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Gilbert sank quietly into his inner self through meditation.

Today, during the swordsmanship lesson with Briana, the Iaido technique he displayed while sparring with Ian came to mind like a reflection on water.

The single sword strike he showed today was far inferior compared to the Iaido he had demonstrated at the central branch of the Slaves. He didn’t use all the mana he could, nor did he employ a Limit Break.

Even without pouring everything into a single strike, he effortlessly split Ian’s sword in half. He didn’t understand how it was possible. He just felt he could do it, and so he did.

People often divide the realms of swordsmanship into two categories.

As one’s mastery of the Mana Core Technique improves, they can control mana more precisely and delicately. This is akin to becoming a master of internal energy in martial arts novels, reaching realms like “Dark Energy” or “Inch Energy.”

On the other hand, if one hones their swordsmanship skills to the extreme, they can wield their sword more sharply and powerfully without the flow of mana, relying solely on their will.

If one trains this to the extreme, they can reach a stage where they use their will or intent like mana.

Enthusiasts often call this the “Heart Sword” realm—a state where one carries a sword in their heart.

But Gilbert didn’t believe he had reached such a realm.

He wasn’t even sure if the Heart Sword truly existed. After all, the foundation of this world was Tactical Combat, not some game where you swing swords around.

However, since he had contracted with an Artificial Spirit and piloted a Colossal Mech, a pinnacle of Magic Engineering, it was likely that advancing in swordsmanship would help improve his Piloting Skill.

The power of will was also indispensable in Piloting Skill.

Gilbert gathered his scattered focus back to one point. Regardless of the reason, he was meditating to reflect on the sword strike he had executed during the spar.

During the spar, he had only slightly raised his level to gauge Ian’s skill. Even without Briana’s words before the match, he had planned to do so.

The gap between Gilbert and Ian was too vast to bridge, even with the help of Fressia, an advanced Artificial Spirit. Moreover, Gilbert’s physical abilities were already near the limits of human potential.

With such a foundation, half a year of insane training had honed his body to a level Ian couldn’t hope to match, no matter how hard he tried.

In such a situation, what could he possibly gain from going all out?

So, he had planned to control his mana output during the spar.

But once the spar began, he realized just how far behind Ian was. Instead of assessing his opponent’s skill and patterns, Ian charged in recklessly.

Of course, it might have been because Gilbert was preparing to execute his Iaido, but it didn’t matter. His absurd physical abilities had pushed his reflexes to the extreme.

Any stat reaching 95 was essentially entering the realm of the superhuman.

If he hadn’t achieved a stat of 95 in the Slaves’ Armory, even with incredible luck, he wouldn’t have been able to pull off the insane feat of splitting a Colossal Mech. The difference between 94 and 95 was that significant.

Alternatively, Ian might have charged in because there was no point in delaying. While it was commendable that he didn’t freeze in front of a stronger opponent, the look in Ian’s eyes at that moment was one of disdain for Gilbert, who was holding back.

Generally, Iaido is considered weak in sparring, but what does that matter when you enter the realm of the superhuman?

If you can focus on that single moment and reach the realm of the superhuman, even that becomes irrelevant.

It’s just a matter of consciousness. If you train enough to execute a sword strike beyond the speed of perception, that becomes a prerequisite for entering the realm of the superhuman.

In reality, this would be nonsense, but this was the world Gilbert saw as a game. A system existed, with magic, Magic Engineering, and Colossal Mechs—a blend of science fiction and traditional fantasy.

What could happen, would happen. And this was a world where Iaido could exist as a practical combat technique.

To teach Ian this, Gilbert swung his sword. He focused as much as possible, stretching his perception of time.

With only his will, a bit of mana, and his swordsmanship skills, he split the Iron Sword.

Through meditation, Gilbert could recall that sensation.

If asked if he could do it again, the answer was yes.

His eyes suddenly opened.

So this is what enlightenment feels like, he thought.

But amusingly, the system remained silent. He wondered why but decided not to dwell on it. There must be a reason.

Gilbert realized that night had deepened and stood up. He hadn’t expected so much time to pass while meditating.

Truthfully, meditation was far from his forte. Whether his body was fine or not, he often dozed off during meditation, unable to fall into a deep sleep. Otherwise, he had to force himself to sleep with sleeping pills.

The reason for this was bittersweet, and a bitter smile formed on Gilbert’s lips. He felt like he had indulged in unnecessary thoughts.

“Are you Cadet Gilbert?”

As he left the Training Facility, a middle-aged man with a well-groomed beard was looking at him.

Gilbert wiped the smile off his face and returned to his usual stoic expression.

“Who are you?”

He wasn’t an Academy staff member. The man’s attire differed from the uniforms worn by Academy personnel.

Moreover, the neatly tailored charcoal gray suit looked expensive even to Gilbert, who knew little about clothing.

“There is someone who wishes to see you. Could you spare a moment?”

Gilbert realized the man didn’t want to reveal his identity. A quick glance around confirmed that the nearby recording Magic Circles were all disabled.

Of course.

Gilbert had a rough idea of who they were.

“Lead the way.”

“I’ve only heard rumors, but you’re quite interesting. Aren’t you curious about who I serve?”

“I don’t waste words. If you’re here to chat, you’ve come to the wrong person.”

“Indeed, my apologies. Follow me, please.”

Gilbert followed the chuckling man.

The question of whether he was curious made him want to laugh. It was too obvious, like a bad attempt at secrecy.

If the Academy’s recording Magic Circles were disabled and an outsider was wandering around, there was only one person to think of.

The one who had recently stirred up the Academy.

Prince Richard.

He was looking for Gilbert.

***

Prince Richard sat cross-legged in the room provided by the Academy, deep in thought. He was reflecting on Ian, who had just left after an audience.

He had wondered why that talented guy was so eager, but it made sense. Despite his age, Ian had achieved much, driven by a desire for success and recognition.

Honestly, Richard didn’t dislike such people. Ambition was the only fuel that could push humans forward, the driving force that kept them from settling.

In that sense, Ian was a talent.

The kind of talent his sister Seraphina would be interested in.

But a question lingered. According to reports from his intelligence department, Seraphina’s top recruitment target wasn’t Ian but the recent rising star, the rogue hero Gilbert.

The words “rogue” and “hero” didn’t quite fit together, but there was no better way to describe Gilbert. Just half a year ago, Gilbert was known as the shame of the Lion Heart Count Family, but now he was hailed as a hero of the Empire.

The mark he left shone brightly in the Empire’s long history, but that didn’t erase his past behavior. Politics valued the present, but it didn’t mean the past was entirely forgotten.

If they took him in, there was no guarantee his past wouldn’t come back to haunt them. Moreover, what could have happened in just half a year to change a person’s behavior so drastically?

Richard fundamentally didn’t trust human nature. He himself leaned toward believing in human wickedness. All his tactics started by probing the darkest depths of human nature.

That’s why he had doubts.

If human nature was inherently evil and unchanging, Gilbert’s behavior was suspicious on multiple levels.

Though they were now embroiled in a struggle for the throne, Richard genuinely admired Seraphina. She seemed emotional but was cold and rational, always putting the Empire first.

That Seraphina had Gilbert as her top recruitment target was unexpected even for Richard.

Richard tapped his cheek with his index finger, trying to figure out what he was missing, but the information he had was too limited.

*Knock knock*

“Your Majesty, I have brought Cadet Gilbert as you commanded.”

“Let him in.”

The retainer and Gilbert entered the room.

Richard habitually observed Gilbert, gathering information.

His trained body and the aura he exuded were extraordinary.

He had seen many knights, but Gilbert’s physical condition seemed to be among the best.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.”

Gilbert knelt on one knee and bowed. His flawless demeanor caught Richard’s attention.

“Rise. I dislike excessive formalities. It’s only proper to offer a guest something to drink.”

“Herbal tea, please.”

Gilbert sat across from Richard with his permission.

“It seems you accepted my invitation readily.”

“I assumed Your Majesty had summoned me.”

“You already knew… I see.”

He was quite perceptive.

With limited information, he had deduced the truth, which deserved high praise.

Richard was not only the Empire’s prince but also a field commander.

He was known as the “Mountain of Divine Mystery.”

For this reason, knights with keen insight were always his top recruitment targets.

On the battlefield, insight was the greatest ability to save allies.

“Then do you know why I summoned you?”

“I assume it’s a recruitment offer.”

“That was an expected question.”

“It would be strange not to know.”

His calm response and the way he sipped his tea were impressive.

Richard couldn’t shake the feeling that he had met someone truly interesting.

“If you already know, there’s no need to drag this out. Cadet Gilbert, I want you to join my ranks.”

“The Lion Heart Count Family’s loyalty has always been to the Imperial Family.”

“I know. That’s why I’m making this offer.”

Richard didn’t beat around the bush.

Ian’s recruitment was already halfway done. With plans to declare war on Seraphina by bringing either Ian or Gilbert into his ranks, Richard saw no need to hide his intentions.

This was a tactic Richard often used when recruiting retainers.

Showing sincerity to put the other at ease.

Even if there were hidden motives, the other party wouldn’t know. Showing sincerity didn’t mean revealing everything.

“You never intended to back down, did you?”

“Call it what you will. I’ve lived through struggles, and this time will be no different. In my operations, there may be retreats, but never defeat.”

The undefeated commander, Richard Henry Infractus.

He was declaring his full entry into the battle for the throne, akin to a battlefield.

Gilbert looked down at his cooling tea.

He knew the Main Scenario would progress quickly, but he hadn’t expected it to move this fast.

He needed time to think.

“Therefore, I command you. Become my subordinate.”

“I must decline.”

“Why?”

“As I said, the Lion Heart Count Family’s loyalty has always been to the Imperial Family.”

“Are you saying I should become the Crown Prince?”

“That is all I have to say to Your Majesty.”

Gilbert didn’t give a definitive answer. With signs of the Main Scenario progressing, he needed time to sort things out.

He had refused Seraphina’s offer for this very reason—to secure an insurance policy for an easier Main Scenario clear.

Richard clicked his tongue at Gilbert’s outright refusal. Given how coldly Gilbert had treated Seraphina’s advances, this situation was expected.

Still, it was disappointing because Gilbert had grown on him. As a commander, Gilbert was an attractive piece on the board.

Richard quickly shook off his disappointment and nodded.

“Very well. But remember, my door is always open. You may leave now, Cadet Gilbert.”

“I shall take my leave.”

Gilbert carefully maintained his demeanor and left Richard’s room.

“Are you sure it’s okay to let him go like that?”

“It’s fine. It was expected. The merchandise was just better than I thought.”

Richard tapped the table with his index finger, replaying his brief encounter with Gilbert.

From start to finish, Gilbert’s confident demeanor made Richard look forward to what was to come.

 

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