Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 31

Reincarnated Devil’s Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~

Chapter 31   Against the prodigy of the sword

In the Calamiera church, at the fifth anniversary martial arts tournament of the Holy Maiden Isha Grace de Calamiera, it was the final match of the children’s division.

On such a grand stage, facing each other were two individuals: one, a ten-year-old swordsman with silver hair and clear purple eyes, Ein, who had no particular quirks about him. The other, our very own Ars, a five-year-old with shining golden hair, azure eyes, and above all, a purity and sincerity reflected in his expression.

“Indeed, you’ve come, young lad. I’m grateful for your assistance in saving my liege before. And above all, I thought someone like you would make it this far.”

“Yeah! I thought so too! Um…”

On the stage, the two engaged in pre-match chatter already seemed somewhat familiar, laughing together as if they had known all along that they would reach this point.

In reality, given the abilities of these children, it was inevitable, and they would undoubtedly boast exceptional combat prowess even among their peers in neighboring countries.

Magic, martial arts, governance – while strength comes in various forms, especially in terms of martial arts, among minors, there was no doubt that they ranked among the top in the Western continent.

I may not know everything about this world, but well, this prediction wouldn’t be too far off the mark.

“My name is Ein. I actually have a longer name, but it’s not the place to be verbose in this martial competition. Right now, I’m just Ein. And yours?”

“I’m Ars! I’m just Ars too, Ein-kun!”

“Hmph, I see. So you also have no intention of using a surname, Ars… I’ll remember that name.”

Well, he don’t actually have a surname.

It’s a bit unfair to Ein, who might seem like a noble from another country, but that’s all thanks to Elsa-mama’s misleading. Well, it has its advantages too, like not getting into trouble with the wrong people, so I can’t complain.

“Now, take your stances!”

“…………”

“…………”

“――Begin the match!”

In an instant, as signaled by the referee, the magical energies of the two boys burst from the stage. Perhaps due to the sensibilities of children, who don’t observe their opponents with as much composure as adults, there was no staring contest or standoff; both immediately clashed with full-powered physical enhancements.

However, their abilities were genuine. Both Ein and Ars possessed enough strength as warriors to be considered A-rank.

“But perhaps due to the difference in age and life experience, Ein has a slight advantage.”

“Yes, indeed. If that boy has mastered martial arts to the level of a mid-level A-ranker, then Ars has only just reached the entrance. It would be quite difficult for him to snatch a victory under the same conditions.”

However, Ars would understand that too after just one swordfight. The problem is whether he can recognize that he can’t win as he is now and devise a strategy against a stronger opponent.

However, unlike Gaius, who is clearly superior, it’s doubtful whether Ars can think that far in a serious match against someone with a similar level of strength. Because Ars lacks experience in such close battles.

“What do you think, Gaius?”

“He won’t lose. No doubt about it.”

“A concise opinion, but I agree. That’s how it’ll be, huh…”

Returning from the final stage to the spectator seats where Elsa, I, and Gaius had been watching, I asked Elsa the same question, and her opinion was indeed the same.

As if to prove it, Ars, realizing that his sword was being pushed back, immediately assumed the stance of Devil Bat Assault and hurried the match.

“You’re strong, Ein-kun! But I won’t…!”

“That stance… Here it comes, Ars!”

“…I absolutely won’t lose! Ultimate warrior awakening secret technique, Super Devil Bat Assault!!”

With that declaration, a mysterious technique name that I once blurted out in the past reverberated throughout the entire venue, and Ars’s physical abilities surged explosively.

However, it seems he rushed things after all…

Ars, for all his appearance, is actually incredibly competitive. He admires Gaius purely because he can activate the secret technique a day earlier than him, and above all, he burns with the resolve that he won’t lose, as evidenced by how he managed to complete the same technique the next day.

In other words, his good nature and competitiveness in competitions are completely unrelated factors.

That’s why one could say he’s made remarkable progress for a five-year-old, but this time it backfired on him.

“Gaaaah!!”

“Heh, your strikes are heavy, and indeed, your movements are quicker than mine… But that was expected.”

Smirking in response to Ars’s sudden surge in physical ability, Ein, who had already grasped this fact beforehand, smiled knowingly.

Looks like his weaknesses are probably being analyzed too.

Clearly, Ein’s preparing for an endurance match.

“Oh no… It turned out like this after all.”

“It can’t be helped, Master. Since Ars’s basic abilities aren’t catching up at this point, he had to play his trump card one way or another. The problem is how to use that trump card…”

“Well, I guess so. It’s his first time after all, a serious match with real swords.”

I knew it.

I knew it, but as a parent, it’s still a little frustrating.

However, Ars can soar even higher because of this struggle, so let’s just chalk it up to experience.

“The next issue is whether Elsa-mama will go too far in her enthusiasm for the match.”

“Oh…”

“What are you doing, Ars?! There! Use your foot there! This is no time to be concerned about manners! Win! Win, Ars!”

By the way, Elsa is already so engrossed that she’s lost herself.

I mean, her eyes are seriously dangerous, capable of making people faint with just a glance.

In fact, when the audience caught a glimpse of her intense cheering, some of them lost consciousness.

Even lower-ranking demons are afraid of Elsa-mama. Help me…

“I-I think it’s okay, Master. Despite appearances, Lady Elsa hasn’t released any killing intent at all. She’s maintaining her composure. It’s just her gaze… that’s supposed to be scary.”

“I get it… But scary things are still scary.”

“I agree with that too.”

I can only pray that Ein doesn’t direct his gaze towards us.

If he were to catch even a glimpse of Elsa in her current state, he would probably become so terrified that he’d leave himself open for a decisive blow.

“There! Cut off the enemy’s right arm! Attack with more killing intent!”

Yeah…

I’ll just set up a barrier so they can’t see us from over there…