The Demon Lord of the Swordsmanship Family Chapter 117
My first time riding an airplane.
My first time stepping abroad.
My first time setting foot on foreign soil. If I were to sum up how I felt in one word:
“Amazing.”
It’s incredible, wonderful.
I thought I’d grown somewhat accustomed to this world by now, but once again, it’s left me in awe.
Back in the Empire of my previous life, there existed something akin to airplanes—called ‘flying boats,’ or airships that traveled across the sky. But those were strictly for military purposes and certainly not used as a means of transportation. They were also excruciatingly slow, rendering them essentially useless.
But look at this. Gazing out at the clouds, enjoying in-flight meals, watching a couple of superhero movies featuring guys clad in skin-tight tights…and before I knew it, I was already in America.
Sky-high routes connecting continents. To say the least, humanity truly conquered the skies.
After experiencing that thrilling flight, arriving in America was a revelation of the immense potential of this vast continent.
Through whom did I get to experience it?
Through this man:
“Hello there.”
A man who speaks broken Korean.
A wide-brimmed hat, a leather jacket adorned with various trinkets, and riding pants. Meet the owner of Star Hero, John C. Tyler.
This guy—he’s incredibly, immensely strong. d*mn, Jon X! Swear words come to mind just thinking about it.
Even compared to Father and Uncle Do-ha, there’s absolutely no shame in comparison.
Even Seo-hyuk, the most talented person I’ve ever met, would fall short against this guy—at least for now. Perhaps after five years of training, they might reach the same level.
But the surprises don’t end there.
“Texaco. Reservation made 45 minutes ago. Travel time is 20 minutes. No time to waste.”
A man with dark skin, slicked-back hair, dressed in a suit, wearing a monocle—a look that evokes memories of Merhem’s grandfather. His unique dialect almost made me think my translator was broken.
This man? He’s not your ordinary ‘brain.’ Is this kind of brute force the kind of energy a strategist possesses? If things don’t go as planned, he’ll demolish everything under the guise of ‘negotiation.’ He’s the type that will tear it all down.
Indeed. He surpasses me. This man named Malton Everhem bears a striking resemblance to my own mana.
The faint scent of Black Magic, the violent energy—it’s intoxicating!
Ugh! It’s just… incredible. I can’t take it. My body is trembling.
Compared to these two, that William fellow? Truly… pitiful. It’s embarrassing even to compare.
“Who would’ve thought the number one promising new talent in the U.S. would be this hopeless.”
“…Huh? What did you say?”
“You just insulted yourself, you fool.”
Here in America, with warriors like John C. Tyler and Malton Everhem—it’s almost shocking to see the so-called top prospect turn out this way.
You deserve a beating. In fact, it’s necessary.
“Have some shame.”
“f*ck…”
John C. Tyler.
Malton Everhem.
The emergence of these two incredible figures sent shivers down my spine.
It’s exhilarating. Exciting. Thrilling.
The world is vast, and the strong are plenty.
What other powerful entities are out there waiting to surprise me?
Truly a magnificent world.
After staying at the hotel for some time, I finally moved into Star Hero’s official residence after taking care of a few formalities.
“You said this at the airport already. It was intense back then.”
“That was the federal government.”
William explained as he walked beside me.
“What about this?”
“This is the state government. In our country, each state has different laws regarding superhumans.”
As William was about to clarify the difference between the federal and state governments…
“Enough.”
Do I really need to know the details when I’m not planning to live here?
In short…
“Complicated.”
Knowing this much is enough.
“It’s the same in other states too. And since you’re in New York, it’s even stricter.”
“Fine, fine, let’s move on. But….”
I stared at William.
“Aren’t you from the west? We’re in the east – are you allowed here?”
“What nonsense is that?”
“Isn’t there bad bl**d between the two sides? I’ve heard about some kind of civil war between East and West…”
“This is ancient history. We’re in America, and as a U.S. citizen with citizenship rights, I can go wherever I please, whether east or west.”
“Oh… I just thought the two regions were fighting.”
“Hah, ignorance. There may be friction between the East and the West, but it’s not like we’re killing each other.”
Soon enough, we arrived at our destination in a limousine.
A long, luxurious limousine straight out of a movie stopped before us. Apparently arranged by the Star Hero side, it was exciting for someone like me riding it for the first time.
“Ah, a fridge. Whoa, what’s this? Snacks? Peanuts? Oh wow!”
“…Don’t act so provincial just because you’re riding in a limousine. If you wanted to ride it, you could have anytime. Optimum isn’t that poor; you know?”
“It’s always exciting the first time, isn’t it? By the way… has it been just me, or have your words felt sharp since we started?”
“…Uh, I, well…”
“Be careful.”
The limousine glided across the road like flowing water, entering the outskirts where the busy cityscape began to thin out. This road must lead to ‘Star City.’
They say that agents in America usually reside in separate areas from their main facilities where they handle work.
In simpler terms, it’s their ‘living quarters.’ However, when you see it, it’s much more than that. The nickname ‘Star City’ is well-deserved as the whole area resembles a small town.
Groceries stores, schools, car maintenance centers, hospitals—there are all sorts of convenient facilities available.
It truly is the land of opportunity. With such vast land, they can indeed pull off some strange maneuvers.
Finally arriving at the Central Center.
A building so large—nearly the size of Seoul’s Jamsil Sports Complex—that it’s all used by Star Hero’s designated heroes.
“Would you like to head to your room, or would you like to have dinner first?”
“Rather, I’d like to loosen up a bit. Is there a place to work out?”
“You can use the center’s internal facilities.”
From the guide’s mouth came a long list of internal facilities: gymnasiums, spas, massage parlors, barbershops… Too much. It’s overwhelming.
I’m starting to feel nauseous. Surely it could just be summarized as “we have everything.” It’s truly a waste of words.
Still, the gym is impressive.
Row after row of ‘racks’ are lined up neatly along a long track.
How could they organize them so methodically? Just looking at them makes my muscles feel pumped.
“Let’s work out! Yo, could you grab me some water?”
“Uh… I think I’ll just rest…”
“This place has lifting belts, straps, and wow… they even have a ‘mana-blocking’ belt to borrow. Oh wow! I’m in the mood for some exercise. Isn’t that right?”
“No, no… I really just want to take a break…”
“Huh? Do you want to d*e?”
“…Fine, I’ll get the water.”
William, with a face like someone who’d bitten into a turd, went to fetch the water.
Anyway, this guy has talent, but something’s off mentally. I wanted to help refine him since his talent is promising, but he’s already starting to annoy me.
“If you were just a little more like Dae-woo, you could have stood a chance against Rosaria.”
“…Stop talking to yourself.”
“This isn’t me talking to myself. I’m talking to you, you fool. Shut up and put on this ‘mana blocking’ belt, then get on the rack.”
“Mana-blocking? Why would you want to block my mana…?”
“Using mana doesn’t qualify as training. Shut up and get on. I’m tired of explaining.”
William and I worked our muscles enthusiastically.
Bench press, squats, deadlifts, pull-ups, overhead presses—the so-called “Big Three” workout programs. Plus all the pushing, pulling, contraction, and relaxation to thoroughly massage every joint in the body.
My precious muscles.
They had stiffened up due to the flight and jet lag but were now reviving with enthusiastic cries.
As I shared this moment of communion with my muscles, people started gathering around us.
“Am I seeing things? 1320 lbs (about 600 kg)? Without using mana, this guy’s doing squats at this weight?”
“…Wow. Look at the form. So perfect!”
“No, don’t focus on the form. Focus on the muscles!”
“How can an Asian bulk up like this? Is he mixed-race?”
“You really shouldn’t have said that.”
“Yeah. Whether white, Asian, or black, race doesn’t matter. d*mn, it’s sexy!”
“But who exactly is that strong guy?”
“I don’t know. Do you know anyone?”
“Maybe… but the guy beside him looks familiar.”
“Isn’t that William? Christopher William. Elemental Master’s disciple.”
“Why is he here?”
“Hey, why are you asking me all the time? I don’t know.”
At first, there were only a few, but they kept calling others, and soon the entire gym was buzzing with people. Curious eyes were on me.
“Hmm.”
Coming to a new place has its downsides.
Previously, whenever I worked out, it was either at a club room, a research lab’s attached home gym, or an Optimum facility. Everyone there knew me, so no one paid me much attention.
Here, though, they’ve never seen me.
It’s not unpleasant. I understand. From their perspective, I’m certainly quite unusual.
Just my appearance is already striking.
Standing over 2 meters tall with a perfectly tuned physique, strength, and performance ability.
This is the Star Hero center, filled with superheroes who achieve extraordinary feats. And among them, I still stand out.
It would be odd if they didn’t notice me.
Still, the downside is that it gets annoying. That’s why it’s considered a disadvantage.
When there are downsides to life, there are also upsides.
If this attention stems from not knowing me — then the upside would also come from people not recognizing me.
For instance, right now with some guy on the sparring court over there beckoning me.
“Hey, new face! Since you seem to know what you’re doing, how about a match?”
There you go, an upside.
Wiping the sweat from my brow, I grinned widely.
Star Hero represents one of America’s premiere agencies.
That is to say, it’s filled to the brim with America’s best of the best—handpicked from an already elite pool.
With such confidence in their worth, they naturally carry themselves with pride. Their skills instill self-confidence, and along with it, a considerable amount of pride.
But.
“Crazy guys. With nothing better to do, they mess with that monster.”
William sees it all as a mistake.
Pride? Hubris? It has to be exercised judiciously. Especially not around someone as monstrous as Park Ki-hyuk, William’s personal experience taught him that.
Look. Another one goes down.
“Ugh.”
William frowned just as another man went flying.
Ping!
The sparring ring quivered as a guy slammed against it, out cold with white foam around his lips.
“Next.”
Park Ki-hyuk flicked his finger, and another person stepped up.
“Finally, my turn. I’ve been waiting for this, Strong Boy.”
A woman strode onto the ring, licking her lips.
At least 180 cm tall with dreadlocks, wearing a sports bra, and most intimidatingly, displaying a strikingly etched eight-pack.
A magnificent physique, the fruits of hard work, and Park Ki-hyuk, nodding in approval, asked,
“What are the rules?”
“Go wild. Magic, weapons, War Armor – let’s bring it all. Boy, don’t hold back, yeah?”
“Of course.”
The count began.
3.
They assumed ready stances.
2.
Glaring at each other, ready to pounce.
1.
Bangbangbang!
With the sound of the bell, both charged toward each other with the ferocity of bulls.
They collided shoulders.
Ka-boom!!
Even though it was just a shoulder collision, it sounded like heavy machinery colliding.
The woman struck first, skillfully maneuvering her arms to flip Park Ki-hyuk over her shoulder. She clutched his ribcage with both her arms in an attempt to throw him over.
Park Ki-hyuk resisted, tensing his muscles.
“Gravity.”
“!!”
The gravity reversed, pulling Park Ki-hyuk upward. Seizing the moment, the woman flung him down with a powerful suplex.
Whaaam!!
All of it happened so quickly.
Using her grappling expertise to dictate the flow of force, then reversing gravity mid-motion to amplify that force—finishing it off with a fluid back suplex.
“Ha, ha….”
Embedded in the mat, Park Ki-hyuk’s spinning head was less memorable than the awe he felt toward this incredible series of attacks, causing him to chuckle.
The woman wasn’t done. She continued with her famed grappling techniques, twisting his arm with snake-like leg movements, or choking him directly from behind.
A dirty, brutal fight. Is this what mud wrestling looks like?
The struggle continued between Park Ki-hyuk, trying to break free, and the woman, determined to hold on.
Ki-hyuk struck violently with his feet and fists. In response, the woman partially manifested her War Armor, deflecting the punches, before shoving her arm underneath Ki-hyuk’s armpit.
The two now pressed chest-to-chest, feeling every movement.
They were aware of each other’s scents, their heartbeats, even the shifting muscles beneath their skin.
To a casual onlooker, this might seem like a pretty suggestive position. Hence, the onlookers whistled and clapped.
But those closely engaged in the battle didn’t notice such trivial things.
“Hnnngh! You fight interestingly.”
“Boy, you’re impressive. d*mn, no one has blocked my grappling this well before.”
“Out of curiosity, could I ask one thing?”
“Go ahead.”
“Where do you rank here?”
The woman wrapped her legs around him and smiled charmingly.
“Not in the top ten here. Still, I’m a team leader, so…”
“Of course.”
Park Ki-hyuk grinned knowingly.
Her mastery of body mechanics, her understanding of distance, her adept use of gravity manipulation—everything was top-tier.
Especially remarkable were the subtle physical magic attacks aimed at joints throughout the confrontation, which disrupted his attempts to unleash force at critical moments.
Certainly, Park Ki-hyuk was letting himself be overpowered without utilizing magic, but since the woman hadn’t used her War Armor either, it was a balanced matchup.
Truly, it was a highly skilled battle.
As the woman strangled his neck, a peculiar sensation filled Park Ki-hyuk. The mounting pressure and pain seemed to bring something deep within him to the surface.
Tik…
Something important was unraveling.
Tik…
Whatever held him back—the minimal restraint.
Tik…
Ah, the safety pin!
As everything fell apart at once, he stood up, taking her with him in mid-air. A flicker of surprise crossed the woman’s eyes.
This was the last warning.
“Deploy your War Armor.”
“…!!”
And then, he threw her down!
Ka-boom!
He slammed her back against the mat.
Crash!
He did it again.
Crash!!
And again!
Crash! Crash!! Crash!!!
“THIS is it!”
Ka, Ka, Ka…
“This! THIS is what I’m talking about!”
Ka, Crash! Ka!!
He relentlessly battered her. Occasionally, her physical magic would hit his joints, but he endured them with his entire body, focusing solely on delivering powerful strikes.
By the tenth hit, the mat was deeply dented.
By the twentieth hit, the mat cracked.
By the thirtieth hit, the woman’s movements stopped.
At long last, Park Ki-hyuk released her, leaving her unconscious and wrapped in her War Armor.
“Phew.”
A battle with a real powerhouse.
There’s nothing quite like it. Truly exhilarating.
Leaping lightly off the ring to another mat, Park Ki-hyuk looked around with a cheerful smile and said:
“Next up?”
He was still smiling.
Brightly.
I’m still not satisfied yet.
