After training my martial arts like crazy, I finally moved again.
I practiced mostly thrusts, but Serin promised to show me some thrust-focused sword techniques or martial arts manuals whenever she got the chance.
“But what should I call myself?”
“Your nickname?”
Currently, my nickname is Nachalsal.
But that’s what others call me. I need a nickname I can use when I’m alone. Since I’m a martial artist who handles ghost-like powers, I could go with something like “Spirit Swordsman,” but that’s too well-known, so pass.
“To put it simply, I’m a martial artist who handles ghost powers. I think it’d be nice to have a nickname I could use alone.”
“What does that even mean?”
“What is he saying?”
The two women tilted their heads in confusion, but this is a serious matter.
“Spirit Swordsman… that sounds a bit off. How about Guigokja (鬼哭子)? I think that’s pretty good.”
That eerie crying sound when I sliced Vice Leader Hadong with a Spirit Strike still lingers in my ears.
It sounded just like a ghost wailing, so calling myself Guigokja wouldn’t be a problem.
“What’s up with this Guigokja? Aren’t you Nachalsal?”
“Nachalsal? What does that mean?”
“Huh? Does Serin not know?”
“Geunhyeop. Nachalsal, you say?”
Serin looked at me with a face full of questions.
“Oh, about that. I’ve been called Nachalsal.”
I explained that it came from the last incident in the labyrinth.
“Ah, that’s what it was. I was shocked thinking it was some kind of demonic nickname.”
“Hehehe, sorry for not mentioning it sooner. I just forgot since it’s not like it gets called much.”
“It’s fine.”
“Actually, I kinda like the nickname Nachalsal… Oh! How about we tweak it to Nachalguigyeom (羅刹鬼劍)!”
I like Nachalguigyeom!
“Ugh. Why is he coming up with a nickname all by himself? Do you get this?”
“Honestly, not really.”
When did the two of them sync up like this?
“Whatever it is, when I’m alone, I’m Nachalguigyeom. Got it?”
“Yes. Understood, Nachalguigyeom Great Hero.”
“O…!”
I’m loving this!
“You’re spoiling me so much. Maybe I should spoil you back? Nachalguigyeom, come here!”
“Whoa!”
Suddenly, Hayoung wrapped her arms around my arm, and Serin, too, cautiously hugged my other arm.
“How dare you touch my disciple in front of the master? Let go right now!”
“Not a chance! I’m comfy here!”
“You’re really something else. Geunhyeop, do something!”
“I can’t!”
And just like that, they were both seducing me right now…!
Let’s take action!
Both of them are gonna get a real treat!
* * *
And so, we returned to my hometown.
“Kyaa!”
Seriously, our town’s air is the best! If there’s anywhere in Anhwiseng with the best air and water, it’s definitely here.
“Hmm… I think I might need some kind of disguise.”
Serin said that.
“Are you uncomfortable?”
“This is the first time I’ve come out without a squad, and I didn’t expect to attract so much attention.”
As we got closer to the town, the number of people increased. You could say I drew a lot of attention on the way here.
Everyone was looking at us.
“Everyone is looking at me.”
“Nope. They’re looking at me.”
“Nonsense!”
Serin interrupted Hayoung, but I think they’re both right.
We had two martial arts legends together. It’s not like people wouldn’t notice when they’re walking around. Serin is your typical beautiful heroine, and Hayoung is half exposing that voluptuous chest of hers.
The stares were so piercing, good grief.
“Geunhyeop, were you okay? The passersby were staring at you a lot too.”
“Me? Not really bothered.”
That doesn’t matter.
The issue is the rumors. Right now, there’s one guy sandwiched between two martial arts legends. This is bound to spread.
“I think rumors will probably circulate. Two martial arts legends walking with one guy. What do you think, Serin?”
“Geunhyeop is my disciple, so I don’t care.”
“And you, Hayoung?”
“Whatever the rumors say, what’s it to me? I don’t mind.”
She’s got a carefree edge.
“…”
Even now, people are sneaking glances at us. Some are even watching us from the corners.
I’m kinda worried about some unnecessary rumors spreading.
But it’s alright.
I’m currently hatching a devious plot. I’m planning to make those two martial arts heroines mine. If rumors spread that two of the martial arts legends fell for one man?
I’ll make it a reality.
“Geunhyeop, I’ll go sell some loot first. It’s a bit burdensome.”
“I’ll do that. Let’s go.”
Following Serin’s lead, we went to a general store to sell Hadong’s leftover goods. The price wasn’t bad, but Serin didn’t react at all no matter how much we made.
She must have come from a noble family.
She probably has no understanding of the rural worker mentality of earning just enough to eat for a day.
“Well, should we find a place to stay?”
Hayoung said.
We need a place to stay, but where?
“Uh? What are you talking about? Fiery Lotus, aren’t you going back?”
“What are you saying? I have so much research left to do.”
—Swoosh.
Hayoung moved closer to me.
“I’m still doing research. You’re coming with me, got it?”
“Of course.”
“Ugh. Geunhyeop, you have to stay with me. We’re master and disciple, aren’t we?”
“Isn’t three of us moving together enough?”
“Ugh.”
Let’s find a place to stay first.
“But where do we even stay? This is a bit funny to say, but I don’t really know this area.”
Serin and Hayoung are both powerful martial artists. Naturally, they wouldn’t stay in a place costing just a few coins a night.
“I’ll guide you. Follow me.”
“Alright.”
We followed Serin.
* * *
The place we arrived at was a rather, no, very nice establishment. It was called Sangrugak (上累閣), and no matter how I looked at it, it seemed quite expensive.
“Serin, isn’t this too pricey?”
“Isn’t it reasonable?”
Your sense of money is something else.
“Don’t worry. Taking care of my disciple is the duty of a master. I’ll pay for the room.”
“Thanks, Serin!”
“Just treat me with respect.”
“I will serve you!”
My shining glory!
“This seems pretty good. So, shall we take the floor with three rooms?”
“That would be fine.”
Saying that, Serin and Hayoung started pulling out money to pay. Watching them, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The girls were even paying for my room.
But it’s a bit disappointing.
I won’t get to say let’s just use one room together, giving me an excuse to save money. But that’s easily compensable. I’ll just sneak in at night and hang out with them.
“It says we can take the 4th floor.”
“Shall we head up?”
“Yes. I think I need a break.”
We went straight to the 4th floor.
There were three rooms total on the 4th floor, and since we booked them all, it was now our space. We each entered our rooms.
“Ooh.”
It’s not as luxurious as Serin’s separate quarters or Hayoung’s home, but for a decent inn, this place had everything inside. I can comfortably stay here without any inconvenience.
After organizing my things, I got ready to head out.
Then I went to Serin’s room.
“Serin.”
“What is it?”
“I’m stopping by to greet a friend while I’m back.”
“Understood. Have a good trip.”
Next, I went to Hayoung’s room.
“Ah! Why are you coming in without permission?!”
But right as I walked in, I heard a shriek.
“Oops, sorry!”
Was she changing?
“What’s there to be sorry about? It’s just a joke! Hahaha!”
“What are you talking about?”
As I entered further, I saw Hayoung sitting on a chair, taking a break.
“Since you’re here, could you help me organize my stuff?”
“Your stuff? You do it yourself.”
“If you help me organize, I’ll give you a talisman.”
“A, a talisman?!”
This is quite the sneaky temptation!
Just wait for it!
I’ll definitely take all those talismans off tonight!
“Hehe, why are you surprised? It was just a joke!”
“I don’t wanna! I’m going to greet my friend!”
“Suit yourself.”
My heart’s pounding.
I left Sangrugak in a hurry.
* * *
“Doki Doki.”
I was excited about visiting Jaemi Son after a long time. This guy didn’t believe me when I said I was going to meet the Fiery Lotus. Today, I’ll definitely brag about it.
While thinking that, I stroked Hadong’s shell.
This was a very precious trophy, so I didn’t sell it. It’s long enough to fit perfectly on a human arm, and if I process it well enough, I can wear it as a shield.
Jaemi Son, the spear wielder, would love this.
Thinking that, I headed to find Jaemi Son but…
“Great Hero! That person hasn’t returned from yesterday’s mission!”
“Oh no.”
Once again, I couldn’t meet Jaemi Son.
Seriously, this guy is diligent.
I felt a tinge of disappointment imagining Jaemi Son out on a mission alone. Being Anhwisanghyup, I should’ve gone with him.
With no choice, I turned around.
“Let’s grab some snacks instead.”
Last time I brought sweet treats, and Hayoung liked them. Women always yearn for the men who come back with sweets. Now that I think of it, my aunt also ate all the chocolates I brought her, pretending she didn’t care.
Thinking that, I bought some snacks and returned to Sangrugak, calling everyone out.
“Oh, you bought snacks. That’s impressive.”
“See! Look at his good manners!”
Just as expected, both of their reactions were good.
“I was feeling a bit peckish myself.”
But these snacks are tasty, but the more I eat, the more I remember the ones I had back on Earth. That part’s quite a shame.
“Ah. Did you greet your friend well?”
“Nope. He was out on a mission, so I didn’t get to see him.”
“Oh dear. That’s unfortunate. But it’s fine. I’m here today.”
Better than Jaemi Son!
“Wow!”
A sigh of admiration escaped my lips.
So we spent time eating snacks and chatting. But the girls were mainly interested in my stories, and they insisted on me telling them again.
As we talked, time flew by, and it became dark outside. Sangrugak even provides meals, so we ordered and ate together before heading back to our rooms.
“Oh no.”
Everyone went back to their rooms.
I entered the bathroom attached to mine and concentrated to calm my surging energy as I washed my body with cold water.
Is it because I ate Hadong’s essence? After all the hard work and spending cozy moments with the girls, it really feels like I’m going to lose it. The urge to let loose arises strongly within me.
“Haah!”
After washing myself clean with cold water, I laid down on the bed.
Serin’s and Hayoung’s faces and bodies endlessly floated in my mind. The smoothness of their skin they had shown me, and the scents they made me feel. I could almost feel it all within my grasp. Both Serin and Hayoung are enticing me. Not accepting their temptations would not only hurt their pride but would also be shameful for me as a man.
Just as I was thinking of embracing them all, it happened.
—Click.
Suddenly, the previously locked door opened.
“Geunhyeop. Are you sleeping?”
Serin walked in!
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