Chapter 71: Training
“My movements have gotten worse.”
“What?”
What do you mean? I may not be as skilled as Van, but I thought I had improved by mimicking Dean, Ash, and the butler.
After yet another sparring session, doubts swirled in my mind at those words. Even though we were sparring, it felt like I was the one charging in while Van effortlessly dodged my attacks, showcasing the vast difference in our strengths. The proof was right there—Van hadn’t moved an inch.
“Your movements are uncoordinated and disjointed.”
“Ugh.”
I instinctively looked away.
I had been trying to utilize my physical abilities to mimic what seemed like effective movements, but it was clear they hadn’t been integrated into my own style. I had a sinking feeling about that.
I really hope I’m not moving my upper and lower body differently. And I know that mere flashy techniques won’t work against Van.
“What happened to the image of your sword? It was better in the beginning.”
“My image…?”
My image is that of a fantasy hero or a samurai from a period drama. I come from a peaceful place, after all.
The former was thanks to my sister dragging me to movies, and the latter was something I watched with my grandmother when I was young.
I glanced down at the Zanzenken in my hands. The impression from the period drama was stronger, but this was more like the sword of an RPG hero.
“I see, the sword is different. Let’s see.”
With Van’s words, the Zanzenken began to transform. It shifted from the Zanzenken to the Zanzenken variant. Wait, wait! At least make it a normal Japanese katana—no, make it a bit more fantastical!
The Zantetsuken is a well-known sword that cuts exceptionally well, but the combination of a white wood scabbard and hilt is a bit concerning. Well, maybe it’s not a problem in this world.
As a result, the Zanzenken morphed into a somewhat fantasy-styled katana. It was longer than the swords typically seen in period dramas, with a black lacquered scabbard and a silver chain instead of a traditional sageo.
The designs on the tsuba, menuki, kogai, and kozuka were understated yet elegant.
Overall assessment: it looks cool.
I couldn’t help but think about how the heroes would react to it, or whether I needed to prepare a white wood scabbard since swords can’t breathe. But cool things are cool.
“What a rare style.”
“Yeah, it’s a sword from my homeland.”
With my spirits lifted, I reset my stance.
If I want to move quickly, I should point both toes forward.
If I want to prioritize the power on the sword, one foot should be at an angle.
I pulled the sword close to my waist and cut with my left hand at the Koiguchi. It was just a slight draw from the scabbard, but it was to confirm that the sword would come out smoothly and to prepare for the draw.
While keeping it close to my waist, I twisted slightly with my left hand and drew it out with my right. I had heard that if you weren’t careful, you could scrape the inside of the scabbard and damage the sword, so I had to be cautious.
Without hesitation, I charged at Van. He was not someone I could handle, and while the Zanzenken claimed to cut through anything, it couldn’t surpass the strength of its creator. It was true that it could slice through most things in the human world, but I knew I couldn’t cut Van’s sword.
Probably not even Van himself. If I became stronger than him, I might be able to cut through it cleanly.
The tip of the sword traced an arc, and I memorized its length.
The tip sliced through the air, and I felt the weight of the sword.
This was much more enjoyable. I corrected my earlier thought that my image of the sword was from a fantasy movie; in reality, the strongest image I had was from an RPG, where the character steps forward and swings down. Or maybe it was the flashy effects that left me confused.
No wonder I couldn’t grasp the image of movement.
“Much better than before.”
Van’s praise made me a little happy.
As I caught my breath, I thanked Van and ended the training session. I patted Rishu, who had come over, and headed back inside the house.
Upon closer inspection, the grapes on the shelf had already begun to sprout, even though it was still a chilly season. Yet, I felt hot; it felt like I hadn’t exercised in ages. Wait, could it be that I need to work out a lot more to build muscle now that my physical abilities have increased?
I shook off the sudden anxiety and washed my face. Time for some milk—definitely milk.
“Good job.”
“You really gave it your all against Van.”
Mishto and Haralfa offered their praise, a reward from the beautiful girl and the stunning woman after training.
“This book is definitely misinterpreted.”
Kadal pointed at the book in question.
“Go to the Temple of Thermist in seven days. I’ll arrange for you to obtain the book you desire.”
The Thermist that Rudil mentioned is the name of an island south of the Cavil Peninsula.
“Thank you.”
I sensed I needed to gather money in seven days!
“I’ll help a bit, so when the crops in the field are ready, I want you to cook for me.”
Pal grinned at me.
“I will too.”
Ish, as expressionless as ever, looked on like a porcelain doll.
“Isn’t it tasteless?”
I had heard that most food here lacked flavor except for specific items.
“What we perceive as taste comes from our attachment and interest in the food. The crops here are quite intriguing.”
The evolution from bread and salt to salad is on the horizon!!