Volume 1 Chapter 23 The Great Villain Of The World And His Senior Disciple, Taking The Exam I
After that, I continued my training with Shikei under Master Raikou.
I somehow managed to learn the basics of the "Four Divine Steps."
During my chases with Master Raikou, I could touch her shadow once every 2 times. I even touched her clothes once.
Shikei seems to struggle with the "Four Divine Steps" and still hasn't touched Master Raikou's shadow.
However, he has improved a lot in swordsmanship.
He can now cut through thin branches with a wooden sword.
When we spar, I can't keep up with him at all. Well... that was always the case.
I'm also continuing with "Beast Body Guidance."
Every day, Shikei and I do it once each at the start of our training. In the morning and evening, we do it once with Seirei. In total, that's 4 times a day.
I'm curious about how much my "ki" energy has grown, but Master Raikou ordered me not to compare our "ki" energy until she gives permission. Seirei was told to do the same.
So, I have no idea how much "ki" energy I have right now.
Well, the game 'Beast Body Guidance' only raises 'ki' energy a little bit. At most, it increases 'ki' energy by just a little over 10%.
I thought about recommending 'Beast Body Guidance' to my mother if it makes her healthy, but... it seems that's difficult.
According to my master, it only works as a health method for young people in their early teens.
Instead, Ryougen-kun has started sending good medicinal herbs to my mother.
'General Skybear' is important for the country's defense, so it seems that their family is also important.
As expected of someone with benevolence.
His thoughtfulness is amazing. I'm really glad I didn't make Ryougen-kun my enemy.
So, while I was continuing my training, one day――
"I want to give you a test, is that okay?"
――My master suddenly said that.
"A test, you mean? For me and Shikei?"
"That's right, Tenhou. I want to see if I can entrust you with an 'important task.'."
Master Raikou nodded,
"Soon, Ryougen-kun will give you an 'important task.' It's just a small errand. I wish I could go myself, but... I have another job. I'm going to be away from this Hokurin for a while."
"Master... are you going somewhere?"
"It's not a big job, though."
"But, I just started learning. If possible, I want to continue learning under you, Master..."
The results of my training are starting to show.
I feel lighter, and my movements are getting quicker.
But, I still have a long way to go.
Even when I use 'Four Divine Steps,' I can still be caught by my master right away.
To avoid a Destruction ending, I need skills that are at the level of 'absolutely not getting caught by anyone.'
So, I want to learn more by staying close to my master, but...
"...But if it's work, then it can't be helped, huh?"
"Why do you look like the world is ending? Tenhou."
My master smiled wryly and then looked at Shikei.
"How about you, Kaou? Do you want to take the exam?"
"I do. But, can I ask one thing?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"If I fulfill Ryougen-kun's 'duty,' will that mean I've helped Aika Country?"
"Of course. If you fulfill your duty, it will be your achievement. I want to test if I can trust you two with that. That's what it means."
"I understand. Master!"
Shikei blushed and clasped his hands together towards my master.
It seems Shikei has no hesitation about taking the exam at all.
"Sorry, but I'm going to give it my all. Tenhou."
Shikei said seriously and patted my shoulder.
"After I fulfill my 'duty,' I have something I want to tell you. I can't lose for that. Absolutely."
The exam was simple.
In the morning, as soon as the Hokurin gate opens, we head north.
Before the sun sets, we need to enter the town of Horou to the north.
In front of Master Raikou, who was waiting there, Shikei and I faced off.
Using 'Four Divine Steps' for movement.
Using 'Seiryuu Four Sword' for the match.
The result would determine the winner of the exam.
Shikei has permission from Ryougen-kun to leave the town.
So, there shouldn't be any problems.
With that, Shikei and I began preparing for the exam.
"It's less than a day's ride to Horou's town on horseback."
On the morning of the exam, in front of the north gate of Hokurin.
Under the dimly brightening sky, Master Raikou said.
"If you use 'Four Divine Steps,' you should be able to get there by evening. You can take shortcuts. Jumping over cliffs or crossing rivers is fine. Just remember that there will be a match afterward."
""Yes, Master!!""
Shikei and I stood side by side, waiting for the door to open.
We were ready for the exam.
We had dried food and a water bottle for nourishment.
Also, just in case, Shikei and I were carrying swords on our backs.
It's a short journey, but we might encounter wild dogs or thieves. We have to handle any danger ourselves. That's why we need weapons.
Well, as long as we stick to the main roads, it shouldn't be too dangerous.
"I'm worried about the clouds in the western sky, but it should be fine."
Looking up at the sky, Master Raikou glanced at Shikei and me.
"The exam scoring is split evenly: half for the 'walking technique' based on how fast you reach Horou town, and half for the 'swordsmanship' based on the match. You can rush to earn points in 'walking technique' or save your energy to bet on 'swordsmanship.' The choice is yours. However, if you don't arrive at Horou town by sunset, you'll be disqualified. Also... if you're not motivated, you might even get expelled, okay?"
Master Raikou smiled at me.
...This is bad.
Does the master see that I'm trying to let Shikei win?
Shikei's mother expects him to fulfill Ryougen-kun's 'role.'
The exam tests if he has the ability to do that.
Probably, the one who wins will take on the 'role.'
I think I should let Shikei win, but...
"...Tenhou. No, I tell my friend."
Kaou-shikei looked at me with a serious expression.
"I'm going to give it my all in this exam. You better come at me seriously too."
Soon, the gate began to open.
The drawbridge over the moat slowly lowered.
Through the gap in the gate, I could see the distant mountains.
The northern part of Aika Country has steep mountains. Beyond that, there are grasslands where a horse-riding tribe lives. The northern fortress protects against their invasions.
Of course, we won't go that far this time.
"Before the exam, let me give you some advice. Try to become the Four divine beasts..."
Suddenly, Master Raikou said.
"'Seiryuu Four Sword' and 'Four Divine Steps' are not enough just by memorizing the forms. You must become the Seiryuu Dragon, the Suzaku Bird, the Byakko Tiger, and the Genbu Turtle. 'Beast Body Guidance' is there for that purpose."
The gate fully opened, and the wind blew in.
The drawbridge touched the ground with a loud sound.
The people who had been waiting for the gate to open started to move.
Then, at the signal of Master Raikou raising hr hand, Shikei and I began to run.
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