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Spring Shield.

Unlike other seasonal weapon techniques that are traditionally passed down as swords, spears, and bows, the Spring Shield is uniquely classified as a defensive weapon technique, focusing on the use of shields.

Shields are commonly known as defensive weapons. The concept of a shield is purely to block the opponent’s attacks, which is why it is classified as a defensive weapon.

Of course, this classification is based on a one-dimensional concept. Depending on the material used to make the shield, it can be just as deadly as any other offensive weapon.

A prime example is the buckler, a small shield with a circumference of about 30 cm, often used in duels. Due to its small size, it was nearly impossible to use it to block projectiles.

The buckler, which could barely protect vital areas, was not primarily used for blocking but rather for active shield techniques that focused on gaining superior mobility to deflect the opponent’s weapon.

Buckler swordsmanship also did not focus on defensive tactics using the shield but rather on techniques like using the shield to obscure the opponent’s vision and, in emergencies, striking the opponent as a weapon.

The Spring Shield in Tactical Combat was inspired by this concept.

A shield technique that began with the idea of using the shield more offensively.

That is the Spring Shield.

The Spring Shield is not a technique that uses the buckler, specialized for duels, but rather a shield technique that employs a targe shield worn on the forearm.

It is a shield technique created by those often referred to as sword-and-shield warriors, where the concept of defense is not about blocking but about intercepting the opponent’s attacks with the shield.

The Spring Shield, which originated from the idea that the best defense is a good offense, has become more refined over generations.

The obsession with using the shield purely for offense has faded, and it has been adjusted to handle the opponent’s attacks more flexibly.

As time passed, the Spring Shield now holds a prominent position among the seasonal weapon techniques.

***

Gilbert sighed as he looked at the next successor of the Spring Shield, Miyum Yar, who wore a targe shield on his left forearm and an arming sword at his waist.

Just one more victory, and Gilbert could have achieved the 100-duel achievement, but at the last moment, a formidable opponent appeared.

Miyum Yar, the next successor of the Spring Shield, was the only variable Gilbert couldn’t eliminate, and unfortunately, his prediction came true.

Gilbert had worked hard to minimize variables while planning this 100-duel achievement.

He had told Edel, the next successor of the Summer Spear, in an awkward tone that there was a separate dueling stage, anticipating such a moment.

It was a small price to pay to eliminate one variable.

And although not present here, the next successor of the Autumn Bow was already considered out of the question. Given their dislike for crowded places, Gilbert was confident they wouldn’t show up even if the event was scaled up.

Indeed, the next successor of the Autumn Bow was not present.

But for Miyum Yar, Gilbert had no choice but to leave it to fate. There was no point of contact now, and if one were to arise, Miyum would likely show a strange competitive spirit and immediately challenge him.

So Gilbert prayed to the heavens, but as expected, the unexpected happened.

Perhaps it was foolish to pray in a fantasy world based on a game.

Realizing that the one-minute timer between duels was almost up, Gilbert calmly accepted Miyum’s challenge.

“I am Gilbert Lion Heart, one of the successors of the Winter Sword.”

“I didn’t know you could pull off something like this. You’re more interesting than I thought.”

Miyum, with a physique as robust as Gilbert’s, grinned, showing his teeth. It was a habit he had when he found an opponent he liked.

“Gathering people like this for a duel? Are you planning to achieve a 100-duel streak?”

“Coincidentally, this is the 100th duel.”

Brynhild, who had been quietly observing, interjected.

Gilbert glanced at her and saw a face filled with pride.

He could guess the reason without asking.

She probably wanted to show off that her man was capable of this.

While Gilbert found it exasperating, when had she ever listened to his opinion?

He decided to let it go.

“It seems coming to the Demia Empire Academy wasn’t such a bad idea after all. Things are about to get interesting.”

Miyum’s eyes widened slightly when he saw Brynhild, then burned with determination.

His gaze resembled that of a predator spotting its prey.

Brynhild also noticed his gaze and frowned slightly.

“That gaze is quite disrespectful. I don’t like it.”

“Not at all. I just found something else I like.”

Brynhild kicked up a wooden sword lying nearby and caught it.

Although she now lived quietly by her husband’s side, she was once the proud Grand Warrior of the Sigurd clan.

Being reduced to someone’s prey was unacceptable.

“This is my duel.”

“…If you say so.”

Brynhild looked at Gilbert, who had raised his hand to stop her from entering the dueling arena. His indifferent eyes carried a strong will to keep her out.

He knows how to protect his woman.

Brynhild’s mood improved instantly, and she lowered the wooden sword.

Normally, hiding behind a man didn’t suit her, but if that man was her future husband, it was a different story.

Especially if it was about protecting his woman, there was no reason to stop him.

“So that’s how it is. Interesting.”

Miyum looked back and forth between Gilbert and Brynhild, then nodded as if he had reached some conclusion.

Gilbert was deeply unsettled by that conclusion.

“Annoying.”

“Ha. Sorry about that. Once I like something, I can’t rest until I have it.”

So what?

The question rose to Gilbert’s throat, but he didn’t ask.

With so many eyes on them, any unnecessary words would only lead to gossip.

“So let’s settle this with this duel. Who is the more suitable man.”

Wait, why me?

Another question arose in his mind, but he suppressed it again.

Thinking about it would only give him a headache.

Maybe it was just his own fault.

Gilbert focused solely on the fact that the 100-duel achievement was within reach.

Achieving the feat was the top priority, so everything else could wait.

Miyum, more motivated than ever, picked up the prepared wooden sword and wooden shield.

True to his role as the next successor of the Spring Shield, he meticulously checked the balance of the shield.

After swinging the shield in the air a few times, he seemed satisfied and tapped the shield with the wooden sword.

“Let’s play, successor of the Winter Sword.”

Thus began the final duel of the 100-duel streak.

***

Seraphina headed straight to the location as soon as she received a report that Gilbert was up to something. She was very curious about what her adorable priest had done this time.

The image Ian had shown her had long since faded from her mind. Although she had added his name back to the recruitment list, Gilbert always remained at the top.

To Seraphina, who grew up in the cold Imperial Palace, Gilbert was a very unique individual. Unlike the sycophantic nobles who always tried to curry favor with her, or the vassals who swore loyalty, Gilbert was different.

If she had to compare, he was somewhat like the Blue-blooded Count guarding the distant frontier.

But Gilbert was different even from his father, the Iron-blooded Frontier Count.

He was a new type of person, unlike anyone she had met in her life.

Moreover, he was always at the center of turmoil.

Just recently, he had suddenly arranged a marriage alliance with the Sigurd clan, and not long after, requested that the Grand Warrior of the Sigurd clan be specially enrolled in the Demia Empire Academy.

Seraphina, who immediately grasped Gilbert’s hidden intentions, judged that his request would benefit her and readily accepted.

In the current intensifying struggle for the throne, the alliance with the Sigurd clan was proving to be a great asset.

Though it was called an alliance, it was more like the Sigurd clan had bowed their heads and joined her.

This meant that the pacification of the Sigurd clan, which no war lord had ever achieved, had been accomplished under her name.

It was an achievement worthy of the name, and her position as heir was further solidified.

All of this was a side effect of what her priest, Gilbert, had done. Whether he had planned this or not, the result was that she had greatly benefited.

And today, she heard that Gilbert was up to something again.

Seraphina was unbearably curious about the outcome of the duel and the reason behind it.

Feeling that she wouldn’t be satisfied unless she saw it with her own eyes, Seraphina hurriedly led the cadet who had reported the incident.

Her steps naturally quickened as she wanted to see what Gilbert had done as soon as possible.

All the student council executives followed their president. Their purpose was to stop Gilbert, who had acted without any permission.

Guided by the cadet who had first reported the incident, Seraphina and the student council members arrived at the dueling arena, where a crowd had formed like a wall.

Upon closer inspection, all the cadets from the exchange meeting were mixed together.

In a way, this aligns with the original purpose of the exchange meeting.

Seraphina couldn’t help but chuckle.

Before the meaning of the exchange meeting faded.

The harmony among the academies, which had become a superficial reason, was now being realized.

The cadets, mingling with those from other academies and watching the dueling arena, showed no signs of rejecting each other.

They were only狂热地 cheering for the two men heating up the dueling arena.

Seraphina, influenced by the palpable excitement, slowly walked towards the dueling arena.

The cadets glared at the student council members making way for Seraphina, but upon seeing her, they quickly stepped aside.

Seraphina pushed through the wall of cadets and finally reached the dueling arena.

The duel was already nearing its end.

Wooden swords clashed, and shields split the air.

The two successors of the seasonal weapon techniques were engaged in a fierce battle, neither giving an inch, solely focused on defeating the other.

But it was clear who had the upper hand.

“Ugh!”

A sound of suppressed pain finally echoed in the dueling arena, where only the clashing of weapons had been heard.

The source of the sound was the successor of the Spring Shield, dueling with Gilbert.

The once unshakable shield technique, combined with lightning-fast strikes, was gradually being overwhelmed by Gilbert’s Winter Sword.

The difference in basic stamina, fundamental weapon techniques, and the experience honed through countless battles was becoming evident.

Seraphina watched silently, feeling the most intense emotion of her life.

She wanted that shining talent for herself.

She wanted to possess him entirely, without giving him to anyone else.

For the first time in her short life, she desired something so strongly.

Seraphina’s desire for talent exploded as she watched Gilbert seize victory in the dueling arena.

It was a possessive desire she would never feel again.

***

[100-duel achievement in progress. (100/100)]

[Achievement 100-duel streak completed.]

[Title “Master of Duels” acquired.]

[Title “Swordsman” acquired.]

[Sub Scenario “Twisted Desire for Possession” unlocked and forcibly accepted.]

 

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