Chapter 28: Preparation (3)

A day at the academy begins with an intense run.

It had been a long time since I’d grown accustomed to Instructor Lee Won-bin’s training, designed to “toughen up” every cadet.

Never thought I’d say this, but before I knew it, I wasn’t just blending into academy life—I was actually enjoying it.

“One, two, three, four! I can’t hear you! Again!”

“”””Yes, sir!””””

Cadets shouting in unison and responding to commands. If you looked at it that way, it didn’t seem too different from the usual morning exercises.

Chloe was seated in a chair provided off to the side of the training field.

She rested a metal crutch beside her and waved at me. I responded with a helpless wave and then took my position at the rear of the formation.

The man leading the cadets, blowing his whistle, slowed his pace and came up alongside me.

“I see you’re lagging. Did you injure your leg during the exam?”

“No, sir.”

He wore a green tracksuit with three stripes down each side.

Somehow, this man even made what would usually look ridiculous seem impressive, like designer athletic gear meant to perform.

His athletic figure filled out the tracksuit, the muscle fibers visible under the fabric. His body was so ideally built, it was hard to believe he was an elderly man with gray hair.

Plus, he had youthful, well-defined features. It was clear that, in his youth, he’d made many women’s hearts race.

Sword Emperor Siegfried von Nibelung.

Half a century ago, he played a remarkable role in subjugating Basmon, the commander of the 4th Corps, and was widely regarded as the most powerful human in existence.

If there were anyone comparable in strength, it would likely be Richard de Murat.

However, given that the Spear Star’s skill focused solely on raw power, most people bet on the Sword Master.

To many, he embodied the warrior ideal, someone everyone respected and revered.

Siegfried was a legendary swordsman from a heroic lineage who would later become Leon’s sword master, furthering his importance in Miracle Blessing M.

‘Sword Saint.’

Even Leon van Reinhardt, the protagonist blessed with every advantage, never attained that title.

There were countless threads in the game forums where players attempted to add those two shining letters to their usernames.

Yet there wasn’t a single post reporting that anyone had obtained it. A user once posted a screenshot of the response they’d received after contacting the game developers, and their wording was quite something:

『Attaining the title ‘Sword Saint’ as Leon van Reinhardt is systematically designed to be ‘impossible.’ We apologize for any inconvenience caused.』

The next Sword Saint, Siegfried.

Whenever he took hold of his sword’s hilt, people looked on in awe. A veteran swordsman, embodying every romantic notion of a hero.

…However.

Here he was, Siegfried, the object of everyone’s envy, running beside me in this morning drill.

His whistle hung around his neck, swinging back and forth as if all this were perfectly normal. The whole moment felt surreal.

It was like watching a five-star general casually jogging alongside a rookie soldier during training.

Anyone who’s served would understand how unsettling this was.

I couldn’t even breathe properly from the pressure. Sweat trickled from my forehead, sliding down my cheeks.

Even Instructor Lee Won-bin, who was sturdily built himself, was casting anxious glances in my direction. The envious looks from the other cadets were just a bonus. I clicked my tongue briefly and turned away from their stares.

“The foundation of a warrior is endurance and strength. No matter how talented, without a strong body and steely resolve, a warrior cannot reach their full potential. These exercises, simple as they may seem, are the groundwork upon which you’ll grow. Don’t slack off, and keep up the pace,” said Siegfried.

“…Yes, sir.”

His tone was as smooth as a cup of latte. When I stayed silent, Siegfried’s expression hardened, and he chastised me.

“Speak up! Haven’t you stopped drinking milk yet?”

“I’ll do better, sir!!”

“Good.”

Apparently satisfied, Siegfried nodded and sped back to the front with surprising swiftness. A cloud of dust rose in his wake as he blew his whistle, and all the cadets chased after him like a flock of mice.

Despite being over seventy, Siegfried showed no signs of exhaustion. While Media, the sage, used her blessing to maintain her youth, Siegfried seemed to have defied time itself.

‘Is he actually getting younger with age?’

I shook my head, trying to rid myself of the distracting thoughts.

In the game, Siegfried was an enigmatic figure who rarely appeared. It was unusual for him to get involved like this; even nobles barely had the chance to approach him.

Even those aristocrats who claimed to crave his favor had to bow their heads just for a chance to speak with him. But with me, he showed up constantly, as if it were normal.

He’d come to see me at the entrance ceremony, visited me in the hospital every time I ended up there, and now he had taken on the role of co-instructor for Wolf Class.

If there were any logical explanation, it would be less confusing.

But this man, known for his reserved nature, didn’t seem inclined to explain himself.

After surviving the exam, I’d thought things would return to normal. But there was no question now that the main plotline of *Miracle Blessing M* was starting to veer off course.

“…Sigh.”

I didn’t want things to get complicated… A faint sigh escaped me as anxiety drummed against my chest.

After the running drills, all the cadets sat down on the training field, looking at Siegfried.

Everyone’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Some couldn’t hide their grins, and even students from Dragon Class and Star Class had slipped in to catch a glimpse of the Sword Emperor.

Siegfried, arms crossed, observed the cadets.

There was a certain kindness and dignity in his otherwise serious face.

His golden eyes scanned the area, and the students waited with bated breath for him to speak.

“Knowledge of an enemy is essential. But on the battlefield, the mind rarely keeps pace with thought. Beasts and demons won’t give us time to think.”

Then, Siegfried nodded toward Instructor Lee Won-Bin, who quickly brought out an assortment of metal weapons, laying them on the ground: double-edged swords, spears, axes, and bows. There was even a sashimi knife mixed in with the weapons.

“From now on, outside of simulations, the use of personal weapons will be prohibited. Choose one of these and get used to handling it.”

Everyone listening was visibly taken aback.

For them, the familiar weapons passed down through their families were practically extensions of themselves.

For Siegfried to suggest that they give up their treasured weapons was almost like asking them to sever a limb.

The cadets murmured among themselves in response to Siegfried’s words, and finally, a student with piercings carefully raised his hand to ask a question.

“Master Siegfried, can you tell us why we’re being prohibited from using our own weapons? I believe it’s better to become skilled with our family’s weapons to ensure we’re prepared for the future.”

Despite the student’s bold question, Siegfried showed no irritation. In fact, he seemed pleased, his frown easing slightly as he answered:

“Good question. But in everything, basics are fundamental. The more one relies on a high-level weapon, the more likely they are to neglect the basics and grow complacent in their training, often mistaking the weapon’s power for their own skill.”

“Wouldn’t it make more sense, then, to know your weapon well enough to compensate for any shortcomings?”

The student questioned again, modest yet eager to win Siegfried’s favor. His intention was clear.

“No matter the quality of the weapon, if the user lacks skill, it’s as useless as pearls on a pig. And besides, a true master never blames his tools. That is all.”

A hint of familiarity flashed through my mind, and I nodded slightly in satisfaction. The student, though puzzled, fell silent under Siegfried’s imposing presence, reluctant to ask further.

“By mastering the basics, any weapon becomes natural in your hands. Those who demonstrate competence with standard weapons will have high chances of scoring well in the year-end advancement exam.”

“Really?” one of the students exclaimed.

“I guarantee it.”

With those words, the students’ faces lit up with excitement.

Wolf Class was highly competitive, and the opportunity for advancement was precious.

The promise from Siegfried himself, the strongest man alive, sparked ambition in everyone.

Without hesitation, students rushed to grab one of the simple iron tools that weren’t quite weapons.

Some looked curiously at their chosen tools, still feeling awkward, while others tried them out with laughter and enthusiasm.

Finally, I got up too. What remained after the chaos were something that resembled a trident and two sashimi knives that looked more like kitchen tools than weapons.

I scratched my brow and tucked the sashimi knives into my belt.

Siegfried glanced at me.

‘I knew this guy would…’

After confirming that each student held a weapon, Siegfried continued.

“To get used to handling these weapons, today we’ll be doing paired exercises.”

Immediately, a tense atmosphere settled over us. Although they knew training was rigorous, the idea of dueling with live weapons made everyone uneasy.

“You entered this academy to continue the legacy of our founder, Hero Balor Joaquin, and grow as soldiers. You cannot become true warriors without facing risks.”

As if anticipating the students’ reaction, Siegfried continued in a calm tone, arms crossed.

“However, if you jump into fighting one another unprepared, you might lose your head. So, before you pair off, I’ll give a demonstration.”

“Wow, will we get to see the Sword Emperor’s blade?”

“No way, I’ve only ever seen it on YouTube! I never thought I’d see it in person!”

“This is what I’ve been waiting for!”

The students whistled and cheered in excitement, their voices carrying beyond the training grounds.

“Silence! Everyone, take your positions!” ordered Instructor Lee Won-Bin, sweating profusely as he tried to calm them down.

But his effort was in vain against the enthusiasm of the young cadets.

With his hand on his forehead, he let out a deep sigh.

I thought of offering him a few words of encouragement. Not only did he have to teach alongside Siegfried, which was pressure enough, but he also had to be his sparring partner for a demonstration.

Today, his bald head seemed even shinier. I really felt for him.

Lee, a bit reluctant, picked up a double-edged axe. Siegfried signaled for him to step aside.

Lee tilted his head, somewhat confused, but Siegfried directed his gaze toward the students.

His eyes landed on me.

“Cadet Kang Geom-Ma, step forward.”

Immediately, all eyes turned to me.

…Shi*t