The Academy's Barbarian

Chapter 41: I Shouldn't Have Done That (5)

In front of the Armory of Military Studies Department, Ulan had arrived at his destination. It was to attend the final class of the day, which was about Martial Skill.

However, he was ten minutes past the scheduled time, so he planned to apologize to the professor once he arrived.

But contrary to his fears.

the class hadn't even started yet. The reason was that the responsible professor hadn't shown up yet.

"Why isn't the professor here?"

"I heard he's running a little late."

"Really? How late?"

"He said he'd be about 20 minutes late."

It seemed he wasn't late after all. Ulan sighed quietly in relief

"Ulan!"

when a familiar voice called out; a girl with light blonde hair tied up, it was Ibella Elearde.

Oh, come to think of it

Did Ibella also attend the Martial Skill class?

As he remembered the conversation he had overheard in the morning, she arrived just in time, a month's worth of running, and greeted him with a welcoming smile, "How was your classes?"

"Nothing much happened."

Actually, a lot had happened. But since they were all trivial matters to Ulan, he simply answered that nothing special had happened.

Ibella, on the other hand, seemed a bit different today.

"You look a little tired."

"R-really?"

"Did something happen?"

"Um, nothing important. Just met someone I didn't want to after the previous class..."

For a moment, her face darkened. But only for a moment. She quickly changed the topic, "But Im okay now! I still have energy left."

Not wanting to continue the conversation, Ulan didn't bring up the topic any further.

And then, at that moment...

Thud! Thud!

Someone was approaching from a distance.

"Sorry for being late."

A stern face and a bold voice; upon seeing him, Ulan realized where he had seen him before. He was the professor who supervised the first specialty test, the Great Brawl.

"I'm Ethan Arnoff, the professor in charge of the Martial Skill class. Before we dive into the main lesson, let me say a few words."

After a brief introduction,

Ethan started talking, "I don't know any of your abilities."

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

His sharp eyes scanned the room; not a single person avoided eye contact.

Perhaps he liked this, Ethan smiled, the corners of his mouth twitching upward, "I don't know what kind of weapons you can handle or what your unskilled weapon is. So today, we'll start with a simple sparring session to see your abilities."

Despite the sudden announcement of the sparring session, no one seemed taken aback.

This was because they had all experienced a similar situation during the Military Studies department classes.

"First, pay attention over there."

He pointed toward the inside of the Armory. When the firmly closed door opened, various weapons were displayed in abundance.

"Show off your skills using the weapons over there as much as you want. However, using mana will result in a disqualification, so be careful."

Using mana would increase the risk of injury; that's why Ethan warned that if anyone used mana during the sparring, the match would be stopped immediately.

"The sparring will last for 5 minutes. It'll be a one-on-one tournament. If the match doesn't end within the time limit, the winner will be determined based on the number of effective attacks."

There were a total of 32 students in the Martial Skill class; an appropriate number for holding a tournament.

"And finally, the last man standing will be the Squad Leader for this semester."

His words caused the students' eyes to light up.

The position of a Squad Leader was a unique system in the Military Studies Department. In simple terms, it was similar to being a class president.

It also came with numerous benefits.

Not only could you earn store points more easily than others, but you also received bonus points on your grades. Furthermore, the squad leader's history was recorded in the student records, which could be useful in the future.

"The sparring will start with Pair 1. Dyan Mortesi! Ulan Bator! Step forward."

The moment their names were called, Ulan immediately stepped forward. He chose the weapon he was most familiar with an axe. On the other hand, the boy he was facing selected a long spear.

Wham! Wham!

The spear spun menacingly; from the way he skillfully maneuvered it, it seemed he was quite confident in his spear skills.

At that moment, though...

"Finally, my chance has come."

Hostility flickered in the boy's eyes; as if he held a grudge against Ulan. He gritted his teeth and spoke, "Last time, I let my guard down and was dragged around, but this time, I won't go down easily."

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't act innocent! In the Great Brawl, in front of everyone, you gave me a humiliating defeat!" the boy growled ferociously.

Ulan, on the other hand, looked dumbfounded.

It wasn't because he was pretending to be innocent. He genuinely had no memory of that face. On the other hand, Ibella, who was observing from behind, knew exactly who the boy was.

'.......Dyan Mortesi.'

One of Himmel's men.

At the time of the Great Brawl, Dyan was the one Ulan had pinned down as a human shield.

I thought he got hurt and was disqualified.

Never imagined he would pass.

Meanwhile, Dyan continued speaking, his face still crumpled, "Because of you, I was bedridden in the infirmary for a whole week. So, I couldn't even attend the entrance ceremony."

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

"So, today, in this place, I will repay the disgrace I suffered during the Great Brawl. I will etch the Mortesi family's spear technique into your flesh and bones!"

His eyes burned with anger.

Ulan's eyes, on the other hand, were rather dull. No matter how much he racked his memory, he couldn't recall. So, he gave up.

"Wait a moment. Both of you, lower your weapons," Ethan entered the training ground unexpectedly; as if he had just remembered, he explained an additional rule he hadn't mentioned earlier, "I forgot to mention, for this sparring session, you'll each choose the other person's weapon."

"........Huh?"

"So observe your opponent and choose the weapon they seem to be the least proficient with, because that will increase your chances of winning, starting with you, Ulan."

Before Ethan's words even finished...

Dyan scrunched up his face.

No, there's no such thing!

It was obvious. If Ulan was to choose the weapon he was least skilled with, it would be clear what his best weapon was, too.

To make matters worse, Dyan was terrible with any weapon except the spear. That's why he'd decided to register for the Martial Skill course, to learn how to use different weapons.

But never did he expect something like this to happen.

Just as he was starting to get frustrated....

unexpected words reached his ears.

"Choose a spear."

"What, what..?"

"You seem to be good with it."

It was an unexpected answer.

Dyan looked dumbfounded. On the other hand, Ethan, who was observing the situation, spoke with interest, "Are you sure about this?"

"I'm fine."

"The Mortesi family is famous for spear techniques, right?"

"Our clan is known for fighting," Ulan replied dismissively.

Confident that it didn't matter what weapon his opponent used. His haughty attitude made Ethan burst into laughter.

"Alright, then. Just do as you wish," After giving a vague response, Ethan turned to Dyan, "It's your turn. Pick a weapon for Ulan."

Before his sentence even ended...

Dyan hesitated as if it were inevitable, That arrogant barbarian!

He would know if he just looked.

That Dyan had some experience with the spear.

However, to still choose the spear meant he was confident he could easily defeat someone like Dyan. To Dyan, this was a great insult.

How dare you disrespect me?

His eyes glowed with venom and his grip on the spear tightened.

'Fine, if you're so confident...'

He had thought it through as well.

With clenched teeth, Dyan took a step forward. While he was inspecting the inside of the Armory earlier, he noticed an object.

Some time after that...

Once outside the Armory, Dyan held something in his hand and threw it in front of Ulan.

Thud!

A heavy sound echoed as the object hit the ground. Ulan stared at what Dyan had thrown.

"This is."

A rectangular object reminiscent of a box.

On it were these words:

The Fundamentals of Swordsmanship III

Includes Intermediate Imperial Swordsmanship!

Over 580 pages of extensive materials!

Recommended for swordsmanship adepts!

In simple terms...

It was quite a thick 'book'.

*** A book lay in front of Ulan.

Perhaps due to the somewhat absurd situation, a brief silence enveloped the training ground; but the silence didn't last long, for a sharp voice shattered the stillness, "Professor, I object!"

A voice filled with anger; it was Ibella. She glared at Dyan with contemptuous eyes and shouted as if accusing him, "That is not a weapon. Please allow him to choose again for a fair duel!"

As soon as her cry ended...

the other students also nodded in agreement and

"That's not a weapon, no matter what."

"Right? How do you fight with a book?"

"No, although I suppose that barbarian might be able to do it somehow.."

flurry of opinions echoed out.

Ethan, too, accepted Ibella's words, "I don't know who put a book in the Armory, but it's not a weapon. So, choose a proper weapon for Ulan..."

Choose again. Don't joke around.

Ethan intended to say that. However, Ulan's response came before he could say anything, "I'm fine."

"...What?"

"I can use this as a weapon."

As he brushed off the dirt from the book, Ulan recalled memories from his past life.

One of the Rulers of the Abyss; memories of facing the 'Swamp Lord', a monstrous being.

At that time, it had one very troublesome characteristic for its minions.

Metal weapons didn't work against it.

Steel, Silver, Spiritstone, and bloodstones, and so on.

Any weapon made by smelting minerals had no effect whatsoever. Only wooden weapons, divine power, and magic were the means to defeat them.

But.

Dilia had left her position at the time.

The only ones by Ulan's side were the Sword Maiden Ibella and the unconscious Saintess. The situation was desperate, with the Swamp Rulers minions closing in on them.

It was then that he stumbled upon a glimmer of hope; an object that was not made of minerals, but was believed to wield considerable power when swung it was the Bible.

The results were a huge success.

With a thickness of over a thousand pages, it weighed more than most hand axes.

It was perfect as a weapon. Thanks to it, Ulan managed to defeat all the Swamp Rulers minions and barely break through the encirclement.

As he finished his reminiscence...

Ethan frowned and asked, "Are you serious about it?"

"If you're curious, I'll show you."

How to fight with a book? Ulan said with a serious expression. After a moment, Ethan burst into laughter, seeming bewildered, "Hahaha. Alright. Show me."

It would be fine if he said so.

As his permission came

Clank!

Dyan aimed the tip of his spear at Ulan; always ready to charge. Watching this scene, Ibella looked at Ulan with a worried expression.

'I don't know why he didn't change weapons, but...'

Perhaps Ulan would be fine. He was already a powerful figure, already having reached the realm of a high-level knight.

Considering his prowess during the Trial of a Hero as well, he shouldn't lose to someone like Dyan.

So, she should believe in him and watch.

As Ulan's cyan eyes clearly changed color

"When the silver coin drops, that's the signal," Ethan finished speaking and flicked the silver coin; the silver coin spun rapidly in the air.

With everyone's gaze focused, the coin eventually landed on the training ground floor.

Thud!

A dull thud signaled the start; the first to move was Dyan. He closed the distance between him and Ulan in the blink of an eye. Then, without hesitation, he thrust his spear forward.

The spear flew, tearing through the air.

On the other hand, Ulan picked up the book and raised it.

Thud!

The attack was cleanly blocked.

Dyan's eyes widened; it wasn't that his attack had been blocked. It was because the hand holding the shaft had turned numb.

'What's this? This isn't a book...'

It felt like he had thrust into a wooden shield.

While he was thinking that

Whoosh!

Ulan reached out with his hand. Realizing this, Dyan quickly stepped back. Although he saw an opportunity to attack, he decided against it.

I shouldn't let that hand catch me.

Remembering the times it had swung like a shield, Dyan tightly gripped his spear. Then, keeping a safe distance from Ulan, he looked for an opportunity to attack.

And at that moment...

Flutter!

Ulan's book unfolded widely.

'Now!'

He didnt know whether it was a deliberate move or a mistake, but it was an opportunity. Dyan's eyes flashed, and he didn't hesitate to thrust his spear.

'Even if he has some trick up his sleeve...'

If he retreated quickly, that would be the end of it.

One of the strengths of the Mortesi family's spear technique was its quick in-and-out movements. Dyan's eyes curled into a smile of satisfaction.

'This is the end of it!'

The book and Ulans body would be pierced together; the sharp spear flew with fierce momentum. But then, at that moment, when the spearhead was charging forward, it stopped, right in front of Ulan's nose

Thunk!

as if someone had caught it.

"......Huh?"

At first, Dyan thought Ethan had intervened; but upon closer inspection, it wasn't the case.

The spear was held, and the one holding it was none other than Ulan's book. It seemed he had caught the spear while closing the book at the same time.

'Hmph! With tricks like this...!'

Scoffing, Dyan exerted more force; if he pierced right now, victory would be his.

But the spear didn't move an inch.

'What? Why isn't it moving?'

Perplexed, Dyan tried to retract the spear; but even this failed. No matter how much strength he applied, the spear remained stuck.

That's when Ulan twisted the book.

Snap!

The sound of something breaking echoed the spear that had been held snapped in two.

".............!?"

The spear broke like it was a toothpick.

Dyan panicked at the bizarre sight when

Kuuung!

suddenly, Ulan was right in front of him. Realizing this belatedly, he stretched out his hand with a bluish face, looking horrified.

"Wait, hold on!"

Without a weapon, the odds were stacked against him.

That's why, in a moment of surrender...

as his gaze fell upon the title of the book.

[The Fundamentals of Swordsmanship]. The colorful cover, which was right in front of his nose, hit him right in the face

Pak!

and a refreshing sound accompanied by impact.

"Aaargh!" A scream erupted from Dyan's mouth; it was as if his face had been struck by a steel shield, a dizzying shock. He staggered, unable to hold himself up, but Ulan's assault wasn't over yet.

Bam! Thwack!

Two punches in quick succession and blood gushed from both of Dyan's nostrils.

"Ugh! Ughhh...

Blood dripped from his nose; feeling dizzy for a moment, Dyan fell to his knees. When Ulan swung the book to deliver the finishing blow

"Stop! That's enough!"

Ethan barged into the training ground. He tapped Ulan on the back, not giving Dyan a second glance.

"The winner is Ulan."

There was no disputing his judgment; everyone saw it with their own two eyes.

Later, as Dyan's first aid was being administered, Ethan, with a curious tone, asked a question, "Uh, Ulan, there's something I want to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Why didn't you hit him in the corner?"

It would have been more effective, especially since 'The Fundamentals of Swordsmanship' series was known for having especially blunt edges. If used properly, they can even serve as makeshift bludgeons.

But Ulan had never utilized the edge. Why? To Ethan's question, Ulan replied with a straightforward one-liner.

"I might have ended up crushing his head if I did that."

"........."

The short answer left no one in the room laughing; it seemed entirely plausible for Ulan. Especially for Dyan, who had been hit by the book, his body trembled just hearing the response.

"Ahem! Then let's start the next spar!"

Ethan's bewildered shout signaled the beginning and the sparring session continued.

How much time had passed?

Soon, the final match was upon them.

Ulan stepped onto the training ground. He silently stared at his opponent on the other side.

Pale blonde hair fluttering in the wind; bright cyan eyes burning with determination his opponent was none other than Ibella Elearde.

(End of Chapter. . . . . . . .)

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