My Demons

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Gillius was a member of a gang comprised of six individuals: four warriors, one archer, and one cleric. The gang was led by a skilled mercenary named Grania.

It was Gilliuss friendly nature that allowed me to become acquainted with the gang.

After the battle at the dockyard, they would gather their rewards and loot, often including me in their company.

Naturally, there were some members of Granias gang who kept their distance from me. They had witnessed my frenzied antics during combat, and my use of blood magic, a technique considered ominous in various ways.

However, through my polite demeanor and healthy appearance, I was able to establish a certain level of camaraderie with everyone. They adopted an attitude of, It doesnt matter if hes eccentric, as long as he fights alongside us.

After sharing a drink together, the entire gang relocated their lodgings to the Bells & Whistles Inn. Despite some complaints about the inn, they remained a cheerful group of mercenaries.

Among the gang members, I grew closest to Grania, the leader.

Grania, the red-haired female warrior whose skills I greatly admired during the battle at the dockyard, became the person I bonded with the most.

Although I didnt know much about her leadership abilities, she was undeniably a competent warrior in my eyes.

Smack!

Focus!

Oops.

Taking advantage of my momentary loss of concentration, Grania thrust her round shield, knocking away my wooden sword and arm.

With my guard open, Grania swiftly aimed her wooden sword at my chin.

Ugh!

Reacting quickly, I raised my buckler to block, but Grania skillfully used the rebound to twist her wrist.

Thud!

She struck my opposite shoulder.

Damn, you got me.

Acknowledging defeat, I stepped back, and Grania paused, asking, Did you leave an opening between your shield and sword again?

Yes, I did.

When using a buckler, pay special attention to coordinating both hands.

Okay. Lets go again. As soon as she finished speaking, Grania assumed her stance.

She held a round shield in her left hand, obliquely covering her head and shoulder, while her sword was held at mid-height.

Huh.

I took a deep breath and positioned myself in a stance.

With my legs slightly spread and bent, I extended my wooden sword and buckler forward.

Grania was among the most skilled mercenaries.

Even though I restrained my strength and speed, factors such as physique, reach, and weight still heavily favored Phoenix over Grania.

Nevertheless, due to the difference in skill and experience, overpowering her proved to be a challenge.

My duels with Grania lasted a few rounds, sometimes extending to ten, before immediately starting again.

Through this repetitive process, I continuously received corrections, gained experience, and internalized the principles.

I had been learning swordsmanship from Grania for five days nowor rather, I should say I was learning about combat techniques as a whole, including shield techniques.

This arrangement came about from my request. Recognizing her skills, I offered a reward in exchange for her teachings.

Upon hearing my request, Grania initially wore a skeptical expression.

I had acquired an unflattering nickname, The Mad Swordsman, due to my antics at the dockyard. When someone like me approached Grania asking to be taught swordsmanship, she assumed I was joking.

However, after several sparring sessions, she abandoned her doubts. It became evident that I was a novice who lacked even the basic understanding of sword fighting.

Grania was puzzled by the stark disparity between my physical abilities and skills but refrained from further questioning. Instead, she simply provided the training for which she was compensated.

Granias instruction was practical, as expected, and surprisingly meticulousalmost mechanical.

Clang!

As our wooden swords clashed mid-air, I subtly pushed forward while maintaining the bind, where the blades remained in contact.

Huh.

As Grania pulled back, she let out a brief breath and swung her round shield upward to dislodge my wooden sword, creating a small opening.

I thought my skills were superior, but now Im not so sure. Is this really your first time learning?

As I smiled silently, a look of discomfort appeared on Granias face.

Surely, she doesnt believe I paid five dimes just to make a joke or fool around?

Regardless of her thoughts, Granias teachings were worth every dime I had paid. I even considered that I might have paid too little.

In just five days of training, I had made tremendous progress.

On the first morning, my duel record with Grania stood at 43 wins and 41 losses, and this morning it was 21 wins and 11 losses If we consider the winning rate, it had increased more than tenfold. If the version of me from the first day fought against the present version, I believe the present me would win nine out of ten times.

This progress was not solely due to Granias excellent instruction, but also because of the memories embedded in my body.

The playable characters in the Dark World game were not ordinary individuals but had received sufficient training.

Even the Elemental Wizard, according to the games lore, wasnt someone who knew nothing about magic but a wizard who had undergone ten years of training in the La-Palais Palace.

The same applied to Blood Knights.

Phoenix was the son of a knight, and the class name Blood Knight stemmed from this backgrounda knight who possessed blood magic.

The offspring of knights commenced training in childhood and devoted their teenage years to mastering combat skills.

Perhaps Phoenix had done the same, and while the skills acquired then were not consciously retained in my mind, they seemed imprinted on my body. This was likely why my abilities improved drastically during our duels.

Moreover, I cautiously speculated that I had yet to fully unleash Phoenixs skills.

Phoenix, who hadnt simply been granted the title of knight, undoubtedly possessed superior abilities compared to an ordinary mercenary.

In our successive duels, I defeated Grania three times in a row before finally releasing her from my grasp.

Collapsing at the edge of the well, Grania wiped away the sweat and dust while grumbling.

Haah, haah Im dead. Are we going to do it again this evening? You mentioned going down to the sewer tomorrow?

We should take a rest today. And for a while, Ill practice on my own.

Really? Well, theres nothing more for me to teach you anyway. Hone your skills in real battles. If you truly learned it for the first time, youre a natural prodigy, and your abilities will improve rapidly.

Grania asked, appearing both relieved and somewhat regretful, as if something had suddenly occurred to her.

Oh, didnt you mention ordering a shield?

Yeah. I was planning to pick it up soon.

Your buckler seems like a fine piece. Arent you reluctant to part with it? Youve grown quite accustomed to handling it.

I had only experienced actual combat twice, but I had learned a great deal and managed to survive through perilous situations.

And the most formidable threat in those dangers was none other than arrows.

I had been struck by an arrow on the ship, suffering near-fatal injuries, and I had almost been defeated at the dockyard due to an arrow.

I feared the swift flying of arrows more than the spears or axes before me.

Hence, I had ordered a large round shield similar to the one Grania used.

Whether the buckler I currently wielded was a magical item or not was inconsequential. I would have used a door as a shield if necessary. That was how terrified I was of arrows.

Its fine. I practiced extensively with Gillius old shield. Besides, I prefer something heavier. This one feels like a chunk of iron, but its too small.

True, bucklers are convenient to carry but lack stability. Theyre somewhat inadequate for larger battles.

As Grania entered the inn after our conversation, I instinctively scooped water from the well and washed my face.

Thats when it happened.

Hey.

Uhh?

As I looked up, water dripping from my face, Ellen stood before me.

Whats with this girl? Why does she keep appearing out of nowhere?

I hastily finished washing my face, roughly drying my eyes with my sleeve, and inquired, Werent you going to meditate?

I tried, but I couldnt concentrate.

Concentrate? Hey, youre supposed to persevere with things like that even if you cant concentrate. Youre young, so-

Oh, if anyone hears you, theyll think youre an old man. Dont try to lecture me when were not that far apart in age.

Look at this girl. She remained silent for a while, and now shes back at it again.