The relationship between Rudy and Wood was actually quite good.
Though their souls were peculiar and didn't really belong in the bodies of five-year-olds, they were, without a doubt, blood brothers born from the same mother.
The main difference was that Rudy was a reincarnated soul, while Wood seemed more like a native, starting a new simulated life.
"Paul said starting tomorrow, he'll be teaching us swordsmanship. What do you think about that, Wood?" Rudy asked.
Paul had brought it up during dinner, and their mother Zenith hadn't objected.
In this world of swords and magic, children as young as five could start building a foundation and strengthening their bodies. After all, having strength made it easier to live safely in a world like this.
Both Paul and Zenith were former adventurers, and they didn't want their children to grow up weak and defenseless.
In his previous life, as a shut-in NEET, Rudy had often fantasized about becoming a legendary sword god or great magic master.
After all, every otaku dreamed of becoming the ultimate winner in an alternate world, surrounded by beauties. And in a world of swords and magic, strength was the most important asset for making that dream come true.
To have great power, one needed unparalleled talent, just like the protagonist in every story.
Rudy was convinced that as a reincarnated person, he was the chosen one.
So, naturally, he looked forward to Paul's swordsmanship lessons, expecting that by the end of the training, he would demonstrate a talent that would astonish his family and set him on the path to greatness.
Though they were twins, Rudy assumed Wood wouldn't have the same advantage, since he wasn't a reincarnator.
Even though both boys spent most of their time indoors, Rudy believed that, compared to Wood, who spent his days holed up in the study, his own physical activity made him far better prepared.
"Swordsmanship, huh? I'm looking forward to it too," Wood replied. "But given that Paul was the leader of an S-rank adventuring party, I think earning his approval won't be easy."
Wood knew quite a bit about Paul and Zenith, thanks to his frequent chats with Lilia. Not only were they former S-rank adventurers, but they also came from noble backgrounds.
The next morning, while Rudy and Wood were still fast asleep, Paul woke them up at the crack of dawn.
Excited to assert his fatherly authority, Paul had them up before the sun had fully risen.
Just as children crave praise from their elders, parents also enjoy being seen as idols by their children.
Before starting the swordsmanship lesson, Paul explained the various ranks of swordsmanship and the strongest styles in this world.
Paul himself was proficient in three of the most powerful styles: the Sword God Style, Water God Style, and North God Style.
"Tsk, so Paul's only at the level of an Advanced Swordsman?" Rudy remarked casually.
In response, he immediately received a chop to the head. Paul, who had been proudly boasting moments ago, clearly wasn't pleased with his eldest son's interruption and disrespect. He continued, "Don't think swordsmanship is easy to master. Most swordsmen are unranked and can't even use any style.
"Reaching the level of a Beginner Swordsman is enough to qualify you as a regular soldier for the kingdom.
"Intermediate Swordsmen can become royal knights.
"As for Advanced Swordsmen like me, we're at the level of S-rank adventurers and knight captains."
Paul's explanation was meant to emphasize just how impressive it was for someone like him to reach the level of Advanced Swordsman in three different styles.
And indeed, this was no small feat. Becoming an Advanced Swordsman in any kingdom was rare, let alone mastering three styles at such a young age.
To prove his point, or perhaps to show off a little, Paul drew his sword and approached a massive boulder, easily twice the height of a grown man. With a flourish, he unleashed a flashy sword strike.
A streak of blue light flashed through the air, and the massive boulder, weighing several tons and towering over two people, suddenly split down the middle with a faint line. Moments later, with a thunderous crash, the boulder crumbled in half.
Rudy stood there, completely stunned by the display.
In his previous world, where such feats were impossible, seeing someone perform a move like that with a sword was mind-blowing.
This wasn't just swordsmanship—it was superhuman!
Paul, noticing Rudy's amazed expression, grinned with satisfaction. This was exactly the reaction he had been hoping for.
Even though Wood had seen far more impressive things in his previous experiences, and Paul's sword strike didn't seem all that extraordinary to him, he still played along, mimicking Rudy's look of astonishment.
Seeing Paul's demonstration, Rudy was completely sold on learning swordsmanship. He eagerly begged to start training right away.
However, mastering swordsmanship was no easy task, and progress certainly wouldn't come overnight.
Just as Wood had anticipated, Paul soon tossed each of them a small wooden training sword.
"You're still too young to train with real swords," Paul said. "Becoming a swordsman takes time. For today's lesson, I want you both to practice 500 swings with this wooden sword."
Rudy, whose enthusiasm had been at its peak moments earlier, now looked at the toy-like wooden sword in his hand and then at Paul, who demonstrated basic sword swings.
All the excitement from seeing Paul's earlier flashy display evaporated as Rudy realized how dull and repetitive the task ahead was.
Having never held a sword before, Rudy's swings were sloppy and uncoordinated. After barely a hundred swings, blisters had already begun to form on his hands.
Paul had anticipated this outcome and had Zenith on standby with damp cloths and ointment, ready to tend to Rudy and Wood's hands.
Swinging a wooden sword 500 times might sound easy, but for a pair of five-year-olds, it was anything but.
Paul had deliberately set this number of swings, knowing that both boys would likely quit early. After all, he had done the same when he was their age.
However, much to Paul's surprise, neither Wood nor Rudy complained. Despite their inexperience, both silently pushed through their swings, even managing over a hundred before Paul had to step in and call for a break.
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P/S: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 380+ at p@treon.com/Betek and change @ to a
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