The night before tomorrow Semi-finals… I was brushing Hokuto in my room at [Wind Cape Cottage].

  Hokuto, who was stretching on the floor, slowly waved his tail, looking comfortably. On the next bed, Reus was lying down, trying to go to bed early in order to prepare for tomorrow.

  “Uhaa… I’m going to sleep soon, but aren’t you going to sleep, Aniki?” (Reus)

  “Aah, I’m about to finish. Shall we go to sleep?” (Sirius)

  “Woof!” (Hokuto)

  As I finished brushing Hokuto, I turned off the illumination magic tool while soothing him, who was rubbing his face.

  And then, I noticed Reus looking at us in the darkened room.

  “Yeah, what is it?” (Sirius)

  “No, I mean, if I defeat Jekyll tomorrow, I will face Aniki, right? I have fought you during training many times, so I think this is my first time fighting Aniki on a battlefield.” (Reus)

  “I guess so. However, unlike in training, I’m going to all out on the battlefield. So prepare yourself.” (Sirius)

  “Of course. I’m going all out, too!” (Reus)

  “Aah, I’m looking forward to it.” (Sirius)

  As he said that, I confirmed Reus would soon start to fall asleep, so I pretended to go to the toilet and left the room.

  The other side of the room was the room with the ladies, and since I wasn’t really sneaking into their room, I confidently knocked the door.

  “Yes? Who is that?” (Emilia)

  “It’s me. Can you open the door?” (Sirius)

  “Sirius-sama!? Right away!” (Emilia)

  The reaction of Emilia, who aware that it was me, was very quick. There was Emilia with a smile on her whole face from the other side of the opened door.

  I didn’t think that they would open the door without confirmation, but Emilia was a genius who could distinguish me. Hence, I thought that no mistake would occur.

  “Come on in, Sirius-sama. Have a seat on my bed.” (Emilia)

  “Eh!? Uhmm… why here?” (Reese)

  “Ooh, could this be a sneaking visit?” (Fia)

  When I was invited into the room, Reese and Fia, who were sitting on their beds and chatting with each other, were surprised and turned their eyes towards me. Fia seemed to be more pleased than being surprised, but… I wouldn’t worry about it.

  “Since I’m not sneaking in here, don’t undress yourself. I came to talk for a bit.” (Sirius)

  “That’s too bad. I was definitely thinking that you’re going to pick one of us.” (Fia)

  “Sirius-sama, I will always be waiting!” (Emilia)

  “Awawa…” (Reese)

  “Be reasonable and move away from me!” (Sirius)

  I didn’t dislike them being aggressive, but I’d like them to stop as there was an important match tomorrow.

  I managed to calm them down, somehow. I sat on Emilia’s bed and explained to them about tomorrow’s plans.

  To briefly explain, it was something about… not to be surprised if Reus got a hard beating, even if they were at the back of the preferential audience seats.

  “…Well, that’s about it. I think that it will be fine since Hokuto is there, but don’t be too distracted.” (Sirius)

  “Please be careful as well, Sirius-san.” (Reese)

  “Of course. Well then, I will get going soon…” (Sirius)

  “Oh, are you leaving already?” (Fia)

  “There is no problem if you just lie down on my bed, you know?” (Emilia)

  When I was about to return to my room, Fia stopped me by holding my sleeve, while Emilia embraced my other arm without a moment’s delay.

  If I thought about it, the three of them were lightly dressed and weren’t wearing the replacement robes provided by the inn, so for a man like me, a certain something would come up in this extraordinary situation.

  However…


  “I will only accept your feelings today. Well then, goodnight.” (Sirius)

  “““Eh?””” (Emilia/Reese/Fia)

  It was unfortunate for those ladies, but let’s give sleep a priority for today.

  I was also wearing the inn’s robe, but I moved away while undressing. Reese was surprised at me, who had moved to the front of the door. Emilia and Fia were stunned, while grabbing a robe that nobody was wearing.

  I ran away with a technique similar to the so-called ‘Body-Substitution-Jutsu’. I waved my hand to the ladies and left the room.

  By the way, I was properly wearing a shirt and pants under the robe, so there would be no problems if I didn’t wear the robe.

  […That’s amazing. Even though I grabbed him, he ran away.] (Emilia)

  (Reese)

  (Fia)

  [Eh!? Wait a sec, Emilia. I won’t be silent… eh, what are you doing?] (Reese)

  […I am smelling Sirius-sama’s scent from the robe.] (Emilia)

  […Yeah, you surely can smell him if you sniff the bed.] (Fia)

  [That’s true… Eh? What am I doing!?] (Reese)

  (Emilia)

  As I enhanced my hearing and listened to the conversations in the room… I was relieved that they seemed to be friendly.

  That was the situation, but it was fine if the ladies were having fun. I returned to the room while feeling a bit satisfied.

  —


  The next day, the four people who won the matches were lining up on the platform, and the live coverage sounded when the preparation was well in place.

  {Sorry to keep you waiting! The Semi-finals of the Fighting Festival will start from now on. The first match will be between Participant Beowulf and Participant Sirius. Both participants, please go to the center of the platform.} (Announcer)

  As the cheers from the audience fluttered, Reus and Jekyll descended from the platform to the seats for the players, while Beowulf and I were facing each other with some distance at the center of the platform.

  My equipment was the usual long coat, Mithril Knife on my chest belt and a Short Sword on my back. The throwing knives and hidden tools were removed just like yesterday.

  Meanwhile, Beowulf’s equipment was similar to yesterday’s; two swords, iron breastplates and Tekkous. It seemed the protective equipment didn’t hinder movement, since Dual-Wield style had quick movement.

  {Well then, everyone, I can’t imagine how this match will turn out. Whether Participant Sirius, who fascinatingly emphasizes avoidance in the matches so far, or the Dual-Wield style of Participant Beowulf will triumph… Honestly, it doesn’t matter who wins.} (Announcer)

  As I waited for the start of the match, while making the final adjustments to my equipment, Beowulf, who already drew his swords and was prepared for the battle, opened his mouth.

  “…Please take care of me today.” (Beowulf)

  “Aah, me too. More importantly, you’re full of enthusiasm.” (Sirius)

  “As I said yesterday, I will never lose to you. Besides, I understood your strength when I saw the other match, so it should be alright if I go all out.” (Beowulf)

  “It’s an honor. If that’s the case, shall I respond to your expectations?” (Sirius)

  “I will quickly erase that calm expression and mood of yours.” (Beowulf)

  {Well then… Begin!} (Announcer)

  The gongs resounded at the moment when he was glancing at me while releasing bloodlust, and the first match of the Semi-finals between me and Beowulf began.

  —


  As the gong resounded, we started running and wielded our weapons.

  Beowulf’s right hand sword was trying to match with my movements, while his left hand sword made a sharp thrust, so I swung my sword towards the left sword and deflected the trajectory of the thrust.

  By shedding the incoming sword towards to the left, Beowulf’s right hand sword, which was prepared, had difficulty being swung.

  However, Beowulf probably expected that much, he twisted his body while lowering his posture and overbearingly slashed towards my feet, but I jumped beyond that and unleashed a roundhouse kick in midair.

  “I have seen that pattern!” (Beowulf)

  However, as he defended with the left sword, I had no choice but to stop the roundhouse kick.

  By the time I landed without doing anything, Beowulf was approaching again, and this time, he was slashing by crossing the swords in both hands.

  “How are you going to avoid this!?” (Beowulf)

  “I will do it like this!” (Sirius)

  When I tried to defend by pointing my sword at the intersection of Beowulf’s sword, I was blown backwards from the intense impact, and… I landed on the floor, without any problems, after making one rotation in midair.

  “…That’s a sturdy weapon, huh? Besides, it isn’t working, after all…” (Beowulf)

  “It is a sword that I got from an important person. And if I failed to endure the impact, that would be difficult, right?” (Sirius)

  Just when the swords hit, I leapt backwards.

  Nevertheless, the way he stabbed from the beginning and didn’t aim at the opportunity after I was blown away… was that evidence that he was still going easy on me?

  “More importantly, what about the Sword Saint’s style? I haven’t seen it yet… the Phantom Sword, right?” (Sirius)

  Phantom Sword.

  Apparently, it was called that because it was a style used by the Sword Saint, when a sword that was swung to such a speed that it would make it look countless, as if you were completely seeing an illusion.

  In the past, it seemed that the Sword Saint was surrounded by countless enemies, and there were rumors saying that the tables were turned with countless swords released from a single sword.

  According to Lior-jiisan, fighting with the Sword Saint seemed like a battle of one against two. He told me this while laughing about how many times his neck was about to be split open.

  “If I use it, you will die, you know?” (Beowulf)

  “I was able to confirm with that single blow earlier. Try to kill me, if you can.” (Sirius)

  “…Fine. You’ll regret it.” (Beowulf)

  The air surrounding Beowulf changed due to my provocation as he released his bloodlust and pointed his two swords at me.

  Originally, the Phantom Sword Style was a style that used a single sword.

  Since Beowulf released the Phantom Sword with two swords, it was completely unknown how strong it would be.

  “[Phantom Flash(1)]!” (Beowulf)

  The speed of the swords swaying at the same time while Beowulf was moving forward was frightening, and it was as if the two swords looked like eight.

  All the swords were like living creatures, they were attacking from various angles…


  {This is…!? Participant Beowulf has countless swords!? How is Participant Sirius going to endure an assault worthy of the Sword Saint’s name… Eh!?} (Announcer)

  I instantly grasped the Mithril Knife with the hand that wasn’t holding the sword, and stopped all eight swords approaching me with my dual wielding technique.

  Beowulf was skillfully handling two swords, but in my case, it was possible to move the right hand and the left hand in a completely independent state due to [Multi Task].

  And, the moment I endured all of the opponent’s swords with my right hand sword and my left hand knife, Beowulf opened his eyes wide as if to say that was unbelievable and he was solidified for a while.

  I kicked Beowulf’s chest because he was full of openings, and he was awkwardly rolling on the platform without being able to defend himself.

  {a…H-he endured it! Let alone enduring all of the attacks, Participant Sirius made a counterattack!} (Announcer)

  Since there wasn’t much damage, Beowulf quickly got up, but he wasn’t recovering from the confusion.

  “I-it can’t be!? To endure against that…” (Beowulf)

  “That’s because I have seen similar techniques many times before.” (Sirius)

  I thought that the opponent being compared to was wrong, but if I made a comparison with the one whom I had been constantly fighting against, Lior-jiisan, with his [Shattering Strikes] which simultaneously released eight slashing attacks, his technique was way too slow.

  In other words, it wasn’t difficult to handle since there was a lag, even though the swords were simultaneously swung at the same time.

  “According to the rumor, the slashing attack released by the Sword Saint was more than ten. Moreover, it seemed that all the blows were deadly, but… your sword was unusually light. Doesn’t it look like you are not used to the Dual-Wield style yet?” (Sirius)

  Although I said that he wasn’t used to it, it was good enough for common people. In fact, he was releasing eight slashes with two swords.

  However, when I looked at them with my eyes, they were still unskillfully weak and that was why I could move my hand faster, since I didn’t need to use that much strength to handle them.

  I think he didn’t have enough strength to hold the sword with one hand, and… with that reasoning, he didn’t have enough fundamental strength and was excessively fixated on the speed.

  “You seem to repeatedly fight in order to become stronger, but have you reviewed yourself each time you fight?” (Sirius)

  “Kuh… what’s with that Sensei’s attitude only after handling my attack once? Don’t make fun of me!” (Beowulf)

  As he glared at me, Beowulf took a deep breath as he grasped his swords again, and continuously muttered in order to convince himself.

  “The next one will be faster. More… and more… faster!” (Beowulf)

  Beowulf’s presence gradually sharpened, and he jumped at the same time as the third breath.

  {It’s a fierce attack from Beowulf again! I still can’t see the sword, but I am aware that it has more speed than before—!?} (Announcer)

  The number of swords released was nine, but… the speed of the sword didn’t change the essence of the swords.

  Calming myself down, I repelled with sword in my left hand and my knife. After hitting, stopping and handling them, I kicked his chest and blew him away.

  “Why…?” (Beowulf)

  “Surprisingly, you’re full of openings. Think about your action after your technique wasn’t connecting. Don’t forget the worst case scenario.” (Sirius)

  “So… What’s with that arrogant attitude!?” (Beowulf)

  “With your personality, you definitely won’t listen unless I completely beat you down.” (Sirius)

  The reason why I fought him without immediately knocking him down was because Beowulf’s strength was too good to be a waste.

  I didn’t know whether he learned it from his father or not, but since the coarse and redundant parts of his movements stood out, I thought that rare technique wasn’t ‘alive’.

  Hence, I was thinking about pointing out the various parts out to him; but, first of all, I needed to start by make him succumb in order to make him listen to me.

  “I can sense the hesitation from your swords, and the truth is that you have not made much progress, right?” (Sirius)

  “I don’t want to be told that by the likes of you, who knows nothing!” (Beowulf)

  It seemed his heart hadn’t broken yet, just because I defeated only one technique.

  As Beowulf gradually became irritated by my attitude, he prepared his swords while displaying his anger and raised his mana.

  “[Heat Haze(2)]!” (Beowulf)

  When I thought that Beowulf’s mana had expanded for a moment, his body suddenly started to look blurry. I reflexively tried to slash him, but I was just cutting the air, and then I realized that what I saw was an afterimage.

  {When you think that there are two Participant Beowulfs, he is approaching Participant Sirius from the back! Is this also a technique of the Sword Saint!?} (Announcer)

  I see… it was a technique used to make a pseudo-afterimage and allowed him to move towards the rear by moving at a high speed while releasing mana from his whole body, huh? It would be a good match with the Phantom Sword Style, which was mainly based on speed and technique.

  Beowulf attacked from behind with a decoy afterimage, but I evaded the right sword while turning my back, and I repelled the left sword by scooping the Mithril Knife.

  “W-what!?” (Beowulf)

  “It is easy to deal with if I know that you will come from the back. Besides, isn’t it obvious that you should be careful with the rear, since it is a blind spot?” (Sirius)

  Although he wanted to deceive my visual perception with an illusion, I could grasp the position of the enemy if I kept using [Search] during a battle.

  Beowulf was surprised, but since he was getting ready with his sword and preparing a counterattack for the third time, I didn’t attack him and took some distance.

  There were other points to point out, so I was taking the same stance as Beowulf when he used the technique called [Heat Haze].

  “Besides, shouldn’t you use this technique in combination with other movements? Even if you use it before your opponent, the effect is light. However…” (Sirius)

  “It can’t be!?” (Beowulf)

  The moment Beowulf noticed this stance, I released mana from my whole body and kicked the ground at the same time and I went towards Beowulf’s flank.

  “My [Heat Haze]!? But, even if you use it in front of me, the effect is light-…!?” (Beowulf)

  Beowulf slashed at me, who went around to his flank, but… he opened eyes wide because it didn’t connect. That was expected, since he was slashing a decoy of mana.

  When I went around to his flank, I used [Heat Haze] again at the same time, made a decoy and went around to his rear. In short, I was attacking the back of the back… of that guy.

  Behind Beowulf, who was totally distressed by the side decoy, was full of openings, so I kicked him where I would have otherwise slashed with a sword.

  “Gahaa!?” (Beowulf)

  “You can make a surprise attack depending on how you use it, like just now.” (Sirius)

  While looking down on Beowulf, who was rolling on the floor of the platform, I pointed that out and waited for him to stand up.

  {W-what an unexpected development! Beowulf, who holds speed at that level, was completely messed up! I… it seems like I will fall in love with the strength of Participant Sirius! Won’t you have a date with me?} (Announcer)

  While the announcer woman was getting excited and started to say something strange, the expression of Beowulf, who slowly stood up, wasn’t anger, but clearly convinced.

  “I am learning something. And I understood. You… you have learned about the sword from the Sword Saint, right?” (Beowulf)

  “Why do you think so?” (Sirius)

  “Because both [Phantom Flash] and [Heat Haze] are certainly attacks that will bring death, it can’t be avoided from the first look. If that’s the case, whether you received teachings from the Sword Saint, or you fought him and confirmed it, either way… I couldn’t imagine anything but you receiving his teachings because of your age.” (Beowulf)

  “That’s too bad, but that’s not it. I only listened to the story about him, and this is the first time for me to see those two techniques. But, I have seen similar techniques.” (Sirius)

  Although the [Phantom Flash] was similar to the [Shattering Strikes] of ‘Single Strike Ultimate Destruction Sword Style’, it was originally a technique that Lior made after meeting with the [Phantom Flash] of the Sword Saint. It might be natural that they resembled each other.

  And as for me, who uses many surprise attack tactics, I was used to techniques like [Heat Haze]. There was also the strength of mana, and it wasn’t hard, even if I watched it for the first time.

  “Do not lie! Although you said it yourself, I don’t think it is that easy to deal with my technique! Especially, you can’t avoid it unless you are at the Sword Saint class-…” (Beowulf)

  “If that’s the case, let me give you a hint. In your opinion, what is Reus’ Style?” (Sirius)

  “…Isn’t it ‘Single Strike Ultimate Destruction Sword Style’? If the live coverage we heard yesterday wasn’t a lie, he seems to have learned it by himself then.” (Beowulf)

  “Yes. And I am Reus’ Shishou and Aniki. Well, how do you think Reus learned the swordsmanship from the Strongest Sword?” (Sirius)

  “…No way, were you also learning swordsmanship from the Strongest Sword!?” (Beowulf)

  “That’s still incorrect.” (Sirius)

  This time, when I attacked and slashed my sword from the front, Beowulf reflexively stopped it with his swords. He should be praised to be able to move his body while being shaken.

  I swung my knife and sword held by both hands, I mentioned the continuation of the earlier talk while watching Beowulf, who somehow responded.

  “I fought the Strongest Sword and became acquainted with him. His sword is faster, heavier and sharper than yours.” (Sirius)

  “A-aren’t you the same as me!?” (Beowulf)

  “It doesn’t matter if you want to believe it or not, but you should have understood my strength when you fought me. If you don’t stop thinking something silly, you will do it badly, you know?” (Sirius)

  “Kuhh!? Surely it is so!” (Beowulf)

  Beowulf, who understood what I said, gradually started to regain his calmness, and he started to match with my assault, which was slightly delayed.

  {Both participants are clashing at a speeds where no one is budging an inch! On the contrary, their speed is gradually increasing!} (Announcer)

  Although the speed of attacks continued to rise, it seemed that Beowulf would soon run out of strength.

  In my opinion, Beowulf’s strength was probably one level lower than Reus’. But I don’t think that will be known until they actually fought, since there was a problem with compatibility.

  Beowulf, who smacked his lips because of the speed that was still increasing, braced himself to accept my sword and was deliberately blown backwards. He was forcibly took some distance away from me.

  If this wasn’t a match, I would’ve unleashed a spell or throwing knives, but I would not pursue him because I was about to do something.

  As Beowulf understood that, he leaked a dry laugh while receiving empathy, which could also be called humiliation.

  “Haha… There is no other choice but to admit this already. I wanted to keep this until the Final, but… it seems that I can’t say that anymore.” (Beowulf)

  “Do you still have a trump card?” (Sirius)

  “No, I am prepared to exhaust my mana here! With mana as power… [Boost]” (Beowulf)

  It appeared that he used mana to temporarily strengthen his body to release [Phantom Flash] and [Heat Haze]. Apparently, he understood that he had to fight with his full power without thinking about the Final.

  Unlike the [Boost] that Reus and I used, his was a pointless body strengthening technique, but if a strong person like Beowulf used it, it would be quite powerful.

  In reality, the floor of the platform where Beowulf step on was broken and pebbles were rolling about.

  As I expected, it was difficult to handle Beowulf who had strengthened his body. Hence, I also invoked [Boost] and provoked Beowulf by inviting him with a hand gesture.

  “That’s good resolution. Come with all your strength.” (Sirius)

  “I will do it even if you don’t tell me so. [Phantom Flash]!” (Beowulf)

  Whether he wanted to put what he said earlier into reality, the weight of the blow had changed but the number of swords released was reduced by one.

  However, since I was also strengthened, I pointed things out I was concerned about while handling it without any problems.

  “Don’t lose focus after finishing a series of moves! Do not stop thinking, always look ahead and don’t stop progressing!” (Sirius)

  “Guhh!? No-not yet!” (Beowulf)

  Although it was difficult to immediately fix it, there was a gap for a small breath after he finished unleashing [Phantom Flash].

  In order to clearly communicate that, I aimed for that gap and kicked his stomach.

  “It hurts!? Where are you attacking from!?” (Beowulf)

  “The enemy may not only me! Always pay attention to the surroundings and prepare for an unexpected blow!” (Sirius)

  Occasionally, I kicked the fragments of the crushed floor and hit it against Beowulf’s body, and I would teach him the feeling of preparing for attacks from other places.

  “You have been eating kicks how many times since a while ago, but everything a person has is a weapon! And yet, you’re only caring about the weapons you have in your hands!” (Sirius)

  “Uguhh! Y-yes!” (Beowulf)

  Similar to the mock battles with Reus, I repeatedly pointed things out to Beowulf while we fought.

  From experience. it seemed Beowulf was a type to remember with his own body in the same way as Reus, so the only way to make him remember was by giving pointers.

  {What is this? It is really an amazing battle, but it doesn’t look like a match. Yet… I can’t take my eyes off.} (Announcer)

  The Announcer woman and the audience were puzzled about our battle, but I couldn’t even hear a swear.

  It was probably an unusual situation, but because the fierce clashing of swords still continued, the audience was fascinated.

  “How about this?” (Beowulf)

  “It’s a good attack!” (Sirius)

  When I realized it, Beowulf, who started to be obedient, immediately released a blow that corrected the point that I pointed out.

  I was impressed with his speed of comprehension, but as soon as Beowulf’s mana sank to the bottom, the weight of the blow and his whole speed started to fall.

  I strongly repelled that blow with my sword, took some distance and declared with my index finger.

  “It’s going to be over with the next one. Come with all your strength.” (Sirius)

  “Yes… I’m going!” (Beowulf)

  Beowulf’s last choice was [Phantom Flash], but the number of slashing hadn’t increased and the appearance didn’t change.

  However, the weight of the blow that he wielded with all of his strength was greater than before. Since I couldn’t stop even one, I chose to avoid them.

  And then, when he swung his hand on the last strike… I had a feeling that something was out of place and directed my awareness to the rear.

  “Haaaa!” (Beowulf)

  The moment when Beowulf swung the last strike, he used [Heat Haze] and appeared behind me.

  Using his remaining mana, a smile came out due to the luxurious feint. I thought that it was splendid because of the attitude of how he instantly applied what he had learned.

  I only turned my face to the back, and grasped the appearance of Beowulf, who was trying to swing his sword, so I took a step back and jumped towards him with the back of my body.

  “Haa-!?” (Beowulf)

  “Just one more step.” (Sirius)

  While greatly withdrawing to the rear, I hit him with the scooping elbow to the back, and let the elbow slip into the side of the opponent, who became almost defenseless when he raised his sword.

  He gave up the stopped arm and immediately slashed with the opposite sword, but I slipped my own body from the arm stopped by my elbow and avoided it by moving around behind Beowulf.

  We were back to back after that, but before the opponent moved, I gripped Beowulf’s collar on his shoulder, and threw him forward with my back as a fulcrum while sweeping my feet.

  As he was thrown away, I met Beowulf’s upside down eyes in midair and said a word after aiming my palm.

  “Finally, let me teach you. I think you are under the impression that you shouldn’t use magic because you are swinging a sword.” (Sirius)

  “…Yes.” (Beowulf)

  Although Beowulf’s consciousness became hazy due to mana exhaustion, he was somewhat smiling in satisfaction. And then, I released [Impact] and blew him off the platform.

  {It… has been decided! Participant Sirius is the winner! It was an amazing battle, but it seems that Participant Sirius was overwhelmingly triumphant!} (Announcer)

  As the gong marked the end of the match and the cheers from the audience reverberated, I turned my eyes toward Beowulf, who was receiving treatment outside the arena.

  The medical team was using Water spell treatments, but the main damage on Beowulf was only my kicks and the last [Impact], and he was now losing consciousness due to fatigue and mana exhaustion. He would awaken later if they left him alone.

  And, for some reason, Reus was standing nearby and frequently nodded while watching Beowulf.

  “Got it. Aniki’s training… is harsh. But, I always had that kind of feeling.” (Reus)

  It was a gentle look like a friend who had tasted the same suffering.

  However Reus, it was a match with Beowulf until the end, so I was still holding back. Your’s was more severe, you know?

  I recently increased the difficulty, it was overkill, but you also wanted it. It became harder everyday to take things into consideration while not breaking his body, but it was also proof of his growth. I could also say that it was a cry of joy.

  —


  After a while, Reus and I were in front of Beowulf, who was sleeping in the treatment room.

  The next match was Reus’ but since the platform became tattered due to the waves of swords clashing, it took time to be repaired. About this time, people with the Earth attribute were desperately repairing and strengthening the platform with their spells.

  That was why I was able to take a temporary break for about an hour, so I came to see Beowulf’s condition.

  “Say, Aniki, this guy is the son of the Sword Saint. Was that Sword Saint the one who fought with Jii-chan and died?” (Reus)

  “Yes, that’s right. There were also techniques I heard from Lior.” (Sirius)

  “I see… Although he had a child who wasn’t much different than me, I wonder why he challenged Jii-san?” (Reus)

  It was said that the Sword Saint challenged the Strongest Sword, and died, but it seemed to be a bit different according to Lior-jiisan’s story.

  Although he had a son, the reason why he fought Lior wasn’t known except by the person himself, but when I listened to the truth from Lior, I somehow understood that he had a son called Beowulf.

  “Family is important for a person like you, and people who want to become stronger in order to protect them may not understand that. And the Sword Saint was looking for a place to die.” (Sirius)

  “A place to die? I don’t want to be killed by Jii-chan and die. If I die, I would rather die watching my family like Erina-san, but… do you understand, Aniki?” (Reus)

  “Yes, somehow.” (Sirius)

  “Will you… tell me?” (Beowulf)

  “Ooh? You have woken up!” (Reus)

  Beowulf woke up when I noticed it, and his eyes that were looking at me were like a child’s.

  I see… this man didn’t know, after all. The Sword Saint was also at fault.

  “If you know something… please, tell me. Because… I want to know my father and become stronger.” (Beowulf)

  “This is just my guess… but will that be alright?” (Sirius)

  “I don’t mind. As long as I know my father even a little…” (Beowulf)

  “Understood, but I want to hear something first. How is Beowulf’s mother doing?” (Sirius)

  “My mother… followed my father. She passed away because of an epidemic.” (Beowulf)

  It was as I expected, so the credibility of my hypothesis had increased.

  If it was the truth, Jii-san should be the one who tell him, but this might be somehow on the edge. Should I explain as far as I knew?

  “I’m sorry to hear that. First of all, let me tell you how I got acquainted with the Strongest Sword, alright?” (Sirius)

  “Yes… I can trust you when looking at your strength.” (Beowulf)

  “I heard the Sword Saint’s last moment from the Strongest Sword. The Sword Saint didn’t die fighting the Strongest Sword, he died by the disease after the fight.” (Sirius)

  “Eh!?” (Beowulf)

  Before the Strongest Sword retired… the Sword Saint suddenly showed up in front of him and challenged him for a match.

  Jii-san made a desperate effort and won the fight at the end, but the Sword Saint at that time still escaped death. According to Jii-san, the Sword Saint unconsciously stopped his sword and challenged him again.

  But… the Sword Saint suddenly vomit blood, and told him that he was afflicted with a disease.

  “Your mother seemed to have been suffering from an epidemic, so it isn’t strange that your father had it too, right?” (Sirius)

  “It can’t be!? I… my father had my mother’s disease, and challenged the Strongest Sword to the death… and…” (Beowulf)

  “What is that!? Why did he do such a thing!?” (Reus)

  “He probably wanted to keep his pride.” (Sirius)

  While he was vomiting blood, he begged Jii-san to fight him and let him die.

  Jii-san, who heard the wish of the person who enjoyed himself, buried the Sword Saint who died because of the disease and he officially announced that he beat him. I didn’t think that Jii-san proactively made it to the public, but since there was also the branded power of the Strongest Sword, it spread without control.

  “Rather than dying from a disease, the Sword Saint challenged the Strongest Sword and died… that could be the Sword Saint, and it’s probably bad wording, but I think he wanted to be the Sword Saint more than being a father.” (Beowulf)

  “Is that so? If that’s the case, I didn’t know.” (Sirius)

  “…I couldn’t forgive my father. He left my sick mother, challenged the Strongest Sword and didn’t come back. There was no way I could forgive him.” (Beowulf)

  Tears had fallen from Beowulf’s eyes, after knowing the truth, but he had a somewhat refreshed look.

  “But, my mother didn’t have a grudge against my father at all. Perhaps, my father only talked to my mother and she accepted it. I was excluded and it was terrible…” (Beowulf)

  This was also speculative, but perhaps, the grudge against him might be the ‘source’ of him living.

  “It was awful, but… I was longing for such a father. The sword techniques that he showed me since I was a baby were cool, and… I also thought that I wanted to become stronger. That is why… there are parts that I can understand after listening to the story just now.” (Beowulf)

  …He was a strong man.

  I didn’t think that he walked a happy life because his parents were dead, but he was accepting it and looked forward.

  “There were parts that I can’t forgive, but… I longed for him… and he was the Sword Saint until he died. Even knowing is good enough. Thank you so much… for telling me.” (Beowulf)

  As he told his words of gratitude, he turned to me with an awkward smile.

  —


  And then, as we left the treatment room and returned to the platform, Reus, who was behind me, was silent.

  Since he was thinking with a serious expression, I stopped and looked back. Reus lifted his face and saw my eyes.

  “Hey, Aniki. I love the sword, but if I had to choose between family or the sword, I would definitely choose family.” (Reus)

  “That is so like you.” (Sirius)

  “Hence, I am not convinced if I know the truth like Beowulf… I think, but I felt that I could understand if the Sword Saint was Aniki or Tou-chan.” (Reus)

  Did you replace the position and thinking, instead of listening? I guessed he grew up.

  “I don’t like not being nearby, and I don’t want to see something wrong with the person I long for… Beowulf’s strongly thinking about that, right?” (Reus)

  “Aah, I guess Beowulf was longing for the Sword Saint more than a father. I guess that he is not similar to you.” (Sirius)

  “Yeah… although he is not similar, there is one thing I can understand about that guy. It is the same idea that the Sword Saint persisted with own beliefs.” (Reus)

  “Yeah, that is good enough to understand that. Your belief is to protect your family, isn’t it?” (Sirius)

  “That is also true, but I want to become stronger to let Aniki rely on me. What does Aniki believe in?” (Reus)

  “It is similar to you. I want to protect you guys and the disciples who are my family and nurture them. I think that if there is a reason, I want to be prepared to be the enemy of the country that aims for us with unreasonable matters.” (Sirius)

  “Ooh! As expected of Aniki!” (Reus)

  It was up to each person to think about what they believe in.

  Like what Reus said, the most important thing was to persist… that was it.

  By the way, the belief I had in the past life before I became an educator was to help realize the ideals of my partner.

  I admired that belief and I was trying hard to grant the absurd ideals of my partner. Now that I’d died, that was gone and the only belief left was to be an educator.

  “Well then, it will be your match soon, right? Jekyll is probably strong, so don’t be careless.” (Sirius)

  “Of course! In order for my belief to persist, I will defeat Jekyll!” (Reus)

  “That’s the spirit. Come on, go ahead.” (Sirius)

  “Ouu!” (Reus)

  While displaying determination and ambition that were more than before, Reus went off to the platform.

  Longing for the Strongest Sword, Jekyll was using a small-scale of the Strongest Sword’s greatsword during the First Round and Second Round.

  There was also a racial difference, and if it was just strength, Reus was definitely higher, but if it was experience, Jekyll was better.

  Would Reus’ strength and belief prevail or Jekyll’s technique and experience win… that was something I couldn’t predict.

  “…He has grown up.” (Sirius)

  Looking at the back of my disciple who continued running straight anywhere, it was a secret for me to be overwhelmed with an unusual emotion.

  And… the match between Reus and Jekyll started.

  —


  Presenting Hokuto (Extra/Bonus Version)

  The night before the Semi-finals.

  As promised, Hokuto-kun, who received a brushing from his Master, was in a dreamy state.

  “Woof…” (Hokuto)

  “Alright, is it here?” (Sirius)

  He was falling madly in love with his Master, who properly understood the points he wanted him to brush.

  Since nobody slept in his Master’s bed today, Hokuto-kun was lying down next to the bed, and slept next to his Master for the first time in a while.

  The next day… the Semi-finals started with an opponent called Beowulf.

  Hokuto-kun honestly wouldn’t worry even a bit about his Master getting defeated, so he leisurely watched the match.

  Hokuto-kun was smiling within his mind and watched the figures progress in the match while Beowulf-kun was being educated, and then… that incident occurred.

  {W-what an unexpected development! Beowulf, who holds speed at that level, was completely messed up! I… it seems like I will fall in love with the strength of Participant Sirius! Won’t you have a date with me?} (Announcer)

  “…” (Emilia)

  “Eh… Ehh!?” (Reese)

  “Oh…” (Fia)

  The air… suddenly changed.

  That’s weird, although Hokuto-kun thought that he was stronger than his Master’s women… it seemed that he had cold sweats for some reason.

  “Aah, that announcer woman, she could tell if someone is a strong person, huh? And she’s seriously fallen in love… right?” (Reese)

  “I certainly heard that. But, we must think about it depending on who they are.” (Fia)

  “Yeah. It is fine if she genuinely likes him, but if she thinks that it is a relationship for only one night… she must be stopped at all costs.” (Emilia)

  Hokuto-kun decided to pretend not to hear them.

  He was a faithful dog who protected his Master’s important people, and he was busy sharpening his senses in preparation for enemies.

  He was in no way scared of women.

  He wasn’t afraid of women.

  Since this was important, he had to say it twice.

  There were no signs of enemies today! There was no abnormalities!

  Hokuto-kun was diligently committed to his work today.