Playing the Perfect Fox-Eyed Villain Chapter 103

Episode 103. One Stroke

⇒ It wasn't a battle that would raise the level of understanding of 〈Ilpilhwiji〉.

Through sparring with Fern, I was building up the concept of 'sword technique', but at some point, even that stopped being helpful.

It's not a battlefield where life and death are at stake, and Fern is either getting hit by the sword or striking them one by one with his sword, so it's hard to get a feel for it.

furthermore.

'Still weak.'

The 'black energy' that was fired was not powerful enough to cause significant damage.

Even if concentration was slightly disturbed, countless times it would shatter like a cookie in the air rather than spread out.

“Ugh… Ugh.”

I said to Fern, who was out of breath.

“Thank you, that’s all for the sparring.”

“Ah, I see…… Huh, Sir Yurian.”

Clang──!

At the words "stop", Fern put down his sword and fell to the floor.

Somehow, looking at the dispirited guy's eyes, I could tell he was quite tired.

Even though you say you've used up all your strength, it's still 'black energy'. If you get hit, it'll hurt, and if you accidentally get hit in a vital spot, you could die.

It's brave to have endured this much.

“Was this helpful…?”

Help? Of course it helped.

I think I've learned the basics, even if it's not an advanced course.

But, I felt like if I simply answered 'yes', it would damage his pride.

Since ancient times, 'knights' have been an abnormal group of people who live with their own pride.

In the first place, are people who live off of 'sword rice', where there is a lot of blood and they are constantly getting stabbed with knives, normal?

“Unfortunately, it didn’t help much.”

“As expected…… I’m sorry.”

“Please try a little harder. If you go out on a mission with that level of skill, you’ll most likely die.”

Fern bowed his head in the face of the pouring harsh criticism.

“But as a knight, you are competent.”

Fern looks up at me with a puzzled look at the sudden compliment.

"yes?"

“Your refined swordsmanship and mana management are the epitome of a knight. However, because of that, I don’t think you’ve been of much help to me.”

The ability to handle the sword called 'Ilpilhwiji' is an ability that is far from refined, contrary to its name.

It suits the unorthodox, instinctive nature better.

So he continued to provoke Fern.

When you lose your mind in anger and rush in with a life-or-death attitude, you may show your true human nature.

What I wanted from Fern was swordsmanship that felt raw. But… … .

He's a knight too.

It was not easy to change the sword that was familiar to his body. It was simply the epitome of a ‘knight’.

Moreover, as the duel went on, Fern became keenly aware of the gap between us and his fighting spirit became dull.

Even though 'Yurien' has natural talent and uses his own unique swordsmanship.

What I learned is the standard.

The sword of 'Yurien' is somewhat organized and systematized.

In addition, since it has the characteristics of 'mental armament' and the character of 'poker face', it is impossible to reach the realm of 'real combat' through normal sparring.

'The situation I want is an enemy who rushes at me with the intent to kill.'

If it doesn't reach that level, it's not even an 'experience'.

“Lord Yurian, I know this may be rude, but could you teach me a lesson?”

The moment I was about to say goodbye and leave, I heard Fern's earnest voice.

Want some guidance? Hmm, I don't know.

What should I tell you?

In fact, the swordsmanship I use and know is based on my natural physical condition and game knowledge.

It wasn't something I built myself from the beginning.

Of course, the swordsmanship used by 'Fern' was not included in that knowledge.

'How do I say that?'

No, I need to know what your specialty is and what swordsmanship you mainly use before I can give you any advice.

Since I don't have much knowledge about swordsmanship, I couldn't explain it in detail.

But since I couldn't reveal the truth straight away, I decided to give it some lip service and let the situation pass.

“I’m sorry, I’m not generous enough to teach my ‘competitor’.”

“I’m competing…… well…….”

Knights with only muscle in their heads love to be recognized by other higher-ranking knights.

Although, it is the recognition of the notorious 'Laughing Squad'.

It must have some value.

furthermore.

'You helped me with the training, so you can tell me this much, right?'

Good work.

I bowed my head briefly and prepared to leave the training ground.

“You, Sir Yulian!”

Fern called my name again.

“If you are thinking about doing it for real… there is a place I would like to recommend.”

***

"ha……."

Eleanor sighed.

'If you're a noble of the empire, there's nothing you can do,' she thought, as she was used to conflicts between fellow bishops.

They are the ones who take what belongs to each other more than anyone else.

But for her, who rose to the position of 'Arch Bishop' in charge of them.

'As Arch Bishop, controlling them is just too much of a hassle.'

At the same time, although it was out of sync, she had no choice but to prevent this major conflict, as she wanted the Dawn Society to survive.

That's why she put a 'wiretapping spell' on the other bishops. To prevent any situation from happening.

'But it failed for the person who needed to be watched out for the most.'

Yurian Kraiphart Frasson.

He could boldly say that he was an outstanding figure even among bishops.

Of course, it was he who allowed me to rise to the position of 'Arch Bishop'.

The favor that Patriarch Tenelon bestowed upon him was tremendous.

'That's the problem.'

A man who is resented by all the bishops because he acts arrogantly while riding on that favor. Recently, it seems that there are even members of the church who support him.

'There is no hesitation in action.'

It was obvious that touching Aiden this time would cause a huge uproar within the Dawn Society.

Not only are there many wizards who have joined the Dawn Society, led by Aiden, but most of those wizards are close to being 'pure-blooded'.

'That's what a wizard is.'

Eleanor's gaze turned to the book on the desk.

[Magic Table Record]

The subtitle written under the cover is.

[Pure mana accumulates in blood.

Bloodline is the measure of a supreme wizard.]

Although it is a phrase that does not boast the same power as it once did, it still has a great influence on magicians.

'There is still a widespread tendency to look down on those who are not of pure blood, calling them half-blooded.'

But Aiden, who was hurt by that 'half-ass', will try to get revenge somehow.

To keep your beliefs.

– “Yeah, I thought you’d hear from me soon.”

Finally, through the eavesdropping magic installed on someone, the voice was transmitted to the magic tool.

Bishop Korund is a man who seems like a hero, but is not.

'But who are you talking to?'

The eavesdropping spell cast by Eleanor does not eavesdrop on the target's every move.

This is how it activates when you use the magic of message to speak directly to someone else.

That means Bishop Korund is talking to someone via communications.

– “Even the snobbish Donatien family wouldn’t be able to handle Yurian alone.”

The voice of Korund continues.

House of Donatien, Yurian.

Eleanor could immediately tell who he was talking to by guessing what Korund was saying.

'Aiden.'

He may soon become the main character of the storm that will hit the Dawn Society.

– “It’s not hard to help. As someone who advocates pure-bloodism, I’m not too happy about the half-blooded Yurian running wild.”

Perhaps Aiden asked Korund for cooperation.

To expel Yurian from the Dawn Society, or to kill him.

'Sigh, this is annoying.'

It would be fine to just keep quiet, but these nobles with their high self-esteem insist on buying it.

Eleanor sighed inwardly again.

– “But, Aiden, I’m extremely suspicious of this situation.”

She listens to the magic tool again as the flow of the story suddenly changes.

– “A wizard of your caliber allowed Yurian access.”

That makes some sense.

Aiden, a 5th tier 'Vargo' level magician of the gold element, can be considered a skilled magician.

– “The fight between a wizard and a knight usually ends in two cases.”

If Aiden and Yurian had truly been together, it wouldn't have ended with just a wound to the 'eye'.

– “Victory without even a shred of vitality, or defeat by loss of limb, or even death.”

Korund was also a wizard, so he knew this fact well.

– “As long as a wizard has a heart, a mouth to cast spells, and a brain, his fighting power will not disappear.”

'What are you trying to say?'

Eleanor looked up and concentrated.

– “The fight wouldn’t have ended with just a bruise on the eye. So why did the rumor spread like that?”

After a moment of silence, Korund's voice was heard again.

– “Aren’t you trying to get rid of the bishops who rebelled by colluding with Yurian?”

This is a somewhat understandable assumption.

It was none other than Aiden who brought Yurian, who was in danger of being kicked out of the system due to the influence of the noble elders, into the 'Dawn Society'.

'No way.'

Of course, Eleanor didn't believe it.

It was Yurian who stopped Aiden's experiment, and it was also Aiden who sent Alphas to kill Yurian.

Even though I thought Yurian would be useful when I was scouting, I don't think so now.

– “Haha, I’m not going to go over the story of being ambushed.”

A cheerful laughter was heard.

– “Anyway, let’s meet ‘there’ and talk again. It won’t be too late to talk about Yurian then.”

With that, the eavesdropping magic ended.

“……Seriously, this is so annoying.”

She put down her magic tool and stood up from her seat.

Rights come with responsibilities.

If I had known this would happen, I would have done whatever it took to hand over the position of Arch Bishop to Yurian.

That was what Eleanor thought.

***

– 'If you want to see a battle closer to real life, how about watching a martial arts show?'

What Fern recommended after finishing the training was none other than the martial arts hall.

It is a place similar to the arena seen in the Holy Land. Although you cannot see bloody battles with 'demons', it is a place where fighters fight each other.

'Sure, if you're a martial artist, you can accumulate real-life data.'

I thought Fern's suggestion was okay, so I headed straight to the restaurant Myeongwol Gwan on the outskirts of the island.

This is because one of the groups that manages the martial arts hall is the 'Blood Demon Group' located in the slums.

“What is it?”

Today, unlike the last time I came, Arthur, the personal bodyguard of Tsuare and the fake boss of the 'Blood Demon Group', the 'Vampire', was guarding the place.

“I came to see the theater.”

“Tuale-sama is not here at the moment.”

I looked up at the sky, dumbfounded by Arthur's words.

'The sun is at its zenith?'

Like a vampire, T'Ara avoids sunlight.

This is because she also has all the weaknesses of vampires that are usually dealt with in subculture.

“You, Sir Yulian……!”

At that moment, an urgent voice stopped Arthur.

The boy named Eren who always guided me.

“T, Mr. Truale said it would be okay for you to come up.”

Yeah, there's no way it wouldn't happen.

If a vampire is directly hit by sunlight, he or she will be burned or turned to ash.

You wouldn't be walking around in broad daylight unless you were crazy.

“Tsk.”

I left Arthur, who was clearly showing signs of discomfort, behind and headed toward the elevator.

Soon we arrived at the floor where Tway was, and as soon as I saw her face, I got straight to the point.

“I want to see the martial arts show.”

The 'Mutugwan' I mentioned is operated on a membership basis.

The main reason is that nobles with sophisticated tastes want to hide their identities.

Of course, since it can bring in money, the Bloodthirsty Corps actually encourages it even more.

Even if I go looking for it blindly, there's no one stupid enough to stop me.

You dare stop the 'Laughing Squad'?

It's a good thing the liver doesn't come out of the stomach.

But a look of discomfort appeared on Truale's face.

"what!?"

She raises her voice as if she is slightly angry.

“Not only did you suddenly barge in when I should be sleeping, but you’re talking shamelessly!”

Her hazel eyes were darting back and forth, unable to make sense of the raised voice.

At the same time, her eyes were focused on the boy named 'Eren' who had come up with me.

Still the same.

“First of all, this isn’t a story that anyone would want to hear, so I’d like to talk about it just the two of us.”

Knowing the true meaning, I was the first to let him go.

“You want to go to the martial arts hall? I don’t know why…….”

As soon as I gestured to the frowning Traley, the boy named Eren greeted me and got on the elevator and left the room.

“From this point of view, it’s a good…… story……”

Knock, the elevator started.

“Ah, I don’t think so…… Sir Yulian.”

You too are living a difficult, yet funny life.