The arena for the matches was absolutely packed.
[Members of the Sacheon Outcasts Selection Tournament]
This was because the much-anticipated final round had begun!
A total of 210 candidates.
Among them, who would be selected as the outcast representative?
And who are the ones that made it to the final round of the selection tournament that all the young people from Sacheon City rushed to?
Which sect would the selected representatives ultimately choose?
All these questions were about to be answered as duels unfolded in the arena.
A match system to select 128 out of the 210 candidates.
Only the top 128 with enough victory points would advance to the winner’s match.
“Looks like the [Members of the Sacheon Outcasts Selection Tournament] is truly coming to a close,”
“That’s right. Have you found many talented individuals to train this year?”
“Well, there have been some results.”
The Leader of Jajangmun felt a bit embarrassed when Contestant No. 502 was eliminated and missed his chance to advance. Apparently, they had been eager to recruit talent and it seems they had some decent results.
“It’s a bit disappointing to have missed Contestant No. 501.”
The Leader of Jajangmun Yeon-yu lamented, mixing joke with sincerity.
Contestants No. 7 and 501 managed to endure for a full week.
Considering that other applicants fled to different sects the very next day, it seemed like they had truly decided to become Outcasts.
“They’ve already made up their minds.”
“Hmm.”
As they taught Contestants No. 7 and 501, the leader realized their talents were exceptional. It was no wonder that Hyeok Gi-rin was keeping an eye on Contestant No. 7.
Both of them seemed to be improving by leaps and bounds, so much so that it was concerning they might step into the ranks of elite within just a week.
Who could Contestants No. 7 and 501 be? Their identities began to pique curiosity.
“Oh, it’s Contestant No. 501’s match.”
Muk Gang-tan’s words made the Leader of Jajangmun and I shift our gazes. Contestant No. 501 was up against Contestant No. 520. They exchanged blows, pitting the skills of the Platinum Sect against each other.
Though overshadowed by the crowds’ cheering, the two combatants unleashed their techniques with shouts.
Contestant No. 501 was on the defensive against Contestant No. 520’s fierce assault.
Contestant No. 501 was continually pushed back, but I soon became confident of their victory.
Their understanding of the swordsmanship was on a different level.
From a technique standpoint, while Contestant No. 520’s moves overwhelmed Contestant No. 501, the latter appeared to lack comprehension of their own skills. Contestant No. 520 merely executed the forms learned from their sect but was weak in understanding the nature of their own techniques.
On the other hand, Contestant No. 501, though less refined in technique, displayed their swordsmanship at full capacity—no, at 120%!
There is no perfect swordsmanship in this world. Naturally, the skills from the Kyungsul Sect aren’t flawless either. Contestant No. 520 was displaying memorized forms, revealing clear weaknesses that Contestant No. 501 would not miss.
Having recognized Contestant No. 520’s patterns, Contestant No. 501 finally counterattacked.
With one swift strike, Contestant No. 520’s weakness was pierced, and they fell into a defensive position. Contestant No. 501, having already grasped the tendencies of Contestant No. 520’s technique, relentlessly targeted their weakness and achieved victory.
Wow!
With this win, it appeared Contestant No. 501 had accumulated enough points. Their name appeared on the not-so-inflated list of the top 128 contenders.
Afterward, successful candidates steadily had their names added to the list. About one-third through, Contestant No. 7 also had their name inscribed.
As the contestants from the Sacheon City martial artists began to fill the remaining spots after 500, the competition took off. The selection tournament for the Sacheon Outcast was still filled with contenders who had yet to fully understand martial arts, and it was clear that the power of technique was supremely dominant.
Here, raw talents relied solely on the techniques they were born with to compete.
The scene of participants relying on unrefined skills excited the eyes of the sect leaders.
For some time, fierce recruitment battles would occur among the sects for these eliminated contestants.
After heated competitions, the final list of 128 participants was completed.
Diiiiing!!
The participants, drenched in sweat from their duels, smiled bitterly at the end bell’s sound.
They exited the arena with weary steps. I chuckled as I glanced at the recruiters gathered at the entrance of the park. Whether among the top 100 or 200, they were all proven gems.
Though they might not have obtained the honor of winning the selection tournament for the outcast representative, those who genuinely aimed for martial arts and attempted the selection tournament would be able to join any sect with just one dagger as a token of having passed the preliminary round.
Soon, the eliminated contestants would realize this fact as they faced the recruiters.
“Now, let’s wrap things up and get going.”
“Yes.”
I climbed onto the podium alongside the sect leaders.
“Greetings, people of Sacheon City. And to the contestants.”
Wow!!
“The long and arduous [Members of the Sacheon Outcasts Selection Tournament] final selection battle begins now. Only 100 out of the 128 contestants will earn the right to wield the Steel Black Rib.”
The 128 selected individuals on stage steeled themselves for what was coming. After struggling to rank among the 128, they surely did not want to drop out now.
“The final round will be a competition among winners. The matches of the loser bracket will proceed first to select the top 100, and the finals determining 1st and 2nd place will follow as the last matches.”
“Tomorrow’s victors will all claim the title holders of the Steel Black Rib, while the 64 defeated challengers will have to fight again for the remaining 36 Black Ribs.”
“After the contest’s 67th to 100th places are determined, a duel to claim the peak among the top 64 will commence.”
“From tomorrow on, all matches will take place at the special arena made for the Platinum Tournament.”
“Thank you for your fervent support!”
With fiery cheers that blew away the slowly weakening cold, the final 128 rounds began to unfold.
* *
128 Rounds!
Will they become one of the 64 victors or drop to the loser bracket to fight for the remaining spots?
It was truly a test that would separate heaven from hell.
Contestant No. 7 wore a wry smile in front of their opponent.
The challenger was Contestant No. 651, the leader of Team 7 from the second preliminary round. And Contestant No. 7 had quite the rocky history with Team 7.
“Good to see you, No. 7.”
You scammer!
Contestant No. 7 had used Hyeok Gi-rin and his companions to rally Team 7’s spirits, but as soon as the team qualified, they bolted!
Honestly, Contestant No. 7 didn’t feel guilty towards the team members.
While it was true they had taken advantage of Team 7’s hopeful mindset, Contestant No. 7 hadn’t promised anything in the first place.
Wasn’t it thanks to Hyeok Gi-rin’s acquaintances that Team 7 made it through? Everyone could work hard like that, yet under the name of team strategy, they just coasted along until it got so messy!
Yet, thinking like that, Contestant No. 7 couldn’t raise their head in front of Contestant No. 651. They could not belittle the accomplishments of Contestant No. 651, who led Team 7 more passionately than anyone else.
“I’m sorry, 651.”
Contestant No. 7 apologized, but Contestant No. 651 calmly shook their head.
“There’s nothing to be sorry for, No. 7. In hindsight, you never promised to introduce those girls. I was foolish to think too highly.”
Contestant No. 651 pointed their sword at Contestant No. 7 and said,
“But, No. 7, I’m quite angry.”
“…I’m sorry.”
“You must give it your all. If any flaws emerge, I might just crack your head open.”
“…….I will do my best.”
A battle of pure intentions exploited by Contestant No. 651, against Contestant No. 7 wielding beauty!
The winner was Contestant No. 7.
Breathing a sigh, Contestant No. 651 exclaimed,
“Life really sucks.”
“…Sorry.”
Without another word, Contestant No. 651 pulled out a pipe from their robe, lit it, and vanished.
The matches continued without pause. Except for the discomforting victory of Contestant No. 7, all the other winners leapt in joy, while the 64 detractors sighed, preparing for yet another fierce duel.
“Tomorrow, the matches will continue for the 64 defeated! Who will claim the remaining 36 spots? We appreciate your continued support!”
Wow!!
“Congratulations, No. 7.”
“…Thank you. I congratulate you too, No. 501.”
Contestant No. 501 and Contestant No. 7 celebrated each other’s victories. Both knew very well that neither of them were considering any sect other than the Outcast Inn.
After enduring the hellish training under Tang So-yeol for a week, and now having secured the Steel Black Rib, they were essentially comrades in the Outcast Inn.
“We’ve gained a day to rest. What do you plan to do, No. 7?”
Since the matches of the loser bracket would continue tomorrow, the 64 members of the winner bracket had essentially earned a day off.
“Whatever, I need to prepare for the duels.”
“Haha, you’re right.”
At that moment, a huge shadow loomed behind the two.
“There you are.”
“Oh, Jaso-gyeong!”
“Congratulations to both of you for being selected as representatives!”
“Thank you.”
“Thank you.”
“Well then, let’s go. A celebration has been prepared at the Outcast Inn.”
The two exchanged glances of confusion. Sure, it was something to celebrate, but was it necessary to toast already?
“Come on, let’s go. Everyone is waiting.”
“Uh? Yes.”
“Understood.”
Caught off guard, the two realized as soon as they left the park why Jaso-gyeong was tagging along.
“Look, it’s Contestant No. 501! And there’s No. 7!”
“501! Are you thinking of joining the Sangil Sect? I promise you the best treatment! Training expenses covered! Meals provided! We’ve got a century-old ginseng prepared!”
“Join the Sang Clan! You could immediately become a direct disciple of the Sect Leader! The Elders will take turns overseeing your martial skills!”
The recruiters were causing quite the uproar!
“Hey! Don’t you have any sense of ethics? Contestants 501 and 7 have already decided to become Outcasts!”
“When has the Outcast Inn raised a representative?”
“Who knows until the final match is done!”
Jaso-gyeong broke through the recruiters, who were grabbing the two, and escorted them to the Outcast Inn.
“Phew. We barely made it.”
Jaso-gyeong snatched the sect flyers and membership applications that were forcefully shoved into the hands of Contestants No. 501 and 7, quickly tossing them away.
The two were still stunned, so Jaso-gyeong motioned for them to turn around.
Upon looking back, they saw all the Sacheon Outcasts gathered in the dining hall.
Their eyes widened at the sight.
Everyone had removed their Black Ribs and were showing their true faces.
“Welcome to both of you, the new Sacheon Outcasts.”
Whoosh!
Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!
The Sacheon Outcasts greeted Contestants No. 7 and 501. Shocked and still processing what was happening, the two were shoved into central seats.
“W-What on earth is happening here?”
When Contestant No. 7 asked, the Black Cat laughed and replied.
“What else could it be? We’re holding a recruitment celebration for the Outcast Inn.”
“Hahahaha! That hits the nail on the head!”
A celebration broke out at the Outcast Inn. Contestants No. 501 and No. 7 finally realized the Outcasts had already accepted them with open hearts, and with smiles, they raised their cups with the Outcasts.
“Congratulations to both of you. You are now the representative outcasts of Sacheon.”
“Thank you, Yu Sa-yeon Chairwoman.”
“Hoho, please just call me the innkeeper now.”
“Yes, Innkeeper.”
Yu Sa-yeon smiled and looked at Contestants No. 7 and 501. The excited Hyeok Gi-rin was pouring more drinks for Contestant No. 7, chattering away.
“You both… hmm…”
With Contestant No. 7 monopolized by Hyeok Gi-rin, Yu Sa-yeon turned her attention to Contestant No. 501.
“Anyway, due to the Brain Knife Outcast’s attitude, you might have felt a bit upset, but that guy is just inherently rude, so don’t hold any bad feelings against him.”
“Hahaha… yes.”
Contestant No. 501 chuckled. Certainly, the Brain Knife Outcast’s demeanor was a bit different from the other outcasts.
‘It felt as if they believed that neither I nor No. 7 would last long as Sacheon Outcasts…’
Having wanted to become a Sacheon Outcast, Contestant No. 501 naturally admired the Brain Knife Outcast, the representative of the outcasts. However, the Brain Knife Outcast treated them as if they had other ideas, which had slightly hurt their feelings… Yet, after receiving the warm welcome from the Outcasts today, all those hard feelings faded away.
“Anyway, that guy will leave soon enough, so you don’t have to worry about it.”
“…Is the Brain Knife Outcast really leaving?”
Yu Sa-yeon nodded.
“He hasn’t said it outright, but it’s obvious.”
501 fell silent, contemplating the bittersweet expression on Yu Sa-yeon’s face.
“Now, let’s stop talking about that! Everyone, raise your cups!”
“Ow!”
The Outcasts lifted their cups. Contestant No. 7 and Contestant No. 501, heavily intoxicated from Hyeok Gi-rin’s grasp, also raised their cups.
“Cheers! Here’s to the success of 7 and 501!”
“To success!”
As everyone in the Outcast Inn cheered for the victories of 501 and 7, a commotion was brewing elsewhere.
“Who’s talking trash about me?”
Ho Cheon-an was heading to the Western-style restaurant to find the album singer Da Jeryong.
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