The Town of Shining Stone (7)

"Sensei, please spar with me!"

At the sound of the boy's energetic voice, I took the wooden sword he handed me and assumed a relaxed stance.

Ever since the day I cut a huge boulder with my magic sword, Kretos, Maios-sensei's third son, had taken to calling me sensei.

Apparently, he had been deeply impressed by the way I wielded the sword and immediately asked to become my apprentice.

Though I immediately shook my head.

After all, I had my work as a blacksmith, tuition to pay Maios-sensei, something to prepare to stimulate his creative drive, and sculpture to learn.

Besides, Kretos was already in the process of learning another style of swordsmanship.

If I taught him Yosogi Style while he was still learning another form of swordsmanship, the quirks of the two schools might clash and end up hindering his growth.

It would also be disrespectful to the person teaching Kretos that swordsmanship.

Still, I owed Maios-sensei for making time for me despite being just as busy...