### Chapter 373 – Room 205, The Cursed Room – ‘The Absolute Master’ (22)
—
– Yu Songee
It didn’t take long for Ahri to open her mouth again.
“I searched high and low, but there’s nothing.”
“What?”
“The location of Kain. There’s no easy path to access it. I even flipped through its brain, but the conclusion is still the same.”
“That’s disappointing. I had a hunch.”
It’s not surprising, just disappointing. The martial artists who sealed the demon were probably planning to keep it imprisoned forever, so they had no intention of letting it out.
There’s no reason for them to create a convenient pathway.
“But I did find one interesting piece of information.”
“Hmm?”
“Four years ago, there was heavy rain in the empire, causing floods everywhere.”
“Ah!”
“What’s wrong?”
“I heard it from Elena unnie! That’s what Ijasung mentioned! Over 3,000 people died in Guangdong Province from that major flood four years ago.”
At my words, Ahri let out a big sigh.
“Seems like that was a ‘hint’ from the hotel.”
“… I wish it had been a little more straightforward.”
“Anyway, due to the heavy rains and flooding, the ground collapsed, and sporadic natural disasters occurred everywhere, including a massive landslide on Cheonjangsan.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means a small gap opened in a dangerous location. It’s too small to be called a cave, making it difficult for an adult male to enter…”
Ahri and Miro.
These two started out as ‘followers of the demon’ from the get-go.
So, even if they join the capital, Ijasung would rampage, and even if they tried to sneak into battles with the Baehwa sect, they’d still be targets of the Flaming Judgement and unable to perform their roles.
In short, the hotel has assigned Ahri and Miro the dedicated task of breaking Kain’s seal.
Now, a small gap has appeared, which might lead to the sealing area, but that gap is “conveniently” too small for an adult male to get through.
“Not a coincidence.”
“Definitely not a coincidence.”
Such suspiciously perfect occurrences aren’t random in this hotel.
We need to get through that gap.
*
– Lee Eunsol
The clash with the Baehwa sect on the plains was the overwhelming victory for the empire that we expected, and the outcome was already predetermined from the get-go.
It was as if we were rehashing an already won battle.
We knew precisely where the Baehwa sect would deploy their troops and what strategies they’d employ, which key experts they would place where.
It felt like entering the exam room with the answer sheet in hand—if you fail, you must be a complete idiot.
Of course, the Baehwa sect was shocked given that they were unaware of the situation, and the people of the empire were just as astonished.
The citizens of the capital, overwhelmed by the unexpected great victory, sang praises about the Emperor’s divine mercy.
The target of those praises, the Emperor himself, was currently busy with tearful nights.
“Soon, the Baehwa sect will build the Sky Tower, right?”
Mr. Sanghyun, leaned against the city wall and replied,
“Probably soon.”
“And the Last Flash?”
“Still intact.”
“Then, we should be able to smoothly demolish the Sky Tower without too much risk. Oh—”
I wanted to say it might be resolved soon!
But I quickly closed my foolish mouth.
You can’t make such statements carelessly in a hotel.
“Where’s Ijasung?”
“He returned to the imperial palace as soon as the clash ended.”
“To the Emperor?”
“Yep.”
“Ho…”
Mr. Sanghyun said with an intrigued expression.
“Ijasung’s treatment of Seungyub seems far more sincere than I imagined.”
“Yeah. I thought he’d quit after a few days.”
A bit later, Mr. Sanghyun asked the elderly gentleman seated next to him.
“Sir, do you have any tips for someone using a superpower for the first time without ever having used it before?”
A superpower you’ve never used before?
“Teacher, that doesn’t make sense. If you’ve never used it, normally you wouldn’t even know you had such a power.”
“Ah!”
Hearing that, I realized he had a point.
“I’m certain I have a superpower.”
“… Is this about the newly acquired ‘Joyful One’?”
“Exactly.”
Now I understood Mr. Sanghyun’s words.
Since a patron had bestowed it upon him, he definitely gained the power of the ‘Joyful One,’ but he didn’t know how to use it.
“This is tricky… You’ve already experienced several battles in Room 205.”
“And that’s what confuses me. This is already my third attempt, and I’ve fought more than once for my life.”
“Yet you still don’t know the activation conditions for the Joyful One?”
“I have no clue at all.”
After some contemplation, the elderly gentleman replied.
“If you’re completely clueless, you might as well ask Kain for advice when you go out.”
“For Kain, isn’t that advice regarding ‘the blessings of others’?”
“So?”
“I heard that questions like those decrease your contributions…”
“Well, it’s more acceptable than letting the power you just gained rot until you leave this hotel.”
“Ugh…”
Mr. Sanghyun let out a light sigh, and in between, I stealthily interjected.
“Mr. Sanghyun, could it be that the conditions are surprisingly simple?”
“Yeah?”
“Since it’s called ‘Joyful One,’ it means you should enjoy the situation as it is.”
“Oh, I often feel that way when I’m joyful.”
“What I mean is, you have to enjoy the moment, not just normally, but at the time you can use the power.”
Mr. Sanghyun immediately frowned.
“Under normal circumstances, wouldn’t that be a life-or-death battle?”
“Exactly.”
“How can you enjoy that?”
“…”
“Well, should I just chug a bottle of alcohol before fighting?”
The elderly gentleman next to him burst out laughing.
“If that’s truly the condition, it would be incredibly difficult to use, in some sense!”
Mr. Sanghyun left with a wry smile.
A few days later, the Sky Tower began being erected again on the plains.
*
– Park Seungyub
“Uaaahhh!”
“…”
“Uaaagh—”
“Your Majesty, you aren’t a child; can you keep it down a bit?”
“I-I can’t help screaming!”
“Concentrate. Maintain your posture. If you waver, you’ll have to extend your time…”
“…”
This is outright torture! This is too much!
I knew martial training would be hard, but isn’t this just extreme?
If Ijasung lived in the 21st century, he’d have been arrested for child abuse by now!
“Seriously, this insane old man—”
“Your Majesty, no matter how tough it is, it’s not a good habit to vocalize your inner thoughts.”
“…”
Suddenly, my legs went weak, and my whole body began to collapse—
Just as I was about to drop, Ijasung reached out and stabilized my posture with an intangible force.
“Three more minutes from here.”
“Ah, for real!”
“Since your mouth is intact, let’s make it five minutes.”
Five minutes later, I was sprawled out in the training ground, unable to move a finger.
“…”
“Your Majesty, struggling?”
“Of course!”
“Did you not expect it to be tough?”
It’s obvious. If you don’t anticipate the physical pain from undergoing martial training, then you’re an idiot.
“I knew it was rough. But…”
“It ends up being far more unbearable than I imagined once you start the actual process?”
“… I apologize for that disrespectful comment earlier.”
The old man, Ijasung, burst into hearty laughter.
“Teenagers naturally lack patience. It’s common to hear strange complaints when teaching apprentices, so it’s not a big deal.”
“Was General Maeng-ho also like me?”
“That kid? Caught fleeing at dawn at least three times.”
“…”
So that tough-talker fled three times?
Wait, doesn’t that indicate a problem with Ijasung’s training method?
“Just now, it felt like you thought there was a problem with my training method.”
“Ugh!”
Startled, I looked up to find the old man grinning widely.
… He was joking after all.
This was the first time I’d seen Ijasung smile like that, and for a moment, he resembled an ordinary grandfather.
Maybe that’s why I couldn’t help but grumble a little.
“I knew martial training would be tough, but I didn’t expect it to be like this continuously.”
“Like what?”
“Eating a 100-year-old ginseng and awakening my energy at once!”
“…”
“Reading a secret manual and gaining enlightenment!”
“…”
“Shouldn’t I be pairing up for some practice or something soon?”
“Your Majesty, where did you learn such outrageous ideas from strange novels?”
The source of my knowledge is none other than Grandpa Mooksung.
“First, the idea that eating ginseng gives you mastery is a futile superstition. If that’s true, then the mountains would be full of herbs.”
So there’s no elixir in Room 205…
“Second, secret manuals are for those who’ve never had a proper teacher and need to self-study. Why are you looking for a manual when I’m here?”
That too makes sense, leaving me speechless.
There’s no reason to be searching for a secret manual when the world’s greatest swordsman, Ijasung, is right in front of me. His knowledge is far more valuable than any manual.
“Lastly, about pairing up.”
By this point, I had a good idea of what his response would be.
It’s often said that you can’t spar at the beginner level—only once you’ve solidified your foundation can you learn proper martial arts.
“Let’s give it a try.”
“What?”
Without hesitation, Ijasung stood up and headed outside the training ground.
I stared at the door, my mouth half-open.
What’s happening? Sparring? With whom?
Please, not with Ijasung!
*
Thirty minutes later, Ijasung returned holding a simple wooden stick.
“Please, strike me.”
“Me?!”
Instead of chit-chatting, he lightly waved the stick and gave me a gentle—
– Whack!
“Uaaaahhh!”
“Look at that! What a mighty voice! If you can project half that power into governance, the future of the empire looks bright!”
“That hurt! Doesn’t it?”
“It’s only natural that it hurts when you get hit.”
“I thought you’d be moving slowly—”
– Whack!
“Uwaaaaang!”
“Are you planning to just take all the hits? Is this a training session or a meatshield rehearsal?”
The moment Ijasung prepared to strike again, I focused all my senses.
My senses sharpened like a needle, concentrating on Ijasung’s movements—
But I still couldn’t read him.
– Whack!
“Seriously!”
“Just curse if you have to! It’s normal for people to scream when they get hit!”
Thinking about it now, this isn’t the right approach!
I’m not like Eunsol, equipped with mystical eyes—not being able to read Ijasung’s movement just because I stare harder is absurd.
The opposite is the answer. I am a legendary lucky person.
So instead of concentrating my nerves, I scattered them, letting go of tension.
I accepted ‘the obvious’ with a relaxed mind.
It’s obvious. Naturally, I will evade.
I may not be able to see Ijasung’s stick coming, but I know that the stick won’t go where I am moving.
As if sensing my changes, the waiting Ijasung spoke.
“Are you ready?”
“… Yes.”
Show me, Ijasung! Show me your sword, oh Emperor of the world!
…
…
…
Five minutes later, I found myself sitting on the training ground, starting to cry.
*
By the time I barely calmed down and wiped my tears away, Ijasung offered me a refreshing cup of water.
“Have you calmed down now?”
“… Yes.”
“Hmm…”
“Is something off?”
“Your Majesty.”
“Yes?”
“I will speak frankly about my judgment regarding your teachings until now.”
Judgment regarding my teaching?
At that moment, I felt my breath hitch.
“It appears your physical condition is moderate. Though a bit small, being in your growth period leaves room for improvement.”
He started with “moderate” and “small.”
“Your visual, auditory, and other sensory perceptions are below average. In particular, your vision seems to be a bit problematic; it appears you’ve been reading a lot since you were young.”
It’s not exactly reading; I’ve mostly been on the computer.
“Your intellectual abilities are far superior to the average for your age group.”
A compliment? Finally, something good? But wait, I possess strong intellectual abilities?
This is honestly the first time I’ve received such a serious evaluation in my life!
“However…”
“Oh, is it bad news?”
“It’s not so much that you’re smart. You learned early because of your background. Most kids your age are illiterate.”
“…”
Right now, the world’s greatest swordsman is telling me that I possess average physical abilities, below-average senses, but relatively intelligent because I’m from 21st century South Korea and received an education.
I genuinely wanted to die right then.
“You look disappointed.”
“…”
“I figured you needed the harsh truth rather than some empty flattery.”
“Yes…”
“Only then will you listen to my next words carefully.”
“Next words?”
“Yes?”
At that moment—
Ijasung leaned in close, suddenly reaching out to examine my face and body closely.
“Uh? Huh?”
“Today…”
“Yes? Yes?”
“For the first time, I’ve discovered Your Majesty’s remarkable traits, truly an exceptional quality that can only be described as unparalleled in history!”
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