I'm buried in a dream sequence from this morning.


"How do I defeat someone who knows the future?　Well, that depends on what kind of "knowing" you're talking about. Is it a smell, a sensory epiphany, something in writing, or something you can see?


It's not so difficult to know by writing. The information that comes in is a written transcription of your opponent's movements. You have to retranslate it into an image in your brain. You can see the result, but not the details of the movement, so it's a flawed sense to use in battle.


If you can smell or feel the opponent coming, you can use your senses to dodge his sword or use its trajectory as a weapon against him. If you want to be able to move in advance, you have to make sure that the time between when you feel the sensation and when you take the action after you feel it is as close as possible. Even if it is sensed, it is meaningless if the action does not catch up with the sensation.


If you can see the result, you can move in a way that your opponent's eyes cannot catch. Human vision is a vague thing. If the connection is not clear, the brain will make it add up on its own. Even if you know the result, if you don't know the process, you can't know if there's a gap, and you can't make a countermeasure.


"What?　It's all the same in the end?　If you can't outsmart them, then you can't let them use their power anyway, right?　The only other thing you can do is take away their vision or interfere with their vision of the future to obscure it. I don't think you can do that.


　...... After talking about this, the old man looked very angry.
　I don't think he was really made to lick his lips by such a person.
　Nevertheless, he listened to me earnestly and gave me a concrete plan.
　It sounds absurd. But in the end, what the old man said may be all that matters.
　If a person can see the future, you should either prevent him from seeing the future, or even if he can see the future, you should hunt him down so that he can't respond, or take actions that will frustrate his subsequent movements.


　So, what did the old man who was talking to the man say after that? .......


　--If you can't do anything about it, use your strongest sword. It's the only way to do it.


　The mightiest sword.
　Yes, the strongest sword.
　That's the only time the old man said such a nonsensical thing.
　He had always said that there was no such thing as a sword and that special moves were just a fantasy, but that was the only time he said it with any truth.


　Kenjutsu is the accumulation of repetition of kata and experience.
　There is no such thing as a sword that can absolutely defeat an opponent.
　Swordsmanship is the art of slipping a simple, flashy swing into an opponent's flesh at the slightest opportunity in a reading contest.
　There is nothing dynamic about it.


　That's what he said.
　That's what the old man was saying.
　And yet he said something contrary to that.
　Then the old man must have known what the strongest was all along.


　Basically, ...... sword techniques can only be used to thrust, cleave, or cut down head-on.
　When you get right down to it, it all boils down to how well you can penetrate the gaps in your opponent's consciousness, advance your sword, and bring him to the brink of death.
　Even in a fair fight, it is a surprise attack because you are trying to exploit an opening in the opponent's mind.
　If it is not a gap created after an exchange or a pitched battle.
　Ultimately, the first move ends up being a brilliant surprise attack.


　If it's a surprise attack without a counterattack, it's not so bad.
　What counts in sword fighting is arm strength and speed, and the only way to make full use of them is to swing straight through.
　If the speed of the sword slows down as much as you add tricks to it, then no matter what you do, your special kills must be limited to three: thrusting, cleaving, and slashing down.
　With that in mind, what I have now is a one-handed thrust using Kanre? No--


　After all, it would be a head-on slash down.
　A head-on slash is the basis of swordsmanship in that man's country.
　It's the first thing they teach you when you pick up a sword, and everyone practices it.
　You should keep your armpits tight, extend your arms firmly, do not put any force in your hands, and put force into the sword as if you were squeezing a tea towel when you swing it.
　After cutting down, stop the sword so that it is as parallel to the ground as possible.
　You must continue to do this a thousand or two thousand times a day.
　That is why a head-on slash is the strongest of all sword techniques.


(It hurts that I can't use my left arm, but if anything, this is probably better...)


　There are not many techniques that I can use.
　In fact, there are very few techniques that can be called skills.
　Then, it is only natural to resort to head-on slashing.
　Now that I have achieved that extreme concentration, this technique also has meaning.


　Suddenly, I remembered the stance that the old man had sometimes shown me.
　He lifted the sword and pulled the hilt to the right side of his face.
　The right hand grasps the hilt firmly, and the left arm is drawn as relaxed as possible to the forearm, almost resting on the hilt.
　The left elbow is held tightly against the chest, still relaxed.


　The left elbow should be kept close to the chest, and the left arm should be kept close to the hilt. ...... This will reduce the power of the sword because the left arm cannot carry the power of the sword when swinging down.
　The sword and arm are one, and the tip of the blade goes to the sky.
　All you have to do is step forward until the tip of the sword reaches the opponent, swing, and cut him down headfirst.
　Control your senses and the delay will come, just like before.


　It's OK to hit each other.

　Defeat is assumed.

　No regard for victory.


　With this, you slash him with every blow.
　That's it.


　Then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Parth.
　He's at the entrance of the dojo, talking to someone who came with him. Because he is controlling his senses, the content of the conversation is unclear.


"......


　It was almost the same time that Parth, seeing my stance, spilled out such words.


　Charlotte jumped back significantly.
　She must have realized something and panicked. You can see the strength in her hand as she grips the sword.
　The lines in the text would have disappeared by now. I can't make out the details from just a list of letters.
　The rest is either by smell, inspiration, or sight.


　But earlier, Charlotte reacted strongly to the words, "What do you see?
　If so, vision is the most likely explanation.
　And the only thing we can see visually is the future.


　--Yes, Charlotte Cremeria can indeed see the future.


　I don't know if it's one inch away or two inches away. But it is an indisputable fact that her precise evasion so far has been based on the visual acquisition of the future.
　She may not have been able to use it all the time, or she may have fallen behind at times, but she certainly seemed to be able to see when the moment was right and decisive.


　I left my stance as it was and changed my mind.
　Then Charlotte's expression hardened.
　It was because she changed her thought from a head-on slash down to a one-handed thrust with a kanre.
　If you change your mind, your future will change. And if you are looking at that future, this change is natural. If the change in her thoughts is enough to change the future she is looking at, then she is still one or two steps ahead. In the long run, it makes no sense because she can see the future after she changes her mind, but apparently there are some ambiguities.


　But we are still at a disadvantage.
　The analogy is that of a mule game with a cheater. The cards in your hand are always visible to your opponent. The cards in your hand are constantly being turned over, and you can make all kinds of countermeasures, no matter how many times you switch places.
　However, even if those eyes had already seen the vision of you holding the tip of your hand to his throat, there was no way you could have known differently that this move was the best one.


　Even if you can see it, if you don't have the ability to stop it, the result will be the same.
　As I thought about this, I suddenly felt that I was exchanging swords.
　Perhaps it was because I hadn't had this kind of hand-to-hand combat with her before.


　I start to move. I move my feet, rubbing the soles of my feet against the floor, and move into Charlotte's range. She may not be able to see what's coming now. She doesn't seem to be responding to our movements.
　He produced his wooden sword as if to strike Charlotte, and without hitting the responding wooden sword, he slipped through and behind her.


　From there, he moved to the very edge of the kendo hall wall, then turned and ran toward Charlotte.


　Keeping his upper body in check, he took a step.


(Ken)


　Adjusting his pace, he took another step.


.


　In the midst of his acceleration, he took one last step.


.


　And then he shifts to the movement technique he created, "Kanre".
　This gait is a sudden, hyper-accelerating move that brings you right in front of your opponent and greatly disrupts his timing of attack and defense.
　It is a one-handed right-handed thrust that is both fast and powerful.
　Yes, this is the sword that stopped the heart of the Kuro Panther when Dusseyr attacked.
　Now the technique is done. Now all I have to do is turn my body into an arrow and fly towards my opponent.
　Charlotte would have no choice but to dodge as if she were running away.
　If you're going to take this sword, you'll need to be precise with your swordsmanship.


　...... But Charlotte did not evade.
　The moment I thrust my wooden sword at Charlotte's throat, I saw her in front of me with her sword out as well.
　The point of the thrust was right at her throat, as if to counter.
　Charlotte didn't dodge, she didn't brush him off, and she didn't care if she won or not.


　She was just trying not to lose.


Looks like it's settled.


　Shortly after they put their knives to each other.
　The referee, hearing Ian's words, belatedly shouted.


"That's enough!


　As the referee's words echoed through the kendo hall, the air relaxed as if the tension had been released.
　The people around you were so fascinated by the battle that they were holding their breath.
　The sound of breathing could be heard everywhere.


　Anyway.


"......, I see.

I knew this was the only way. If you can change the trajectory of your acceleration on the way, you're sure to lose if you run away.


　She must have been able to see the future. If she said she could change the trajectory, she might have been able to see multiple futures.
　I had called Suu extraordinary before, but perhaps it was this power that Charlotte possessed that seemed to be extraordinary.


　But...


If you can't beat her with this, you'll lose confidence. ......


　It's like this every time. Just when you think you've gotten a little stronger, you get crushed by someone stronger than you.
　Magic, swordsmanship, and all that.


"Terrible move. I can't believe you can do that without using magic.


　I looked over at Charlotte and she shivered once or twice as if she was trying to shake off a chill.
　So you've managed to chill her a bit.


...... I'm a little tired.


　He exhaled heavily and sat down on the spot.
　You've been concentrating a lot. The exhaustion was overwhelming me.
　Ian approached me.




I didn't think you and Charu would get along.

No, it's just that the plan hit the mark.

I don't think so. I don't think there was any strategy to it, though.


　No. It was simply an exchange of techniques. It was not a tactical battle.


"Mr. Arx. Where does your swordplay come from?　I've been exposed to a lot of sword fighting, but I've never seen anything like it.

"Well, my swordplay is from a book, and I've practiced it privately.


　You can't just say "......" by reliving a man's life and then say something like that.


I've seen shades of fine sword fighting in places, but the roots are different. So you're saying that your sword is based on the sword described in that book?

Yes.

But how could you even think of using such a thing?　You don't even know if that sword technique will work.

I figured if the technique was good enough to be written about, then it must be.

Hmm. ...... Char, did you see what he did just now?

"He just threw a one-handed thrust. A flash of lightning, I believe is the word.

How did he make that move?

I have no idea. It was all I could do to get the tip right.


　Ian looks at me. I think he was hoping I'd say something.


I found I could do it.

If that's the case, you're incredibly talented. Now that your left hand is healed, I'd like to see you work on it.

Yes. If you ever visit the dojo again, please let me know.


　After the exchange with Ian, Perth walked from the entrance of the kendo hall.
　I bowed my head to him.


"Sir. I hope you will forgive me for dressing like this.

"Hmm. I'm sorry my son and daughter are being so selfish.

No, it's been a good experience for me, besides the sword.

ARX. I've seen your sword.

Even though we are in a fine sword fighting dojo, I'm sorry to show you something you shouldn't have seen.

It's a pain in the ass to have to be so humble.

"Haha.


　I bowed my head again, grateful for Perth's concern that eased the stiff atmosphere.


"Arx. Your sword is a throwaway sword, isn't it?

...... Yes.

"I don't recall Lord Molten Steel's sword being anything like that.

You're right, my lord. I also understand that my uncle's fighting style was based on the premise of survival, and I also believe that fighting is something that must be survived.

"Hmm.

Then, what is a sword? In addition, I believe that a sword, once grasped and brought to bear, can be used to find life while abandoning oneself.


　Yes, perhaps that man's sword is based on such a principle. Then, as long as I use his swordsmanship, my fighting style will be close to abandonment like this.


　Anyway.


I'm not going to lie, I'm a mage, so I don't think I can live that way.

"That contradicts the spirit of what you just said. At the end, no, before that, the sword had an uncanny power. And it fits with what you said when you faced Balgu Guruva. Abandoning oneself and yet finding life. As a child of the warrior class, it is perfect that he is able to stand up to fear. No, that's been done before too. ......


　You're right. The Marquis of Gaston was also a man who stood his ground. In a way, I guess I was already prepared for that kind of thing back then.


"What do you think, Mr. Dimberg?


　At the destination where Perth sought an answer, there was an old man in a butler's uniform.
　He must be the companion he had seen earlier. He was between six and seven feet tall. His head looked gray because of his gray hair, he wore a pair of glasses, and he had a thin sword at his waist.
　He is slender, and his manners are well-mannered. He is slender and well-groomed.
　At first glance, he gives the impression of a handsome old butler. He has the appearance and atmosphere of an old butler, as if he fits the mold of the old butler in the books of that man's country.


　The moment his figure was seen, the air in the dojo seemed to tighten even more.
　Everyone was staring at him with a nervous expression.


　Ian and Charlotte were no exception.


"Well... I suppose you're right, sir. That's how I see it, too.




　A soothing voice came back to Perce.
　Charlotte greeted the old butler with a nervous look.


It's been a while, Mister Caldert. It's been a long time.

"Well, well, Mr. Charlotte. Thank you for being so polite to such an old man.

No, sir, I think it's only natural to show respect to a master like Caldert.


　A master, does that mean this old steward is a pretty good user? I don't know, I'm not too familiar with that side of things, but judging by the tension between Charlotte and Ian, I'm pretty sure he is.


　Suddenly, the old butler called Caldart turns to me.


Silver hair, red eyes, ......, as you may have guessed.

"My name is Arx Raytheft.

"...... I knew it was you. I'm sorry I'm late. I'm Caldart Dinberg.

What do you mean?

I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Arx. Both good and bad.

I'm ashamed of myself.

No, he's everything I've heard him to be. I've always heard he's a bit of a surprise.

Ha, ha. ......


　I don't know who told this old butler that. Not many people would describe themselves in such a way, but did he have any acquaintances around him who might be related to him?


　First of all, I would like to talk to Charlotte in private.


(Dear Charlotte, who is that man?)

Lord Caldert is the one who received the Royal Art of Fine Swordsmanship from my grandfather. I've heard he's just as good as your father.

Is he that good?

Yes. I've had her fight me a few times, but I was no match for her.


　So, since he is as good or worse than her, he would be just as helpless.
　Charlotte asks Caldart.


Caldert, what brings you to the dojo today? From the looks of you, it doesn't seem like you are here to practice.


The reason I came to the Dojo today is because I was told by His Highness that Master Arx is here.

What?

Yes. Master Arx, I have seen something interesting today. I will be visiting your residence soon to greet you.


　Caldert said this and bowed politely.



　.



　After greeting Perth and Caldert in the kendo hall.
　After greeting Perth and Caldert at the kendo hall, Arx and Charlotte walked out of the kendo hall.
　He sat down on the stone that now resembled a stool on the grounds and stretched his back with his arms up, savoring the feeling of being released from the stuffy air.


　As soon as she sat down, Charlotte cut in with a mysterious expression.


'Mr. Arx. You know what I see, don't you?

...... So Charlotte can see the future after all.

"The future ...... is more like a destination. It's not a definite future, it's the most probable.

Ahead. ...... I see.


　The future is not a definite future, but the most likely.
　It's true, you could say that. If you can see a definite future, you can't change the outcome, so I guess you are saying that you can see the destination, the way things will happen.


How did you know that when you were just fighting?

"I was pretty sure I was sensing something outside of my five senses. So, if you're seeing something else with your eyes, an orbit or an image ......, then you're seeing the future anyway.

"How can you know that?

I shouldn't have turned my head like that. I shouldn't have done that.

That's why it's such a ridiculous answer.　I don't think people usually think they can see the future, do they?

You don't?　There are people in this world who have special abilities beyond their talents called "natural talents", so I think it could happen.

That's true. I've also heard that there are various kinds of natural talents in the world.


　Charlotte looked at me as if she understood.
　Charlotte looked as if she understood.


I've heard that there are various natural laws in this world.

"Well, no, that's just because I wanted to use a term that refers to the whole world!　It is said that all strong and powerful people have this!

"Yeah. I think you're right. I think you're right, but it's a bit far-fetched, don't you think?

Well, you know, I've seen and heard about this whole thing about the mind's eye thing.

Thingyan?

Yeah. It's the ability to perceive things that can't be perceived by the five senses. There are people in this world who have that power.

You're talking about the Book of Mormon.



That's about it.


　The truth is, in that man's life... But there's no point in talking about it.
　While I was thinking about this, Charlotte looked at me with a reserved look in her eyes.
　There was a hint of anxiety in her eyes.


"Hey, Arx-kun. Do you think this power is unfair?

"Cheating?

Yeah. I think it's because you're looking into the future ......, into something no one else can see, and that's not the same as being good with a sword.

No. I don't think so. I think it's a real talent.

Really?

You can't say it's cheating when it's an innate ability. If you say it like that, just being big or being male or female is also cheating. Besides, if I call Charlotte's power a cheat, then I'm cheating like hell.

"You are?

Yeah. I think my cheating is crazy, to be honest. And if that's cheating, then there are plenty of people in this world who cheat.　Suu is like the master of it, and Balgu Gurva of the Empire is crazy. That's what I just said about natural disposition. So I don't think you need to worry about it.

"...... Yeah. That may be true.

And I don't think you'll have to worry about it. And I think you'll stop worrying about it in time, because when you're about to lose, you don't have the option of not using it, do you?

Sure, I'll use it.


　That's what we settled on, but let's face it.


"...... Well, I think it's cheating too, but...

"What the hell is that?　You just said you have a gift!

"No, it's not fair. I can see the future. It's impossible.

Arx wouldn't tell me he's cheating. Isn't that cheating?

Compared to Charlotte's, mine is still pretty cute.

That's your subjective opinion, Mr. Arx. Besides, you're a mage, aren't you?　So why are you so good at swordsmanship?　That's cheating.

It's not cheating. The fact that I can use magic and swordplay is the result of my training.

Oh, you talk like that?　You make it sound like I don't train hard enough.

That's paranoia. I don't mean anything by it.


　"That's paranoia." "I have no such intentions." They argue like that and glare at each other with puffy faces.
　Eventually, both of them couldn't stand the staring anymore and started to spew.


"Mmm-hmm.

Hahahahaha.


　After laughing, they wiped the tears from the corners of their eyes.


I feel like this is the first time I've had an honest conversation with you, Arx.

"That's true. You're right. This is the first time I've talked to Charlotte like this.


　I guess I feel this way because I haven't had many chances to talk to Charlotte before.
　Somehow, I felt that I was getting to know her better than before.