The lessons began promptly the following morning.

Typically, theoretical studies are held in the mornings, and practical exercises in the afternoons. Not to make comparisons, but the renowned Lady Orunkaim diligently attended her classes and took detailed notes, whereas Void was nowhere to be seen.

Skipping class from day one—quite a bold move.

After lunch, we moved on to the practical session I had been eagerly anticipating.

That said, the first day’s curriculum was just selecting one’s weapon from the armory.

Looking at the array of weapons laid out in the classroom, I couldn’t help but be impressed.

“Oh…”

I was surprised. I had assumed the majority would be thrusting swords designed for aristocratic fencing, but there was a wide variety. Of course, there were thrusting swords, but also straight swords, greatswords, spears, curved blades from the eastern continent, scythes, iron clubs, maces, and even weapons I’d never seen before.

Most knights would dismiss many of these as unorthodox and never use them, but the fact that such a selection was provided at a knight’s academy speaks volumes about King Kilpus’ intent when he said that individuals like Blythe would advance different aspects of the times.

As the students searched for weapons that suited them, Lili spoke up.

“The Sword Saint Blythe, who died ten years ago, was known for using anything that could be called a weapon or tool of destruction—even a stone lying on the ground.”

Indeed, he did. He used them not only against monsters but also against enemies. Swords break. Rocks make excellent blunt weapons, and stones can serve as proper projectiles.

Such nostalgia.

“The nobility mocked him for his crude methods, but in the end, he protected the Kingdom of Galliant. For this reason, King Kilpus created the Leon Knights’ Academy, aiming for students to learn diverse combat methods rather than adhering to rigid aristocratic fencing techniques.”

Even so, the majority of students gravitated toward swords—specifically, rapiers for thrusting.

If you ask me, they’re mediocre at best. Their cutting power is low, so they rely primarily on thrusting. This makes their movements predictable to an opponent. On top of that, they’re easy to break if they block an enemy’s weapon. If you’re going to pick one, a katana, with its combination of cutting and thrusting ability, is a better choice.

“Choose carefully. If you later feel a weapon doesn’t suit you, you can always change it. Don’t worry about others’ opinions—find the weapon that works for you. It will become the strength that protects you and your family in the Kingdom of Galliant.”

Still, most of the students flocked to rapiers. They were likely from noble families who had been taught to trust aristocratic fencing implicitly since childhood.

It’s only when they’re thrown into a battlefield that they realize the difference. Formal duels, with their rules and signals, are nothing like the raw, chaotic life-and-death struggles of the battlefield.

About half of them will break their swords and fall in their first skirmish. Those lucky enough to survive the first day might switch from thrusting swords to double-edged swords. Their fencing will evolve from aristocratic techniques to more practical knightly techniques.

Thrusting combined with slashing.

Only then will they begin to resemble proper knights.

What I aimed for went even beyond that—an overwhelming brutality that was less about swordsmanship and more about taking lives and forcing death upon others like a beast or a monster.

Lili watched the students clustered around the rapiers with a bitter expression.

Though flawed, she had been my disciple once. But even if she spoke now, they wouldn’t listen. Only after surviving their first skirmish and witnessing the sacrifices around them would they realize their choices were wrong.

However, at this academy, they might come to understand their helplessness before their first battle. The dungeon curriculum likely serves that purpose.

Aristocratic pride and knightly dignity mean nothing against beasts. On the battlefield, all that matters is taking lives and forcing death upon others.

“……”

Meanwhile—

In a corner where no one else seemed to be, Void was there. His sharp gaze was fixed on a pair of Bundi daggers, also known in some countries as Jamadhar or Katar—an unusual weapon.

The weapon was a pair of gauntlets that covered the arms up to the elbows, with grips set perpendicular to the blade. The blades themselves were large, claw-like structures.

Its effective range was shorter than a short sword, but for someone who fought with fists, it offered excellent offense and defense and was highly durable.

A fitting choice for someone from the slums.

“Huh, interesting.”

Void smirked, his left cheek lifting slightly.

It seemed he had decided on the Bundi daggers. He picked them up and promptly strapped them onto his arms.

Meanwhile, Miku chose an unremarkable rapier. However, she didn’t stop there. After she strapped the rapier to her waist, she immediately moved to the section with daggers. Without hesitation, she selected a small off-hand dagger known as a main gauche.

“This’ll do.”

She gave it only a quick glance before strapping it to her belt alongside the rapier.

Not bad. It seemed like a hasty decision, but it made sense. As the daughter of the formidable Marquis Mardo Orunkaim, she had accounted for the rapier’s fragility.

The main gauche wouldn’t break easily and served as an excellent backup in case the rapier was destroyed. It was especially useful for ambushes.

Elsewhere, a short black-haired boy chose a katana, a particularly large student picked an iron club, and a few others selected spears and other polearms. The remainder split evenly between thrusting swords and straight swords of various sizes. It would be interesting to see how the one with the katana would fare, given its difficulty to master.

As I idly observed, Miku approached me.

“El-tan, have you decided yet?”

“Not yet.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Lili watching me.

Oops. It seemed I was the last one left.

“Well, I guess so. El-tan, you’re small, after all. Wooden swords might be fine, but real swords are heavy and hard to handle at your age.”

Wooden swords are too light, and real swords are too heavy. Ten years old is an awkward age physically.

Miku patted my head.

“Don’t worry, if it comes down to it, your big sister will protect you.”

“Don’t pat a man’s head so casually!”

I brushed her hand away.

“Aww, El-tan, you’re so cold. Let’s get along better! You can rely on your big sister, you know.”

“Why are you so persistent…?”

Spare me. My former disciple is watching, for crying out loud.

I glanced at Lili, who was staring at me with an unusually piercing gaze.

What’s with that look? Are you telling me to stop messing around and choose a weapon already?

...Fair enough.