An Old Man from the Countryside Becomes a Swords Saint: I Was Just a Rural Sword Teacher, But My Successful Students Won't Leave Me Alone! Chapter 28

Published at 9th of August 2022 07:04:16 AM

28 - The Old Man From The Countryside Has An Encounter

“PORTA…!”

I screamed then bolted.

I only saw it for a moment, but that mass wasn't from a small monster species no matter how much I could have seen it wrong. The speed was definitely not from a small monster, either. Somehow, I hope Porta is safe…

“You guys, stay in the cave!” Selena barked.

She'd witnessed the same thing as me, Nedley and Salkatz wait as she runs to my side.

The exit is right there. If you run, you'll be outside in no time.

The two newcomers didn't seem to realize what had happened, they were stunned and surprised.

I couldn't have even predicted this, but come on! Regardless, it's terrible for fledgling Adventurers to have to deal with this huge of an irregularity.

Salkatz's magical equipment could have reacted and warned us.

However, he must have put his guard down after we reached the innermost part of the cave. Even if he's ranked higher than both Porta and Nedley, no wonder he's still Silver Rank.

It would be unreasonable to have expected this scene and put your guard up.

“Hm!”

I jumped out to lush, green land.

What waited for me was a large monster species, with strong limbs and magnificent wings, about 5-6 meters long with its tail included. 1

There's only one thing that comes to mind that matches that look:

“… Griffon?!”

I unintentionally shouted its name.

Griffons.

These were a mix of birds and beast animals, and among monsters are classified as a Large species.

Although it can't possess any magical abilities, the body that combines strength and agility, the powerful limbs, and the strong, sharp beak are more than a threat to humans.

However, I heard that its habitats were in mountainous areas. I've never heard of it coming out deep in a forest.

Besides, a normal griffin should have a white mane.

It may be rude to say it's like Selena, but I've never seen or heard of a griffon with a scorching red mane.

“GROAAAHHHHH…!!”

Did it see a new threat or food coming?

The crimson griffon opens its beak wide and roars.

–Instantly.

The griffon took flight then launched itself at me.

“… Uh-woah?!”

My reflexes kick in at the sudden charge.

I blocked the approaching beak with my sword then twisted both my wrist and my body to mitigate and dodge the impact.

–That was close! How can this guy be so fast despite being so large?!

It's a maneuver that wouldn't have been possible if I hadn't drawn my blade. If I was struck head-on, I'd be blown away, so I had no choice but to use the tip of my sword to redirect the force.

My hands ache. This is the shock of just one hit. Even if I survived this, I don't know how much longer my body and my advantage will last.

“That's right, Porta…!”

I dodge the griffon's blow and get around it.

At the end of my vision was Porta, he seemed to have been blown 10 meters away and was limply leaning against a nearby tree.

… It's faint but he's moving.

What a relief, he doesn't seem to be dead.

However, he's at risk regardless.

“Master!” Selena cried. “This isn't just any griffon! It's got a name, Xeno Glaive! It's a Named!”

“A Named?!” I yelled back.

I keep my eyes on the griffon as I respond to Selena.

You've got to be kidding me. I don't think this is something I can handle.

A Named…

I've heard the rumors, too. Organizations such as the Adventurer's Guild and the Knights give names and bounties to unique monsters, alerting others of their danger, and encouraging them to be hunted down.

Usually, monsters are collectively called by their species. All Goblins are “goblins” and all Griffons are “griffons”.

However, I don't know if it's a mutation or some other cause, but sometimes there are crazy individuals that go far beyond normal.

These are the members of the Special Subjugation List—the Named.

What they have in common is that they're larger and stronger than normal members of their species.

Otherwise, they wouldn't be given such infamous names.

In short, the one before me is that big of a deal.

Fucking hell, I seriously want to go home.

“GAAORRRRR…!”

The crimson griffin, Xeno Glaive, let out a threatening roar.

It seems it's mad it couldn't get rid of me and that I hit it back in turn. It doesn't matter even if it's mad at me. A lowly person like me has been studying the techniques to deal with guys like this. No, this is still unexpected.

“So this is the reason we saw suspiciously few small monsters…!” Selena said as she drew her twin swords.

Escape… would be difficult.

In terms of mobility, Xeno Glaive is definitely superior. If we carry a seriously injured person on our backs, it'll be impossible to flee.

However, it's also difficult to say if we can immediately defeat this monster.

At that size, I don't think I'll be able to cripple it with just a handful of slashes. It'll be tough if I don't put in a serious effort.

Besides, the fur and the limbs seem to be strong at a glance. It's a question of whether or not a normal blade can cut into them.

On top of all that, I can't afford to waste too much time. At this rate, Porta's going to die.

Maybe only me and Selena can move properly here. Counting on Nedley and Salkatz is too reckless.

“… Selena,” I said. “Do you have any potions?”

I hold my sword at the ready as uneasy silence falls over the place.

Right now, someone would keep Xeno Glaive occupied while someone else rescued and treated Porta. Then, we'd decide whether to escape or engage again. This is probably the best option.

And that role automatically falls on either me or Selena.

“… I do. I've got two magical ones,” Selena said.

Alright. As you'd expect of a Black Rank. She comes prepared with the most effective type of potions. If the damage isn't too much, we should be able to save Porta's life with this.

“Got it…” I said. “I'm counting on you.”

I keep my eyes on Xeno Glaive, I open my left hand and stick it out toward Selena. An attack will definitely come as soon as I look away. I could read that much from the air.

""

–Right now, I'll help Porta by buying Selena some time.

Considering her ability, that's the best move. No doubts.

“Ah! … I've got it. On your call!” Selena cried.

Even if I didn't say anything, Selena could guess it.

And she accepted the plan without protest.

Clap…!

My left hand was struck, a small, pleasant sound rang out through Azalamia Forest.

–Huh? What? Where's the potion?

“I'll help Porta!” Selena said. “In the meanwhile, you handle Xeno Glaive, Master!”

N-NOOOOO!

That's not what i meant! Don't go over there! It's the other way around! Why did you clap my hand?! This is a complete failure in communication…!

“GooRRAAAAAHHH…!”

For some reason, Selena ran off and Xeno Glaive, its focus now entirely on me, displayed its readiness for another charge.

“… Fucking hell!”

Xeno Glaive's giant claws came right for me.

T/N: “Perfect Communication”. – The Author.

On a side note, this is one of the funniest moments in the entire series so far, second to Alexia's “Oh, how wonder—I mean, how terrible.” moment.

Chapter end