The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 23. Swordsmanship Class

After leaving the classroom, Anna brought me to a field where a man with the head of a lion was sitting with a wooden sword in his lap. An orange skinned, one eyed man with a horn protruding out of his forehead was sitting opposite to him, Anna moved to the side of me and simply watched over me. With Anna standing by I decided to approach Crest and the one-eyed man.

" Crest am I interrupting something?"

" Hmm? Ah! John my friend! No not at all! We were meditating waiting for you!"

" I see sorry to make you wait. Who is your friend Crest?"

Crest ears flickered as he heard my voice and excitedly answered my question. I then proceeded to ask for an introduction, seeing as how this person may be someone brought in to help me learn swordsmanship.

" Ah, this is my wife's younger brother! His name is Paul. He's going to be helping me train you. even though he appears to be the same age as you Paul is actually only 13 years old! I've been training him since he was 10. I was supposed to resume training him today, but I was asked to train you as well. On the bright side you'll have a companion to train with."

" I see! Then with that allow me to introduce myself. My name is John Ericsson! I look forward to working with you Paul!"

" Nice to meet you, John! My name is Paul Sharp! Nice to meet you! Thank you for saving the life of Uncle Crest!"

After shaking hands, Crest handed me a dull sword. And at this moment I remembered the control of my mana was still in effect! It felt like I was holding a cinderblock in my hands. Looking at me struggling to hold it, Crest began to talk to me in a concerned voice.

" Woah John are you ok!? Ah you've just started using the advanced control technique! Well, all I can say is bear with it for now. It will grow easier in time. It took me 3 weeks to adapt to it completely."

" I'm going to spend 3 weeks like this!" 

Crest seeing the shock in my eyes looked at me and started hurriedly explaining.

" No no! It may take longer or shorter for the person. but considering your mana, it may take that long. To give a bit of hope to the current you, each day is easier than the last. It just takes time for your body and mind to adjust to the technique. For now, all you can do is grin and bear it. And since I want to do this right, I won't be coddling you John.... Today's lesson is going to be strenuous for you. But first I need you to stand like this."

Crest started to talk in a softer voice and then entered a stance as I was still struggling to hold the sword. But I did as I was told with great struggle.

" Yes! John good! Now you must swing your blade like this!"

After I managed to lift the sword, Crest proceeded to step forward and launch an overhead slash with his wooden sword. I copied as best I could, but the sword fell from my hands under the strain. I went to pick the sword back up and mumbled under my breath in confusion.

" Why is this so much harder than running or reading?"

Crest, and Paul who was next to me must have heard it. Paul spoke to me.

" John... Have you ever swung a sword before?"

" Huh? Uhm n.. No I haven't."

" Have you ever studied before today?"

As I got back into my stance it clicked with me.

" Ah. Since my body isn't used to swinging a sword, the strain is harder than things I have done that my body remembers."

" Yes, that is correct John."

At my epiphany Crest confirmed my thoughts. He then proceeded to give me instructions to continually repeat the swing until the strain subsides. Crest and Paul Proceeded to do a warmup and spar in the meantime. After 20 minutes Anna asked how I was feeling. I responded not to worry and continued my swings.