With a new goal in sight, I focused completely on defeating Isolde fairly in her home turf: swordsmanship.
Saying it sounds easy. After all, my opponent is just a girl a little over ten years old, right? But to make a comparison, this is like trying to get into a fistfight with Gon while I'm Tonpa. It feels hopeless. Even Ken told me to just count it as a loss, and Water God Reida just raised an eyebrow and said nothing.
Only Isolde truly supported me. She genuinely wanted me to be able to catch up to her.
Ever since we established our rivalry, she hasn't hidden anything and has proactively taught me all the skills she knows.
"If you lower your center of gravity to the left, the opponent will be more inclined to attack from the right. That way, you can anticipate where you'll be attacked, and at the same time, you can strengthen your defensive battle aura on the left side."
"Huh? Why strengthen the defense on the side that isn't being attacked?"
"Because if you do get hit where you don't expect it, you won't be taken down immediately."
In addition, Isolde also taught me tricks to hold a defensive stance for a long time without getting tired. How to conserve energy, how to shift my center of gravity, and even how to apply my strengths—precision and reflexes—to a lightning-fast counter-attack style instead of using 'Flow' as usual. These theoretical lessons were very practical. I tried applying them, and they were indeed quite effective (even if my defensive battle aura is basically non-existent).
Sometimes, Isolde would even point out her own shortcomings and directly ask me to exploit that weakness. For example, Isolde has a habit of predicting an opponent's attack through their eyes. It's a reasonable judgment since most people look where they are about to attack. So I tried attacking in the opposite direction of where I was looking to create a feint.
The result was that after four months of starting the Water God's challenge, I had actually managed to land a few hits on Isolde with my sword.
It sounds like great progress, but just one month later, the Water Saint girl had overcome that weakness by adopting a more comprehensive defensive stance. However, that itself also created a few problems.
And usually, after practice, I would go to the Cluel house and cook with Isolde, taking the opportunity to discuss what we had learned. Today, I decided to share my analysis while waiting for the dough to rise.
"About this defensive stance, it's going to make it harder for you to block attacks from above."
I used my hands to tear off pieces of soft bread to illustrate. I don't think I have an artistic gift, so everything looked pretty abstract. Luckily, Isolde always understood and nodded.
"Reasonable. In that case, I just need to lower my center of gravity."
"Right. But even so, your mobility will be limited. That's why I think you should change your stance when it looks like the opponent is about to strike from above."
"Mm. Maybe changing stances would be more appropriate."
It's safe to say that even though our goal is to be direct rivals, this cooperation has really made us both develop faster than normal. Although I still can't win in a real match, in theory, thanks to my 'top-tier' observation skills, I can always point out Isolde's weaknesses, constantly helping her improve her skills. I consider it fair, as Isolde is also helping me improve very quickly. In terms of technique, I don't think it will be long before I reach the Intermediate rank of Water God Style.
Anyway, time to focus on making this super delicious bread!
"Although I think many people say this, honestly, you're smarter than you look, Atur."
As I was kneading the rest of the dough to flatten it into a circle, I turned to look at my genius friend and grimaced at the strange compliment.
"Do I look that stupid?"
"I mean, you're smarter than a normal 6-year-old. You play less and are a little too serious. You're even this focused just kneading dough."
"Because if you don't make food properly, it won't be delicious." I said truthfully, though I knew that answer was irrelevant, so I had to change the subject. "I bet you were the same when you were 6, right?"
"I was different."
She means, 'A genius like me shouldn't be compared to you.' Still as arrogant as ever. Very Isolde. She's always blunt about how good she is in front of me, even though she always tries to be humble in front of others, including the Water God. Is this the privilege of being a best friend?
But, should I just tell her I'm a reincarnated person? Since Isolde is already showing her true nature in front of me, I should also be honest to be fair. But... no. If she knows I'm an old uncle almost Ken's age and still only at the Beginner rank, she'd probably despise me to death. I'll just pretend to be a kid.
"Maybe it's because I was threatened with being sold into slavery since I was little? You know, I hear people mature early if their environment forces them to. If given the choice, who would want to lose their childhood?" I shrugged and started to ramble. "It's only the fault of parents who fail to protect their children's childhood. Like that old man Pilemon."
I immediately took the opportunity to bad-mouth Pilemon, of course. It's my second great-biggest reason for living right now, just behind defeating Isolde.
"Losing your childhood?" Isolde looked up slightly, her blue eyes, which usually held a scrutinizing gaze under a gentle veil, seemed to be searching for the secrets of the universe on the kitchen ceiling. "Are you saying Master failed in raising me because I don't play around like other children?"
"Please don't use my words and come to that kind of conclusion, okay? Do you want your rival to get his throat slit by your master for being disrespectful?" I immediately raised a hand in protest. "I think you like swordsmanship, right? I'm guessing that even without Master Reida's guidance, you wouldn't do anything but practice the sword and look down on other kids your age. So your childhood is tied to swordsmanship."
"You're right." Isolde nodded, her gaze seeming to relax. "We really are the same."
"Except for talent, yeah."
I share the exact same flaw as a genius. Yay, so proud.
Back to my current abilities. I can say I've improved a lot by focusing completely on surpassing a genius.
I also applied what I was taught with North God Style techniques and came up with a few interesting tricks. For example, throwing sand everywhere and then using wind magic to reduce the opponent's visibility. The result was that I got my head bashed in by Isolde, even though she was temporarily blinded by the stinging in her eyes.
However, contrary to my expectations, Isolde wasn't angry. Instead, she supported me in developing my own fighting style. She said everyone has a different way of fighting, as long as it helps them achieve their goal.
And yet, just a few weeks ago, she told me to stop using the North God Style. So confusing.
"So what kind of bread are you making? Why is it so flat?"
Isolde seemed to have given up on the current topic and returned to the food. She seemed interested in what I was doing: a flat, round piece of bread.
"Hehe, you'll know when you try it."
That's right, it's Pizza!
I used cheese, and a sauce from a fruit that had similar properties to a tomato but was long like a banana, and spread it on the dough. Then I added cold cuts, a few fragrant leaves, and some greens for color. Finally, a few pieces of a pinkish 'fruit' that's normally sour but turns sweet when baked.
And the other-worldly pineapple pizza was complete! Carrying the irresistible aroma of meat, 'other-worldly pineapple,' and cheese, it could easily make anyone drool.
"It smells so good..."
Isolde picked up a still-hot slice and took a big bite. Her blue eyes seemed to light up, her usual calm and mature expression now replaced by the relaxed face of a real child. It seems I 'mind broke' Isolde with food. Excellent. I hope this gets saved to her core memory and she'll be ready to chop off Pilemon's and Darius's heads with me in the future.
The plan to win the trust of the future Water God has taken another big step.
Although, I really don't rate this product very highly. I used a bread oven instead of a pizza oven, so the temperature wasn't high enough to make the crust crispy. The taste also wasn't the same as the original. It has this world's flavor, and it's good, but it's still not the Hawaiian pizza I was aiming for. It's like how ancient Greek alchemists tried to find gold from urine but ended up with phosphorus. Even though it was a great step for science, I bet those guys in the story were very disappointed.
Ah, I use that example because, for some reason, when it was baked, the dough had a weird ammonia-like smell. But it's delicious, so it's fine, right?
It's just a pity that tonight, only Isolde and I get to eat this wonderful 6-out-of-10-point pizza.
...
The next month went by like that. I completed the first challenge and officially got my first Saint-rank on my stat sheet, which was otherwise full of Beginner-ranks. My reflexes were also firmly at the Advanced rank. Now I'm like an annoying mosquito that you keep trying to swat at the beginning of summer but always miss, no matter how hard you try. Now, no one below Advanced rank can hit me. Super low damage, glass cannon, but super high annoyance, hehe.
Even so, I still couldn't use Perfect Reverse. I can't even beat Isolde when she's only using Intermediate-level strength. At most, I can just use 'Flow' more proficiently.
I tried to simulate my previous match with Isolde over and over but still couldn't understand how I pulled off that miraculous move.
That led me to a weird hypothesis about that secret art, so I called Ken to the training ground at the edge of the forest to test it.
"You want me to use my full strength, including battle aura, to fight you?"
Ken stood under the moonlight, arms crossed. He raised an eyebrow as if he had just heard something absurd.
"Do you know that if I use battle aura, even a wooden sword can seriously injure you, Atur?"
"I know." I nodded eagerly. "But of course, there's a clear condition. You can only use the North God Style."
"Fine. If that's an order."
Ken immediately got into a defensive stance, lowering his center of gravity and the tip of his sword. I also got into a stance, taking a few steps back.
That night, I was beaten to a pulp. Ken won every single round.
But I had gradually found a way to defeat the genius Isolde, raising my win rate from a round zero to 2%.
Finally, the last day of the six-month challenge arrived.
Since the day I started learning to use the secret art, I still hadn't beaten Isolde. However, I still used all my confidence to step into the training ground of the Water God Style headquarters.
Unlike usual, Reida was also present today. She was sitting on a small wooden stool at the edge of the training ground. Standing near her were many new faces I had never seen before. According to Ken, they were the Water Kings and Water Emperors—the most powerful figures of the Water God Style.
"They occasionally come to the headquarters to discuss things, they don't seriously intend to watch your match. Don't be stressed. No one expects you to do anything amazing, Atur."
Ken is really good at pissing me off.
As a result, all my confidence, for some reason, flew right out the window.
Come to think of it, if they were really paying attention to me, it would be even scarier. I don't want to be noticed, after all.
Oh well, let's try to eavesdrop on what they're saying.
"Your granddaughter is 10 already? My grandson just turned 10, too. What do you think about letting them get to know each other?"
A skinny Water Emperor with salt-and-pepper hair color scratched his chin as he looked at Isolde. He seemed more interested in matchmaking for his grandson than in the upcoming match.
"You mean that good-for-nothing grandson of yours who can't even hold a sword?" Reida asked back, somewhat mockingly. "I don't think my granddaughter would like a life partner who only knows how to eat and play."
Seeing this, another Water Emperor, this one with a big beer belly and a long scar on his face, laughed and chimed in.
"Then what about my youngest son?" He rubbed his chin. "He'll be reaching the Water Saint rank soon."
"Isn't that kid almost twenty?" The skinny Water Emperor immediately retorted. "Besides, he's as ugly as you are. My grandson is the handsome one!"
Wow... they're really sitting there discussing whose grandson is worthy of marrying Isolde. What a typical conversation for old folks. It seems that even if you're a supreme expert, the hobby of comparing children and grandchildren always exists.
While it seemed no one cared about my existence, Isolde was the one who walked up and talked to me.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, fine." I forced a smile. "Just a little pressure."
"Don't worry, I'll only break your remaining baby teeth. I won't touch the new ones, unless you're asking for it."
Who talks like that to reassure someone!? I don't want to be toothless for the rest of my life! This world doesn't have dentists to implant fake teeth!
Imagining being famous in the future and getting the nickname "Toothless Atur," it's like being shamed for all eternity! Argggg!
"Um... I'd be very grateful if you'd spare my teeth. Instead, could you just hit me somewhere safe, like my stomach?" I pleaded.
"I'll spare your face. Can't promise for the rest."
"Please spare my groin, too."
"Done." Isolde nodded in agreement. "In return, you're not allowed to attack my face either."
"I don't want to be killed by the Water Emperors for touching the cute face of their potential granddaughter-in-law."
"Then it's a deal."
Isolde suddenly smiled. She didn't seem impressed by my compliment, just happy that we had a set of rules for our fated match. No matter the result, we both didn't want to lose two things: our looks, and this good relationship.
We both moved to our positions, picked up our wooden swords, and got into a defensive stance.
Today's referee is Tantris. He seems to have taken a day off to come and observe this match. Although he doesn't show it, he always seems to be looking forward to my performance.
When everything was ready, the Water God, the Water Kings, and the Water Emperors also stopped talking and turned their eyes to the training ground. Being watched so intently like this put me under a bit of pressure. But I quickly controlled my breathing and calmed myself down.
Alright, the first rule of Water God Style: whoever acts first is at a disadvantage.
If a match between Sword God Style swordsmen is a confrontation of speed and power, and North God Style is about tricks and adaptation, then Water God Style is about patience. Many matches between me and Isolde have started with both of us just standing in a defensive stance for a while, sometimes for hours. In the end, the match is decided by who loses patience or runs out of energy first.
It sounds like a boring match, just two people staring at each other. What's fun about that, right? Unfortunately, no. In reality, it goes like this:
Isolde was the first to start. She completely dropped her stance, resting her sword on her leg. She didn't even look at me, but put a hair tie in her mouth, her hands reaching behind her head to fix her silky blue hair. A form of provocation that is beyond permissible!
This isn't the first time Isolde has been provocative with tricks like this. She once pretended to scratch her neck, only to thrust her sword at my throat as I was charging in. Or another time, she faked a yawn, then easily bopped me on the head right after.
In short, this is the Water God Style of provocation. Unlike the North God Style, which makes the opponent angry, the Water God Style aims to make the opponent think they have an opening, causing them to expose a weakness. And sometimes, it's also just to piss people off. In general, the form is similar, just the way it's used is different.
So I'd be a fool to charge in now.
Even though Isolde has both hands behind her head, isn't looking at her opponent, and her sword is on the ground, I bet she can counter me instantly, though I don't know how. That Water Saint girl always has a plan.
But since I don't know what she's going to do, I'll start using my best specialty: identity theft.
I immediately took the wig I had prepared from my bag and put it on, to the bewilderment of everyone in the arena. The only one who wasn't was Ken, who was clutching his stomach, trying not to laugh. Yeah, it was his idea.
The funny thing is, this trick worked immediately. Isolde had to frown for a moment, then glared, radiating killing intent at me.
But that wasn't all. I then gently untied my pants, taking off my martial arts uniform to reveal an identical version of Isolde's outfit underneath, down to the last detail.
It's true, I've been wearing this outfit for the past month. When no one was around, I'd put on the Isolde wig. I've been using a special training method that people on Earth call "method acting." I became Isolde to learn what Isolde would do and think.
That's how I came up with this move to start the match: become Isolde, to provoke Isolde. Starting with me picking my nose obnoxiously.
The first round of psychological warfare is unfolding in an unpredictable way.
"..."
The genius girl has a vein popping now. She didn't even bother to tie her hair back up and just picked up her sword. Hehe, looks like I won the first round.
Isolde took a deep breath, apparently trying to stay calm. She forced a slight, strained smile.
"What's wrong?" Her voice was as calm and sweet as usual, completely successful in pretending not to be angry. "Do you admire me so much that you have to pretend to be me, Atur?"
I didn't answer, just kept my eyes glued on the genius girl.
She really is a genius. Just 6 months ago, Isolde had never been taught provocation skills. But now she's so adept at it that she can counter-attack even while being humiliated like this. If it were a normal person, they would have charged in already.
"Admire? As if I'd ever admire a Water Saint who reads romance novels and fantasizes about herself. And who also eats her boogers."
"I do not eat my boogers!" Isolde immediately retorted, her composure completely gone.
"So you admit you fantasize about being a fairy tale princess?"
I immediately counter-attacked by exposing her. First, about her secret, great passion for being a princess, proposed to by a hero like the first Water God.
Although Isolde's expression didn't change, I swear I could hear a crack in the genius girl's pride. She replied.
"Is that as bad as someone who writes terrible poetry but keeps writing it? Should I read one of them for everyone here?"
"If we're talking about poetry, why don't we use your poem from last time?"
And the second round began after the verbal sparring warm-up was over.
We both charged at each other, slashing like two kids. However, in terms of technique, Isolde still showed no weakness. She always used 'Flow' to neutralize all my attacks, but Isolde's counters couldn't get past the quick reflexes of this fly named Atur.
I couldn't hit her, and she couldn't touch me. One person with absolute defense, one person with ultimate reflexes.
We were both too familiar with each other's fighting style, but it was still a long way from a stalemate.
Isolde is faster and stronger. When she starts to use her full strength, my reflexes, even with all my battle aura, aren't guaranteed to dodge.
So, when the match dragged on for just a few more seconds, the first blow landed.
Thwack!*
Sweat mixed with my saliva as I took a blow to the stomach. I immediately backed away, my hands still gripping the sword, my feet still firm. Isolde had no intention of attacking; she wasn't falling for my 'pretend to get hit' trap so easily. She's always cautious. With the goal of maintaining her 100% win rate, she never allows herself to make a single mistake.
Now it's time for round three.
I'm using every neuron to sense everything from my opponent. That's the way Isolde taught me to grasp the opponent's intention, through high-level 'Reading' and 'Perception.' On the opposite side, Isolde was doing the same thing, even before I did. Her beautiful blue eyes stared at me, while her body was in a solid, yet fluid stance, like a river.
This is when the third stage of all our matches begins: a battle of wits through prediction.
Countless scenarios are drawn out. Every angle, speed, power, blocking method, and even how to use battle aura are constantly being calculated by both of us. With just a blink of an eye or a change in breathing, the entire plan can be torn up and redrawn.
…
Outside the training ground, many young students also gathered to see what was going on that had attracted so many bigwigs.
They recognized Isolde—the undefeated genius of the Water God Style, the one everyone guessed would be the next Water God.
As for the other child, who looked even younger than Isolde, they didn't recognize him. Or rather, they knew it was Atur—the child with the strange silver hair and bright golden eyes. They had never met Atur because they heard he was afraid of the sun, so he only went to the headquarters to practice with Isolde after sunset.
They didn't know who Atur was. They only heard rumors that he was some kid who had once knocked the Water Saint's sword away, performed a secret art, refused the title of Water King, was 'begged' by the Water God to be her disciple, and was rumored to have very, very strong battle aura. There was even information that he was the son of the Notos family head, and his mother was from the Dragon Tribe, which is why he was born with such a special appearance and physique.
And so, Atur had a new fan club at the Water God Style headquarters, operating separately from the one at the Royal Capital Academy.
"What are those two doing?" Someone spoke up, their eyes darting back and forth between the two swordsmen who were standing still as statues.
"I don't know. It must be some high-level technique!" A girl of about twelve or thirteen clapped her hands and marveled. "Is it a secret art?"
"Or are they using Will-based battle aura to fight each other?" A chubby boy hypothesized.
They continued to discuss among themselves, observing the match through the window.
I was in the training ground, yet I could hear all the chattering, like a running commentary. It was a bit distracting.
Is this the price of having 'Perception' that's too good?
But it wasn't enough to distract me. I continued to return to the battle of wits between me and Isolde. Contrary to the predictions of the outsiders, Isolde and I weren't using any secret arts or battle aura at all.
We were playing chess. A chess game without a board, where everything was happening inside both of our heads.
Even though on the outside it looked like we were just staring at each other, in reality, two hundred matches had already been played.
Clack*
The sound of a wooden sword rang out in my mind.
Marking the two hundredth time I had lost in two minutes of thought.
Isolde must have also seen two hundred scenarios of how to beat me if I attacked first. She continuously used the most minimal actions to block all my opportunities.
I took a step forward. As predicted, Isolde also took a step back, matching 60% of the possible scenarios. She seems to have chosen the safest route. It seems the Water Saint thinks I have no chance of winning if she doesn't attack first.
Because compared to 6 months ago, Isolde has become much more complete in terms of tactics. All her existing weaknesses have been completely eliminated. It's hard to find a way to break her current defensive mechanism. Isolde is no longer fooled by me looking one way and striking another.
In return, she has begun to grasp what's called the 'intent' of the opponent—the thing that shows the real goal, through 'Reading' enhanced by 'perception' and 'will' battle aura. I don't know how to explain it, but it's like how I sensed danger in the sewer before, like Spider-Man's 'Spider-sense.' So, even without looking, Isolde can know what her opponent is about to do.
However, as the one who got this skill first, I also understand its critical weakness.
Swoosh!*
"!?"
Clack*
Isolde had just barely blocked the sword that was thrown at her. I had already instantly appeared where it was knocked away. Quickly grabbing my weapon, I launched another attack from below, aiming at her stomach.
Of course, not to disappoint anyone watching, the Water Saint used 'Flow' to easily guide my attack away with her left hand, but that's exactly what I wanted, now that we were right next to each other.
My sword hand let go of the weapon again. Isolde was immediately thrown off balance as she was focusing her weight to lead my body. Her right sword hand came up, as if sensing something was about to happen, but she was wrong to think I would attack with a sword.
I ducked, using my small body to slip through the gap right next to Isolde. I swung my hand out, grabbed the Water Saint's ponytail, and pulled hard, decisively, as if pulling the reins of a stubborn horse.
An "Oh!" rang out from several places. A few Water Kings and even the fat Water Emperor had to raise their eyebrows. This was a development they would not have expected to see in a duel at the Water God headquarters.
"That's not a Water God Style skill!" Someone shouted angrily, as if what I was doing was something depraved.
Well, of course, it's the North God Style. Did you really think I could fight fair with a genius? Look, even Master Reida is smiling. She's pleased, see?
The real reason I have to use this method is because this is the only way to defeat Isolde's 'Intent'-based defense. I'm choosing the most effective way to counter, not using strength or skill anymore. In other words, I'm playing rock-paper-scissors.
Now I'll continue playing this game, improvising against Isolde's divine adaptation.
And as I predicted, Isolde is not an easy opponent to be defeated with just one simple trick. She immediately swung her sword backward. Her Saint-rank strength battle aura reinforced the wooden blade and mercilessly cut off her own long, flowing hair, freeing her body from my hold before I could throw her to the floor.
Thanks to knowing this would happen, I had reacted a split second earlier and let go of her hair before turning.
I quickly dashed back towards Isolde, picked up my sword, and continued to attack her side, where she was most open. Even with her superb speed, this posture couldn't possibly...
Clack*
But then, something I hadn't expected happened. Isolde, with her sword raised high, let go with both hands, allowing the weapon to fall. When it had fallen low enough, she grabbed the *blade* of it with both hands, turning the weapon into a mace. She not only successfully intercepted my attack but also delivered a blow to my shoulder that sent me flying.
"Oh!" The observers cheered. For some, this was the first time they had seen such a strange technique.
I wasn't that surprised. For an Earthling who knows about *Mordhau, what Isolde just did isn't strange. But in a world where everything can be cut by swords and battle aura, it must be. I have to admit, Isolde has a real knack for the North God Style.
"Whew..."
From the outside, it might look like an even match, even though I've been hit twice. But in reality, I'm at a dead end. I still haven't turned the tables, even though I've played almost all my cards.
Maybe it's time to move to the fourth stage of the match.
That is, to charge in and fight like a mindless idiot.
Clack!*
Thwack!*
The sound of wooden swords clashing and the sound of my body being hit rang out continuously.
Rewind to three weeks ago, at the edge of the forest on a full moon night. I was using healing magic to reduce the bruises and scratches on my body. Even though the pain was assaulting my mind, I felt strangely clear-headed.
"The Water God Style has 5 secret arts," Ken explained. He held out his fist in front of me.
"First, Inevitable Counter—an attack that uses the opponent's strength. It can be enhanced with Battle Aura to increase control." He raised his index finger.
"Second, Perfect Reverse, the art you once performed—counter-attacking an attack by targeting its weak point, disarming the opponent, causing damage, and even completely neutralizing their combat ability." The middle finger came up. Two fingers.
"Third, Ultimate Flow, an absolute defense. All normal attacks will be deflected. You can throw anything away with this art, even with large scale attacks." The ring finger was raised.
"Fourth, Absolute Blade—the ultimate attack, able to choose the strongest and most critical point to counter-attack. It cannot be blocked by normal skills, always lethal." The little finger came out. Four fingers, four secret arts.
"Fifth, Divine Sense—creating a space around the user. All actions and movements within it are sensed by the user, who can then counter-attack even before the opponent acts." The thumb was the last one. That's five fingers.
Finishing his explanation of the five secret arts, Ken sat back down on the familiar split boulder and crossed his arms. The faint light of the waning moon could only illuminate half of his serious face.
"Among the five secret arts, Perfect Reverse is the least studied. Do you know why, Atur?"
"Because it's hard?" I asked.
"Well, you learned it, so it can't be that hard," Ken shook his head. "The hardest are Absolute Blade and Divine Sense."
Those are the two secret arts that Water God Reida has grasped. They were also the foundation for her to create a new secret art, even stronger than all the others, making her the strongest Water God Style swordsman at present.
"Then why does no one learn Perfect Reverse?" I asked again, a little impatiently.
"Because it's hard to execute."
Ken began to explain.
And I began to understand just how difficult my specialty technique is to use.
A stark contrast to the first five slow-paced minutes of the match. The next ten minutes were a fast-paced, continuous battle. The sound of wooden swords and the dull thuds of blows on a body rang out incessantly. I had managed to land a few lucky hits on Isolde; in exchange, I took a hundred other blows on this small body. If it weren't for my newly upgraded control over my defensive battle aura to minimize the damage, I would have been knocked out.
Outsiders would think I'm hopeless, unable to overcome Isolde's invincible defense. But only Ken and I knew that this was not meaningless.
I'm gradually grasping the rhythm...
After a long time of being unable to use Perfect Reverse, I had been thinking nonstop about how I had used that technique. Basically, my theory wasn't wrong. Reida had even confirmed that it was the exact principle of that secret art. However, executing it is not easy at all.
There are conditions that the user must meet, which Ken and I had speculated to include the following:
First, the user themselves: You must predict how the opponent's attack will be executed before it even appears. I managed this in our first duel because Isolde was intentionally using only Beginner and Intermediate skills, so I could easily grasp them. If you can't memorize them, you must enhance your Reflexes and Perception to a new level. Or, prolong the battle as long as possible to grasp the rhythm like I'm doing.
Second, the technique. As the Water God said, performing a secret art isn't just about grasping the principle, but also about the proper technique. What I did before was purely instinctual, with no prepared training. As a result, I had no muscle memory to reproduce it. The only way to form the habit is to train, and I had been training like crazy during my evening sessions with Ken to form a specific habit.
Third, this is the hardest part, because it depends on the opponent. I don't know why, but in my training sessions with Ken, the final, decisive blows were always the moments I could execute the Secret Art. Maybe because they are usually very simple?
In a real battle, decisive blows will be aimed at places like the neck, head, heart... places with critical weaknesses. They are usually performed when the opponent has lost their minimal self-defense, and it seems a swordsman's instinct is to use the simplest and most effective way to finish them.
However, that's for normal swordsmen. My opponent is Isolde. 'Simple' is not in her vocabulary.
Every one of her attacks is incredibly complex.
Except for one thing.
Something called Inevitable Counter—another secret art of the Water God Style.
Unfortunately, I can't use that. It's a completely different category from Perfect Reverse. I'd probably have to spend decades training to even hope to decipher it.
The reason I mention it is for two reasons. First, it's extremely simple in theory. It's a perfect counter-attack, using the opponent's own strength combined with your own to create a fatal blow.
And second, Isolde is training this very secret art.
That is the true purpose of what I'm doing here.
Continuously creating opportunities for the Water Saint girl to perfect her secret art.
In order for me to use Perfect Reverse, Isolde must use Inevitable Counter to create a fatal but uncomplicated counter-attack.
And that moment has finally come.
There was no clear sign. I just knew it was here.
My wooden sword suddenly felt light as a feather as it was guided by Isolde's 'Flow.'
I could see her blue eyes flash with intense concentration.
The Water Saint girl was in the zone.
My heart beat wildly. My instincts screamed at me to back away, that the next blow could cripple me for life.
But my reason kept whispering about a vain victory.
Stupidly, the side of reason won. I flashed a maniacal grin, letting Isolde lead my sword and absorb all the power from my blow, even adding a push, sending my weapon flying.
Isolde's wooden sword then glided gently, like a wave from the distant sea, but as it got closer to shore, it rose higher and stronger, as if preparing to wipe everything away.
I couldn't back down at all. Inertia was pushing me forward, straight into that blow.
A perfect counter-attack. The only thing stopping her from bringing it down on my head for a fatal blow was a thin layer of battle aura.
"You lose."
Isolde said softly, full of confidence. Her arrogant nature made her declare it before finishing me.
However, I'm no different. Also an arrogant person, I'm also one to respond.
"Not yet."
In a real situation like this, there would be no way out. But there's one fact unfolding here: we are using wooden swords.
No matter how strong Isolde is, she'll just hit my head extremely hard and make me stupid from the trauma.
That means if there's something similarly hard, it can block that blow.
And what's more fitting than my non-sword hand.
"What..."
Isolde seemed to realize my intention, but it was too late.
I was once again doing something that no madman on earth would think of.
That's right. I'm not just blocking Inevitable Counter with my left hand, I'm using Perfect Reverse to break it.
A sharp *crack* rang out. Isolde's wooden sword was knocked away. I think all the bones in my left arm are broken.
But that doesn't really matter.
Thump!*
I took a step forward as Isolde was pushed back by the Perfect Reverse.
My right hand swung up, and I used all my strength to punch the Water Saint girl in the stomach.
The entire arena fell silent. Once again, this strange match had taken a turn that no one could have expected.
But there was one more thing that the people here didn't expect, but I had predicted.
Ah no, maybe Master Reida saw it coming, too.
That is, Isolde had somehow grabbed the other sword to block my punch.
Ah, my sword...
Isolde gently used 'Flow,' and once again, bopped me on the head, knocking me unconscious.
So I lost again, with the exact same scenario as before.
This time, I was out for half a day.
Thank god they had an Advanced-rank healing mage ready to heal my bones and all the wounds on my body.
"You lost."
And the person who greeted me when I woke up was Isolde. She was sitting next to me, stating the obvious.
"Usually, you'd ask 'are you okay?' or 'did I hit you too hard?' first, right? Are you so happy you beat me that you forgot?"
"Are you okay? Did I hit you too hard?"
"Tch..."
Even though she really asked with concern, for some reason, I felt annoyed. But I kinda feel bad too.
"Sorry for your hair." I said with sincerity.
"Ah it will grow longer later. Don't worry about it." Isolde doesn't seem to be bothered. Even though she always cares about her look. "Maybe I will listen to Master and cut it short."
"Please don't, you look prettier when your hair is long."
"And you grabbed it, used it as a weapon against me."
"Well…"
Isolde somehow chuckled.
"Don't worry. I'm not mad at you. We are in a swordfight, it could be worse. And I still prefer longer hair too. Just consider it an exchange for your teeth."
"Sure then."
So now I'm not feeling bad anymore. But I can't feel good either.
It's definitely not because I lost. The calculations showed my win rate was ridiculously low anyway, so I don't need to be salty.
It must be the disappointment of losing huh?
And the disappointment is even greater when I see Water God Reida sitting a few meters away from me, her eyes still fixed on where I'm lying, saying nothing.
Oh well, time to face my failure.
I slowly sat up and bowed my head to the Water God.
"Esteemed Water God, I lost."
"Mm." Still the same grumpy face as usual. She just replied curtly.
After a pause of a few dozen seconds, she spoke again, her voice still sour.
"So, even though you used a secret art, you still lost to Isolde. What a pity."
"Yes."
I already knew this, but hearing it so bluntly still hurts. It's like failing an exam that I had studied really hard for.
"Don't be so disappointed. You still performed very well. In fact, there's a Water Emperor who's interested in you."
Reida continued. "He said if I don't take you, he will."
A Water Emperor?
"Who is it?"
If I'm not mistaken, there were two of them. I prefer the fat one, he seems less strict and funny.
"Who it is doesn't matter. I know you only want the best, so I refused on your behalf."
Isolde chimed in, smiling proudly, as if she had done me a great favor.
So, in summary, she thinks I'm the type of person who, if I can't be number one, won't bother being number two or three?
Don't project your own arrogant thinking onto others like that!
"However, I had another idea. I thought that if Master won't accept you, then I will."
"Huh?"
Before I could even understand that offer, Isolde held out her hand as a genuine invitation.
"Atur, do you want to be my disciple?"
An offer I didn't see coming from anywhere.
But it's no less attractive than the original goal of becoming the Water God's disciple.
Although there's no guarantee that Isolde will become the next Water God, it's clear she's still very strong and famous. Sooner or later, she'll do great things.
Only a fool would refuse.
"Of course I-"
Before I could even accept the offer, Reida spoke up. Her voice was full of authority, drowning out the excitement that had just exploded inside me.
"Before you agree, I'd like to remind you that I haven't said I *won't* accept you as a disciple."
Both Isolde and I looked at the Water God with the most confused expressions we could muster.
Is she going back on her word or something? I mean, I'm not complaining, but...
"Listen, even though you didn't beat Isolde, you at least completed the final goal, which was to make her respect you. The proof is that she dared to make that offer herself to keep you."
It's true, she did say that. So I passed?
I immediately turned to Isolde, who also had a slight smile.
It seems we both found a victory where no one had to lose.
I still get the title of Water God's disciple, and Isolde won't be completely eliminated from her goal of inheriting the title.
Come to think of it, isn't this just like a riddle?
If it was just about respect, didn't Isolde already respect me from the beginning?
Or maybe it's *more* respect? Oh well, passing is all that matters. I'm definitely celebrating tonight.
"But don't celebrate just yet. You still have one final challenge."
Ah, right. As if the Water God would pass up a chance to torture me some more. But wait...
"Esteemed Master... ah, I mean, Water God Reida... today is the last day. Will I have time..."
"Ah, don't worry about that. This won't take long. You just need to answer yes or no."
Oh wow, a verbal test. I hope she doesn't ask questions like 'Do you want to marry my granddaughter?' or 'If my granddaughter and your mother fell into a river, who would you save?'
"If I told you to give up your role as a noble, would you accept?"
But contrary to my expectations, the Water God's question was surprisingly practical.
It makes sense, right? Being personally taught by the Water God would give me considerable status. If I kept my role as a noble, I would surely have a lot of power and standing. After all, it's about bringing one of the three great sword schools closer to the control of the nobility.
If Reida accepts me—the son of one of the heads of the Four Great Noble Houses—it would be even more troublesome. Many people would think she's leaning towards House Notos. Tons of trouble would arise. So the best way is to just get rid of my last name.
But giving up this name isn't an easy thing to do.
Even though I don't have a very normal family, it's thanks to this Notos name that I've been fed and educated for the past 6 years. If I nod, I become a homeless kid with a huge debt over my head. There's no guarantee my creditors won't come and strangle me as soon as the news gets out.
Isolde seems to understand the problem. She stared at me, waiting for my best answer.
I took a breath, letting the air fill my lungs, then clasped my hands and thought.
Ah, just kidding. What is there to think about?
"I accept."
Screw the nobility. Latching onto a strong person's leg is still a much better path.