Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 579

After being freed from the pinned-down position, I brushed the sand off my clothes and puffed out my cheeks.

"Muu, I thought I could finally beat Rubens today..."

"Unfortunately, I can't let you win just yet," he said with a bright smile, showing his white teeth. But then, scratching his cheek awkwardly, he added, "Well, that's what I wanted to say, but..."

"As far as training goes, the moment my wooden sword was shattered, it was my loss. Lord Rid, you've made remarkable progress."

"Huh..."

I was momentarily stunned by his admission of defeat, but soon a wave of happiness welled up inside me.

However, since this wasn't exactly the kind of victory I had been hoping for, I couldn't fully accept it, and a lingering sense of frustration remained.

The mix of joy and regret made me suddenly feel embarrassed for some reason.

As a result, I averted my gaze from him and turned my head away with a pout.

"E-even if you concede like that, it doesn't make me happy or anything, you know."

As I pursed my lips, Rubens gave a wry smile and bowed his head slightly. "My apologies."

"Still, that ' Magic Blade Technique' of yours was quite fascinating. Though, Lord Rid, you have spear-based magic at your disposal. Wouldn't it have been better to use that instead?"

At his comment and question, I snapped back to reality and looked at him again.

"Well, not really."

"What do you mean?"

As Rubens tilted his head in confusion, I explained the reason behind developing the Demon Blade Technique.

It's possible to activate spear-based magic even during intense close-quarters combat with swords.

However, the activation is inevitably slightly slower than usual.

In situations where even a moment of carelessness can be fatal, this delay can lead to a critical opening.

With the Demon Blade Technique, which utilizes mana infusion, you can enhance your weapon while simultaneously unleashing 'flying slashes' or 'flying thrusts' against mid-to-close range opponents.

If you can maintain a proper distance, you can simply use regular spear-based magic.

From the opponent's perspective, if they keep their distance, they face magic.

But if they close in, they must constantly be wary of sudden 'slashes' or 'thrusts' that can fly at them at any moment.

Close-quarters combat isn't just about strength; it's also a psychological battle where both sides try to read each other's moves in an instant.

If the opponent knows that keeping their distance means facing magic, while closing in means dealing with 'flying slashes,' they'll be forced to act cautiously, creating hesitation.

And the moment hesitation arises in the opponent, we gain a psychological advantage.

Another reason is that some members of the First and Second Knight Orders, while capable of using spear-based magic, are 'not proficient' in it.

Just as people have strengths and weaknesses in various areas, there are a certain number of beastfolk, both young and old, who excel in physical enhancement and mana infusion but struggle with projectile magic like 'spear magic.'

So, to give them—and myself—a new magical combat option, I developed the 'Demon Blade Technique.'

By the way, since it incorporates elements of the 'Magic Cloth Technique,' I also consulted Curtis for his input.

"...And that's the story."

"That's quite intriguing," Rubens said, nodding deeply as if everything now made sense.

"I've also mastered 'spear magic,' but personally, I find physical enhancement and mana infusion more intuitive."

As he said this, he seemed to ponder something, placing a hand on his chin and murmuring, "Hmm."

After a brief pause, his expression turned serious.

"Lord Rid, I have a request."

"W-what is it? Why so sudden?"

His intense gaze made me instinctively step back, but Rubens firmly grabbed both of my shoulders.

Unable to escape, his face came uncomfortably close to mine.

Swallowing hard under the tense atmosphere, Rubens slowly began, "This  Magic Blade Technique..."

"Y-yeah?"

As I nodded, my mind raced.

Is this... what I think it is?

Am I about to get scolded by Father again, with Rubens telling me, 'This is forbidden'?

I thought it would be fine since I only combined existing magic, but maybe that was naive.

Feeling deflated inside, I started preparing my excuses for Father when Rubens suddenly bowed his head.

"Could you teach it to me?"

"Haha, I knew it was forbidden... Wait, what?"

Tilting my head in confusion at his unexpected words, Rubens looked up with shining eyes and took my hand.

"I'm deeply impressed by your idea, Lord Rid. As magic users gradually become more common within Valdia, I've been secretly pondering how to approach 'anti-magic swordsmanship' in the future. But if the ' Magic Blade Technique' is perfected, it could solve the problem in one fell swoop. I'll also inform Lord Lainer, so please, I beg you to teach me."

After speaking with such fervor, Rubens bowed his head again—this time even deeper than before.

The conversation had taken an unexpected turn, leaving me flustered. "Uh, well..." I stammered, but then I recalled the time I taught Rubens 'Radio Taiso.'

Come to think of it, back then, Rubens immediately recognized the benefits of 'Radio Taiso' and reported it to Father and Dynus, leading to its adoption by the knight order.

Though, the synchronized movements of the knights during their group 'Radio Taiso' sessions were quite different from the version I knew.

Incidentally, thanks to the knight order's efforts, 'Radio Taiso' has spread throughout the Baldia territory.

As a result, it's now common to see people of all ages and genders practicing it everywhere.

Ironically, the movements of the general public are closer to what I remember.

But never mind that—now's not the time to dwell on such things.

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I refocused.

The Demon Blade Technique is still incomplete, and I'm not sure if I should teach it to Rubens without consulting Father first.

But if he helps, the technique's completion would undoubtedly be accelerated.

Still, perhaps I should discuss it with Father first.

At that time, I could also ask Rubens, as the vice-captain, to passionately explain the advantages of the Demon Blade Technique.

That way, Father would surely be convinced.

Either way, I had planned to get permission to teach the technique to the Second Knight Order's members once it was complete, so I might as well seize this opportunity to secure that permission too.

As I pondered with a hand on my chin, I noticed Rubens looking somewhat dejected.

He looked a bit like a puppy.

"So, it's a no, then?"

"Ah, no, that's not what I meant..."

It seemed my silence had made him think I wouldn't teach him.

Flustered, I shook my head, and at that moment, a sweet voice called out, "Lord Rid."

Turning around, I saw Fara and the others, who had been watching the training, hurrying over.

"Fara, what's up?"

"Well, it seemed like the training was over, so... Um..."

As she spoke, she glanced apologetically at Asna, her personal guard standing beside her.

Then, Asna energetically grabbed my hand.

"Lord Rid. About that technique you used earlier during your spar with Vice-Captain Rubens... Could you please teach me the details as well? I humbly request it."

As she said this, she bowed deeply.

Seeing a scene so similar to the one moments ago, I could only mutter, "Huh?" in bewilderment.