Blade of the Blue Star 2: An Academy Light Novel Litrpg (The Duke’s Unlikely Heir) by Kal Griffith

Author:Kal Griffith [Griffith, Kal]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2025-01-24T00:00:00+00:00

Different Burdens

I swallowed a final, syrup-drenched bite of pancake, wondering if I'd overdone it with the butter. Across the table, Baldric was working on his own massive stack. Judging by the blissed-out look on his face, he was too happy to tease me for a few moments, and that alone was worth the extra sugar.

Once we finished, we gathered our trays and returned them to the dining hall's cleanup station. Around us, the bustle of Aegis Crown Academy carried on in its usual morning swirl: cliques of students chattering about their first classes, a few seniors reviewing notes for upcoming exams, a junior scholar practicing minor illusions in the corner until Enforcer Margot shot him a sharp glare.

As Baldric and I left, a pair of wide-eyed first-years stopped us outside the doors. They bowed politely.

"Are you Reinhardt Blazkowicz?" one asked. "We heard you're part of the Legion team," the other added.

I nodded, caught off guard.

"Wow." The first-year rubbed his neck. "That's so cool. Maybe you could show us some sword drills sometime?"

He sounded genuine, not mocking. I exchanged a look with Baldric.

"Uh, sure," I said, still blinking in surprise. "But you might be disappointed. I'm just a first-year too."

They grinned like I'd offered them seats at the Emperor's table. A bunch of questions followed. Had I really faced demons? Was it true about the duels? Did I know the hero Ceel?

I shifted my weight, uncomfortable with the attention.

After a few stammered responses from me, they bowed again and scurried off down the hall.

I watched them disappear around the corner, remembering my own first days with Duke Wilhelm. Though my introduction to fighting had been far bloodier than academy drills.

Baldric nudged my arm. "And you didn't even think you'd be popular."

"Yeah, great," I muttered, rubbing my neck. Fame wasn't what I wanted. I just needed to focus on getting stronger and helping Xenia.

"Come on, it's not that bad," Baldric said. "People look up to you, Reinhardt. You've got a bit of a legend going."

"We should head to class," I said, changing the subject. "Combat Training with Instructor Browning."

Baldric's face fell. "Oh yeah. Maybe that fourth pancake wasn't a good idea."

We crossed the courtyard toward the Combat Arena. A few students rushed past us clutching books and scrolls. A few called out good morning. I answered with nods.

Baldric was right beside me still trying to stretch out his arms. "Think she'll go easy on us today?"

I snorted. "When has Browning ever gone easy?"

Baldric groaned next to me, rubbing his sore arms. "If she makes us do overhead swings, I'm doomed."

"You'll live," I said, pushing the heavy doors open.

Inside, the Combat Arena's main hall stretched before us. The polished wooden floor bore the marks of countless blade practices, deep scuffs and scrapes. Some of the others were stretching, some standing around, and some were practicing basic forms.

Instructor Browning stood at the front, arms crossed, with Indra on her back. A few eager upperclassmen clustered near her, probably fishing for advanced techniques.

She took a quick roll call, scanning around the room.

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