The Light of a Knight

Episode 4

Clap, clap, clap!

As Lady Scarlata finished speaking, the students erupted into applause. Even Carson couldn’t help but admire her presence.

Lady Scarlata had a unique charm. Her few words had stirred a fiery determination within the students. Who wouldn’t want to reach her level?

With the speech over, the lesson began in earnest. However, the students, fueled by Lady Scarlata’s words, trained with an intensity far beyond their usual focus, much to the satisfaction of the instructors. The guest speaker had clearly served her purpose.

Among the students, Carson was just as immersed in the training, swinging his knight’s sword with concentration.

Although the original owner of this body had practiced this sword technique for years, this was Carson’s first time wielding a real sword. Fortunately, muscle memory helped him avoid making any mistakes. Still, it was a novel experience—this was the first time in either of his lives that he had held a real sword.

According to his memories, this sword technique was called the Silver Frost Knight Swordsmanship, a method designed to both train the body and be used in combat.

This dual-purpose technique was a staple among knight swordsmanship in this world. Specific sword movements, paired with synchronized breathing patterns, could simultaneously serve as a combat technique and a means to condition the body. This unique blend was the foundation of a knight’s strength in this world.

However, knight swordsmanship only yielded results for those with knight potential. Ordinary people, even if they practiced for years, would merely become stronger but could never attain the superhuman physique of a knight. This is why each knight academy tested for knight potential during admissions.

Carson had knight potential, but it was too weak to carry him far on the knight’s path. However, with his talent-netting ability, the last thing he feared was a lack of potential. Today, despite his injuries, he was determined to train and seek an opportunity to copy a higher-level knight’s potential to improve his own.

"Impressive."

Lady Scarlata observed the students, her eyes scanning them with interest. She nodded almost imperceptibly, her gaze softening as she reminisced about her own time at the Academy.

"I must thank you, Lady Scarlata," said the head instructor with a respectful tone. "Your words were inspiring, even I felt my blood boil, so it’s no wonder these youngsters are giving it their all."

Although he was much older than Lady Scarlata, he didn’t dare to act superior. Her status as a Countess, two ranks above his own barony, and her strength as a great knight far outstripped his own. Even the backing of Nicholas Knight Academy wouldn’t protect him if he crossed someone of her caliber. The Academy, and even the royal family, sought to ally with young talents like her, knowing full well the value of her future potential.

Unfazed by the head instructor’s deference, Lady Scarlata scanned the crowd again. Her eyes lingered on one student, and a flicker of interest crossed her face.

"Hmm? Already advanced to a Squire Knight? And only in their third year? That’s impressive."

"Lady Scarlata flatters us. That’s Brandon Kent, one of my students and the most gifted

Hearing Lady Scarlata's praise, the head instructor couldn't help but reveal a slightly smug smile.

"Oh, he's from the Kent family. That explains it," Scarlata said, nodding with a look of realization.

Noble children not only had access to superior material resources but also often inherited excellent physical potential. Their families had refined these traits over generations, so it was no surprise that noble-born students typically had higher potential for knighthood than their commoner peers.

"Would Lady Scarlata be interested in offering them some guidance?" the head instructor asked.

"Certainly," Scarlata agreed after a brief moment of thought.

*Clap, clap!*

With Scarlata's approval, the head instructor’s expression turned serious again, regaining his authoritative demeanor. He clapped his hands, signaling all the students to stop their training.

"Now, we will have Lady Scarlata provide some guidance. Lady Scarlata, please!"

At his invitation, Scarlata nodded and gracefully took a few steps forward.

"I can see that your fundamentals are solid," she began, her gaze sweeping over the students. "Your instructors have done a fine job, even better than I could."

"But as someone who’s been where you are, let me tell you this: Knight swordsmanship isn't just about training your body. It’s also a combat technique. Its true essence can only be grasped in the heat of battle."

She let her words sink in for a moment before continuing, "In simple terms, to truly master knight swordsmanship, you must experience real combat."

Her eyes scanned the students again. "Now, explaining this might leave you all a bit confused, so I need a volunteer to spar with me. Who's willing to step up?"

At her challenge, the students, who had been eager for her guidance, fell silent. The training ground became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

After all, who was Lady Scarlata? A formidable great knight who had reached such a level at a young age. Sparring with her, even just for a demonstration, meant certain humiliation, especially for students who hadn’t even reached the rank of squire knight.

Even Brandon Kent hesitated, reluctant to be beaten so publicly. As a noble, his pride was at stake.

"I’ll do it."

A voice suddenly broke the silence. In the quiet training field, it was particularly striking.

All eyes turned toward the source of the voice, only to see a blond boy with bandages wrapped around his head step forward and walk steadily toward Lady Scarlata.

It was Carson.

He had been waiting for this opportunity ever since learning that a guest would be attending today’s class. Initially, he had planned to copy Brandon Kent's talent, but once he knew the guest was Lady Scarlata, he shifted his focus entirely.

Why target the guest? Because Nicholas Knight Academy’s guests were always powerful knights, at the very least at the full knight level. Such individuals naturally possessed extraordinary talent.

And when Carson found out that the guest was Lady Scarlata, he was even more determined to set his sights on her. Although Brandon Kent was talented, he couldn’t compare to the renowned Lady Scarlata.

"Good!"

Seeing Carson, with his bandaged head but firm steps, approaching her, Scarlata's lips curled into a smile. Whatever else might be said, this boy undoubtedly had the most courage among all present.

"Draw your knight’s sword and attack me. Don’t hold back!"

"Yes, ma’am."

Carson didn’t hesitate.

He certainly didn’t worry about the absurd possibility of injuring Lady Scarlata. He didn’t know how strong a great knight was, but he had seen firsthand the power of a full knight, as his class’s instructor was one. That level of strength was far beyond anything he could overcome with mere determination, so there was no need to worry about hurting Lady Scarlata.