
“Oh, so it's a shield!” (Litty)
“Yup, that's the shield.” (Gonza Structure)
Litty strives to master the difficult skills of the Heavy Warrior guild, which requires a shield.
As usual, what he used was the smallest shield available in size.
During his stay with Yggdrasia, his members never used shields, so he wasn't even sure how to use them.
“The shield is very useful. Even swordsmen can use them, but I don't think they teach the use of shields there.” (Gonza Structure)
“Yes. Hmm... so far I only use the sword.” (Litty)
“When a Swordsman carries a sword in one hand and a shield in the other, it stabilizes their attacks and defenses. However, the downside is that your attacks will become less flexible and less powerful.” (Gonza Structure)
“But now that you are training to become a Heavy Warrior, your weapon of choice is a spear or axe. You must be thinking, why not a sword, right? A one-handed sword was less powerful than a one-handed axe and its range was smaller than a spear. A Heavy Warrior equipped with heavy armor and a shield found it difficult to maneuver quickly, even when using a sword.” (Gonza Structure)
Gonza's instructor only provided a general example. Some Heavy Warriors could also get around well with one-handed swords, depending on their skill.
In fact, there were many types of Heavy Warriors. Some would even use a two-handed sword without a shield, others using a sword and a one-handed shield, and so on.
There may be many combinations to becoming a heavy fighter, but these are not recommended for beginners. The role of the training center is to teach the basic movements to the beginners.
“Try defending against attacks from multiple angles with your shield. I know you were slightly harmed with that little shield, but it's worth a try.” (Gonza Structure)
“Yes! I will try!” (Litty)
“Alright, here it is.” (Gonza Structure)
A rookie apprentice would not be safe against Litty as an opponent. So due to the consideration of their mental state, Gonza instructors had to make a good plan.
He decides that he, as an instructor, will be the best person to train Litty, who is full of unique talents.
He completed the one-handed sword, which he was not used to, and slashed at Litty, who managed to block it.
“Like this?” (Litty)
“Wah! You have a good instinct for beginners!” (Gonza Structure)
“Thank you!” (Litty)
After Litty managed to block Instructor Gonza's first punch, it was as if she was following a rhythm. He repeatedly received sword blows with his shield.
The defense is good, but the problem starts with the next part.
“Oh, it looks good, but next time, try using your one-handed spear to counterattack while fending off my sword attack.” (Gonza Structure)
“Yes, instructor! I'm ready!” (Litty)
“Come to me with all you have!” (Gonza Structure)
“He will be dealing directly with Gonza-san.” Said one of the apprentices who could not concentrate on his own training, due to the furore created by Litty and his instructor.
Instructor Gonza also noticed it, but decided to let it go.
It was more important for him to concentrate on Litty now. It was a brilliant defense. He wondered if he should continue to hold back.
He was just worried that he would not be able to guide her properly if she did not hold back appropriately. After all, it might end up being too one-sided.
“Teyaaah!” (Litty)
“Wah..!” (Gonza Structure)
It was a ferocious attack, pointing towards his head without hesitation. And despite being blocked, Litty's spear still managed to graze on Instructor Gonza's side.
Litty boldly pushed his shield forward, distracted him with it, and then attacked him with his spear. It was an incredible series of movements.
This was only a practice, and it was also the first time Litty used a shield when attacking with a spear.
Instructor Gonza began to regret it little by little.
He wondered if he could save his pride as an instructor.
Although Litty was only 5th rank, he was also an adventurer, just like him. Gonza, an instructor who is still active in the field, feels his ability is no longer as high as a student.
He will soon be able to rise to his rank. Gonza would not assume that.
“Umm, instructor. Are we done?” (Litty)
“Oh, ah yes, you did well, Litty-san.” (Gonza Structure)
The training had ended when the sword was not only blocked by the shield, but he was also forced to fend off his spear with it. He could still feel numbness in his right hand that was holding a sword.
However, he held his sword firmly, making sure no one noticed the anomaly. Next time, he planned to use a spear and then an axe.
With some more training, Litty would be able to improve his form, but it would not be significant enough to strengthen his skills. Knowing that, instructor Gonza was reluctant to continue his training.
“Now, I will use the spear. But unlike a sword, it has a longer range, so be careful.” (Gonza Structure)
“Ya!” (Litty)
Everyone at the training facility, including the other instructors, had stopped to watch Litty and Instructor Gonza engage in a mock battle.
Instructor Gonza's main weapon was an axe, but he was also good at using spears.
Instructor Gonza felt the heat build up inside her as she looked forward to their next confrontation.
However, knowing that his qualifications as an instructor would be questioned if he injured an apprentice during their training, Instructor Gonza suppressed those seething emotions and attacked.
“Wah! Ah...!” (Litty)
“Oh! There, Nice, block well!” (Gonza Structure)
“Mugu!” (Litty)
“Go, Gonza-san, woah.. He shows no mercy..” (Observer).
The mock battle on the first day was unthinkable under normal circumstances.
Moreover, everyone noticed the enthusiasm of Instructor Gonza.
The other instructors seemed to be also aware of the seriousness of the matter, so only a few of them directly approached the place of the mock battle.
Instead of letting them continue and watch from the sidelines, they intervene when Litty is hit by Gonza's shield.
“Stop there, Gonza. Aren't you getting too carried away? (Instructures 1)
“Aduh. Maybe I.” (Gonza Structure)
“Oh no, instructor! I can still continue!” (Litty)
“Litty, training facility will be closed soon. You should rest for today.” (Instructures 2)
The sun was about to set, but Litty was so engrossed in his training that he didn't notice it.
He earned the title of Swordsman, and despite the efforts of him and Rome, he was able to defeat the Named Devil.
He was optimistic that he would also do well as a Heavy Warrior.
“Um, I... I will do my best tomorrow, then.” (Litty)
“Oh... I will also wait for you.” (Gonza Structure)
Today, he could not cope with Instructor Gonza's attack, as he failed to master the art of manipulating shields and spears simultaneously.
For a while, Litty was quite positive with her training, but as she continued to lose, she became even more depressed. He could not even find a place to vent his frustration.
But it's all just in Litty's mind.
Contrary to what he complained, the mood of the others, including his instructor, Gonza, was not so relaxed.
“You let him advance to a mock battle in one day, Gonza.” (Instructures 1)
“If you have seen the training, you will understand why. I was really surprised when I heard that he only spent two months in the Swordsman Training Center before graduating. Now, I really wonder why he took that long. (Gonza Structure)
“If that's the case, how long do you think he'll pass this time?” (Instructures 2)
“I think we might expect a final test as soon as tomorrow.” (Gonza Structure)
“Woah... There are some really absurd people out there..” (Instructure 3).
Instructors naturally want to continue teaching extraordinary people.
If they were to choose what rank someone like Litty had, it would not be Rank 2 or 1, they could already see him as someone who belonged to the Special Rank. His talent could not be measured on the same level as a normal human. Of course, he still needed to put in tremendous effort to truly realize that talent.
However, looking back at himself failing the Progress to Rank 3 test multiple times, he concluded that there was a limit to what normal people could do even if they tried their hardest.
“Well, someone with such talent will be able to survive into adulthood, right?” (Instructures 1)
“Yes. There are stories about people who have extraordinary abilities, but do not live long.” (Instructures 2)
They both knew that talking about such things was not suitable for the instructor, but they were adventurers as well.
They could see Litty's small back as he left the training center with a strangely stern demeanor, and they wondered how the people in the Swordsman Training Center handled this incredible creature.
“He was taught more than what an ordinary Instructor” had, Gonza thought, but immediately stopped thinking about it.
Before returning to the old couple's place, Litty rummaged through the request form in the Adventurers Guild.
There were only a limited number of requests that Rank 5 adventurers could accept. And even among them, a Rank 5 adventurer might not always be able to solve the problem.
Litty's focus is on hunting demons in the Bikki Mine.
Unlike the Peat Grassland, the mine was narrow. It meant that he could not fight by jumping around as usual.
Hence, it was important for him to acquire the Heavy Warrior skill.
“Hey, little girl. You were so enthusiastic the other day, bringing back so much loot, but strangely you kept quiet lately.” (Unknown person)
“I've trained in the Heavy Warrior guild before because I want to get the title and skill as fast as possible.” (Litty).
The man who approached Litty was a 4th rank adventurer. This man was also concerned about Litty's great success last time.
Since Litty didn't show up, she wished she was left behind.
“Heavy Soldiers? I don't think your physique can withstand that. (That guy)
“I did a mock battle with the instructor today, but I couldn't fully defend against their attacks. Maneuvering spears and shields at the same time is really difficult.” (Litty)
“Playing battle? Are you kidding me?” (That guy)
“Gonza's structure is strong.. I'm not strong enough to deal with it.” (Litty)
“Seriously, this boy”, the man's face showed an unsightly expression.
His instructor, Gonza, was an adventurer famous for his Iron Man reputation, and many people relied on him during battle, especially in conquest and hunting.
The man did not believe that someone like Gonza had acted this far to engage in a mock battle with him. However, he did not show his surprise for the sake of maintaining his senior image in front of Litty.
“There are things that are suitable for people and things that are not suitable for them. Maybe you're not cut out for it. (That guy)
“Maybe it's true, but I don't want to give up.” (Litty)
“Sometimes people have to be flexible and give up on their dreams, and need to compromise with reality.” (That guy)
“But I want to do my best to become a better adventurer. I also want to help my village.” (Litty)
The man talks to Litty, intending to prevent him from pursuing his goal, but to no avail.
To be honest, increasing the number of good adventurers is beneficial in every way.
However, for someone like that man, who was satisfied with 4th rank and lived off his daily income, he was just a hindrance. The more rivals, the more resources taken.
And when it comes to promising newcomers like Litty, she is eager to destroy her confidence before she can grow.
Many adventurers like him had no ambition to form a party to defeat high-level demons or overcome unexplored zones.
“Do not do that. Someone died saying that.. ”(That guy).
“Oh stop. You don't need to go any further.” (Unknown)
Bloom, a Rank 3 adventurer, tried to end the man's scolding. He was someone who had seen Litty suppress the Heavy Warrior Dimos before. Therefore, he knew the strength of his determination, and most importantly, the uniqueness of his character.
“But, Bloom-san, if Dimos-san was here, he would have already ..” (That guy)
“Dimos-san you mean, previously silenced by him, you know?” (Detonation)
“... You're kidding, right?” (That guy)
“Next, Mine Bikki ..” (Litty)
The man felt something in Litty's eyes as he stared intently at the request form. This girl never stops, no matter what.
More than anything else, he didn't even seem to be aware of his abilities. What would happen if he knew the extent of his strength?
The man quietly returned to his seat at one of the tables and drank his drink to calm down.