I Became a Swordsmanship Genius at the Academy

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“I’m sure I told you that emotions shouldn’t be shown outside.”

The moment I heard Kim Il-shin’s voice, I realized I had survived.

But I couldn’t feel completely relieved or happy.

I had disappointed Kim Il-shin, who had believed in me, at the most critical moment.

“Get up.”

After pushing the mantis monster aside, Kim Il-shin helped me up with a grave expression.

“……”

I couldn’t lift my head.

My inability to control my emotions had put not just me, but others in danger as well.

“This is the last time a mistake ends as just a mistake.”

“……I will remember that.”

I knew that wallowing in despair was not what Kim Il-shin wanted from me.

So, I engraved his advice and the recent memories into my mind.

To never make such a mistake again.

Whoosh!

Just then, the furious mantis monster charged at us.

Kim Il-shin turned to face it and said,

“Always maintain calm and a wide perspective. In real combat, especially one-on-one, understanding your opponent is fundamental.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the mantis monster rushed at Kim Il-shin, swinging its sharp forelegs wildly.

It seemed to slash from multiple angles before attempting a downward strike.

Boom! Crash!

Its fierce attacks didn’t touch Kim Il-shin. Even grazing him was impossible.

It was as if he was reading the future and moving accordingly.

He dodged faster than the monster’s attacks could reach him.

“While keeping an eye on the enemy, gather all the information you can in your mind, and use that information to predict their next move. Most have certain consistent habits.”

I stood silently, unable to respond.

Just absorbing Kim Il-shin’s words and actions, as well as the combat, was overwhelming.

I couldn’t miss a single detail. I was well aware that this teaching wouldn’t come again.

“If you go further, you will even grasp the enemy’s psychology.”

Boom! Crack!

Switching to offense, Kim Il-shin cornered the mantis monster.

He parried its attack to create an opening and moved in close.

“Every action has intent behind it. It can be something straightforward like an attack or defense or a clever tactic that could completely turn the tide of battle.”

I attempted to analyze the enemy according to Kim Il-shin’s teachings.

I observed the mantis monster’s combat style and kept it in mind.

Then various pieces of information came into view.

‘He’s not backing down.’

The monster, which had been forced back by Kim Il-shin’s assaults, was now firmly planted on the ground.

Ignoring any cuts from the blade, it stood its ground against Kim Il-shin.

‘What’s its intent?’

It seemed to be leaving an opening while hiding a tail to launch a surprise attack.

As that thought crossed my mind, I saw its tail planted on the ground.

‘That’s it.’

From the moment I realized it, the trap the enemy had set became an advantage instead.

I imagined myself being where that tail was and looked at Kim Il-shin.

Whoosh!

The mantis monster raised its front leg and came crashing down.

There was no way Kim Il-shin would fall for such a simple attack, leaving its weak point wide open.

He immediately thrust his sword into the monster’s chest.

Thud!

At that moment, a tail leapt up from the ground aiming at Kim Il-shin.

However, the intended strike had no effect on Kim Il-shin, who had grasped its intent.

He lightly jumped, slashed the tail, and then continued spinning, slicing the beast in half.

Squelch.

The monster fell to the ground without even letting out a final cry.

“…This is…”

My eyes widened at the sight of the monster’s two pieces.

The cross-section was cut so badly that it was hard to believe it had been the handiwork of Kim Il-shin.

In fact, it resembled the dismembered monsters he had defeated today.

“……!”

The moment I reached that conclusion, I realized that the other traits displayed by Kim Il-shin during battle were also similar to mine.

‘He fought using only my skills.’

Not just strength and speed, but also swordsmanship and habits. Kim Il-shin fought the enemy with only my abilities.

‘If I had calmly analyzed the enemy, I could have done it too.’

I realized not only the intent behind his actions but also the potential that Kim Il-shin had seen in me.

“……Thank you.”

As tears welled up in my eyes, Kim Il-shin smiled slightly and said,

“Let’s call it a day.”

After dealing with the mantis monster, Kim Il-shin did not sheath his sword yet.

He intended to finish it there.

The trainees had successfully completed their first real battle, realizing both their strengths and weaknesses.

‘They must have seen it well.’

The citizens likely had many thoughts as they witnessed the trainees fighting against the monsters, once a symbol of fear.

[Bring complete freedom from fear to the citizens of the walled city.]

[Progress: 54.3%]

Seeing the significantly increased progress, Kim Il-shin then swiftly dealt with all the remaining monsters.

The ambush was successfully concluded.

*

“It’s done! It’s done!”

“Wahaha! Hey, you guys! How does the taste of iron feel?!”

After the ambush ended, the excited blacksmiths, who had been firing the giant ballista non-stop, rejoiced.

They massacred the monsters they had believed could only be fought with human strength using the weapons they had crafted.

No blacksmith could stand still after witnessing such a fantastic outcome.

“Wow! Ancestors! We did it!”

Wales, the former head of the shield forge who had fulfilled a long-gone dream, cried like a child.

Without stopping his tears, he ran to Hanarin and bowed deeply.

“Master… Thank you so much!”

The middle-aged man with pronounced wrinkles wept openly in gratitude.

Hanarin, looking flustered, diligently comforted Wales.

“Uh, uh. Y-Yeah. Just don’t cry too much… Alright, stop. Stop.”

“Yes! Hic…!”

As the blacksmiths fell into a frenzy of excitement, the other side remained silent.

The citizens found it hard to comprehend what they had just witnessed.

Although they couldn’t stop the monsters without Kim Il-shin’s help, they all realized one thing.

That these trainees were now strong enough to protect the city during the ambush.

“How could this be possible?”

“It might be because of those kids.”

“No way. They said they’ve only been training for a month… then we can too…”

As the citizens mulled it over, Raul spotted the trainees returning to the city.

“…Bro. This isn’t a dream, is it?”

“No, definitely not.”

“Then… Did those kids really do it?”

“Yeah. They did.”

“…Amazing.”

While Raul watched the gate opening with a bewildered expression, he hesitantly asked.

“Does that mean those kids are now guarding the city instead of the rulers?”

Hops closed his eyes and pondered.

Most citizens were probably having the same thoughts as Raul.

After all, they were used to being protected.

Yet the change Hops felt was more significant than that.

After much contemplation, he finally replied.

“No. Protecting the city is not solely their role.”

“Pardon? Then who—”

Just as Raul was about to ask again, a huge voice echoed from the opened gate.

“Did everyone see well?”

Hops and Raul recognized that voice well.

It was Kim Il-shin, who had entered the city, amplifying his voice with mana.

“I’m sure you were surprised. The monsters were an equivalent to a calamity you could not stand against. But these kids have become strong enough to confront them in just one month.”

Kim Il-shin looked up at the city walls.

Reading the skepticism in the citizens’ eyes, he countered.

“You might be thinking this: that I used some method to make the kids stronger.”

A few citizens nodded involuntarily.

For them, it was hard to accept that such strength could be gained in just a month.

“No. What I did was merely suggest and guide the way for the children to get stronger. If they hadn’t put in the effort, they wouldn’t have grown stronger.”

Doubt couldn’t be completely erased. It was hard to believe unless one experienced it firsthand.

Yet, the possibility had been firmly etched in everyone’s minds.

“If you want to become stronger, and if you want to protect the city with these kids, come to me. Anyone can become strong if they put in the effort.”

Some people ignited their spirits, burning with enthusiasm, while others shrank back in fear.

“If you’re afraid to face the monsters, that’s alright. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Going to the forge to create weapons and armor to protect the warriors is also a way to defend the city.”

The citizens’ gazes turned toward the jubilant blacksmiths.

The boisterous blacksmiths all had proud smiles on their faces.

“You don’t have to do both. Everyone has their own role to play. Just support and help those who are trying to protect the city. You all know best the reason why we need to grow stronger and fight.”

As Kim Il-shin concluded his speech, the citizens murmured in confusion.

“Can I really do it too? If so…”

“If we can fight too, then we don’t have to worry about the rulers anymore, right?”

“…We might be able to drive them out completely.”

Just as the citizens were deep in thought, Hops raised his hand and asked.

“Can a chubby guy like me fight?”

Kim Il-shin smiled and replied.

“Of course! You’ll adapt quickly because you’ve seen it all.”

“Haha! From today, I’ll be your disciple!”

That was the start of citizens raising their hands one by one to offer their support.

It wouldn’t be long before Kim Il-shin’s plan was completed.