The Girl Raised by the Death God Holds the Sword of Darkness in Her Arms - Volume 1 - Chapter 5

Bonus Chapter: Claudia’s Secret

The morning sun climbed up above the mountains, bathing Fort Caspar in warm light.

In a corner of the parade grounds, Olivia and Claudia faced off, each gripping a wooden sword.

“I know it’s just practice, but I hope you’ll excuse me if I don’t hold back, Lieutenant.”

“Don’t sweat it. I won’t let you hurt me.”

It could have come across as mocking, but Claudia knew better. She had skill enough with a blade to appreciate the unbridgeable chasm that separated Olivia’s abilities and her own. Even against her own father, who had been one of the king’s ten sworn swords, she hadn’t felt this outclassed—Olivia’s deeds at the Battle of Ilys had been that awe-inspiring. And somehow, she had the sense that even then, Olivia had been holding back.

“Then let’s begin.”

Claudia attacked first. She stepped forwards with her right foot and thrust with her sword, but Olivia dodged with only a slight twist of her torso. Claudia seamlessly transitioned into a sweeping strike to the side, but Olivia knocked her blade aside effortlessly. As Claudia had expected, Olivia responded to her bladework like she was entertaining a child. She hadn’t even taken a single step. Claudia concentrated all her will and her strength to launch into a barrage of strikes that left her drenched in sweat. Olivia parried every single one, and finished looking as refreshed as she had when they began.

“Strong” doesn’t begin to do her justice... thought Claudia, retreating to put distance between herself and Olivia as she struggled to control her breathing. I doubt even Father could hold his own against her. Fighting her for real, it’s clear she’s in a wholly different league—like crossing swords with a hero from the old legends.

“Okay, my turn,” said Olivia brightly—and then she appeared right in front of Claudia. Even as Claudia stiffened with shock, she somehow managed to twist to one side and avoid Olivia’s piercing strike. Olivia’s smile changed to surprise, and without a moment’s hesitation Claudia aimed a kick at Olivia’s right side. At this distance, she was sure there was no chance the other girl could dodge it.

But as though she’d expected it, Olivia’s left hand shot out to block with so much force that Claudia couldn’t retract her leg. Olivia slammed a front kick into her stomach, sending her hopping back before falling down on her backside. It was hard to accept that anyone could hit that hard while holding back.

“Huh,” said Olivia, sounding impressed and coming over to peer deeply into Claudia’s eyes. “You’ve got good eyes. I feel like that’ll come in handy.” Claudia forgot the pain in her stomach, staring back at Olivia. She hadn’t told anyone about her biggest secret—not since her closest childhood friend had called her a freak—but now she felt sure that Olivia had somehow worked it out. Olivia, however, didn’t pursue the topic further.

“Want to go again?” she asked.

“Ready when you are, ser,” Claudia said, making her knees bend and straighten to stand up. She forced herself to ignore the ache in her stomach, and raised her sword up in front of her face.

“Right. Here I go, then,” said Olivia. This time, instead of materializing out of nowhere, she vanished. Keeping her cool, Claudia summoned the power in her eyes and searched for Olivia. There—coming around on her right, she caught a flicker of movement. She deliberately pretended she hadn’t noticed. Then, just as Olivia swung the wooden sword down towards her, she brought her own sword around to parry it, sure she had her this time.

Claudia’s sword met only empty air. She disappeared again?! She scanned her surroundings, but couldn’t see Olivia anywhere. Her vision was growing cloudy.

Damn it, I can’t keep this up, she thought, feeling panic set in. Just then, she saw a shadow from above her head. She looked up to see Olivia against the red sun, her sword already swinging down.

“I... I lose.” Olivia stopped her strike a hair’s breadth away from splitting Claudia’s skull open. If this had been a real fight, she’d have died.

“You’ve got pretty good form. I can tell you trained really hard. You shouldn’t use your eyes like that too much, though—it wears you out, right?” Olivia said with concern. Somehow, it seemed she knew about this power that Claudia herself didn’t fully understand.

“Y-Yes, ser. You’re right, it drains me. Do you... Do you know how it works, Lieutenant Olivia?”

“Yeah, I learned techniques just like it. Take Swift Step—what I did just now. I get totally exhausted when I use it too much,” said Olivia, smiling excitedly and tapping her hands on her legs.

“Who taught you all this?” asked Claudia, eager to know. But Olivia shared nothing.

“I’ll tell you one day,” was all she said.

“So that thing where you seem to vanish—it’s called Swift Step?”

“That’s right. You know, I think you might be able to learn it too.” Claudia felt her heart beat faster. With such a power at her command, she could rise still further in the ranks of knighthood. She knew full well that the sword was the only way she could make her way in the world.

“D-Do you really think so? I’d be honored if you’d teach me, ser!”

“Let’s do it, then. I think it’s breakfast time now, though. I’m ravenous!” Olivia said cheerfully, rubbing her belly.

“Very well, then. One Breakfast Special for Second Lieutenant Olivia, on me.”

“No way! Seriously? Doesn’t that cost extra? Like, a lot extra?”

“It’s nothing, ser. Just an expression of my thanks for today’s training.”

“Hah hah! This is the best!” exclaimed Olivia with delight, setting off all but skipping towards the mess hall. Claudia hung back for a time, gazing at the other girl, until Olivia turned back and waved at her.

“Claudiaaa! Hurry up, let’s go eat!”

“Yes, Lieutenant!” She took off at a brisk run.