Chapter 88.3 - The First Year at the Academy - Harvis Razefal (3)
Casually readjusting himself, Harvis stood poised.
Radikel, on the other hand, seemed dumbfounded in his contorted posture.
That person is being reckless.
After a brief moment, the arena erupted.
Most spectators might have only recognized that Halvis had deflected something with something.
Not much difference here.
"Was that an exchange of [Strong Strikes]?"
"It seems so, however…"
Something seemed to bother Lambert and Felix, as they furrowed their brows.
I muttered a single word, "Close.".
"What Radikell unleashed was [Rock Cleaver]. Halrvis-san deflected it with [Strong Strike]."
In an instant, the understanding dawned upon Lambert, Felix, and Elliot – the swordsmen. Elphimia and Lola tilted their heads at the amazed trio.
"What does that mean?"
"Both are lower-tier skills, but the power of [Rock Cleaver] surpasses that of [Strong Strike]. If it collided head-on, it would be overpowered, so he used deflection. However, it's a feat that requires considerable skill and determination."
Failure would result in a counterattack.
Even with a blade-dulling sword, a hit in the wrong place could be fatal.
Harvis executing it so calmly is astounding, but Radikel's [Rock Cleaver] is not something to be dismissed either.
While not reaching the level of Markant's [Strong Strike], he could activate it with that level of charge is proof of training.
"I see. But hey, couldn't you do it too?"
"Why do you think that? How much I struggled to learn [Strong Strike]. It's one thing to exchange blows, but deflecting? No way."
My words garnered agreement from the three swordsmen.
However, Elphimia remained unconvinced.
"I wonder why… It's incredibly frustrating."
Saying that, she shook her body.
She's witnessing my full strength up close.
It's a different premise from the others.
Even so, speed wasn't the issue.
When activating an offensive skill, the direction and intensity of the force could change instantly.
To deflect that, one needs to control their skill and intervene with the opponent's skill.
It's a technique separate from speed, not something achievable overnight.
Maybe… I should give it a try.
Shifting my gaze back to the stage, Radikel had readjusted himself and was facing Harvis again.
However, he seemed demoralized.
He was a different person from just a moment ago.
The momentum had vanished; he held his shield up in a defensive posture.
Seeing this, Harvis launched an attack, which Radikel desperately blocked with his shield.
He attempted counterattacks, but they were just swings to keep Halvis at bay.
To the casual observer, it appeared to be a decisive battle atop the summit.
But those with even a hint of expertise would notice.
"His movements have become sloppy."
"Yes, I think so."
Lambert and Felix tilted their heads.
Elliot, however, seemed unaware, intently scrutinizing the fight to discern where the sloppiness was.
Abruptly, Lambert spoke, nullifying all that effort.
"What do you think, Alter the commentator?"
"Again? I'm about to earn another nickname."
Glancing briefly, Elliot was looking at me as if grasping at something.
That might also be a reason why they hold Ted and the others in high regard.
They would notice if something is off. For all their intelligence, their combat instincts seem a bit dulled.
I turned to Elliot, and opened my mouth.
"No matter how big the difference in skill is, it's not that pronounced."
"But it seems like a good match…"
"Unfortunately, Harvis-san is holding back a lot. The match has just begun. I suppose he didn't want to end it so quickly and disappoint the audience."
"For that reason…"
Elliot directed a sympathetic gaze toward Radikel.
I sympathize too, just a little bit.
Without realizing such emotions, I continued speaking.
"Radikel is a good example to learn from. Everyone rejoices and worries about their stat increases, but that's not the goal. Take the skill [One-handed Sword], for instance. What does an increase in this skill mean?"
"Doesn't it mean becoming better at handling a sword?"
Lambert answered, and I shook my head.
"No, it's the opposite. It increased because he got better. While the skill itself has its benefits, fundamentally, it just represents an individual's ability. The same applies to combat. It's not about fighting with skills. It's about one's determination. Lose that, and no matter how superior your skills are. Well, you become like that."
Harvis glanced at the audience as he swung his sword, while Radikel desperately defended himself.
"It's not just about combat. [Alchemy] as well."
As I said that, Lola flinched.
I'm not scolding you, okay?
I reassured Lola with a smile.
"It's a useful skill, but not all-powerful. Once you look into Tremble Cube Healing Potions, your perception of [Alchemy] will change. Professor Ruckendale might know… no, he knows."
"I'll ask."
Lola nodded weakly.
Well, this should be enough for the commentary.
Looks like things are wrapping up on their end too.
As my gaze caught their attention, everyone turned their eyes to the stage.
Harvis drew his sword.
Though it looked like a preparatory move for a finishing blow, Radikell breathed a sigh of relief as the attack ceased.
And then, the final strike came—[Double Strike], executed with restraint.
Radikel couldn't even manage to withstand that, taking both blows head-on.
The referee leaped in as the swords clattered to the ground.
"That's it! Winner, Harvis!"
A thunderous cheer erupted.
Harvis raised his hand lightly, while Radikel remained on the ground, head hung low.
He's an exceptional young man, but he's letting his talent get to his head.
His mental strength is lacking. It's not in his stats, after all.
Curiously, I glanced up at Baron Veshil. He had a terrifyingly displeased expression.
You should have a more fatherly reaction.
On the stage, a man who seemed to be a lecturer from Lapnas was helping Radikel up.
Even standing, Radikel still didn't lift his face.
He must be feeling his father's gaze intensely.
They're similar parent and child, but—this time, I feel sympathy. Truly.
Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om