Chapter 808
Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah are fighting.
That’s not entirely strange.
Even in this life, I had occasionally seen them sparring.
Though it wasn’t something that happened all the time, the two would often face off against each other.
The results were unclear.
It wasn’t a duel intended to decide the victor after all. They were just crossing swords; neither of them was truly serious about it.
Just enough to lightly clash their swords.
That was all there was to their sparring.
So, I didn’t think much of it.
How difficult could a sparring match be, right? That’s what I had thought.
Ki-ki-kik-!!
Phage, phage, phage—!!
“…”
If something is wrong, it’s very wrong.
That was the thought flooding my mind as the fight unfolded.
With the feast of fluttering bets, I could barely swallow my breath.
Kiiiiiiiiiii–!!
The roar from their rapid movements felt like space itself was being torn apart.
Where the swords passed, golden fragments fell gracefully.
It was a beautiful sight at a glance.
Kiiik-! Kiiiiiing-!!
But when I looked at the cascading sword energy, it became hard to call it beautiful.
Countless flashes of light flickered in the sky.
The crescent moon entwined with power continuously filled the air.
It was far too powerful and destructive to be merely called a sword wind.
It was obvious that firing such a strike would consume significant energy.
‘Admittedly, even if I’m saying this now, Wi Seol-ah’s power isn’t something to scoff at.’
I had seen her struggle with skill and stamina during sparring, but I had never witnessed her dropping in energy.
This indicated a sizable dantian and capacity.
The firepower she unleashed was grounded in a vast amount of inner strength, but what was crucial here was—
‘Apart from her explosive firepower, she must also have high controllability.’
Among the attacks being exchanged, the sword was still spinning.
It served the purpose of making her opponent wary while also creating attack variables.
Even while sending out energy with her sword, she managed to control her attacks.
Observing the expressions on the spectators’ faces made it clear how difficult and absurd that process was.
From such a small and delicate body, how could such explosive power and control emerge?
This was something that would be hard to comprehend within the realm of ordinary fighters.
That she possessed this much strength at such a young age.
And that she could control her power completely, not attributing it to mere chance.
Wi Seol-ah was someone who would not be understood by ordinary common sense.
It was only natural that everyone watching would be shocked by what they saw.
Dismissed-!
What was surprising was—
Paddududuk—!!!
This applied not just to Wi Seol-ah but also to her opponent.
Phagecic-!
The power bursting from the tips of their feet revealed a gigantic force.
The strength wasn’t shallow at all.
It spread out in multiple directions and quickly headed toward Sword Force.
Boom-! KWAAHANG-!!
The moment the sword and the energy collided, a tremendous shockwave erupted.
And this wasn’t just a one-time thing.
There were many instances of energy splits, and these energies did not rest for even a moment, racing toward the blades.
Boom-! Boom bang-!
All the sword forces filling the sky detonated one after another.
Even the sword that had just blocked an incoming attack was suddenly swamped by thunderclaps.
This wasn’t a coincidence.
How could that many energy blasts succeed in attacking through mere happenstance?
It would be wise to view it as an assault that was perfectly calculated.
As Wi Seol-ah showed overwhelming firepower and control.
Likewise, this also applied to Namgung Bi-ah, the owner of the opposing energy.
Hwaaaaaaaaaa—!!
The aftermath of their energies clashing made it seem like stars were emerging in broad daylight.
Blue and golden particles mixed and scattered.
The sight was beautiful, as if the Milky Way had descended.
Kan-! Ki-ki-gi-gik-!
Just when it seemed there was no time to appreciate it, their swords met with grinding force against each other on the ground.
Close combat ensued immediately after the clash of energies.
Neither showed even the slightest intention of backing down, radiating a terrifying aura.
Boom-! Kik-!
Swords of various colors and distinct personalities were drawn in succession.
Of course, the supplementary techniques used added layers to their movements.
The way they handled their swords, steady and unwavering even amidst powerful recoil, was akin to art.
Bang! Bang! Bang bang!
The sound of their clashes was dull, as if to reflect the weight of the power they were channeling.
Phaaaah–!!
The gaps between their moves were filled with empty promises, creating a dizzying atmosphere.
Feigning attacks to strike the upper areas, or making it seem they were going to the right before suddenly devastating the left.
In those split-second moments, carelessness could lead directly to the end of a battle.
Such moments were being repeated hundreds of times.
‘… Heh heh.’
It was a fight that was exceptionally advanced; too advanced.
Watching it made me feel like laughing listlessly.
‘That’s incredible… .’
I knew that both were endlessly growing stronger.
But I never imagined they’d reach this level of growth.
Understanding fully their own realms and the power they wielded.
Since they were objectively aware of their capabilities, their moves were well executed.
That was similar to—
‘It felt like watching a past life.’
Not the two of them now, but the two they once were.
Referring to the time when they were known as the Demon Sword Master and the Little Sword Master.
The Demon Sword Master, as merciless as any Demon Lord, and the Little Sword Master, who steadily dismantled demons for fame.
This battle now evoked memories of those two.
The only difference being—
‘The degree of completion was significantly higher than that of the Demon Sword Master and the Little Sword Master…’
And there didn’t seem to be any killing intent at the ends of their swords.
I wondered when it was.
When the Demon Sword Master and the Little Sword Master had genuinely clashed.
At that time, there had been some disparity in power.
It was my duty to delay things so that the Little Sword Master didn’t intervene, as I was better suited for large-scale slaughter.
At that time, the Little Sword Master was enveloped in the power of Parma, which was fatal to demons.
Unlike his name, the Demon Sword Master was not a demon.
So, the plan was to wreck the Meng’s forces within that time and join the Demon Sword Master who was stationed to endure.
‘It’s too late.’
There was a problem during that process, causing my arrival to be delayed than planned.
I hastily reached my destination, worrying something might have gone wrong.
The chilling sight from that day still lingers in my mind.
‘…because it was far too terrifying to forget.’
The image of the two women clashing with lethal intent made my knees tremble.
The surrounding area was already a disaster, overflowing with carnage, and the two were bloodied, seemingly injured.
It wouldn’t have been surprising if they had collapsed from exhaustion at any moment, yet they fought stubbornly as if they wouldn’t back down, even in that state.
“It would be correct to say it was desperate.”
Yeah, they were truly desperate.
They seemed unable to restrain themselves from wanting to kill each other, as if some profound anger took hold.
Had there been a verbal spat right before this battlefield?
Given that the Demonic Cult and the Martial Arts Alliance were directly opposed, it wouldn’t be strange to see them fighting like that.
Yet recalling that experience feels rather unnatural.
It was something beyond merely being called enemies.
It was a bloody battle.
A bloodbath where they seemed to vow never to yield to each other.
They fought desperately as though losing would mean losing something profoundly important.
Ultimately, there was no victor.
The outcome was disrupted by my own intervention before a result could be reached.
If left unchecked, one of them would undoubtedly perish, a sight I had no desire to witness.
Thus, I managed to cease the fight.
Immediately after, I asked the Demon Sword Master.
Hadn’t you only aimed to stall them? So what was the reason for such violent engagement?
At that time, the Demon Sword Master replied.
– “There are things… one simply cannot relinquish.”
An answer that I couldn’t quite fathom.
It seemed to suggest that somehow, for some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to give up… .
‘If only that fight had continued.’
In the end, the Demon Sword Master would have lost anyway.
That was my firm belief.
In reality, she bore even more injuries and had wounded vital areas.
Judging by blood loss, it looked like she’d collapse soon.
If she’d used the brain technique, the outcome might have differed a little.
‘But the same is true for the Little Sword Master.’
The Little Sword Master hadn’t tapped into her utmost power either, so the conclusion was the Demon Sword Master would have lost.
That was certainly true then.
But—
Pfft-!
It felt somewhat different now from before.
“Ugh!”
Wi Seol-ah was pushed back with a loud noise.
’Oh no.’
I became distracted by other thoughts and hadn’t witnessed it properly.
What hit her?
From the sound, it didn’t seem to have come from a sword.
Kkeuggeuk-!!
To stabilize from being pushed away, Wi Seol-ah thrust her sword into the ground.
Thanks to that, the recoil was immediately halted.
Phage crackle-!!
“… Kugh!”
Namgung Bi-ah was already upon Wi Seol-ah, swinging her sword.
Her posture wasn’t optimal for blocking at all.
Knowing that, Wi Seol-ah chose but one option.
Thud-!
She released her sword.
And then—
“Ugh!”
Her fist, imbued with energy, slammed down into the ground.
Quack-!! Kuuung-!!
The impact shattered the earth, sending fragments flying.
Her field of vision was blocked by debris.
Yet Namgung Bi-ah stood unwavering, seemingly unperturbed.
The only thing that shifted was the trajectory of her sword.
Whoosh-!
From direct to diagonal.
With the blade cutting through debris, the tip aimed relentlessly.
Bang-!
“Ugh!”
Ultimately, it connected with Wi Seol-ah.
However, it produced a sound that was somewhat odd for a bodily collision.
This was because it hadn’t connected successfully.
Even if she twisted her sword, the fragments would’ve slowed the strike, and that fleeting moment provided Wi Seol-ah ample aid.
In Wi Seol-ah’s hand, now successfully defended, rested a sword.
Not the metal sword she originally wielded, but rather a sword infused with energy.
Of course, it wasn’t durable, so it shattered the moment it blocked the strike.
Phage-!!
Energy came hurtling toward her.
At the same time, Wi Seol-ah outstretched her hand.
Phew-!!
Wi Seol-ah’s sword was retrieved faster than the oncoming energy.
Shooosh-!! Shhh shhh shhh shhh-!!
Wi Seol-ah swung her sword at an incredible speed, cleaving the energy.
“…”
It was intense.
There was barely time to breathe properly.
Just watching made cold sweat bead on my forehead.
Those who had once screamed at their bets were now silently holding their breath, watching the duel unfold.
‘No….’
Why were they battling so viciously over the vice-captain position?
‘Weren’t they supposed to have a good relationship?’
They had seemed amicable, so why were they so fearsome in combat? I could only swallow hard as I observed.
Could it be because of my watching? Suddenly, the words from the diviner resurfaced in my mind.
– “Those two? Close? Ha. Even the dogs passing by would laugh.”
I had spoken because I thought they appeared to be playing together pleasantly.
As soon as I uttered that, the diviner had responded to me.
– “You fool. That isn’t what being on good terms means.”
I found it incomprehensible. To anyone, they didn’t seem like close friends.
Watching made me feel something different from my past life.
– “Is that so?”
So, I asked with curiosity, and the diviner added.
– “That’s merely predators sizing each other up over prey.”
– “Huh?”
– “If they fight rashly, they both lose out, and the prey they’re about to capture may escape, so it’s like they formed a temporary alliance. Much better than letting it slip away.”
– “What sort of bizarre nonsense is this? Where’s the food even?”
What do you mean by predators and prey?
I asked the diviner, unable to grasp it.
-….
The diviner shot me a disapproving look and replied.
– “You just carry on like that. I suppose that’s what suits you best.”
– “…?”
He shook his head, as if giving up on something, then gave such an ambiguous response.
Despite questioning further, I received no answers, leaving a rather unsettling conclusion hanging in the air.
My thoughts remained the same.
‘What predators?’
They were just like dogs and cats; what even is a predator?
They were probably fighting fiercely just because the vice-captain position was important.
I sighed, reflecting on this.
“…sigh.”
I barely restrained myself from intervening as instructed, but the strain was approaching its limits.
‘This is really dangerous now.’
At present, only superficial injuries were visible, but it was clear they were both depleting each other’s stamina.
As the fight became harder, the end drew nearer. The likelihood of a serious incident occurring was increasing exponentially.
Moreover—
‘Reaching their limits means they might unleash hidden techniques.’
For the moment, they appeared to still be coping well.
What would happen next was anyone’s guess.
I scowled, keeping a close watch on the situation.
Ready to intervene at any instant.
While I quietly observed them, brimming with tension, a moment came.
Shhh-! Bang!!
“Ugh!”
Wi Seol-ah’s right arm shot up as if she let out a breath of despair.
She couldn’t maintain her center and thus failed to effectively block Namgung Bi-ah’s attack.
The sword ascended high.
An opening created by her faltering stance.
A perfect chance for an attack.
Namgung Bi-ah obviously recognized this.
Thud-!!
She stomped hard on the ground and crouched down.
Paddududuk—!!!
A momentary surge of power was condensed strongly.
An intense determination to finish with a single stroke was evident.
At least in this scenario, there was no way to evade it.
So.
Hwa-!
Wi Seol-ah chose.
“Damn it.”
If she couldn’t dodge, she’d make it dodgable.
A change swept through the golden aura that enveloped her body.
A faint white light shimmered within the golden glow.
Though still vague, its expansion was anticipated to be immediate.
It was perilous.
That was hazardous.
‘Damn.’
The instant I spotted it, I channeled force to my body.
I’d desperately intended to prevent this mishap from escalating.
Crack!
My feet dug into the ground, preparing to leap at top speed.
Thud-!
Muscles bulged violently.
If I could just slip in quickly and stop them both…
“… Huh?”
Pause-!
I halted abruptly!
I was poised to run and intervene, but my body froze.
For good reason.
Thud-! Thud-thud-!
“…Ugh!?”
“Uh…?”
The two, poised for the final blow, suddenly crumpled to the floor.
The reason was clear.
In that exact moment as they readied their strikes, both took simultaneous hits to their jaws.
With a clean shot, they both lost consciousness and collapsed to the ground.
In between them stood the very figure who had stopped the fight.
A petite girl with green hair.
“Phew!”
The daughter of the Tang family.
The one who held exclusive rights, Tang So-yeol.
She looked at the two grounded combatants, then clasped her hands on her waist, beaming proudly.
“I did it!”
“…”
Her expression radiated genuine pride.
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