Realizing Luke’s happiness is an utmost priority that must be achieved, even if it means disregarding anything else.
This will never waver, not even now when the flames of ambition have been rekindled.
However, Claude has made a mistake. ──The engagement with Alice.
Because he loses his composure a little when it involves Luke, he acted hastily. Claude immediately realized this fact upon observing Luke’s behavior, but he couldn’t say anything.
It’s because he wasn’t foolish enough to not understand the reason why Luke himself didn’t say anything.
(I won’t make any more mistakes, Luke!)
Therefore, Claude is resolved.
No matter what happens, he will never again make Luke make that expression, he decides.
Yorand was naturally aware of the great affection Claude holds for Luke. But──he didn’t realize the full extent of it.
(So that’s how it is……I had no idea it went this deep…)
Claude’s unwavering resolve to give up everything for Luke’s sake.
And the depth of his affection, which he calls his fondness for children.
2
As the first light heralding the end of night illuminated the world, the sound that had been quietly vibrating the air fell silent.
“…Morning.”
The sunlight told Luke that morning had arrived.
He had been mindlessly swinging his sword, and before he knew it, the night had passed.
When practicing his swordsmanship, he could avoid thinking about troublesome matters. He could focus solely on the sword. Lately, with many things on his mind and unexpected events troubling him, the time he spent gripping the sword had become invaluable to Luke.
(“…This swordless sword occasionally displays a terrifying sharpness. — Sharp enough to cut, truly.”)
Luke held the sword with both hands and examined it again. But the blade was still absent.
It was a very well-made replica for training, so the lack of a blade was only natural.
(“Alfred said that a polished sword technique retains its sharpness even without a blade. But this is something more distinct–“)
At that moment, Luke’s thoughts were interrupted.
“Ah, it’s cold, isn’t it…Luke-kun?”
He was addressed by an unexpected third party.
” ………… ”
Yes, it was not only Luke swinging a sword.
“Why are you here. — Abel.”
A terrifying depth of concentration, where all unnecessary information vanished. It was a realm that ordinary people would find difficult to even reach. But because of this, Luke had not noticed until now. Abel, swinging a sword a short distance away.
“…Eh? Didn’t you realize? I’ve been swinging a sword next to you all night long…”
” ………… “…”
“Ah, you didn’t notice, did you…”
Sensing his lack of presence from Luke’s reaction, Abel felt a little dejected.
Still, he thought he understood Luke to some extent. He casually interpreted that Luke had no ill intentions.
(“As expected, Luke-kun is a diligent person…”)
All he could do was try his best. But if his best efforts were not enough, he would be utterly doomed.
Abel wished to one day surpass Luke. But at the same time, he was captivated by…
–That pure and overwhelming strength.
“…What’s with that creepy look? It’s unpleasant, go away.”
“Eh, was I making such a weird face!?”
Despite being treated harshly, Abel continued to approach Luke, who felt an indescribable sense of unease towards him. Luke turned on his heel to return to his room.
“Ah, wait, Luke-kun!”
“…………”
But Abel immediately followed after Luke.
“Um, Luke-kun. I heard that the Empire holds a [Sword Saint Festival] every year. Do you know about it?”
“…………”
“I only know about it from what my teacher told me, but apparently skilled swordsmen from various countries gather to determine the best swordsman! Isn’t that exciting?”
“…………”
“So, what do you think? If you’d like, would you go with me? Ah, I think the timing is– Wait, were you listening?”
“……”
“Ah, um……Luke? Would you like to go together──”
“……How annoying.”
To get away from Abel, who kept pestering him despite being ignored, Luke quickened his pace.
Of course, he knew about the [Sword Saint Festival]. In fact, he was even considering participating, but there was no way he would bring that up.
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT gadgetizedpanda.net
3
— The Third Magic Training Ground.
Right now, I’m facing off against Luke.
I wanted to show him my newly completed magic before anyone else.
It’s not that I think I’ve caught up, I just wanted to know how close I’ve come.
“What’s wrong. Hurry up, Lloyd.”
“Are you really ready on your end…?”
“Heh, are you worried about me? — Don’t get too full of yourself.”
“…………!”
I was hit by Luke’s clear anger. — Just that alone sent a shiver through my body, making the hairs on my neck stand on end and my legs go weak. Even though he’s just a classmate, it’s like facing a powerful monster, the pressure is overwhelming.
I can’t lie to myself. Deep down, I’ve already acknowledged it. …I can’t beat him.
Haha!
But that’s so cool. Strong guys are just so cool, damn it!
This academy is really simple and nice. The world where the strong are revered, even a fool like me can understand it, and it feels comfortable.
“…Shall we begin?”
“Yeah, come at me.”
I… lost to that ice woman in the rank battle.
She’s an unpleasant woman. Knowing that I’m confident in my magical firepower, she overpowered me with a simple magic of ice.
Just blasting away won’t cut it, my flames can’t beat that woman’s ice. …At least not yet.
But that’s fine. I acknowledge that I’m currently inferior to the ice woman. I haven’t given up on avenging myself with my firepower, but I saw this as a good opportunity to explore other options.
And…simply unleashing magic won’t be enough to defeat him, Luke.
That’s why I created this magic.
A concentrated point, not a broad range. Condensing the magical power into a single point and firing it.
“–[Flaming Bolt]!”
A very thin beam of flame shot forth at a tremendous speed, aiming to burn Luke to cinders.
This magic isn’t meant for widespread destruction. It’s designed to punch through thick barriers, for a concentrated breakthrough. Luke’s dark magic can absorb anything. But even it must have a limit to how much it can absorb at once.
“–[Dark Barrier]”
Luke deployed a defensive spell. My flame clashed with his darkness, and then…pierced through.
Grazing Luke’s cheek.
“…Impressive.”
“Ha, haha…YEEEESSS!!”
I couldn’t help but raise my fist.
I did it! Damn, I’m so happy! My flame pierced through Luke’s darkness!
After breaking the barrier, my magic had weakened considerably. I still can’t perfectly condense the magical power. The issues to work on are endless. But this is a huge step forward.
“Hmm, I see. So you concentrated the magical power into a single point and fired it. A simple but good magic. The key is the density.”
“As expected of you! To understand this much just from taking it once–”
“–By linking it with magical sense and paring down the waste of conventional magical barriers, you can create a highly dense barrier with a focused range. Kukuku, this can even be applied to [Dark Blessing].”
“…Huh?”
I couldn’t understand at all what Luke was talking about.
“Now, do it again.”
“…What do you mean by–”
“Fire that magic one more time.”
“…Got it.”
Despite my bewilderment, I complied. I have to obey someone stronger than me.
Though barely, my magic did reach Luke. …Or at least, it should have.
“–[Flaming Bolt]!”
“–[Dark Barrier]”
The same magic as before. Yet the result was completely different. My [Flaming Bolt] was swallowed by the darkness and vanished.
“…Tch.”
For some reason, laughter welled up in me. Really, what the hell was that?
On the first day, seeing Luke’s magic, I thought he was a monster. …Apparently, my perception was still too naive. Is the effort I’m putting in something that can be overcome in an instant by Luke…?
“Hmm, I see. You’ve understood the essence. Your magic is something like this, isn’t it? –[Dark Bolt]”
I sensed the magical power gathering at Luke’s fingertips. It felt similar. I couldn’t believe it.
In that moment, the condensed darkness grazed my cheek.
“…………”
I was left speechless. And then–
“Haha…HAHAHAHAHA!! As expected, you’re amazing! You’re truly amazing!”
The various emotions welling up within me overflowed as laughter.
Ah…he’s truly incredible.
This isolated power that leaves no one else in its wake! Damn, he’s so freaking cool!
But I can’t help but think… I shouldn’t aim to become like him.
Also check out my friend Localizermeerkat for more LN translations!
BUY THE SOURCE MATERIAL TO SUPPORT THE AUTHOR !!!
Kindly click on the green button above and contribute to filling the green bar if you’re interested in having another LN from the request page translated. Also, every donation is being used to purchase the source material and to fund more English translations.
Please consider joining my Ko-Fi membership. By becoming a member, you’ll also gain access to 2-10 additional chapters of all of the novels from this site translated into English. Last but not least your support will also assist me in upholding the translation quality and speed. For more information, please follow the link.
Donation for faster release is always welcome
Additionally, I am now accepting translation requests.
