Chapter 5: The Swordswoman Lying in Wait
Early the next morning, just as the sky was beginning to pale, I left the inn.
The cool air brushed against my skin.
When I focused my gaze, I saw a thick morning mist drifting lazily from the direction of the Blackleaf Forest I was about to enter, wrapping the entire post town in a pale veil.
It was a rather fantastical sight.
I gave a light stretch and tightened the straps of my backpack.
Alright, time to go.
Just as I was about to step forward with my usual steady paceā
“Ed-san!”
A slightly lively female voice called out from behind me.
Recognizing it, I turned around.
Emerging from the morning mist was Fiona, the swordswoman from the adventurer party āBlack Daggerā I had spoken with last night.
Though lightly equipped, she carried her sword, and behind her in the mist, I could faintly make out Gordon, Zack, Lila, and Pip as well.
It seemed they had come to see me off.
Fiona approached and stood in front of me as if bracing herself.
“Ed-san, youāre up early. Are you leaving already?”
“Yes. I wanted to depart before the sun fully rises.”
“I seeā¦ Um, you heard what we said yesterday, right? The Blackleaf Forest has been dangerous lately. A lot of people have gone missing.”
She spoke with a serious expression.
There was no falsehood in her words.
Since it was a forest near their base, their information was likely reliable.
“Yes, I heard.”
“You seem so easygoing, and you look confident in your skills. But are you really okay? Going alone is a bitā¦”
Was she worried about me?
We had only talked briefly last night, but they didnāt seem like bad people.
“Iām decent enough. I think Iāll manage.”
I gave my usual vague reply.
If I spoke too confidently, it might invite unnecessary questions.
“āDecent enoughāā¦ Donāt brush it off like that! If youāre confident, then spar with me for a bit!”
Before I could react to her declaration, Fiona swiftly drew the sword at her waist.
The blade glinted sharply within the morning mist.
Without hesitation, she lowered her stance and unleashed a sharp upward slash from below aimed at my legs.
ā¦Well now, right away?
And sheās fairly serious about it.
I showed not the slightest sign of panic and simply stepped sideways.
Her blade grazed the hem of my leather armor by a hairās breadth and sliced through empty air.
“! You dodged it!”
Fiona let out a startled voice.
But she didnāt stop attacking.
In one smooth motion, she reversed her blade and launched a rapid series of follow-up strikes.
Then came a precise thrust slipping through narrow openings.
I see.
Sheās quite skilled.
Her fundamentals are solid, and she clearly has real combat experience.
Back in the guard unit, only a handful of swordsmen were on this level.
Even the more diligent guards would have a tough time against her.
“Donāt just dodge!” she called, increasing the speed of her blade.
The killing intent in her eyes was real, but there was no true desire to kill.
She merely intended to gauge my skill, perhaps to test me.
At this rate, if I didnāt respond properly, she might follow me all the way to the forest entrance.
I let out a small sigh and quietly drew my single-edged sword.
Clang.
Clink.
The dry ring of steel striking steel echoed through the mist.
Her blade was fast and heavy.
If I met it head-on, I would need to match her strength to avoid losing my balance.
After several exchanges, she unleashed another series of thrusts.
Within them, I detected one strike loaded with her full body weight.
I chose not to receive it directly.
Tilting my blade slightly, I deflected it, guiding her force away.
As Fionaās posture faltered, I slipped behind her in an instant.
Whoosh.
A faint sound of air cut through the mist as the tip of my sword came to rest lightly at her neck.
That was enough.
“Fiona!”
“Ed-san!”
The members of āBlack Dagger,ā who had been watching from a distance, rushed forward all at once.
Gordon and Zack raised their swords.
Lila shifted into a ready stance.
Pip looked slightly pale.
Fiona glanced at the blade pointed at her throat, then at my face, and let out a resigned laugh.
“ā¦Iām beaten. I surrender.”
She sheathed her sword and slowly raised both hands.
I lowered my blade and returned it to its sheath.
“You alright? Any injuries?”
“Yes, Iām fine. Not a scratchā¦ Huh?”
She checked herself, brushing off her clothes as if confirming she was unharmed.
“Hey, Fiona! What happened?”
“That was way too quickā¦”
“Ed-san, just what are youā¦”
The others voiced their astonishment one after another.
For them, Fiona losing so easily must have been unexpected.
“Damn it! I couldnāt touch you at all! And you were holding back, werenāt you!? Even so, the gap was ridiculousā¦ Iām more stunned than frustrated.”
Fiona spoke with a wry smile, her face oddly refreshed.
“Your attacks are a bit too linear.”
That was all I said.
I had no obligation to teach her, but it was a small courtesy after sparring.
“Too linearā¦ I seeā¦”
She placed a hand on her chin, deep in thought.
By then, the morning mist had begun to thin, and from the post town came the sounds of people talking and carriages moving.
A new day was beginning.
“Well then, Iāll be on my way.”
I gave a slight nod to the members of āBlack Dagger.ā
“Ed-san! Please be careful!”
“If you head north, I can introduce you to some good adventurers!”
“If you run into trouble, just say āBlack Daggerā at the Norest Adventurersā Guild and theyāll know us!”
They all called out to me at once.
Fiona watched me off with a serious gaze.
“Thanks. If the opportunity arises.”
I gave an ambiguous reply and turned once more toward the Blackleaf Forest.
Stepping forward into the road now touched by morning light, I advanced one step at a time.
The spar with Fiona had been somewhat enjoyable.
Now then, what kind of scenery awaited me within the Blackleaf Forest?