kscans

Chapter 136 - Innocence

"—I am so sorry..."

"No, no, no! Please don't worry about it...!"

Apparently, the entire grounds were a special safety area. I respawned on the spot without any penalty, only to be met by the sight of the [Sword Saint] bowing her head, looking somewhat ashamed.

I understood why she was apologizing... I mean, I had assumed she was just testing the waters at first, so to say I wasn't shocked by her ferocious onslaught would be a lie. But then again, I had also gone into it at top gear from the start.

If anything, I was embarrassed by my own lack of skill, being so utterly helpless against her... In fact, after being so thoroughly beaten, I was more impressed than anything.

I mean, isn't that insane? From start to finish, I was on a level where I didn't even know what was being done to me. So that means players in this world can get that strong if they master their skills, right?

—Well, isn't that just incredibly exciting?

"Haru-kun...?"

"—Ah, oh, no, really, please don't mind it. If anything, I'm just genuinely impressed... It was a great experience."

As I trembled with excitement at the thought of the endless path to strength, Ui-san, still holding her sheathed odachi, peered at me with concern. Determined not to make her worry any further, I quickly offered my reassurance... and she didn't dwell on it for long. "Is that so?" she said, smiling in relief.

Hmm...—this woman also has quite the gap.

During battle, she embodied an otherworldly strength, but the moment she sheathed her sword, she had this gentle, fluffy smile... My, what a dangerous person.

"This may sound like an excuse, but... I intended to just test the waters at first."

While I was thinking such foolish things, she began to speak hesitantly, her cheeks faintly tinged with red from embarrassment.

"I threw a feint with the first strike to see your reaction, but—"

"Oh... huh, what? A feint?"

It's true I couldn't follow anything with my eyes, so it's no wonder I didn't notice, but—seriously?

So what you're saying is, I panicked and dodged so excessively that I threw my own arm into a strike that was never meant to hit?

"—..."

................No, that's just so embarrassing!!!

"You may think I was underestimating you, and you wouldn't be wrong, but... after seeing such a magnificent reaction, I became a little curious."

Magnificent...? Not magnificent...!! It was just self-destruction...!!

"And when I tried a second strike, you managed to parry that as well, did you not?"

I didn't parry it at all...! I lost thirty percent of my HP through the [Angalta, Prologue: Wedge Fragment Singing of Eternity] that I used as a wall...!!

"In the end, I got carried away and ended up chasing you down—it is truly quite embarrassing."

............I-I see. You got carried away and chased me down for a beheading, I see.

Putting aside my own unspeakable incompetence for a moment... from her words just now, I understood perfectly.

—Yep, she's definitely the [Sword Protector]'s teacher, alright.

............And so.

"Haha... well really, don't worry about it—now, what's with that face of yours?"

I offered my reassurance to the [Sword Saint], who seemed to be genuinely reflecting on her actions, while shooting a glance at Irori, who had been standing silently with a sullen expression...

"............"

Hey, say something. What's that supposed to mean?

"...Come to think of it, I made the same mistake with you too, Irori-kun."

Ui-san said, a faint nostalgia coloring her embarrassed expression. He must not have intended to ignore his 'Sensei's' words, because despite his complicated expression, he nodded. "Yes."

"But I only managed to block one strike."

—...Oh-hooo???

What's this? Are you sulking because I managed to block two strikes and you only blocked one?

I mean, I didn't really block them, but let's put that aside for now. It's not that you lost to me, but you're sulking because you lost in a matter concerning Ui-san, aren't you?

What are you, some kind of Sword Saint fanboy?

"...Hey. If you don't wipe that smirk off your face right now, I'll make mincemeat out of you until you cry and beg for forgiveness."

"With your broken sword?"

"That won't be a problem, Ninth."

Oh, you wanna go, tough guy? I still don't think I can win yet, but if you're up for it, I'm always ready—

"Fufu..."

""Hk—...""

A light, rolling laugh, like a small hand-drum tumbling along.

The two guys who had been bickering abruptly fell silent and looked sideways—to see the sight of Ui-san, looking on at us with a happy, amused smile.

"You've made a good friend, haven't you, Irori-kun?"

"...Hk, he's still more like a bad influence, really."

Oh, still, huh—a teasing retort came to mind, but in the face of such a gentle, almost loving smile, I couldn't bring myself to joke around.

Her overwhelmingly healing aura instantly quelled our childish banter, and I could only tremble in awe—

"Fufu... Now then, Haru-kun."

"Ah, yes."

After thoroughly subduing the clearly flustered Irori with her gentleness, Ui-san turned to me, who had been watching them from the side.

"That being the case—shall we begin the continuation?"

"Yes—... wait, what? Huh?"

Huh?

"I may have acted unbefittingly, but it will be fine this time. I will be sure to exercise self-restraint."

"No, um..."

"Looking back, your reaction speed was truly wonderful. I am very much looking forward to seeing what kind of movements you will make when that speed is used for offense."

"Ui-san?"

"Irori-kun, you have plenty of time, do you not?"

"Oh, absolutely. He's completely free for the rest of the day."

I have his word, Irori said with a refreshing smile. I did say that, didn't I? When he asked if I had plans later, I did say "no," didn't I?

"No, I, uh, would really like to rest soon, if possible."

"Free, you say? That is wonderful news."

You can hear me, right? Both of you can definitely hear me, right???

"Haru-kun."

"Y-Yes?"

As I was flustered by the Sword Saint's sudden playful turn, she herself smiled brightly—a smile so beatific it could rival a celestial maiden's, and said,

"It is embarrassing to admit, but it has been a long time since my heart has danced like this—please, let us have a proper match."

There was no way I could shake my head no to her joyous words.

"........................Yes."

And so, for however long it took for Ui-san to be satisfied, the rest of my day's schedule was instantly filled with sparring against the strongest player in the East.