Immortal Empress

From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, the European swordsmanship systems showed diverse regional developments. The German longsword technique, Langes Schwert, emphasized strength and arcing slashes. The Italian Scherma school was renowned for its precise thrusts, and the French noble fencing technique placed more emphasis on elegant demeanor.

Although the innovation of firearms has stripped swordsmanship of its practical combat glory, it remains an elite tradition that has been passed down for a hundred years in the Harvard Fencing Club – those who join the club must have both ancient lineage and the ability to pay high membership fees.

Helen Miller clearly did not meet any of these requirements. Her parents were just an archaeologist and a housewife. She had two older brothers, an older sister, and a younger brother above her. She was just an ordinary member of the Miller family.

But Helen was not ordinary either. She was admitted to Harvard University of the Ivy League with excellent grades. When she defeated three male club members in the freshman fencing exhibition match, a frenzy ignited in Professor David Graham’s blue eyes.

“Why? Other girls are spinning at the dance, but I have to sweat like a gladiator!” On the fencing field, Helen blocked the professor’s thunderous vertical slash with her knight’s sword. Sparks flew from the collision of the silver gauntlets.

David twirled his sword and retracted his stance. He wiped the sweat from his beard with his leather glove: “Talent is a gift from the gods when they roll the dice, and the faces of your dice are engraved with the name of the Goddess of Victory.” This descendant of a Scottish nobleman always liked to speak in an aria, as if he were still in the library of Edinburgh Castle.

“Compared to the Goddess of Victory, I’d rather have the favor of the Goddess of Love.” A huge force came with the knight’s sword. Helen felt a tightness in her chest. She took advantage of the momentum and did a backward roll to dissipate the impact force. Her chestnut-golden braid spread out like a lion’s mane.

“You have the best talent, Helen.” David put away his weapon and pulled Helen up from the ground.

He was a respected gentleman, a professor at this university, and the president of the fencing club.

It was he who strongly invited Helen to join the fencing club in the first place.

Helen resumed her attacking stance and sneered, “How many people have you said that to, Professor!”

Helen suddenly spun around and thrust forward. The tip of the sword darted towards the opponent’s left shoulder like a snake. But David’s parry was even quicker. The blade grazed her wrist and left a white mark on the leather armor.

The shadows of the swords fluttered, and the professor’s voice pierced through the symphony of metal: “Look at this agile Spanish side step! The exquisite German reverse edge! How can those electric toys in modern Olympic fencing be worthy of carrying such a beautiful form of violence?”

There was no time to speak. Helen quickly moved her steps, using the surrounding space to move around and occasionally launching a sharp sword attack.

“Look!” David waved his knight’s sword and exclaimed, “Your swordsmanship is so excellent. It’s hard to imagine that you’ve only been learning for a year. You are unique. Believe me, you will become a powerful swordsman.”

The two swords clashed again, and then they quickly crossed and separated.

Helen felt the sweat flowing on her body, and a lot of her physical strength was consumed. She said, “A swordsman? Is there still such a profession in modern society? Moreover, the boys in the club learn swordsmanship to attract girls, and I am a girl myself.”

David said disapprovingly, “Don’t mention those brats. They can’t be compared with you at all. And who says swordsmanship is useless? You will become an excellent fencing athlete, and there will be many opportunities waiting for you.”

“My ideal is to become a scholar like you, Professor.” Helen once again struggled to block the opponent’s attack and took the opportunity to distance herself from him. Panting, she said, “Because of the emergence of firearms, the original swordsmanship has declined. I don’t want to be the heir to the historical and cultural heritage.”

“But you have no choice, Helen!” David showed a devilish smile unique to the nobility, “As your tutor, I have the right to decide when you graduate, and the last assignment I require of you is – to defeat me in a real battle.”

David made a fierce sword slash, knocking Helen flying a long way. Then he gracefully placed the sword on the nearby sword rack. “Today’s class is over, my child. Remember to continue practicing tomorrow.”

“You devil!” Helen stuck up her middle finger.

“Thank you for the compliment!” David bowed very gentlemanly and left with a smile.

It was not until half an hour later that Helen slightly relieved her muscle soreness and left the practice field with the bag containing her knight’s sword on her back.

“Hi! Helen!”

This was the time when most students were finishing their club activities and leaving. A voice came from behind Helen.

“Hi! Jane!”

The person who came was Jane, Helen’s best friend, a young black girl who greeted Helen cheerfully and received a weak response from Helen.

“It seems that Professor David has started his devilish training again today?” Jane clearly knew her friend’s distress very well.

Helen nodded.

“I think you should tell the school authorities about this. Maybe something will change.” Jane looked into her friend’s eyes and said hesitantly.

Helen hesitated for a moment and then shook her head: “No! Jane, I think Professor David is doing it for my own good.”

Jane shrugged her shoulders, “It’s up to you, Helen. There’s a party at Andrew’s house tonight. Will you attend? Everyone is looking forward to your arrival.”

Helen was a very beautiful girl. She had a head of shining golden long hair that cascaded down like sunlight. Her eyes were bright and clear, like two blue gems, revealing a trace of warmth and wisdom. Her skin was fair and smooth, as soft as snow, exuding a luster of health and vitality.

Her features were delicate and beautiful, her facial features were regular and soft, her lips were red and plump, and a slightly upward smile often adorned her face, bringing a feeling of warmth and joy. A pair of beautiful eyebrows were slender and elegant, slightly raised, showing a bit of playful charm.

She was tall, with a graceful and slender figure, exuding a confident charm. Every move of hers attracted the attention of the boys around her.

However, Helen always came and went alone. She was either in the library or in the fencing club. Except for Jane, she had no other friends and never participated in the parties held by her classmates.

Sure enough, this time Helen still chose to refuse, “Thank you, Jane, but tomorrow is the weekend, and I’m going home to visit my family.”

“Okay, Helen!” Jane was not surprised by her friend’s choice, “Then have a nice weekend!”

“Have a nice weekend! Jane!”