4. Dropout Swordsman and Swordsmanship Academy [2] – part 1

Several days after the duel with Dodriel- the bullying towards me became worse.

The direct bullying towards me has stopped.

However, malicious gossip was instead being spread about me.

Dropout Swordsman.

Coward.

User of Forbidden Arts.

I was called as such throughout the Academy.

Dodriel and his followers probably spread this rumours.

However, unexpectedly I was unfazed by all this.

(In the past- me from more than a billion years ago, surely wouldn’t have been able to bear this.)

I was calm enough to view myself objectively.

「I wonder if mother is doing well…」

On the way home to the dormitory where Paula-san was waiting, I suddenly became worried for my mother I left behind in my hometown.

It has been 3 years since I started attending the Gran Swordsmanship Academy

Although we have been exchanging letters once every month, I have never returned to my hometown.

I was too occupied with myself, that I didn’t have much time.

「Alright… I’ve decided. Let’s return during the next break.」

It would take about 10 hours to walk to my hometown, Goza village.

But, the me right now should be able to arrive faster.

「Oh yeah, I should buy a souvenir at least」

I’m returning after 3 whole years.

I can’t go empty-handed.

Mother loves rice crackers and mochi very much.

She would surely be happy if I brought her those as souvenirs.

(No, before that… How much do I have right now…)

When I took my wallet out of my pocket and turned it over, three coins fell out.

「520 golds…」

I can’t buy a decent souvenir with this.

「…Should I take on a part-time job?」

Regarding the part-time job… let’s consult Paula-san.

That person has many personal connections. She might be able to introduce me to a good part-time job.

And I’m sure I can work in peace, if it’s her recommendation.

Then I went back to the dormitory while humming.

■

As soon as I returned to the dormitory, I asked Paula-san if there was a good part-time job.

「A part time job!?」

「Yes, is there any good place you know of?」

「Why so suddenly? Will your sword training be alright?」

Paula-san asked me while tilting her head.

「Training is also important, but I was about to go see my mother in my hometown. That is why…」

「-I see, so you tried to buy souvenirs, but didn’t have any money?」

Before I finished saying everything, Paula-san continued.

「Ahaha… it’s embarrassing, but it’s exactly as you say.」

「Ok Ok… I understand your situation. If that’s the case, there’s one special guy!」

While crossing her arms, she smiled happily for some reason.

「Is it true? Please introduce me!」

「Of course! -If you go here, you can get rich quick!」

Saying that, Paula-san stripped off the poster on the bulletin board and slammed it on the table.

I picked up the wrinkled paper, and gazed at its contents.

「Sword Festival…?」

Sword Festival- A festival for swordsmen held once a month in the neighboring town of Obis. Even if it’s called a festival, it’s not the fun-filled atmosphere with food stalls lined up by the streets.. It is a festival where swordsmen clash one-on-one and contend their own swordsmanship. Certainly, the top three winners will receive a huge amount of prize money.

「Yes, that’s right! A man has to contend with his strength after all!」

She said while slapping her triceps that was three times thicker than mine.

「Sword Festival… huh?」

Me from a billion years ago, would never have participated in this festival even by mistake.

Now that I’ve surpassed that hell, I should be able to put up a good fight, even though winning the top prize will be difficult.

However, there is one major problem in going to the Sword Festival.

「It may certainly be a good idea… but the participation fee is…」

To participate in the Sword Festival, I need to pay a thousand gold as participation fee.

Unfortunately, I don’t have that much.

As I apologetically returned the poster back to Paula-san,

「You’re an idiot! How can I be called a dorm mother if I don’t provide the money, when my dorm student is trying to show his manliness!」

Then she picked 1000 gold bill from the shelves and shoved it into my hand.

「Here, take this!」

「I-Is it really alright!?」

「Ah! Instead, you can compensate me with the winnings!」

「T-Thank you…! I will definitely win and get the prize money!」

I was able to participate in the Sword Festival unexpectedly, so I continued to swing my sword today in preparation for the Sword Festival set to be held at the weekend.

■

Several days later.

I went to the neighboring town, Obis, to participate in the Sword Festival.

「Well… I should be arriving there soon…」

I went to the venue following a simple map drawn by Paula-san.

「Since this shop is here… I have to turn right at the next corner」

And when I turned around the corner, I lost my breath.

「…!」

A lot of powerful swordsmen gathered there.

The spectacle of big men glaring at each other with their swords on their hips had an intensity that cannot be described.

(Se-Seriously…!)

Swelled up muscles.

Fists that looked like rocks.

Swords that have been used for a long time.

There is no doubt.

Everyone here was a much better swordsman than me.

(Slightly, no… my outlook was too optimistic…)

I never imagined the level for the Sword Festival would be this high.

I was overwhelmed by the sight for a moment, but I immediately remembered what I had to do now.

「Y-Yeah, I have to register to participate…!」

While I was looking around to search for the reception desk,

「…Oops」

Suddenly, someone bumped into me from behind.

As I turned around, there was a man of 2 meter height with a crew-cut hairstyle looking down at me with a grumpy face. Seeing as how he had a large sword on his back, he must be here to participate in the Sword Festival.

「Huuuuh? Don’t block the way, stupid brat!」

The man bared his hostility towards me while shouting.

The three women who were following behind him, sneered.

「Mou-, don’t bully such a weak child, Bubble」

「Since he has a sword on his hip, I wonder if this child is also a participant?」

「No no, that’s not possible! Even if such a frail child participates, it won’t be fun!」

So saying, this rude group cackled happily.

Surely even I was offended by this.

The one who bumped into me was this large man called Bubble or something.

Moreover, I was standing at the edge of the road, and above all, he was not focused on where he was going as he was talking to the women.

It would be obvious to anyone, that the fault lies with Bubble.

Perhaps due to that thought it manifested through my expression,

「Oi, what’s with that rebellious eyes? Do you wanna pick a fight with me?」

A vein popped up on his forehead as he cracked his knuckles.

And as a result of the various things I considered,

「…I apologize」

I chose to honestly apologize than to fight back.

If I caused a ruckus here, they might not let me participate in the festival.

I didn’t want to disappoint Paula-san, who has even handed me the participation fee and was cheering me on from the dormitory.

「Ha, is that all you can say!? Loser!」

With that parting remark, Bubble and the women disappeared into the bustling crowd.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep