The Bastard Swordsman Of The Imperial Guard [EN]: Chapter 53

Heavenly Execution Sword, First Form, Enter Heaven.

Ra-El recalled the form of Enter Heaven, channeling mana into his sword.

He felt he was finally beginning to grasp the swordsmanship of the Heavenly Execution Sword Lord.

‘It’s truly insane swordsmanship.’

Ra-El had read the entire novel, but none of the characters in the original shouted out skill names during combat.

Uttering the words “Enter Heaven” was unique to the Heavenly Execution Sword.

“Hoo.”

Ra-El took a deep breath and raised his sword.

The mana surrounding him began to shimmer like stars in the night sky.

“…Enlightenment!”

Le Guin’s eyes widened as he watched Ra-El.

For a high-level warrior to grow stronger, mere training wasn’t enough.

There had to be a special catalyst: enlightenment.

“Captain, doesn’t enlightenment usually come during battle?”

One of the Le Guin Knights asked.

Le Guin shook his head, his gaze fixed on Ra-El.

“While it’s true that many gain enlightenment when close to death, true powerhouses often find it in the mundane.”

Le Guin himself had experienced enlightenment through the admiring gazes of the commoners in District 3, propelling him into the early stages of Swordmaster [a master swordsman, a rank above high-level warrior].

The only way to overcome one’s limits is through self-realization.

Ra-El was currently undergoing that process.

Swish-

Sword in hand, Ra-El approached Le Guin.

He took a stance, meeting Le Guin’s gaze.

“Captain, a duel. Would you be willing to spar once more?”

“…As many times as you wish.”

Le Guin smiled, feeling the vibrant mana emanating from Ra-El.

He is the Empire’s fresh wind.

As a swordsman, Le Guin felt honored to be the first to face this new force.

“Heavenly Execution Sword, First Form, Enter Heaven.”

Whoosh-!

Strands of sword energy gathered on Ra-El’s blade, forming a Sword Aura [a visible manifestation of a swordsman’s mana].

The Heavenly Execution Sword’s Sword Aura differed slightly from what Ra-El had envisioned.

‘Using only human mana, you can’t kill a demon in one strike.’

The Heavenly Execution Sword is designed for fighting demons.

To completely sever a demon’s life force, one’s own power isn’t sufficient.

Therefore, it draws upon the surrounding mana.

Buzz- Buzz-

First, it pulls in ambient mana to create sword energy, then coats it with Ra-El’s sword energy to stabilize it.

This process repeats several times.

‘Is this the feeling?’

Ra-El chuckled, observing the Sword Aura enveloping his sword.

It was far denser than the Sword Aura of the Carmen Knight he had personally dispatched to the afterlife.

Like the sky shimmering with atmospheric mana, it absorbs the surrounding energy to create a Sword Aura.

This was the foundation of the Heavenly Execution Sword.

However, this overwhelming destructive power came with drawbacks.

The atmospheric mana wasn’t Ra-El’s own, making it difficult to maintain for long and challenging to control.

In essence, it demanded innate talent.

“I’m coming, Captain.”

Ra-El moved instinctively.

If it’s a matter of talent, then it’s something to be tested.

“This is… I should be honored.”

Le Guin smiled wryly at the Sword Aura emanating from the swordsman before him.

The world is advanced not by the thousand steps of the mediocre, but by the single step of a genius.

Fighting such a prodigy was a valuable experience.

“Everyone, ensure the building remains undamaged.”

“Y-Yes, sir!”

The Le Guin Knights, who had been watching Ra-El, snapped to attention and formed a protective formation.

They had to mitigate any collateral damage to the orphanage.

Tap-!

Ra-El initiated the attack.

Explosive mana surged from his Sword Aura, yet Ra-El’s movements were light and swift.

Clang-!

Ra-El’s Sword Aura clashed with Le Guin’s.

Le Guin was slightly pushed back.

‘What is this…!’

The movements are light, but the power contained within is strong.

It was a sword that defied the common sense Le Guin had built up until now.

“This is… Amazing! Ra-El!”

Le Guin focused, parrying Ra-El’s sword.

He was curious about the enlightenment that had brought about such a transformation.

After a brief exchange, Ra-El spoke.

“First Form, Enter Heaven!”

Whoosh-!

Ra-El’s Sword Aura flared up once more.

Simultaneously, he stepped forward, closing the distance to Le Guin.

“Not on my watch!”

Le Guin swung his sword horizontally to block Ra-El’s advance.

However, Ra-El’s sword wrapped around Le Guin’s like a sinuous snake.

“…Ugh!”

Swish-

Le Guin momentarily lost his rhythm due to the unfamiliar sword movement.

That fleeting moment.

Ra-El’s sword pierced Le Guin’s side.

The sharp Sword Aura blazed, threatening to tear through Le Guin’s body.

‘This is…!’

It was a speed that defied perception.

As soon as Le Guin saw the Sword Aura approaching, he instinctively unleashed his mana.

The realm of Swordmaster.

It was an incomplete realm, but it was enough to neutralize the Sword Aura within his domain.

Clang-!

Ra-El’s Sword Aura, having entered his domain, vanished as if evaporated, leaving only the blade to graze the armor.

“…Ah, ah. I’m sorry, Captain.”

Ra-El’s eyes widened in realization.

He had erred, becoming too engrossed in the battle while understanding and embodying the realm of Enter Heaven.

Had Le Guin not reacted, he might have sustained a serious injury during the spar.

“This much is fine. Ra-El. Hoo, it’s my first time almost getting injured in a sparring match.”

Le Guin chuckled, examining the sword that had pierced his side.

Even without mana, his side throbbed.

His physical abilities alone were remarkable.

“Indeed… Ra-El, your last sword was amazing. It was so fast and sharp that even I struggled to follow it. Moreover, the mana contained within was incredibly destructive.”

If Le Guin hadn’t deployed his domain in time, he would have been seriously injured.

That’s why he was curious.

What exactly was that sword that had momentarily overwhelmed him, an early-stage Swordmaster?

“…”

Ra-El looked down at his sword.

This is the realm of Enter Heaven.

The sword of the Heavenly Execution Sword Lord, the strongest swordsman on the continent.

His Sword Aura was potent enough to momentarily overwhelm a Swordmaster.

“Ra-El, your Sword Aura seems quite special. Did you develop it on your own?”

“…Yes. Well, yeah.”

Ra-El decided to conceal the truth about the Heavenly Execution Sword Lord for now.

‘I did shout out ‘Heavenly Execution Sword First Form, Enter Heaven,’ but… if I deny it, it’ll end up not being true.’

“Focus on training before you lose that feeling. Enlightenment is fleeting, like the wind.”

“I understand.”

Ra-El recalled the sensation of Enter Heaven and generated a Sword Aura once more.

Drawing in ambient mana to create sword energy demanded immense concentration and mental fortitude.

Buzz- Buzz-

Ra-El had been practicing mana manipulation since he opened his eyes in this world.

He was quite confident in his abilities, but even so, mastering a complex swordsmanship like the Heavenly Execution Sword took considerable time.

Even for a sword that relies on talent, proficiency is crucial.

“…Yes. Maintain that state.”

Le Guin swallowed, observing Ra-El.

The progress was astonishing.

To achieve that level of proficiency on the first day of manifesting a Sword Aura was unbelievable.

And the power contained within that sword?

Only a select few in the Le Guin Knights could parry it.

‘As expected, that Ra-El is definitely crazy.’

Le Guin admired him and continued.

“By the way, Ra-El.”

“Yes, Captain.”

“Why do you keep saying that ‘Enter Heaven’ thing?”

“…”

Ra-El remained silent.

Each time he uttered the words “Enter Heaven,” the mana felt more vivid, making it difficult to resist.

“Le Guin Captain, are there other swordsmen who announce their techniques like me?”

“…There are many. Don’t worry about it.”

“Ah, really?”

Ra-El smiled with relief.

It was a genuine relief.

Just because Ra-El read the original novel doesn’t mean he knows everything about this world.

As expected of this ridiculous world, there seem to be many ridiculous swordsmanships.

‘Well, it doesn’t matter if Ra-El is a little strange, as long as he’s strong.’

Le Guin nodded, unconcerned.

As expected, the Grand Duke’s judgment is never wrong.

It was a wise decision for the Le Guin Knights and Ra-El to become close.

That’s why it was even more regrettable.

Le Guin clicked his tongue, glancing at the insignia on Ra-El’s chest.

“…By the way, I still can’t get used to the Honorary Knight thing.”

“The world is finally turning properly now.”

Ra-El puffed out his chest for no particular reason.

Since few people recognized the Honorary Knight insignia, he had to brag to Le Guin at least.

“At this rate, it’s going to be a hassle to join the Le Guin Knights later. Hmm…”

Should I have forced him to join the Le Guin Knights?

Le Guin’s investment was increasingly looking like a failure.

“Captain, a group is just an illusion. Isn’t the bond between me and Captain Le Guin the most important thing?”

“You speak so eloquently… but in the end, you mean you’re not going to join?”

“…The sparring is over, so I’ll be going now.”

Ra-El bowed his head.

He liked the members of the Le Guin Knights, but he had no desire to join.

“Come to think of it, the Bishop was at the orphanage. Is that because of you, Ra-El?”

“Yes? Why is the Bishop there?”

“I don’t know. I saw him entering the orphanage with Carlson earlier.”

Ra-El tilted his head.

He had planned to visit anyway, but he’s at the orphanage.

What’s going on?

Ra-El straightened his clothes and entered the orphanage.

*

“We are deeply grateful that the Main God Gaia created the world and made me. Chapter 19, Verse 3 of the Order’s teachings.”

“Bishop, what are you talking about?”

Berre blinked at the Bishop’s words.

The Order’s teachings were too complex for her, at only seven years old.

“The Main God Gaia created the world. We, as human beings, are part of that world, so it is important to cherish yourself.”

“Bishop, our orphanage has really delicious food. Would you like to eat and go?”

“…Gaia-men [followers of Gaia].”

Peter the Bishop made the sign of the cross.

He didn’t dislike caring for children, but the children in this orphanage were strangely energetic.

‘Other orphanages were difficult because there was no response….’

He had visited orphanages a few times during his time as a lower priest, but the children were often emaciated due to lack of food.

However, the children in this orphanage seemed to eat better than Peter did when he was a child.

“Gaia-men. Next is Chapter 19, Verse 4 of the Order’s teachings. Be strong and courageous. And do not be afraid….”

“What is that?”

Ra-El asked, observing the Bishop gathering the children and spreading the Holy Law.

It was unheard of for a Bishop to visit an orphanage and impart teachings.

“Haha, I thought he looked bored, so I brought him as a teacher for the orphanage.”

“…Hmm.”

Ra-El scanned Peter the Bishop from head to toe.

He appeared to be in his early 20s, and becoming a Bishop at that age meant he was quite accomplished.

‘Seeing him doing that even in the orphanage, it seems like he has a personality that tries hard at everything.’

To put it bluntly, he seemed like a new employee who had just joined his first company.

He seemed to be working hard, thinking of the company as his own.

“I had something I wanted to do when the new Bishop came anyway, so it worked out well.”

“I praised you a lot, so he’ll listen to anything you say.”

Carlson smiled at Ra-El, who returned the smile.

“As expected, Carlson. Befitting an ace of the Silver Cross Knights.”

“Haha, you’re the light of the Imperial Guard.”

The two men laughed, watching Peter the Bishop interact with the children.

*

After Ra-El entered the orphanage.

Le Guin listened to the regular report from the Knights.

In fact, he had already reported to the Grand Duke, so he should have returned to District 1… but he was deliberately extending his time while meeting Ra-El.

As a result, only the adjutant who came to District 4 to deliver the report was suffering.

“The party preparations are progressing smoothly.”

“Yes. We are planning to hold a large-scale celebration upon the Grand Duke’s return.”

“…Are you searching for a way to cure the Grand Duke’s illness?”

“We are searching for the Millennium Ginseng mentioned in legends… but the notion that the Millennium Ginseng can cure the Demon Disease is likely nonsense.”

“Tsk. I understand.”

Le Guin sighed in disappointment.

The Grand Duke’s seclusion was due to the illness that plagued him.

A cure remained elusive, but they couldn’t leave the Grand Duke’s position vacant any longer.

‘I should slowly reveal the truth to Ra-El.’

He needs to inform him that the individual known as ‘Eric,’ whom Ra-El is close to, is actually the Grand Duke.

The party is intended to be the Grand Duke’s grand return.

“That concludes the report. By the way, Captain.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“I happened to witness you and Honorary Knight Ra-El sparring earlier.”

“Ah, in the backyard?”

“Yes. But… to my knowledge, there are no knights who announce their techniques during combat. Yet you mentioned there were many such knights.”

The adjutant was also taken aback by Ra-El’s Sword Aura.

While talent transcends age, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of helplessness.

However, he couldn’t comprehend announcing the names of techniques.

It struck the adjutant as rather foolish.

“Ah… that matter.”

Le Guin nodded.

It seemed the adjutant didn’t grasp his deeper meaning.

“It’s embarrassing, but I used to be like that too. Around 20 years old, perhaps? I used to shout ‘Le Guin Swordsmanship Chapter 1!’ as if I were the protagonist of the world. Ra-El must be going through a similar phase.”

Le Guin, who had always enjoyed attention, could relate to Ra-El.

Especially after graduating at the top of his class, his confidence had soared.

He genuinely believed that ‘Le Guin Swordsmanship Chapter 1’ was cool until he joined the Knights.

He was a similar age to Ra-El at the time, so Ra-El must be experiencing a similar phenomenon now.

“Ah… I see. A youthful folly? Of course, I never did that…”

“Geniuses are often a bit eccentric. Let’s not point it out.”

Le Guin smiled contentedly.

This was consideration as a senior swordsman.

‘No wonder the two get along so well…. Sir Ra-El wasn’t normal either.’

The adjutant shook his head.

Le Guin may think he’s normal, but normal people don’t shout out technique names in their 20s.

Next time I meet Sir Ra-El, I should share a serious life lesson.