The Shadow of Great Britain

430: Chapter 242 Reed Name Sword Technique (4K4)_2 430: Chapter 242 Reed Name Sword Technique (4K4)_2 In short, what George Silver meant was basically, “A swift sword?

That’s hilarious.

If you want to practice swordplay, you should stick to our traditional English skills.”

From this perspective, if I could defeat Francois Bertrand with Silverflow swordsmanship, it could indeed elicit cheers from the entire British fencing world and public opinion.”

At this point, Arthur hesitated again, as he pondered, “But the only problem now is, how exactly can I use a shortsword to defeat the French foil?

Agares, after all, you did say when teaching me swordplay that in equally matched melee combat with cold weapons, reach is the biggest guarantee of victory.

As far as I know, the foil used by Francois Bertrand is about 43-45 inches long.

If I continue to use Fiore Style and choose a swift sword as my weapon, then my weapon’s length would be between 40-51 inches, easily establishing an advantage over him.

But if I use a shortsword…

I’ve asked several big smithies in London, and the longest shortsword they have is only 27 inches.

Even with the advantage of my reach, I would still be half a step behind Bertrand.”

So does this mean I should start the fight by closing in to grapple with him?

That would be incredibly stupid.

How exactly did Master George Silver defeat the Fiore Style masters using a shortsword?”

Agares just laughed heartily when he heard this.

He began, “Arthur, is this what you’re worried about?

George Silver isn’t as simple-minded as you think.

Haven’t you noticed?

Whenever he mentioned his Silverflow Swordsmanship, he emphasized that he used the English shortsword.

And George Silver’s own definition is that only swords with a blade length of at least 37 inches are considered English shortswords.

If you add the guard and the handle, the sword easily reaches over 40 inches.

Or if you’d like, you could even order a custom-made 50-inch English shortsword.

Apart from being particular about the name ‘English shortsword,’ George Silver is usually quite flexible when it comes to length.”

Arthur’s eyelids twitched thrice, and a weight was lifted from his heart.

Leaning back on the sofa with his legs crossed, he asked, “If an English shortsword is 50 inches, how long would an English longsword be?”

The Red Devil shrugged, “Going by George Silver’s standards, I guess it’d have to be close to 90 inches.”

“90 inches?!”

Arthur took a deep breath and muttered, “That’s almost two meters and thirty centimeters.

Could it be that in the sixteenth century, some people in Britain could swing around a Yao Ming-sized sword on the dueling field?”

He pressed Agares, “Who in the world would use a 90-inch sword?”

Agares straightened his glasses, replying seriously, “By my estimation, at least ‘Goliath,’ who was killed by the shepherd David in the ‘Bible,’ certainly couldn’t have handled such a sword—he was only 9.5 feet tall.

But in Cornwall of Britain, the local legends describe the giant Cormoran as being 12 feet tall, so for them, this sword length would probably be about right.”

Arthur couldn’t help but burst into applause, “It seems Master George Silver’s ‘Paradoxes of Defense’ truly is a masterpiece.

Although I can’t fully agree with his criticism of swift swords, his disdain for longswords is well-founded.

A weapon of that length really isn’t meant for ordinary people.”

Agares, with a mischievous grin, pulled out a book from his wide robes and tossed it onto the table: “Actually, you could still win with a normal shortsword, but I suggest you read this book before stepping onto the dueling stage, mixing a bit of the secret techniques from Germany into your Silverflow Swordsmanship.

Arthur, this book is something I usually wouldn’t show others.

The reason I didn’t present this to you first when I taught you swordplay was that I was afraid you’d be overeager and accidentally go astray in your study of the sword.”

Arthur glanced at the book.

Its cover was simple, without any fancy patterns or decor, just a title and the author’s name.

“Swordplay 100 Techniques”

Author: Michael Hunter.

Agares chuckled and asked, “Arthur, have you ever heard of his great reputation before?”

Arthur touched his chin and stared at the book for a long time, “I have yet to have the honor.”

The Red Devil coughed and said, “The regular parts probably won’t be of much use to you now, so I suggest you start with the 90th technique.”

Arthur, skeptical, flipped open the book.

The initial techniques seemed odd to him, but he felt he could reluctantly accept them.

However, as soon as he turned to the 94th technique, his whole body involuntarily shuddered.

Hunter Style 94th Technique

Sometimes, due to safety issues, a person might get attacked by several people at night.

Often it’s a group of four or five, or even more.

Some not only get robbed but also lose their lives and limbs.

If you’re attacked by a gang on your way home, please grab your rapier tightly with both fists, and hurl it forcefully at your assailants.

Then quickly scan with your agile eyes to find where you can get further protection.

Lastly, spread your legs and run!

Arthur thought this had surpassed his limit of understanding swordplay, but when his gaze landed on the 98th technique, he truly realized the gap in wisdom between himself and a real Sword Saint.