Chapter 807
Kuuung–!! Kkikik-!
The atmosphere and noises grow rougher by the second.
As I listen to this, a lot of thoughts cross my mind.
The size of the whirlpool created by the wager was quite enormous.
“Eek-!”
The sword that escaped the storm heads towards the martial artist.
Upon seeing this, I reached out and pulled the man back.
Crunch-!
A deep sword scar remains where the man had dodged. The man, barely saved, gasps heavily.
“Th-thank you… thank you.”
I didn’t respond to the greeting and focused on dispersing my energy first.
Woohoo–!!
Phew-!
The heat that burst forth with the vibrations envelops the surroundings.
Others had already blocked the gust of wind from escaping, but it was insufficient.
So, I exerted my strength to strike the barrier, and only then did the vibrations lessen.
However, the vibrations going outward had disappeared, while the sensations inside remained intact.
Kik-kik-! Kkwadduk-!!
The ground shatters, and energy scatters everywhere.
It’s an incredibly rough sight to behold.
It was too much to be called sparring but too ambiguous to be regarded as a real fight.
There was no killing intent, but the fighting spirit was rampant.
How strong is this energy?
‘…Sigh.’
It was to the extent that I could feel the barrier I had erected trembling violently.
If I tried to endure it, I wouldn’t be able to handle a proper Korean meal.
Swooosh-!
The energy I used to maintain the barrier was depleting far too quickly.
Thanks to this, I gathered more energy to supplement before immediately glancing sideways.
There, with a dazed expression, was Yeoltujeongeom, also watching that spectacle. I frowned and asked him.
“What are you doing? I asked for an explanation!”
“Ah, ah! Th-that…”
At my words, Yeoltujeongeom began to explain with a bewildered expression.
The explanation that followed went something like this.
First of all, as expected, the moment they left, a crack appeared.
The Meng faction seemed united at first, but soon enough, the spark of conflict ignited.
-What? Why is the senior acting as the vice-captain?
-Of course, it’s right for me to do it. I’m from Cheongryong University.
-What nonsense is that!? You said you wanted to unite, and now you say you’ll take the lead? And what’s this? The Blue Dragons?
It didn’t take long for the argument to escalate.
Even if they found it unpleasant to come here, the martial artists who seek honor—especially those from the sensitive Meng faction—couldn’t tolerate anything more fragile than this.
-Why is Cheongryongdae even being mentioned? He’s just a noble who was drafted here.
-What the hell is this brat…? What’s this brat even talking about!?
-If he were that great, he would have been promoted to team leader long ago, instead of being drafted! For a guy who’s been a draft member forever to be vice-captain? Isn’t that pushy?
-Haha. Now I’ve heard this nonsense from Iron Dragon kids too? How ridiculous.
-You’re not wrong, though.
-Not wrong? That’s just informal talk, you brat.
-There are no ranks anyway. Should I treat you like a senior?
As the conversation continued, emotions flared.
They had all been drafted, so it wasn’t surprising that nobody was in a good mood. Small fractures in their camaraderie were inevitable.
-That’s right. What’s so great about Cheongryongdae? Do you think you’re noteworthy just by being there?
-I heard that guy got crushed by his junior over the team leader position last time. Ah, so he’s here now because of that.
-Is that true?
-I heard it straight from a friend at Biryongdae.
-Ha. I wondered what the so-called great member of Cheongryong was doing here, and it turns out he got kicked out in a squabble for a position. But why act like you’re so amazing? You should know you’re not.
-These little brats, really–!!
Swish-!
The end of the argument is, of course, a fight.
Tension skyrocketed, making it seem like they’d break into chaos any moment now.
-Draw your sword? Are you ready to fight to the death here!?
-Fk, sure! We don’t have ranks, and I don’t have a background anyway, so why not? I’ve wanted to knock that brat off since I first laid eyes on him!
-You damn kids, do you think I’m easy? Do you really want me to destroy you all!
-What kind of senior are you? You always fail the promotion test and can’t even go up a rank!
The men gritted their teeth and entered fighting stances as if they were about to explode.
Just looking at them, it wouldn’t be surprising if a brawl erupted at any moment.
Meanwhile, the applicants on the opposite side were busy shaking their heads while quietly observing.
-I didn’t do a thing, and already there’s a crack. Impressive.
-… They claim to be martial artists under the Murim Alliance. It’s a bit disappointing.
How long had it even been since they had this level of discord? A fleeting disappointment crossed the faces of the martial artists.
Yet, this was still the Murim Alliance.
Even with all the drafted personnel, I thought they wouldn’t be this pathetic.
That anticipation shattered.
So I worried even more.
-… Could one of them really become a vice-captain?
It was clearly stated that one vice-captain would be chosen from our side, and one from the Meng side.
This meant one of those clowns had to step up to take on the vice-captain role.
-I don’t really understand this.
The martial artists found it hard to grasp the essence of this conversation.
Not only that, but with their current conditions, could they really respect someone as a superior?
-Do we really need to choose one from those people? I find the will of the Holy King… I mean, the Great Lord difficult to understand.
These decisions followed by questions weighed heavily.
And it wasn’t just the guy who spoke; everyone present had the same thoughts.
They all shared one common point.
-I don’t get it, but surely there’s a reason behind it.
-That’s right. It must hold meaning if it’s coming from someone like him.
-… Hmm.
The man could only nod, swallowing his frustration at the words being exchanged.
Right.
I may not understand but, if it were the Holy King…
If he had burned himself to save people from a horrific attack, surely there must be some greater purpose to it.
-It’s said that geniuses are often incomprehensible to others. The same must apply to the Great Lord.
-Yeah, without a doubt.
Surprisingly, those who had been declared geniuses in their own families or sects now joked around, forgetting their past accolades.
One side was caught up in conjecture, while another side was unleashing dense killing intent. I found it amusing how contrasting the atmospheres were.
-So, shouldn’t we decide as well?
-What…? Oh, are you talking about the vice-captain position?
-Exactly. Regardless, if the Great Lord has set a direction, we need to decide first.
A vice-captain must be chosen, right?
That’s why the other groups are fighting so feverishly!
This side also had to decide somehow.
-What about us? Haven’t we already settled that?
There wasn’t even that much concern about it.
-Well, that’s not an issue. We have him on our side.
What the horse spoke drew everyone’s gaze to one spot. At the end of that gaze stood a woman.
A sleepy-looking lady with white hair. Her appearance was striking enough that it was difficult to look her way.
She was the daughter of the current Sword King, gaining fame in Hanam.
Sword Dancer Namgung Bi-ah.
She tilted her head at the gathered stares.
-If we’re determining the vice-captain, wouldn’t it make sense to do so based on skill for now?
-That’s right. If you win against the Great Lord, then you have enough justification.
-Huh? Did you really defeat the Eunrang Sword? Was that rumor true?
-Ah, from Bitano Island. That’s right… You probably didn’t see it as you passed the next day.
-Seriously…! So that young lady really took down the Iron Dragon?
The daughter of Namgung Ga, who had crushed the Eunrang Sword.
That incident was making quiet waves throughout Hanam. Those who witnessed it firsthand were overwhelmingly in favor of bringing Namgung Bi-ah into the vice-captaincy.
If she possessed the capability to defeat the Great Lord, what more justification could there be?
Thus, everyone hoped to peacefully conclude their conversation by placing Namgung Bi-ah in the vice-captain role.
-Why?
Suddenly, one voice interjected.
All eyes turned toward the sound.
Thud.
-Um…!
-Huh?
The source of the voice walked forward slowly under the gazes of the crowd.
With every step she took, her golden hair shimmered.
She was a woman who drew attention, even without trying.
Though overshadowed by the rumors swirling around Namgung Bi-ah, she certainly held her own in beauty.
One of the Three Lords and the former leader of the sect, Sword Lord. Her successor, known as Seomwolgeom Wi Seol-ah.
Thrum.
Wi Seol-ah approached and finally stood before Namgung Bi-ah, asking those around her.
-Why should my older sister be the vice-captain?
What’s the justification for Namgung Bi-ah being vice-captain?
Her question was filled with doubt, leaving everyone speechless.
The justification was ample. Her prowess was undeniable as well.
If asked, it should certainly be the Sword Dancer.
Yet, many questions lingered unvoiced due to the oppressive atmosphere that Wi Seol-ah’s cold tone had conjured.
As everyone struggled to find their voice,
-Seol-ah.
Namgung Bi-ah suddenly called for Wi Seol-ah.
At that, Wi Seol-ah turned her head toward Namgung Bi-ah.
-Yes, sister.
-Do you want to?
Do you want to become the vice-captain? Wi Seol-ah answered affirmatively.
-Yes.
It was a resolute declaration.
-If there’s something I must do to attain this, I’d gladly follow it through.
This led to reactions among those present.
If something must be done, she’s willing to roll with it.
What that meant was that if they decided to settle it through a fight, she’d be on board, too.
To the martial artists, it was also a declaration of self-assurance—“I’m stronger than you”.
As a result, those who understood her words suddenly had their expressions contort.
The atmosphere was charged with tension.
Would these words spark a firestorm here as well?
Just as I was anxiously observing this,
-… I don’t mind.
Strangely enough, Namgung Bi-ah casually replied to Wi Seol-ah as if it were of no consequence.
It makes no difference to her who takes the vice-captaincy.
But then,
-… Whoever it is… If they’re strong, that’s fine.
A meaningful energy flickered in Namgung Bi-ah’s gaze as she spoke.
-If they’re strong enough to protect that person, it doesn’t matter who they are.
There was an unspoken power underlying her calm tone.
An undercurrent of tension spread from Namgung Bi-ah’s voice, lower than a typical woman’s.
-What does that mean…?
-However.
Namgung Bi-ah briefly scanned Wi Seol-ah with her eyes. Then,
-It’s not yet you, Seol-ah.
-…
-Seol-ah is weaker than me. Therefore, I have to take the role.
Then, Namgung Bi-ah spoke flatly.
-…
Immediately after that,
Sling-!
Wi Seol-ah instantly drew her sword, and that’s how this incident erupted.
“… So, they started fighting like that?”
“… Yes.”
“I’m going to be going back.”
After hearing the story about how it unfolded, there were few reactions I could muster.
Honestly, I had expected a fight.
The Meng faction had been developed for brawling, and I figured there would be some squabble on our side too.
‘I never thought those two would actually fight.’
I certainly didn’t think Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah would engage each other.
And they were truly earnest about it!
Crunching-!!!
Bang! Bang! Kkikikki!
Dozens of swords of different colors clash in an instant.
Sparks fly everywhere, and the shockwaves from the impact busy themselves creating gusts of wind.
The scene resembles nothing less than a storm.
‘… What do I do about that?’
The other martial artists appeared awestruck, busy taking in the spectacle.
It seemed they had no idea two young women could create such chaos.
Kikik-!
Wi Seol-ah twisted her waist and swung her sword.
With added rotation, the blade ignited a massive force. Additionally, the golden sword relentlessly pressured Namgung Bi-ah without rest.
I glanced over, my eyes widened slightly.
‘Has the number of swords increased?’
There appeared to be two more since the last time I looked.
Did this mean her level shot up in such a short interval?
‘At this pace…’
In a few years, she might genuinely catch up to the legendary Divine Sword of my previous life.
The Divine Sword wielded dozens of swords at least.
A single sword battle and yet hundreds of swords wipe out countless enemies had flickered in my mind.
And then,
Phage crackle—!!!
Power surged from all directions, seemingly countering the evil swordstroke.
Boom-!
Even if it couldn’t shatter the sword, the direction changed, narrowly evading the attack.
She interjected attacks right at the tip of her foot, entangling her techniques.
Rumble-!
A loud noise rang out.
It felt just like the ominous warning before lightning strikes.
The source of that uproar was none other than Namgung Bi-ah’s sword.
The thunder rumbling in the sword amassed from intense compression.
Namgung Bi-ah unleashed that energy towards Wi Seol-ah without a hint of hesitation.
Kwarrrrung—!!!
“Ugh!”
“Be careful!”
Lightning crashes with a single sword swing.
The energy spreads along the ground.
As Wi Seol-ah witnessed this, energy flooded her body.
With shining gold, Wi Seol-ah zoomed forward, dodging the lightning with speeds that split the air.
However,
“…!”
Namgung Bi-ah also moved with the lightning.
The gaze of Namgung Bi-ah, who had diverted everyone’s attention, plunged into Wi Seol-ah’s embrace.
In the midst of the sight, Wi Seol-ah quickly raised her sword.
Bang-!
“Ugh!”
Before that, Namgung Bi-ah’s foot connected with Wi Seol-ah’s abdomen.
‘Heocho.’
It seemed she was aiming high with her sword but attacked with her foot instead.
What a shift in tactical thinking!
Having been struck, Wi Seol-ah flew far away.
At first glance, Namgung Bi-ah’s strike looked like an absolute victory.
Yet,
“…”
Namgung Bi-ah suddenly grimaced and began rubbing her belly.
In the moment she kicked Wi Seol-ah, Wi Seol-ah also retaliated against Namgung Bi-ah.
While it was probably not all that profound due to the hasty nature, it showcased her keen reaction.
Hwaaaaah!
For an instant, the offensive halted, and the wind pressure slowly diminished.
All who had withstood the storm in that short burst were filled with awe.
“… What did we just witness?”
“What kind of violence was that…?”
Expressions bore witness as if they couldn’t fathom what transpired.
It seemed apparent that the two realized their strengths diverged.
“Cough.”
As the dust settled, Wi Seol-ah coughed lightly. She was already displaying a stance.
Although she had been knocked back, her eyes still brimmed with fighting spirit.
“… Phew.”
As if preparing for a second round, she takes a breath while gripping her sword tightly.
Seeing that, I couldn’t help but rub my forehead.
‘Her injuries probably haven’t fully healed.’
Even if she was near recovery, the pain would linger.
But she continues as if unfazed, which left me dumbfounded.
‘I messed up.’
Yeah, this was my error.
The inability to predict that these two would clash is merely an excuse.
At the very least, I should’ve acknowledged it.
I had gotten so wrapped up in other things that I had completely overlooked it.
“Sigh.”
What should I do now?
Wouldn’t it be better to intervene right this moment?
‘Yeah, that’s a bit much.’
It seems I need to step in.
If this continues, it’s clear something disastrous is brewing.
With that conviction, I attempted to move forward.
-… Don’t… stop me.
-Don’t stop me.
“…”
-If you stop me… I’ll hate you… Today…
-Not my entire life… but I won’t see you for a few days…
Both Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah sent the same subtle threat in unison.
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