A couple of days had passed since my arrival at the Water God dojo, and since then, I had begun training with the Water God herself… and she was an amazing teacher.
Just as she had mentioned before, Gal was more of an intuitive type. So while he gave me plenty of useful examples and pointers in the right direction, he was never able to clearly explain the techniques.
But Reida… she could.
And thanks to that, I already had a better understanding of Flow, as she had taken the time to explain the technique while emphasizing how I was meant to control my battle aura.
In the afternoons, I had also sparred a couple of times with the other students at the school.
As expected, on my second day here, they had called me out, wanting to teach me a lesson about getting close to Isolte despite being a commoner, but… well, let's just say that they were the ones who got taught that day.
They respected me a lot more now, and for the most part, the spars were now friendly bouts focused on helping all of us get stronger, instead of being an excuse to beat some sense into each other.
But unfortunately, I hadn't made any friends with them.
There were multiple reasons.
First, I was much younger than the others.
While there wasn't any rank restriction like for the main hall in the Sword Sanctum, Reida wouldn't allow anyone here that would waste her time, so most students of the Water God Style trained at other dojos until they became Advanced rank, where they then came here to train.
And of course, there were very few people that could become an Advanced rank swordsman before their third birthday… hence the age problem.
And second, I was too skilled.
While it was usually an equal fight if I restricted myself to the Water God Style, since I was a Sword Saint, most of my opponents were outclassed by a rank.
Our spars were still beneficial for the most part, but when you could easily be beaten by a kid… well, it kind of created an invisible distance between us.
Lastly, many didn't like me for suddenly arriving here and getting the Water God's personal attention, even if I had the skills and potential to back it up.
All of this wasn't helped by the fact that I was a commoner, while most of the other students here were either nobles, future knights, or children of merchants.
But that was fine.
After all, I had one friend in this place, and that was all I needed, just like it had been at the Sword Sanctum.
And speaking of that friend… we were currently in the middle of our midday sparring session.
"Isolte, crouch your body lower. The Sword God Style is about compressing your power for an instantaneous movement," I instructed.
"Like this?" she asked, adjusting her footwork.
Hmm… close.
"Almost… here," I said, crouching down and moving her leg, before I then grabbed her hips, correcting her body position. "There. That's a good stance."
Of course, there was no embarrassment to be had despite the… slightly intimate gesture.
After all, this was sword training, and we both took it seriously.
"I see… but I can't properly defend like this. My weight is too far forward," she complained, furrowing her eyebrows.
"Yeah, but that's how the Sword God Style operates. It sacrifices defence for offence, to end the fight in one move," I explained. "It might seem idiotic at first, but when you properly execute a slash with all your strength, you'll understand."
"Mhm…" she murmured, clearly uncomfortable with it.
Well, this was learning a new style that was completely opposite her usual one, so it made sense for it to feel awkward.
"Now, copy this movement. This is the Longsword of Silence, the technique that qualifies one as an Advanced-rank Sword God swordsman," I said, getting into the familiar position.
In an instant, I moved across the patch of dirt, the clap of the sound barrier breaking echoing behind me as I finished my strike.
At this point, it was more difficult to perform a Longsword of Silence than a Longsword of Light, since I had to actively restrict myself.
"So… you can see why, right?" I said, turning back to her. "It might neglect defence, but that doesn't matter if you strike the opponent first. That is the philosophy of the Sword God Style."
It was obvious that my demonstration got the point across.
"Ah… I see," she said, shaking away the amazed look on her face. "But still… to think you're a Sword Saint and on the path to becoming a Water Saint… and not to mention your incredible healing magic… you're amazing, Vincent."
I felt my lips curl into a smile at that.
After all, who didn't like being praised?
Especially when it was from a nice and cute girl like Isolte.
"Thank you, but I can say the same to you," I replied. "Even if I'm younger than you, I have been training since I was three. And reaching the Advanced rank at your age… that already makes you a prodigy. And not a lazy one, either."
She simply smiled at me.
"I… yes, I suppose so. Thank you, Vincent-"
"Indeed, the indomitable, beautiful Lady Isolte is a genius nowhere near the level of us ordinary folk," a boy's voice interrupted, his tone a mix of mockery and annoyance. "Even those of us who are called talented pale in comparison to her. After all, she's the chosen one, the beloved jewel of Grandmother."
I turned to the boy, where I was met with an unfamiliar face, but one that didn't feel completely foreign.
Short, ultramarine-black hair… dark blue eyes… a refined face…
"Who are you?" I asked.
"Quite rude, aren't you? You think that just because you're better, you can dare to-"
Ah, this spiel again… I had already heard this quite a few times with the nobles around here.
My manners were not poor. In fact, for a commoner, they were even impressive. But I would not bow down to the noble brats around here just because they were a higher class… and this guy was no different.
But before I could brush off his tirade… someone else beat me to it.
"Lord Brother, that is enough!" Isolte said, sharply cutting him off. "Vincent is a student of Grandmother's, and he is… my friend. So I ask that you not speak to him like that."
The boy widened his eyes in surprise before he suddenly clicked his tongue.
"A friend? You?" he mocked. "And speaking to me like that… do you know your position?"
"My position is irrelevant within the walls of this dojo, Lord Brother. Please respect that," she returned calmly.
The boy's eyebrow twitched before he suddenly turned away, not even giving us any parting words as he left.
"Are… you okay, Isolte?" I asked.
"Y-Yes, I am fine…" she answered, shaking her head. "While not to that extent, it is not my first time having an argument with my older brother."
So he was her older brother… what an annoying guy.
"Tantris Cruel… that is his name," she explained. "He's two years older than me. We used to be quite close, but once my talent in swordsmanship was discovered… well, he has disliked me ever since."
Ah… so he got surpassed by his little sister, and ended up hating her out of jealousy.
What a pathetic guy.
Even if he was only 14, in this world, he was only a year away from being an adult, so I wouldn't give him the excuse of youth.
I could get the frustration, especially if he truly loved swordsmanship, but if I had a little sister like Isolte, it would be difficult to ever stop doting on her.
"Still… he was quite confrontational," I said.
"Yes… though that might be due to you, Vincent," she said, giving me a small smile. "He likely heard that there was a person younger than me learning under our grandmother, and after seeing you in person… he also understood that you're stronger than me."
Right… that definitely wouldn't help a fragile ego.
"I see… does he train here? I don't remember seeing him before," I said.
"In the past, he used to train here every day… but ever since becoming preoccupied with learning under Father to become the heir, that has become a rarer occurrence," she said, a small smirk appearing on her face. "I suppose that's why he has remained at the Intermediate rank for so long."
It seemed that she had some harsh feelings towards her brother, but seeing him in person, I definitely understood why.
But focusing more on her expression, she also seemed… a bit sad.
"Do you… want to talk about it?" I asked.
"There's no need, really," she said, shaking her head. "I have gotten used to that coldness, as my relationship with the rest of my family as a whole is… strained."
"It is?" I asked, confused.
Why would that be?
Isolte was a wonderful, smart, and talented girl, so while I could see how her brother would be jealous, her parents should be nothing but proud.
"Grandmother must have told you, how the Water God abandons their name and family, right?" she said, looking off into the distance.
"Yeah… that's why she's called Reida Reia," I answered.
"Exactly. So, after she became the acting Water God, abandoning the Cruel Family, the relationship between the two shattered," Isolte said, releasing a sigh. "My family is that of a Count. And when Grandmother succeeded the position, my father expected her support in challenging the Euros Greyrat family for more independence, perhaps even joining them as a Duke… but Grandmother remained independent."
Ah… so there was that as well.
Ignoring the interesting political dynamics, it certainly explained why Reida might not be close with them… but that still didn't answer my question.
"But… why would that make your relationship with your family strained?" I asked.
She looked back at me, thinking over her words for a moment.
"Well, they don't appreciate me coming to train under Grandmother… but I love the sword, and I left my family to come here since I was seven, when I reached the Beginner rank," she explained. "And frankly, it is also partly my fault, as I don't want any part in the politics my father attempts… I suppose that makes me quite a bad daughter."
So they tried to push their political agenda onto their daughter… as I thought, nobles were quite distasteful in this world.
"That's nonsense. If they had any sense, they would understand how great of a daughter you are," I said, shaking my head. "It… must suck, being in such a position. I'm sorry."
She simply smiled softly at me.
"Thank you for your kind words, Vincent, but they are unnecessary. My situation is one that is extremely lucky compared to most," she said, looking up at the sky. "Being abandoned by my family does hurt, but considering I basically did the same in return, I have no right to complain. The only thing is that it feels… quite lonely sometimes."
She then looked back to look at me.
"But with you here… well, I suppose that feeling has dulled a bit," she said, flashing me a charming smile.
…Okay, I would definitely not be leaving her alone now.
Best friends forever.
And thankfully, she was only a cute kid at this point, because if she had said those words when she was older and a bit more mature… I would have instantly folded.
"I feel the same, being far away from home," I said, extending my hand. "So let's continue to get along, Isolte."
Her eyes widened, but after a moment, she took my hand and lightly shook it.
"Indeed, Vincent," she replied.
—
"So… why are we here?" I asked.
"To train," Reida answered calmly.
"And why am I dressed only in my underwear?" I asked.
"To train," she answered again. "Unless you want to get your clothes unnecessarily drenched."
How very useful of an answer…
"Right… Isolte, do you know what this is?" I asked, looking over to my friend.
Her gaze, which had been centred on my body, snapped up to my face as her cheeks gained a bit of colour.
Was my build that interesting to look at?
I guess, for a ten-year-old, having such defined muscles would be quite odd.
"A-Ah! Yes! This is the training method that Grandmother used to-"
"Isolte, don't spoil it," Reida said, cutting her off as she nodded to me. "You, get in the pool."
I should have expected this as soon as she brought me here… well, no use in waiting around.
Not wanting to disobey her order, I immediately jumped in, my toes barely reaching the bottom as I began to tread water.
Actually, if I thought about it, this was the first time I had actually swum in this body, as sitting in the hot spring didn't count.
Thankfully, it seemed that the instincts carried over between lives.
"So, what do I do now?" I asked, my body quickly getting used to the temperature.
Since it was the middle of spring, the temperature was a bit cold, but having spent many mornings at the Sword Sanctum training outside in the cold, it wasn't too bad.
"Huh… well, the first thing was making sure you can swim, but it seems that isn't a problem," Reida said, giving me an impressed nod.
I felt my eye twitch in annoyance.
So, she was just going to let me drown if I didn't know?
No, she would probably save me, but still… couldn't she have just asked first?
"Anyway, since you're comfortable, we can move on to the next phase right away," she said, picking up a wooden sword before tossing it towards me. "You're going to do your usual training, starting with your morning practice swings, but this time… underwater."
…What?
"May I ask why?" I said.
"No, you can't," she replied with a smirk. "Just get down there and do it as long as you can hold your breath. It might be difficult at first, but once you can do it, you'll notice why."
I looked over to Isolte, and seeing that she wasn't confused, but rather just looking amused, it seemed that this was an actual training method that she had likely gone through as well.
"And this will improve my Flow?" I asked Reida.
"Do you doubt my teaching methods?" she replied with a question.
And seeing her eyes narrow while her hand moved to rest on her sword… yeah, it was time to go.
I took a deep breath before diving down, enhancing my entire body with battle aura as I sunk to the bottom.
Thankfully, I didn't really have to fight buoyancy that much, and I could only guess that was due to my build, as muscles were denser than water while fat was the opposite.
And if I had any problems, there were rocks at the bottom that I could stick my feet under to stay submerged.
With my feet touching the bottom, I held my sword forward as I got into the familiar stance.
And raising it over my head… well, it was much slower than usual, and much more awkward.
Focusing on my body, I swung down… and my sword instantly shot off-course to the right.
Okay, this was much more awkward than I thought.
I coated the sword in battle aura as I performed the same action.
It was better this time, more controlled… but it was still nowhere near my usual level.
Was this what Reida meant by me 'noticing it'?
I performed a couple more swings, and yet again, I got the same result.
Awkward, inaccurate, unstable, slow… and not under my control.
It felt a bit depressing, to see all the years of training be reduced to practically nothing just because of some water.
With my air running out, I swam back up to the surface, inhaling a deep breath as I wiped the hair out of my eyes.
I might need to cut it soon…
"So? How was it?" Reida asked.
"It was… not great," I answered.
I then went on to explain the sensation, how everything felt slow and awkward, nothing like my usual swings.
"Good. That means you understand," Reida said as she picked up a giant pole.
Where did that come from?
And… why was she holding it like that? Like she was about to go spear fishing?
"Now, while it would be useful for you to train underwater to get used to it, that's not what you're here for," she said. "Instead, you're going to perform Flow underwater."
"But… don't you need an opponent to properly train that?" I said, confused.
"Indeed you do," she said, smirking as she adjusted her grip on the pole.
Oh… oh no.
"Now… get under there," she demanded.
I wanted to argue, but I could tell that it would be useless, so I immediately submitted to my fate.
Sinking back to the bottom, I readied my stance as I held my sword forward.
And then… I felt it.
The sound of something plunging into the water, and the approaching wooden pole aimed right at my shoulder.
I could easily dodge it, but that wasn't the point of this training.
Instead, with battle aura coating my practice sword, I raised it to deflect… only to miss, getting a jab just above my armpit in response.
Despite the speed being enough to break most people's bones, with battle aura enhancing my body, it would only leave a light bruise at the worst.
But that didn't matter.
The fact that I got hit, did.
The strike was slow… even an Intermediate-ranked swordsman could easily deflect it… but I hadn't.
All because of the damn water making things difficult.
The pole retreated before lunging forward again, now aiming for my chest.
This time, I was able to deflect it to the side, but it was still sloppy technique. And rather than being an application of Flow, it was more like the basic parry technique taught in the Beginner rank, as my battle aura didn't do anything.
This water… it was really annoying.
I couldn't do any sudden movements under here, as the water was much more dense than air.
Wide swings would be dramatically slowed, and my pushing water, my body was pushed back in response, making everything unstable.
The drag and turbulence would mess with my alignment, and small imperfections in angles would be amplified as the water would guide it off-course.
So… how would I fix this?
I deflected another pole strike, this time not quite enough, as it grazed my side, leaving a small scratch as it passed.
With my air running out yet again, I swam up to the surface, noticing that Isolte had begun her own training, as a few wooden sticks were tied to the tree next to us, all swinging back and forth, often hitting Isolte as they passed.
The Secret Art she was training, Thousand-Ripple Guard, required being able to deflect every attack and projectile around her, so it made sense as a training method… even if it looked weird.
But more importantly… my training.
How was I meant to use Flow properly underwater?
Reida simply stood in silence as I thought, a pleased smile on her face.
Okay… first off, I needed to stop doing sudden movements. Those wouldn't work.
Instead, it needed controlled constant pressure, as once I was moving through water, it was easier to continue pushing through it.
Next, I needed to use smaller, accurate movements, and when I did them, I needed to make sure it didn't push me back.
Okay… let's try it.
I dove back down, settling into my stance as I went through my new mindset.
Right now, I was fighting the water. I couldn't do that.
I needed to use it. To become one with it.
Rather than pushing, or even cutting through it… I needed to flow with it.
I sensed the incoming attack, now aiming for my head.
So Reida was getting more serious as well…
My sword rose with a smooth movement, the water barely churning as my blade rose to deflect the attack.
My battle aura hummed as my sword brushed against the pole, the momentum transferring to my blade as my feet instinctively shifted.
Everything felt right, and while it still didn't feel natural, it no longer felt like I was fighting the water with every movement.
And as I turned my sword to direct a counterattack against the water in front of me… my control faltered.
But that was okay.
Despite not being perfect, or even good compared to my usual technique… it felt much better than before.
I was tested a few more times, each strike making me feel more comfortable with my form, before I eventually had to come back up for air.
"So, I couldn't see everything, but it seems that you figured something out," Master Reida said.
"Yeah… I have to go with the water, not fight it," I replied.
"That so? That's some flowery words for a guy from the Sword Sanctum," she said, dropping the pole on the ground. "Come on out. Let's see if your improvement actually did something when you fight on land."
I lifted myself out of the pool, and after using a blast of wind magic to blow off most of the water on my body, I readied myself with my still-soaked practice sword as Reida took out her own.
It was a real sword, so despite knowing she had enough control to not cut me when she was testing me, it was still a good motivator.
She struck like a whip, her wrist bending as she lunged forward with a precise attack.
My foot moved to the side, smoothly gliding across the grass as I lifted my arm, the ease of the motion almost causing me to stop in surprise.
It felt… so easy.
Battle aura surged across my blade as it scraped against hers, and turning my body, my sword manoeuvred through the air, swiftly cutting towards Reida's neck… only to splinter into pieces once it actually struck her.
I guess that was what God-ranked battle aura did to a wooden sword.
"That was good… no, considering how you were before, that was amazing," Reida said, her slightly surprised look fading into an intrigued grin. "So? How did it feel?"
"It felt… smoother," I replied, looking down at the remains of the practice sword. "Compared to being in the water, everything felt fast. And compared to my previous technique… it's as if I finally found the right rhythm… I'm not just using my sword, but now I'm moving with it."
Yeah… that was the best way to put it.
She nodded, seemingly happy with my answer.
"Good. It seems that using this training method works for you," she said, pointing to the pool. "From now on, this will be part of your training in Flow. Also, think about moving some of your regular sword swings into there."
"I was already thinking the same," I said, looking down, clenching my fist.
If this could enhance my Flow, even when it was already a comparatively 'slow' movement… then what could it do the Sword God Style, when it was built on speed and moving through fluid faster?
And yes, air was a fluid… although people of this world wouldn't think of it as so.
"Yeah… honestly, considering how one session improved you this much, this training might be all you need to be prepared for Mirror-Cutting Current," she said before giving me a smile. "And besides… it also has other benefits besides just making you stronger."
I tilted my head in confusion.
What did she mean by that?
Because it helped me get used to swimming? Maybe for the stamina to hold your breath?
Seeing my confusion, Reida then motioned her head to the side, and following her eyes, I was met with the sight of Isolte as she continued her training drill.
Only… she wasn't focused on the moving sticks, and instead was sneaking a glance over to me, her cheeks reddened as she suddenly refocused on her training.
"I like you, kid. You have a good head on your shoulders, and I can trust you to protect and be good to her," Reida suddenly said. "But… I don't want any great-grandchildren until you're married, okay?"
Huh?
What did she…? Oh.
"T-That! I-!" I stammered in embarrassment before I took a breath to calm myself. "That… I won't be doing any of those things until I'm older."
"That's good, but don't keep me waiting too long," she said, smiling wider.
I… doubt that would happen.
I don't remember exactly who it was, but she did eventually get married to some knight… a knight who was definitely not me.
"G-Grandmother! Just what are you saying over there!" Isolte shouted, having seemingly caught on to our conversation.
Reida, however, simply chuckled to herself as she walked away, leaving the two of us too flustered to look at each other.
Dammit, this master of mine… focusing on swordsmanship was much simpler than getting teased like this.
And why did both her and Gal have the same desire to embarrass me?
Suggesting those things to a couple of kids… this world truly had some weird views on sex.
—
A couple of weeks had passed, and Isolte and I had been given a task from Master Reida.
That was to go to the shopping district to order new practice swords.
It was a simple task, but still something that needed to be done, and Reida had said it would be a good way for me to see more of the noble district.
I had already explored a lot of the city, both during my free time and on the way out of the city for Helios' nightly run, but I had stayed away from the noble district for… obvious reasons.
While I was allowed to go there, it would be annoying if anyone made any complaints about me being a commoner, and also… well, there just wasn't much to do there.
There were no public areas or shows, since nobles would just have said entertainment in their mansions or during a party, and while there were quite a few shops and merchants, all the things there were too expensive for me, especially since I didn't have any money left over from my travels.
And so, here I was, walking through the paved streets of the noble district for the first time with Isolte at my side.
It was obvious that this area of the city was maintained better, with engraved polished stones on the sidewalk, the magic stone lanterns that lined the sides of buildings, and small canals that ran down the side of the street, acting as the drainage system from rainfall.
This area also smelled much better, but I had a feeling that was due to the smaller population density rather than any proper sewage system.
It was never properly explained in the novels, at least from what I remember, but it seemed that this world had followed a similar path to the real world in terms of technological development, with the current age being reminiscent of medieval times, where centralized public works were yet to be the norm.
I know I didn't want to screw things up with the main story too much… but I would be lying if I said I didn't want to introduce some technologies to this place.
Namely, running water and proper sanitation.
But ignoring that…
"So, how is the Sword Sanctum? Grandmother said it was full of… 'idiotic brutes', but you're more mature than many of the other students here," Isolte said. "Is she perhaps mistaken? I don't doubt that she has encountered such individuals, but still…"
With the walk itself being quite boring, we decided to use the time to learn more about each other's lives.
"No, Master is right… but I prefer to say that they're focused on swordsmanship, and only swordsmanship," I answered. "The people there are mostly illiterate, and magic is extremely rare. The only reason I learned both skills is because of my mother."
"I see… still, you're incredibly smart, despite coming from such a place. I don't doubt that if you wished, you could already become a minister or a knight," she said, impressed.
I felt my cheeks heat up at the praise.
It was a bit embarrassing to hear, considering my mental age was doing most of the work, but I couldn't exactly refuse, as she already knew about my intelligence.
As for how… well, Master Reida had said after my first week that she didn't want her students to be idiots, and thus, she had given me a little test with a mix of geography, history, literacy, and arithmetic.
My literacy was good, though there were some words I hadn't encountered during this life yet, so I had made a new habit of reading a book before bed every night, which thankfully, I was allowed to borrow from the library.
My geography was acceptable as well, since my knowledge of canon and studying the atlas from home had given me a good basis, but I didn't know the intricate details of the Asura Kingdom, such as the names of cities besides Roa and Ars.
My arithmetic was my best skill, as it easily translated between lives… and that was the reason Isolte said I could become a minister already.
And lastly, with history… well, let's say that most of my nightly reading consisted of history books.
After all, aside from the things I remembered from the story, my knowledge of this world's history was practically none.
"Well… maybe, but I don't think I plan on being either of those things," I replied.
"Really? Then… what do you wish to do in the future?" she asked.
Yeah… I guess that was a good question.
A little too good of a question, at least at this point.
"I'm… not sure," I answered truthfully. "All I really want is to live a simple life… have a family and settle down peacefully."
Yeah… that was it.
While I was getting quite strong, and meeting extremely strong people, the only reason I was focused on getting stronger was to protect my loved ones against whatever might happen.
But I was getting closer to the age of 15, when I would become an adult… so I would soon have to actually start thinking about what I wanted to do in my life.
Maybe I could become a merchant, selling interesting technologies and ideas I knew from my previous world?
Or maybe I could open a dojo in a city, considering that I already had the credentials to do so.
Similarly, I could also sell my healing skills, working as a doctor.
Yeah… there were a few options, and all would grant me relatively stable success in life, so I would just need to pick one.
"A simple life… I like the sound of that," Isolte said, causing me to look over at her. "Ever since I was little, I have had only one dream. To become the Water God. But… I wouldn't mind settling down like that, either. Especially since Grandmother is so busy."
Yeah… seems quite stressful to be the leading figure of one of the great styles.
Although Gal had a much more relaxed life…
"Why have you wanted to become the Water God for so long?" I asked.
"Well… first, I love swordsmanship, and especially the Water God Style," she answered. "And secondly… it would grant me independence. With my position as a noble's daughter, I would be destined to be married off for political gain. Especially since my father wishes to advance his position. But… I do not wish to be a pawn, nor do I want to be married to someone I do not like."
That made a lot of sense… but it sucked that she had to work so hard for such basic freedom.
"So being the Water God allows you to do what you want," I said, nodding my head knowingly. "But at this point, do you not have enough power to become independent by yourself? Especially once you become a Water Saint."
"I… suppose that is true… but becoming the Water God would make things much easier," she said.
"I see…"
I guess being a noble had its own difficulties… maybe that was why so many of them acted so shitty to commoners.
With their fate being mostly decided at birth, they might just want a way to feel in control for once, hence using their position against those beneath them.
Huh… I had never thought of it that way… if it was true, that certainly made me more sympathetic…
Still don't like them, though.
And with that small epiphany, we continued walking down the street, with me telling her a few stories about the Sword Sanctum, as well as what I had seen during my travels to reach this city.