Another year had passed, and it was now the year K413.
This also marked eight years since I awoke in this strange but still familiar fantasy world after having died in my previous one.
Before, if I had thought that I would be reincarnated in the world of Mushoku Tensei, I would have thought I would become a mage, using my knowledge of science and the story to master magic.
While I was quite good at healing magic, and could use the elements for utility, I ended up being a swordsman instead.
Well, it forced me to have a good figure at least. And as long as I was strong enough to protect myself and others, I didn't really care how.
On the topic of swordsmanship, my training had been going quite well over the past few months.
I still wasn't at the level where I could perform the Longsword of Light, but my battle aura control had increased greatly, mostly thanks to the training Gal had given me.
And as for the two insane exercises, I could now dip my lower half into the hot pool for nearly a minute, and I could carry the second-smallest boulder halfway around the pool.
It didn't sound like much, I know… but it was a lot of progress from how I had started, where I could hardly dip my toes into the water, and couldn't even lift the smallest boulder off the ground.
I had also become an Intermediate-ranked swordsman in both the Water God and North God styles.
At the Intermediate rank, that's when you truly start to see the styles shine, as they begin adding basic, but fundamental techniques to the style.
For the North God, the techniques I had learned included throwing my sword, general unarmed combat, and using the environment during a fight. There was also my continued training with my other hand, which would allow me to use it in case my right got cut off.
Overall, it was a set of useful skills for surviving and winning a fight, but I couldn't really call it a 'style'.
Not that I minded.
As long as it helped me get stronger, I didn't really care… even if Nina teased me about needing 'petty tricks' to win during our spars.
The Water God style, on the other hand, was one that focused on defence and countering, which I had expected, and nothing really changed in the Intermediate rank with those two skills other than getting better at them.
What was new, however, was learning the act of provocation, so the enemy attacked you first, as well as analysis, allowing you to understand everything about an opponent with just a glance.
I wasn't quite at that level of analysis yet, but I could at least sense how strong an opponent was by their stance and steadiness, and according to Gal, in the higher ranks of the Water God Style, you could even sense and deflect mana.
Perhaps I wouldn't even need a demon eye to gain magic sight, or at least something similar.
But anyway, moving on from my growth… for the main story, this was the period between Roxy leaving and Rudeus going to Roa, right?
Right now, he should be getting closer to Sylphy, and at this point, Zenith and Lilia should both be pregnant, with Paul revealed to be not the most faithful of husbands.
The only thing I was worried about was Aisha and Norn not being born, or maybe even Rudeus and Sylphy, considering how I was born before them.
After all, the butterfly effect was a real thing, and when you were talking about incredibly small odds like the exactly correct sperm being created and fertilizing an egg at the exact right time… well, I just hope that 'fate' was truly a thing, and strong enough to stop any of those potential issues from arising.
Overall, I wanted canon to continue as I knew, so my knowledge wasn't useless, but I didn't want to get involved in the story too much.
But if I ever ended up meeting the family later on… well, I might need to tell Paul he was a piece of shit, considering how he hadn't faced many consequences for his infidelity.
But then again… by the time I was likely to meet him, Paul would be travelling towards his death, and Zenith would either still be trapped in that dungeon, or incapacitated.
I couldn't help but frown at the thought.
"Yo! Little genius!"
Hearing the familiar voice, I turned to see Gal walking over, with an unknown man following beside him.
"Father, who is he?" Nina asked from my side.
"A training partner for your little boyfriend there," he said with a smirk, earning him a glare from the girl at my side. "Anyway, this will be a spar a little different from usual."
"How so?" I asked, looking at the man, who simply narrowed his eyes at me.
Weird… why did he seem a little pissed?
Well, actually, I think I already knew.
I doubt it was fun to be called by the Sword God for a spar, only to be met with an eight-year-old kid.
He likely didn't think I was anywhere close to his level, and would just be a useless challenge.
"Because it won't be a spar," Gal said, causing both me and the other man to look at him in slight surprise.
"What do you mean?" I asked him.
"I mean that this will be a real fight. You'll aim to kill. Both of you," he said seriously. "I'll stop you before you actually can, but don't think I'm there. Try to win, and try to survive."
Wait… he wanted me to fight a Sword Saint for real?
That was honestly a bit surprising…
"So, Vince, what do you think?" Gal said, narrowing his eyes at me.
"Huh? I'll… do it. I'm prepared," I said, gripping my sword hilt.
Just like any other challenge, I just needed to face it head on.
"Hmm… I see," Gal replied, keeping his eyes on me for an extra moment. "Well, no need to stand around. Let's get to it."
"Understood, Master," the man said, unsheathing his sword as Nina and Gal stepped away. "You truly want me to treat him seriously?"
"Unless you want to lose, you'll be forced to. Don't treat him like a normal kid," Gal said.
The man nodded as he set his stance towards me, my sword already drawn and ready as I analyzed my opponent.
His body was well-built, more so than my father, and he looked to be in his late twenties, with a large scar across his forearm.
Yeah… and the way he held his blade steady… he was strong.
But as strong as the Sword God?
No, definitely not.
And while I wasn't a Sword Saint yet, I still had my healing magic, alongside the other styles that increased my adaptability and defence.
So despite the difference in rank… I had a chance.
"Alright… go," Gal said, marking the start of the duel.
I instantly closed in with a Longsword of Silence, the world fading away as-
The man disappeared, and the next thing I knew, I was blown back as my body twisted on instinct.
I caught my footing before I stumbled, stopping for a moment as I prepared to reset myself… only to find that my balance was off.
Huh? What-?
Pain.
An intense, overwhelming flare of pain shot through my body as I let out a sharp gasp, my eyes blurring with tears as I looked to the source of the feeling.
My left arm.
It was… gone.
Cut clean at the elbow, with the stump spurting blood from the bare arteries.
I nearly passed out at the sight.
And normally, I probably would, but there was still a fight happening.
Snapping out of the shock, I lifted my sword as I sensed him closing in again, feeling the impact on my blade a moment later as my grip faltered, sending my sword flying through the air.
Now completely disarmed, in both ways, I finally saw his sword inching towards me as the world came to a slow.
And it was aimed right towards my neck.
Death.
I was about to die.
I had already instinctively stopped the bleeding of my arm with healing magic, and could eventually reattach it if I had the rest of it, but my head… I couldn't live without that for even a moment.
I felt a few scenes flash before me, all of them memories of my second chance at life.
My father's proud smile as I showed him my perfected Longsword of Silence.
My mother's joyful expression as I told her my thoughts on cell theory and showed her my healing magic.
Nina's frustrated yet excited smirk as I defeated her in yet another spar.
I had hardly even started yet… and it was going to end like this?
Clang!
I widened my eyes as a sword appeared in front of me, stopping the strike of the Sword Saint that was about to end my life.
"Alright, that's enough. Vince, hurry up and heal yourself, or I'll have to get your mother," Gal said as I fell back onto my ass.
I tried to speak, but I couldn't. My mind still processing it all as I crawled over to my forearm, which had thankfully not gone that far.
My hand was trembling hard as I pressed it to my stump, and it wasn't just due to the pain.
It was fear.
I tried to ignore it by focusing on my bones, muscles, and skin melding back together, the cells creating collagen to mend the broken tissue back to normal.
But it… wasn't completely working.
I eventually finished healing it back to normal, squeezing my fingers a few times to ensure that everything was properly connected.
There was still some soreness, but that was likely due to the phantom pain, or maybe due to the tender nerves that had just been reattached.
A few moments passed in silence as I steadied my breathing.
Calm down… you're alive. It's okay. You're safe.
But despite those reassurances… I still felt a little sick from it all.
"So… how was it?" Gal asked, causing me to look back at him. "I wanted to see you in a real fight for a few reasons, but I think you understood the main thing, right?"
I struggled to speak for a moment, needing to swallow down my spit before I could.
"Y-Yeah," I replied, shaking my head as I attempted to remove the nervousness. "I… shouldn't have tried a head-on fight."
Against someone faster like him… I should have waited for his first move, and either run, or deflect with the Water God Style.
"No, you shouldn't have. You're getting closer to that level, but you're not there yet," he said, leaning down to rest his hand on my shoulder. "You need to understand strength and how it influences a battle, or you'll die before you reach your full potential. It'd be a shame to lose a promising swordsman so young."
"R-Right," I replied.
Getting to my feet, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm down, opening them only to see Gal departing with the Sword Saint, who gave me a respectful nod as he did so.
At least I had shown my worth, I guess…
"Vincent!" Nina said, rushing over as she instantly grabbed my shoulders. "Vince, are you… okay?"
She was worried. And I could even see the faint trace of tears running down her cheeks.
"Yeah, I'm fine, Nina. Just… that was close," I said, rubbing the back of my neck.
"Yeah, it was…" she mumbled before suddenly punching my chest.
And not very lightly, either.
Was that something to do to someone who just lost their arm?
"What was that for?" I asked.
"For making me worry! I… thought you died," she said, gripping my jacket. "I… I thought you were invincible, Vince… but you're not. You… you scared me."
Right… she had definitely been shocked. Almost as much as me, it seemed.
I gently wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close as I rested my head on her shoulder.
There was no need for words. Just knowing I was here would be enough for her to get over it.
Nina was a strong girl like that.
While we remained in our hug, I went over my thoughts on the battle.
In short, I had been conceited.
Skill and knowledge were great, but they meant nothing compared to pure power in this world, and I had gotten too haughty in thinking my other abilities could properly compensate in a fight.
Sure, knowing healing magic and the other styles was useful, and would end up making me a strong and well-rounded warrior… but in the end, whoever cut off the other's head first won.
There was a reason the Sword God Style was considered the strongest sword style, and why most people focused only on one style their entire lives.
I was too prideful. Too confident in my growth and abilities.
I squeezed Nina a bit tighter as she gently hugged me back.
That… would not happen again.
—
"Keep your back straight, knees relaxed against the saddle… and keep your hands steady just above the horn, at least when you're in front or alone," Nina said, clicking her tongue as the horse began walking forward. "You should be moving with the horse, not against it, okay, Vince?"
I was currently learning how to ride a horse for the first time, and with Nina being already experienced in it, she had decided to show me the basics.
And from the tone of her voice… she was quite excited to be the one teaching me for the first time.
With her taking the front, we rode together along the snow-crested plains with the sound of waves crashing against the nearby coastal cliffs.
"Got it, Nina," I replied, steadying myself.
It was the first time I had ridden a horse, in either life, and while it was a bit odd to leave the movement completely to an animal… it felt cool, sitting up on such a beast.
"Good! Now let's try turning!" she said. "You'll understand better once you ride with one for a while, but it's basically the same thing for every horse that's properly trained. You steer it by guiding it with your legs, body, and reins all together."
She then went on to explain how to apply the right pressure with the inside leg of where you wanted to go, along with shifting the weight of the body in a particular direction and gently pulling the reins to the same side.
Honestly, she was doing very well as a teacher, especially when you considered her age.
But it also felt a bit rehearsed… had she prepared for this, ever since I asked about learning yesterday afternoon?
That was adorable.
"Now, we learn to stop," she said, sliding her body slightly closer to mine. "For this, you drop your weight like when preparing to launch a sword strike, and pull the reins back evenly, like this."
She then showed me an example, her voice calm and steady as she eased the horse with a gentle 'whoa'.
It was odd, seeing her like this, so composed and confident in comparison to our sword spars.
It would honestly be quite attractive if she wasn't still a kid.
She continued to teach me the basics for the next hour.
Having the horse start its movement with a light squeeze of the legs as you leaned forward, and controlling the speed with different amounts of leg pressure.
Overall, the main thing was to be gentle with it, and once you began riding faster, it was about keeping your balance and riding with the horse, not being too rigid.
Compared to my movements during swordsmanship, that part was easy, but perfecting the small cues would probably take some time to get the hang of.
That's what practice was for.
Eventually, we began heading back to the stable, with Nina trying to trick me by suddenly sprinting down the road for a moment, but I was able to keep my balance.
"Hey, Nina," I said as we were about to arrive. "Thank you… for teaching me."
"H-Huh!?" she replied, looking back with slightly flushed cheeks. "No, it's… fine. I'm a year older, after all!"
Right, there was that pride.
But at least she seemed happy with my thanks.
"Don't worry, I'll teach you anytime you need, so- whoa!"
But that pride seemed to be her downfall, as she promptly leaned over, about to fall to the ground.
Thankfully, I was faster, as my hands reached out to grab her hips, righting her back on the saddle.
"Careful," I said calmly, not wanting to point too much attention to it so she didn't get embarrassed.
"Uh, t-thank you…" she mumbled.
Yeah… she was definitely embarrassed.
With a smile, I went to move my hands off her hips, but before I could… I found them covered by something.
Her hands.
"Keep them there," she said, the horse slowing to a stop. "And actually… we should get some more practice before you try it alone."
She then turned us back around as we continued our little practice session.
—
I released a sigh as I lowered myself deeper into the water, the relaxing heat reaching the tip of my chin as I rested my head against the smooth rock behind me.
I was currently resting in the hot springs after yet another day of intense training.
Thankfully, I didn't have to be worried about controlling my battle aura or risk burning in this pool, so I could just relax and think about… everything.
My progress in the sword was going steady, and I could now sink my entire body into the hot pool, though not for too long, and could even pick up the biggest boulder now… though carrying it for more than a few seconds was still a work in progress.
I had taken my training a lot more seriously ever since my defeat against the Sword Saint, and my progress even surprised Gal, as he didn't expect me to be at my current level for another year.
I had also gotten a lot better at horse riding thanks to Nina's help, and honestly, I loved it quite a bit.
While I could run much faster than any horse if I really tried, there was something special about calmly riding as it galloped across the ground.
It was almost… majestic.
Unfortunately, while I had progressed with the sword and equestrianism, I had finally reached the point where my mana reserves would no longer grow with training.
It was hard to tell how much I had exactly, but I knew it paled in comparison to Rudeus'.
If I had to guess, it was likely at Roxy's level… maybe.
Luckily, I don't think my human-like mana reserves would be a problem, as I could use many Advanced-rank spells with no problem, and the combination of my knowledge of science and my mana control allowed me to be quite efficient with it.
So yeah… it was just about getting stronger, slowly yet surely, until I reached the rank of Sword Saint.
And then after that… well, I guess Sword King was my next goal, but I wasn't so sure.
After the rank of Sword Saint, becoming a higher rank was less about specific skills and techniques, and was just settled through spars.
So… I'm not quite sure if becoming a Sword King even mattered.
But still, I wonder what other methods I could use to get stronger?
I know I had the boulder and hot pool training, but after that… I wasn't sure how to improve.
Hmm… maybe I could use some weights?
If I could train enough to perform a Longsword of Light with a heavy weight attached to me, then my normal technique was sure to be even stronger, right?
I might need to ask Gal about that.
"Vince! Come wash my back!"
A familiar voice suddenly echoed from behind me, putting an end to my trance of relaxation and focus as I opened my eyes.
"Nina… wouldn't you prefer a girl to help you?" I asked, reaching for a cloth to cover myself as I stood up.
This wasn't the first time she had asked me to help her, but we were getting older, and closer to the age where such things would become… not as innocent as they currently were.
Well, at least she didn't surprise me by bathing with me anymore, and just asked for stuff like this.
"You're the only one here right now! Now come help!" she insisted.
Yeah… that was just like Nina.
While she was sweet, when it came to romance, I had a feeling she was going to be… surprisingly bold.