(Verc’s POV)
’I actually managed to win again...’
I mumbled those words quietly inside my head, still trying to process the outcome since my opponent was clearly much better than me in a technical sense. The reason I won was because of my skills; [Predatory Posture] helped me keep my sense of balance perfectly all the time, allowing me to launch attacks from almost any position. Meanwhile, [Bone Density] and [Reinforced Musculature] significantly improved my overall endurance and raw physical strength.
And at the very end, right when Gibson was about to get me— [Danger Sense] flared up to warn me, and I instictively copied what I saw from him earlier, the shoulder block.
I copied the move quite sloppily so the impact threw me off for a second, but with the help of [Adhesive Grip]; I reached out to the ground and stopped myself from completely falling over.
I was also able to immediately counter him with a powerful kick after that with the help of [Predatory Posture]. I hit Gibson hard and saw him drop down to take a knee, so I stood up and finished the match right then and there, making sure not to miss such a perfect opportunity.
In short, although Gibson is definitely my superior when it comes to the technicalities of swordsmanship— overall, I am physically stronger and more versatile than him.
A small, satisfied smile appeared on my face as I thought about it.
’Well, I honestly don’t know what would happen though if we fought a real battle with him using his holy power and me using every single skill in my arsenal.’
Anyway, even though this was just a friendly sparring match where we weren’t using everything we have— it really helped me vaguely figure out exactly how strong I am in this world.
At the very least, I am definitely strong enough to keep pretending and acting as a knight without people catching on.
"That was a very good match, all things considered."
As I was lost in my own thoughts, I heard a calm voice speaking from right beside me. I looked over and saw Gibson looking at me with a respectful expression, extending a hand toward me for a handshake.
"It really was, and I feel like I learned a lot from fighting you."
I shook his hand firmly and said that with a genuine smile. Gibson smiled back and nodded his head at me before walking away to join the rest of the group.
CLAP- CLAP- CLAP-
Just then, I heard the sound of someone clapping not very far away from the clearing. I looked toward the sound and it was to no surprise; it was Kael, looking as energetic as ever.
"That was absolutely amazing to watch, Verc!"
He exclaimed loudly as he approached me. After he got close, he placed his hand on my shoulder and turned his head to look at the other members of his squad.
"Do any of the rest of you still want to have a go at him?"
He asked them, smiling widely at the group.
’Man, you should really ask me first if I even want to fight again... I have already done two matches in a row.’
I grumbled that in my head, but I didn’t actually say anything out loud to complain.
Anyway, the remaining two members of Kael’s squad that I haven’t fought yet just shook their heads to decline the offer.
Kael then turned his focus back to look at me, and his smile was really big this time... Then, opening his mouth—
"Haha, to tell you the truth, the four of them actually requested to fight you themselves."
He told me that in a low, whispering manner so the others wouldn’t hear.
"They were honestly doubting your identity as a wandering knight, and during our journey earlier today— you haven’t really had the chance to fight and show us your skills. They wanted to confirm for themselves whether you actually have skill or if you were just a dead-weight that was just using us for a free ride."
Then he followed up with that, explaining the real reason for the sudden sparring session he had suggested to me earlier.
"I see, I guess that makes a lot of sense from their perspective."
I muttered that under my breath, finally understanding the cold looks from before.
"You aren’t angry at them for doubting you, are you?"
Kael asked me with a curious look. I just looked back at him and shook my head to show I wasn’t bothered.
"They have a perfectly valid reason to doubt me since I’m a stranger."
I replied to him simply.
"Haha, you’re really something special... Don’t worry, after what happened tonight— I’m sure they’ll stop being so wary of you from now on."
Kael said, sounding relieved.
"They’re actually good people at heart, so I know you’ll eventually grow to like them."
"We’ll see how things go."
I said that while shrugging my shoulders with a polite smile on my face.
By the way, I caught a quick glance of Elianna at the corner of my eyes as we spoke.
’She probably gauged my overall strength during the two fights I just had... She is definitely more observant than I initially thought.’
Elianna was just standing there looking at me; her face was completely unreadable and blank. Then after a short while— she just turned around and walked away, probably heading back to her comfortable carriage for the night.
"I would’ve liked to have a spar with you as well tonight, but let’s push that to a later date. You’ve fought two talented people in a row after all. Also, we’ll be travelling together for a while longer, so we have a lot of time to do that later."
Just then, Kael told me that, sounding as cheery and upbeat as usual.
"..."
I found myself frowning a bit at his words. After all, after winning against Gibson— I realized that against someone like him or Elianna; I probably wouldn’t be able to win in a serious, all-out match just yet.
Though, if it was just a simple sparring match for training—
"Sure, I’ll be under your guidance whenever you’re ready."
Then I wouldn’t decline the offer. It’s a great opportunity for me to grow stronger, so why would I ever reject it?
"Haha, sure thing, sure thing."
*****
After the sparring matches—
I spent the rest of the night training as I usually do, swinging my sword repeatedly under Kael’s helpful teaching.
I only stopped for a short while to have dinner with the rest of the group.
And this time, I was not met with an awkward silence— with Gibson and Stanford taking the lead— the others actually started talking to me. Kelton and Harper finally introduced themselves to me and even asked if I would spar with them from time to time on the road.
I told them I welcomed the idea and to ask for a match whenever we were taking a break.
Elianna didn’t join us for dinner by the way, as she stayed in her carriage. Kael told me she was currently meditating to train and refine her holy power, and hearing that made me gulp a mouthful of saliva nervously.
Anyway... the rest of the night passed by very peacefully.
... ... ...
The next day, we immediately cleaned up our campsite and continued our journey down the road.
And by the time afternoon rolled around, right as we were about to take another break— we finally reached a small village.