I Became a Swordsmanship Genius at the Academy

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Hazuki didn’t really like books much.

She always kept them close, but that was merely for the sake of studying to acquire academic knowledge as a successor.

It wasn’t until she began researching to create the doctrines of the Sword God Sect that she truly immersed herself in academia.

From that point on, Hazuki became engrossed in the various inspirations that vast knowledge offered.

It was also thanks to this that she was able to break free from the legacy of the Endo family and carve out her own domain.

To approach knowledge correctly, one needed to explore from various perspectives, and Hazuki was able to apply that to herself.

The [Sword Scripture], which organized the doctrines of the Sword God Sect, was completed not long ago.

“Before I came here, I never considered sharing this with others.”

The Sword Scripture was closer to a record than a religious book.

It interprets the actions and beliefs of Kim Il-shin, as viewed through Hazuki’s perspective, into doctrines.

It was merely a means for her to remember her memories with Kim Il-shin in her own way.

That’s why Hazuki’s Sword Scripture was still being updated continuously.

What she distributed to the scholars was a revised edition that had been modified to fit the intended purpose.

“[Isn’t there a possibility that the knowledge I disseminate could be misused?]”

While Hazuki agreed to share knowledge, she did not exclude the possibility of worst-case scenarios.

She had heard from Kim Il-shin how to prevent that, and she trusted him, but Hazuki thought there needed to be some kind of restraint in the field of knowledge as well.

Historically, corrupt scholars coming to power often brought great stagnation to society.

Having made up her mind, finding a way was not difficult.

The Sword Scripture, which she read thoroughly every night before bed, contained doctrines very suitable for scholars.

“The Sword God said that teaching others is the best way to check one’s own proficiency and serves as a stepping stone for further growth.”

The doctrines of the Sword God Sect were designed to prevent the monopoly of power and knowledge.

Malicious monopolization is a sin that obstructs not only the community but also one’s own growth.

Therefore, one must share and distribute what they have to promote everyone’s development.

This realization was something Hazuki gained from her first direct encounter with Kim Il-shin.

“The more one trains, the more obsession arises with their own experiences and knowledge. But the Sword God was not like that.”

Though he was asked by guests of his family to teach swordsmanship, Kim Il-shin accepted with no hesitation, stating that it would benefit him as well.

And while teaching afterwards, he generously shared his precious knowledge with Hazuki.

That image of Kim Il-shin from back then still left a profound shock and realization in Hazuki.

“Even now, he teaches the martial arts he founded, liberating citizens from fear and giving them the strength to protect themselves against external threats.”

The eyes of the scholars listening to Hazuki sparkled.

For those suffering under the rule of tyrants, the doctrine of the Sword God Sect, which cherishes equality under a deity, was nothing short of a shock.

Initially, most of them had a negative view of religion.

However, as they witnessed recent events (the tax exemption order) and the changing city (warriors training with weapons on the city walls), their thoughts began to shift gradually.

Upon realizing the true intentions of Kim Il-shin and witnessing his sudden appearances, they perceived a sense of mystery in him, ultimately resonating with the doctrines of the Sword God Sect.

Now, they regarded Kim Il-shin as a deity manifested on Earth, diligently dedicating themselves to learning his teachings.

“The ultimate goal of the Sword God is known to no one. However, one thing is certain: the Sword God wishes for you all to grow stronger.”

The scholars nodded in agreement.

The deity’s dedication was transforming their lives, and they too wanted to serve the deity.

The deity did not crave material things.

What they could do was diligently study and agonize over the development of the city and the planning of the future.

“So learn and practice, but do not hesitate to share, and cultivate your spirits to allow no evil intentions.”

Having recited the core doctrines of the Sword God Sect, Hazuki looked up to survey the scholars.

All of them were deeply focused, diligently reading their books.

Hazuki smiled contentedly and nodded.

“Hmm. If there’s something needed, I should share.”

In truth, Hazuki had often felt the desire to disseminate the Sword God Sect.

She hoped that many people would recognize the greatness of Kim Il-shin that she knew.

However, she had suppressed that thought because it could lead to undesirable results.

But now, even if it was for the sake of necessity, seeing the people accept the Sword God Sect excited and relieved her.

“It’s still not much, but…”

Hazuki was confident it wouldn’t be long before it spread to all citizens as well.

Once the next attack began, they too would realize the greatness of Kim Il-shin.

*

“Is it starting now?”

On a sunny morning, Hobbs murmured while sitting with his back against a large tree.

“Yes. They are preparing over there.”

Raul replied to his mumblings.

The two were waiting at a distance from the training ground for the training to begin.

“Did the others not come? They said they would bring them.”

“They said it was dangerous, so they didn’t come. Their loss.”

It had been ten days since they began observing Kim Il-shin and the trainees’ practical training.

Their initial visit was merely by chance.

Passing by while chatting, they heard there was training nearby, so they decided to check it out.

What had been a mere curiosity had turned into a daily routine of watching practical training.

The intense and passionate practical training was the perfect entertainment for the previously bored pair.

“How will it be today? Yesterday we almost had them all.”

“I know, right? If only that Ditto guy performed a bit better…”

“No way. Ditto is doing the best, what are you talking about? The problem is that the others cannot keep up.”

Hobbs and Raul engaged in passionate discussions about the practical training while they waited.

What had once been mere entertainment had now evolved into rooting for the trainees facing seemingly unbeatable foes.

Even after failing daily, the trainees never gave up and relentlessly worked hard.

Their growth ignited a fire in Hobbs and Raul’s hearts.

“Aren’t you blind? How do you expect to stop that monster? Just holding out is impressive enough. Ditto is the key to the strategy. That guy needs to step up his game.”

“I admit Ditto is key, but still—”

“Shh! It’s starting.”

Hobbs and Raul’s eyes focused on the training ground with tension.

The fierce energy of the trainees, lined up according to the plan, was sharp.

They could now be called elite without any doubt.

Gone was the disarray of when they first started practical training.

“Hang in there. Let’s catch them today.”

“Huh…”

Leading the front was Roham, holding a shield, while others prepared spears and bows in the back.

Everyone’s pockets and waistlines were strapped, filled with various tools.

“Huh?”

Hobbs’ voice leaked out, filled with curiosity.

He had spotted something odd about the trainees.

“…Why is Ditto not here?”

“True?”

Raul raised an eyebrow in response.

“Here he comes!”

As Roham, at the forefront, shouted, a chilling sound emerged from the thick bushes opposite the trainees.

Swish!

It sounded like something was aggressively parting the bushes as it raced toward them.

Suddenly, Kim Il-shin, crouched down, burst forth with a gleam in his eyes.

“Front! Fire!”

Swish!

An arrow flew through the air, slicing the wind and thudded into the ground.

The trainees’ bows and arrows had been modified to penetrate monsters as well, but they were ineffective against Kim Il-shin.

In the practical training, Kim Il-shin imitated the movements of the monsters he had first seen the day he arrived.

They charged forth, seemingly bent only on killing humans.

“Here it comes! Give it everything you’ve got!”

Roham, wielding the biggest shield, shouted.

That first night of practical training, Roham had much to contemplate.

He realized that actions taken to protect companions could lead to adverse outcomes.

“…This won’t do. I can’t protect them.”

He wanted to protect everyone. That thought was akin to the principles he held for a long time.

Roham’s father was a unique person.

In even the most helpless situations, he never lost hope and always encouraged and assisted the citizens with an energetic voice.

He was one of the few attempting to protect citizens from the tyrants, which frequently resulted in him getting hurt.

One day, Roham saw his father wrapped in bandages and asked why.

His father replied, “Roham, it may be tough now, but good days will come someday. If you give up now, won’t it be a waste?”

But the next day, he lost his life.

It was during the attempt to protect citizens from a drunken tyrant’s rampage.

Yet, Roham did not despair. He vowed to rise and follow his father’s words.

He aimed to start with being a leader for the kids in the city and eventually lead the citizens as an adult.

He wanted everyone to endure until those good days arrived.

“It’s not far away.”

Finally, the person who would bring about the good days his father spoke of appeared before him.

This person stated that to be completely liberated from the tyrants, they needed to gain the strength to fight against external threats, and Roham perfectly agreed.

So, he continued training while persuading friends who were about to give up.

Everyone had grown significantly, and he felt they could survive an attack now.

“No, that’s not enough.”

But he painfully realized on the first day of practical training.

In real combat, anyone could lose their life at any moment.

A friend laughing next to him could vanish the next day.

“That can’t happen.”

It was something he could never tolerate. Roham wanted everyone to enter the good days together.

“What should I do…”

Then, Kim Il-shin’s words came to mind.

“Roham, if you thought of diverting instead of facing head-on, you might have created an opening for Ditto. Also, if you had not given up and dropped your sword right when the attack was blocked, Ditto wouldn’t have been hit right away.”

“……”

Roham knew himself well. He could never risk the safety of others.

He always had to face the enemy’s attacks head-on.

Thus, he mulled over the sword resting on one side of the room.

The reason Roham picked up the sword was, embarrassingly enough, that he felt jealous of Ditto.

Ever since they began training, watching Ditto grow extraordinarily strong and seeing the envious eyes of friends upon him.

Roham was engulfed by anxiety, fearing he might lose the position of leader.

So, he chose the same sword as Ditto.

He didn’t want Ditto to be the only one to stand out on the battlefield.

His desire to protect everyone from the front clashed with his wish for the position of leader.

“…Damn it.”

In the end, Roham picked up the shield.

More than becoming a leader and experiencing good days, he wanted everyone to welcome good days together.

“Hu….”

Kim Il-shin had said.

He merely guided them to draw out their potential; their growth was achieved by themselves.

But Roham knew.

Without the people around him, he would never have grown this strong.

“Hu!”

An overwhelming number of arrows and caltrops filled the surroundings. Spear-forward, a solid formation was established.

In that moment, a weakness visible to a starving predator. There stood Roham.

“Come!!”

Crash!

It felt like a colossal rock had collided.

It was hard to believe such power came from a human. Had he not plunged the shield into the ground, he would have been sent flying.

His muscles twisted as his face contorted. Yet, the corners of his mouth rose sharply.

“I blocked it―!!”

With a cry that even felt euphoric, Roham pulled the shield from the ground.

The staggering strength lifted Kim Il-shin upward.

“Haha.”

Kim Il-shin couldn’t help but smile as he was flung up.

In that instant, the perfectly constructed encirclement. A net flew through the air to restrict movement.

And lastly, Ditto sprang up from beneath the raised shield.

“Good kids.”

He found himself eagerly anticipating the impending attack tomorrow.