I Became a Crazy Swordsmanship Instructor in the Game - Chapter 40:

‘Where could Phillip have gone?’

Felicia Oswald pondered as she swung her sword. The battle with the Manticore was both vexing and demanding of her utmost concentration.

The creature’s tough, leathery skin resisted sword strikes due to its inherent anti-magic properties. Moreover, the venomous stinger on its tail could paralyze even an ogre with its potent poison, making its large, powerful forelegs seem less threatening in comparison.

‘If only I could master the Rotating Sword like Phillip…’

Felicia believed that with the Rotating Sword technique taught by Phillip, she might find a way to pierce Manticore. However, she was not yet as skilled with it as Phillip.

She needed a small opening, and for that, Janice was her best bet.

‘Lua isn’t ready to join the fight just yet. But what will happen when Phillip shows up? And where on earth did he disappear to?’

She had been taking a nap when suddenly she felt the presence of the monstrous creature. Reacting swiftly, she dodged the venomous stinger that came dangerously close to her side, and her hair flew untamed.

“These infuriating women just won’t give up.”

The face of the old man on the Manticore’s head twisted into a miserable expression. Soon, a stream of cursed words began to spew from the creature’s mouth.

“Professor!”

Ordinarily, curses would impair one’s sight, hearing, and slow down their movements. However, Janice’s Fireball Spell interrupted the curses midway, preventing their full effect.

Regardless of how ancient and high-ranking the creature was in the food chain, it left itself vulnerable to its own magic when casting against Janice.

Meanwhile, Lua stood with her sword drawn, lost in thought. Her talent was undeniably destined to shine brightly, but for now, having only recently taken up the sword, she was still a novice.

She couldn’t fathom how she could be of assistance in the current situation.

‘… I want to help too.’

The Manticore filled her with fear. The repulsive face of the old man on the lion’s body and the sight of the sharp, venomous stinger on its tail sent shivers down her spine.

Yet, Janice, who stood before her, seemed equally formidable.

Her legs trembled like bamboo in the wind, and every time she turned to check on Lua’s safety, tears welled up in her terrified eyes.

Despite the overwhelming fear, Janice was determined to protect Lua.

Lua tightly grasped the General’s Sword, a gift from Philip, as she gazed unwaveringly at the intense battle unfolding before her.

Her eyes slowly narrowed.

‘Swordsmanship is the art of mastering the sword, Lua. To put it simply, it’s about rendering your opponent powerless with the blade. For that, your sword must make contact with your adversary’s body, right? Slashing, thrusting, evading their attacks, using clever tactics—all these techniques serve one purpose.’

Memories of Philip’s teachings flooded her mind.

‘When my sword connects with the opponent, it’s game over, regardless of the method used.’

Filled with an almost trance-like determination, Lua stepped back, clutching the sword. Though she had recently become more attuned to the power of magic, she was still unaware of any means to reinforce her body using it. All she could do was put all her strength into hurling the sword at Manticore.

Ordinarily, tossing a mere sword would hardly threaten Manticore—a bit like throwing a lightweight twig at a giant beast.

The problem lay in the fact that the “General’s Sword” looked like a magnificent piece of magical craftsmanship; it was fashioned by the finest alloy artarium, and crafted by the most skilled mages. It emanated a subtle, dark gleam, and the hilt and pommel were exquisitely adorned with Younson’s artistic flair.

Manticore couldn’t afford to dismiss the sword’s potential.

Within the “General’s Sword,” there undeniably lay traces of aura.

Of course, the sword’s dimensions and weight automatically adjusted to fit its wielder’s physique, but Lua had no way of knowing this.

Manticore swiftly sidestepped, evading Lua’s sword.

But Felicia didn’t let the opportunity slip away. She focused entirely, granting herself the necessary composure to deftly spin her sword.

“Haaah!”

Empowered by magic, Felicia’s speed matched Manticore’s. Her sword carved along the creature’s side.

Though the thick hide didn’t split entirely, it was a formidable blow.

“Kwaaaargh!”

Manticore’s bellow resounded across the lake, its fresh blood staining the ground as it staggered back, and growled in anger.

“Does a pitiful woman dare to deceive me?”

Manticore’s fierce fury was directed at Lua, who trembled, her fear almost getting the better of her.

“Uuuuh….”

As Lua’s legs weakened, Janice’s staff swung into action. Her nose bled, having expended most of her mental strength.

The cursed magical sword aimed at Lua collided with Janice’s protective shield.

Unfortunately, Janice couldn’t fully repel the force of Manticore’s curse. As the shield cracked, she spat out fresh blood.

“Damn it!”

The power was overwhelming, even for a mage actively engaged in their craft.

Felicia wasn’t just a bystander; she sought out opportunities to strike the thick neck of the Manticore. However, the demon was quicker, and soared through the air.

“Someday, I’ll make sure to sink my teeth into the flesh of all of you!”

The Manticore seemed determined to escape. From the beginning, its intention had been to battle Janice and Lua with the thought of devouring them. When it felt its life was threatened, it wasted no time in fleeing.

“… Unfortunately, that won’t be possible.”

But then, a clear voice echoed from somewhere.

Soon, the surface of the lake rippled, and a colossal whirlpool shot up.

“For daring to spread such a repulsive stench in my lake, I shall end you.”

Lake Fairy fixed a cold gaze on the Manticore. Pointing her finger at the creature, a massive water vortex surged towards it, large enough to swallow a whole house.

“… No way, seriously?”

The Manticore was left dumbfounded, and hovered in mid-air. Dodging the attack did not prove to be its salvation.

“That cursed mage deceived me.”

Although the lake was said to be inhabited by fairies, the Manticore had only envisioned an ancient fairy living there, at best. It had thought the Lake Fairy would possess abilities limited to startling travelers or playfully teasing forest creatures. Only now did the Manticore realize that it had stumbled upon a place where it would meet its demise, and it gnashed its teeth in regret.

The being before it possessed power far beyond that of an ordinary fairy.

In no time, a water vortex, honed like a blade, engulfed the hovering Manticore. Though its tough hide and black blood threatened to burst out, the whirlpool’s centrifugal force concealed its form.

“… Who are you?”

A startled Felicia pointed her sword at the woman who had appeared. She couldn’t be sure if the woman was an ally or foe.

“Professor, she’s not our enemy. Please, put your sword away.”

Philip’s voice intervened, blocking Felicia’s path. In his hand, he held a man in robes who seemed to have lost consciousness.

“Philip?”

She gazed back at him, while holding Janice.

“Take care of Janice first, Professor.”

Felicia shifted her attention to Janice. Although the young girl seemed to be in a serious condition, with blood trickling from her nose and mouth, she didn’t appear to be critically injured.

“Ugh…”

Felicia bit her lip, tormented by guilt. Janice had ended up this way because she had tried to assist Felicia.

Originally, Felicia should have handled the fight alone, and Janice’s involvement had led to this outcome.

“I’ll be fine. I just used too much magic without proper preparation. A little rest, and I’ll be okay, so don’t worry.”

Janice reached out to Felicia, who was supporting her. Considering the price she had paid for excessive magic usage, it was a relatively modest consequence.

In severe cases, she could have suffered from cerebral hemorrhage or even cardiac arrest, so Janice breathed a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from her brow.

Above all, she was grateful that Lua was safe.

Felicia retrieved a handkerchief, which was damp with sweat, from her pocket. After a brief hesitation, she handed it to Janice, who used it to wipe away the blood from her nose and mouth.

The smell of sweat wasn’t as unpleasant as Janice had expected.

‘Is it because she’s beautiful?’

While indulging in frivolous thoughts, Janice let out a wry smile.

“You’ve been through a lot, Janice,” praised Philip.

“Oh, it’s nothing. After all, the Instructor saved my life last time… Ah… yes.”

As Janice continued speaking, her body slumped as if she were a collapsed doll. Felicia was taken aback, and bent down to check her condition and let out a sigh of relief when she realized Janice was merely asleep.

Then her gaze turned to Philip.

“So, care to explain what all this is about? Who is that woman, and where have you been all this time?”

Felicia seemed visibly upset, as anyone would be after waking up to a life-and-death struggle.

Philip’s throat tensed, and beads of sweat formed.

“Lua, are you alright? Come here.”

He called for the crying Lua, who rushed into his arms, sobbing.

Philip embraced her and gently patted her back, trying to reassure her.

“It must have been terrifying. But it’s over now. It’s all over.”

“Sob… Hiccup.”

Lua sobbed, clinging tightly to Philip. Felicia couldn’t intervene, so she turned her attention to the mysterious woman who appeared out of nowhere.

The woman was unclothed, with her long hair barely concealing her modesty. To Felicia, who had lived her whole life as a noble lady, it was quite provocative.

“Oh, the child. The child who can name me. I can feel it clearly. This child is destined for greatness.”

Ignoring Felicia completely, the Lake Fairy focused her gaze solely on Lua.

“Yes, that’s right.”

Philip recalled a scene from the original game that had been incredibly challenging, a pivotal moment.

Naming the dying fairy while fending off demons and witnessing Lua’s growth.

Naming a fairy was a task reserved only for humans with immense destinies, as seen in legends and myths. In the founding myths and tales of knights, there was always a scene where they named a fairy.

And Lua was a girl capable of accomplishing just that.

“… But she’s not qualified yet. I am a fairy who has lived for thirteen hundred years, and while that girl may be able to name a young fairy, she’s far from being able to name me.”

“Excuse me?”

The Lake Fairy’s response caught Philip off guard.

“Exactly as I said. That girl hasn’t accomplished enough to name me.”

“What do you mean?”

Felicia cocked her head in puzzlement. She couldn’t fathom the significance of her name or why it mattered so much.

The Lake Fairy narrowed her gaze.

“… You must take responsibility for your words. Do you agree?”

“Can’t we wait until the child is prepared?”

In response to Philip’s inquiry, the Lake Fairy tilted her head downward.

“I’m weary of hearing such empty promises. How many years do you think I’ve lived? Don’t you wish to avoid becoming a liar? There’s only one way.”

Philip nervously gulped, awaiting the Lake Fairy’s next words. Tension was high, and conflict seemed imminent.

The Lake Fairy narrowed her eyes, piercing Philip with her gaze, then finally spoke.

“Give me your name.”