Chapter 12: The Best Condition (2)

Chapter 12: The Best Condition (2)

Yes?

Have you been hiding your skills all this time?

No, sir.

But then, what is it?

Marhan looked at Carlyn with a gaze that sought an answer.

Just a day ago, Carlyn fell short of his expectations.

Diligent, clever, and talented, but there was something off about the child.

Even though Carlyn seemed to be making an effort, he only utilized about half of his talent, strangely.

That was Marhans usual perception of Carlyn.

But today was different.

Today, youre not just different from your usual self. Youre completely like a different person.

Ah

Marhan studied Carlyns eyes. It was a perceptive gaze that knew the reason for the change.

On the other hand, Carlyn didnt think much of it. Worst Condition. It wasnt a problem worth hiding.

Well, usually, my body feels heavy all the time. But today, it feels incredibly light.

Marhan furrowed his brow. It meant that the explanation was insufficient.

Well, lets see. Normally, I can only use about half of my strength, but on days like today when my body feels good, I feel like Ive become twice as strong.

You feel it?

I become stronger. There have been times when I could do things I couldnt do before.

Is it because you couldnt sleep well on normal days?

So, he knew that too.

Carlyn was aware that he was being observed, but hearing it directly made him slightly uneasy.

Its not necessarily true. It has been like this since before.

Since before? Why didnt you say anything?

What?

Didnt Lena ask if there was a place that hurts?

Carlyn recalled the memory. When he first arrived here, Lena had asked that question after seeing his tired state.

He answered that there was no specific place that hurt.

Well, there wasnt any specific place that hurt, so?

Carlyn reiterated his words.

Hmm. I just thought that sometimes my body feels good. I never thought of it as being sick.

Marhan stared at Carlyn for a while. He didnt seem to be lying.

The possibility of a serious illness had already been suggested by Lena. Marhan had somewhat agreed with that idea.

But it was strange for his physical condition to improve so much.

He had never heard of such an illness before. The same applied to similar symptoms.

It would be necessary to check it out.

Marhan nodded, thinking that way.

Alright. Lets find a way to solve it.

Can it be solved?

It might be an illness that youre unaware of.

Its not an illness, though.

Carlyn thought that way, but since he couldnt speak the truth, he kept his mouth shut.

From now on, speak up about even trivial things.

Marhan added. Carlyn felt that his voice was unexpectedly warm.

Yes.

Marhan gestured with his head, indicating to move on to the next weapon. Carlyn politely walked back to the display stand.

And the cycle of next continued.

Various weapons with strange and unfamiliar names passed by, including slightly curved daggers and short swords that Marhan checked twice. Carlyn now knew what they represented.

That means Im quite talented with long swords, short swords, and daggers.

It was quite satisfying. In a medieval fantasy game, the most commonly used weapon was a sword.

And according to Carlyns knowledge, daggers and stilettos were essential for spies.

Well done. From now on, your main weapons will be longswords, daggers, and short swords.

Yes.

While you should also cover the basics with the remaining weapons, focus on what I just told you.

Marhan turned his body.

Sally.

Sally approached them quickly, interrupting her conversation with Orhen.

The proportions of the upper and lower body, the length of arms and legs, and the strength of muscles.

That was why the process of experience, practice, and guidance was essential in finding the optimal posture.

However, Carlyn perfectly achieved it just by observing.

And with just one comment:

Is it like this?

Marhan nodded calmly, concealing his surprise. He was certain it wasnt a mere coincidence.

While one or two aspects might be acceptable, perfection in every aspect was impossible.

Carlyn flawlessly followed Haisens swordsmanship that he demonstrated next.

This was the realm of pure talent.

However, the lingering question remained: the stark contrast between the childs previous display and today.

It surpassed the realm of talent that Marhan had perceived in the child.

Even though I already thought his talent was exceptional.

Marhan quickly turned his mind. Did his eyes deceive him? Did old age affect his perception? Absolutely not.

Though not mystic, Marhans eyes were accurate enough that the duke to call them a mystic.

Throughout his time raising numerous children under the duke, there had never been such a significant deviation from his expectations.

The most crucial point was that the childs words perfectly aligned with his observations.

Usually, he can only use about half of his strength.

It aligned with the report Marhan had sent to the duke. Only showing about half of his abilities.

Today was double no, in Marhans opinion, even double wasnt enough. Triple. Yes, triple was accurate.

And judging by his insane learning ability, it seemed like it wasnt simply an improvement in physical prowess.

Marhan fell silent. It had been over 20 days since the child arrived.

On average, how often does a day like this happen?

Im not sure either.

It was the expected response from Carlyn, but Marhan looked into his eyes and spoke again.

About once a year? Its not precise. There are times when its later, or even earlier.

Carlyn wasnt certain, so he hedged his answer.

How many days does it usually last?

Just one day.

I see.

Marhans brow slightly furrowed. Carlyn tried to gauge Marhans reaction, but Marhan was thinking about something else.

Was it an illness?

Not being able to exert full strength on a normal day could be considered an illness, but no illness allowed you to perform at three times your usual abilities on a specific day.

Moreover, his talent was increasing as well.

If it were the Flash of Insight, it should have died long ago.

It didnt seem like an illness Marhan realized his thoughts were getting deeper. He exhaled and cleared his mind.

It was a pointless worry.

Its a problem I cant solve.

He just needed to report and wait for the dukes actions.

And if he could address the childs issue if he could always keep the childs physical state at its peak

Perhaps he could become the best teacher on the continent.

Thinking that way, Marhan suddenly felt his heartbeat intensify without realizing it.

Raising a child with talent was something he enjoyed and loved. And now, he was witnessing the greatest talent of his life.

Of course, there needed to be a guarantee that todays state would continue.

Marhan calmly settled his mind.

If the problem couldnt be solved, it would eventually result in the dissatisfaction he had felt initially.

If I pay more attention to him, will it improve?

The child said it happened once a year. Whether he could solve it or not, reducing that cycle alone would be a welcome outcome.

The important thing was not to waste today.

He already regretted it. Choosing a weapon and wasting precious time.

Marhan looked at Carlyn, who was looking up at him, and then gazed at the sky.

The sun was approaching its zenith.

There was still some time before the morning training ended. Marhan turned his body.

Denif.

The difference between the two children was immeasurable.

But Marhan decided that he should have Carlyn and Denif spar once.

With todays Carlyn, there would be much to gain for both children.

And above all, Marhan wanted to see Carlyns swordsmanship, which was natural and not taught.