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MARTIAL arts class had begun, and a giddy Ryuho held a wooden sword in both hands. He was already a skilled swordsman, but more importantly, moving helped clear his mind. Thanks to his innate athletic ability, he could master almost anything physical through observation, regardless of whether he understood the logic. In any event, he looked forward to this class every day.
Today, Yuen Lang—Feilong’s right-hand man—was giving special instruction in swordsmanship. Often referred to as a god of war, Yuen was the most proficient swordsman in Jinlong next to Feilong. He was truly the embodiment of a warrior, sporting purple hair and hulking muscles. Likewise, his perpetually composed, purple eyes radiated fierce determination. All those who sought martial prowess held him in the highest esteem.
Normally, Yuen didn’t teach swordsmanship to children, but Feilong had ordered him to observe the class, as he was worried about Angelina. If Yuen had refused, Feilong likely would have barged into the class himself. Thus, Yuen had accepted the emperor’s request. Moreover, the academy had accepted the enrollment of an Andan prince for the first time. Yuen wanted to gauge the strength of this prince for himself.
Yuen trained with everyone who’d entered the academy this year in a specified order. He disregarded their genders, ages, national origins, and social standings. However, after casually skipping Angelina, Hisame’s turn came up. The boy didn’t display the ambitious spirit befitting an Andan prince. His sword stances were textbook perfect as if drilled into him. At the same time, he seemed to lack experience in actual combat. To his credit, Hisame maintained a beautifully courteous appearance even when he lost, which impressed Yuen.
Ryuho’s turn came up last. Though his form was incredibly sloppy, he was stronger than all the other children. He bounced and danced around like a roaring flame. Yuen immediately regretted letting his guard down just because Ryuho was a child.
For his part, Ryuho was having the time of his life. He’d been the strongest even back in Nanran, so he couldn’t go all-out against the other children. As a result, he was absorbed in his sparring match against Yuen.
This is so fun! Ryuho shouted internally. I could do this forever!
And so, he and Yuen continued exchanging blows, focused solely on each other. With each strike, they both grew more and more serious.
I can keep fighting! Just as that thought occurred to him, Ryuho’s tailbone squirmed. Oh crap, my tail! I wasn’t paying enough attention!
Without thinking, he let go of his wooden sword and pressed his hands to his tailbone. At that moment, Yuen struck him lightly on the torso.
Ryuho had lost.
That plunged him into a state of shock. Losing that way was so frustrating. Worse, having his fun end so abruptly filled him with sadness.
“I’ve had enough of this!” he shouted, tossing aside his wooden sword and sprinting out of the room.
“Ryuho!” Angelina cried out in an attempt to stop him.
Alas, Ryuho didn’t turn around to face her.