I Became God of War’s Youngest Disciple - Chapter 316
Only Krnovel
Episode 316
I went to the training ground with my brothers. Not all of them went.
In the case of scholar Dolver and magician Lina, it seems like they aren’t particularly interested in duels.
Aquata, who used to be a nuisance, also stopped using it, saying that she needed to take care of her skin.
In the end, most of the remaining Badnikker brothers were fighters, but Ryzen joined because he thought it would be fun.
Even though he was a merchant, it wasn’t surprising that he had a strong hedonistic streak.
“Do you know that tax collector?”
Ryzen came to me and asked in a quiet voice.
I thought you had a pretty sharp eye.
I asked back, only to be amazed inwardly.
“Why do you ask that question?”
“No, I don’t. I just felt that your attitude was a bit meaningful.”
“I don’t think it was very meaningful.”
“Really? Then let’s just say it’s my feeling.”
Since I said no more, Ryzen didn’t dig any further either…
We finished moving to the training ground without much discussion.
The outdoor training grounds of Badniker were not dark even in the middle of the night.
This is thanks to the streetlights that have been installed in case night training takes place.
“Is this the place we were stuck at?”
“… Really? I don’t know.”
I chuckled as I watched Hector snickering, then looked up at the smokescreen.
To be honest, I couldn’t predict which of the two would have a clear advantage.
However, if they fight openly, Hiiro’s chances of victory are predicted.
I’m not sure, but it seems like Ludwig’s main fighting style isn’t a head-on confrontation.
As his name suggests, Ganggeom Hiiro drew his sword and stared straight at his opponent.
I couldn’t really predict how Ludwig would fight.
“huh?”
“uh…….”
And then a somewhat unexpected development unfolded.
Ludwig’s hands were empty as he slowly took his stance.
In other words, it was bare-handed.
“Did you learn unarmed martial arts… …?”
I felt Hector mutter and look at me.
Perhaps because I am the most representative master of bare-handed martial arts that this guy knows.
I also went up to the training ground with an even more interesting gaze.
And then he opened his mouth roughly, recalling what Notary Jane had said when he had sparred with Hector in the past.
“There are no set rules, but since this is a duel, let’s refrain from using overt killing. You both know how to handle things, right? If the fight gets too heated, I’ll stop it, so just know that.”
“All right.”
Ludwig responded, and Heero nodded.
I nodded in agreement and said.
“Then let’s begin.”
As I said, with that disappointing opening statement… … .
The first one to close the gap was Ludwig.
Did you learn any special techniques?
Ludwig’s new form seemed to blur like a mist for a moment, but in an instant, it reached within striking distance of Hiiro.
Hiiro wasn’t flustered.
Instead, he waited quietly until Ludwig got close enough to respond, only after his opponent swung his fist.
The sword is extended in a straight line so as to overlap with the opponent’s fist.
Fight… … !
With a heavy sound, Ludwig’s new model was pushed backwards. On the other hand, Hiiro did not move from his spot.
This is the moment when the difference in skill is clearly revealed.
‘That’s because it’s a head-on fight.’
Strong sword Hiiro.
I know because I experienced it firsthand.
It is a sword that is difficult to confront head-on. A sword that has been honed to the limit is the epitome of destructive power.
It shatters shields, dents armor, and even shatters the energy wrapped around one’s body.
The muscles that are revealed eventually are no different from weak flesh in front of a strong sword, no matter how rigorous the training.
So, when dealing with Hiiro, the standard strategy is to evade. Unless you have some sort of defensive method that can be called a season, that’s probably the case… … .
So what will happen to Ludwig?
Ludwig rushes in once more, and Heero stretches out his sword again. The same scene as before continues until the middle… … .
Ludwig’s movements are a bit strange.
He made a strange motion, cupping his hands and then kneading something, as if he were kneading invisible flour.
And when the gap between the two narrowed again.
Aaaaah-!
A black piece of cloth unfolded from Ludwig’s hand.
Hiiro was slightly surprised, but it was too late to retrieve the outstretched sword.
The wide spread of cloth wrapped around the sword.
The kipa contained in Hiiro’s sword is heavy rather than sharp. This means that it is not suitable for tearing things apart.
Of course, if it was a normal cloth, it would be easy to tear it, but how could the material taken out in this section be torn like that?
There was an ominous aura coming from the black cloth that Ludwig had created or pulled out.
‘A holy relic?’
I don’t know if it’s the original or a replica, but either way, isn’t it a pretty amazing relic?
It’s not strange.
When we met before, Ludwig seemed to be very knowledgeable about relics… … .
You probably had one or two means of protecting yourself in case of an emergency.
Could this be a lifesaver?
In a moment of crisis, it is about a desperate measure that can definitely save one’s life.
‘As expected, you know a lot about Hiiro.’
He must have chosen that relic because he knew Hiiro’s sword lacked sharpness.
Anyway, the mysterious power contained in the cloth suppressed even the mana contained in the sword.
Ludwig trampled on Hiiro’s sword in that state.
Kuung… … !
The weight of the sword carved cracks into the stone slab of the smoke chamber.
Ludwig, who had trampled the sword with one foot, performed a spinning kick from that position as if performing a stunt.
Thud!
At that moment, Hiiro let out a shout and raised the blade forcefully.
Did the hem of the cloth also have the effect of adding weight? Even though he was only holding a sword, Hiiro’s eyes became bloodshot.
And then, with a “crack,” the sword that had been stuck there was pulled out again.
Wedge!
Ludwig’s kick, which shook his center of gravity as he raised his sword, missed Hiiro’s target. It only passed by his earlobe.
‘now.’
Ludwig suddenly became full of gaps.
Hiiro swung the sword in his hand like a club and struck Ludwig.
Kwaaaaang!
With a loud noise, as if a huge rock had crashed into a building, Ludwig’s new form flew backwards.
I crossed my arms to block the sword just before it touched me, but… … .
“hmm…….”
Ludwig looked at his trembling arms with a puzzled expression.
Although it was blocked, it cannot be said that the defense was successful.
Among the crossed arms, the one in front was the right arm, and it was swollen to an unsightly degree.
That’s at least a fracture.
“stop.”
I declared after I had made my decision.
“Brother Hiiro wins.”
Clap clap clap.
Hector, Ryzen, and Arts, who were watching, applauded in celebration.
I looked at Ludwig and said.
“You don’t plan on fighting with that arm anymore, do you? I don’t know if it’s a real fight, but this is a sparring match.”
“Of course. I admit my defeat.”
A surprisingly cool confession.
“… … .”
But instead, it was Hiiro’s face that became uncomfortable.
Hiiro said, glaring at Ludwig.
“You have a gun on your waist.”
“… … .”
“Judging from the folds on the inside of his shirt, it looks like he’s hiding several knives, and I can also see some smoke grenades or poison on his belt. Why aren’t they using it?”
Ludwig replied with an embarrassed look on his face.
“Didn’t the Lord Soga say that? This isn’t real combat.”
“… … .”
Hiiro’s expression did not improve, as if he was not satisfied with the answer.
I guess so.
If you had the same sense as our eldest brother, you would have noticed it.
That Ludwig didn’t fight with all his might.
It’s not that I didn’t try my best, but I couldn’t say I gave it my all.
“… It’s a little awkward, but it’s a fight. Now show me your face.”
“Yeah.”
Are you thinking of revealing your face just like that?
To be honest, I’m a little worried, even though I started it myself.
This is the moment when I was about to mediate again.
Ludwig swept his own face once, and the shape of his face changed.
“… … !”
Hiiro’s eyes, standing across from him, widened.
Even the guys who were far away seemed to flinch.
The face that was revealed was that of a young man with terrible burns.
Ludwig said.
“I hate revealing my face because it’s like this. I hope it doesn’t confuse your eyes, Master.”
“hmm.”
“I hope this is okay.”
“… that’s enough.”
The moment Hiiro nodded, Ludwig turned his face away and his bright expression returned to its original state.
Ludwig bowed his head.
“It was an honor to experience the renowned sword in person. Well, I guess I’ll stop now since I’ve been busy.”
Ludwig left the training ground without really hearing an answer… … .
I watched the scene quietly and then followed him.
***
It was in the backyard of the cycad factory that Ludwig stopped walking.
I said this while looking at the back of Ludwig, who had come to a place where people rarely go.
“Did you get a burn on your face in the meantime?”
“No way.”
Ludwig turned to me with a somewhat humorous voice.
And when I swept my face again, the face in my memory appeared.
“It’s a double trick. First, prepare another fake face under your fake face, and when your identity is discovered, pretend to reveal your real face. If that happens, you’ll be fooled pretty easily.”
“aha.”
Even I, who knew Ludwig’s real face, was startled for a moment.
“Besides, since it’s a horrible sight to see with your eyes open because of the burns, you must unconsciously be thinking of quickly getting your face cleaned up.”
“yes.”
“I can’t stand it.”
“Heh heh. Are you the only one doing it?”
“huh?”
“You’ve become quite the big shot while I wasn’t looking. I thought you were a capable person, but you’re just a small business owner.”
“A lot of things happened.”
“What’s going on?”
“It’s too long to say.”
“aha.”
Ludwig nodded and took a bottle out of his pocket.
Judging by the color, it’s a potion.
Ludwig popped the cap off with his mouth and drank it down in gulps.
Then, the unsightly swelling in my right arm gradually subsided.
“Ugh… … Hiiro really has rough hands. As expected of a Class A hero.”
Strangely, it didn’t seem awkward to just call Hiiro.
I watched the scene for a moment and then asked.
“Have you seen your father, brother?”
“I saw it.”
“Anyway.”
“… … .”
Ludwig was unusually silent.
And without paying attention to the messy wall, I leaned back slightly and looked up at the sky.
I thought that among the brothers, only Ludwig could show such behavior.
“To be honest, I don’t want my brothers to see that.”
“Isn’t it bad to see so many?”
“That’s not the problem. It just feels a little unrealistic.”
“… … .”
“It’s a bit hard to say. Even if I say this, you’ll go see it with your own eyes, right?”
“okay.”
“Then you will know when you see it for yourself.”
And Ludwig looked at me and said:
“Or do you want to go see it now?”
“uh?”
“Father said. This time would be perfect.”
“… … .”
I kept my mouth shut.
***
Gilbert the Collector.
It is said to be another identity of Ludwig.
Among the collectors, only Benga knows the real identity.
“Is a mere collector qualified to allow my father to see me?”
“Of course not. It’s okay since you gave it to me. Even Lord Benga gave his permission.”
“Assad said it might happen tomorrow.”
“Just pretend to listen to half of what the elders say. Why does a child need permission to go see his father in the first place?”
“You said it was okay because I gave you the cow just now.”
“Was it so?”
Ludwig tilted his head and asked again.
“Or should I just wait until tomorrow? But if I say hello tomorrow, there will be surveillance around me. Not only the knights and the collectors, but also the elders, including Lord Asad, will be watching. It means that now is the only time I can have a private meeting with my father. What should I do?”
“hmm.”
That’s a bit like that.
I need to check exactly what shape the Iron Blooded One’s body has become, but if there are many eyes watching, my identity may be discovered.
“Let’s just go.”
“I knew it.”
It is said that the place where the Iron Blooded Ones stay is on the 4th floor of the main building.
A place where only a very limited number of people from the main family can enter.
First of all, even I, the owner of the small house, have never set foot on this floor except when I visited the [Trial Room].
As the two of us walked around the dark, empty mansion, the sight of the school campus in the other world, dyed red with blood, came to mind.
I guess I should call it a badnik.
It exudes an ominous aura, no less than a school invaded by the Demon King.
“This is the room.”
“… … .”
“It won’t be long, maybe 10 minutes. Is that okay?”
“Enough.”
I nodded and opened the door.
Beyond the gently opened door, a very spacious interior was visible.
There was a faint, misty mist floating around along with the fragrant scent of medicinal herbs, and I had the feeling that all of this was a device to aid healing.
And the bed in the center of the room.
The canopy bed with four pillars and a roof was so large that it would ruin the appearance of even a fairly large room.
I walked towards the bed.
For a moment, the soft feel of the carpet felt like a swamp entangling my feet.
Strangely, my steps felt heavy, and even the simple act of opening the curtains of the bed I had finally reached was not easy.
My body suddenly felt like it had turned into lead… … .
Beyond the curtain, I discovered the face of a boy lying as if dead.
“ah.”
Iron Man Delak C. Badniker.
Only after I saw him sleeping as if he were dead on the bed did I finally understand.
The meaning of what Ludwig said.