Chapter 26.2 - Return to Academy and Civil War [2] – part 2 (2/2)

「Don’t mind it. I had already predicted it in the first place.」she grinned.

As things finally settled down – I thought to myself.

(『Strength of the mind』huh?)

That’s what that guy said.

『The only strength that matters here is the strength of the mind』to be more precise.

And he added『you don’t have enough resolve』.

In other words, in order to win over him in that world – I need to train my mind in order to attain soul dress.

(But… how do I train the『mind』?)

I have never thought about that.

It’s easy to get an image of how to train your body and polish your swordsmanship. Practice-swings, learn techniques from someone – and such.

But, when it comes to training the mind… it’s quite difficult.

Silent Meditation? Waterfall Meditation? Or… what else?

As I was racking my brain over that,

「Now, Allen, this is your chance!」

Sensei clapped her hands twice and cheered.

「Ch-Chance…?」

「Yeah, that’s right! Once the spirit core appears on the surface, it will wear out tremendously! Right now, you might even be able to get back power from that monster!」

「I have to do that, o-one more time?」

「Obviously, right? Come on, hold up your spirit sword! Don’t miss this opportunity!」

Sensei took my hand and made me hold the spirit sword tightly.

「B-But… what if that guy rampaged again…?」

「No matter. Such a trivial thing is not something that you, as a student, should care about. And most probably… he won’t come out again today. As long as he’s a spirit core, he will have that weakness. And it’s fine since I’m on the lookout.」

Then, sensei gave me a piece of advice.

「-However, never ever get involved with him when I’m not around… alright?」

「……!」

Sensei said in a strong, firm, and serious tone that I’ve never heard from her before.

「Allen, your spirit core is a literal『monster』. It is on a different『rank』from the average spirit core. You, having just fought him, should know better than anyone how dangerous he is, right?」

「…Yes.」

Certainly, that guy’s strength… is on a completely different level.

「Initial stiffness – if you miss that weakness of the spirit core, even I do not know what will happen… Therefore, always perform the soul dress training within the reach of my eyes. If that’s the case, it doesn’t matter no matter how much you rampage. I will make sure to stop you.」

「Y-Yes! Thank you very much!」

After that, I tried to fight him many times over…

The difference was so huge between us that it wasn’t even a decent match.

However, except for the first time, my body was never taken over again.

And he was certainly weaker. I think he was worn out from taking over my body.

(……But no matter how many times I keep going, I can’t beat him.)

In order to win, I have to strengthen my『mind』.

(……I got it! If I can’t get an answer by thinking on my own, I just have to ask Leia-sensei!)

Fortunately, she is very knowledgeable about spirit cores. She will surely know a good way to train the mind.

「Sensei, in order to strengthen the mindー」

And the moment I spoke,

「-Cheese, I’ve come to pick a little fight!」

The doors of the Soul Dress Area swung opened wildly.

A group of five entered from there.

They all wore the uniforms of Thousand Blade Academy, some of whom I have seen in the academy buildings several times. They are probably, our first year students.

「Now now now! Who the hell is Allen-Rodore the『Third-rate swordsmen』?」

…It would seem that I was their objective.