"So let's move on, shall we?

　He stands in front of Iris and Aria, who are standing side by side, and tells them so.
　While Aria looks at me with a sleepy expression, Iris' expression is serious.
　In fact, I can feel her gaze overflowing with anticipation. I'm not sure what to make of such high expectations, but ...... it seems that Iris is really happy to be moving on to the next step.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing.

The next lesson is very simple--you will take my sword.
"What?　You want me to take your sword ......?
Yes. In the first lesson, you will be trained to respond to the unexpected blow that Aria showed you in the game,......, or should I say to feel it more strongly? If you can do that, you can more easily defend yourself with a visible sword.

　But it's not as simple as it sounds.
　Since I'm training you, I was actually expecting you to be able to block my Invisible.
　The reason why you can prevent the invisible blow is because you can sense it.
　The ability to grasp what is around you - the "sixth sense" - is an excellent sensing ability for a swordsman.
　The first step was for Iris to learn that sense.
　Then, the next goal for Iris is to be able to block my sword blows, which is reasonable.
　Of course, if it was just a simple sword strike, both Iris and Aria would be able to block it--they are at that level.

Then, let's start with Iris.
"Yes, yes!

　Iris steps forward.
　I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it, but I'm sure I can.

So, let's start with the basic speed. I'm going to go faster and faster, so you'll have to defend yourself.
"...... I understand. I'm sorry.

　When I saw Iris setting up, I pulled out my mock sword.
　I kicked the ground to close the distance.
　I heard the sound of the wind blowing.
　First, three light blows. The first three strikes were aimed at Iris's shoulders, flanks, and feet, but Iris was able to handle them all.
　I can see - well, it's only natural that I can block this much.
　It was a feint and a blow, but it was a good one.
　Next, the third strike.
　This time, he accelerates his blows even faster than before.

"......!

　I'm sure you'll agree with me.
　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.

And now, what about the next one?
"Ah!

　Five strikes.
　This is not the kind of swordplay you want to show your students.
　It's not something you want to show your students. It's aimed at the neck and other parts of the body that would kill you instantly in serious combat.
　Of course, I don't intend to hit the vital points hard, but it gives me a chance to think about how to defend myself when such points are targeted as a practice.
　Up to the third blow, Iris was just barely able to avoid it, but the fourth blow delayed her reaction and she lost her balance.
　The fifth blow followed. The tip of my sword stopped just short of Iris's throat.

Yes, that's it.
...... I'm sorry, I meant to take them all.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

　Personally, I did not expect to be blocked until the fourth blow.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　If it's just sword speed, I'm pretty confident too, to be honest.

"Next, me.
"Yes. Then, Aria, please come to the front.

　Then it was Aria's turn - she struck repeatedly in the same way as Iris, gradually accelerating.
　As it turned out, Aria had a better chance of preventing the attack. At any rate, she was able to block the fifth blow at the same speed as the sword blow against Iris.
　The expression on Iris's face, who was watching from the side, was clearly frustrated.

"Well, I can't believe Aria got the better of me again. ......
"Doh!
I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out. You noticed that I was moving the same way, didn't you?
You did?
Yeah, that's right. I did think it was the same, but ......".

　I think Iris is also relieved inside.
　--In the event that you've got a lot of time, you'll be able to take a look at the following.
　What's more, even though she has a sleepy expression on her face, she's really paying attention to each and every movement.
　Perhaps she is skilled in understanding the habits of others.
　At least I don't have to practice separately with Iris and Aria, which helps me too.

"Now that we know that we're at roughly the same level, shall we start with both of us at the same time?
What do you mean, two people at once?
Please don't ask me if I'm okay. I can do it. It's probably better if it's not one on one. You can fight back if you can.

　You can adjust the speed at which you unleash your sword blows, and more importantly, with the two of you now, it won't be a problem to do it in a way that is similar to a real battle--that's what I'm suggesting.



(...... Well, my workload is slowly increasing...)

　It's not just a matter of watching and talking, it's also a matter of actually doing something with your body. I knew this when I promised to teach him swordsmanship.
　--It's not that I dislike teaching itself. I felt a sense of joy when I saw people grow.
　In that sense, I may have grown somewhat as a teacher.