The Second Strongest Has Returned

Chapter 5

Regression

Ariasphil Reinhardt.

She was a so-called elite, a quintessential genius.

Ariasphil Reinhardt was someone who could grow endlessly as long as there was a basic framework of theory.

However, unfortunately, she was a genius beyond standard measures.

Theory was merely a broad framework, and if talent swelled, that theory would only become shackles that suppressed growth.

Geniuses, by nature, break through these theories and create their own styles, because they are dissatisfied with the slow growth that theory brings.

But Ariasphil was different.

She did not break the theories she learned.

Paradoxically, this was because she had talent beyond the norm.

“No matter how much theory suppresses her, her growth is faster than other geniuses. With exceptional talent, she transcends the level of theory.”

So no one could think that her talent was being suppressed.

Because she was ahead of everyone.

However,

“If you don’t want to admit defeat, let’s call it a draw. Agreed?”

There was someone who was ahead of her.

“Then that’s the problem.”

Someone who pinpointed her issues exactly.

Someone who could create a framework that fit her,

“Now, swing it.”

She had met a master, the first person she would receive guidance from.

Swaaah…

The trees swayed in the wind.

“…Oh…?”

Leaves fell one by one in the wind created by her sword.

“My heart… is pounding…”

Just like when she first met that boy, her heart was pounding with excitement.

Yes, this was,

“A sense of achievement.”

For the first time, she felt a sense of fulfillment in what she had done.

Instead of simply following something easily, she had properly “learned” from someone.

“…Why?”

She had come to see the boy to calm her excitement,

“Why is it pounding even more…?”

But instead, it was pounding even more.

* * *

[…What’s going on? Is this what the current era is like? Is this the golden age where only geniuses come out?!]

[You’re the same! How can you improve so quickly!?]

Why he was so angry, I couldn’t understand. It was infuriating enough that the guy was a genius among geniuses.

I roughly showed her a stance that suited her current growth state.

I thought she would catch up right away, and she did exactly as I expected, which was shocking.

“How is it? Not bad, right?”

“…Oh?! Oh… It’s fine!”

She looked at me with astonished eyes. Her face was flushed, and her eyes were sparkling, a clear sign.

‘It’s no wonder.’

That skill level was something she would only attain about six months after Jehad was eliminated.

With a 1-star mana core, she couldn’t fully catch up, but judging by the mana refinement she did earlier, it wouldn’t take long.

“Then go on. Your escort knight might worry.”

The moon was already high in the sky. If she stayed out too long, who knew what kind of fuss that escort thug might make.

“Indeed…”

Ariasphil’s usually expressionless face showed a shadow. Even with the small change, it was clear she was disappointed.

‘Is it a pity that the training ends here?’

Indeed, it would be. She broke through her limits and grew remarkably in just one day, so if it ended immediately, how disappointing would that be?

“Do you want to come again tomorrow?”

“…What?”

“Around this time would be good. It would be troublesome to hear your escort knight complain.”

“…Can I?”

“Sure. Training alone is boring for me too, and waiting all week would be too frustrating.”

This was Leonardo’s way of being considerate.

At the same time, it was a tribute to the rival who had always stimulated his competitive spirit.

“Do you dislike it?”

“…No. I like it.”

The corners of her mouth lifted subtly. It had been a long time since I had seen such a clumsy smile.

“Then go quickly. Reinhardt, be careful since it’s late.”

“I will. I won’t be late.”

Ariasphil said that and left.

“…Ah.”

At that moment, she turned and added,

“You can call me Ariasphil, Leonardo.”

She said that and left.

[…This kid, he’s quite the player.]

[Want me to show you inside your stomach this time?]

I’m not in that kind of relationship with Ariasphil.

Seriously, these eunuchs.

* * *

“…Not sleeping, are you?”

Today, she again checked on the sleeping Jehad. Jehad was sleeping soundly despite Ariasphil’s voice.

The training she assigned him was exhausting given Jehad’s capabilities.

‘I should go.’

But now, such lessons no longer satisfied her.

Ariasphil left the inn with a buoyant expression.

‘What will I learn today? Learning is fun today too, right?’

Running, various thoughts about the lessons filled her mind. When she thought of that boy, Leonardo, her head and heart were always excited.

“…You’re here?”

Today again, the boy was swinging his sword in the forest.

“Leonardo!”

“Yes, shall we do it as usual?”

“Got it.”

Both of them picked up their swords.

“Hup…!”

And they started swinging their swords. Refining mana while slicing through the surrounding mana particles.

[Kiddo.]

[Is there any point to this?]

The Sage alternated his gaze between Leo and Ariasphil.

[Even if they train together, they’re essentially just training separately, right?]

It did seem that way. They were swinging their swords without paying attention to each other.

[Really? Now that I look, the mana particles around them have become finer.]

As he said, the mana particles had become significantly smaller as the two split them. The amount absorbed had increased accordingly.

[But isn’t it pointless since the mana for one person is now being shared by two?]

That was also an undeniable fact. Taking that into account, the absorbed mana amount was roughly the same.

<…Actually…>

[…As I thought…]

The Sage looked at Leo with a meaningful gaze. With his wisdom, he would have already figured it out.

[You have feelings for her…!]

…The Sage blinked.

[You don’t have feelings?]

His blinking eyes turned cold in disbelief.

[…Eunuch.]

“Who are you calling a eunuch?!”

“Huh?”

Annoyed, my voice rose. Ariasphil, who was swinging her sword, turned her head.

“What did you say? Eunuch?”

“Ahahaha… I misspoke. Let’s continue.”

“It’s fine. But what’s a eunuch?”

…I could explain, but I didn’t want to. Especially with the embodiment of the eunuch realm, the idol of eunuchs, standing right in front of me.

“It’s nothing. Let’s keep going.”

[Nothing, huh? ‘Whooo is a eunnnuchhhh~?!’]

Ah, his nasal voice is seriously annoying. If he weren’t a ghost, I would have broken his nose by now.

[So, what are you saying? Raising her to win, what does that mean?]

The reason was clear. It just took time to articulate it.

[So? What was it?]

It was a straightforward reason and cause.

What Leo wanted was a duel with a genius who had grown equally strong.

Even if he won the duel with overwhelming tricks, could he be proud of it?

[Of course. What did you expect from a ten-year-old kid? If you had, I would have stopped teaching you.]

Even if she was a genius, she was still a child.

Even a talent destined to become a great tree needs time to grow.

That day, when I corrected Ariasphil’s swordsmanship, I was sure.

That Ariasphil’s potential for growth was not yet fully open.

If she was guided well, she could grow much faster than before the regression.

[So? You’re going to do that for her?]

Not just her prime, but aiming for something beyond that might also be possible. Then…

[That’s raising her to eat her up.]

My ears must be mistaken.

“Pardon?”

[Raising her to eat her up later. What’s with the beautiful packaging?]

This old man…

“How is that raising her to eat her up?! It’s a hopeful story of growing together!”

[Nope, not at all. You’re a eunuch with a victory obsession.]

The old man, who had grown old and rotten, finished by sticking out his decayed tongue. I should rip out that three-inch tongue and slap it across his face.

“What did you say?”

I suddenly realized. Once again, the words had slipped out of my mouth.

“…What’s raising her to eat her up?”

…I could explain, but I didn’t want to.

Knowing the meaning of this word itself now felt like a disgrace.

“It’s

a slang term used by delinquents. Don’t ever use it.”

“Uh… okay.”

Using formal language, she reluctantly accepted.

Yes, stay pure for now.

[Kehahahahahahakak!! Raising her to…! Eat her up~!! Oh~! Was that what it meant~? This Sage didn’t know either~?]

Don’t become like this old man who only aged and caught a cold.

Please grow as you used to.

“Leonardo, sorry to interrupt, but could you look at the stance I did earlier?”

“Sure. Let’s see it right away!”

I had to change the subject quickly. This young girl didn’t need to learn words like eunuch or raising her to eat her up from this cesspool.

“Here seems to be the problem… It would be good if your consecutive strikes were as fast as mine.”

“There’s no need to do it like me. You have good flexibility, so instead of relying on strength, use the elasticity of your muscles…”

And so the training continued.

Every night, Ariasphil sneaked out without Jehad knowing, to meet Leonardo.

Mainly practicing mana refinement, with Leonardo giving her appropriate advice if her stance seemed off.

This training continued for a week.

Leo perfected his mana core within seven days, and Ariasphil condensed a year’s worth of swordsmanship training.

Then the last day arrived.

* * *

“…Ready?”

“Yeah. Today, definitely…”

On the last day, determination was in Ariasphil’s eyes. A satisfactory look in her gaze.

“I will win.”

She drew a longsword from her waist.

[Kiddo, try not to use ‘that’ if possible.]

Using the technique learned from the Sage was something his pride wouldn’t allow right now.

Winning that way would be even more humiliating.

“Doesn’t mean I’ll let you win.”

Leonardo also drew his sword from his waist.

“…Alright, match.”

Jehad stood in the center as the referee.

“Begin!”

Clang!!

At the call, their swords clashed.