The great sword clashed with the wielded staff. The destructive force created by the impact of the two weapons was nothing ordinary. It was probably thanks to the Sword Saint, who stood in the corner, lightly waving her hand to create a barrier that no one got caught in the aftermath.
“What do you think?”
Clash, clash, clash.
It was almost a relief that the people were spared from being bitten by the forces in play; the two were incredible.
Yet, neither of them showed any sign of retreat.
I thought they were strong, but was it at that level?
I had never seen either fighting at full strength, so honestly, I couldn’t help but feel a bit surprised.
“I’d say it’s evenly matched.”
The Sword Saint calmly uttered a remark before slightly twitching her eyebrows. Then she lightly waved her hand once.
Every time the two weapons collided, fragments were sent flying around the training ground due to the clash of energy.
The local leader asked me not to worry about repair costs, but I figured I should help out a bit too.
“I thought they would be going easy on each other…”
“They are going easy.”
“Huh? Really?”
“Well, they haven’t even shown a proper technique yet. They’re just fighting based on individual skill.”
The Sword Saint replied nonchalantly despite the intense fighting. I could only admire her when I glanced at her. Indeed, she was the Sword Saint.
“By the way… I heard you told them something.”
“What did you say?”
“I hope they don’t get seriously hurt.”
“Is there really a need to get hurt while fighting when it’s not against monsters or evil sects, let alone against an enemy?”
The Sword Saint looked up at me. She was a head smaller, gazing at me intently with deep eyes before shaking her head.
“…You’re quite insightful. You’re right. There’s no need to sustain injuries while fighting.”
“What if the Sword Saint were to confront the Doje, would you fight like this?”
“I wouldn’t. The Doje would know that as well. There will be a time when we truly have to clash weapons.”
After a brief pause, the Sword Saint exhaled calmly.
“That would be to take each other’s lives.”
So she doesn’t care about injuries or anything?
I stared at the Sword Saint before turning my gaze away.
“It seems like they’ll start using techniques from now on. If you need an explanation, I’ll provide one.”
“Please do.”
“Well. Ryen is preparing for the late-stage technique of Hongseong Divine Art, the Sky-Splitting Sword, and Chaejin is going for the Manhan Array.”
Sky-Splitting Sword and Manhan Array, both are among the strong techniques. Were they really going to use those? I looked on in surprise, prompting a chuckle from the Sword Saint.
“The Sky-Splitting Sword gathers energy to strike as if to split the heavens. And the Manhan Array is a defensive technique that uses the staff to absorb the opponent’s attack. But it’s capable of counterattacks, so it shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
“Will they be okay?”
“There’s no killing intent, so it’s fine. If things get dangerous, I’ll intervene.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry for the trouble.”
“Hmm. We eventually need to face off one day. Thanks to this, I can reduce unnecessary bloodshed.”
After that, there wasn’t much talk. The Sword Saint occasionally explained the techniques while I simply nodded in response.
How long had it been? It was only after exchanging countless blows that the two finally started to show some changes.
Their techniques were becoming more refined.
“Hmm…”
“Based on what you’ve seen so far, who do you think will win?”
“It’s still evenly matched. Ryen has become much stronger… but Chaejin is impressive as well. Perhaps having realized the dullness, she’s quickly catching up.”
“I’m catching up!”
“Is that so?”
“In the end, the winner will be the one with a strong heart.”
In other words, even the Sword Saint doesn’t know the outcome of this round. Well, I have nothing to say…
“I hope neither gets hurt.”
“Exactly.”
Even as the setting sun completely disappeared and darkness settled in, the fight between the two continued.
And both of them began to sway simultaneously.
“Tsk tsk.”
They’re feeling the lack of energy.
If this goes on, they’ll definitely collapse from exhaustion, yet neither of them stopped.
I looked at the Sword Saint, but she was just calmly watching.
“This is going to end soon.”
– Chaeeaeng!!
The great sword and the saber clashed. At the same time, two weapons flew off.
But did they both realize it? They were extending their fists.
– Bbeoreook!
– Bbeoreook!!
Fists piercing each other’s chests.
The Sword Saint, watching them slowly crumble from the shock, let out a low laugh.
“Quite the tough ones.”
“Hahaha…”
In the end, a tie? Since they both collapsed, I tried to approach, but the Sword Saint raised her hand, stopping me.
“Yaaah!!”
“Haaah!!”
They had no energy left, and they couldn’t even use their techniques properly. It was obvious they were exhausted, yet in their eyes was a strong will.
Are they really trying to see this through to the end?
As I watched the two, I said to the Sword Saint, “Isn’t this going to turn into a real problem?”
In a weakened state, a wrong hit could really be the end.
No matter how skilled they were, after fighting like that and running low on energy, shouldn’t someone step in soon?
But the Sword Saint merely remained in the stance of just watching.
And then…
Thud.
Eventually, both of them dropped their fists in fatigue. Yet still, they didn’t stop glaring at each other.
Can this really change their relationship?
“It’s time to wrap this up.”
Thinking it had lost all meaning, the Sword Saint stepped in. Only after she approached did Hongryeon and Chaejin stop their reaching fists.
They didn’t seem to have the strength to attack anymore anyway.
“Both of you know who won.”
“…If I just had a little more.”
“I could win… you know.”
Seems like they don’t realize it.
The Sword Saint looked a bit startled by their response, her gaze wavering, but she hid it well.
I shrugged at their weak words.
It was true both were bleeding from various places.
They were cut or slightly swollen, but considering the fight they just had, it wasn’t absurdly bad.
“Alright. Let’s stop now and get some treatment. I’ll call for a healer.”
“…Do we have to get treated here?”
With her tongue stumbling, Hongryeon weakly said, and the Sword Saint laughed.
“Yes. Let’s get treated quickly and head back to the sect…”
“…the inn.”
Huh? The inn? My inn?
When I looked at her, Hongryeon nodded.
“I want to rest… at the inn. Is that okay?”
“…Why would you leave the sect and go to some stranger’s inn?”
“Not… a stranger.”
At the Sword Saint’s slightly annoyed remark, Hongryeon smiled faintly and lowered her gaze.
The Sword Saint stared at me intently. Why is she looking at me like that?
I glanced at Chaejin, but she didn’t even budge. She was still bowing her head as before. It seemed she fainted after the Sword Saint told her to stop.
The Sword Saint had bowed her head for a while as if she had fainted after being admonished.
“Not someone else… well, that’s not wrong.”
“Haha…”
“Then, the two of you will move to the inn.”
“Yes. I would appreciate it.”
*
I lost.
I lost.
Despite regaining consciousness, Hongryeon could barely suppress the tears welling up in her eyes.
Of course, her master, the Sword Saint, said it was a draw, but if we analyzed the actual duel, Chaejin had more effective hits.
If Yu Wol hadn’t said anything beforehand, she would surely have collapsed first.
No, aside from that, isn’t this Seomhwa Village?
Even a stray dog eats well in its own house, and here in Seomhwa Village, a draw with the Hongseong Clan?
I lost.
Oh dear.
After saying all that to him.
No matter how much I didn’t use what I realized last time…
A loss is a loss.
I couldn’t lift my face or open my eyes.
Though my body hurt, it was just the toll from a few hits.
This much could be fixed with a few breathing exercises and some medicine.
But what about the wound in my heart?
Hongryeon had lost.
To Chaejin.
And losing in front of her master and him felt like her heart was crumbling.
At that moment, something cool touched her face.
It was a rough hand. Hongryeon slowly opened her eyes to see a man standing before her.
It was Yu Wol.
Seeing him made Hongryeon instinctively close her eyes again. After a while of mumbling, she finally managed to say.
“…I lost.”
In response to her weak voice, Yu Wol gently replied in a soothing tone.
“It was a draw. The Sword Saint said so too.”
“But…”
“The important thing is that you kept your promise with me.”
At Yu Wol’s words, Hongryeon squeezed her eyes shut tightly.
What a remarkable person he was.
Just a few words from him easily healed her heart that had felt like it was about to tear apart just moments ago.
As he seemed about to pull his hand away after applying medicine to her face, she hurriedly grabbed his hand.
“Don’t go…”
“I won’t. After all, this is my inn.”
“I won’t lose next time…”
“Does it really have to be determined through a duel? How about something else?”
“…What do you mean?”
“How about sharing each other’s strengths?”
“…Who are we talking about? Chaejin?”
What is there to compliment about that thieving cat of a girl?
Sure, Chaejin was pretty, had a great figure, long limbs, and a cheerful personality. Plus, being the top disciple of Moonjeong meant she must have money.
But aside from that, what else is there to praise?
Yet, her voice had a tinge of dissatisfaction. Something strange like praising? What else could there be?
Hmm…
Feeling the warmth in her hand, she smiled slightly. Her lips hurt a bit from being slightly torn.
But it was okay.
Another way?
Then…
What about who gets closer to him more?
“…If it’s not a duel, will you allow it?”
“Anything.”
“You won’t take back that word, will you?”
Only then did she feel relieved. Hongryeon slowly began to drift into sleep while feeling the sensation of his hand held in hers.
For the sake of her own feelings, bigger than her jealousy and pride.
This is something she absolutely couldn’t give up on, she resolved.
Determined.
Damn it.
Again defeated.
I thought this time I could win.
But I knew for sure.
I had lost.
Even though I didn’t pull any dangerous moves, so did Hongryeon.
If that’s the case, losing was right.
After all, she opened her eyes before I lost consciousness.
In the end, victory belongs to those who stand.
What a ridiculous situation.
He believed in me.
He said it was his pride to have taught me Taiji.
But still…
I was overwhelmed with rising self-loathing and shame.
I couldn’t even say I woke up in bed without being able to open my eyes.
At that moment, something cool was being applied to her wounded face.
As I gently opened my eyes, there he was.
My tutor, the one who trusted me.
Upon seeing that, Chaejin tightly closed her eyes.
“Are you awake?”
“…Yes.”
“The Sword Saint said it was a draw.”
“…I lost.”
I had no choice but to speak the truth.
If I leaned on that kindness, I might crumble.
“No. It was a draw. The outcome of this match is decided by the Sword Saint, regardless of what you think. The conclusion is a draw.”
“…But it wasn’t the innkeeper’s condition.”
“Even if such a condition existed, the result doesn’t change. I clearly state it here: it was a draw.”
At his declaration, Chaejin squeezed her eyes shut. In the end, she nodded.
If he said so, then it must be true.
I can’t doubt what someone who believes in me said.
“…Next time, I won’t lose.”
“I’d still rather not see you two fight. Can we make the next contest something different? Like complimenting each other’s strengths…?”
“…Stop saying weird things. Um… Ah.”
Complimenting?
Ugh. Is there anything to compliment that fox-like girl about?
Sure, she’s pretty, diligent, cooks well, makes nice clothes, and cleans well, as I saw when she tidied up the Murim Alliance’s office.
But isn’t that all there is?
So such nonsense…
“…Hehe.”
“What’s so funny?”
“Ah, no. No. I suddenly thought of a good idea.”
Chaejin grinned. With her eyes closed, she envisioned Yu Wol’s face, clear as day.
What if the contest was who sits next to him first?
I’m confident.
She’s with Hongseong, and I can definitely be by his side somehow.
So I could approach from a more advantageous position.
Chaejin smiled and said,
“A contest other than the match? Alright. I’ll do that.”
“Thank you.”
“No need for that. We’re friends, right?”
“Uh, well, I suppose so.”
“Hehehe…”
With that, Chaejin closed her eyes, anticipating the new fight that would start tomorrow.
Was the competition now not driven by the desire for recognition as it had been until now?
She felt the cold corner of her heart, once chained down, warming up.
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