I Was Reincarnated As The Older Brother Of A Villainess Destined to Die, So I Want To Change The Future By Raising My Younger Sister With My Own Hands. I Am The Strongest In The World, But My Little Sister Must Be The Cutest In The World - Volume 3 Chapter 6.6

The First Training Ground within the Royal City was a place specifically prepared for the Royal Guards, and it was about the size of two soccer fields. Additionally, just a quick glance revealed the presence of expensive-looking magical equipment lined up there. Those who trained here were indeed fortunate to have such favorable conditions.

In the middle of that ground stood me. The opponent had not yet shown their face, so I was standing there alone.

On the other hand, the gallery surrounding the training ground was packed. Not only the individuals in the throne room but also the knights serving in the royal palace seemed to be present. They must have plenty of free time.

Let me explain my objective at this point.

The reason for challenging a duel was simply to demonstrate my strength.

During the negotiation phase, it became public knowledge that the current Foranada faction possessed economic power that did not fear the Royal Palace faction. Normally, this would be sufficient to intimidate them. However, the reality was not so smooth.

The issue was that I am a Colorless. Just by being a Colorless, there were those who arrived at the conclusion of resorting to force. In fact, it is not an entirely incorrect line of thinking, as nobles often play a significant role in the final push of a magical battle. Dealing with such individuals is quite difficult.

Probably, if I hadn’t presented the idea of a proxy, they would have declined the duel and later incited the knight order against me. The likelihood of that was high. It would allow them to undermine the royal family without exposing them to danger and also strip Foranada of its profits. The Prime Minister, for one, had a rather wicked smile on his face.

Therefore, it was essential to demonstrate my strength through the duel. I needed to leave an impression that even a united front of the Royal Palace faction would be no match for me alone.

The deeply ingrained prejudice that has been a recurring obstacle continues to hinder Foranada’s progress. It is an extremely annoying issue, but it is proof of how deeply rooted the problem is. Once the matter with Caron is resolved, I intend to address the issue and work towards improvement.

Well, in the original plan, I was supposed to show it through a different method, but this opportunity arose due to Gray’s rampage. It allows for a stronger and more memorable impression, and above all, it provides me with a sense of relief. I have endured various things until now, but it’s not like I don’t have pent-up frustration.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that I had already achieved my objective. After all, there was no way I would be defeated by someone of the caliber of the Holy Kingdom’s talents. Even if the heavens and earth were turned upside down, a future where I would lose was inconceivable. This is not arrogance; it is a pure and simple fact.

After waiting for a while, my opponent finally appeared.

I wonder who it is.

“Oh.”

Upon seeing the enemy standing in front of me, I was impressed.

It was a muscular man, robust and sturdy. He wasn’t particularly tall, probably not even reaching 180 centimeters, but the armor of muscles enveloping his body was thick, greatly amplifying his presence.

Moreover, the overwhelming pressure emanating from his entire being was astonishing. It felt suffocating, unlike any magical power.

“To have the ‘Sword Saint’ as my opponent. I suppose I should go all out even to hunt a rabbit,” I remarked.

Yes, the man before me was none other than the one bestowed with the title of the strongest in the Holy Kingdom, the ‘Sword Saint’ Grouzard Soderil San Feibeln, the current head of the Feibeln family.

He turned his sharp gaze towards me and asked, “Since we are facing each other, I won’t hold back. Surrender now, while you still can.”

“How kind of you. But I won’t surrender,” I replied.

“…Fool,” he muttered.

The ‘Sword Saint,’ acknowledging my response with a slight shrug of his shoulders, seemed to have lost interest. He averted his gaze as if to say he was done with the conversation. Closing his eyes on the spot, he entered a state of intense concentration. It appeared that he had no intention of wasting time before the duel began.

Since the duel hasn’t started yet, I observe the ‘Sword Saint.’ He is at Level 57, and his skills in swordsmanship and martial arts are remarkably high. His aptitude for magic seems to be in fire and earth. However, compared to his swordsmanship, his magical proficiency might be somewhat lower. Still, it’s a skill level above the average.

In terms of style, he primarily fights with a one-handed sword at his waist, using magic only as support. He is an orthodox swordsman.

Now, how should I approach this? The level difference is significant, so I could end it in an instant if I wanted to. However, if I were to do that, the spectators might complain. It’s best to show some restraint, enough for those around to grasp my strength.

“Now, the duel between Count Foranada and the representative of the Second Prince, the ‘Sword Saint’ Count Feibeln, will commence. Acting as the referee is Vice Commander Rosta Bechid Ga Tan Wader of the Royal Guards.”

Finally, the duel is about to begin.

As the ‘Sword Saint’ unsheathed his sword, I prepared my weapons as well. I retrieved two of my favorite daggers from the concealed phase pocket, and they materialized from the void.

The surrounding area became noisy as the daggers appeared, but there’s no need to pay attention to that. They will be even more surprised later.

“Are we both ready? Then, let’s begin!”

The Vice Commander, slightly flustered, gave the signal to start.

Simultaneously, the ‘Sword Saint’ closed in on me.

“Oh.”

Even though we were about ten meters apart, he closed the distance in an instant without using any body enhancements. It’s not just his raw physical strength but also his skillful body movement. He fully utilizes the strength he possesses.

However, he underestimates me. The opening move of Vessel Feibeln from the previous fight wasn’t such a brute force attack.

While not a countermove, if I let him continue to underestimate me, it would be difficult to showcase my true abilities. So, I’ll demonstrate some elaborate techniques.

Narrowly avoiding his downward strike, I take small steps. In one fluid motion, I circle around to his back and casually swing my right dagger.

The hasty slash I unleashed is something that can easily be defended against under normal circumstances. However, the ‘Sword Saint’ managed to barely intercept it.

“Where did you learn that footwork?”

Our clash lasted only a moment. As I stepped back with a backwards step, the ‘Sword Saint’ asked with a menacing voice. There was no trace of the previous composure he had.

What did I do? I unleashed the same “sudden attack appearing right in front” that Vessel demonstrated in the past. It was quite a unique footwork, and I had anticipated it to be a Feibeln family technique, judging by his reaction.

I shrugged my shoulders.

“I learned it by imitating.”

“Nonsense.”

The ‘Sword Saint’ glared at me sharply.

Of course, he didn’t believe me. With enhanced visual acuity from [Body Enhancement] and rigorous training with my mentor Akatsuki, it’s something that I couldn’t help but learn. Also, the fact that a similar technique was showcased in a manga from my previous life played a role too.

The mechanism is rather simple. People predict the direction of movement based on the opponent’s preparatory action. By moving in the opposite direction of the shifted center of gravity, one can shake off the enemy’s line of sight.

Well, manipulating the center of gravity is quite challenging, but I practiced it through practical combat and learned it.

“Oops.”

“Tch, so you’re blocking it after all.”

The ‘Sword Saint’ attacked using the same footwork. Previously, I could barely manage to block it using [Anticipation], but now I can handle it with ease. I must say, I’ve grown.

Our weapons clashed. There was a tremendous pressure coming through the daggers, but my arms didn’t flinch. Even though I’m just a child in the early double digits, there was no way I could break through his strength, which had increased tenfold through [Body Enhancement].

Realizing that he was at a disadvantage in a contest of strength, the ‘Sword Saint’ immediately retreated after a brief struggle.

He’s quick to assess the situation. I had intended to continue the contest of strength and break his sword, but it seems that bestowing him with the title of the ‘Sword Saint’ wasn’t without reason.

If we’re starting over, this time I’ll take the initiative and attack.

Gripping my two daggers tightly, I dash forward. For now, I won’t use any magic other than [Body Enhancement] and [Anticipation]. If I were to employ more than two spells, the ‘Sword Saint’ probably wouldn’t be able to endure it.

I launch a hit-and-run strategy, capitalizing on my speed. It’s easy to evade the opponent’s defense with [Anticipation] and land every attack, but that would quickly bring the battle to an end. I’ll keep it moderate and just inflict some minor wounds.

I maneuver around the training ground, bewildering the ‘Sword Saint’. I strike when I shake off his line of sight, then swiftly move again. I repeat this process over and over.

Hmm, despite holding back, there are times when he defends against attacks properly. Must be the difference in experience. He didn’t react to [Anticipation], so he’s mostly relying on his instincts. I need to stay focused; otherwise, a lucky punch might happen. Let’s tighten our concentration.

Multiple slashes cut through the air, and with each strike, blood dances in the air. The ‘Sword Saint’ no longer carries an air of dignity; he’s just a battered weakling standing there.

It’s about time.

The spectators who were initially lively before the duel have already fallen silent. They tremble in fear, their faces pale. The results seem to be satisfactory.

I come to a stop. I stand ten meters in front of the ‘Sword Saint,’ just like at the beginning of the duel.

“Is this the end?”

The ‘Sword Saint’ exhales roughly and murmurs.

His eyes reflect resignation, but it seems he intends to continue fighting until the end. Truly the stance of a battle-crazed Warmonger.

I ask him.

“Would you prefer a light touch to end it or a decisive conclusion?”

If we don’t leave any loose ends, it would be better to just kill him. However, I don’t particularly enjoy killing. Since the ‘Sword Saint’ doesn’t seem likely to hold a grudge based on the outcome, I ask deliberately, although I already know the answer.

“That’s a foolish question.”

“I see.”

His reply was short, but it was very clear. That’s what I expected from a Feibeln warrior.

I shrug my shoulders and adjust my weapons.

“What a foolish question.”

“I see.”

His reply was short, but very clear. That’s what I expected from a Feibeln warrior.

I shrugged my shoulders and readjusted my weapons.

I’ve demonstrated my close combat skills up to this point. In that case, it’s best to finish with a single blow of magic. A spell that showcases overwhelming power in a way that even the inexperienced spectators can understand. It’s quite challenging, but with my skills, I should be able to achieve it.

Believing in my own magical technique, I refine my mana. I let it expand around me, spreading it out and visualizing each element.

What unfolds are hundreds of magical blades. A cluster of white translucent blades, resembling thin, shimmering fragments of magic that could be mistaken for feathers. They materialize in the air around me.

The noble onlookers buzz with excitement. Some seem to have realized it’s my magic, and a sense of astonishment can be felt.

Such splendid reactions. If I’ve put on this level of performance, there should be no one left to underestimate me just because I have no color.

“This is the finishing blow.”

I infuse magic into both of my daggers. The materialized mana extends the blades, transforming them into swords adorned with a divine radiance.

I swing both swords in a crossing motion. Instantly, the shining blades turn into flying slashes heading towards the ‘Sword Saint.’ Simultaneously, the swarm of blades deployed in the sky descends upon him.

“Uoohhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!”

The ‘Sword Saint’ swings his sword, bellowing with a voice full of desperation, but it was too reckless. His voice is drowned out by the collision sound of the blades, and his figure sinks into a mountain of swords.

All the blades fall to the ground, leaving behind a heavily damaged training ground and the torn-apart remains of the ‘Sword Saint.’

A painful silence engulfs the training ground. No one’s expression wants to believe what they see before them. Even Gray, who is kneeling in astonishment with his head down. The mana is in disarray, and the fear directed towards me is palpable.

“Hmm.”

Considering this as a good opportunity, I activate [Telepathy]. The target, of course, is Gray.

?Gray, the Second Prince?

As soon as I conveyed my voice, he trembles and looks around frantically. The previous duel must have been quite shocking for him.

However, I have no intention of showing mercy.

?Never come near Caroline again. If you ever try to harm her again… I will relentlessly chase you, chase you, chase you to the depths of hell and ultimately kill you?

Due to the combined use of the mental magic [Fear], Gray loses control and faints while wetting himself. Tch, he should have endured it more.

Oh well, can’t be helped. I shift my focus and look towards the judge. But it’s no use. Perhaps I got too close and he fainted from the aftermath of the battle. He’s quite injured, but it’s his own fault, so I’ll leave him be.

Without mercy, I address the spectators who were watching from above.

“The duel is over, and I am the winner. I trust you will keep your promise, Your Majesty.”

“… “

The Holy King, upon hearing my words, can only open and close his mouth in silence.

Observing his reaction, I determine that there’s no point in waiting any longer.

You understand what will happen if you fail to keep your promise, right? With a veiled threat, I withdraw from the training ground.

Well, there’s no reason for me to stay in the royal castle anymore. I decide to swiftly return to Foranada. Gathering my subordinates who were waiting in the background, I promptly use [Phase Link Gate] to return.

I’m not aware of what happens in the castle afterwards.