildly shocked.

"Yes. I believe I will have business there tomorrow."

Tanya smiled and Reinhard shivered unnoticeably.

Notes:

EDIT: Just hit 777 views! Let´s go!!! I never thought I get there.

Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to read my silly, little story <3< p>