Special Short Story: The Disciple’s Fluffiness Belongs to the Master
The tradition of seeking apprenticeship under a strong master to hone one’s skills – was it a tradition of the Bushmills Empire? Or perhaps it was a custom of the Felter family?
Well, in any case, having been recognized as a strong individual by Felter, I was now regarded as a master. Although he had boasted that he could absorb any teaching I offered, it would probably be best to focus on developing Felter’s strengths.
“Felter-kun has a blessed physique and courage. So, I’d like to focus our practice on further refining body enhancement magic as the main axis.”
Upon hearing this, Felter nodded in response.
“Hmm, understood.”
Speaking with such a grave tone, Felter didn’t look like a student at all. With his lion-mane-like golden hair swaying and his muscular build visible even through his clothes, Felter stood with his arms crossed, exuding an intimidating aura that could make even adults tremble.
We were now standing outside the town, at a distance from the main road.
“Well then, regarding body enhancement magic, let’s confirm the chant you’re currently using.”
As soon as I said this, Felter began to use body enhancement magic at full power. The chant was four measures long. I felt it used to be three measures usually, so perhaps he had added a twist to it.
Half of it seemed to be his own creation; Felter’s understanding of body enhancement magic was indeed deep.
“…I see. It seems you’ve focused on body hardening, increasing leg muscle mass, and improving reflexes. Your perspective is very good. The legs are the foundation of everything. Not only for explosive power and movement speed, but also because better footing allows you to efficiently apply your body weight and strength. This should improve overall power, speed, and defensive capabilities in terms of evasion.”
After I gave this brief evaluation, Felter nodded, looking slightly pleased. Seeing this childlike side of him, I was momentarily struck with the urge to pat his fluffy hair, but I suppressed it and continued speaking.
“…However, this method has its limitations. Eventually, if you specialize in one area, you’ll need to enhance other areas as well, either due to the increased load or to seek definite effects. So, I’d like Felter-kun to learn body enhancement that improves overall abilities while also increasing flexibility.”
Upon hearing this, the wrinkles between Felter’s eyebrows deepened.
“…Flexibility?”
Mulling over the word as if searching for its meaning, Felter groaned.
“You’ll realize its effectiveness when you actually use it. In my case, since I use a sword, I particularly value wrist flexibility. I even do flexibility exercises daily.”
When I said this, Felter nodded deeply.
“Understood. I’ll do them every day too.”
Felter’s obedient response made me laugh involuntarily. His puzzled expression in response to my laughter was amusing as well.
Since becoming my disciple, Felter had become very obedient. I find serious students endearing.
“Well then, let’s start with body enhancement magic. Please try to mimic the chant.”
“Alright.”
And so, we conducted training with Felter quite frequently. Basically, we practiced using magic in open spaces and engaged in light sparring, but occasionally we would enter the forest for magical beast hunting or take down bandit groups that the knight order had failed to capture.
Practical experience is crucial.
Today, we were in the forest hunting magical beasts, using the newly learned body enhancement magic that greatly increases attack power and mobility.
Next to an overturned giant boar, Felter was lying spread-eagle on the ground.
“Ha… hah… ha…”
“Your breathing is irregular. Try to exhale completely, even if you have to force it. That will help regulate your breathing.”
“Ugh…”
Upon my advice, Felter, grimacing, managed to exhale fully and then quickly inhaled deeply. Seeming to grasp the technique, he gradually regulated his breathing.
Meanwhile, I stood at the edge of a pond in the forest, enjoying the quiet space without a breath of wind. We had discovered this area during our special training with Felter. Amidst the densely wooded forest, a pond suddenly appeared. It was quiet, with clear water, making it a pleasant spot.
As I sat on a rock by the pond, leisurely gazing at the water’s surface, Felter quietly walked over. Wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, he came right next to me.
“…Come to think of it, we haven’t learned how to fight against aquatic magical beasts yet.”
“That’s true.”
As I replied to Felter’s words, my gaze was drawn to his lion-mane-like hair swaying right beside me.
It looked so fluffy and pleasant to touch.
Before I knew it, I had already grasped Felter’s hair with both hands. Although he glared at me intensely, I couldn’t let go easily after having held back for so long. However, unlike usual when he would quickly escape, today he didn’t run away.
“…If the day comes when I can win against you one-on-one, I’ll make you stop that.”
Felter muttered softly, which made me laugh involuntarily.
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Afterword
Thank you very much for picking up this work. This is Inoue Mitsuru. Incredibly, this is the second volume! The second volume has been released! While this is just my own assumption, I believe those who have picked up this book have probably read the first volume as well. In other words, it’s thanks to all of you that the second volume could be released. I cannot express my gratitude enough.
I’ve heard that the initial sales of the first volume were quite good, and it seems to be steadily selling even now. My editor was delighted, and of course, I’m so happy I could dance. Even now, I’m taking light steps while basking in the evening sun.
Just kidding.
Now, to get back to the main topic, I think this work in a sense also portrays Aoi-sensei’s reformation of another world. This includes not only the way of thinking about and conceptualizing magic but also Aoi-sensei’s educational guidance on issues such as aristocratic consciousness, chosen people ideology, and racial discrimination, which I believe will lead to a revolution in the consciousness of the other world. However, in that world, it’s a kind of common sense that royalty and nobility hold strong power, and ordinary citizens are often oppressed. In such a context, the existence of Aoi, who doesn’t care about status, power, or violence, is unusual and will attract attention for better or worse.
I believe Aoi’s personality and charm lie in his strong core and his ability to correct unreasonable opponents through his own capabilities, so I’d like to continue emphasizing this aspect in future developments.
In the first volume, I wanted to show Aoi not backing down against royalty, and in this second volume, I aimed to portray Aoi not yielding to an entire country. If a third volume is released, I hope to show various educational guidances within academy life, befitting a teacher.
Finally, I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone who has helped me. As a fan myself, I send my heartfelt thanks to Suzuno-sama, who draws such attractive and wonderful illustrations. Thank you so much. I look forward to the completion of the illustrations the most. Also, to my editor, S-sama, who always listens to my consultations about manuscripts and future developments. It’s thanks to S-sama that my novel, written purely on momentum, is successfully published as a book. I look forward to your continued support.
And to all of you who have picked up this work following the first volume. Thanks to you, I can enjoy writing these stories. Thank you very much. When the next volume comes out, please do consider picking it up.
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