Chapter 15 – Genius vs. Rising Star

This wasn’t an ability sparring class at the Cradle. Nor was it an end-of-term exam.

Just a simple friendly match. An event that didn’t require sincerity or full power.

“….”

But Luciel, from the moment she stepped onto this training ground.

More precisely, from the moment she faced Deus, the junior before her.

Had banished friendly matches and events from her mind entirely.

‘It’s…suffocating.’

She swallowed hard. Almost clutched her chest without realizing it.

This wasn’t like any of the juniors she’d seen before. Not even like the other students.

It was as if… yes. As if she were facing the instructors of the Cradle?

‘…No, no. It’s different. This surpasses even the teachers. This feeling… yes. It’s the feeling before crossing swords with Master. That’s it. That very feeling.’

Luciel. Her Master was Shabel, known as the greatest ability user.

An individual without equal, not only against monsters, but among other ability users as well.

She was placing the man she faced for the first time on the same level as that ultimate power.

She knew it was foolish. She told herself it was absurd.

But her intuition already recognized this junior, Deus, as an opponent of the highest caliber.

She took a step forward. One step, then another. Drawing ever closer to the man.

Each step amplified the sensation, as if she were being tightly bound.

A chill that was beyond cold, raising goosebumps all over. Her entire body trembled minutely with the electric thrill.

‘Heh heh heh.’

Despite the tension, a smile crept onto Luciel’s lips.

Truly, the Empire. His Imperial Majesty was blessed. Such exceptional talents continued to emerge.

Following in the footsteps of Master, the many reliable seniors, and the juniors who eagerly pursued them.

Now even a freshman had appeared, one capable of surpassing even seasoned graduates!

“Luciel-senpai.”

Deus, having approached, bowed his head with respectful words.

“I’m Deus, a first-year who has newly enrolled. I look forward to working with you.”

“…Such a well-mannered one, too. Where does one even *find* a junior like this?

If it were possible, I’d snatch him up for the dispatch team right away.

‘Of course, I’d have to test him first, though.’

Luciel returned the greeting with a lovely smile.

“Likewise. It’s a pleasure, Deus-hubea.”

Being this close to him, the suspicion she harbored now hardens into certainty.

Despite radiating such transcendent power.

Despite the way he’s pressing down on *her,* someone hailed as a prodigy.

It seems the students around them haven’t noticed a thing.

‘Even the instructors wear only puzzled expressions.’

Only she, facing Deus head-on as an opponent, can feel it.

What does this mean? This freshman has complete control over his aura.

No, beyond control – he can conceal it and unleash it as he pleases.

It’s the justified arrogance of a strong one, showing his true level only to those he deems worthy.

It’s admirable, to say the least. And more and more, she finds this junior frightening.

If he’s like this now, imagine how much he’ll grow. How much more experience he’ll gain.

Just how much stronger will he become? How much higher will he climb?

“…Shall we begin?”

“I am ready.”

Arrogance from the powerless, from those who lack qualification, is a sin.

Arrogance from the powerful, from those who are qualified, is the natural order.

Therefore, Luciel, in accordance with that natural order, intends to give it her all.

—*Sreung*

A clear sound rings out, and a flash of light erupts from her waist.

The moment Luciel’s hand grasps her sword, the boisterous training ground falls silent.

From this point forward, everyone must focus solely on this duel.

—*Tuwoong!*

She lightly kicks off the ground. The distance, easily fifty meters, is closed in an instant.

Never allow blade range when facing one who wields a sword.

A lesson that must be remembered when confronting anyone with a sword, from ordinary swordsmen to those with weapon-type abilities.

Luciel invalidates it in less than a blink of an eye.

She’s already within range. Her sword is in a perfect attacking stance.

She aims for Deus’s neck without any hesitation or worry.

—*Jjeoeong!!*

Waaah!!

A deafening roar fills the training ground. The students’ cheers follow close behind.

Luciel spins around and leaps back. From between her lips escapes a sound.

“Keueut…!”

A groan escaped him, unbidden.

“…”

Dumbly, he stared at his sword. At the vibrating metal in his grip.

Then, his gaze shifted. To Deus, standing motionless before him.

Clearly, he was the one who initiated the attack. And the attack had landed as intended.

It wasn’t a mere probing strike, nor a meaningless dance of reconnaissance.

How, then, was he the one being so effortlessly pushed back?

‘The trajectory was perfect. The speed, the power. Nothing was lacking. And yet… just now. He blocked it, with his arm?’

Could that be? Luciel swiftly reined in his wavering mind.

This was only the beginning. Many more moves remained. Doubt could wait until later.

“…”

He shifted his stance. This time, he would deflect the attack and counter in turn.

Had he read Luciel’s intentions? Or was he simply willing to indulge him?

“Hmm.”

He came. That monstrous thing. That mountain of a being.

—KWA-AANG!!

“…!”

He blocked. Certainly, he blocked it. Therefore, he should counter. That was the proper course of action.

But he couldn’t. He had blocked the attack, but could not deliver the riposte.

No. It would be more accurate to say he was unable to. His capabilities were lacking.

A ringing filled his head. Though it was the sword in his hand that met the fist.

The impact traveled through his hands, up his arms, down his spine, and rattled his skull.

‘This is… a newly enrolled freshman…’

It was absurd. Ha ha ha, laughter bubbled from his lips.

Even so, Luciel’s body was faithfully. Preparing for the next.

A strike aimed at his unguarded torso.

His right abdomen. If it landed, his liver would be forfeit.

That realization brought a dizzying rush, a soaring exhilaration.

As if aiming for a fatal weak spot. The other was targeting a vital organ.

Each targeting the other’s most vulnerable point. A truly earnest battle.

Just as he had given his all, his opponent was doing the same!

—KAGAGAK!

The sword blade and fist collided, yet the sound was that of metal striking metal.

Was this truly a human body? Or was it some kind of monster?

As that foolish thought crossed his mind, Luciel couldn’t help but smile.

At the same time, he recalled the words of his mentor, long ago.

“Disciple. Do you believe it is possible to possess two distinct abilities?”

He had answered that it was impossible, of course. Two abilities had never coexisted.

Even a single ability could be overwhelming for a person’s body.

There was a reason why ability users were ranked by their proficiency in wielding their power.

Not merely a simple manifestation, but the toil and training to match its worth.

To wield two such Gifts at once? One’s very body would shatter.

“Indeed. It is true. To control two Gifts is impossible. No matter how hard one strives. In the end, we are but human, after all.”

Yet her mentor, the Empire’s foremost Gifted, Shavel Saber, seemed to hold a different view.

“However, a second Gift… that is not entirely beyond the realm of possibility.”

Master? Luciel questioned, prompting a smile from Shavel.

“Merely the approach must differ. Transcendent endurance unattainable by existing Gifts. Overwhelming physicality. If wrought not by a Gift, but forged purely through tireless effort…”

That, truly, would be the very second Gift our wielders so long for.

That day, Shavel smiled as she gently stroked her student’s head.

‘At the time, I scarcely understood my Master’s words. But…’

But now. Now, I believe I finally comprehend their meaning.

No. I know it with certainty. It seems even the arrival of such a being was foreseen by my Master.

— *Kwa-jik!!*

“…!”

She barely stifled the moan of pain that threatened to escape her lips.

It was fleeting, but her leg faltered. She nearly lost her balance.

Despite not having conceded a single direct hit. Despite blocking everything properly. It’s happening nonetheless.

The damage accumulates. A brute strength that laughs at mere guards.

Retreating to catch her breath, Luciel slowly lowered her blade.

A chorus of reactions rippled through the watching crowd.

In some students, puzzlement. In others, faces etched with sympathy.

And another, eyes wide with shock. ‘Could it be… *that*?’

There is a common misconception harbored by those within the Academy.

Luciel is within the sword club, and she is highly praised for her swordsmanship

That people tend to think her as a weapon-type Gifted.

But they’re wrong. Luciel is not of the weapon affinity.

Even though her swordsmanship is so great the teachers cannot gauge her true skills.

Her Gift itself is far removed from the blade.

—… *Shhaaa!!*

A stream of pure white light erupted from her hand, soon coalescing into the shape of a sword.

A sword of light. An apparition akin to an angel descended from the heavens.

Indeed. Luciel’s Gift was none other than that of Radiance.

“O-O-Oh! S-Senior!”

The host, familiar with Luciel, cried out in alarm.

She almost never wielded her Gifted power in addition to the sword.

Which meant this was a strong declaration of intent to use everything she has.

The gleaming blade of light was aimed at Deus.

Yet he seemed unfazed. Not even a flicker of surprise.

As though he had anticipated this very outcome.

*

Finally, the real deal arrives. Deus grinned, his face wide with amusement.

Luciel, the Empire’s princess. That woman was undoubtedly a formidable powerhouse.

Her swordsmanship was undeniably threatening, even remarkably versatile.

However, something was slightly lacking. It felt as if a single puzzle piece was missing.

And just now. That one piece had finally fallen into place.

‘Good.’

This level of tension is what I needed. Makes playing the overseas-born swordsman role worthwhile.

“You don’t seem surprised, junior.”

“I was expecting something along these lines.”

“Is that so? Impressive.”

A rising star and a genius. A genius and a rising star. The two looked at each other and smiled.

Before long, as if by unspoken agreement. Simultaneously. The two powerhouses collided head-on.