“I…don’t like…using sword, spear to fight. But, the time will come…when I have to fight with them?”
‘Of course, it would be best if you didn’t. However, there is a difference between not doing something and being unable to do it. And so it is necessary for you to become acquainted with this style of fighting.’
Sheto looked down at his hands.
During the fight, he had just moved desperately while following orders. That being said, without the dragon god’s guidance, he would have just been defeated without doing anything.
“Tell me. Why, you made me take the sword?”
‘Your body is small, and regardless of how long the weapon is, you will not gain an advantage towards an enemy. In that case, it would be best to rush forwards and close the gap.’
“And why, two?”
‘So you have options. Also, to increase striking power through centrifugal force. Do you remember the sensation when you struck Berganda earlier?’
He thought back on that moment. He had run with the tip of his swords trailing the ground, and then slammed it into the minotaur.
“Strength, was strong… Was that, this centrifugal force?”
‘Have you ever used cloth or vines to throw a rock? It is the same thing.’
“Swing around, like a sling then.”
Sheto swung his arm, recreating the movement from earlier. It was quite different from how he imagined swords to be wielded.
‘You are not the type to stand in one place and fight. By passing the opponent with your sword dipping, you slash as if slamming into him, and then rush past his side. And if you wield blades in both hands, you can attack from both the right and left.’
“Easy to say. But very difficult to actually do.”
‘I know. And that is why there is meaning in this situation. You are under the demon general’s protection, and will be able to hone your skills.’
While listening to the dragon god, Sheto recalled Berganda’s face.
Even as his fist came down onto Sheto, the bull head had been smiling happily.
“Can I…really win against him?”
‘It depends on you… Nine out of ten times, you will surely lose. Berganda’s movements are the results of a fighter training in his art for many years.’
“I see…”
‘However, if you steal his moves and tendencies, it will be useful in order to defeat him. Nothing will be a waste.’
Defeating Berganda. It felt like a ridiculous goal to have.
He had no chance fighting him head-on. As for finding other strategic ways, it would also be difficult with Komos’s sharp eyes on him.
‘Do not allow yourself to be discouraged. This one fight today will eventually lead to a victory on another day.’
“Yes…”
But how many fights would there have to be before that happened? As Sheto thought about such an exhausting future ahead of him, Salia’s voice rang in his head.
‘That’s right. I just had a report from Fi. He was able to reunite safely with the others.’
“Really!?”
It had been a while since he had some good news, and so Sheto sighed with relief. After resting in the Elephas mountains, the kobolds would then travel deeper to the south.
‘I told them of the movements of Hero’s Army, and places that have fewer human settlements. They should be able to escape safely.’
‘Fi also intends to return eventually. And so you must do what you can in the meantime.’
“Fine.”
Sheto got up from the bed and moved his shoulders, testing their condition. Thanks to the healing power, both his fatigue and pain from the wounds were gone.
“I, will learn more moves. Will get used to it.”
‘But for now, just rest. There is little you can learn when you are not focused.’
“But I…”
“I see. One must not underestimate the power of the gods.”
They were interrupted suddenly by a man’s low voice.