HTNSA 33

Chapter 33

“How did he end up at the academy in that situation?”

“It seems he quickly distinguished himself in the mercenary corps. A noble who took notice of him recommended he take the entrance exam.”

“……”

“Thanks to a letter of recommendation from that noble, he was able to enroll. But not long after, he realized he was afflicted with mana insensitivity.”

It was indeed a tragic story.

Felix’s life turned out to be far more unfortunate than expected.

To enter the academy after having his talent recognized, only to discover the critical limitation of mana insensitivity…

Life here must not have been easy either.

And yet, he had still managed to awaken his talent.

A remarkable feat.

Even among noble families, such innate ability was rare.

Considering that most students had received systematic training from a young age, his case was even more impressive.

But despite growing up in a completely opposite environment, Felix had managed to surpass the level of his peers in no time.

To possess such skills right after recovering from mana insensitivity… His potential was on a whole different level from ordinary people.

In some ways, his past mirrored that of the Duke of Agenta.

The Duke had also grown rapidly from a young age without any formal training.

As if the talent passed down through generations had reached its peak with him.

Because of that, people came to call him the pinnacle of swordsmanship, solidifying the Agenta family’s reputation as the greatest martial house in the empire.

The Duke of Agenta was well aware of his own genius.

And at this very moment, he was convinced that this boy Felix was the same kind of person.

It’s been a while since I’ve felt this excited.

The duke smiled faintly at the center of the training ground.

The headmaster, who had been observing, wore a confused expression.

He simply couldn’t understand why such a high-ranking noble would show interest in a mere commoner.

There are so many outstanding students at the academy besides that one.

He wished the duke would focus more on promising noble children instead of wasting his time on a commoner.

If the duke took in a noble student as a disciple, I could earn credit for introducing them.

In that sense, a mere commoner standing out was entirely useless to him.

Swallowing his irritation, the headmaster racked his brain for a way to redirect the duke’s attention.

Then he remembered a recent report from one of the instructors.

“Duke, now that I think about it, there’s something I should mention.”

“What is it?”

“Recently, a high-level monster was subjugated in the forest near the academy.”

“A high-level monster?”

“Yes, a drake. From what I’ve heard, there’s a strong possibility that one of the students was the one who defeated it.”

The Duke’s eyes sparkled. A drake was among the most powerful of high-level monsters.

Anyone unable to properly wield aura wouldn’t even stand a chance against it.

“A sword expert among the academy’s students? Intriguing.”

“There’s a high possibility that someone has been hiding their true level. We haven’t identified them yet, but I thought it might interest you.”

The duke clearly saw through the headmaster’s intent in bringing up this story.

But even knowing that, he couldn’t help but be intrigued.

After all, he was currently seeking a worthy successor to inherit his household.

Just then, a voice came from across the training ground.

“Headmaster, I heard you called for me.”

Wiping away his gentle expression, the headmaster looked toward the one who had entered the conversation.

“Come closer.”

The Duke of Agenta carefully observed Felix as he approached.

His presence has grown stronger than before.

Even in such a short time, the boy had clearly improved — enough that the duke could sense it.

As Felix stopped nearby, the headmaster addressed him with a cold tone.

“The duke has some business with you. Answer his questions well, and be careful not to be disrespectful. Understand?”

Leaving behind a frosty gaze, the headmaster exited the training grounds.

Felix briefly watched the headmaster’s back before turning to face the duke — whose gaze now bore down on him.

A heavy pressure weighed on his shoulders, but Felix calmly met his eyes and regulated his breath.

The duke’s eyes wavered slightly at that composed attitude.

His tightly pressed lips and subtly stiffened jaw betrayed his surprise.

Soon regaining his calm, the duke spoke in an even tone.

“I heard you recovered from mana insensitivity not long ago. You’ve grown rapidly in a short time.”

“It feels like I’m quickly regaining the level I should have achieved originally.”

“Quite a confident answer. You’re saying your talent was always exceptional, but the mana insensitivity held you back?”

“Yes.”

It was a bold reply.

But the Duke of Agenta smiled with satisfaction.

“I’m curious about the skills of such a genius. Would you care to spar with me?”

If other academy students had heard this, they would’ve been shocked.

Not only had the duke overlooked Felix’s audacity, but he was also offering to personally spar with him.

For any aspiring knight, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

A sparring match with the duke was not just practice — it was a chance to receive valuable instruction.

Naturally, Felix had no intention of rejecting this rare gift.

“I’d be honored.”

At his agreement, the duke silently drew a practice sword.

Felix also gripped the hilt of his blade at his waist.

Rather than attacking first, he raised his presence while carefully observing his opponent’s stance.

Revealing an opening first against someone stronger would be foolish.

The Duke of Agenta smiled in satisfaction at Felix’s cautious approach.

He had already thought as much during their previous spar — this one had a sharp mind.

“Then I’ll go first.”

Though it was a spar, the duke held nothing back.

His sword shot straight for Felix’s exposed right side.

Felix, seemingly expecting this, moved left and narrowly avoided the strike.

A glint appeared in the duke’s eyes.

He had slowed his swing enough for it to be dodged, but for a lower-year student, Felix’s movement was remarkably smooth.

The duke then unexpectedly aimed at Felix’s leg.

He was curious to see how much the boy could react with just his eyes.

Whoosh—!

Fortunately, Felix narrowly avoided the attack before the duke halted his sword just in time.

Could an ordinary student really move like this?

Impossible.

The duke had seen countless knights in his time.

The attack he just made should’ve been unavoidable for someone only beginning to use mana.

At the very least, he’s a Sword Expert.

For a knight, awakening aura meant reaching a significantly higher level.

As the rank increased, so did speed and strength.

The gap between someone who could merely sense and manipulate mana and a Sword Expert was vast.

And the person who knew this best was the Duke of Agenta.

Clang!

Claaaang!

The two began exchanging blows in silence. Felix quickly became engrossed in the duel.

Perhaps it was because some of his tension had eased.

He began revealing his true skills without reservation — twisted thrusts, rapid consecutive attacks, and more.

This in turn made the duke even more excited.

Then, watching their clashing blades, the duke’s eyes widened in surprise.

 

From the tip of Felix’s sword, a faint blue aura was flickering.