ASCC-Chapter 27 Your Skills Are Improving, Little Junior Brother
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At Hagun Academy, courses are broadly divided into two main categories: cultural studies and physical training.
Cultural studies cover the history of 'Blazers', the various classifications of 'Device' abilities, and related theories. Physical training, on the other hand, focuses on enhancing physical fitness and conducting combat exercises.
In addition, there are a variety of elective courses that touch on miscellaneous topics.
For Ryoji, this was his first time attending classes as a Blazer since arriving in this world. Initially, he was quite enthusiastic about the curriculum. However, after two days, his interest completely evaporated, and he became a laid-back slacker.
Take the 'Magic Power Control' class, for example. This course teaches students how to effectively and precisely control their 'Magic Power'. As one of the core subjects for Blazers, it's essential since control over 'Magic Power' is the second most important evaluation metric after its total amount.
The class involves various exercises: standing on the water by stabilizing a barrier of 'Magic Power' beneath one's feet, manipulating special 'Magic Power'- infused clay, or even working with a hydraulic press to refine control.
All of these methods require the ability to release 'Magic Power' outside the body for an extended period.
As a result, while other students were diligently training, Ryoji and Kurogane Ikki stood off to the side, staring blankly.
Both were confident in their shared superhuman ability—to completely exhaust their 'Magic Power' in an instant. Controlling it delicately over several seconds? Impossible.
Even the teacher was at a loss with the pair and had no choice but to let them train independently.
They exchanged glances, sharing a mutual feeling of camaraderie in misfortune.
For Kurogane Ikki, this year was a welcome change—it was the first time someone else stood in the penalty box with him.
"Maybe we should check if there's a sword technique class?"
"Good idea!"
The two quickly decided to search for an elective course that suited their interests.
Unfortunately, despite Hagun Academy having nearly a hundred instructors, not a single one specialized in sword techniques. There wasn't even a single course on the subject. The closest thing to martial arts was a judo class, taught purely because the instructor enjoyed it as a hobby.
"Should we try it?"
"…Might as well check it out."
Seeing the strange look on Ryoji's face, Kurogane Ikki felt a bit puzzled but decided to tag along.
---
''Half an hour later…''
"I've never seen a student as dense as you!"
The judo instructor pointed a trembling finger at Ryoji, his entire body shaking with anger. His complexion was terrible, as though he might suffer a stroke at any moment.
Kurogane Ikki was equally stunned, staring at Ryoji in disbelief.
Generally speaking, mastery in one martial art often translates well into others. Someone skilled in sword techniques should have no trouble adapting to spear techniques or grappling arts like judo. But Ryoji was clearly an exception.
He couldn't even manage the most basic stances. After half a class, he still couldn't get it right, let alone progress to offensive and defensive exchanges.
"I didn't want to learn it anyway," Ryoji mumbled under his breath.
However, his disgruntled expression betrayed his true feelings—it was evident he had been trying his best.
In reality, he was taking the class very seriously. He was willing to learn any martial art or combat technique that could enhance his abilities and strengthen himself. The process of self-improvement and surpassing his limits gave him immense satisfaction.
It allowed him to feel as though he was shedding his former weakness, so no matter how hard it was, he relished the effort.
But for reasons he couldn't comprehend, he simply couldn't grasp even the basics of judo.
This was especially frustrating because, when learning sword techniques, he had intuitively mastered stances within a single breath. He could effortlessly internalize the fundamental moves after just a few glances.
Yet, the moment he tried to apply himself to any martial art beyond sword techniques—or even alternative combat styles—he became utterly useless, struggling for ages without making any progress.
He was, in fact, putting in great effort.
With eyes that seemed like mirrors revealing all truths, Ryoji could immediately analyze the fundamental aspects of the instructor's stance, predict how they would strike, and confidently identify the weaknesses he could exploit in the next moment.
Yet, when it came time for him to put theory into practice, it was as if he forgot everything he had just observed. His hands and feet started moving out of sync, clashing against one another.
''Brain: I've got this!"
''Hands and feet: That's a lie!"
That's exactly how it felt.
His limbs seemed to have minds of their own, refusing to obey his commands, flailing about in chaotic disarray.
Ryoji was acutely aware of this problem.
The only plausible explanation was a disordered innate skill system.
Because he had devoted all his innate skill points to swordsmanship, he was utterly inept at any other combat technique that required innate skills. No matter how long he trained, it would always remain impossible for him to master them.
This wasn't just a case of being inept—it felt like a curse, a malevolent one tied to his cheat-like abilities.
''Angry?''
Of course, it was impossible not to feel anger.
But Ryoji also understood the principle of gain and loss.
Though he had lost the ability to develop other innate skills, his swordsmanship had been elevated to the pinnacle. Compared to those whose talents were mediocre across the board, he was still far luckier.
In a way, this was actually a blessing in disguise.
Ryoji accepted this calmly, as any true swordsman would.
---
Kurogane Ikki decided to stay in the judo class for the time being. He seemed intent on deepening his understanding of judo, likely inspired by the overwhelming power Princess Stella had displayed during their previous battle.
Ryoji, however, left the judo classroom alone, wandering aimlessly around the campus.
The course selection at Hagun Academy was very flexible.
Since 'Blazers' were destined for combat professions, no one expected them to waste time on courses that yielded no benefits. Except for mandatory classes, students were free to leave any elective course at any time.
That said, completing electives did earn credits, and a certain number of credits were required to graduate.
If a student became a representative contestant for the 'Seven Stars Sword-Art Festival' and ranked high, they could earn enough credits to graduate in one go, along with numerous other rewards. This was why confident students often didn't bother with electives.
---
"But in my case, the courses at Hagun Academy are almost useless…"
Ryoji ran a hand through his jet-black hair, clearly troubled.
The only things he could train in were two areas: physical fitness and swordsmanship.
As for 'Device special abilities', he had to develop them himself. The school didn't offer specific courses for ability development due to the highly diverse nature of these powers.
Students were mostly left to experiment on their own, though they could consult instructors, who were generally quite knowledgeable.
While physical fitness was a mandatory subject, there were no swordsmanship courses at all. Ryoji couldn't find anything else in the curriculum that would benefit him. It felt more productive to train independently than to attend any classes.
"Should I go find that 'legal loli'?"
For a moment, the thought flashed through his mind.
Before he had left for Hagun Academy, his master had mentioned that the 'legal loli' was currently teaching there. If she agreed to help, she could accelerate Ryoji's progress exponentially.
But almost immediately, Ryoji shook his head violently, as though trying to banish the idea, his expression fierce.
"I'd rather die! Even if it means staying a virgin for life, I will 'never' ask that 'legal loli' for help!"
Since reincarnating in this world, the person Ryoji found most intolerable—nay, absolutely detested— was that 'legal loli'.
The mere thought of asking her for assistance? Impossible. Not a chance.
---
"Who are you calling a 'legal loli'?"
Out of nowhere, a faint voice spoke, startling Ryoji.
A ghost-like figure had suddenly appeared behind him, her words chilling yet serene.
"It's been a few years, hasn't it? Your skills have improved, 'Little Junior Brother'."
'(End Of Chapter)'