"I will guide you well."
Saudi's face took on a fierce expression as he rushed toward Luciel, swinging his sword.
With incredible speed, Luciel effortlessly dodged the strike.
Saudi's face shifted in frustration. He swung again, but once more, Luciel avoided the blow.
And again, Luciel dodged Saudi's sword with ease.
The laughter from the sidelines slowly faded, and the students' expressions shifted to concern.
"This guy is so fast!"
"Saudi is a fourth-level apprentice knight, and Luciel's speed at evading seems faster than Saudi can even draw his sword. He must be at least the strength of a fifth-level apprentice knight!"
"Could the rumors be true?!"
"Even if they are…"
Someone retorted, "But Fielding already said this contest only allows the use of fancy swordsmanship. He can't keep dodging without attacking."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Fielding, too, looked surprised. His eyes narrowed as he observed Luciel's skill.
So, this kid really has some talent. No wonder he received Julian's personal recommendation... so arrogant... but...
Fielding shook his head, silently thinking to himself: I've made it clear this contest only allows fancy swordsmanship. If he dares to break the rule, I'll immediately declare him the loser.
Saudi's strikes couldn't even graze Luciel's clothes, and Luciel's calm demeanor made Saudi feel like a fool, further fueling his anger.
"You coward! Use a sword, will you!" Saudi spat. "This is a swordsmanship contest, not a race of speed."
At those words, Luciel finally stopped and faced Saudi.
"As you wish," he replied calmly.
Luciel had already assessed Saudi's swordsmanship—it was no more than 85% perfect. Even without using the chip's guidance, Luciel could easily handle Saudi's moves.
Seeing Luciel stop, Saudi grinned triumphantly and lunged with a fierce stab.
Luciel responded with a strike of his own.
"He shot!"
The onlookers' eyes widened as they watched Luciel's every move.
If Luciel didn't use fancy swordsmanship, it would be a foul. Even if he defeated Saudi, it would be a disgrace.
But what happened next stunned everyone.
Even Fielding couldn't maintain his composure. His eyes widened in disbelief. "How is this possible?!"
As soon as Luciel made his move, Saudi found himself in a desperate position, unable to react in time.
And most surprising of all... Luciel was using Foil Swordsmanship!
The same elegant and uncompromising fancy swordsmanship that Fielding had demonstrated earlier.
Not only that, but Luciel's execution was more precise and flawless than Saudi's.
Saudi's moves, though not bad, appeared clumsy and raw in comparison. Luciel's swordplay was graceful and refined—like a waltz in a grand palace. His sword carved perfect arcs through the air.
The contrast was undeniable. To the observers, it was the difference between a nobleman in regal attire and a commoner in tattered rags.
"Oh my God…"
A chubby noble student gasped, his eyes wide in awe. "So, this is how beautiful Huazhe Swordsmanship can look when performed properly. I never noticed before."
"Yes, this is what true noble swordsmanship looks like. It really is court swordsmanship…"
At that moment, many of the noble students' views on Luciel changed dramatically. His swordsmanship showcased the elegance and superiority of noble status, leading them to reconsider their earlier mockery.
The long sword was expertly positioned at Saudi's neck. Saudi's face turned pale, and his body stiffened, frozen in place.
Luciel spoke softly, "Do you wish to continue?"
With a sharp clatter, Saudi's sword fell to the ground. His whole body collapsed, unable to comprehend what had just happened. "Impossible. This can't be real! How is your swordsmanship so flawless? You're just a beginner…"
Saudi's words struck like a bolt, leaving the students who had been mesmerized by Luciel's elegant swordplay shocked into awareness.
Wait... Luciel is a beginner at Foil Swordsmanship...
He had only observed Fielding's demonstration once and practiced for just two hours.
Two hours… Was that enough to master it to such a degree, when they had spent months training?
"Did you learn this swordsmanship before?" Fielding asked, his voice tinged with awe as he approached Luciel.
"Not at all," Luciel replied honestly, casually sheathing his sword.
His movements, though casual, were imbued with an elegance that seemed impossible to imitate. It was like the perfect curtain call to a ballroom performance.
Fielding's eyelids twitched. The swordsmanship he had just witnessed was flawless, without a single misstep. This kid is a born noble!
He had memorized the technique in one go and perfected it in two hours.
Fielding stood speechless for a moment, struggling to find words. Now it was clear—Luciel had genuinely remembered everything during that single demonstration. He wasn't being arrogant.
He truly is a genius.
The other students were equally stunned. Luciel's flawless execution of the Huazhe Swordsmanship—a technique passed down from the royal family of Lane—left them bewildered. How could he have mastered this?
Despite their disbelief, they couldn't deny the facts: Luciel was a monster of talent.
Luciel, sensing their gazes, finally broke the silence.
"Actually..." He looked at Fielding seriously. "I didn't want you to demonstrate it again, but now that I've practiced, I think I've done enough. I'd like to leave."
Fielding's face twitched at the remark. It felt like a slap in the face.
After a long pause, Fielding sighed deeply. "I now understand why Julian speaks so highly of you. He wasn't exaggerating at all."
Fielding looked at Luciel with a complex expression. "You can leave now. You're free to attend class anytime in the future. If you ever have any questions, you can come to me... not just about Foil Swordsmanship."
"Thank you, Teacher Fielding," Luciel said, giving a formal, noble bow before turning and leaving.
As Luciel walked away, the room was filled with a mix of awe, shock, and confusion. Their perception of him had shifted completely.
"I believe the rumors now," someone murmured from the back.
In the corner, Susan, the girl with the golden ponytail, couldn't help but admire Luciel. Her eyes sparkled with newfound respect. "It looks like Lawrence has finally met his match…"
Her companions nodded in agreement, silently acknowledging the truth of her words.
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